JAMES T. YOUNG, engaged in farming on section 29, Wabash Township, where he has thirty acres of choice land under a fine state of cultivation, was born in Miami County, Ohio, April 9, 1847, his parents, John and Elizabeth (Thompson) Young, being natives of the same State, and of Scotch and German descent respectively. Their ancestors were soldiers in the war of the Revolution. When our subject was but a month old his mother died, and at the age of seven years he was left an orphan by the death of his father. After his father's death he lived at different places until February 16, 1864, when he enlisted in Company G, Eighth Ohio Cavalry, and was with Hunter under Sheridan in the Eighth Army Corps, cavalry division. He participated in the second battle at Lexington, the battles of Charlotteville, Linchburgh, and Liberty, where he was wounded, and taken prisoner June 19, 1864. He was then sent to Andersonville, where he was imprisoned until November 20, 1864, when he was paroled, returning home for thirty days. He was then exchanged and rejoined his company at Weston, West Virginia, receiving his final discharge July 31, 1865, the war being over. After receiving his discharge he returned to his home in Miami County, Ohio, and later went to Darke County, Ohio, where he was married May 5, 1868, to Miss Lucretia English, who was a native of that county, born August 4, 1850, a daughter of James and Lucretia (Russell) English. Her father was born in County Antrim, Ireland, November 26, 1811, and with his parents, William and Elizabeth (Davidson) English, came to America in May, 1812, landing at Charleston, South Carolina. They first settled in Tennessee in 1813, and moved to Warren County, Ohio, where his mother died. He then with his father, two brothers and two sisters removed to Darke County in 1823, and located on a farm of 163 acres all in timber. In 1832 his father, William English, built the finest farm house then in the county, and lived in it until his death, February 23, 1856. James English then became possessor of the farm, and in 1880 built another house, which is now the finest farm house in the county, in which he lived until his death, which occurred November 4, 1886. Both houses are now owned by the widow and their seven heirs. The mother of Mrs. Young, Lucretia Russell, was born in Grant County, South Carolina, in 1812, and with her parents, William and Annie Russell, moved to Piqua, Ohio, and thence to Darke County, where she was married to James English, in 1836. They were members of the United Presbyterian church. Mr. Engish was very much opposed to slavery and was a strong Republican. He was a constant reader of the Bible and of his local paper from its first issue until the time of his death. Mr. and Mrs. Young are the parents of three children - Samuel Ottwell, Warren W. and Martha D. Just after the war Mr. Young spent a year traveling in Iowa and Kansas. After his marriage he engaged in the manufacture of tile in Darke County, and subsequently engaged in the same business in Jay County, Indiana. He came with his family to Adams County, Indiana, in 1875, locating at Geneva, where he was engaged in the manufacture of tile from 1878 until 1884. He then sold out his tile factory, and has since followed agricultural pursuits on his present farm in Wabash Township. In politics he casts his suffrage with the Republican party. He draws a pension from the Government for his services during the war of the Rebellion. He is a charter member of John P. Porter Post, No.83, G. A. R. Mrs. Young is also a charter member of the Woman's Relief Corps, auxiliary to Porter Post.

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


DANIEL DAVID HELLER, attorney at law, a member of the finn of HelIer & Hooper, Decatur, Indiana, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, March 29, 1839, a son of Henry B. and Mary A. (Weyandt) Heller, natives of Greene County, Peunsylvania. His parents were married in Harrison County, Ohio, where they made a permanent residence. The mother died in May, 1874, aged fifty-seven years, and the father in September, 1881, aged sixty-four years. D.D. Heller was reared on a farm, receiving his education in the New Hagerstown Academy, Carroll County, Ohio. When twenty years of age he began teaching school and taught several winter terms, and during the summer read law with Stambaugh & Bartleson, of New Philadelphia, Ohio. He was admitted to the bar at Carrollton, Ohio, in 1863, and in August of the same year located at Millersburg, where he practiced until March, 1867, when he removed to Decatur, Indiana. He has been connected with several firms in the city, and March 30, 1881, became associated with Paul G. Hooper, forming the present firm of Heller & Hooper. In 1872 Mr. Heller was appointed county school examiner, and in 1873, when the new law creating the office of county superintendent went into effect, he was the first to hold that office in Adams County, resigning after a service of eighteen months. In May, 1885, he was elected mayor of Decatur for term of two years. Mr. Heller was married July 15, 1869, to Anna J. Corbus, a native of Millersburg, Ohio, daughter of John and Mary (Armstrong) Corbus, who before her marriage was a teacher in the graded school of her native city. Mr. and Mrs. Heller have four children - Mary C., a graduate with the honors of her class, of the Dccatur High School; John H., Henry B. and Bertha C. Mrs. Heller is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics Mr. Heller is a Democrat.

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


WILLIAM P. RICE, farmer, section 35, Root Township, is the owner of 235 acres of land, a portion of it lying in Washington Township and a portion in Root. He came to this state in 1835, with an older brother, Benjamin, and they went to work in the woods, on some land their father had entered from the Governmnent the previous spring. This land was entered on section 14, Root Township. They first built a log cabin, one story high, with puncheon floor, clapboard roof, and an old-fashion wooden chimney, with the back and jams of mud. They boarded with a brother-in-law, Benjamin Pillers, who settled here the previous year. They took their dinners with them in a basket, and would return at night for supper and lodging. They lived in this way until the rest of the family came in the spring of 1836. There were six children with the parents, and three already here, making a total of nine children. In a few years the father built a better log house. It was a story and a half in height and built of hewed logs. Here the father died in 1848. He was born in Londoun County, Virginia, in 1789, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. He was married in his native State, and four of his children were born there. In 1827 the father and family removed to Stark, now Carroll County, living there until they came to Adams County, where they passed the remainder of their days. Their mother was born in Culpeper County, Virginia, in 1793, and died in 1854, at the age of sixty-one years. William P., our subject, was born in Culpeper County, Virginia, January 1, 1820. He remained at home until he was of age, then went to work for himself, doing any thing he could find to do, principally clearing land, splitting rails and chopping cord-wood, until he earned money enough to enable him to enter forty acres of land. He worked for Mr. George A. Dent for $11 a month until he could pay for it. He then built his shanty, cleared his land, married a wife and borrowed the money to pay the preacher for performing the marnage ceremony. He moved into his shanty, and was at a great loss to know how he could repay that borrowed money. He finally went eight miles away from home and worked half a month, splitting rails, to get $5 to pay back. The following June he went to Fort Wayne and received $1 per day and night for burning brick in a kiln. He did not sleep day or night until that kiln was burnt. He at last fell asleep while walking. When he went to housekeeping his household goods consisted of the following articles: three knives, three forks, six cups and saucers, six plates and two tin cups. Their bedstead was made of poles and logs, and the bed rope was made of bark. He was married in March, 1843, to Frances Rabbit, who was born in Virginia in 1823. When she was nine years old her parents removed to Carroll County, Ohio, and in 1837 they all came to Allen County, Indiana. Her parents were Joseph and Hannah (Black) Rabbit, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Virginia. The father died in this county at the age of seventy-one years, and the mother died the same year. Mr. Rice's grandfather, Jesse Rice, died in Virginia; he has no knowledge of his grandmother Rice. His parents' names were Sampson and Elizabeth C. (Thompson) Rice, both natives of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Rice have had nine children - Elizabeth H., Mary C., Joseph M., Sarah A., William F., Nancy J., Samantha F., James B., and Charles G., who died at the age of nine years, four months and sixteen days.

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


WILLIAM DREW, attorney at law, Geneva, was born in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, July 5, 1833. His father, Rufus B., was born in Maine, and his mother, Mary A. (Buck) Drew, in New York. They were married in Tioga County, and engaged in farming, and later removed to Steuben County, New York, where they still reside. They reared a family of six children, William being the second child. He remained at home on the farm until nineteen years of age, and received an education in the common schools of New York and at Union Academy at Knoxville, Pennsylvania. He then came to Ohio, where he was engaged in clerking in Pickaway and Fayette counties until the summer of 1855, then went to Randolph County, Indiana, and followed school teaching. He was elected to the office of justice of the peace, which office he held twelve years. August 13, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, Eighty-fourth Indiana Infantry, and served until August, 1863, when he was discharged by reason of disability, having contracted a disease, for which he a now draws a pension. He returned to Randolph County, and resumed teaching, and was also re-elected to his former office of justice of the peace. While engaged in these duties he devoted his spare time to the study of the law, passed a successful examination, and was admitted to the bar in 1869. He at once engaged in the practice of his profession at Ridgeville, where he remained until the spring of 1876, then came to Geneva, Adams County, where he has since resided. He has held the office of justice of the peace in this county five and a half years and served one term as trustee for the town of Geneva. Mr. Drew was married at Deerfield, Randolph County, November 23, 1856, to Miss Rebecca A. Vorhis, a native of Hunterdon County, New Jersey, born April 2, 1835. By this union they have six children - Annie, Jessie, Thomas, Willard, Charlotte and Charles V. Mr. Drew is a charter member of John P. Porter Post, G. A R., and is also a member of the Masonic fraternity.

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


JOHN ARCHBOLD, who was one of the old and honored pioneers of Adams County, now deceased, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, February 11, 1809. When a boy he was taken by his parents to Tuscarawas County, Ohio, where he was reared to manhood, and was married April 17, 1839, to Elizabeth Gibson. To them were born eleven children - Margaret, Thomas, Mary J., Rebecca, George W., William G., James M., Sarah C., Martha F., John M. and Ezra B. Beside their own family they reared a grandchild named Martin Archbold. In 1851 they moved to Wells County, Indiana, settling in Jefferson Township. On coming to Indiana Mr. Archbold bought 205 acres of land in Preble Township, Adams County, and until he had cleared a part of his land and erected a log cabin, his family lived in Wells County for a few months. He then removed with his family to Preble Township, in which he made his home until February 3, 1885. He then rented his farm on which he had lived so many years, and came to Decatur, where he died December 23, 1885, his death being a source of universal regret. He was an active and enterprising citizen of Adams County, and for sixteen years held the office of justice of the peace. He was a strong temperance advocate. His widow is still living in Decatur. She was born November 30, 1808, in Brooks County, Virginia, where she remained till nine years of age. She then removed with her parents to Tuscarawas County, where she lived till after her marriage. Ezra B. Archbold, the youngest son of John and Elizabeth Archbold, was born December 16, 1851, in Preble Township, Adams County, where he was reared. In his boyhood he attended the schools of his district, and completed his education at the Decatur High School. He subsequently engaged in teaching school and taught eleven terms in his own school district. January 29, 1874, he was united in marriage to Sidney F. Lipes, who was born July 4, 1855, in Marion Township, Allen County, Indiana where she was reared and married. Her parents, David D. and Mary J. (Somer) Lipes, were natives of the State of Virginia and when quite young were taken by their respective parents, to Allen County, Indiana where they were married. Nine children were born to them - Lydia L., Sarah F (deceased), Sidney F., Mary A. (deceased) John C. (deceased), Emma U., Ulysses Grant, Eva A. and Jennie L. Mr. and Mrs. Archbold are the parents of five children - Chellis H., born March 4, 1875; Morris J., born May 14, 1877; Dayton V., born July 22 1879; Eva F., born March 13, 1882, and John D., born February 11, 1886. In politics, like his father, Mr. Archbold affiliates with the Democratic party.

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


GEORGE HEIMBARGER, general farmer, section 31, Jefferson Township, Adams County, was a native of Germany, born November 26, 1828, a son of Jacob and Louisa (Nei) Heimbarger. When he was seven years old his parents immigrated with their family to America, settling in Fairfield County, Ohio, where they lived till their death, engaged in agricultural pursuits. They were members of the Allbright church. They had a family of twelve children, nine sons and three daughters. George, the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood in Fairfield County, Ohio, receiving a limited education, attending school only three months, he being obliged from an early age to assist his father on the farm. When he was old enough to work out he engaged in the manufacture of brick. He finally purchased a small farm and engaged in farming for himself. This farm he subsequently sold and with the proceeds purchased the farm where his widow now lives. He met with excellent success in his farming operations, and to his original purchase of 240 acres he was enabled to add till his farm contained 480 acres of well-improved land, under a high state of cultivation, he having resided on the same farm from 1865 until his death. Mr. Heimbarger was twice married. He was first married in 1849 to Mary Baler, who was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, by whom he had three children - Isaac, Lewis and George A., the two latter deceased. Mrs. Heimbarger died in 1869, and January 24, 1861, Mr. Heimbarger married Louisa Lawrence, born in Pickaway County, Ohio, February 26, 1830, and to this union were born six children - Levi (deceased), Mary, Cinde, Aaron and Andrew (twins), and Jacob. Mr Heimbarger, as is also his wife, was a member of the United Brethren church. Mr. Heimbarger died March 25, 1887.

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


DAVID STEELE, residing in Kirkland Township, where he is engaged in general farming, was born in Kirkland Township, Adams County, November 6, 1840, a son of Samuel Steele, who was one of the old pioneers of Adams County. He grew to manhood on his father's farm, and received a limited education in the public schools, which he improved by private study at home. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company I, Eighty-ninth Indiana In fantry, serving his country until July 22, 1865, when he was discharged at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. He participated in a numbher of battles and skirmishes, including the battle of Munfordville and the Red River expedition. On receiving his discharge he returned to his home in Adams County, and resumed farming. He was subsequently engaged in the saw-milling business near Decatur about eleven months. December 24, 1868, he was married to Mrs. Mary E. (Hixon) Gilliam, born in Guernsey County, Ohio, in July, 1844. To this union were born nine children - Willard S., born Deceinber 3, 1869; Ethel A., born May 18, 1871, died February 10, 1880; Lauretta E., born December 16, 1872; Millard N., born February 13, 1874; Charles F., born October 14, 1875; Cinderella M., born March 24, 1877; Lewis V., born October 18, 1879; Walter F., born November 14, 1882, and Bessie B., born June 23, 1884. Mrs. Steele was formerly married in Kirkland Township, Adams County, to John Gilliam, a native of North Carolina, and to them were born one daughter named Sarah S. Mr. Gilliam was a soldier in the late war, enlisting after his marriage, in Company H, Eighty-ninth Indiana Infantry. He went south with his regiment and participated in several battles, when he was taken sick and returned to his home, dying in 1865. Mr. Steele has resided on his present farin since his marriage, where he has 102 acres, and has always been engaged in farming. He has also been connected with the saw-mill at Peterson for twelve years. He is a member of St. Mary's Lodge, No.167, I.O.O. F., at Decatur. He is now serving his second term as trustee of Kirkland Township.

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


GEORGE W. HAEFLING, farmer, Washington Township, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, December 17, 1839, son of Balthas and Margaret Haefling, natives of Bavaria, Germany. In 1833 his parents emigrated to America, landing at Philadelphia, and resided in Pennsylvania until 1837, then removed to Seneca County, Ohio. They were among the early settlers of that county, and the parents remained there until their decease. They had eleven children born to them, nine of whom survive - Peter, Adam, Leonard, John, Joseph, George, Frances, Michael and Maria. Our subject was reared among the pioneer scenes of Seneca County, and experienced the usual hardships of the early settler. He was married May 15, 1866, to Miss Margaret Kintz, who was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, April 3, 1842, daughter of Peter and Mary Kintz, the former a native of Pennsylvania, and the latter of Maryland. They were early settlers of Seneca County, Ohio, having located there about the year 1844. They were the parents of nine children, eight of who are living - Andrew, Peter, Gabriel, Amanda, Matilda Elizabeth, Margaret and Josephine. The mother is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Haefling have had six children, of whom five are living - James P., Peter R., Edward B., Thomas T. and Daniel M. George C. is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Haefling are members of the Roman Catholic church, and in politics Mr Haefling is a Democrat. He came to Adams County in 1869, living seven years in St Mary's Township, then came to his present farm on section 12, Washington Township. While in St. Mary's Township he served a supervisor four years.

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


SAMUEL STEELE (deceased), who was one of the old and prominent pioneers of Adams County, was born in Pennsylvania, and subsequently removed to Ohio with his parents, they locating near Wooster. He was married in Ohio to Miss Susannah Worley, who was a native of that State, and of Scotch descent, Mr. Steele being of German origin. To this union were born nine children, six sons and three daughters. In March, 1838, Mr. Steele settled in Adams County, Indiana, on section 9, Kirkland Township, where he lived till his death, which occurred about the year 1858. When he first settled in the county everything was in a state of nature, and here he and his family experienced many of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. His first dwelling was a rude log cabin which he erected, with puncheon floor and clapboard roof. Mr. Steele took an active part in the affairs of his township, and was a member of the board of trustees under the old organization, besides holding other local offices. During his life he was much interested in agriculture and fruit-growing, and was one of the principal actors at the first agricultural fair held in Adams County. Politically he was a Democrat. Religiously he was a Presbyterian till his death.

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


JAMES McCUNE, a prominent agriculturist of Adams County, residing on section 26, Monroe Township, was born in Rush County, Indiana, the date of his birth being August 3, 1840, a son of John McCune. When five years old he was brought by his parents to Monroe Township, Adams County, and here he grew to manhood, being reared to agricultural pursuits on the home farm, and receiving his education in the common schools of his neighborhood. He remained at home till attaining the age of nineteen years, when he went to Rush County and spent a year working at the carpenter's trade. He then returned to Adams County, and engaged in farming. March 7, 1860, he married Miss Emeline Baker, a native of Indiana, born in Shelby County May 25, 1838, a daughter of Jesse and Lydia (Vance) Baker, natives of Kentucky and Ohio respectively, the former born in 1806, and the latter in 1811. The parents of Mrs. McCune were married in Shelby County, Indiana, removing thence to Rush County, and when she was a child they moved to Iowa and lived in Des Moines County about seven years. They then returned to Indiana, locating in Hancock County, and later went to Wayne County, Iowa. In 1858 they came to Adams County, Indiana, settling in Monroe Township. In 1880 they went to Missouri, returning to Adams County two years later, where the father died in the fall of 1883. The mother is now making her home with a daughter at Monroe, Adams County. They were the parents of seven children, four sons and three daughters. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. McCune settled on the farm where they now reside, which contains eighty acres of choice land under a fine state of cultivation. August 14, 1862, Mr. McCune enlisted in Company I, Eighty-ninth Indiana Infantry, serving until July 22, 1865. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Munfordville, Kentucky, was paroled and sent home, and afterward exchanged. He rejoined his regiment at Camp Morton, Indiana, and afterward participated in the engagements at Big Blue, Missouri, Pleasant Hill, Louisiana, Tupelo, Mississippi, the two days fight at Nashville, Tennessee, and Fort Blakely, beside other battles and skirmishes. He received a gunshot wound in the left arm, and now draws a pension. After his discharge he returned to his home in Adams County, where he has followed farming. He is quite a traveler, and has visited the States of Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri. In politics Mr. McCune is a Republican, and although his party is largely in the minority in the county, he has held several local offices, including the office of justice of the peace, which position he resigned December 25, 1886. He is a member of Decatur Lodge, No.571, A. F. & A. M., and is also a comrade of John P. Porter Post, No. 83, G. A. R., at Geneva, Adams County, Indiana.

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


HENRY MYERS, one of the self-made men of Blue Creek Township, is a native of Hanover, Germany, born December 24, 1838, a son of Jacob and Margaret Myers. He grew to manhood in his native country, being reared to the avocation of a farmer, and in his youth received fair educational advantages. In the fall of 1854 he immigrated to America, landing at New York City, where he remained about one and a half years. After spending some time in Ohio, he, in 1858, came to Adams County, Indiana, and for five years operated a grist-mill at Pleasant Mills. In March, 1860, he was married to Miss Barbara Schrank, and of the ten children born to this union eight still survive - Emma, John, Lewis, Maggie, Lena, Ella, Frederick and George. In the fall of 1865 Mr. Myers settled on his present farm on section 29, Blue Creek Township, which at that time was almost entirely unimproved. His farm now contains 120 acres of well-cultivated land, which he has acquired by years of toil and persevering industry. Mr. Myers is one of the active and public-spirited citizens of Blue Creek Township, and is always interested in any enterprise which has for its object the advancement of his township or county. He has served several years as school director, and in the spring of 1886 he was elected to the office of township trustee to serve one term of two years. In his religious faith Mr. Myers is a Lutheran. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party.

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


Deb Murray