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

Josiah Boyer, the youngest son of Michael and Christina (Troutman) Boyer, was born in Somerset County, Pa., Jan. 22, 1834. When he was five years old his parents moved to Fayette County, Pa., and in 1841 to Holmes County, Ohio, where they remained till 1851. He accompanied them to De Kalb County, Ind., in the latter year and assisted his father in clearing and improving a frontier farm. When he was twenty-one years old he bought a tract of unimproved land on the south side of Story Lake, which he cleared and improved, at the same time making his home with his father and assisting in the cultivation of the homestead, till after his marriage. He then settled on his own farm, where he now has 120 acres of finely improved land, with a good residence and farm buildings. He was married Dec. 27, 1881, to Mrs. Margaret M. McClish, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Cole) Kimbel, and widow of Alexander McClish, by who she has two children---Alice and Libbie. Mr. and Mrs. Boyer are member of the German Reform 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.

Michael Boyer, Farmer and Stock-raiser, Fairfield Township, is one of the most prominent citizens of De Kalb County. He is a native of Somerset County, Pa., born Aug. 29, 1804, a son of Benjamin and Christina (Duffman) Boyer, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. He was reared on a farm in his native county, and was there married in 1829 to Christina Troutman, a native of Somerset County, a daughter of Peter and Barbara Ann (Stanler) Troutman, natives of Philadelphia. After his marriage he settled on the Troutman homestead, where he lived ten years, and in 1839 moved to Holmes County, Ohio, and twelve years later, in 1851, moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought eighty acres of timber land in Fairfield Township, which he has cleared and made one of the finest farms in the township. He is a successful agriculturist and has surrounded himself and family with all the comforts of life. To him and his wife have been born four children---Solomon, of Noble County, Ind., Josiah, of this township; Maria, wife of George Henney, and Elizabeth, wife of Moses Deitz. They 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.

John W. Boyle, Sheriff of De Kalb County, Ind., came to Indiana in 1848, and settled in Concord Township, De Kalb County, where he followed farming till 1868, when he moved to Butler Township and resided there till his election to the office of Sheriff, when he moved to Auburn. He was re-elected for a second term in 1884. Mr. Boyle was born near Mount Gilead, Morrow Co., Ohio, July 24, 1831. He was reared a farmer, remaining with his parents, John and Nancy Boyle, till manhood. In March, 1852, he was married to Miss Elinor Lawhead, of De Kalb County. To them have been born six children; but three are living---James B., William D. and Jefferson N. Benjamin F. died in October, 1862, aged two years; Lilian Samantha died in December, 1873, aged ten years; Sarah Adella died June, 1872, aged one year. Mr. Boyle is politically a Democrat. He is a Master and Royal Arch Mason, and has filled all the stations in his lodge.

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

Jonathan Boyles, one of the first settlers of Concord Township, was born in Knox County, Ohio, Feb. 12, 1815, a son of John and Nancy (Merritt) Boyles, the former a native of West Virginia, son of Jonathan Boyles, of English and Irish descent, and the latter a daughter of Moses Merritt, of Irish and Welsh descent. In 1825 his parents moved to Morrow County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. His father being in feeble health, he was obliged to take charge of the family, and before he was twenty-one years old had cleared and fenced sixty acres of land and built a good house. He was married Feb.25, 1836, to Elizabeth Oliver, daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Alman) Oliver. In the fall of 1836 his house and all its contents were destroyed by fire. Soon after he left home and came to De Kalb County, Ind., and entered eighty acres of land on section 17, Concord Township, and again began to make a home. He returned to Ohio, and in August, 1837, moved his family to their new home. In company with Henry Brown and family, Isaac Brown and family, his father and mother, grandmother Knight, James Herrod and son James, in all sixteen in the company, with two wagons with three horses to each, they were eleven days on the way, camping out nights and cutting their roads through the unbroken forest. On arriving in the vicinity of Brunersburg the company stopped at the cabin of a pioneer to water their teams. There was no door to the cabin, a quilt serving its purpose. His father and James Herrod went to the door and pulling aside the quilt found no one at home, but discovered a quantity of meat hanging from the walls. They concluded it to be venison, and thought they could not go on without a supply. Securing what they thought sufficient for their purpose, they deposited money to pay for it on the table. After traveling a few miles they met a man and his wife, who, upon inquiry, they learned were the owners of the cabin, who informed them that it was part of an ox that had broken his neck by turning the yoke. Pursuing their journey, they arrived at their destination on Saturday, the first day of September, 1837. Having no house, they stopped at the cabins of David and Michael Knight, who had preceded them with their families. Within one week after they arrived twelve out of the sixteen were down sick with the ague, including the entire family of Mr. Boyles. He had a chill each day for sixty-three days. He had but $10, and sold forty acres of his land, and had built a cabin about twelve feet square. His wife and her small brother sawed timber and split it in shape, laid the floor, chinking and daubing the best they could; they then carried him to it, he being now afflicted with dropsy. Their only window was a log sawed out with sticks crossed in it and greased paper pasted over them. The door was made the same way, with a quilt hung over it. During the winter his wife cleared five acres of ground up to trees of one foot, the tender twigs serving as the only feed by which he wintered two cows and one horse. By the month of April, 1838, their scanty supplies were exhausted, and he, in company with three others, secured a pirogue and started for Fort Wayne down the St. Joe River, without a cent of money, in quest of food for their starving families, leaving them to subsist for four days upon one meal of thickened milk and a few dried pumpkins. They applied to Thomas Swaney for corn, who, upon finding they had no money, refused to supply their wants. They then applied to Col. Spencer, who, after inquiring their names, and where they were from, and the amount of their probable wants, directed them to “go down the Maumee River six miles, shell what they wanted, and pay me seventy-five cents a bushel when you can. And if any of your neighbors are in need, they shall not starve while I have anything to supply them with.” They lived upon parched corn while away from their families. During his absence on this expedition, the wolves surrounded his house at night, fighting his dog. Mrs. Boyles sallied forth armed with a fire shovel, and with the assistance of the dog drove them away. He has undergone all the hardships and privations of pioneer life, but by persistent effort has accumulated a good property, having a pleasant home where he has now lived forty-eight years. His wife died Feb. 165, 1849. They had a family of seven children, four of whom are living---Nancy C., Martha J., Newton, and Emma. The three eldest are deceased---John and William (twins) died in infancy, and Artemus, while a soldier in the war of the Rebellion. June 30,1850, Mr. Boyles was married to Susan Rummel, and to them have been born three children---Maggie M., Anna Eliza, and Elnora M. Mrs. Boyles died Feb. 10, 1870. In politics Mr. Boyles was formerly a Democrat, but since the war has affiliated with the Republican party. He has been an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church for nearly half a century, and assisted in the organization of the first Methodist church in the township.

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

Joseph Bradley, deceased, was born in New Lisbon, Ohio, Oct. 26, 1815, a son of William Bradley, a native of Ireland. When he was five years old he went with his mother to Maryland, and soon after to Belleville, Washington Co., Pa. When nineteen years of age he came West as far as Ohio and located in Wayne County, and a few years later moved to Defiance County. April 18, 1854, he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled on section 32, Stafford Township, where he opened a farm and made for himself a home, remaining here till death, Oct. 20, 1865. He was married Jan. 2, 1838, to Mary E. Tharp, daughter of Isaac Tharp. To them were born nine children, seven of whom are living---Mary J., Melissa, William, Sarah, Margaret, Mandana and Zelma. Elmer and Caroline are deceased. Elmer married Louisa Johnson and left a son, Franklin, who lives with his Grandmother Bradley. Mary J. is the wife of John McCollough, of Bryan, Ohio, and has six children---Scott, Bertha, Charles, Nelia, John and Estella. Melissa is the wife of Ryer McDonald, and has nine children---James A., Elmer, Laura, Bertha, Ida, Frank, Dea, Minnie, Hattie. William, of Butler County, Kas., married Mary E. Smith, and has two children---Frank L. and an infant son. Sarah is the wife of Wilson Headley. Margaret is the wife of Ephraim Allen, of Defiance County, Ohio, and has five children---Darius, Mary, Gertrude, E.C. and an infant. Mandana is the wife of Sumner Rose, and Zelma of David Ball, both of De Kalb County.

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

HARRY K. BRANDEBERRY. It is remarkable how many of the farmers of Steuben County are the sons of farmers, this region giving to the state some of the best agriculturists because they have been trained in their line of work from boyhood, and have always been interested in it. One of the men who comes under this classification is Harry K. Brandeberry, whose father was one of the early settlers of Steuben County and a farmer in Richland Township, where the son now resides. Harry K. Brandeberry was born in Richland Township July 6, 1877, a son of Isaac and Thressa (Thompson) Brandeberry. The father was born in Carroll County, Ohio, July 20, 1833. He was married in Williams County, Ohio, his wife having been born there, February 12, 1840, although in the meanwhile he had come to Steuben County in 1854, securing land in the woods in Richland Township. On this he built a log cabin and cleared off his land. Although he had left home and become self-supporting when only thirteen years old, he prospered and became a man of considerable means, at his death, September 14, 1909, owning two farms of 140 acres of land and property in Angola. In addition to farming he bought and sold considerable farm land, but in his later years lived in retirement in Angola. His wife died many years before him, passing away April 16, 1885. They had the following children: Olive, who is the widow of Bruce Garwood; W. C. who is a farmer of Richland Township; Edna, who is the wife of S. C. Hammond, a son of Dr. A. Hammond; and Harry K., whose name heads this review. Mrs. Brandeberry was an earnest member of the Christian Church. Harry K. Brandeberry attended the public and high schools at Angola, being graduated from the latter May 28, 1892, and he later was a student for several terms at the Tri-State College at Angola. In 1902 Mr. Brandeberry moved on his present farm in Richland Township, since which time he has erected a comfortable residence, and he is carrying on general farming and stock raising. He also owns another farm of fifty acres in Richland Township. In politics he is a republican. His fraternal connections are with Metz Lodge, Knights of Pythias, the third largest order in the county, which has a fine hall of its own. On March 1, 1902, Mr. Brandeberry was married in Richland Township to Miss Ina Gasser, who was born in Scott Township November 20, 1881, a daughter of Frederick and Charlotte (Tuttle) Gasser, and granddaughter of Benedict Gasser, whose biography appears elsewhere in this work. Frederick Gasser and his wife are now living in comfortable retirement at Angola, but were formally farming people of considerable prominence in Scott Township. They had two children, namely: Lena, who is the wife of John Carson, of Angola; and Ina, who is Mrs. Brandeberry. Mr. and Mrs. Brandeberry have one son, Harold Kelly, who was born October 11, 1903, is now attending Metz High School. He and his mother belong to the Christian Church. Mr. Brandeberry is a man of sterling worth and stands well in public esteem. His family is an old and honored one in the county, as is that of Mrs. Brandeberry, and their connections are many in this part of the state.

Submitted by: Kathleen Hamman
DeKalb County, Indiana 1920 History by W. H. McIntosh
Published by The Lewis Publishing Company, Chicago and New York, 1920.

Captain J. C. Brand is a native of Ashland County, Ohio, born Jan. 8, 1844, a son of William and Matilda (Cline) Brand, his father a native of New Jersey, and his mother of Pennsylvania. His parents were married in Ohio, and in 1849 moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and here he was reared and educated. Oct. 1, 1862, he enlisted in the Second Indiana Cavalry; was in camp at Indianapolis about six weeks, and then started for the South; participated in the battles of Resaca, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Buzzard’s Roost, Chattanooga, Atlatnta, march to the sea, and West Point, where he fires his last shot at the rebels. The command was ordered to Macon, Ga., but before reaching there heard of Johnston’s surrender. He was on the raid to Tallahassie, Fla.; from there marched to Nashville, where he was mustered out July 22, and was discharged July 28, 1865. He was in the service nearly three years, and was always a brave, intrepid soldier, never shrinking from any duty imposed on him. His most trying experience was while with General McCook on Stoneman’s raid. He, with five others, was sent to tear up a railroad, and while crossing the Tallahatchie River he lost his horse and was cut off by the raid. They took to the woods, and were eleven days before they joined their command. The first five days they did not have a thing to eat. On the morning of the fifth day they got some corn bread and meat at a Negro’s shanty, and from that time till they joined the command had very little to eat. They were completely used up and nearly starved to death. After the close of the war he returned to De Kalb County, and has since been identified with her interests. He is a Republican in politics, and for two yeas was Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff Leas. He was married July 3, 1866, to Ann Amstutz, a native of Wanye County, Ohio. They have three children---Onie E., Gertrude M. and Frank D. He is Captain of Company A, Waterloo Rifles, Indiana Legion; is a member of Waterloo City Lodge, No. 307, F. & A. M. and Post No. 52 G.A.R., of which he is Junior Vice-Commander.

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

Isaac B. Brandon, farmer, was born near Canton, Stark Co., Ohio, May 12, 1836, a son of John and Mary (Beard) Brandon. In June, 1849, his parents moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled on what is now the Brandon farm, joining Auburn on the west. With the exception of about six months that he was clerking in Auburn he lived with his parents till 1862, assisting his father in work on the farm. After his marriage he moved to a farm he owned in Richland Township, and lived there till the fall of 1873, when he moved to the old homestead. In the fall of 1874 he and his brother, Silas J., went to Nebraska with the intention of buying land and locating, but in their absence the father was taken sick, and upon his return he settled permanently on the old homestead. Mr. Brandon is a good manager, a practical farmer and a successful business man. He has never aspired to official honors preferring a quiet business life. While in Richland Township he was elected Justice of the Peace, but did not qualify. He was married March, 20, 1862, to Barbara A. Kutzner, a native of Canton, Ohio, daughter of Isaac Kutzner. They have seven children---Alva, farmer of Union Township; Ira, Orin, Asa, Ulla, Myron and Artie, at home.

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

Moses Brandon is a native of Stark County, Ohio, born Oct. 25, 1824, the youngest of ten children of James and Sarah (Campbell) Brandon, natives of Virginia. His father died in Stark County, and the mother afterward moved with her family to Columbiana County, where she died. Moses Brandon was engaged in contracting and manufacturing brick in Ohio. In 1840 he bought 130 acres of land in De Kalb County, and in 1856 came to the county and began clearing the timber and cultivating it. He has erected good buildings and cleared ninety acres. For many years he and his brother Alexander lived together and kept bachelor’s hall, but since the death of his brother in the summer of 1875, he has hired a family to keep house for him. He has been a successful farmer, and has accumulated a good property. In addition to his farm he owns 202 acres of land in Stark County, Ohio.

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

Silas J. Brandon, Treasurer of De Kalb County, Ind., was born in Plain Township, Stark Co., Ohio, Dec. 29, 1840, a son of John and Mary Brandon. In 1849 he came with his parents to Indiana and settled on a farm near Auburn, De Kalb County, where he lived till manhood. In 1864 he was married to Miss Maria Garver, of Auburn. He then carried on his father’s farm till 1869, when he purchased a tract of wild land, which he improved, and it is now his fine farm in Jackson Township. In 1878 he was elected Trustee of his township; was re-elected in 1880, serving four years. In the fall of 1884 he was elected on the Democratic ticket, Treasurer of De Kalb County, a position he is filling with efficiency. Mr. and Mrs. Brandon have had five children; but four are living---Clement V., Clyde, Bertha G. and John. Nora G. died July 2, 1876, aged nine months.

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

William Bratton, deceased, was born in Williams County, Ohio, May 19, 1838, a son of John Bratton, of Edgerton, Ohio. He was a farmer by occupation, and an esteemed and honored citizen. He was married Oct. 30, 1861, to Mary J. Houlton, daughter of Francis and Evaline Houlton, of Franklin Township, De Kalb County. He settled in Edgerton, Ohio, residing there till his death, Oct. 2, 1865. Mrs. Bratton then returned to her father’s home where she has since lived. The homestead contains 160 acres of valuable land, and is superintended by George A. Young, a native of Atchison County, Vt., born Jan. 27, 1852, a son of Horace and Electa Young, who moved to Michigan in 1863. He has had charge of the Houlton homestead since August, 1878, soon after the death of Mr. Houlton. Mrs. Bratton has had two children, but one of whom is living---John. She has an adopted daughter, Sarah Sewell.

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

Henry E. Braun, proprietor of Braun’s meat market, Waterloo, Ind. was born in Saxony, Germany, Feb. 28, 1831. He was reared and educated in his native country, and when eighteen years of age entered the German army and served two years and seven months. In August, 1852, he came to the United Stated; landed in New York, and thence proceeded to Licking County, Ohio. He soon after settled in Fort Wayne, Ind., where he remained till 1870, when he removed to Waterloo. He has been engaged in his present line of business since coming to this country, and has met with a successful patronage. He was married in Fort Wayne to Margaret Heath. They have had four children; but three are living---Katie, William and George. Mr. Braun is a member of the Knights of Honor. In politics he has affiliated with the Democratic party till the campaign of 1884, when he voted for St. John, the Prohibition candidate for President. His sons are also strong advocates of temperance and prohibition. Mr. and Mrs. Braun 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.

Jacob Brechbill was born in Bedford County, Pa., Sept. 2, 1832, the second son of Martin and Barbara (Guyer) Brechbill, natives of Pennsylvania, of German origin. In 1834 his parents moved to Indiana County, Pa., where he was reared and educated. In 1854 he moved with his parents to Stark County, Ohio, where he assisted his father till his marriage, and then rented land till 1862, when he moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought the farm in Keyser Township, where he has since lived. His first purchase was eighty acres, and that only partially improved. He went bravely to work and cleared his land, and has from time to time made additions to it till he now owns 370 acres. He was married Feb. 3, 1859, to Sarah Ober, a native of Bedford County, Pa., who moved to Stark county, Ohio, with her parents, John and Nancy (Becktel) Ober, when fifteen years of age. They have had eight children: but six are living---Martin, John, Nancy, Lizzie, Sarah Ann, and Mary J. Cora A. and Francis C. are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Brechbill are members of the United Brethren church. Politically he is a Republican.

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

Edwin D. Briggs, of the firm Briggs & Co., grocers, Butler Ind., was born in Jefferson County, N.Y., Dec. 4, 1854, a son of Clark Briggs, a native of the same county. He was reared and educated in his native county, receiving a good education in the common schools. He worked at cheese-making several years, and in 1878 left his native county and removed to Wood County, Ohio, where he was employed in the general store of C.E. Palmer & Co., of Bairdstown, about four years. He then, in company with his brother, Myron C., bought out his employers and carried on the business successfully three years. He than sold his interest to his brother and William A. Jones, who still carry on the business. He formed a partnership with Morrison Brunstetter, and bought a stock of groceries, confectionery, etc. In April, 1885, remove to Butler, where they are enterprising young men, and keep a full line of everything in their manner, their fair dealing an attentive treatment of customers has won for them many friends.

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

Prof. Frank A. Brink, teacher in the grammar school, Butler, Ind., was born in Richland County, Ohio, March 2, 1855, a son of Peter S. Brink, of Lorain County, Ohio. He was reared on a farm, but received a good education, and graduated from the college at Plymouth, Ohio, in 1876, with high honors, being the valedictorian of his class. He began teaching in 1870 in the district schools of Richland County, and with the exception of the year he was in college has devoted his attention to that calling. He commenced the study of law in Ohio, and in 1879 was admitted to the bar. He came to Butler in 1879, and has been employed in the schools of the place. He uses many of the latest and best approved normal methods, and is a very successful instructor and disciplinarian. In addition to his school duties he has given some attention to his profession, practicing in Whitley and De Kalb counties. He was married Jan. 26, 1882, to Jennie, daughter of Andrew Baxter, of Franklin Township. They have two children---John and George. Mr. Brink 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.

Burton Brown, son of Henry and Aseneth (Knight) Brown, was born in Marion County, Ohio, Aug. 23, 1832, and was about five years of age when his parents moved to De Kalb County. He was reared on the farm, receiving his education in the district schools. He was married April 15, 1855, to Harriet J. Squiers, a native of Sandusky County, Ohio, born Oct. 4, 1836, a daughter of William A. and Susan (Wyatt) Squiers, early settlers of the county. Her mother died Aug. 12, 1863, and her father now makes her house his home. He is eighty-six years of age, and with the exception of some of the infirmities of old age, is in the enjoyment of good health. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have had a family of nine children---William H., Sidney Susan, Phebe Dorcas, Stephen B., John (died at the age of seven years) and Russell W. Mr. Brown has a pleasant home on section 2. He has been successful financially, and by his upright dealing has gained the confidence of his fellow-townsmen. In 1881 he was obliged to have his left leg amputated as the effects of a fever sore, and is now obliged to live retired from active farm life, although he still superintends the work.

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

Henry Brown was born in Knox County, Ohio, and in 1837 came with his family, consisting of a wife and three children, from Marion County, Ohio, to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled on section 11, Jackson Township. The next winter he was obliged to go seventy miles for corn, for which he paid $1 a bushel. He improved a farm of eighty acres, residing here till his death. He married Aseneth Knight in Ohio, and to them were born six children, three in Ohio---Burton; Leander, died Oct. 2, 1871; Mary Ann, died Sept. 22, 1840; two died in infancy, and Milas, born July 15, 1839. Mrs. Brown died July 23, 1844, in the thirty-fourth year of her age. In 1847 Mr. Brown married Agnes Cooper, and to them were born six children---Samaria, wife of P.C. Wyrick; Samuel, Amaziah, Henry C., Dinah and Levi. Mrs. Brown died Oct. 17, 1872, aged forty years, and Mr. Brown March 18, 1879, aged sixty-nine years. The tornado that swept over the country in 1841 entirely destroyed Mr. Brown’s house. The little son Milas, and a little cousin, a child of William Munroe, were the only occupants of the house at the time. A bread-trough made of half a log scooped out stood on the end, and the door, which was torn from its hinges, feel over and rested on the trough directly over the children. This was covered with the debris. When this was dug away and an opening mad, the eldest one immediately asked, “Can we come out now?”

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

Devolzo Bruce, an honored and respected farmer of Keyser Township, was born in Cayuga County, N.Y., May 9, 1824, a son of Ezra and Anna (Glazier) Bruce, His father a native of New York, and his mother of Massachusetts. When he was a child his parents moved to Erie County, Pa., and about 1840 to Noble County, Ind., where his father died in 1854. In his boyhood Mr. Bruce learned the carpenter’s trade, and followed it till within a few years, although at the same time he devoted the summer seasons to agricultural pursuits. In 1855 he moved to De Kalb County and settled on section 8, Keyser Township, where he owns ninety acres of choice land all under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Bruce was married Oct. 3, 1850, to Sarah M. Clark, daughter of Henry Clark, who came from New York to De Kalb county, Ind., in 1841. They have three children---Charles E., Henry C. and Jennie. Politically, Mr. Bruce affiliates with the Republican party.

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

Jesse M. Brumback, one of the successful pioneers of Fairfield Township, is a native of Ohio, born in Huron County, April 2, 1823, a son of Daniel and Sarah (Culp) Brumback. He remained with his parents till his majority, and then engaged in framing in his native county, till October, 1846, when he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and began clearing 160 acres f heavily timbered land in Fairfield Township. His means were limited, but by industry and frugality he was successful, and has now 200 acres of fine land, and has given his son a farm of 123 acres. His residence and farm buildings are among the best in the county. Mr. Brumback was married April 7, 1850, to Melissa J. Showers, daughter of Solomon Showers, of Richland Township. They had a family of three children, but two of whom are living---Celia R., wife of John E. Walters, and Edward M. Cornelia J. is deceased. Mrs. Brumback died March 9, 1855, and Nov. 2, 1856, Mr. Brumback married Lucinda Gloid, a native of Richland County, Ohio, daughter of Samuel and Rebecca (Smith) Gloid. In politics Mr. Brumback is a Democrat. He served his township as Magistrate, a short time, and in 1862 was elected County Clerk and served three years.

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

Hiram Brundage, deceased, was born in Ontario County, N.Y., Nov. 15, 1822, and died at his home near Butler, Ind., March 10, 1880. He removed with his parents to Erie County, Ohio, in 1833, and there grew to manhood. In 1845 he came to Indiana and located in Allen County, and in 1848 came to De Kalb County. He learned the carpenter’s trade when in Ohio, and made that his principal vocation through life. He was married Jan. 21, 1847, to Lousia A. Roberts, a native of Ontario County, N.Y., daughter of Collins Roberts, who came to Indiana in 1838, and located in Wilmington Township, De Kalb County. At that time the howl of the wolf was heard in the forest, and a few Indians remained here and there who frequently visited the homes of the white settlers. Mrs. Brundage was one of the early school teacher of the county. To Mr. and Mrs. Brundage were born six children; four are living---Mary, Lottie, and Calista and Celesta (twins). Mary is teacher of the A, Primary Department, of the Butler Schools; Lottie is also a well-known teacher of the county; Calista is the wife of Hiram McCollough, and Celesta remains at home with her mother. Mr. Brundage had been a member of some branch of the Christian church for thirty-seven years, the last twenty-five years of his life being a member of the United Brethren church. Mrs. Brundage and her daughters are also members of the United Brethren church. She has been a Christian for many years, and was a teacher in the first Sunday-school organized in Newville, where she resided for several years.

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

Jacob Brunner, farmer and stock-raiser, section 4, Troy Township, is a native of Stark County, Ohio, born July 30, 1837, the eldest of eight children of Ulrich and Mary M. (Durler) Brunner. His father was a native of Switzerland, and came to America in 1832, settling in Stark County, and subsequently moved to Tuscarawas County, and in the fall of 1852 to De Kalb County, Ind., and died in Troy Township in 1861. He was twice married, having four children by the first marriage, three of whom are living---Ulrich, Christian and Peter. Of the eight children born to him by his second wife, but five are living---Jacob, Caroline, David, Sarah A. and Susan, all residents of De Kalb County except Caroline, who lives in Wyandotte County, Ohio. Jacob Brunner was reared a farmer, and also learned the mason’s trade which he has followed at intervals. In 1865 he settled on the farm where he now lives, which was then heavily timbered, the only improvements being a log house and well. He now owns sixty acres of well-improved land, with valuable and convenient farm buildings. He was married Jan. 5, 1862, to Mary E. Reese, daughter of Hambright Reese, who settled in this township in 1846. She is the second of five children, and the only daughter. Her brothers are: Benjamin F., of Ionia County, Mich.; John, of Crawfordsville, Ind.; George, of this township; and David, of Pleasant Lake, Steuben County. To Mr. and Mrs. Brunner have been born five children---Ettie E., Ada S., J. Marian, Melvin H. and Adda. They are active and influential members of the United Brethren church.

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

Morrison Brunstetter, of the firm Briggs & Co., grocers and provision dealers, Butler, Ind., was born in Mahoning County, Ohio, Sept. 9, 1855, a son of Levi Brunsetter, deceased. He was reared and educated in his native county, when eighteen years of age began to learn the carpenter’s trade, at which he worked till the fall of 1884, with the exception of two years, when he was engaged in cabinet-making and undertaking in Bairdstown, Ohio, having moved to that place in 1873. In April 1885, he came to Butler, Ind., in company with Edwin D. Briggs, they having previously bought a stock of groceries and confectionery. They have paid strict attention to their business since coming to Butler, and have built up a good trade. Mr. Brunsetetter was married in March, 1879, to Miss Ollie E. Bailey, daughter of Jacob Bailey, of Wood County, Ohio. They have one child---Jessie Ionia. Mr. Brunstetter is a member of the Odd Fellows’ order, an organization in which he takes a great interest.

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

David Buchanan was born in Chester County, Pa., Nov. 6, 1800, the eldest of six children. When he was about one year old his parents moved to Washington County, Pa., and four years later removed across the State line into Brooke County, W. Va., where they remained until the fall of 1815. They then moved to what was Wayne County, Ohio, now Holmes County, which was at that time almost an unbroken wilderness. Indians roamed the county and wild game was very plenty. John Buchanan, the father of our subject, purchased and settled on a tract of land on a small stream called Paint Creek and improved it, and other farms were opened up about the same time or soon after. After residing there about four years they built a small woolen factory and carded wool for their neighbors, and also scrutched flour by water-power in the same building. David Buchanan learned to card wool, and followed the business a few years. His means of gaining an education were very limited. His father was a very good scholar for that time, and taught school among the neighbors. Being very apt he became well versed in orthography, penmanship, arithmetic and surveying. He taught school a few terms, and followed surveying in connection with his farming for twenty-five years. He settled up a great many estates in his life time. He was married to Lydia Tribby, Sept. 23, 1824, by Samuel Spencer, a Justice of the Peace, and soon after his marriage built a log cabin in the woods on a title of 100 acres of heavily timbered land in Monroe Township, Holmes County, Ohio, and some fifteen years later bought the land of the original owner. They lived in the log cabin nearly twenty-eight years, and there their children were all born. They had seven sons and one daughter. Six of the children are living. James G. died June 11, 1852, aged twenty-three years, six months and five days; Elmira died Jan. 8, 1842, aged fourteen months and seven days. Mr. Buchanan was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace in 1838 as a Whig in a strong Democratic township, and filled the office with credit to himself and to the township, and came within a few votes of being re-elected. He visited Indiana several times from 1847 to 1854 to see the country and buy land, and purchased six eighty-acre tracts in Fairfield Township, De Kalb County. He moved to this land in October, 1854, and his surviving children all came with him or soon after. Here he remained till death. He was a firm Republican from the organization of the party till his death. He was elected to the office of County Commissioner in this county in October, 1859, and held the office one term or three years. Lydia Tribby Buchanan was born in Loudoun County, Va., May 11, 1802, and is now in the eighty-fourth year of her age. She has been a hard worker, a good manager, and a kind, indulgent mother and an affectionate wife. Her many acts of neighborly kindness have endeared her to the hearts of legions of friends. An earnest, active Christian, she has been identified with the church fifty years. Her parents moved to Wayne County, Ohio, in October, 1816, with seven children. They each lived to be about eighty years old, and their children all survived them except one.

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

David Buchanan, deceased, was born in Washington County, Pa., in 1815, a son of John and Ann (Adams) Buchanan. He was a wagon-maker by trade at which he worked in Brooke County, W. Va., till 1846, when he moved to Ashland County, Ohio, and engaged in agricultural pursuits till the spring of 1853, when he moved to DeKalb County, Ind., and bought forty acres of partially-improved land. He died July 25, 1855, leaving his wife with a family of small children to rear in a new country, and among strangers. He was married March 21, 1839, to Elizabeth McGee, daughter of Alexander and Ruth (Talbot) McGee, and to them were born four children---Reason, Florence, Lucinda and Samantha. Reason and Lucinda are deceased. The former enlisted in the defense of the Union in September, 1862, in Company A, One Hundredth Indiana Infantry, and died Jan. 30, 1864, from disease contracted in the service. Mrs. Buchanan went bravely to work after the death of her husband, and, with the help of her sons, improved her farm and made a comfortable home for her family. She reared her children to lives of usefulness, and fitted them for honorable positions in society.

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

Florance Buchanan, farmer and stock-raiser, Concord Township, was born in Brooke County, W. Va., Dec. 24, 1841, the second son of David and Elizabeth (McGee) Buchanan. When seventeen years of age he went to Auburn to learn the cabinet-maker’s trade, at which he served an apprenticeship of two and a half years. Sept.5, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, thirteenth Indiana Infantry, and participated in many hard-fought battles. He was wound at the battle of Shiloh and was discharged for four months. Joining his regiment, he participated in the battle of Chickamauga and the Atlanta campaign. He was captured and was at Andersonville prison thirty days. He was discharged Oct. 15, 1864, having served a little more than three years. After his return home he worked at his trade a short time, and then at the carpenter’s trade four years. In the fall of 1871 he opened a cabinet-shop and furniture store in Auburn, in company with Wm. E. Rush, but five years later sold his interest and moved to a farm in Concord Township, where he lived till the fall of 1880, when he bought the farm where he now lives, which contains about eighty-five acres of improved land. He was married March 21, 1870, to Mary D. Rush, daughter of William E. Rush, of Auburn. They have three children---Harry L., Martha E. and Florance J. Mr. Buchanan is a member of John C. Carns Post, No. 144, G.A.R. He and his wife and one daughter, are members of the Protestant Methodist 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.

George M. Buchanan, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, March 19, 1838, the sixth son of David and Lydia (Tribby) Buchanan. He received his early education in the schools of his native county, completing it at the Auburn High School. He was sixteen years of age when his parents came to De Kalb County, and the most of his time subsequent, till manhood, was spent in assisting his father. He was surveyor of De Kalb County from August, 1861, till Aug. 19, 1862, when he enlisted in Company A, One Hundredth Indiana Infantry, and participated in many hard fought battles, among the more important being the siege of Vicksburg, Atlanta campaign, and those incident to Sherman’s march to the sea. At Griswoldville, Ga., Nov. 22, 1864, he was wounded in the left shoulder and disabled for further field duty. He was then assigned duty in the hospital, joining his regiment at Alexandria at the close of the war and accompanying it to Washington, where he was in the line at the grand review of the army, and was discharged Jun. 9, 1865, and mustered out at Indianapolis June 19, 1865. Returning to De Kalb County he engaged in farming, and the following spring bought the farm he now owns. He was married April 19, 1866, to Margaret Kreger, a native of Holmes County, Ohio, daughter of Thomas Kreger. September, 1882, he went to Tennessee, and engaged in the furniture and undertaking business successfully till November, 1884. Aug. 8, 1884, his wife died, and he then sold out his business and prepared to return to his old home in De Kalb County. He has one daughter, Lydia I. Mr. Buchanan and his daughter are members of the United Brethren church, as was also his wife. 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 Buchanan, farmer and stock-raiser, Fairfield Township, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, July 14, 1826, the eldest of seven children of David and Lydia (Tribby) Buchanan, the former a native of Chester County, Pa., and the latter of Loudoun County, Va., and early settlers of Holmes County. He was reared in his native county, remaining with his parents till manhood. He married Sept. 1, 1853, to Emily Burns, a native of Holmes County, Ohio, daughter of James and Margaret (Stuart) Burns. In November, 1855, Mr. Buchanan moved to De Kalb County, Ind. Where his parents had moved the year before, and settled on 160 acres of wild land. In addition to clearing and improving his farm, he worked at the carpenter’s trade, and also taught school during the winter for six years. He has been successful, and now has 312 acres of valuable land and his improvements are among the best in the township. To Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan have been born three children, but two of whom are living---Amina, wife of Dr. J.W. Squires, of Whitley County, Ind., and James, who married Millie Tucker, and lives in this township. In politics Mr. Buchanan is an uncompromising Republican. He was one of the organizers of the County Agricultural Society, and has always been one of its Directors.

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

Leander Buchanan, farmer and stock-raiser, Fairfield Township, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, Oct. 3, 1831, the third son of David and Lydia (Tribby) Buchanan. He remained with his parents till manhood, and in 1854 went to Winchester, Tenn., for health, but came to De Kalb County, Ind., the same fall. When seventeen years of age he took a severe cold, which settled on his lungs, and for several years he was unable to work, and has never fully recovered from its effects. He was married Oct. 18, 1860, to Clara Chilcote, a native of Seneca County, Ohio, daughter of Humphrey and Christiana (Snivley) Chilcote, early settlers of Ohio, who moved to De Kalb County in 1847. After his marriage Mr. Buchanan settled n a farm in Fairfield Township, where he lived two and a half years, and then sold it and bought the one where he now lives, which contains eighty acres of the choicest land in the township, all well cultivated. In 1853 he began to learn the carpenter’s trade and followed it several years in connection with farming. He has always taken an active interest in the public affairs of the county, and has assisted materially in building up all enterprises of benefit to the community. To Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan have been born three children, but one of whom is living---Elmira Ellen. Mary Vienna died at the age of fifteen years, and one died in infancy. In politics Mr. Buchanan 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.

Henry Burkhart, farmer and stock-raiser, section 5, Troy Township, was born in Germany, April 25, 1815, a son of Peter Burkhart. He was reared in his native country and in 1837 came to the United States with his parents and settled in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, where his parents died. About 1844 he moved to Williams County, Ohio, and early in 1859 to De Kalb County, Indiana, and settled on the farm where he now lived, which is carried on by his sons. He owns 110 acres of valuable land under a good state of cultivation. When he started in life for himself he was entirely without means, but went bravely to work, and just as he was getting a good start was laid up several months with a broken leg. This put him back and it was some time before he finally got his land paid for. Although he has had many adverse circumstances to contend with, he has overcome all obstacles, and now has a competency for his old age. He married Mary, daughter of George Nihart, and to them have been born five children---Jacob, Mary, George, Lucinda and Daniel. Mr. Burkhart was reared in the Episcopal church, but is a member of no religious denomination.

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

Christian C. Buss, the eldest of twelve children of Christian and Margaret (Staley) Buss, was born in De Kalb County, Ind., July 2, 1844. He father was a native of canton Berne, Switzerland, and after arriving at manhood came to the United States and located in Ohio, where he married Margaret Staley, also a native of Switzerland. In 1843 he came to De Kalb County and entered eighty acres of land, and then returned to Ohio and moved his family to the new home, making the journey with ox teams. He lived one season on the farm of John Husselman, and then moved to his own land, which he had been preparing in the meantime for his family, erecting a log house and clearing a part of the timber. He made this place his home till his death in 1867. His widow survived him a few years. They had a family of six sons and six daughters, two sons and five daughters are living. Mr. Buss was a graduate of a high school in his native country, and was one of the finest German scholars in the county. He worked at the cooper’s trade in his early life, and later at the carpenter’s trade. He was a skillful mechanic, and many buildings are still standing in De Kalb County as an evidence of his handiwork. C.C. Buss, the subject of our sketch, was reared a farmer, and in his youth learned the art of surveying. His father owned a saw-mill, and when not in school he assisted on the farm and in the mill. He subsequently went to Smithfield Township and ran the Lockhart Mills three years; then returned to Richland Township, where he is now doing a good business, buying and sawing hard wood lumber. His farm contains 120 acres of choice land, all well improved, and is one of the most valuable in the township. He was married March 14, 1866, to Elizabeth, fourth daughter of William and Barbara Park. To them have been born eight children, seven of whom are living - William H., John H., Isaac H., George H., Charles L., Barbara M., and Belle. Eda May died in infancy.

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

Daniel W. Butler, son of David and Elizabeth (Yates) Butler, and twin brother of David C. Butler, was born in Concord Township, Dec. 6, 1842. He was reared on the old homestead and was given a good education at Spencerville. He remained with his parents till manhood, and after attaining his majority took charge of the homestead. He was married Feb. 2, 1871, to Miss Sarah Jane Boots, daughter of John Boots, of Jackson Township, this county. After his marriage he settled on a part of the old homestead where he has since lived, successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is one of the enterprising, public-spirited men of the township, a worthy representative of one of the most esteemed men of the early days of De Kalb County. To him and his wife have been born three children---Frank L., Merritt A., and Audrey Elizabeth. In politics Mr. Butler is a Democrat.

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

David Butler, deceased, one of the most influential and esteemed of the pioneers of DeKalb County, was born in Culpeper County, Va., June 28, 1805, and died in Concord Township September 3, 1884. His father died in Virginia, and when sixteen years of age he accompanied his mother to Pickaway County, Ohio, where he lived till manhood. In 1833 he moved to DeKalb County, and bought sixty acres of land on section 32, Concord Township, which he cleared and improved, and to which he afterward added 160 acres. This farm is now one of the finest in the county. He was one of the first settlers of the county and became one of the most prominent citizens. He held many local offices of trust and responsibility, and always performed the duties of his office in an efficient and satisfactory manner. He had many friends, especially among the early settler, his upright, honorable life being acknowledged by all who knew him. His family consisted of eight children---Ellen, wife of Frederick Row, of Garrett; Irvin, died while a soldier during the war of the Rebellion; Andrew resides in Idaho; Amos, in Kansas; Christiana, wife of James Barber, of Jasper County, Kan.; David and Daniel, twins, and Minerva, wife of John Moody. His wife died March 4, 1877. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church in early life, but later united with the United Brethren church. In politics, he affiliated with the Republican party.

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

David C. Butler, farmer and stock-raiser, a son of David and Elizabeth (Yates) Butler, was born in Concord Township on the farm where he now lives, Dec. 6, 1842. He was reared a farmer, receiving a good education, attending the schools of Spencerville. He was married Oct. 7, 1875, to Miss Sarah J. Keyes, a native of Carroll County, Ohio, daughter of Zephaniah and Fanny Keyes. After his marriage he settled on a part of the old homestead and has since successfully followed agricultural pursuits. He owns fifty acres of valuable land and his residence and farm buildings are among the best in the township. He is one of the enterprising farmers of Concord, and assists liberally every enterprise of benefit to his native county. He is a member of the Odd Fellows’ order, Spencerville Lodge, No 432. In politics he casts his suffrage with the Democratic party. Mrs. Butler 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.

Mrs. Delia Butt, wife of John Butt, of Auburn, De Kalb Co., Ind., was born Nov. 4, 1816, in County of Sussex, England. She was married to John Butt Nov. 16, 1841, and settled with her husband in De Kalb County the following November; shared in the hardships and privations of frontier life without repining, and now in the decline of life, contemplates with pleasing reflections, the vast improvements made in this country of her adoption. She has witnessed its development from a vast forest to its present splendid improvement in agriculture, commerce and wealth; where the wild deer, bear and wolf roamed, now the iron horse of the railroads, rushes through the county, with its steam shriek and rumbling thunder.

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

John Butt, Recorder of De Kalb County, Ind., was born in London, England, Sept. 22, 1816, a son of John and Elizabeth (Tranter) Butt. He was reared and educated in his native country, and in November, 1840 was married to Delia Buss, also of London. In 1841 they came to the United States and settled immediately in Jackson Township, De Kalb County, Ind., where he found employment as teacher in the public schools. In 1842 they moved to Auburn, and he was appointed Deputy by Recorder Samuel W. Sprott. While acting in this capacity he also wrote in the Steuben County, Office for the Recorder Dr. James McConnell. In 1844 he engaged in merchandising in Auburn, a business he followed till 1856, when he became proprietor of the Weaver Hotel that stood on the present site of the Swineford House. In 1865 he moved to Waterloo and was employed as bookkeeper for Jacob Kahn till 1868, when he entered the employ of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad as freight clerk at Waterloo, serving in this capacity till 1870. He then purchased the Butt’s Hotel, Waterloo, and again engaged in the hotel business till 1882, when he was elected Recorder of De Kalb County on the Democratic ticket. Mr. Butt is the father of Freemasonry in De Kalb County, and is also a prominent Odd Fellow. He has held the important offices in his lodge, chapter and commandery, and also in the subordinate lodge and encampment of Odd Fellowship.

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