Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

George Keen, farmer, section 17, Richland Township, was born in Somersetshire, England. In 1825, a son of Samuel and Jane (Dorsetter) Keen. In 1835 his parents came to the United States and settled in Onondaga County, N.Y., and three years later moved to Huron County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. In 1849 he came to Indiana and built a log house on land he had previously purchased in De Kalb County; then returned to Huron County and was married in the spring of 1850 to Caroline Parker, a native of New York. The next fall he moved to his frontier home, where the following spring his wife died. Mr. Keen’s first purchase was eighty acres of uncultivated land. To this he has added till he now owns 300 acres of choice land, all well improved. He was married a second time, in 1852, to Minerva Franklin, a daughter of George and Esther (Loomis) Franklin, who moved from Sandusky County, Ohio, to Steuben County, Ind., in 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Keen have had twelve children---Mary J., Caroline (deceased), Alvia, Millie Bell (deceased), Amos, Sarah, Henry, John, Edward (deceased), Boyd, Wesley, and one who died in infancy. Politically, Mr. Keen is a Repbulican. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Edward Kelham, farmer, section 31, Keyser Township, was born in Lincolnshire, England, Nov. 13, 1826, the tenth of thirteen children of Thomas and Mary (Boothby) Kelham. He was reared and educated in his native country, and in 1849 came to America and located in Richland County, Ohio. He worked on the railroad and on lake steamers three years, and by being economical saved enough to buy forty acres of land, and began making a home. In 1857 he moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought eighty acres of unimproved land, to which, by good management and industry, he has added till he now owns 400 acres of the best land in the township. All well cultivated. He is a public-spirited and liberal man, and is held in high esteem by all who know him. In 1878 he was elected County Commissioner and served three years; was again nominated, but refused to serve on account of the demands of his personal business. Mr. Kelham is a purely self-made man, coming to this country as he did a poor man he has worked his way from poverty to affluence, and now ranks with the best businessmen of De Kalb County. He was married in Richland County, Ohio, April 22, 1853, to Miss Sarah Downend, a native of England, who came with her parents, James and Mary (Shaw) Downend, to America when she was eight years old. They have had ten children---Thomas, Edward, Jr., Mary, Joseph A., James, Martha, George, Charles T., Matilda and William F. Matilda, William and Martha are deceased. Politically Mr. Kelham in a Democrat.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Charles G. Kellner, section 25, Wilmington Township, was born in Prussia, Germany, March 5, 1842, a son of John Frederick Kellner. When he was fourteen years of age he began to work at the mason's trade, serving an apprenticeship. He worked at his trade in his native country till 1867, and then came to America and lived a year in Philadelphia, and in 1868 moved to Butler, Ind., where he worked a this trade two years. In the fall of 1870 he moved to his parents farm, but in the summer still works at his trade. In the summer of 1882 he built a fine brick residence, the main building, two stories high, 17x29 feet, and an L seventeen feet square. Mr. Kellner was married in August, 1870, to Maggie Shoup, daughter of Peter Shoup, of Williams County, Ohio. They have five children---Emma, Fred, Anna, Herman and Henry. Mr. Kellner is a member of the Lutheran, and his wife of the United Brethren church. His farm contains 100 acres, forty acres in Wilmington and sixty acres in Stafford Township.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Joseph D. Kenestrick, M.D., is a native of Crawford County, Ohio, born Jan. 31, 1853. He is a son of John Kenestrick, of Troy Township, who came to De Kalb County with his family in the spring of 1864. He was educated at the Butler High School and Fort Wayne University. He began the study of medicine under Drs. W.H. Myers and H.C. Clark, of the Fort Wayne Medical College, and graduated from that institution in 1878. He practiced one year in the St. Joseph Hospital, Fort Wayne, and in 1880 went to Cincinnati and received the Ad eundem degree from the Ohio Medical College. He then located at Angola, Steuben County, and practiced three years with Dr. Hugh D. Wood, and in the spring of 1884 removed to Butler where he is building up a lucrative practice. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the Northeastern Indiana Medical Society and the Indiana State Medical Society. He is a hard student of his profession and has a promising future. He has a great fondness for the natural sciences and classic literature. A man of strong religious convictions, he has often been heard to remark that "a reasonable faith in the eternal order of the universe and a fond hope in the immortality of the soul is the best creed known to man." He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, lodge and chapter.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

John Kenistrick, farmer and stock-raiser, section 19, Troy Township, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, Dec. 7, 1819, a son of John Kenistrick, a native of Maryland, who settled in Tuscarawas County in 1812. He was reared a farmer, receiving his education in the old-fashioned log cabin schools of his native county. In 1852 he moved to Crawford County, Ohio, and in the spring of 1864 came to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled on the farm where he now lives. He owns 120 acres of valuable land, and his farm buildings are all commodious and in good repair. He was married Nov. 6, 1845, to Martha Lewis, daughter of Joseph Lewis (deceased), and sister of Jere Lewis, of Franklin Township, this county. To them have been born eight children, six of whom are living---Mary, Joseph, Sarah, Amelia, John and Sherman. Sarah is the wife of J.H. McCurdy, of Butler, and Amelia is the wife of William Moore, also of Butler. Their two eldest children died in 1849 of cholera. Seventeen of their relatives died of the same disease in two weeks. Mr. and Mrs. Kenistrick and four of their children are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Samuel Kennedy, section 23, Smithfield Township. His father, John Kennedy, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, June 10, 1810, and subsequently went with his parents to Stark County, where he married Sarah Oberlin, and in 1844 removed with his family to Wayne County. In 1852 he came to De Kalb County, and bought a farm on section 23, Smithfield Township, forty acres of which was improved, where he died Oct. 10, 1854. He had a family of ten children, seven of whom are living---Samuel, William, Benjamin F., and Philip are in De Kalb County; Josiah, of Kansas; Joseph, also in the West, and Mary J., wife of A.S. Blake, of Colorado. Five of the sons were soldiers in the war of the Rebellion. Samuel enlisted in 1864 in the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, and served till the close of the war. Josiah enlisted in 1861, in the Forty-fourth Indiana Infantry. Philip enlisted in the Thirtieth Indiana, and was transferred to the Mississippi Marine Brigade. He was severely wounded twice. Benjamin F. enlisted in 1863, in the Eighty-eighth Indiana Infantry and served till the close of the war. Joseph served in the First Indiana Heavy Artillery, serving in the Mississippi Marine services. Samuel, the only son living in Smithfield Township, owns and occupies the old homestead. He was born in Stark County Ohio, in 1830, and was therefore a young man when he came with his parents to Indiana. He was married in De Kalb County, to Annette Holmes, a native of Seneca County, Ohio, born in 1838, a daughter of Benjamin and Nancy (Knapp) Holmes, natives of New York. To Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy have been born two sons---Jay S., born March 14, 1863, and one that died in infancy. Mrs. Kennedy’s father moved to De Kalb County in 1843, and in 1867 sold his farm and removed to Tiffin, Ohio, where he died the following March. He was married three times, his third wife is living in Kansas. Five of his nine children are living, three in De Kalb County: Mrs. Flora McTaffin, Mrs. Olive Kennedy, and Mrs. Annetta Kennedy.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Alfred Kepler is a native of Franklin Township, born Nov. 8, 1839, a son of Daniel Kepler, a native of Pennsylvania, who moved when a child with his parents to Stark County, Ohio, and in the fall of 1837 to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled on section 27, Franklin Township, subsequently removing to Smithfield Township, where he now lives. Alfred Kepler was reared and educated in Franklin Township, attending the district schools of his neighborhood. He remained with his parents till eighteen years of age, and then went to Missouri and remained two years. After his return to Indiana he engaged in farming and Aug. 18, 1860 was married to Lovina Meese, daughter of Isaac Meese. To them were born two children both now deceased. Mrs. Kepler died July 24, 1863. In January, 1864, Mr. Kepler went to Montana and remained nearly two years, working in the mines, returning to Indiana in December, 1865. Since his return he has devoted his attention to agriculture and stock-raising. He owns a valuable farm of 106 acres. In 1882 he built a large two-story brick house, the main part 18 x 28 feet, with one wing 16 x 24, and another 16 x 30. His farm buildings are commodious and in good repair. Sept. 8, 1867, Mr. Kepler married Mary M. Headley, daughter of Samuel Headley, a pioneer of De Kalb County. They have five children---Maud M., Minnie M., Lola L., Cora C., and Bertha B.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Elias Kepler, section 27, Franklin Township, was born in Stark County, Ohio, Jan. 4, 1832, a son of Daniel Kepler, who brought his family to De Kalb County March 6, 1837, and settled on section 27, Franklin township, entering 480 acres of land from the Government. Elias was reared and educated in De Kalb County, remaining with his parents till manhood. He was married Feb. 5, 1854, to Eliza Deems, daughter of George Deems. And early settler of Wilmington Township, who was killed by a falling tree many years ago. Seven children have been born to them---Jay, Phedina A., Hannah E., William S., Estella, Ida M. and Charles F. Hannah married James S. Lowe, and has one child---Earl. Mr. Kepler owns a fine farm of 240 acres, and is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of Spanish meriono sheep. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Samuel Kepler, deceased, was born in Stark County, Ohio. Oct. 30, 1814, a son of John Kepler. He came to De Kalb County, Ind., in the fall of 1837, and settled on section 21, Franklin Township, entering land on sections 21 and 28. He was a hard-working man and a successful farmer and stock-raiser. In 1845 he built a large frame barn across the street from his residence on section 28, which is still standing, and across the gable end bears the inscription "S.K. 1845." About 1853 he built the first grist-mill in the township, on Fish Creek, section 2, which is still doing good work. At his death he owned 1,600 acres of land, all earned by his own industry, assisted by his estimable wife. He gave employment to many, and thus assisted in building up and advancing the interests of the county. The season he built his barn, in 1845, he killed fourteen hogs and two beeves, all used by his hired help and family. He owned a store in Hamilton, Ind., a year and then moved it to his place in De Kalb County and sold it three years later. He was married in 1834 to Mary Noragon, a native of Pennsylvania. Six of their fourteen children are living---Andrew, John, Samuel, Jane, Solomon and Jacob. One son, Edwin, died in his nineteenth year, and a daughter, Caroline, aged twenty-six years. Mr. Kepler died March 19, 1862. His widow afterward married Elisha Beard, and early settler of this county.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Samuel Kepler, section 2, Franklin Township, was born on the old homestead on section 21, this township, March 2, 1843, a son of Samuel and Mary (Noragon) Kepler. He was reared and educated in this township and has always followed agricultural pursuits. He was married Dec 20, 1863, to Melinda Rosenberry, daughter of Alex Rosenberry of Waterloo. They have five children---Nedia M., Alta B., Mary M., Vernon and Jennie Pearl. Mr. and Mrs. Kepler are members of the United Brethren church of Bellefountaine Chapel.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

A.A. Kester, M.D., Garrett, Ind., the second son of Peter S. Kester a pioneer of De Kalb County, was born in this county, Oct. 5, 1844. His early life was passed on the farm in a manner common to pioneer days, and he experienced a mixture of hardship and pleasure incident to that day. In the schools then in vogue he laid the foundation of his education. By close application, the difficulties of an imperfect school system and the greater imperfections in the manner of imparting instruction, were successfully overcome, and a practical understanding of the fundamental principles was acquired. He was married in January, 1864, to Miss Sarah Bassett, daughter of Sanford Bassett, formerly of Madison County, Ohio, but later of De Kalb County, Ind. For ten years after his marriage nothing of importance took place in his life. In 1874 he began the study of medicine under the direction of Dr. George Kester, a skillful physician of Richland County, Ohio, and subsequently matriculated at Hahnneman Medical College, Chicago, Ill. Afterward he returned to Ohio, and practiced in partnership with his preceptor till 1876, when he returned to his native county and located at Cedar Creek, remaining there seven years. During this time he built up a practice extending over a large area of the country, and in order to have his residence and office near the geographical center, in 1883 he moved to Garrett. His success as a physician has been remarkable for the short time he has devoted to the profession, and being ambitious and a close student his prospects are bright for a future of usefulness and prosperity. Politically Dr. Kester is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Protestant church. They have six children---Cora A., Ida M., Orville, Estina, Roy and Mabel.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Peter S. Kester was born in Sussex County, N.J., Nov. 27, 1813, of Quaker parentage. While yet a small child, he, with his parents, moved to Ontario County, N.Y. After obtaining his majority he moved to Huron County, Ohio, and in 1837 came to De Kalb County, Ind. He was married July 13, 1839, to Miss Anabell Widney, of Franklin County, Penn., and died from heart-disease, June 18, 1885, in Woodson County, near Yates Center, Kan. Mrs. Kester came to De Kalb County, Ind., with her widowed mother, brothers and sisters, her father, John Widney, having died a few weeks previous. To Mr. and Mrs. Kester were born eight children---John P., Alonzo A., Amanda M., Richard S., Adolphus A., Annenus M., Amelia D. and Mary M. Amelia is a graduate of the Valparaiso Normal School, and is now a teacher in B grammar department of the Butler schools. She has taught as assistant under Prof. Bowersox; John P., is a minister of the Methodist Protestant church in Hancock County, Ill.; Alonzo is a physician of Garrett; Amanda is the wife of Abram Bell, of Yates Center, Kan.; Richard is a physician of Avilla, Noble Co., Ind.; Adolphus, a mechanic and farmer, four miles south of Butler; Annenus M., a farmer of Union Township; Mary M., wife of E.B. Nimmons. The three eldest sons were soldiers in the war of the Rebellion.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

W. H. Kiblinger, the genial and wholesouled hardware merchant of Auburn, De Kalb Co., Ind., has attained a prominence in both business and social circles fully becoming any man. He has been generous without stint or ostentation in all enterprises pertaining to the growth and advancement of his resident town. He is a model in his bestowments of charity, and as a politician is firm, thoughtful, and has impressed his individuality upon the local politics of the county. No one man emphasized so much earnestness in the election of Presidential , State and county officers as did Mr. Kiblinger. Strong but unpretentious, firm but magnanimous, he works diligently and successfully to make a given point in either business or political undertaking. Few business men tower to an equal height with him for exactness, cleanliness and general good taste in and about his business room. His beginning in younger years marks out for him a long and successful career as a merchant, and although not yet matured to the turning point in life, he has established a substantial trade and amassed considerable wealth. He was born in Fish Lake, Lagrange Co., Ind., May 24, 1848, a son of Peter F. and Henrietta (Hoffman) Kiblinger. His preliminary education was received in the common schools, and at the age of fifteen was a pupil in the R. Patch Seminary, located at Ontario, Ind., and subsequently took a commercial course at Eastman’s College, Chicago, Ill., from which institution he graduated in the fall of 1864. His first business venture was a clerk in the wholesale tobacco house of Samuel Barbosia, Chicago, which position he held for one year, and then as bookkeeper for Speakman & Proctor, wholesale bookseller and stationers, Chicago, until 1867. In the spring of the above year he became associated with his father in the hardware business at Williamsburg, Ind., under the firm name of Kiblinger & Co. In the spring of 1877 he sold his interest at Williamsburg and moved to Auburn, where he opened a hardware store, to which he soon after added farm machinery. He was very successful in his business pursuit, and in 1880 erected a fine business building at the corner of Main and Seventh streets. It is a brick structure two stories high and 22x 130 feet in length. In the fall of 1877 he purchased the hardware stock of D.D. Snyder, and again in 1883, to February, 1884, he was associated with S.J. McBride in a branch store at Waterloo, Ind., under the firm name of Kiblinger & Co. He was married Aug, 23, 1873, to Miss Martha, daughter of John McBride, of Williamsburg, Ind. He is a member of Ligonier Lodge, No. 186, F. & A.M. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mr. Kiblinger, although not united with any denomination, is in accord with the Presbyterian church.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

George Kimes, deceased, was born in Lancaster County, Pa., and died in Concord Township, De Kalb County, Ind., March 17, 1878. He was a son of Peter and Nancy Kimes, who, when he was two years old moved to Dauphin County. Pa., where he was reared and married May 17, 1831, to Sarah Boyer, a native of Maryland, daughter of David and Elizabeth (Kramb) Boyer. In 1836 Mr. Kimes moved to Wayne County, Ohio, and in 1848 to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought eighty acres of unimproved land in Concord township, which he improved, and n 1861 added eighty acres of heavily timbered land to it. He was an enterprising citizen and a liberal supporter of all interests of benefit to the community. In 1831 he and his wife united with the Lutheran church, but in 1839 becoming dissatisfied with that denomination, united with the Church of God, of which they were ever active and consistent members. To them were born thirteen children, twelve of whom lived till maturity---David, Elizabeth, Josiah H., Jacob C., Catherine A., Daniel M., George, Andrew, William H., Sarah J., Harvey and Amanda L. Mrs. Kimes has reared two grandchildren-Cora Barr and Ellery Kimes. She still lives on the old homestead, and is loved and esteemed by all who know her. In his political affiliations Mr. Kimes was an old line Whig, but after its organization cast his vote with the Republican party.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Daniel Kimmell, section 5, Smithfield Township, was born in Stark County, Ohio, in 1827, and was reared and educated in his native county. In 1853 he came to De Kalb County and bought the tract of land of Peter Grogg, where he has since resided. Twenty-five acres were cleared and a log cabin had been erected. He has cleared 110 acres, and now owns 135 acres of choice land under cultivation and about twenty acres of woodland. He has built a good residence and farm buildings, and has one of the best farms and pleasantest homes in Smithfield Township. Mr. Kimmell was married to Lucinda Smith, a native of Stark County, Ohio, born in 1825. They have six children all save the youngest, born in Ohio---Orlando, John, Benjamin, Martha, Alma and Jennie.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

John M. Kimsey, Postmaster, Waterloo, Ind., is a native of Carrollton, Carroll Co., Ohio, born Oct. 9, 1833, a son of Dr. Thomas B. and Sarah (Carr) Kimsey, his father a native of Ohio and his mother of Ireland. He was the eldest of six children, five of whom are living. July 28, 1861, he was married to Harriet E., daughter of R.J. Lent, of New York and the following September enlisted in the Regimental Band of the Forty-fourth Indiana Infantry. He was present at the battle of Shiloh, first siege of Corinth and Perryville, serving till November, 1862, when by an order from the government all regimental bands were discharged. After his discharge he returned to Indiana, and after remaining in Waterloo a short time, went to Angola, where for two years he had charge of M. & A. Hale’s mercantile house, and in 1865 embarked in business for himself. In February, 1877, he was appointed Postmaster of Waterloo. Mr. Kimsey is a member of Waterloo City Lodge, No. 307, F. & A.M., and a charter member of Waterloo Post, No. 52, G.A.R. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he is a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Kimsey have had a family of six children---Lola, wife of Frank Broughton, M.D., of Avilla, Ind., Jessie A. died May 6, 1884; Sarah E., Reuben T., Rose E. and Jay F. are at home.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Thomas B. Kimsey, M.D., was a native of Ohio, and one of the early physicians of De Kalb County. He began the study of his profession with Dr. Hunter, of Carrollton, Ohio, and after completing his studied located in Carrollton, where he practiced three years. He then went to Trenton, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, and in the fall of 1840 to Adams County, Ind., making the last trip by teams. He located at Monmouth, and remained there till 1852, when he removed to Auburn, De Kalb County, where he was actively engaged in practice till his death, in May, 1856. He was a physician of the old school, a very successful practitioner, and was well and favorably known in the northern counties of Indiana. He married Sara Carr, a native of Ireland, who came to America with her uncle, John Morrison, when seven years of age. They had a family of six children, but three of whom are living. Mrs. Kimsey died in September, 1876. The Doctor and his wife were exemplary members of, and active workers in, the Methodist Episcopal church.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Joseph Kirkpatrick, farmer, section 7, Richland Township, was born in Perry County, Pa., March 18, 1830, a son of Joseph and Matilda (Murphy) Kirkpatrick, natives of Pennsylvania, of Irish descent. When he was eighteen months old his parents moved to Richland County, Ohio. When he was thirteen years old his father died. He remained with and assisted his mother on the farm till he was eighteen years of age, and then went to learn the blacksmith’s trade, but on account of his health was obliged to abandon it after working a year, and then learned the carpenter’s trade at which he worked and was successful till 1857, when he moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled on land he purchased in 1853. His original purchase was 160 acres. This he cleared and improved, and in 1872 bought eighty acres adjoining, and now has one of the best farms in the township. Mr. Kirkpatrick was married Sept. 16, 1855, to Elizabeth Marks, a native of Richland County, Ohio, they have had eight children---Francis M. (deceased), John R., George W., Matilda M. (deceased), William H. (deceased), Charles L., Joseph E. and Sarah A. Mr. and Mrs. Kirkpatrick are members of the Protestant Methodist church. Politically he is a Democrat.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Michael Kline, carpenter and builder, was born in Perry County, Pa., May 23, 1822, a son of John and Sophia (Frounfelt) Kline. When he was six months old his parents moved to Mansfield, Richland Co., Ohio, where he was reared. His mother died in Ohio, and his father subsequently went with one of his sons to Missouri, where he died. Michael Kline learned the trade of a carpenter in his youth of his father. He came to Indiana in January, 1850, and located in Auburn, De Kalb County, where he lived till the spring of 1855, when he bought a tract of wild land in Richland Township, which he cultivated and improved. He erected good buildings, including a fine brick residence, residing there till 1873, when he moved again to Auburn, and has since worked at his trade. In addition to his farm he owns two residences in Auburn, the one in which he is living being one of the finest in town. Mr. Kline was married in Crawford County, Ohio, in May, 1849, to Mary A. Wallace, who died in March, 1850. In 1851 he married Ann M. Somers, a native of Pennsylvania, daughter of John and Elizabeth Somers, who came to Indiana in 1841. To Mr. and Mrs. Kline have been born six children, three of whom are living---John R., now of Butte City, Mont.; Mary E., wife of Amos Miller, of Ohio; Etta L., at home. Mr. and Mrs. Kline are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Charles H. Knapp, of the firm of Wallace & Knapp, hardware dealers, Corunna, Ind., was born in Richland Township, De Kalb Co., Ind., May 30, 1851, the only son and child of Charles and Sarah (Calkins) Knapp. The former was a native of Livingston County, N.Y., and removed to Michigan in an early day, thence to De Kalb County, Ind., where he was married to Miss Sarah Calkins, a daughter of the late Coburn Calkins. Mr. Knapp died while engaged in the Auditor's office in Auburn, when our subject was ten months old, after which Mr. Knapp and her son resided with her father for about fourteen years. When he went to work for himself, working with his uncle, P.N. Calkins, for about ten years in the summer season and attending school in the winter. After completing his education J. B. Jordan’s Commercial College, Toledo, Ohio, in 1876, he went to Portland, Mich., and engaged as clerk in a general merchandise store for two years. In 1883 he engaged in his present business. Where he is meeting with flattering success. June 26, 1877, he was married to Miss Clara, daughter of John McCullogh, of Fairfield Township, DeKalb County, They have had two children born to them---Inez M. and Karl C. Mr. Knapp is a member of the Portland, Mich., Lodge No. 22, A. F. & A. M. Politically he affiliates with the Republican party.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

George H. Knapp, who resides seven miles east from Colville, is a well known agriculturist and orchardist of Stevens county and has a very fine estate. He was born in DeKalb county, Indiana on May 6, 1853. His parents were Susan P. and W.J. Knapp, natives of New York. They now reside in Iowa, and are the parents of the following named children: George H., Arthur, Susan E., A.L., William, Walter O., Thomas and Charles C. The father is a veteran of the Civil War. Our subject received his educational training in the common schools of Indiana, and remained with his parents until his majority. Then he began life as a farmer and continued in this occupation in Iowa until 1888. In that year he came to Stevens county where he took a preemption. In 1892 he removed from that farm to his present place, which he homesteaded. This is improved with good buildings, fine orchard, and so forth. In addition to farming and fruit raising, Mr. Knapp handles some very fine stock. He has a band of sheep, and some thoroughbred jerseys.

In 1880 occurred the marriage of Mr. George H. Knapp and Miss Emma, daughter of Henry C. and Mary A. (Taylor) Church, natives of Massachusetts and Michigan, respectively. They later settled in Illinois and finally moved to Nebraska where the father died. The mother died in Iowa. The Church family dates back to colonial times, and are prominent people. Captain John Church, one of the family, was a captain in the Pequod war in 1836.

To Mr. and Mrs. Knapp six children have been born, four of whom are living, as follows: Albert, eugene, Vernon, and Joycelyn. Those deceased are Frank W., who died on April 9, 1899, and Edna, whose death occurred on April 4, 1885.

Mr. Knapp is a good strong Republican, and is always active in the campaign. He is now chairman of the precinct which he has held for eight years. Mrs. Knapp is a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

To Mrs. Knapp must be given the credit of having done a great deal for the education of the young in this county, having been a pioneer teacher of Stevens county. Mr. Knapp is a very enterprising young man, and in the Stevens county fair of 1903, took ten first prizes and six second prizes on fruit, and six first prizes, three second prizes and the sweepstake prize on grasses and grain.

Submitted by: Candy Grubb
"History of North Washington" Published 1904.

David H. Knisely, of the firm Knisely Brothers, general merchants, Butler, Ind., was born in Troy Township, De Kalb Co., Ind., Nov. 18, 1854, a son of William Knisely. He remained on the farm till fourteen years of age, receiving a common-school education. Then went to Hamilton, Steuben County, and clerked for Aldrich & Knisely a year and a half. He then worked on the farm a year, and in 1871 came to Butler and attended school two terms, and clerked in a drug store three years. He then bought an interest in the drug business with his brother, Timothy J., which they sold in the fall of 1875, six months after buying, and in September established their present place of business. Mr. Knisely was married Oct. 15, 1882, to Eva J. Mason, daughter of Albert J. Mason, and old settler of De Kalb County. They have one child ---Mabel. Mr. Knisely is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Timothy J. Knisely, of the firm Knisely Brothers, Butler Ind., was born in Troy Township, De Kalb County, Ind., April 17, 1848, a son of William Knisely, and early settler of that township. Losing his father when quite young and being the eldest child, he was obliged to depend upon his own resources and assist his mother in the maintenance of the family. His education was obtained by study at home, when not at work, as he was able to attend school but two months in the year. When about eighteen years old he began teaching, and taught two terms. Then clerked six months for his brother-in-law, J.D. Aldrich, when he became a partner in the business. In 1870 he came to Butler, and the first winter worked in the hotel for his board. The next spring he was employed in Isaac Oaks’ store at $40 a month, and after a year and a half was given $50 a month. He remained there three and a half years and then bought an interest in the drug business with Dr. Hoopingardner. The next year his brother, David H., bought the Doctor’s interest, and they carried on the business six months when they sold the entire stock to the Doctor and established a general store. They carry a stock valued at $20,000, and have an annual business of $60,000. When they sold their drug store they had a capital of about $6,000. They keep a full line of dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes, hats, caps, notions, groceries, furnishing goods, carpets, and also carry on a merchant tailoring establishment, having a good custom. They are among the most successful merchants in Butler, and among the rising young men of De Kalb County. Mr. Knisely was married May 10, 1868, to Jennie McCurdy. To them have been born four children; three are living---Lillie Dell, born Feb. 28, 1870; Ora T., born Sept. 15, 1873; Sarah Dessie, Nov. 3, 1874. Mr. Knisely is a member of the Masonic fraternity, lodge, chapter, council, and commandery. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

William Knisely, one to the most successful young farmers and stock-raisers of Franklin Township, resides on section 26, where he owns a fine farm will improved, with good farm buildings. He was born in Troy Township, De Kalb County, Ind., Feb 20, 1851, and was a son of William Knisely, a pioneer of De Kalb County. He was reared and educated, and has always lived in his native county. He was married June 2, 1872, to Malinda Pinchin, who died in April, 1873. Their only child is also deceased. Dec. 10 1874, he married Phoebe J. Plank, daughter of Martin W. Plank. They have one son---Loren David, born March 25, 1876. Mrs. Knisely is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

William Knisely, deceased, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, Jan. 1, 1804, a son of John Knisely, a native of Pennsylvania, of Swiss parentage. In 1841 Mr. Knisely came to De Kalb County and entered a tract of timbered land from the Government, which he cleared and on which he lived till his death, April 5, 1860. He was thrice married. His first wife was Susan Burl, and to them were born six children---Harriet, Elizabeth, Rhuama, Sarah, Solomon and Martha J. His second wife, Elizabeth Snyder, lived only a year after their marriage. His third was Susan McEndaffer. They had four children; but three are living---Timothy, William and David.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Robert Knott, deceased, one of the old and well-known citizens of DeKalb County, was born in Pennsylvania June 22, 1801. He was married in Crawford County, Ohio, to Elizabeth Gill. In the spring of 1845 he came to Indiana and bought 348 acres of land on section 23, Butler Township, DeKalb County; built a cabin, and the following fall moved his family, at that time consisting of his wife and six children, to his frontier home. He was an energetic, enterprising man, and accumulated considerable property. Public-spirited and liberal, he was often called on to contribute to objects of public interest and charity, and every worthy enterprise received his patronage. He and his wife were exemplary members of the Protestant Methodist church, and liberal supporters of all its interests. Mrs. Knott died May 26, 1877, aged seventy years, and Mr. Knott Dec. 8, 1879. They had a family of eleven children---Joannah, Mary, Henry H., Adams, Martha, Catherine, S.M., Joseph, Sarah E., Cordelia W., and Francelia. Catherine and Joseph died in Ohio. Politically Mr. Knott was a Republican.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

S.M. Knott, son of Robert and Elizabeth (Gill) Knott, was born in Crawford County, Ohio, in 1841. He received his elementary education in the district schools and later attended the higher institutions of learning. He was reared on a farm in DeKalb County, and since arriving at man’s estate has given his attention to agricultural pursuits. He owns a good farm of 1571/2 acres in Butler Township, which is under a good state of cultivation, and his buildings are commodious and in good repair. Mr. Knott was married in 1872 to Miss Roxanna Parker. They have five children---Robert D., Fred W., Flint D., Lena M. and an infant. Mr. Knott is a member of the DeKalb Lodge No. 214, F. and A.M. Politically he is a Democrat. He is an influential man in his township, and is serving his second year as Trustee.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Joseph Koch, son of Ulrich and Barbara (Repman) Koch, was born in Ashland County, Ohio, in July, 1832. His parents were natives of Germany, his father coming to America when sixteen and his mother when two years of age. Their family consisted of nine children, but three of whom lived till maturity. In 1852 Joseph Koch came to De Kalb County, Ind., and began clearing a tract of heavily timbered land which his father had bought some time before. He lived on and improved this farm till after the breaking out of the Rebellion when, Nov. 4, 1864, he enlisted in Company C., Thirty-fifth Indiana Infantry, and served till the close of the war. He participated in many hard fought battles, among others Franklin and Nashville. His health became impaired from exposure and as the result of an accident at Nashville, and he has never recovered from its effects. Since his return from the war he had followed agricultural pursuits, and now has one of the finest farms in the township, containing 160 acres, all under cultivation. He was married April 17, 1853, to Mary Ann Jenkins, daughter of John and Margaret (Hull) Jenkins. They are the parents of eleven children---Sarah L., John U., Reuben J., Wilson, Annie, Margaret E., Ida, Lillie, Della, Charley, and Amanda K. Mr. Koch is a member of John Carns Post No. 144, G.A.R. Politically he is a Democrat.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Edward Krafft, farmer and stock-raiser, section 34, Wilmington Township, was born in Baden, Germany, March 3, 1835, a son of John Krafft. He came to the United States in 1850, in company with some neighbors, and lived one year in Richland County, Ohio. Then came to De Kalb County, and in 1854 returned to Richland County and worked two years for one man, and in that time saved enough to pay for forty acres of land. In 1856 he returned to De Kalb County and bought his land in Wilmington Township, section 27. He went to work to clear his land, and by industry and frugality had added to it till he now owns 150 acres. He is engaged extensively in stock-raising, making a specialty of Durham short-horned cattle. He has several very fine head; one, Flora Red, is registered. From the spring of 1863 till the fall of 1865 Mr. Krafft was engaged in the dairy business on the Thomas farm in this township. Mr. Krafft was married in November, 1861, to Henritta Coleman, daughter of Conrad Coleman, who died in 1870, leaving three children---Mary A. Ida E. and Edward Mahlon. June 15, 1871, Mr. Krafft married Eliza A., daughter of Hugh Maxwell. He is a member of the Presbyterian and his wife of the United Brethren church.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Frederick Krahn, deceased, was a native of Prussia, Germany, born Aug. 25, 1830, a son of Jacob Krahn. He was reared in his native country, and in his youth served an apprenticeship at the rope-maker’s trade, which he followed till he came to the United States, when still a young man. He landed in New York City and walked from there to Stark County, Ohio, where he was employed at brick making by the month for five years. He then went into business for himself, and in 1863 left Ohio and came to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought eighty acres of land in Fairfield Township, and engaged in agricultural pursuits till October, 1864, when he was drafted in the defense of his adopted country in Company F, Thirteenth Indiana Infantry, and served till the spring of 1865, when, April 5, he died and was buried at Newbern N.C. He was married March 22, 1858, to Julia Arna, a native of Germany, where her parents George and Susan (Barley) Arna, died when she was a child, and when nineteen years of age she came to the United States. To Mr. and Mrs. Krahn were born four children---William, John (deceased), Amelia and Mary N. Mrs. Krahn is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Thomas Krise was born in Center County, Pa., in 1840, the sixth of seven children of Philip and Elizabeth (Smith) Krise. When he was six weeks old his parents moved to Lorain County, Ohio, and in 1854 his father came to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought seventy-one acres of unimproved land, and returned to Ohio for his family. While making his arrangements to move he was taken sick and died in July, 1854, leaving his widow with five children. The following October the family came to their frontier home, which the sons cleared and improved, and where the mother still lives, in the eightieth year of her age. Thomas was in the fifteenth year of his age when he came to De Kalb County. He remained with his mother till after the breaking out of the Rebellion, and, Aug. 7, 1862, enlisted in Company H, Eighty-eighth Indiana Infantry, and participated in many hard fought battles, among others being Perryville, and the Atlanta campaign. While on picket duty at McMean’s Mill, S.C., he, with William Weeks, a member of the same company, was attacked by two rebels, who placed revolvers against their breast and commanded them to surrender. Mr. Krise wrenched the revolver from him although after a hand to hand struggle, and captured his opponent. The other rebel was killed. As a reward for his bravery the Government gave him the captured revolver, which is among his most prized relics. He was discharged June 27, 1865. After his return home he learned the carpenter’s trade, at which he worked nine years, at the same time having charge of the old homestead. He has been successful in his pursuits, and now owns 160 acres of valuable land under a good state of cultivation. Mr. Krise was married Sept. 30, 1869, to Almira J., daughter of William Clark. To them have been born five children---Gertrude May, William H., Effie J. (deceased), Charles O., and Milton Thomas. Mr. Krise is a member of William Hacker Lodge, No. 326, F. & A.M., and John Carns, Post, No. 144, G.A.R. In politics he is a Republican.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

William Krontz, farmer, section 22, Wilmington Township, was born in this township, March 5, 1844, a son of John Krontz, one of the pioneers of De Kalb County. He remained on the farm with his parents till the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, and in 1862 enlisted in Company A, Eighty-eighth Indiana Infantry, and served nearly three years, participating in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Atlanta, and with Sherman to the sea. He was married July 30, 1865, to Amanda Wineland, daughter of John Wineland, one of the early settlers of Wilmington Township. They have six children---Mabel, Henry, Elam, Roy, Michael, and Lovina. Mr. Krontz has a good farm of fifty-six acres, well improved, with a good residence and farm buildings.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Calvin Kutzner, the youngest son of Isaac and Mary Kutzner, was born in Stark County, Ohio, Dec. 6, 1835, and was fifteen years of age when his parents moved to De Kalb County, Ind. He received his primary education in his native county, completing it after coming to Indiana. He remained with his parents to maturity, assisting his father on the farm. In the fall of 1860 he was married to Mary E. Rhodes, daughter of Elijah and Priscilla Rhodes. After his marriage he settled on the farm where he now lives, which at that time consisted of eighty acres. To this he has added till he now owns 160 acres of valuable land. His residence, which is a large two-story brick, was built in 1873, and his farm buildings are large and substantial. He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, his stock being of the fines grades. In politics Mr. Kutzner has been a life-long Democrat. He is one of the representative and substantial farmer of the township. To him and his wife have been born four children---Isaac S., Mark, Evena and Ella.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Myron S. Kutzner, the only son of Augustus and Amanda (Eberly) Kutzner, was born in De Kalb County, Ind., March 15, 1859. His parents were native of Stark County, Ohio, his father, born June, 1828, died in March, 1860, and his mother, born about 1838, died Jan. 4, 1870. They were the parents of two children---Ellen F., wife of I.W. Lowman, and Myron. Myron Kutzner was reared by Samuel Willaman, remaining with him till the latter’s death in 1884. He received a good education, attending the district school and later the Auburn High School. After leaving school he engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he has since followed with uniform success. He owns a good farm of 112 acres on which his father settled in 1853, and his improvements are all good, his buildings being among the best in the township. He is engaged in general farming, paying special attention to stock-raising. He is an enterprising young man and one of the representative farmers of the township. He was married January, 1881, to Mary, third daughter of John and Maria Coy, of this county. They have one daughter---Winnie C.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Sylvester Kutzner, a member of one of the pioneer families of De Kalb County, is a native of Stark County, Ohio, born near Canton, Dec. 15, 1832. He is the fourth of six children of Isaac and Mary (Zuaers) Kutzner, his father a native of Cumberland County, Pa., born in 1796, and his mother of Franklin County, Pa., born in 1801. They were married in their native State and moved to Ohio with a family of two children and in 1851 came to De Kalb County, an settled on land Mr. Kutzner had located in 1836. The first entry was 200 acres, but to this he added till he had 400 acres, all in one tract. He died Feb. 4, 1883, and his wife now makes her home with children. Their family consisted of six children---August (deceased), Sylvester, David, Calvin, Catherine, wife of John Grube, and Barbara A., wife of Isaac B. Brandon. Sylvester Kutzner was reared in his native county, being in his nineteenth year when he came to De Kalb County. He had a good education and after coming to this county, taught school several winter terms. He also engaged in agricultural pursuits and subsequently became a stockholder in the woolen-mills at Auburn, which proved an unsuccessful venture. He was superintendent of the mills, but the confinement was injurious to his health, and he was obliged to resign his position. Since his return to the labors of the farm he has been successful, and his health, has steadily improved. He owns 154 acres of choice land, and his buildings are substantial and convenient. He makes a specialty of stock-raising and has a fine grade of Durham cattle. He takes an active interest in township and county affairs, and has served one term as Trustee, and has also been a member of the Board of School Examiners of De Kalb County. He is Secretary of the Farmers’ Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He was married in 1861, to _______, of Stark County, Ohio. She died while on a visit to her old home, leaving one child---Maggie. In 1863 he married Clara Williams, who came to De Kalb County from the southern part of Ohio.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Joseph R. Lanning, merchant, Mooresville, Ind., was born in Cadiz, Ohio, Dec. 16, 1829, a son of John Lanning, a native of New Jersey, an early settler of Cadiz, and later of Ashland County, Ohio. He was brought up to the life of a merchant, beginning to work in a store when he was ten years of age. He first came to De Kalb County in 1849, but did not locate till 1851, when he became established in the mercantile business in Butler. He was elected County Clerk in 1867, and re-elected in 1871. He was Postmaster of Butler four years, and Justice of the Peace about the same length of time. In 1872 he was a delegate to the convention at Baltimore which nominated Horace Greeley for President. In the fall of 1867 he moved to Auburn, where he still resides. From 1875 to 1882 he was in business on Auburn, and then moved his stock to Mooresville. He carries a stock valued at $1.500, having an annual business of $3,000. Mr. Lanning was married in April, 1857, to Margaret Deeter, daughter of Edward Deeter, an early settler of De Kalb County. They have eight children---George L., Daniel K., Joseph R., Edward D., Margaret B., Minnie, Evelyn and Ella.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Ezra E. Lautzenheiser, section 9, Franklin Township, was born in Carroll County, Ohio. May 5, 1845. In 1862 his parents moved to De Kalb County and settled in Franklin Township, where they have since resided. He remained at home till manhood, and then began farming for himself. He has been successful and owns a fine farm of 186 acres, with a good residence and farm buildings. He was married March 23, 1871, to Elizabeth Richmond, a native of Williams County, Ohio, born Nov. 2, 1852, a daughter of Samuel Richmond, a native of Tuscarawas County, Ohio, but a resident of Atchison, Kan., since 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Lautzenheiser have six children---Minnie M., John, Frank, Ora, Effie and Edward. Mr. Lautzenheiser is one of the representative men of Franklin Township. He is a courteous, free-hearted gentleman, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is universally respected by his associates for his fine manly qualities, and strict business integrity. In January, 1881, while attempting to lead a horse across a ditch the animal jumped on him, and broke a bone in his right leg, split the cap bone of his right ankle and badly injured his left leg. Fear was entertained for some time that he was crippled for life, but he has now nearly recovered his former strength.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Jacob H. Lautzenheiser was born in Stark County, Ohio, Nov. 2, 1809, a son of Ezra Lautzenheiser. He came to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled in Franklin Township. He was married in 1835, to Catherine Reese, daughter of John Reese. Of their five children three are living---Isaac, Ezra and Hannah. Mrs. Lautzenheiser died in November, 1874. Mr. Lautzenheiser now makes his home with his daughter. He is an honored member of the United Brethren church.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

James G. Lawhead, son of Benjamin and Mary Jane (Essig) Lawhead, is a native of Jackson Township. His grandparents James and Martha Lawhead, came to De Kalb County from Wayne County, Ohio, in 1839. Of their nine children all save Elizabeth, who married George Moore, are living---Johnson, Isaac, Benjamin, Samuel, Nancy, widow of Isaac Culbertson; Eleanor, wife of John Boyles; John, and Eliza, wife of Henry Nott. James Lawhead died in 1854, and his widow in March, 1880. Benjamin Lawhead was born in Fayette County, Pa., April 1, 1820, and moved with his parents to Wayne County, Ohio in 1834, and to De Kalb County in 1839. He was married in 1843 to Mary Jane Essig, a native of Stark County, Ohio, born in 1821. He bought the farm where they now reside on section 17 in 1851. Two children have been born to them---James G. and Caroline, wife of Charles L. Cool, of Auburn. James G. Lawhead was married April 17, 1870, to Wealthy B. Nelson, who died April 27, 1877, leaving two children---William B. and Queen Victoria. Sept. 1, 1879, Mr. Lawhead married Eliza Walter, a native of Jackson Township, born Nov. 27, 1851, a daughter of Joseph and Sarah Walter. They have three children---Gertrude, Walter and Frank. Mr. Lawhead has always made his home on the old homestead with his parents. He is one of the most active and energetic men of the township, always ready to assist any cause of public benefit.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Samuel Lawhead, one of the prominent pioneers of Concord Township, was born in Fayette County, Pa., March 26, 1822, the fifth of eleven children of James and Martha (McClelland) Lawhead, natives of Pennsylvania, of Scotch and Irish parentage. In 1824 his parents moved to Greene County, Pa., and in 1835 to Wayne County, Ohio, where they lived four years, removing in May, 1839, to De Kalb County, Ind., where his father entered 240 acres of Government land, which he cleared and improved and made his home till his death in 1848, aged sixty years. Eight of their children are living. They were active members of the Presbyterian church. Samuel was seventeen years of age when his parents moved to De Kalb County, and from that time till twenty-four years of age he assisted his father in clearing and improving his land. April 6, 1846, he was married to Martha Draggoo, a daughter of Peter and Nancy (Williams) Draggoo. In 1848 he bought eighty acres of unimproved land which he has cleared and cultivated and has now made his home for thirty-two years. He has been an honest, upright citizen, and merits the respect of his fellow townsmen and has been entrusted by them with several positions of responsibility. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran church. They have had three children; but one is living---Nancy E., Mary E. and an infant are deceased. In politics Mr. Lawhead is a Republican.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

David Lawrence, one of the earliest settlers of Richland Township, was born in Philadelphia County, Pa., Nov. 30, 1821, a son of John and Sarah (Ritzer) Lawrence, who were of English and German descent. His mother died when he was ten years old. He remained with his father till manhood, receiving a good education in the district schools. In 1845 he came to Indiana and went to work for Jacob Case. De Kalb County at that time was heavily timbered. He was determined to have a home, and worked by the month till he had paid for sixty acres of wild land. He then began to clear and improve his land, and has since added to it till he now owns 200 acres of highly cultivated land. His farm buildings are among the best in the county. His residence, which was built in 1884, is the finest frame residence in the county. Mr. Lawrence was married Nov. 30, 1848, to Mary Charlotte, daughter of James and Sarah (Camp) Symonds, who came from Genesee County, N.Y., to De Kalb County, Ind., in 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence have had three children; two are living---Emily and John. Politically Mr. Lawrence is a Republican.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Augustus S. Leas, ex-Sheriff of De Kalb County, was born in Stark County, Ohio. In 1852 he came with his parents to De Kalb County, Ind., where he married Nancy Ford, by whom he had one child---Franklin. Mrs. Leas died, and he then married Electa Fay, of Bryan, Ohio, and to them were born four children, three of whom are living---Frederick, Nannie and Agnes. Mrs. Leas died, and he was again married to Arrella Amidon (better known by the name of Teems.). In early life he was a clerk in a store. In 1878 he was elected to the office of Sheriff of the county, and filled the same for four years. He is a Republican in politics.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

H.K. Leas, Cashier of the Citizens’ Bank, Waterloo, Ind., is a native of Steuben County, Ind., where he was reared on a farm, receiving his early education in the district schools. In 1875 he attended the Northern Indiana Normal School and Business College at Valparaiso, after which he engaged in the drug business, and during that time received an appointed as Postmaster, and served as such while he was in the business, when he resigned his position as Postmaster, in April, 1880. In 1880 he went to Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and graduated from the college there the same year. After leaving school he returned to the farm but soon after was given the opportunity to make a practical use of his education by his appointment to his present position, in which he has served faithfully and well. Mr. Leas was married in June, 1881, to Ida M. Taylor, daughter of John Taylor, of De Kalb County. He is a member of the English Reformed church, and the Waterloo City Lodge, No., 307, F. & A.M.; and served three years as one of the Town Board of Waterloo, Ind., the last year as President of said Town Board. In 1885 was chosen as one of the Executive Committee of the Northeaster Indiana Agricultural Fair Association.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

John Leas, President of Citizens’ Bank, Waterloo, Ind., was born in Adams County, Pa., near Gettysburg, July 12, 1815, a son of Col. John, Jr., and Sophia (Spangler) Leas, native of the same State. Ten children lived to be adults, eight of whom are now living. His grandfather was a soldier in the war of the Revolution. Mr. Leas was a farmer. In 1818 Mr. Leas emigrated to Stark County, Ohio, where he opened up a farm. In 1838 he went to Guernsy County and opened up his second farm in a wilderness. In the fall of 1852 he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and located on section 8, Smithfield Township. Where he again made a farm. The Colonel was a man of more than ordinary ability, and was highly respected in the county where he reside. While in Stark County, Ohio, he was commissioned as Colonel of a milita regiment by Wilson Shannon. In politics he was an old Jackson Democrat, and held several local offices. He died in De Kalb County in 1875. Mrs. Leas died in 1882. They were members of the Reformed church. The subject of this sketch was reared upon a farm. In early life his education was sadly neglected, as his parents were poor, and all the schooling he had was in the log cabin. He was married in Stark County, Ohio, to Susan Schimpff, a native of Germany, who emigrated to America when thirteen years of age. By this union there was a family of twelve children, nine of whom are living---Martin, Jacob, John, Obadiah, William H., Hezekiah K., Daniel, Elizabeth (wife of Oscar Taylor), Adeline (wife of Miles J. Waterman). In 1842 Mr. Leas came to Indiana, and in 1843 he moved his family, purchasing 143 acres of land. In 1867 he came to De Kalb County, where he has a fine farm and houses. When Mr. Leas came to Steuben County he was a poor man, with only $85 in money and a yoke of oxen, and a wife and baby, but by hard work he has accumulated a competency, and to-day is among the wealthy citizens of the county. For twenty-two years he has followed the shipping business, riding night and day. June 15, 1881, Mrs. Leas died at her home, leaving a husband and nine children to mourn her loss. She was a true Christian, and highly respected by all. She was a kind and thoroughly respected and loving wife. In December, 1881, he was again married to Amanda Malory, widow of Robt. Patterson, by whom she had five children; two living ---William and Frederick. In politics he is a strong Democrat, and has held several local offices of trust in the gift of the people. He is member of the Reformed church. Mr. Leas is a Master Mason, and a member of the Waterloo Lodge, No 207.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Obe Leas, is a native of Steuben County, Ind., born Nov. 5, 1851, the seventh of twelve children of John and Susan (Schmipff) Leas, native of Pennsylvania. In 1849 his parents moved to Stark County, Ohio, and thence to Steuben County, Ind., locating on the line of De Kalb County; now live in Smithfield Township, De Kalb County. Obe Leas was reared on a farm, receiving a good education, completing it at Waterloo. He remained with his parents till manhood, and soon after his twenty-first birthday was married to Lydia, third daughter of Joseph and Nancy Plum. After his marriage he settled on the farm where he has since lived, known as the old Middleton farm, near the city of Waterloo. It contains ninety-six acres of choice land, the greater part under cultivation and with improvements are all substantial and in good repair. He devotes considerable attention to raising horses, having several of the celebrated Clydesdale breed. He is one of the enterprising young men of the township and a prominent and prosperous citizen. He had three children---Byron, Franklin O. and Lulu M.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Thomas Leason, farmer and stock-raiser, section 8, Troy Township, is a native of Derbyshire, England, born in December, 1813, a son of Francis Leason. He was the twelfth of a family of fifteen children, and his parents being in limited circumstances he was early obliged to depend on his own resources for a livelihood, receiving but meager educational advantages. He remained in his native county till 1845, and then came to the United States and settled in Sandusky, Ohio, where he lived till 1863, when he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and located on the farm where he has since live. He owns a good farm of ninety-eight acres, and his improvements are among the best in the county. He was married in Erie County, Ohio, in 1850, to Mary Gillett, who died in June, 1855, leaving three children, but two of whom are living---Martha and Eliza. April 6, 1857, he married Mrs. Mary Abbott, widow of Jarius W. Abbott, by whom she has one child---Dow. Mr. and Mrs. Leason are members of the United Brethren church.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Martin Lehman was born in the province of Baden, Germany, Nov. 9, 1829, a son of Job and Mary (Klotz), Lehman. He was reared and educated in his native country, working at various occupations in his youth. He received a good education in the schools of Germany, and in 1848 came to the United States and located in Adams County, Ind., where he lived ten years, and in 1865 sold his farm and moved to De Kalb County and bought the farm in Fairfield Township where he now lives. He has 215 acres of valuable land all under cultivation, and is one of the most prosperous and thrifty farmers of the township. He was married March 4, 1855, to Mary Martz, a native of Germany, daughter of Bartle and Anna (Jauch) Martz. To then have been born ten children, but three of whom are living---John P., Willy Bartley, and Christian. Mr. and Mrs. Lehman are members of the Lutheran church. In politics he is a Democrat.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Jacob Lehner, retired farmer, was born in Germany, March 10, 1807, and is the youngest of twelve children born to Jacob Lehner. His mother died when he was eighteen months old, and his father when he was six years old. He lived with his oldest brother till fourteen years of age, after which he worked for one man till he was twenty-three years old, at which time he was drafted into the army and for six years served as a soldier. In the spring of 1836 he emigrated to America, landing in New York, where he worked for one month to get funds to carry him farther west, and eventually landed in Stark County, Ohio, where for eighteen months he worked for William Treesh. May 27, 1838, he was married to Mary A., daughter of his late employer. The September following he removed to Knox County, Ohio, where he bought fifty acres of land, on which he lived six years; then removed to Richland County, Ohio, where he bought land and lived for seven years. In 1854 he came to De Kalb County, and bought eighty acres of timbered land which he cleared and improved, and has added to it till he now owns 140 acres of good land. To him and his wife were born eleven children; eight are living---Susan, Christian, W. H., George, Washington, Michael, John and Rachel. The deceased are William, Catherine and Nancy. His wife died Oct 24, 1877. Both were exemplary members of the Lutheran church.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.

Jacob D. Leighty, merchant, St. Joe, Ind., was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., Oct 19, 1840, a son of John and Elizabeth (Sowash) Leighty. He was four years of age when his parents moved to De Kalb County in 1844, and here he was reared. When he was sixteen years of age he began teaching school, and subsequently taught and attended school till the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, being at that time in the sophomore class at Wittenburg College, Sprinfield, Ohio. July 8, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Eleventh Indiana Infantry, and was appointed a Sergeant of his Company. His first engagement was in the spring of 1862, at Fort Henry. Subsequently he participated in the battle of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Grand Gulf, Port Gibson, Raymond, Champion Hills, and others. At the last named battle he was wounded in the left hip and disabled from active service for sixty days. He joined his regiment at Baton Rouge, and from there went down the Mississippi to New Orleans and into West Louisiana as far as Opelousas, his regiment being in several engagements on the way. Then he returned to New Orleans, but as he was still suffering from his wound he resigned in March, 1864, and returned home. He was a gallant soldier, and for his bravery was commissioned Second Lieutenant Jan. 24, 1862, and First Lieutenant Dec. 1 following. After his return home he engaged in the mercantile business in Spencerville in company with Miller & Myers a short time, and then he and Mr. Miller purchased Mr. Myers’ interest and the firm of Miller & Co. continued a year, when his father bought Mr. Miller’s interest, changing the firm to John Leighty & Son. In 1872 he bought his father’s interest and in 1874 sold his stock to P. Bishop. In 1875 he and his father laid out the village of St. Joe and the following year he became established in the mercantile business at this place. He was appointed postmaster in 1875 and served till 1880, when he was elected Township Trustee. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Concord Lodge, No. 556; William Hacker Chapter, No. 56; Angola Council, No. 27; Apollo Commandery, No. 19. He is a member of John C. Carns Post, No. 144, G.A.R. In March, 1866, Mr. Leighty was married to Kate A. Metzger, a native of Circleville, Ohio, daughter of Judge Andrew Metzger, of Fort Wayne. To them have been born three children, but one of whom is living---John R.

Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin
Auburn, Indiana
History of De Kalb County, Indiana.
Inter-State Publishing Company, Chicago, 1885.