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

William Lessig was born near Hancock, Md., Feb 12, 1818, a son of John and Elizabeth (Keifer) Lessig. His maternal grandfather was a hero of the Revolutionary war, and his father was a descendant of Peter Stuyvesant of Colonial fame. His parent located soon after in Franklin County, Pa., where they resided until his father’s death, which occurred when he was seven years of age. Sept. 10, 1840, he married Miss Frances Barclay, a native of Franklin County, and located in Bedford County, Pa., where he engaged in the hatting business, then a lucrative occupation. In 1842 they moved to Wayne County, Ohio, and in 1850 Mr. Lessig went to California by the overland route, through Salt Lake City. In the spring of 1851 he returned home via Mexico. In Sept., 1853, they moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled in the woods two miles east of Auburn, clearing and opening up a fine farm on which they lived till the fall of 1878, when they moved to Auburn where they have since lived retired, renting their farm. They have endured many hardships and privations, and are now reaping the benefits of their many years of toil. In all the struggles which fate heaps upon the pioneer his noble wife has stood by his side, and has done her share toward making a home and a competency for their old age. They have had four children, of whom all died in infancy, save one, a daughter---Ella E., wife of B.F. Culbertson, of Auburn, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Lessig have been for many years members of the Presbyterian church.

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

Aaron Levy, merchant, Butler, Ind., was born in Northern France in 1842, and came to America in 1865. In 1869 he began the mercantile business in Florence Township, Williams Co., Ohio, and two years later moved his stock to Archibald, Ohio, where he still has one of the largest stores in the place. In November, 1882, he opened a store in Butler, and now carries a complete stock of general merchandise, valued at $20,000, and has an annual business of from $35,000 to $40,000. He was married in 1872 to Caroline Hirsh, and to them have been born six children---Sarah, Barnhardt, Henry, Ida, Rosa and Louis.

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

Jere Lewis, farmer, section 35, Franklin Township, was born in Carroll County, Ohio, Jan. 10, 1830, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Masters ) Lewis, his father a native of Westmoreland County, Pa., and his mother of Yorkshire, England. His grandfather, Jonathan Lewis, was a native of Germany. His father was an early settler of Carroll County, Ohio, and later of Tuscarawas County. He died Jan. 6, 1873. Our subject was reared and educated in Ohio, attending when a child, a school taught by an Irishman named Peter Conoly. Their school-house was a rude log structure and the black snakes, which were abundant in the country, often stuck their heads through the cracks of the floor and roof. The teacher kept his gun by his side, and occasionally shot one, which if overhead would drop to the floor, much to the discomfort of the terrified pupils. March 10, 1855, Mr. Lewis came to Indiana and settled on the farm in Franklin Township where he now lives. He owns 200 acres of fine land with good improvements. From 1863 till 1866 he was employed by Russell & Co., of Massillon, Ohio, manufacturers of agricultural implements, his farm being carried on by hired help. Mr. Lewis was married March 16, 1851, to Martha A. Henderson. To them were born four children, but three are living---Charles H. V., Calvin McM., and Addie. Mrs. Lewis died Jan. 25, 1873. Jan. 22, 1874, Mr. Lewis married Bell, daughter of Andrew Reed, who died Sept. 5, 1879. Their two children are also deceased. Mr. Lewis then married Mrs. Jennie Graham, widow of John E. Graham, by whom she had two children; but one is living---John E. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis 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.

John L. Ling, farmer and stock-raiser, Fairfield Township, was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, Jan.13, 1827, a son of Peter and Dorcas (Russel) Ling, natives of Bedford County, Pa., of German and English descent. In 1848 he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought the land which is now his finely cultivated farm, but at that time was a tract of heavily timbered land. He returned to Ohio, and in 1851 came to this county and began to clear and prepare his land for cultivation. He was married April 8, 1852, to Susan Gonser, daughter of David and Catherine (Miller) Gonser, early settlers of De Kalb County, from Coshocton County, Ohio. To them have been born five children---Emily, wife of A.W. Bair, of Smithfield Township; Ellen, wife of Eugene Krum, of Fairfield Township; Ida, wife of Joseph Gardner; David, of Steuben County, married Della Frederick; and Edward, of Kansas. In politics Mr. Ling is a Republican. He has taken an active interest in all the public affairs, and has been elected by his fellow townsmen to different offices of trust and responsibility.

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

Daniel Linty, deceased, was a native of Germany, born Sept. 10, 1816, a son of Daniel and Catherine Linty. In 1818 his parents came to the United States and lived in New York City seven years, then removed to Stark County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. He was married May 23, 1839, to Sarah Shuman, a native of Center Count, Pa., born March 28, 1820, a daughter of George and Hannah (Arney) Shuman, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. After his marriage Mr. Linty settled on his father’s farm, and cared for his parents till their death. In October, 1855, he moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought the farm in Richland Township where his family resides, and where he died Aug. 21, 1883. The farm contains 120 acres of choice land, well cultivated, with a good residence and farm buildings. Mr. Linty was an honorable, upright citizen, a kind husband and father, a good neighbor, and an honored member of society. To him and his wife were born eight children, but four of whom are living---Catherine, Amanda, Eli and Nettie. The deceased are---Hannah, George, Ella and Artie. Politically Mr. Linty was a Democrat. He was, as is his wife, a prominent member of the Lutheran church.

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

John J. Littlefield, M.D., was born in Verona, Oneida Co., N.Y., March 13, 1831, a son of Josiah and Rachel Littlefield. He lived with his parents in Oneida County, N.Y., and Monroe County, Mich., till manhood, and was given a good English education, attending the district schools and Holley (N.Y.) Academy. From 1854 till 1856 he superintended his father's mills at Grafton, Mich. Having had from his youth a desire to be a physician, in 1856 he entered the office of Dr. John L. Near, at Flat Rock, Mich., and began to study the profession. He remained with Dr. Near till 1861, and then entered the medical department of the Michigan State University and took two courses, 1860-'61 and 1861-'62. Ill health prevented him from finishing the last course. After his recovery, in May, 1862, he enlisted in Company F, Twenty-fourth Michigan Infantry, as a private. Soon after he was mustered into the service, while at Fort Lyons, Va., he was detailed dispenser of drugs in the regiment hospital, and also acted as Assistant Surgeon till his discharge for disability in August, 1863. He returned to Michigan and began the practice of medicine at Dundee, remaining there till August, 1864, when he was appointed recruiting officer and the following October was commissioned Assistant Surgeon of the One Hundred and Eighty-eighth Michigan Infantry, and served till the close of the war; was mustered out July, 1865. He returned to Dundee and resumed his practice. In 1868 he removed to Petersburg, Mich. In March, 1870 he entered the Philadelphia (Pa.) Eclectic Medical College and graduated the following June. He continued his practice in Petersburg till March, 1871, when he moved to Auburn, Ind., where he has built up a fine practice. Dr. Littlefield had teen twice married, April 15, 1853, he married Mary A. Hawley, of Monroe County, Mich., from whom he was divorced in 1871. To them were born four children---Francis, Daniel, Carrie (wife of J.H. Pilkington, of Parson, Kan.) and Addie (wife of Dr. Frank Pratt, of Jackson, Mich.). In June , 1872, Dr. Littlefield married Eliza E. Burdenow. They have one child---John. The doctor and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a member of the Mentor Lodge, No. 591, I.O.O.F., and is agent and Examining Surgeon for the Odd Fellow's Mutual Aid Society of the State of Indiana.

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

Irwin Lockwood is one of the pioneer children of De Kalb County, He was born in Jackson Township, April 12, 1844, and is a son of Alonzo and Rosamond (Phelps) Lockwood. His youth was spent with his parents, and he was early inured to the duties devolving on a farmer. His education was limited to the district school. Arriving at man's estate he began farming for himself, and now owns a good home in Richland Township. His land is well improved, and his residence and farm buildings are pleasant and convenient. Mr. Lockwood was married April 20, 1865, to Mary E. Lawhead, a native of Concord Township, born April 3, 1843, daughter of Isaac and Jane M. (Widney) Lawhead, pioneers of De Kalb County, They have had two children---Carrie and Emil, the latter deceased. Politically Mr. Lockwood is a Republican.

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

Edgar E. Long, of the firm of Long & Trout, liverymen, Auburn, Ind., was born in Pleasant lake, Steuben County, Ind., Jun 15, 1850, a son of Benajah B. Long, who settled at Pleasant Lake in 1836, thence to Waterloo in 1859, and was for a number of year a leading merchant of that place. He was also engaged in the livery business eighteen years, and our subject remained with him all the time when not in school. He received a good education in the schools of Waterloo. He was married March 7, 1872, to Dora A. Dickinson, daughter of Timothy Dickinson, and early settler of Auburn. They have one child-Mary O. Mr. Long became proprietor of Long's Hotel in 1878 and carried it on six year. He moved to Auburn in September, 1884, and in company with Eugene Trout became established in the livery business. They have a good trade, their stock being valued at $3,000. Mr. Long was Marshal of Waterloo in 1874 and 1875. He is member of the Knights of Honor, Union Lodge, No. 1,436, at Waterloo.

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

Lucius C. Loveland, section 31, Stafford Township, postoffice, Newville, is a native of Defiance County, Ohio, born June 3, 1844, the eldest son of Luther and Mary M. (Clemmer) Loveland, the former a native of Connecticut, born in 1816, and the latter of Virginia, born in 1815. He is a descendant of Thomas Loveland who settled Glastonbury, Conn., in 1670. His great-grandfather, Pelatiah Loveland, was a blacksmith, and made the nails with which to shingle the first frame barn in that town. Two of his brother were soldiers in the Revolutionary war. He was married Dec.7, 1774, to Mollie Goodale, and the second time, Oct. 27, 1816, to Eunice Butler. He died in 1823. He reared a family of thirteen children; the youngest son, the grandfather of our subject, Luther Loveland, was born March 18, 1793, and was married May 15, 1814, to Lucy Wickam, and in 1824 moved to Lorain County, Ohio. His family consisted of nine children, six sons and three daughters. Luther Loveland, our subject’s father, came to the Maumee River in 1834, and to Hicksville, Defiance County, Ohio, in 1837, where he bought 160 acres of land on section 7. He sowed the first crop of wheat in the township, on unplowed ground, where the town of Hicksville now is, for A. P. Edgerton, and made a harrow with wooden teeth to harrow it. He was married in 1840, and had a family of seven children, three sons and four daughters. Lucius C. Loveland learned the tinner’s trade when twenty-two years of age, and carried on that business eleven years. In the fall of 1866 he came to De Kalb County and worked at this trade in Newville two years, and in 1868 removed to Hicksville. He was hurt by a falling tree when about eighteen years of age, and was obliged to have the lower part of his right leg amputated. In 1871 he was elected Treasurer of Hicksville Township, and served five years. And in 1873 was elected Justice of the Peace, and served six years. During this time he was Clerk of Hicksville corporation and served one year on the Village Council. In 1876 he, with his father and John Crowl, built the Anchor Mills at Hicksville. In 1879 he exchanged his interest in the mill for the farm where he now lives which was entered in 1836 by A. Walden. He was elected Justice of the Peace of Stafford Township in 1880, and served three and a half years, when he resigned. He is prominent member of the Odd Fellows’ order. He was married Dec. 22, 1864, to Margaret J. Shroll, of De Kalb County, Ind. To them have been born nine children; eight are living---Frank S., Luther J., Cora and Ora (twins), Maud M., Ray P., Maggie, Mary F. and George. Maggie fell in a ditch and was drowned April 26, 1880, aged two years.

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

Rev. Isaac W. Lowman is a native of Indiana, born in Wabash County, April 7, 1851, the eldest son of Martin and Priscilla (Pike) Lowman, native of Ohio and early settlers of Wabash County, Ind., and latter moved to Kosicusko County where they both died. Isaac was reared and educated in the last named county, receiving his early education in the district schools. After teaching he subsequently began to study for the ministry, and in 1869 began preaching in the Church of God, his first circuit extending over a part of Lagrange and De Kalb counties. He continued preaching eight years, and since then has given his attention to agricultural pursuits. He was married in 1873 to Ellen F. Kutzner, only daughter of Augustus and Amanda Kutzner. After his marriage he lived on the Willaman farm till 1884, and then moved to the farm where he now lives, where he has eighty acres of finely improved land. Mr. and Mrs. Lowman have two children---Vernon W. and Marvin Bliss.

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

Paul Lung, retired farmer, is the oldest living resident of Butler Township. He was born in Champaign County, Ohio, in December, 1810, a son of John and Susanna (Pence) Lung, natives of Shenandoah County, Va. When he was about ten years of age his father died, and he was bound out to serve till he was twenty-one. Having to toil early and later for a hard taskmaster, he had no educational advantages. He was married Jan. 12, 1832. In 1841 he came with his wife and four children to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled where he now lives in Butler Township. He bought 160 acres of wild land, paying $4.33 and acre, on which he built a small cabin, and after getting his family settled, went to work to improve his land, which took years of patient toil. He now has a pleasant home where he has lived forty-four years, and from a wilderness has seen the country develop into farms and villages. He added to his first purchase till he owned 230 acres, but has reduced his farm to 150 acres. He is purely a self-made man, and has made the greater part of his money in De Kalb County, having but about $200 when he first came to Indiana. He was a natural mechanic, and worked at the carpenter’s trade a portion of the time after coming to the county. Deer and other wild animals were plenty, and he was one of the best marksmen in the county. He has always been a Democrat, casting his first vote for Andrew Jackson. He has held the office of Supervisor several years, always discharging his duties in a conscientious and impartial manner. His wife died Jun 20, 1884, aged seventy-three years, three months and thirteen days. They had a family of seven children: but four are living---Serena, wife of O.C. Clark; Elizabeth, Henry A., and George W., Barbara, wife of George Ott, Anna, wife of Peter Fair, and John are deceased. Mr. Lung has been a member of the Lutheran church forty years. His wife was a member from her girlhood.

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

Philip Lung, farmer, was born in Champaign County, Ohio, Aug. 15, 1819, a son of John and Susanna Lung, of Shenandoah County, Va., who settled in Ohio in and early day. He was the youngest of six children, four of whom are living---Paul, Noah, David and Philip. The boyhood of our subject was spent in his native county, where he attended school eighteen months, which was the extent of his educational advantages. Before he was eight years of age he was bound out to serve till of age. He came to De Kalb County in 1840, and entered 160 acres of wild land in Butler Township; returning to Ohio he remained there ten years, and then came again to De Kalb County, sold his land and entered the farm where he now lives, which he has cleared and improved. He has disposed of a part of his land, but still owns eighty acres. Mr. Lung was married in Pennsylvania, Nov. 3, 1859, to Margaret S. Ott, who died March 1, 1872, aged thirty-four years. To tem were born four children; two are living---Nicholas and Daniel. Mr. Lung, as was his wife, is a ember of the Lutheran Church. He has always affiliated with the Democratic party, casting his first vote for Van Buren in 1840. He is one of the representative citizens of De Kalb County, having by his integrity and honorable dealing won the esteem of his fellow citizens.

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

John Lutz, one of the early settlers of De Kalb County, came to the county with his parents, Michael and Magdeline (Crawford) Lutz, in 1847. And located in Union Township. His father died soon after their arrival, and the farm was cleared and cultivated by Mrs. Lutz, assisted by her children. Mrs. Lutz was an energetic, ambitious woman, and worked hard to make a home and rear her children. She died in 1882 after a life of usefulness. Our subject was born in Stark County, Ohio, in 1826, and was, therefore, about twenty-one years of age when he came to De Kalb County. He assisted his mother as long as his services were needed, and then commenced to work for himself. He has been successful, and now owns 270 acres of land, 100 acres under cultivation. He was married March 24, 1868, to Susannah Oberholtzer, a native of Union Township, De Kalb County. To them were born six children, but four of whom are living---Jennie, Ada, Martha and John. Mrs. Lutz died April 24, 1880. She was a most estimable, cultured woman, and her friends were legion. A devoted wife and mother, and a kind, considerate neighbor, her loss cannot be estimated.

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

Stephen Lutz, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Knox County, Ohio, Aug. 11, 1849, a son of John and Elizabeth (Woodruff) Lutz, natives of Ohio, of German descent. When he was sixteen years old, in the spring of 1866 he came to De Kalb County with his parents and settled in Concord Township, and lived with them till manhood. He has always given his attention to agricultural pursuits and now owns a good farm of eighty acres, all under cultivation, with good improvement. He was married Feb. 9, 1871, to Catherine Moore, a native of Ohio, daughter of Enoch and Rebecca (Johnston) Moore, who came to DeKalb County when she was a child. They have one child---Samuel J.W. In politics Mr. Lutz is a Democrat. He and his wife a members of the Methodist Protestant church.

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

Hon. William H. Madden, M.D., of Butler is a native of Wayne County, Ohio, born April 8, 1825, a son of John Madden. His early life was spent on a farm, but later his father moved to Freeport, Harrison Co., Ohio, and engaged in the mercantile business several years. He received a good education in the public schools, and after leaving school began the study of medicine with Dr. John E. Charles, of New Cumberland, Ohio. In 1847 he located in Butler, Ind., and practiced six months; then returned to Ohio and practiced in Jefferson County fourteen months, and in 1849 returned to Butler, where he has since resided, locating on section 1, Wilmington Township. He owns a fine farm of 375 acres of improved land, which he superintends in connection with attending to his profession. He is a member of the Indiana State Medical Society, and has the respect and confidence of the brotherhood. In 1876 Dr. Madden was elected to the Indiana Legislature, and while there introduced two important bills, which were adopted; one a bill to entitle trustees of two or more townships to build school-houses jointly and the other to legalize the acts of the corporation of the town of Waterloo. Both these bills have been of great benefit to Wilmington and adjoining townships. As a legislator Dr. Madden was ever mindful of he needs of the people whom he represented, and all his voice was for the promotions of measures which promised the greatest good to his county and state. In addition to his service as Representative, he has filled several local offices of trust, such as Justice of the Peace, Trustee, Notary Public, etc. He was the first Postmaster of Butler, appointed in 1853. Dr. Madden was married April 13, 1851, to Isabel Walter, daughter of Peter Walter. Of their seven children but five are living---Herman M., Melissa J., Ira B., Ida M. and Emma L.

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

James Malone, farmer and stock-raiser, Concord Township, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, in 1820, a son of Elias and Catharine (Steffey) Malone, natives of Maryland, who moved to Ohio in an early day. He was reared a farmer, remaining with his parents till manhood. He was married Jan. 6, 1842, to Mary Ann Eller, a native of Maryland, daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Grime) Eller, also early settlers of Ohio. After his marriage he lived on the old homestead a short time, and then went to Knox County, Ohio, and rented land till the fall of 1850, when he came to De Kalb County, and bought eighty acres of wild land, which he has cleared of the timber and put under a good state of cultivation. To this he has added till he now owns a good farm of 154 acres of valuable land. He is a self-made man, being in limited circumstances when he came to De Kalb County, but by energy and industry has accumulated a good property. In politics he is a Democrat. To him and his wife have been born eight children, seven of whom are living---Henry, William, Jacob, Margaret, Sarah J., Harriet, Mary F., and Anna; the latter is deceased.

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

EUGENE MARKS a successful and enterprising farmer and lumberman of Stevens county,lives on an eligible location two miles west of Calispell. He is a native of Waterloo, DeKalb county, Indiana, where he was born February 15, 1879. His parents were Jacob and Fitena Marks. The father died in 1880, the mother in 1893. They were the parents of four children, Frank, Minnie, Eugene and Bert. By her second husband, David Pierson, Mrs. Marks had one child, Dessie.

The public schools of Indiana, in the vicinity of our subject, provided his education, and at the age of seventeen years he left school and engaged in business for himself, worked in a hotel and followed other employments. In 1901 he conducted a milk ranch near Anaconda, Montana, for one year, subsequently disposing of the same and going to Spokane, where he remained for a short period, and then located in Stevens county. On October 19, 1902, Mr. Marks filed on a quarter, section of timber land, cleared a portion of the same and erected a dwelling.

Our subject is, politically, a Democrat, and enthusiastic in the promulgation of the doctrines of that party.

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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by © 1997 Candy Grubb

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

John Martin, section 23, Smithfield Township, was born in York County, Pa., in 1822. When he was fourteen years of age his parents moved to Ohio and in 1841 he came to De Kalb County, Ind. He was married in 1845 to Almira Cole, a native of Erie County, Ohio, born in 1836. Mrs. Martins’ father died when she was a child, and her mother subsequently married Isaac B. Smith, and May 27, 1936, they came to De Kalb County, Ind. The family afterward moved to Missouri, where Mrs. Martins’ mother died. Mr. Smith and his two eldest children, a son and a daughter, are living in Missouri. His youngest son, Isaac B., Jr., died while a soldier in the war of the Rebellion. When Mr. Martin came to De Kalb County, forty-nine years ago, Indians were more numerous than white men, and wild game of all kinds were in abundance. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have had two children---Phoebe, wife of Franklin Hamman, and a daughter deceased.

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

Albert J. Mason, dealer in lumber, shingles, lath, etc., Butler, Ind., was born in Genesee County, N.Y., Dec.29, 1829, a son of David and Sarah (Smith) Mason, his father a native of Vermont and his mother of Elmira, N.Y., both of English descent. In 1845 his parents moved to Williams County, Ohio, and settled in Northwest Township, and Albert J. began to work in a fanning-mill factory the following spring. He worked there, one season and then began to work at the carpenter’s, and joiner’s trade, which he followed continually until 1880. He came to De Kalb County in 1856, and has built some of the best houses and business blocks in the town. He established his lumber yard in 1875, an since 1880 has given it his entire attention. Mr. Mason was married in 1853 to Harriet M. Olds. They have had four children, three of whom are living---Byron C., a traveling salesman for a Cincinnati Safe and Lock Company; Warren A., a partner with his father; and Eva, wife of David Knisely. Mr. Mason is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is one of the most enterprising business men of Butler.

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

Timothy G. Matheny, M.D., a prominent physician of Auburn, Ind., was born in Morgan County, Ohio, April 20, 1830. He is a son of Nathan and Anna (Sheckley) Matheny, native of Pennsylvania. His mother, who was a worthy member of the Baptist church, and a very estimable lady, was much beloved by all who knew her, and although idolized at home she was removed by death in 1837, when only thirty years old. After his mother’s death he was sent to live with an uncle George Daugherty, where he remained until eighteen years of age, residing in Washington and Hardin counties, Ohio. From 1848 to 1851, he attended school at Kenton, Ohio, working between sessions to defray expenses at school; thus heroically battling with poverty, determined to acquire as much of an education as his surroundings would permit. In those youthful days of hardships, without the sympathy and parental guidance which the young heart so much craves, he developed powers of independent thought and self-reliance, that with the maturer judgment of later years, goes far to make him the safe careful, conscientious and valuable counsel, which reputation now crowns him with the desirable popularity he now enjoys with his patrons. On the 17th day of August, 1851, he was married to Miss Abi Hatch, daughter of Waterman and Mary (Young) Hatch. He is the third of five children in his father’s family. Barbara A., Joseph E., Timothy G. and Martha J. yet living. One brother, Wm. N., died in Forth Wayne, Ind., in the spring of 1876, at the age of forty-four years. While at Kenton he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Russell. In the fall of 1854 he removed from Kenton, Ohio, to Decatur, Adams Co., Ind., where he continued the study of medicine under the instruction of Dr. Pierce. Later he attended medical lectures at Cincinnati, Ohio. While located at Decatur and prosecuting his studies, he found it necessary to do something to secure the necessary revenue to meet expenses in raising a family, and being a practical millwright he engaged in the milling business, where he had the reputation of turning out more flour, and of as good quality, as any of his compeers. In 1862 he was appointed by Gov. O.P. Morton as enrolling officer of Adams County. He enrolled the county during the summer, made the draft in October that year, and his men were mustered in the United States service in November at Camp Sullivan, Ind. He also enlisted a company, and was about to be commissioned as its Captain, when he was attacked with typhoid fever, which so prostrated him that for about one year he was unable to do manual labor. He continued his medical studies, and in 1863, removed to the north part of De Kalb County, and began the practice of medicine at Barker’s Corners, and a few years later removed to Hudson, Ind., where he purchased some land and continued his practice at that place where he was bless with a large and lucrative business. After moving to Hudson he opened a drug store, which he managed till 1877, when he sold his drug stock to and exchanged location with Dr. J.J. Littlefield, and removed to Auburn. In 1879 he formed a partnership with Dr. J.B. Casebeer in the practice of medicine and surgery, also in the drug business. They are now proprietors of the Physicians’ Drug Store, located on Main street, next door to the First National Bank, and are not only occupying a beautiful room, but are enjoying a nice drug trade as well as a very popular practice in medicine and surgery. The Doctor is a graduate of the Fort Wayne Medical college, and is an honor to his “Alma Mater” by the honorable and energetic manner in which he engages in the profession of his choice. In politics he is a pronounced Democrat, serving his party faithfully whenever opportunity occurs. He is a Master Mason, a member of De Kalb Lodge, No 214; has also been a member of I.O.O.F. since 1851. Has five children living---David B., Sarah A., Robison W., Mary L and Brownell. A daughter, Emma Z., died June 3, 1853, aged three months. Dr. Matheny has been a student all his life, keeping pace with the advancement of the medical profession. He comprehends his duties as a family physician, and conscientiously performs them, and thus have endeared himself to the many families who have employed and thus become intimately acquainted with him. He is heavily built, but at the age of fifty-five his step is very firm and elastic. In conversation he is genial; in the social circle he is lively, and enjoys dealing in innocent jokes with as much zest as those that are younger.

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

John Mathews was born in one of the New England States Aug. 9, 1790, and died in Newville, Ind., Aug. 27, 1862. His father, John Mathews, was one of the pioneers of Shelby County, Ohio. He was married in the fall of 1832 to Priscilla H. Clayton, daughter of Robert Clayton, and to them were born twelve children, eight of whom are living---Mrs. Eliza McCosh, Mrs. Elizabeth Fetterer, Mrs. Jane Stoughton, Mrs. Mary E. Moody, Mrs. Sophia Colburn, Mrs. Melissa Briggs, Aaron and Mrs. Alice McCabe. William H. was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, and was killed in the battle at Vicksburg. Aaron was also a soldier in the late war. Robert, Mrs. Rebecca Snook and Mrs. Ettie Sanders are also deceased. Mr. Mathews came to De Kalb County in December, 1833, and located on the present site of Spencerville, and from that time till his death was one of the prominent citizens of the county.

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

John Matson, a son of Elijah Matson, was born near Rutland, Vt., Feb.3, 1806, where he lived until he was about twenty-one years of age, when he went to Onondaga County, N.Y. In 1835 he came to Indiana and entered 160 acres of wild land in De Kalb County, had a cabin built on section 30, Franklin Township, and the following year with his family moved there, reaching Hamilton Sept. 30, 1836. He was very energetic and ambitious, working all day clearing his land of timber and preparing it for cultivation, after which he worked several hours each night at the carpenter’s trade, making doors and window frames for the new settlers, taking his pay in work on his land. In this way he soon had 100 acres under cultivation. He became a successful farmer, and owned, at the time of his death, a pleasant home and 213 acres of valuable land. He was highly esteemed by all who knew him. He was public spirited, and contributed liberally toward the advancement of any laudable enterprise. He was a kind and obliging neighbor, and a benevolent and considerate friend of the poor. He was married Sept. 10, 1833, to Margaret Waterman, daughter of Elijah Waterman, and sister of Hon. Miles Waterman. To them were born ten children---Cordelia, Alvin, Chloe, James, Lewis, Lydia, George and Ophelia. Two died in infancy. Cordelia married Chester Taft. And lives at Waterloo, Iowa. Chloe married Alonzo Collin, of Mt. Vernon, Iowa and has two children-Ruth and Margaret. James of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, married Frances Taylor and has two children---Lillian and Abbie. Lewis, of Pleasant Lake, Ind., married Orcelia Clarke, and has four children---Clarke, James, Mabel and John. Lydia married J.B. Albrook, of Iowa, and died in her twenty-seventh year, leaving one child---Luella. George married Matilda Ridge, and has one child---Merritt. Ophelia married Merritt A. Goodell, of Iowa, and has four children----Willard, Alonzo, George and Edward. Mr. Matson died Nov. 4, 1876. Mrs. Matson lives with George on the homestead, and is one of the few old settlers of the county now living, and has witnessed all the varied changes which have brought the country from a wild state to one of advanced cultivation.

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

J. F. Maxson, of the firm of Bassett & Maxson, jewerlers, Waterloo, Ind., is a native of Greenbush, near Albany, N.Y., born April 4, 1832, a son of Jehu J. and Luna (Tompkins) Maxson, his father of Irish and his mother of Scotch descent. In 1836 his parents moved to Jackson County, Mich., and entered a farm from the Government. His mother died in August, 1839. Of her seven children six are living. One son, Walter, was killed while in the service of his country in the war of the Rebellion. J. F. Maxson was reared on a pioneer farm, at a time when Indians and wild animals infested the country. When twenty-one years of age he went to Coldwater, Mich., and there learned the jeweler’s trade of C.H. Thompson. While there he made the acquaintance of Charles Bassett, who was a fellow-apprentice, and after completing their trade, in 1859, together they came to Waterloo, Ind., and opened a store, at that time the only one of the kind in the place. They have the largest jewelry store in the county, and keep a complete stock of everything in their line. Their shrewd business qualities, combined with their thorough knowledge of their trade, has gained for them a high position among the business men of the county. Mr. Maxson was married in 1863 to Martha J., daughter of James and Mary Maybee, of Lockport, N.Y. They have four children---Mattie, John C., Agnes and Earl H. Mr. Maxson cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont, and has since been a strong advocate of Republican principles. He and his wife 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.

Henry Maxwell, farmer and stock-raiser, Concord Township, was born in Wayne County, Ohio. July 31, 1835, the fifth of ten children of John and Polly (Thomas) Maxwell, natives of Ohio, of Irish and English descent. John Maxwell was a millwright by trade, and about 1840 built the first bridge across the St. Joseph River. In the winter of 1841-‘2 he moved to De Kalb County, and worked at his trade till 1849 in Newville Township, when he bought the farm now owned by his son Hugh, where he lived till his death. Henry Maxwell remained with his parents till fifteen years of age, and then went to Michigan where he lived twelve years. He enlisted in the war of the Rebellion in Company K, Second Michigan Infantry, and the following June received a wound which disabled him for active duty, and from the effects of which he has never recovered. Since his return from the war he has followed agricultural pursuits, and now owns a fine farm of eighty acres all under cultivation. He was married in 1859 to Mary Ann Brown, and to them were born two children, Hugh and Rosa J. The former died aged three years. His wife died in 1861, and in 1863 he married Alvira Hull, who died Feb. 17, 1879. Oct. 8, 1879 he married Lura L. Jackson. They have one child---Winiferd Alene. Mr. Maxwell is a member of Newville Lodge, No. 326, F. & A. M., and John C. Carns, No. 144, G.A.R. In politics he is a Democrat.

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

F.H. Murray, of the firm Murray Brothers, millers, Spencerville, Ind., was born in Seneca County, Ohio, Nov. 7, 1839, the youngest son of James and Nancy (Herrin) Murray. Before he was a year old his father died, and he was reared by a widowed mother. When he was about fifteen years old he accompanied her to Allen County, Ind., where he lived till the fall of 1860, when he came to De Kalb County, and in company with John Zimmerman bought a saw and grist mill, which they conducted till the death of the latter, when he, with his brother Thomas, bought the interest of the heirs, and they have since carried on the business. Mr. Murray was married Jan. 30, 1873 to Maggie Langley, a native of Virginia, daughter of John and Elizabeth Langley. To them have been born two children---Mabel and Winifred. Mr. Murray is a member of Concord Lodge, No. 556, A.F.& M. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party.

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

Thomas S. Murray, of the firm Murray Brothers, proprietors of the saw and grist mill, Spencerville, Ind., was born in Seneca County, Ohio, Oct. 28, 1837, the third of four children of James C. and Nancy R. (Herrin) Murray, natives of Pennsylvania and early settlers of Ohio, where his father died when he was three years old. In 1854 his mother came with her family to Indiana and settled in Allen County, where in 1857 he began to work at the carpenter's trade, and followed it ten years. In 1865 he came to De Kalb County and settled on a farm in Concord Township, and in 1867 removed to Spencerville, and formed a partnership with his brother in the milling business, which they have since successfully conducted. He was married Dec. 20, 1860, to Pauline Opdyke, a native of Allen County, Ind., daughter of Henry C. and Elinor (Sunderland) Opdyke. The are the parents of four children, three of whom are living---Laura A., wife of John Baltz, of Allen County; Maud E. and Mary E. Charles L. died at the age of sixteen months. Mr. Murray is a member of Concord Lodge, No. 556, F. & A.M. In politics he is a Democrat. In 1870 he was elected Trustee of his township and served two years.

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

HARVEY E. MUSSER has been a resident of DeKalb County since early infancy, and during his mature career of thirty years has been a member of the farming community of Franklin Township. He owns a farm of eighty acres in section 5 of that township. Mr. Musser was born in Stark County, Ohio, February 23, 1863, a son of William and Catherine (Yutzler) Musser. Her father was a native of Pennsylvania. The mother was born in Switzerland and was fourteen years of age when she came with her parents to the United States. She grew up in Ohio and was married in Stark County. In 1865 the Musser family came to DeKalb County, Indiana, Harvey E. being then about 2 years old. He was the oldest of seven children, and as a boy he attended the common school and acquired an education sufficient for his needs. He is a member of Hamilton Lodge of Masons, also belongs to the Hamilton Grange and in politics is a democrat. He and his wife are members of the Eastern Star. December 20, 1883, he married Ida Hamman. They have five children: Effie, wife of Orzo Richey; Sherman, who lives in DeKalb County, near Hamilton; Ethel, wife of Leroy Hodges; Edna, wife of Err Lemon; and Floyd, who married Laura Kauffman. Mrs. Musser is a daughter of Adam Hamman and Rebecca (Curry) Hamman. Her father was born in Stark County, Ohio, May 12, 1838, and her mother in Columbiana County, that state, in March 1842. In the Hamman family there were eleven children, and those living today are: Ida; Lydia, wife of Benjamin Duncan; Jesse, of Williams County, Ohio; Cora, wife of John Rohrbaugh; Rebecca, wife of William may; and Miles, of Pleasant Lake Indiana. The Hamman family settled in DeKalb County in 1854. Mrs. Musser was reared in Franklin Township and attended the public schools there.

Submitted by: Kathleen Hamman
Biography of Harvey E. Musser. Source: DeKalb County, Indiana 1920
History by W. H. McIntosh Lewis Publishing Co., reprinted 1980 by The Bookmark, Knightstown, IN 46148. Page 114 column 2 and page 115 column 1.

Thomas Nelson, one of the most successful farmers and stock-raiser of Concord township, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, Aug. 14, 1816, the eldest son of Hugh and Mary (Wilson) Nelson, natives of Harrison County, Ohio, the former a son of John Nelson, who came from Ireland with his parents when ten years old, and settled in Pennsylvania, and when a young man moved to Ohio, and the latter a daughter of Thomas Wilson, a native of New Jersey, also an early settler of Ohio. Our subject was born about the time the Indians left that part of Ohio, and his youth was spent in helping to clear a frontier farm. He was married in August 1834, when eighteen years of age. He then entered eighty acres of land and built a pole-cabin in the woods, where he commenced housekeeping. He had thirty-five bushels of wheat and borrowed $15 with which he entered forty acres more land. The first winter he taught a subscription school which furnished them with provisions. After getting his land under cultivation, he sold it for $1,200 and bought 200 acres of unimproved land and again began to clear a second and larger farm. He afterward bought eighty-eight acres which he sold a year later for $500 more than he gave for it. He then bought 150 acres near New Philadelphia Landing, which he kept four years and sold for $1,700 advance of the purchase price. He then sold his 200 acres for $5,000, and in 1868 moved to De Kalb County and bought 150 acres of land for $6,600, seventy acres for $925, forty-six acres for $1.500, and three acres near Newville for $400; now has a landed estate of 269 acres all under cultivation. He has some of the finest stock in the county, generally taking the first premium wherever it is exhibited. His family has consisted of ten children---Mary A. died at the age of twenty-two years; Elizabeth J. is the wife of Richard Crumb; John T. died, aged thirteen years; Rachel married Samuel Armstrong, who died, and she is now the widow of William Sechler; Levina is the wife of Job Worford; Rebecca is the wife of John Deardorf; T.W. married Martha Warner; Lennie is the wife of Chester Hoisington; Hugh died, aged one year, and Sarah aged two years. Mr. and Mrs. Nelson joined the Methodist Episcopal church in their youth, but there being no church of their choice near them they are now members of the United Brethren church. Mrs. Nelson has for several years been afflicted with her eyes, and in 1884 entirely lost her sight. In politics Mr. Nelson was originally a Whig, but now casts his suffrage with the Republican party.

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

John Noel, deceased, was one of the pioneers of DeKalb County. He was born in Adams County, Pa., April 6, 1813, a son of John Noel, who settled in Seneca County, Ohio, in an early day, and there died in 1863. He was reared on a farm, receiving a limited education, and after reaching manhood devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. He was married Nov. 3, 1836, to Elizabeth Endsley, a native of Wayne County, Ohio, born Nove.20, 1816 a daughter of Michael Endsley, a pioneer of DeKalb County, In 1839 they left heir Ohio home and emigrated to Indiana, locating on a farm on section 33, Butler Township, DeKalb County, Oct. 27, which had been bought by Mr. Noel in 1837, and on which was built a small log cabin. He lived there till 1850, when he sold the farm and bought 160 acres on section 15, seventeen acres of which had been chopped, part of the brush burned, and a few rails made. Here he lived the rest of his life, and by industry and judicious management, assisted by his wife and children, was successful, and at the time of his death had one of the best farms in the township. In his political views he was first a Whig and then a Republican. Although a strong supporter of his party he had no aspirations for official honors. He was a member of no church, but in faith was a Universalist. To Mr. and Mrs. Noel were born eleven children, all but the eldest in DeKalb County---Philip, born Feb. 25, 1838; Sarah E., April 27, 1840; George, deceased, June 30, 1842; Mary S., deceased, Feb 18, 1844; Eliza L., April 2, 1846; Lucy J., April 2, 1846; William, deceased, Nov. 18, 1848; Solomon, Nov. 8, 8150; Silas, Jan. 14, 1853; Perry, May 21, 1855; Samuel, June 5, 1858. Mr. Noel died Oct. 27, 1958. Mrs. Noel subsequently married Henry Bricker, and now resides in Auburn, DeKalb County, Ind.

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

JOHN H. OBERLIN. The Oberlins are a family that have been rather numerous and prominent in DeKalb County for over seventy years. Mr. John Oberlin, who was born in DeKalb County, has spent the greater part of his active career in Steuben County, and beginning life as a renter followed farming successfully and aggressively for many years and is now enjoying a well earned retirement at Hamilton.

He was born in Franklin Township of DeKalb County May 1, 1854, son of John and Rachel (Duck) Oberlin. His father settled in DeKalb County in pioneer times, developing a tract of wild land, and later moved to Butler, where he exercised his trade as a tanner by establishing a tannery. He died in 1863. In religion he was a Methodist. He was the father of a large family of children, named William, Fred, Philip, Hiram, Benjamin, Joseph, Daniel, Orlando, Mary, Lucinda, Sarah, Hannah and John H.

John H. Oberlin, who was only nine years old when his father died, attended public school in Otsego Township, also a school at Butler, and as he inherited nothing except good character and a tendency to industry, he started out as a young man to make his way in the world. He worked as a farm hand, and on January 23, 1881, he married Minerva J. Wilson, daughter of Alexander and Mary J. Wilson. They established their first home on a rented farm in Otsego Township, lived there three years, then in Richland Township four years, and in 1888 Mr. Oberlin took possession of the County Farm and lived there three years. In 1891, having in ten years acquired some capital, he bought eighty acres in Otsego Township and followed an uninterrupted career of industry and productive labor on that farm for twenty-five years. In the spring of 1916 he left the farm and has since lived in Hamilton.

Mr. and Mrs. Oberlin became parents of four children: Edgar, who married Grace Hunt; Edna May, wife of Benjamin Taylor; Hiram W., who married Hertha Weaver; and Ethel, wife of Fred Haines. The mother of these children died November 20, 1913. In February, 1916, he married Rhoda (Martin) Houlton, daughter of Henry and Catherine (Davis) Martin. Her father was a soldier in the Civil war. Rhoda Martin was first married to Lewis Houlton, of Franklin Township, DeKalb County. The family are onspicuous as being the very first family to settle in DeKalb County, locating there in 1831. A number of references are found to them in the pages of this publication, Mrs. Oberlin has in her possession the first deed given for land in DeKalb County. It was written on parchment and is signed by Andrew Jackson, President of the United States. Mrs. Oberlin, by her first marriage to Lewis Houlton had three children: Vern, who married Rosa Mills; Firm; and Leland, who married Jessie Hathaway. Mrs. Oberlin is a member of the Christian Church and her husband is a Methodist. He is affiliated with the Masonic Lodge and Knights of Pythias. From 1908 to 1918 he served as assessor of Otsego Township.

Submitted by: Kathleen Hamman
DeKalb County, Indiana 1920 History by W. H. McIntosh, published by Lewis Publishing Co., 1920. Pages 52-52, Column 1-2.

Samuel N. Olds, one of the prominent business men of Spencerville, now retired, is a native of Franklin County, Vt., born June 24, 1818, a son of Elias and Abigail (Alcott) Olds, the former a native of Massachusetts, of Scotch descent, and the latter a native of Vermont. When twenty years old he left his native State and came to Indiana, locating in Fort Wayne, where he engaged in the manufacture of hats and caps, remaining there till 1866, when he moved to Spencerville and engaged in general merchandising, which he followed successfully till 1883, when he retired from active business. He is a shrewd business man, a good manager, and by close attention to his business and strict integrity, has been successful, and has surrounded himself with the comforts of life with which to enjoy the remainder of his days in this world. He was married Oct. 30, 1844, to Caroline Robinson, a native of Vermont, daughter of Paul and Elizabeth Robinson. To them have been born ten children, six of whom are living---Mary E., Mortimer E., Lena, William, Nellie, and Arthur. George H., Charles, Harriet, and Sarah are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Olds are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he casts his suffrage with the Republican party.

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

John A. Provines, druggist and Postmaster, Spencerville, Ind., was born in Wayne County, Ohio, July 22, 1843, the eldest son of Alexander Provines. When he was ten years of age, in the spring of 1853, his parents moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled in Jackson Township, where he was reared and educated, remaining with his parents till after the breaking out of the Rebellion, when, Sept. 5, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Thirtieth Indiana Infantry. The following October the regiment went to Munfordville, Ky., and in February, 1862, to Shiloh, participating in the battle there, proceeded to Corinth, thence to Lavergne, Stone River and Chickamauga. At the latter place, Sept. 21, 1863, he was captured and taken to Richmond, and from there, Nov. 13, to Danville, where he, with a comrade, L.C. Delano, made his escape the next day. They made their way to West Virginia, where they were recaptured the 25th of the month, having walked 240 miles in ten days. They were taken to Stanton, Va., and kept in a guard-house over night, and then taken to Richmond and confined in a dungeon three nights and two days. On the 29th they were taken to Belle Isle and kept in the guard-house till Christmas. March 10 they were taken to Richmond, and on the 12th were started for Andersonville. On the 12th he and two others cut a hole in the bottom of the car and escaped, but the 22d were captured by five men and thirteen dogs, and the following morning were taken to Barnwell Court-House and remained one night; then were sent to Augusta, Ga., where they were kept in jail till April 12, thence to Macon, and the 14th landed in Andersonville, where he was confined till Sept. 9; thence to Charleston, where he was kept under fire of our own gunboats three days, and then taken to the Fair Grounds, and about three weeks later to Florence, and onfined in the stock-ades till the 8th of December, and then taken to Charleston, and on the 10th was exchanged. He arrived at Annapolis, Md., Dec. 13, where, Dec. 25, he was given a thirty days' furlough, and arrived at home the 30th, weighting ninety pounds. Jan. 25, 1865, he was discharged. He followed the farming till October, 1872, when he moved to Spencerville, and engaged in the grocery business till the spring of 1873, and then became established in the drug business. In 1874 he erected the only brick building in Spencerville. He has built up a good business, and has gained the confidence of the residents of the village by his upright dealing and courteous manners. He has been Postmaster since July 28, 1873. He was married March 28, 1867, to Elizabeth, daughter of William Prosser. They have had five children, four of whom are living---Minnie, Clauda, Ella and Ethel. Their eldest child, Henry, is deceased. Mr. Provines is a member of Spencerville Lodge, No. 424, F.& A.M., and John C. 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.

Michael Reever, deceased, was born in Maryland, Jan. 20, 1806.In his youth he learned the miller’s trade, at which he worked while in his native State. He was married in Maryland to Rebecca Ott, and about 1844, with his wife and two children, Thomas F. and Drucilla C., removed to Indiana and located in Butler Township, DeKalb County. He purchased 160 acres of wild land, built a small cabin and went to work to make a home. His means were limited, and he was obliged to rely on his own labor for the maintenance of his family. He was successful in his pursuits, and accumulated a good property. His farm is now owned by his daughter, Mrs. Housel. He and his wife were members of the Lutheran church. In politics he was a strict adherent to the principles of the Republican party. He was a genial, social man, and had hosts of friends, and his sterling integrity won him the confidence of the entire community. He died June 8, 1878. His wife died July 26, 1868, aged sixty-five years and seven months.

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

Ira Ricketts, farmer and stock-raiser, Concord Township, is a native of De Kalb County, born May 20, 1838. His father, Jonathan Ricketts, was a native of Kentucky, and when a young man went to Morrow County, Ohio, where he married a Miss Van Treese, who died, leaving five children. In 1835 he married Mary Runnels, and to them were born five children---Jeremiah, Ira, Elza, Zerus, and Jacob I. In August, 1837 he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought 240 acres of wild land, to which he moved his family. Here he passed through all the hardships of pioneer life. He lived to get thirty acres cleared and improved and died in Septemeber, 1846, aged forty-two years. His widow still lives in Illinois. Ira Ricketts remained with his mother till manhood. The care of the farm and the maintenance of the family fell on him and his elder brother after the death of his father, and although so young they went bravely to work, and by the time they arrived at man’s estate had the farm cleared and under cultivation. He was married Feb. 5, 1857, to Lydia Draggoo, daughter of Peter and Nancy (Williams) Draggoo, who came to De Kalb County from Ashland County, Ohio, in 1837. The father died in 1867 and the mother in 1872. After his marriage Mr. Ricketts lived in Elkhart County, Ind., a few months, and then returned to the old homestead, where he lived till the spring of 1872, when he moved to Dallas County, Iowa, and two years later to Macomb County, Ill., where he lived three years. In 1878 he returned to DeKalb County and bought eighty acres of the old homestead where he has since lived. Mr. and Mrs. Ricketts have had three children, but two of whom are living---Charles S. and Nancy. Mary A. died in October, 1881. Politically Mr. Ricketts is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Protestant Methodist church.

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

Owen W. Rummel, harness-maker, Spencerville, Ind., was born in Beverly, Randolph Co., W. Va., Feb. 19, 1837, a son of William and Martha (Williams) Rummel, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia, of Welsh descent. In his youth he learned the printer’s trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years, and then worked two years as journeyman. He than began working with his father, who was a harness-maker, remaining with him till January, 1860, when he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and established his business in Spencerville. In February, 1865, he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and fifty-second Indiana Infantry and served till the close of the war. The following July after his enlistment he received a sunstroke, which disabled him for active duty in the field and he was detailed as Regimental Postmaster, and subsequently assigned to duty in the harness shop, where he remained till the time of his discharge. Since his return to Spencerville he has worked at his trade, at which he has been successful and has built up a good business. He was married Jan. 3, 1862, to Nancy C. Boyles, daughter of Jonathan Boyles. They have five children---Martha E., wife of Lewis Shutt; Lucretia, Jonathan, Hulbert N., and Owen W. Mr. Rummel is a member of Concord Lodge, No. 556, A. F.& A.M., John C. Carns Post, No. 144, G.A.R., and Spencerville Lodge, No. 422, I.O.O.F. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a Republican.

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

Nelson Scholes was born in Belmont County, Ohio, Nov. 15, 1819, a son of John and Mary (McGee) Scholes, natives of Maryland, and early settlers of Ohio. When he was four years old his parents moved to Richland County, where he was reared, and lived till his removal to De Kalb County. When he was sixteen years old his father died, and he remained with his mother till his marriage. In November, 1852, he moved to De Kalb County, and bought his present farm of 150 acres n sections 14 and 23, Concord Township. A part of it was formerly the Widney farm, and partially improved. He has been successful in his pursuits, and now has his land under cultivation, and his buildings are among the best in the county. He was married in 1847 to Lydia, daughter of Peter and Sarah (Butlinger) Wiltison. They had three children, but one of whom is living---John, now of Dallas County, Iowa. His wife died April 18, 1851. Sept. 5, 1852, he married Mary Swaidner, daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Goodbaker) Swaidner. To them have been born six children---Emma J., wife of Charles Abel, of Muskegon County, Mich.; Franklin, of Allen County; Florence, wife of Charles Justison; Joseph, Ida and Elida. The latter died aged five years. Mr. and Mrs. Scholes are members of the Disciples 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.

Levi Sechler, another of the prominent pioneers of Concord Township, is a native of Lehigh County, Pa., born June 26, 1812, a son of Jacob and Mary (Fusselman) Sechler, natives of Pennsylvania, of French and German descent. He was reared on a farm, receiving a common school education, and remained with his parents till after attaining his majority. In 1837 he started for the West, and with the exception of crossing the lakes made the entire journey to De Kalb County on foot, being nearly four weeks on the way. He entered eighty acres of land in the wilderness, and during the summer helped his brother clear and improve a piece of land. The following fall he walked back to his native county and remained there till 1853, when he returned to De Kalb County and began to improve his land. He had added to his first entry, and now has a fine farm of 100 acres all under cultivation. He was married in February, 1839, to Mary Kistler, a native of Lehigh County, Pa., and to them have been born eleven children---Catherine, William (deceased), James, Levi, Jacob, Mary, Emma, Henry, Franklin, Susan, and Rosetta. Mr. and Mrs. Sechler are members of the German Reformed church. In politics he and his sons cast their suffrage with the Democratic party.

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

J.R. Shilling, farmer and stock-raiser, Concord Township, is a native of this township, born Nov. 4, 1851, a son of Solomon Shilling, one of the early settlers of De Kalb County. He was reared a farmer but was given a good education, attending the district schools and later the Auburn and Spencerville High Schools. Before reaching his majority he began teaching, and followed the vocation winters for eight years, working on the farm in the summer. In February, 1880, he bought the farm in Concord Township where he now lives, which contains eighty acres of choice land all under cultivation. He is industrious and enterprising, and is one of the representative young farmers of the township. He was married March 4, 1879, to Alice J. Gill, a daughter of John Gill. They have one child, Cecil Guy, born April 5, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Shilling are members of the Protestant Methodist church, and he has been Superintendent of the Sabbath-school the past three years. In politics he is a Republican.

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

Solomon Shilling, one of the most successful and enterprising citizens of Concord Township, was born in Stark County, Ohio, March 15, 1823, a son of Adam and Mary (Roan) Shilling. He was reared and educated in his native county, remaining on his father’s farm till 1850, when he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled on 160 acres of wild land which his father had previously entered from the Government, on section 19, Concord Township. He built a cabin into which he moved his family and began to clear and improve his land. He has been an energetic and hard working man, and has accumulated a large 400 acres all well improved. For the past thirty years in addition to farming he has been engaged in buying and shipping live stock being the oldest stock dealer in the county. In 1872 Mr. Shilling was elected Township Trustee and in 1874 was re-elected, serving four years. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Protestant church. They have had a family of twelve children, eleven of whom are living---Daniel J.R., William, Mary E., Sarah A., Adam, Francis, Hiram E., John, Vienna L., and Dora. A daughter died in infancy. In politics Mr. Shilling has affiliated with the Republican party since it organization.

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

Levi Showalter was born in Wayne County, Ohio, Jan. 4, 1838, a son of Joseph and Barbara (Hoff) Showalter. The former died in January, 1884, aged eighty years, and the latter still lives on the old homestead, age eighty years. In 1859 Levi Showalter came to Indiana and located in Steuben County. He had learned the blacksmith’s trade in his native county and worked at it in Steuben County one winter. He then returned to Ohio, walking from Angola to Ft. Wayne and carrying his baggage. He remained in Wayne County till the fall of 1861 and then came to De Kalb County, and the following spring, March 27, was married to Clarinda, daughter of Joseph Shilling, an old settler of Concord Township. After his marriage he went to Huntington County, Ind., and lived a year on an unimproved farm of his father’s. He then returned to De Kalb county and bought eighty acres of partially improved land in Wilmington Township, and two years later moved to Steuben County, and engaged in farming two years. Then moved to Angola and worked at his trade two years, and then again engaged in farming eight years. In the spring of 1876 he sold his property and went to Ohio and carried on the old homestead for his father a year. In 1877 he bought the old Shilling homestead which was entered by Mrs. Showalter’s grandfather, Adam Shilling. This farm contains 160 acres of choice land and the improvements are among the best in the township. To Mr. and Mrs. Showalter have been born eleven children, seven of whom are living---Joseph E., Anna Mary, Cora E., Flora J., Hortense May, Myrtle J., and William A. The deceased are, Leander C., Barbara A., Catherine J. and Alice C. In politics Mr. Showalter is a Republican. 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.

Jonathan Shull, farmer and stock-raiser, Concord Township, was born in Fayette County, Pa., April 21, 1838, a son of Daniel and Susan (Newcomer) Shull, the former a native of Maryland, born in January, 1810, and the latter born in 1815. His parents were married Sept. 3, 1831, and in 1837 moved to Wayne County, Ohio, where they lived till the fall of 1846, when they came to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought eighty acres of wild land, afterward adding to it 160 acres. Here the father died Sept. 28, 1853. He was an old line Whig in politics, and a member of the Disciple church, as was also his wife. They had a family of nine children; eight lived till maturity and seven are now living---David, of Lansing , Mich.; Jonathan; Eliza, wife of H.J. Abel; Henry C., of Allen County; Sarah, deceased, wife of Abraham Cottrell, of Lansing, Mich., Lydia, wife of M.D. Hadsell, of Nebraska; Joseph; Harriet, wife of Lucius Palmer, of Allen County. Their eldest child Mary, died in September, 1843, aged twelve years. In 1857 the mother married Asher Coburn, who died Sept. 11, 1874. She now resides in Allen County. Jonathan Shull was eight years of age when his parents moved to De Kalb County. He was reared on a farm, receiving a good education in the district schools, completing it at the Newville Academy. When eighteen years of age he began teaching school, and taught winters for fourteen years, farming during the summer. After his marriage he continued in the business of farming and teaching for eleven years, and then moved to Lansing, Mich., where he engaged in the mercantile business two years. Then he returned to De Kalb County, and added fifty acres to the old homestead farm where he now lives, which contains 130 acres, all under cultivation. Mr. Shull was married Dec. 25, 1862, to Maria M. Hadsell, a native of Trumbull County, Ohio, daughter of James and Mary (Abel) Hadsell. The have had a family of seven children---Clara C. (wife of Lewis Lake), Cadmus C., Thurman H., Rosa (died in infancy), Henry C., Carl D., and Fred. N. Mrs. Shull is a member of the Disciples church. In politics Mr. Shull is independent.

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

William Shutt, one of the most prominent and influential citizens of Concord Township, was born in Stark County, Ohio, March 23, 1831, a son of Jacob and Nancy (Dickerhoof) Shutt. He was a year and a half old when his parents moved to Summit County, Ohio, and lived there till seventeen year of age. In the spring of 1848 he accompanied the family to De Kalb County, and settled on a tract of unimproved land. This he assisted in clearing and improving, remaining with his mother till manhood. His first purchase of land was 100 acres, but to that has added till he now owns 280 acres, including the old homestead. He has been a successful agriculturist, and since 1869 has also dealt in agricultural implements and farm machinery. He was married Feb. 13, 1862, to Elizabeth F., daughter of George Houck, of Concord Township. They are the parents of five children---Laura A., Eva B., Alda A., Jennie L., and Muriel A. In politics Mr. Shutt is a member of the Democratic party. In 1868 he was elected Trustee of his Township and served two terms. He is a member of the Concord Lodge, No. 556, F. & A. M. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Lutheran church.

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

George Simon, deceased, was one of the first settlers of Perry Township, Allen County, coming here in 1836. He was a native of Pennsylvania, born about 1779, a son of Andrew Simon. His father was captured by the Indians when a boy, and was kept by them nine months. George Simon was married in Pennsylvania to Elizabeth Hewitt, and moved to Columbiana County, Ohio, where he lived till his removal to Allen County, Ind., where he entered land from the Government which he improved and made his home. He and his wife were exemplary members of the Lutheran church. He died in 1872. His wife died in 1878, aged ninty-two years. They had a family of twelve children, five of whom are living---Jonathan, Solomon, Sarah, Catherine, wife of Amos Jackson, and Rachel, wife of Jacob Myers. The deceased are David, Peter, Samuel, Elizabeth (wife of Frame Freeman), Lydia (wife of Henry Bricker), Anna (wife of Levi Zinn), and Mary Ann. Mr. Simon served six months in the War of 1812. In politics, he was a Whig, and subsequently a staunch supporter of Republican principles.

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

Jonathan Simon, farmer, Butler Township, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, Aug. 6, 1811; a son of George and Elizabeth (Hewitt) Simon. He was reared and educated in his native county, and in 1836 married Rachel Yarian. The same year he came with his father’s family to Indiana and entered land, but returned to Ohio and remained a year and a half. In 1838, with his wife and one child, Polly, he came to DeKalb County and settled on the place where he now lives. He built a small log-cabin in which he lived three years. He has cleared the township. He is a prominent man, and has held several of the minor offices of trust, and has been appointed and acted as guardian for several orphan children. He is a self-make man, and now owns 240 acres of good land, besides settling homes on several of his children. To Mr. and Mrs. Simon have been born ten children, seven of whom are living---Polly, wife of John Miller; Mary Ann, wife of Lycurgus Bowman; David, Benjamin F., Jacob G., Jonas and Sarah O., wife of Charles Ogden. The deceased are Alice M., wife of Samuel Dudley, Sarah C., and Benjamin. Politically, Mr. Simon is a Repblican. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran church.

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