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

Sebastian Eckart, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Fairfield Township, is a native of Germany, born Nov. 9, 1822, a son of Peter and Eve Eckart. His father died in March, 1830, and the following May his mother with her six children came to the United States and settled in Franklin County, Pa., where he was reared. In 1845 he emigrated to Wayne County, Ohio, and in March, 1855, to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought the land which is now his valuable farm. At that time there were but fifteen acres partially cleared, but now he has 120 acres all under a fine state of cultivation. He was a poor man when he came to De Kalb County, and his present prosperous condition is due to his energy and industry, coupled with good management and frugality. Mr. Eckart was married Dec. 14, 1848, to Susan Cox, a native of Wayne County, Ohio, daughter of Jacob and Jane (Denman) Cox. They have had a family of twelve children, but three of whom are living---Jacob H., William O., and Spencer F. Elizabeth, Francis A., Margaret D., Amiel C., Alice C., Florence E., Luther S.L., Kate, and Eva Bell are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Eckart are members of the Evangelical 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.

Abraham Eakright, farmer and stock-raiser, section 20, Wilmington Township, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, Dec. 30, 1827. His father, Samuel Eakright, was a native of England, an came to America in 1811 and soon after enlisted in the service of the United States, in the war of 1812. He settled in Ohio, and there married Mary Maxwell. In 1836 they moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled in Wilmington Township where he died in 1852. The mother died in 1872. They had a family of thirteen children, five of whom are living---Isaac, Benjamin, John, Abraham and James. When the family first moved to De Kalb County their only neighbors were Indians, and it was eighteen months before Mrs. Eakright saw a white woman. Their children and the Indian children were playmates, and exchanged potatoes, salt, meat and corn-meal for baskets, cranberries, etc. Their trading point was Forth Wayne or Lima, reaching the former place by pirogue on the river. Abraham Eakright was married June, 19, 1851, to Susannah Miller, a native of Cumberland County, Pa., daughter of Joel Miller. They have five children---John J., Sarah A., Edward W., Mary Ann and Ellsworth A. Mr. Eakright owns a good farm of ninety acres which is well-improved, with a pleasant residence and comfortable farm-buildings. 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.

Edward Eldridge has been a resident of Auburn since 1852, coming here from Fort Wayne, Ind. He was born in Sussex, England, March 24, 1826. When fifteen years of age he left his parents and emigrated to the United States. He landed in New York City, where he remained and was variously employed three years, when, in 1844, he came to Indiana and located in Fort Wayne, and there worked at the carpenter and cabinet-maker's trades till 1852. He then came to Auburn and worked at the cabinet-maker's trade till 1861. Since 1861 he has been engaged in either the grocery or saloon business. At present he is running a saloon. He was married Jan. 15, 1861, to Salinda McDowell, of Auburn. They have two children---Jenkenson, a compositor in the Republican office, and James D., a tailor of Auburn.

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

T.J. Eldridge was born in Sandusky County, Ohio, April 9, 1835, the only son of Benjamin and Ellen (Hite) Eldridge, natives of Ohio, of English and German descent. His mother died when he was five months old. When he was fourteen years old he began to work by the month for farmers, and when eighteen years of age began to work at the carpenter's trade, which he followed fourteen years. In the meantime the Rebellion broke out, and May 2, 1864, he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Ohio Infantry, and served till Sept. 4, 1864. In 1866 he came to De Kalb County, and settled in Richland Township on land he had bought in 1858. Here he has since resided, engaged in agricultural pursuits. Mr. Eldridge was married March 31, 1859, to Mahala Kenan, of Sandusky, Ohio. To them have been born six children, but three of whom are living---Benjamin F., Ann M. and Oliver P. The deceased are Henrietta, Ida M. and Emeline. Politically Mr. Eldridge is a Republican.

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

Richard Elson D.D.S., Auburn, Ind., was born in Stark County, Ohio, Oct. 28, 1839, a son of Thomas W. and Ann (Baker) Elson. When he was about a year old his parents moved to New Pittsburg, Wayne Co., Ohio, where he was reared, remaining with them till manhood. In September, 1861, he enlisted at Wooster, Ohio, in company C, Sixteenth Ohio Infantry, and served till 1864. He participated in the battle of Cumberland Gap, and at the charge made at Chickasaw Bayou, near Vicksburg, by General Sherman, in December, 1862, was seriously wounded, and was sent to the hospital at Paducah, Ky. After his recovery he was detailed Hospital Steward at St. Mark's Hospital, Paducah, and remained there till discharged at the expiration of his term of service. While in the service he was commissioned Second Lieutenant of the Eighth United States Heavy Artillery by General Thomas, but declined to serve on account of poor health. After his discharge he returned to New Pittsburg, and the following winter taught school. In the spring of 1865 he came to Auburn and engaged in the drug business till 1868, when he began the study of dentistry under Dr. W.K. Simpson, and practiced at Auburn till 1883, when he took a course of lectures at the Indiana Dental College, Indianapolis, graduating as D.D. S., march 5, 1884. While there he was appointed Demonstrator in the operative department. He is now permanently located in Auburn, where he is reaping the reward of a well-established professional reputation. In April, 18567, he married Helen Alda Alling, of Auburn, a granddaughter of Wylys Griswold, one of the oldest pioneers of De Kalb County, by whom she was reared. They have one son---Francis Alling, born June 21, 1870. Dr. Elson is a member of De Kalb Lodge, No 214, F. & A.M., and De Long Post, No. 67, G.A.R. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church, of which he is one of the Board of Trustees.

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

Jonas Emanuel, M.D., is the oldest practicing physician of DeKalb County. He was born in Hardin County, Va., April 15, 1818, a son of Jacob and Mary (Kimball) Emanuel, the former a native of Germany, and the later of Virginia of German descent. When he was about ten years old his parents moved to Fayette County, Ohio, where they died. In 1840 he began the study of medicine with Dr. Thomas MacGorough, a prominent physician of old Chillicothe, and remained with him three years. He took his first course of lectures at Cincinnati, and graduated from the Ft. Wayne Medical College. He began the practice of his profession at Franconia, Putnam Co., Ohio. And Dec. 19, 1843, came to DeKalb County he has traveled about 150,000 miles, the greater part of it on horseback. He was for several years the only physician of this part of the county, and his labors were necessarily very laborious, often having to go miles through the dense forest, and being obliged to carry a hickory torch to see his way. He has been successful in his practice and not only has acquired a good property, but has endeared himself to the hearts of the people, especially of the old settlers, with whom he shared their privations and difficulties, never refusing on any account to attend one who needed his services. In February, 1880, Dr. Emanuel took his honorary degree at Ft. Wayne College. He is a member of the Allen County Medical Association. He was married Dec. 25, 1842, to Esther Hawley, daughter of Richard Hawley, and to them three children were born---Mary E., wife of A.C. Taylor, of Kansas; Charles E., an attorney of Auburn, and Appelles D., who was making a good record as a physician in Ohio, and in 1876 died of Typhoid fever, aged thirty-two years, leaving a widow and three children. Mrs. Emanuel died Sept. 28, 1850 and May 16, 1852 Dr. Emanuel married Laura E. Coburn, a native of Trumbull County, Ohio, daughter of John Coburn. They had a family of seven children---Angelina, deceased; Anoret and Henry are deceased; Hamilton is a physician of Ohio; Marcus C., an attorney of this county; Ella, wife of Bruce L. Bogorte, and attorney of Dakota; Gerry E., a physician, the youngest man ever graduated from Rush Medical College, Chicago, Ill. Dr. Emanuel lost his wife Nov. 28, 1871, and was again married Jan.21, 1877, to Lucinda Silsbee. He has a fine farm of 200 acres in Concord Township, and one of the pleasantest homes in the county. In politics he was first a Whig, but now is a member or the Republican party.

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

George Emerick, one of the successful pioneers of Fairfield Township, was born in Somerset County, Pa., May 3, 1818, the seventh of nine children of John and Mary (Troutman) Emerick, and grandson to Andrew Emerick (who was a soldier under General Washington) and Peter Troutman, natives of Germany, who came to the United States prior to the war of the Revolution. When our subject was four years old his parents moved to Wayne County, Ohio, and there he grew to manhood, residing with his parents till his majority. He then followed agricultural pursuits for himself till 1851, when he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought 280 acres of heavily timbered land. Here he and his wife commence to make a home for themselves, and though obliged to endure all the privation and inconveniences of pioneer life, they were uncomplaining, having the assurance that the future was one of prosperity. They now have a landed estate of 400 acres and one of the pleasantest homes in the county. Mr. Emerick was married May 4, 1839, to Sarah Guthrie, a native of Richland County, Ohio, daughter of Richard and Mary (Vanscoy) Guthrie, natives of Pennsylvania, of Irish and German descent. To them have been born six children, five of whom are living---Mary J., wife of Solomon Boyer; George W., Peter Alexander, Lucinda Catherine, wife of Benjamin Wilhoit, and Andrew Jackson. Francis M., died aged fire year. In politics Mr. Emerick is a Democrat.

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

Hon. Nicholas Ensley, merchant and banker, Auburn, Ind., was born near Bellview, Seneca Co., Ohio, Feb. 28, 1841. His parents, George and Lydia (Noel) Ensley, moved to Indiana the following November and settled in Butler Township, De Kalb County, where he was reared on a farm, helping his father cut down the forest for three large farms, and received a good education. Nov. 1, 1861, he responded to the call for volunteers by the President to defend the Union against rebel invasion, enlisting in Company K, Forty-fourth Indiana Infantry. He served four years, and was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 14, 1865. For meritorious service he was detailed clerk of the military court at McMinnville, Tenn. In the spring of 1864, after the battle of Chickamauga, he was detailed chief clerk in the Provost office at Chattanooga, and remained there six months. Previous to being detailed provost clerk, he had been promoted to Second Sergeant of his company. In the fall of 1864 he was promoted to Quartermaster-Sergeant, and in the spring of 1865 was commissioned Second Lieutenant of his company K, and from that time till his discharge acted the most of the time as Regimental Quartermaster. After the war he returned De Kalb County and took charge of his father’s farm, the old homestead at Butler Center. In 1872 he was nominated on the Republican ticket as a candidate for Treasurer of De Kalb County. Although his party was largely in the minority, he was elected by a majority of fifty-two votes, and in 1874 was re-elected by 160 votes. He became a resident of Auburn in November, 1872, and has since been identified with her successful and enterprising business men. He has been a member of the Auburn School Board three years, and takes a great interest in educational matters. In the spring of 1877 he engaged in the farm-implement business, discontinuing it in 1884. In January, 1879, he embarked in the general mercantile business and has met with good success. In February, 1882, he assisted in the organization of the Farmers' Bank of Auburn, and is still one of its members. He was elected State Senator to represent De Kalb and Steuben counties, Nov. 4, 1884, on the Republican ticket by a majority of 348. Mr. Ensley was married to Helen, daughter of John A. Ditmars, of De Kalb County. They have five children---Oliver P., Eva Adel, Oscar J., Marion E. and Amber L. He is a member of DeLong Post, No. 67, G.A.R., Auburn, Ind., of which he is Senior Vice-Commander.

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

Edward Erwin, farmer, section 16, Smithfield Township, was born in Stark County, Ohio, in 1838, a son of William Erwin, a native of Pennsylvania, who went to Ohio when a boy, and in 1853 with his wife and five children moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled in Union Township. He bought a partially improved farm and lived in Union Township several years; then removed to Smithfield. Edward Erwin received a good education. He remained on the farm assisting his father till manhood. In 1861 he enlisted in the Second Indiana Cavalry and served three years. His regiment was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga, siege of Corinth, and other important engagements. Since his return home he has engaged in agricultural pursuits, and has a fine farm, with a pleasant residence and good farm buildings. He was married to Elizabeth McEntaffer, daughter of Michael McEntaffer. She was born in Franklin Township, De Kalb County, in 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Erwin have five children---Mary C., Arthur H., Mina, Delilah M. and an infant son.

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

Gilbert G. Everetts, deceased, was born in the State of Pennsylvania, Aug. 25, 1816, a son of Cyrus M. Everetts. He remained in his native State till the fall of 1851, and then came to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled in Franklin township, but soon after moved to section 7, Troy Township, where he improved a farm and lived till his death, which occurred Nov. 2, 1874. He was a most estimable gentleman, and had many friends in the township. He was Justice of the Peace twenty years, and always counseled dissenting parties to settle without law, when it was possible to do so. He was Trustee of his township many years, and in all public affairs used the same thought and carefulness that characterized the management of his personal affairs. He was a devoted member of the Disciples church and was a liberal supporter of the gospel, and also of all charitable institutions, thereby laying up his treasures in heaven. He was married in Pennsylvania to Adeline Enzor, who died, leaving two children, but one of whom is living---Franklin. Nov. 24, 1853, he married Mary C. Haynes, daughter of Asa P. Haynes, who brought his family to De Kalb County and settled in Troy Township in the early part of 1837. To Mr. and Mrs. Everetts were born ten children, seven of whom are living---Martin C., Abraham L., Andrew A., Joseph W., Reuben C., Mary A. and Gilbert C.

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

Abraham Fair, second son of Peter Fair, was born in Frederick County, Md., in 1815. In 1827 his parents moved to Montgomery County, Ohio, and there he grew to manhood and was married in the winter of 1835 to Christena (De Long). Immediately after his marriage he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled on Section 33, Butler Township, where he had previously entered 160 acres of land. He built a small cabin, and cleared and improved his land, adding to his first entry till he owned 313 acres. He was an energetic and successful business man. When he first came to the county his nearest neighbor was three miles distant. He helped to build the first house in Auburn, a dwelling for Wesley Park, in which the first court was afterward held. Politically he was a Whig till the organization of the Republican party, with which he afterward affiliated. He and his wife joined the Methodist church in their young days, and have been among the most earnest workers in its ranks. Mr. Fair died in February, 1867. Mrs. Fair is living at Auburn, aged sixty-eight years. To them were born twelve children, nine of whom are living---Barbara, E.W., Matilda, William, James, Calvin, Mary, Alice and Laura. The deceased are---Charles Irwin, (twin brother of D.W.), Henrietta and Jane. Mr. Fair’s father came with his family to De Kalb County in 1835, and met with the first Board of County Commissioners July 28, 1837. He was widely known and was recognized as a man of good judgment and executive ability. He was a successful farmer and accumulated a large property. He and his wife were members of the German Reformed church.

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

D.W. Fair, the eldest son and second child of Abraham and Christena (DeLong) Fair, was born in Butler Township, DeKalb County, Ind., Aug, 9, 1838. His boyhood was passed on the farm, where he early learned the practical part of agriculture. He obtained a good education in the district school, and after leaving school assisted his father till twenty-three years of age, when Nov. 20, 1861, he was married to Irene Perry, who was born in Noble County, Ind., Oct. 6, 1841, a daughter of Oliver and Mary (Francis) Perry. After his marriage he settled on the farm where he has since resided, which contains ninety-two acres of choice land, the greater part of which he has cleared and improved. He has been successful, and has won the confidence of his fellow-townsmen, and by them has been elected to several offices of trust. Mr. and Mrs. Fair have eight children---Perry W., Carlton G., Aldrainie, Caroline, Vinnie M., Wells, Mary and Fay. Politically Mr. Fair is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren church, and are earnest workers in all departments of their church.

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

Henry H. Fales is a native of New York, born Dec. 18, 1818, a son of Peter and Judith Ann (Cole) Fales, the former a native of Massachusetts, of Welsh descent, and the latter of Rhode Island, of English descent. When he was fifteen years of age his parents moved to Trumbull County, Ohio, where his youth was spent in assisting his father in the blacksmith’s shop. May 10, 1838, he came to Indiana and helped build one of the first mills on the St. Joseph River, at Orangeville, and ran it two years. He then moved to Spencerville, Concord Township, De Kalb County, engaged in different vocations till 1844, when he settled on a farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits till 1871, and for twelve years was associated with his son in the furniture and undertaker’s business at Spencerville. Since 1883 he has lived retired from the active business of life. Mr. Fales was married Feb. 9, 1838, to Rebecca White, a native of Trumbull County, Ohio, daughter of Ephraim and Betsey (Bartholomew) White. To them have been born ten children, eight of whom are living---Emily, wife of Joseph Spittler; Betsey, wife of William Leighty; Eli, of Allen County, Ind., William, on the old homestead; Orange, of Elkhart County, Ind., Elliot S., of St. Joe; Thomas L., and William L., of Concord Township. Rosa Ann and Malcolm are deceased. In politics Mr. Fales is a Republican. He has served as Magistrate of his township fourteen years. 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.

Dr. Almond S. Farrington, of Waterloo, was born in Jamestown, Chautauqua Co., N.Y., Dec. 4, 1832, a son of Keeler and Aseneth (Southwick) Farrington, of Scotch descent. His ancestors were heroes in the Revolution, and his father was a soldier in the war of 1812. When he was five years old his parents moved to Peru, Huron Co., Ohio, and when he was seventeen to De Kalb County and located near Sedan. He received but a limited education in his early life. The county being new and there being no public-school fund, the schools were supported by private subscription, which was with difficulty made large enough to carry on a school during the winter months. In 1849 his father bought a timbered farm in De Kalb County, and for about a year and a half he assisted in clearing and improving it, but wishing to have the benefit of a good school he then returned to Ohio, and attended during the winter for two years, working the remainder of the time to defray his expenses. In 1852 he entered Hiram College at Portage County, Ohio, where he was a student under President Garfield. He remained there five years, and in 1857 began the study of medicine under the instruction of Dr. Elisha Hall, of Norwalk, and the next year entered the Eclectic Medical College, Cincinnati, where he remained until March 1, 1860. The next month he located at Norwalk where he had a very satisfactory practice, but in 1862 moved to De Kalb County, and lived in Sedan seven years. In 1869 he sold his property in Sedan, with a view of locating in Waterloo, but not being able to suit himself in the village, bought a farm just outside the limits, which he superintended, although the greater part of his time was taken up with his practice. In 1871 he purchased his home on Maple street, which is one of the most valuable and desirable residences in town. For twenty-two years he has been identified with the medical fraternity of De Kalb County, with a constantly increasing popularity, and is now in the enjoyment of an extensive practice, which yields him a good income. As a surgeon Dr. Farrington has always met with good success, being a skillful and reliable operator, but his greatest merit lies in his medical practice. A close student and a constant determination to excel, places him at the head of the profession, and to a marked degree he has the love and confidence of his patients and their friends. Possessed of a strong character, a cheerful and sympathetic presence, his calmness impresses those about him of his ability and fidelity. He is a worthy and earnest member of the Christian church. In politics he is a Republican, and is firm and uncompromising in the support of his political convictions, yet generous and tolerant of others not in accord with him, and is in no sense a politician, as applied to an office seeker. He is an earnest and consistent temperance man, and in his practice as a physician aids, by his example, the cause. He is a genial, courteous, Christian gentleman, and is a greatly admired by the medical fraternity as by those outside the profession. Dr. Farrington was married Oct. 19, 1861, to Miss Elizabeth Link, of Union Township, a lady of rare intellect and pleasing manners, a kind neighbor and devoted Christian mother. They have eight children, five sons and three daughters. Dr. Farrington is in the prime of his manhood, not withstanding he carries in his body several pieces of lead, received by the discharge of a gun in the hands of a maniac in 1871. This disabled him for sometime, but his strong constitution, aided by his correct habits, over came all the evil effects, and he is to-day in the enjoyment of robust health.

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

Randal Faurot, A.M., was born in the town of Hopewell, near Canandaigua, N. Y., in 1820. He was the seventh son of Randal and Urana (Dolittle) Faurot, who moved to Royalton, near Cleveland, Ohio, when he was twelve years of age. Having a desire for an education, he relinquished his share in the prospective fine farms for a few terms in an academy and the time to study. As soon as competent he taught school in the winter and devoted his summers to study, and finally entered Oberlin College where he remained several terms. He subsequently graduated from Bethany College, Virginia. In early life he took a decided stand with the Disciples of Christ and worked earnestly with the people who built up so many large churches of devoted Christians on the Western Reserve, Ohio, and soon became a successful preacher as well as teacher. While on a visit to his father and brothers who had moved to Michigan, he met the natural orator and revivalist, Benjamin Alton, whose labors were so productive of good in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana, and engaged in holding meetings with him in Stafford, Newville, Coburn’s Corners, and other points. Feeling drawn toward this part of the vineyard, he decided to remain in DeKalb County and became of great assistance in building the churches at Newville, Waterloo, Kendallville, Mishawaka, Edgerton, riding on horseback over the rough roads, and in addition to holding meetings, visiting the sick and afflicted, comforting the poor and needy, and leading many to righteousness. He was largely instrumental in the building of Newville Academy, which flourished and was a great source of good for many years. His memory is held in grateful remembrance by many in different States, because of his arduous labors in the cause of education. He was a persistent and thorough worker. His work was never left half done. He was strongly opposed to secret societies, and was a clear, shrewd debater, carrying his audience with him more by the force of his logic than by his persuasive powers. Kind and thoughtful, his greatest desire was to be useful to his friends, finding his greatest pleasure in seeing those he loved happy. While preaching in Philadelphia, he wrote and had published, “Pilgrim's Progress,” a book written in imitation of John Bunyan, in which he showed the advantages and joy of living a Christian life. It was a work of great interest to a Christian, and of benefit to a young convert, and he received many letters, acknowledging the help derived from its perusal, and thanking him for giving the public a work of the kind. At the breaking out of the Rebellion many of his students enlisted, and it was the wish of some that he should go as their Chaplain, but one who knew him well, said: “No; Elder Faurot could not look on sin and intrigue with sufficient allowance to work among those who so misused each other.” However, he and his wife went twice to Tennessee during the war, first as volunteer nurses after the battle of Murfreesboro, and again to look after wounded friends. While there they lent such valuable aid in starting schools for the colored people that he was subsequently called South to locate a school for the oppressed race, and after many months missionary work, he, with Dr. W. A. Belding, located the Southern Christian Institute on an old plantation of 800 acres, lying on the railroad fourteen miles east of Vicksburg and twenty-six miles west of Jackson, Miss. Here in the midst of the work he built, and which was as dear to him as his own family, he died Oct. 10, 1882, the day before his sixty-second birthday. He was married in May, 1847, to Letitia Hutchings, in Cortland County, N.Y. She had preceded him in the pioneer educational work of De Kalb County, and there they met in 1845. She proved a worthy help-mate for a noble man, sympathizing with him in all his work, and aiding him by her counsel and prayers in all his varied vicissitudes. Her kindly ministrations to the sick and oppressed endeared her to the hearts of all who knew her. The had no children to gladden their home, but reared from childhood a motherless nephew and niece, Marvin Faurot Hall, of Hillsdale Mich., where he attended college, and subsequently located and is engaged in the electric-light business; and Mary L. Hutchings, now the wife of Dr. W.P. Andrews, proprietor of the magnetic springs at St. Louis, Mich. Their home was ever the home of the widow and orphan, and the weary and oppressed were ever welcome, and given a resting place. Truly, the deeds of the good live after them and shine as bright stars in the crown of their rejoicing.

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

David Feagler, son of Joshua Feagler, was born in Richland Township, De Kalb County, Ind., June, 1847. His father was a native of Maryland, and subsequently moved to Dayton, Ohio, from whence he came to De Kalb County. He was one of the first settlers of Richland Township, and made it his home till his death, May 30, 1875. The mother now resides in Auburn. They have six children living in De Kalb County. David Feagler was reared a farmer, and since attaining manhood has given that industry his attention. He has been very successful and now owns a fine farm on section 27, Smithfield Township, which is well cultivated and improved, with a good residence and farm buildings. He was married to Lucinda Grogg, daughter of Peter Grogg, of Richland Township. They have now two children---Elmer and Jesse.

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

William A. Feagler, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, Feb 13, 1840, a son of Henry and Rebecca (Wyrick) Feagler, natives of Ohio, his father of Warren County and his mother of Montgomery County. In the spring of 1837, Henry Feagler, then a single man, came with his brother Joshua and his brother-in-law, Jacob Wyrick, to De Kalb County, Ind., and entered land in Richland Township. Soon after entering his land he returned to Ohio, where he was married and remained till the fall of 1847, when he returned to Indiana and settled in Jackson township. He was a man of fair education and possessed those strong forces of mind and character that made him prominent among his fellow citizens. In 1860 he was elected to the Legislature on the Republican ticket, serving one term, and also an extra session during the war. He took considerable interest in local affairs, and wrote an account of his recollections of the early settlement of De Kalb County. To him and his wife were born eight children---William A., Susanna, John, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Lorena, Henry and Joshua. Mr. Feagler died June 14, 1881, aged about sixty-five years. His wife died April 13, 1882, aged sixty-seven years. William A. Feagler remained on the farm with his parents till manhood, receiving his education in the district schools. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company H., Thirteenth Indiana Infantry, and was appointed leader of the Regimental Band. They were soon sent to the front, and assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Stone river, Chickamauga. At the latter place, Sept. 21, 1863, he was captured, and was confined in Libby Prison, Danville, Va., Andersonville, and Florence, S.C., till Dec. 8, 1864. Before his capture he weighed 180 pounds, and when released, 100 pounds. He was discharged at Indianapolis, Jan. 26. 1865, and returned to Indiana, and located on the home farm, remaining there till 1871, when he moved to his present farm in Butler Township, which contains sixty-three acres of good land, well cultivated, and with good improvements. Mr. Feagler was married June 27, 1867, to Eliza Whetsel. They have five children---Ella, James C., Le Roy, Orvie, and Ted. Politically, Mr. Feagler is a Republican.

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

Rev. William Finney, pastor of the German Baptist church, Butler Township, was born in Fort Wayne, Ind., in 1847. His parents died when he was a child, and he has no knowledge or remembrance of them. His early life till fifteen years of age was spent with kind friends in Fort Wayne, and he obtained a good education in the public schools. In 1863 he enlisted in Company D., One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry, and was actively engaged till the close of the war. He Participated in the Kenesaw Mountain, Resaca, Buzzard’s roost, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Pulaski, Columbia, Franklin, Nashville, Kingston, and others less noted. He was discharged at Charlotte, N.C., in 1865. Returning to Fort Wayne, he attended school part of the next winter, and then went West, visiting Kansas, Colorado, Dakota, Wyoming and Utah; was engaged in the survey of the Union Pacific Railroad a portion of the time. In 1869 he returned to Indiana and followed agricultural pursuits near Huntertown till 1875, when he was ordained a minister in the German Baptist church, and has since devoted his time to the churches of Allen and De Kalb counties. Mr. Finney was married July 4, 1869, to Almira E., daughter of Jeremiah and Sarah Bump. They have seven children---Lawrence, Delbert, Francis M., Jeremiah C., Henry, Sarah and Mary (twins).

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

George Firestone, section 23, Franklin Township, was born in Stark County, Ohio, June 30, 1811, a son of George Firestone, a native of Hagerstown, Va., and an early settler of Stark County, Our subject received a limited education, his services being required on the farm as soon as he was old enough to work. Oct. 18, 1836 he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled on the land which is now his valuable farm. At that time the chief inhabitants were Indians and wild animals, and the land was all heavily timbered. He entered 160 acres from the Government, which he improved and to which he has added, owning now 192 ½ acres. His first house was a cabin of round logs, and his furniture was of the most primitive sort. He early learned the use of tools and made the most of his furniture. For two years a chest, which he now uses to keep oats in, was used as a table. Mr. Firestone was married Oct. 9, 1832 to Catherine Crum, and to them were born thirteen children, ten of whom are living---Samuel K., Isaac, Hattie, Catherine, Amanda, Daniel, Benjamin F., Sarah, George S., and John L. One son, Josiah, died at the age of twenty-three years and two died in infancy. Mrs. Firestone died April 1, 1870, and the following fall he married Mrs. Mary McIntyre. She had a large family by her first husband, but three of whom are living---Julia, Eliza and Ellen. Mr. Firestone is now living with his third wife, whom he married March 2, 1879. She was the widow of Richard Cook and the daughter of Samuel Larrabee. Her four children by her first husband---Samuel S., Mary M., Polly M., and Russell W., are all deceased. Mrs. Firestone came West with her father and settled in Adrain, Mich. In 1835, she cooked by a fireplace many years, using a cooking-stove for the first time in 1843. In 1840 she made the largest johnny-cake ever heard of in the United States, for a Fourth of July celebration at Coldwater. It was drawn by a six-horse team, in a canoe made of the largest white wood tree to be found in the county, and was known as the Tippecanoe johnny-cake. A son of Mr. Firestone, Isaac, served over three years in the war of the Rebellion as a member of Company F, Forty-fourth, Indiana Infantry. He participated in many hard fought battles, the more prominent being Fort Donelson, Stone River, Shiloh, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge. He was wounded in Shiloh. Mrs. Firestone's son, Samuel S. Cook, served over four years as a member of Company C., Eighth Iowa Infantry, participating in the battle at Vicksburg, Sherman’s march to the sea, and many others. He was killed by the accidental discharge of a gun in his own hands six years after his return from the war.

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

Samuel K. Firestone, section 23, Franklin Township, was born in Crawford County, Ohio, June 27, 1833, a son of George Firestone. In 1837 his father moved the family to De Kalb County and settled in Franklin Township on a tract of heavily timbered land. Here he was reared, receiving his education on the farm and among the wild animals in the woods surrounding them, but attending school very little, a few weeks in the winter being all the time allotted for that purpose. He became an expert with his gun, killing many deer and other animals native to the county. He assisted his father till manhood, and when he began life for himself had very little money, but having a determined will and a strong arm he made up his mind to succeed and having put his hand to the plow he kept steadily on, and his efforts have ever been crowned with success, and prosperity is his reward. When he commenced housekeeping he made the first bedstead of basswood poles, using the bark for a cord, and his wife painted it with poke-berry juice. He now owns 220 acres of valuable land, which is well cultivated, and his residence and farm buildings are among the best in the township. The first two years of his married life were spent in a log house in what is now Butler, occupied at present by Tim Otis. He was married Aug. 6, 1853, to Caroline Nelson, daughter of James Nelson, who settled in De Kalb County in 1847. They have had six children, five are living---George A., Hannah C., James E., Estelle, Maggie and Maude I. Mrs. Firestone is a member f the Methodist Episcopal church.

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

Abraham Fisher, farmer and stock-raiser, section 5, Troy Township, was born in Stark County, Ohio, Oct. 9, 1822. His father, Jacob Fisher, was a native of Westmoreland County, Pa., and moved with his parents to Stark County before the war of 1812. Abraham Fisher learned the trade of tanner and currier in his boyhood and followed it twenty years. In the fall of 1855 he came to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled in Troy Township, and in March, 1857, moved to Butler and established a tannery, in partnership with John Oberlin. He subsequently exchanged his tanner for eighty acres of land on the northeast quarter of section 26, Franklin Township, where he lived till 1864, when he returned to Troy Township. He was married Jan. 11, 1844, to Elizabeth Shane, daughter of Abraham Shane, a General in the war of 1812. General Shane was a Civil Engineer, and was employed by the Government to survey a part of the State of Indiana, and subsequently surveyed the country as far West as the Rocky Mountains. To Mr. and Mrs. Fisher were born six children, three of whom are living---Albert W., Jacob F., and Cullen R. Jacob married Elizabeth Shoemaker; Albert married Eliza Leason, and Cullen married Ella North. All are residents of Troy Township. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher 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.

Elias Fisher, farmer, Keyser Township, was born in Stark County, Ohio, in 1829, a son of Jacob and Rebecca (Hoover) Fisher. In 1846 his parents moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and his father entered a tract of land in Wilmington Township. His father died in 1851. He remained with his mother till 1870, superintending the farm. He was married in 1858 to Matilda Freeman, a native of Allen County, Ind. Of their five children, but two are living---Lewis C. and Adelphia J. William F., Harvey L. and Catherine, are deceased. Mrs. Fisher died in 1871. In 1872 Mr. Fisher married Mrs. Sarah R. Butler, a native of New York, who died in 1876, leaving one child---Lena R. March 16, 1879, Mr. Fisher married Mrs. Catherine De Pew, widow of Abel De Pew, and since this last alliance has resided in Keyser Township. Mr. Fisher 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.

Philip Fluke, retired currier and tanner, Auburn, was born in Bedford County, Pa., June 27, 1816, a son of Philip and Mary (Summers) Fluke, who removed to Richland County, Ohio, in the fall of 1816. He was reared and educated in Ohio, remaining there till 1844, when, in November, he moved to Auburn, Ind. His education was received in the public school, and when eighteen years of age he was apprenticed to the currier and tanner’s trade, serving three years. He then worked as a journeyman six months at Ashland, Ohio, and then returned home and attended school four months, and in 1838, began in business for himself. In 1841 he sold his business, and in 1844 came to Auburn, and opened a tannery, which he conducted till 1874 when he retired from active business life. When he stated in life his father gave him $500 and forty acres of land; this, added to a small amount he received from his father’s estate, has been his only assistance. Possessed of good business management, he made the most of what he had, and has amassed a fortune, having a large landed estate adjacent to Auburn. He was married to Ruth, daughter of Thomas Ford, of Auburn, who died March 25, 1853, leaving one son---Wakeman C., a druggist of Clayton, Mich. Jan. 19, 1857, he married Sarah, daughter of David Thomas, of Richland Township, De Kalb County. She died in Auburn, Jan. 17, 1873. To them were born three children, two of whom are living---Eliza J., wife of S.L. Gibson, and Frank E., at home. Ida May died in April, 1865, aged four months. In politics Mr. Fluke has always been a Democrat. He has served two terms as Trustee of Auburn.

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

Elihu Fortner, farmer, section 7, Keyser Township, was born in Franklin County, Mass., in 1814, a son of Elihu and Sarah (Burnington) Fortner, of Scotch and English descent. His father died about a month before his birth, and his mother when he was seven years of age. He lived with his grandfather Burnington till fourteen years of age and then came West to Lenawee County, Mich., and worked as a farm hand a number of years. He then worked at the lime kilns four years, and in the lumber business the same length of time. After his marriage he moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought 160 acres of unimproved land in Keyser Township. He lived on this land two years and then returned to Michigan and remained four years. He then came again to his farm in De Kalb County where he has since resided. He has brought his farm from the wild state of nature to a high state of cultivation and has one of the pleasantest homes in the township. He was married in 1853 in Michigan, to Urania Hoppema, a native of Wayne County, N. Y. They have three children---Sarah, Ernest and Clyde. Politically, Mr. Fortner is a Republican.

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

Edward W. Fosdick, attorney at law, Butler, was born in Knox County, Ohio, July 12, 1822, a son of Thomas Fosdick, a native of Connecticut. In 1844 he came to Indiana and located in De Kalb County two miles south of Butler where he engaged in farming till 1855; in the meantime taught school several terms, and also devoted his leisure hours to the study of law. He was elected County Treasurer in 1854, and during the two years he held that office continued his law studies. He began his practice in Butler with James E. Rose, under the firm name of Rose & Fosdick. Mr. Rose subsequently moved to Auburn where he has a good practice. Mr. Fosdick has since continued his practice alone and has met with good success. In 1869 he was elected State Senator and served four years. He was married in 1852 to Helen G. Totten, who died May, 1856, leaving two children-Emma, now deceased, and Edwin L., of Butler. In 1859 he married Ruanna M. Brandon, who died in April, 1860. Sept. 17, 1878, he married Elizabeth H. Fetterhoff, a native of Springfield, Ohio, daughter of Joseph Fetterhoff, of Steuben County, Ind.

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

Edwin L. Fosdick, M.D. of the firm Fosdick & Wilkinson, druggists, Butler, was born in Auburn, Ind., May 1, 1856, a son of Edward and Helen G. (Totten) Fosdick, He received his elementary education in the public schools, and later attended the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware. He then attended the medical department of the Michigan University, Ann Arbor, graduating in 1879. He practiced a year at Kewaunee, Ind., and then from December, 1879, till March, 1882, carried on a drug store. He then came to Butler, and the following July, in partnership with his father, opened a store in this place. In February, 1884, his father sold his interest to M.L Wilkinson, and the firm name was changed to Fosdick & Wilkinson. They carry a complete stock of drugs, medicines, paints, oils, notions, etc. Their stock is valued at $5,000, and they have an annual business of $11,000. Mr. Fosdick was married Jan. 12, 1880, to Josie McCarter, a native of Kewaunee, born May 25, 1861, daughter of Alexander McCarter. He is a member of the De Kalb County Medical Society.

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

William Fountain was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1811, a son of Simon and Rebecca Fountain. His mother died when he was three days old. He followed farming in his native country till 1848, when he moved to the United States. He lived a short time in Ohio, and then settled in De Kalb County, Ind., on wild land, which he cleared and improved. He was married Dec. 12, 1848, to Sarah, daughter of Thomas Truelove, a native of England. Together they commenced life, and with energy and an ambition to make life a success they have been untiring in efforts and as a result have triumphed over every adverse circumstance and have accumulated a property that enables them in their declining years to live with ease. They have 400 acres of good land, 200 acres of which is under a good state of cultivation. In performing the practical duties of life they have not omitted the higher and more important. From childhood they have been connected with the Episcopal church, and have lived with strict conformity to all her tenets. They have been at all time mindful of the needs of the poor, and are ever ready to assist them. Hospitable, their home is always open to friends and strangers, all feeling that they are welcome. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fountain---Sarah Ann, Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Tarlton, and William Richard. Politically Mr. Fountain 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.

Thomas C. Fralick, engineer on the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railway, was born in Lower Canada, Oct. 9, 1859, a son of Timothy Fralick, who moved from Canada to St. Lawrence County, N.Y., in 1860, and thence to Port Huron, Mich., in 1865, where our subject was reared and educated. In 1878 he entered the employ of the Chicago & Lake Huron Railroad Company as engine-wiper, and was subsequently promoted to fireman. In 1881 he came to Butler, and ran an engine on a construction-train from Butler to Detroit for the Wabash Railroad. He now runs on a through-freight from Detroit to Indianapolis. Mr. Fralick was married Oct. 10, 1883, to Irene M., daughter of John A. Campbell, of Butler. They have one child-Cecile Adelaide. Mr. Fralick is a member of the Odd Fellow’s order and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. 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.

Manoah Franks was born in Wayne County, Ohio, April 17, 1827, the third son and fifth child of Peter and Julia (Fletcher) Franks, his father a native of Fayette County, Pa., born May 21, 1797, and his mother of Virginia, of English parentage. His father was a son of Jacob and Sarah (Livengood) Franks, a grandson of Jacob and Barbara (Bradbury) Franks, and a great grandson of Michael Franks, who with three sons came from Alsace, Germany, to America in the early part of the eighteenth century. A record of the Franks family for a period of 500 years is preserved by them, and is now extant in Ohio. Our subject was reared on a farm, remaining with his parents till Manhood. He received a fair education in the common schools of his county. He was married Feb. 7, 1849, to Lucinda, daughter of William and Mary (Hackett) Mackey, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Pennsylvania, of French descent. In the spring of 1851 Mr. Franks, with his wife and one child, moved to Indiana and bought 160 acres of land on section 12, Allen Township, Noble County. It was heavily timbered land, but after building a small cabin for his family he went bravely to work to clear it and make a home. When he reached Indiana, after paying for his land, he had just money enough to buy a cow, ten bushels of wheat and two bushels of corn. Possessed of unlimited energy, he improved his land, and for twelve years made Noble County his home. In 1863 he bought the farm in Richland Township, De Kalb County, where he resided for twenty-two years, moving back to the old homestead in Noble County in the spring of 1885. His farm in De Kalb County contains 131 ½ acres of fine land, all well improved. Mr. and Mrs. Franks have had three children, but two of whom are living. John, the eldest, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, Oct. 8, 1850, and died of consumption at the homestead in De Kalb County, Ind., Sept. 8, 1872. Marion and Mary (twins) were born at the homestead in Noble County, Ind., June 8, 1854. Marion married Minnie Britton and lives on the old homestead in De Kalb County. Mary married Francis L. Britton, of Richland Township. Mr. and Mrs. Franks are members of the Methodist Episcopal 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.

Thomas F. Franks, fourth son of Peter and Julia (Fletcher) Franks, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, Nov. 29, 1832. He was reared on a farm till his marriage, receiving only a common-school education. Feb. 27, 1855, he was married to Miss Eliza Ann Millard, a native of Crawford County, Ohio, and a daughter of Richard and Rebecca (Moore) Millard, who were natives of Lancaster County, Pa., coming to Crawford County, Ohio, among the early settlers. After his marriage Mr. Franks resided in his native county till 1864, when he removed to De Kalb County, Ind., and purchased his present farm of eighty acres of improved land on section 5, Richland Township. Mr. Franks and his wife have been active members of the Methodist Episcopal church for thirty years. Of their eight children, seven are living---Julia R., Mary Almeda, William J., Lucinda A., Samantha Alma, Frank N. and Harvey Peter. Virgie O. is deceased. Mr. Franks was appointed Township Trustee to fill a vacancy, June, 1881, and elected to the same office in 1882, and has held the same position by re-election ever since. In politics Mr. Franks is a Democrat.

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

George Frederick, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of Ohio, born in Stark County, April 1, 1831, a son of John and Charlotta (Aultman) Frederick, natives of Pennsylvania, of German and English descent. He was reared on a farm, residing with his parents till his majority. In 1852 he bought a farm adjoining the old homestead, where he lived till 1864, when he sold his farm and came to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought forty-four acres of land in Fairfield Township, and eighty acres in Salem Township, Steuben County. But very little of his land had been improved, the most of it being heavily timbered. He has been a hard working man, and has cleared and cultivated his land till he now has a fine farm with a good residence and farm buildings. In addition to farming he has been engaged in the marble business, which has been a successful enterprise. He was married Oct. 12, 1851, to Ann Maria Frybarger, daughter of John and Hannah (Zerbe) Frybarger, the former a native of Pennsylvania of German descent, and the latter of Vermont of English descent. To them have been fourteen children---Charlotta, David (deceased), John C., Franklin S., Henry, James R., Rachel, Della, Joseph W.R., Lydia M., Mary Belle, William A., George T., and Amos A. In politics Mr. Frederick is a Republican. His wife is a member of the German Reform and he of the Evangelical church.

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

Henry Freed, farmer and stock-raiser, Fairfield Township, was born in Stark County, Ohio, June 28, 1842. His father, Peter Freed, was born in Shenandoah County, Pa., and was a son of John Freed, a native of York County, Pa., of German descent. When Peter was nine years of age he accompanied his parents to Columbiana County, Ohio, where he was reared, and in 1819 married Hannah Miller, a native of that county, daughter of Anthony and Susan Miller. After their marriage they settled in Stark County, where eleven children were born, of whom our subject is the youngest, six of whom are living. His wife died in 1861, and in 1864 he came to De Kalb County, and has since made his home with his son Henry. Henry Freed was reared and educated in his native county, and was there married Aug.2, 1863, to Barbara Haynes, a native of Stark County, daughter of Jonathan and Mary (Heinum) Haynes. The following fall he moved to De Kalb County and settled on the farm where he now lives, which contains seventy-eight acres of improved land. He and his wife have had a family of nine children, eight of whom are living---Peter L., Jonathan, Samuel, Alvin, Mary, William H., Martha, and Emma E. One died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Freed are members of the Mennonite church. In politics he is a Republican. His father was originally a Whig, but has voted with the Republican party since its organization.

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

John Freed, one of the prosperous framers of Fairfield Township, was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, Aug. 12, 1825, a son of Peter and Hannah (Miller) Freed. When he was four years of age his parents moved to Stark County, Ohio. Where he was reared and educated, attending the district school. He remained with his parents till nearly twenty-four years of age, and Jan. 21, 1849, married Analiza Huet, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Huet. In 1852 he moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and bought a tract of unimproved land in Fairfield Township, which he had improved and is now a fine farm. He owns 120 acres all under cultivation, except thirty acres of woods, and his improvements are among the best in the county. Mr. Freed has been a hard-working man, and has earned his property by industry and frugality. He is a public spirited, benevolent citizen, and assists with both time and money every laudable enterprise. In politics he was originally a Whig, but now casts his suffrage with the Republican party. He is, as was also his wife, a member of the German Reform Church. To them were born nine children seven of whom are living---Lucinda, wife of Peter Gonser, of this township; Elizabeth, wife of Byron McEndarfer; Lydia Ann, wife of Joseph Huet, of Smithfield township; Alice, wife of Oliver Stoter, of Smithfield Township; John A., Mary Ada, and William B. Peter and Joseph are deceased. Mrs. Freed died May 27, 1885, aged fifty-five years, seven months and thirteen days.

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

Edmund Freeman was born near Clarksburg, W. Va., Oct, 22, 1813. His parents, William and Nancy Freeman, were early settlers of Richland county, Ohio, locating there in 1820. His father died Sept 12, 1827. Mr. Freeman was reared a farmer, but being a natural mechanic has given considerable attention to carpentering and mill work. He was married Sept. 14, 1832, to Martha Dancer, a native of Jefferson County, Ohio, born June 5, 1817, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Dancer. In March, 1830, Mr. and Mrs. Freeman and Mr. and Mrs. Dancer came to De Kalb County. Mr. Freeman bought the farm on section 30 known as the Miller farm where he has since lived. He owns fifty-nine acres of choice land, and his residence and farm buildings are models of architecture. In addition to the homestead Mr. Freeman has other land in different parts of the county. To Mr. and Mrs. Freeman have been born thirteen children, eleven of whom lived till maturity---Nancy Jane, deceased, married George Essig; Elizabeth, wife of Henry Myers; Julia, wife of Owen Hensinger; Rosan, wife of Amos Hilkey; Louisa, widow of John Bowen; John, married Elizabeth Bailey; Caroline S., wife of Madison De Pew; Alexander, married Mary Cornell; James, married Mary Hilkey; George, married Miss Bowen; Edmund H., married Mary Ricklewall. The eldest and youngest died in infancy. Mr. Freeman was reared in the Methodist Episcopal church, and since 1830 has been an active member of the society. In politics Mr. Freeman is a Republican, but in local elections sets aside political differences and votes for the man he considers the most fitted for the place. Mr. Freeman’s grandfather, Samuel Freeman, bore an honorable part in the war for the independence for the colonies.

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

Henry Frick, was born in South Huntington Township, Westmoreland Co., Pa., Nov 23, 1815, and in 1825 removed with his father, Henry Frick, to Stark County, Ohio, where he was reared and educated. He was married in 1838 to Christina Smith, a native of Bedford County, Pa., and in 1854 they moved to De Kalb County, Ind., and settled in Smithfield Township, where he bought 160 acres, paying $8 an acre. He has cleared and improved 100 acres of his land, and now has one of the best farms in the township. To Mr. and Mrs. Frick have been born ten children, nine of whom are living, five sons and four daughters--- Henry, Jr., married Appy Davis; Abraham married Berna Weaver; John married Nettie Cool; George married Silby Delond; Daniel, at home, unmarried; Lovina, wife of George McEntaffer; Mary, wife of John Reupey; Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Bathael; and Sarah, wife of Harman Whareham. Henry enlisted Aug. 12, 1862, in the Company A, Eighty-eighth Indiana Infantry, and served till March 21, 1863, when he was discharged on account of disability. After his recovery, in September, 1864, he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and forty-second Indiana Infantry, and served till June 28, 1865. He participated with General Thomas in the battle of Nashville.

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

F.G. Fried, merchant, Corunna, Ind., was born in Germany, June 11, 1840, a son of Gottlieb F. Fried. When our subject was fourteen years of age he emigrated to America, landing in Kendallville, Ind., Jan. 5, 1855, and in 1857 he went to Fort Wayne, where he found employment in a store till the breaking out of the Rebellion. July 12, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, Seventy-fourth Indiana Infantry. He participated in the battle of Chickamauga, the Atlanta campaign, and a number of other engagements. He rose from the ranks to Orderly Sergeant and subsequently to Sergeant-Major of the regiment. Later he was detailed to the commissary Department, and while in the discharge of his duty met with an accident, and was afterward furloughed and went home to vote for Lincoln’s second term, after which he joined his regiment at Goldsboro, N.C. He was discharged June 30, 1865. He returned to Kendallville, and soon after embarked in the mercantile business with W.S. Northam, and after a short time sold his interest and clerked till 1867, when he bought an interest in a store in Wawaka, Noble County, which he conducted two years, and in 1869 located at Corunna where he has since carried on a prosperous business. Dec 31, 1866, he married Orie R. Brown, daughter of Rev. William Brown. They have four children----F. Eugene, William C., Heber M. and Fletcher. Mr. and Mrs. Fried are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is an earnest and efficient worker in the Sunday-school.

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

Michael Friend was born in Richland County, Ohio, Feb. 7, 1819, a son of George and Barbara Friend, native of Pennsylvania, and early settlers of Richland County, where the father died in 1828. His mother afterward married Robert Allison. In 18__ Mr. Friend came to Jackson Township, and bought a tract of heavily timbered land, which is now his home, and in 1842 his mother and stepfather came to the county, and made this farm their home till his mother’s death in 1852. Mr. Allison then went to Michigan and died there. Michael Friend was married Jul 23, 1844, to Eliza Miller. In 1854 they settled on their farm which is one of the best in the township. Mr. Friend is one of the most practical farmers of the township, and his home shows the care f a painstaking and thrifty owner. His buildings are all in good order, and his residence is one of the best in the township. To Mr. and Mrs. Friend have been born five children---Mary Ellen, wife of Samuel Osborn; James M., with his father; Nancy Jane, deceased; Norris and Amos; the two latter born in this county. July 9, 1883, Mrs. Friend died, leaving her husband after thirty-nine years of happy married life, to finish the journey of life alone.

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

Herman Froehlich was born in Zduny, Prussia, April 1, 1841, a son of Eduard and Ernstina (Langner) Froehlich. His mother died in 1845. In 1862 his father, a younger sister and himself came to the United States and located in Warsaw, Ind. Herman Froehlich came to De Kalb County in 1865 and his father followed him in 1869, where he died in 1875. Herman learned in the old country in his father’s shop the cabinet-making trade, and during his stay in Warsaw, Ind., he learned the marble monumental trade, and since has always followed this vocation. He is an industrious, economical man, and has accumulated a good property, being to-day among the most substantial business men in Waterloo. He was married in November, 1865, to Eva Eckhardt, daughter of George and Catherine (Pullman) Eckhardt. Her father came with his family from Hessen Darmstadt to America in 1847 and located in the State of New York, from whence he was sent by the America Tract Society to De Kalb County in 1851 to distribute tracts, and was employed by them four years, and subsequently a portion of his time for two years. Mr. Eckhardt died in November, 1874. Mrs. Eckhardt is living now in Toledo, Ohio. They had a family of four children, all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Froehlich have three children---Olive E., Frederick H. and Edmund Carl. Mr. Froehlich cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln and his last for B.F. Butler. 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.

James B. Frost was born in New Haven, Huron County, Ohio, Oct, 24, 1842, the only son of Richard and Mary (Lewis) Frost, his father a native of Waterbury, Conn., and his mother of the State of New York. They moved to Ohio with their parents when children, and there grew to maturity and were married. In 1845 they moved to Noble County, Ind., where the mother died July 4, 1879, and the father June 13, 1883. Our subject grew to manhood in Noble County. He was married July 6, 1862, to Margaret King, daughter of Christian and Christina (Stark) King, native of Germany, who moved with their family to America and settled in Ohio where the mother died. Mr. King moved to Indiana in 1851, and died in Wabash County in 1873, aged sixty-three years. Mrs. Frost was reared by Jacob C. Miller, of Noble County. After his marriage Mr. Frost settled on a farm a mile from the old homestead where he lived till March, 1882, when he sold his property and bought a farm in Richland Township, De Kalb County, where he now lives. Mr. and Mrs. Frost have two children---Chloe B. and Arthur D. In his political affiliations Mr. Frost is a Democrat.

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

Nathan T. Fuller, section 9, Newville Township, was born in Strongsville, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Aug. 11, 1821, a son of John Fuller, a native of Vermont who settled in Cuyahoga County in 1818 and lived there till 1841, when he moved to Henry County, Ohio. Nathan remained with his parents till manhood, accompanying them to Henry County, and in 1844 began life for himself. He worked three years by the month on farms and in saw-mills, and in the spring of 1847 went to work on a lake steamer. The following fall he went to Cincinnati and enlisted in the Mexican war and served till August, 1848. In September, 1848, he came to De Kalb County and lived with Southard Ellis four years, and in April, 1851, bought the farm where he now lives. He has 110 acres of good land, sixty-five of which he cleared himself, it being all heavily timbered when he settled on it he is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, at which he is very successful. He enlisted in the war of the Rebellion Sept. 20, 1861, in Company F, Forty-fourth Indiana Infantry, and served till Nov. 22, 1864. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Corinth, Battle Creek, Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, and thence to Chattanooga where his regiment was on guard duty till their discharge. At Stone River he had four bullet holes shot in his clothes, and his pocket-book was torn to pieces, but he was unharmed. He is a member of the Grand Army of Republic, and organization in which he is much interested. He was married July 4, 1854, to Lucinda Nichols, and to them were born five children, but three of whom are living---Francine, Flora and Logan. Francine married Benjamin F. Nelson, of Hicksville, Ohio, and has three children--- Inez L., Earl D. and Ivah F. Mrs. Fuller died in September, 1873, and March 4, 1875, Mr. Fuller married Mrs. Mary Hull, daughter of Hazard Webster and widow of John Hull, who was killed at the battle of Stone River. To them have been born two children, but one of whom is living---Harry. She had three children by her first marriage, but two of whom are living---Ellen and John. Mr. Fuller has served his township three years as Trustee and two terms as Assessor.

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

Henry Fusselman was born in Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio, May 6, 1815. He was the youngest of fourteen children, and his eldest sister had married and emigrated to a distant State before he was born. Of all the influences which surrounded his early life we know nothing, but they must have been gracious to form a character so strong in its simplicity, purity and integrity of purpose. If of the learning of schools he was taught little, he learned somewhere the better lessons of love of God, obedience to His laws and enduring trust in His mercy through Christ; of patience, charity and good will toward all his fellow beings; of industry, perseverance and economy as regards his own life and practice. He married in Braceville, Portage Co., Ohio, Dec. 22, 1836, to Almeda M. Gay, who was born May 15, 1810. She was a woman of strong intellect, and distinguished among her acquaintances for her bright, keen wit, whose shafts, to her credit be it said, were never poisoned by envy or malice. To her husband she was a valuable and valued helper; to her neighbors a ready and sympathizing friend; in her family, energetic and untiring. Mr. and Mrs. Fusselman arrived at the St. Joe river in Stafford Township, April 15, 1838. On the 11th of August after, their eldest child, Barbara, was born. She is now Mrs. Geo. Garver, of Des Moines, Iowa. Afterward were born to them Sarah (Mrs. Henry Herrich), Harriet (Mrs. Charles Thomas, of Omaha, Neb.), Lester, who died in the army; Henrietta and Quincy. The following sketch of Mr. Fusselman was written to his eldest daughter, Mrs. Garver, by John P. Widney, himself long an honored citizen of De Kalb County, but now a resident of Belleville, Richland Co., Ohio. It is so just a characterization, and so honorable to its author that we give it verbatim: “I became acquainted with you father, Henry Fusselman, when he first moved into the county, I went with him and Wm. Scoville to Fort Wayne in a pirogue when he laid in his first supplies as a settler. This was our first acquaintance, and it was a pleasant one. I found Mr. Fusselman to be one of the most genial companions, of more than average intelligence and of the most unswerving integrity. This first opinion of his character was fully confirmed in after years, for this sterling qualities of head and heart were soon appreciated by a wide circle of friends, and he became a leader in every enterprise that tended to build up good society. In him the widow and the orphan found a fast and reliable friend, as he was frequently called upon to manage the estates of decedents and minors. And such was the confidence of his neighbors in his justice and his judgment that he was, perhaps, more than any other man selected as referee in personal disputes, and his decision was generally satisfactory. For many years he held the office of Justice of the Peace in his township (Stafford), and in after years was selected as one of the County Commissioners. In all his public duties he fully met the confidence of his friends. His religious instinct were not less marked than his social. In the church of his choice, the Disciples or Christian, he stood among the foremost. Firm in his convictions, but tolerant and kind to those of opposite views, as a lay preacher he had but few equals. His public addresses were the overflowings of a sympathetic nature guided by a clear head. As a business man he had many excellent traits, and was specially useful as a dealer in farm Produce. His energy and industry in this direction brought on, by exposure, the disease that closed his life. In the accumulation of property he was fairly successful, but all through life his generous nature made large draughts on his accumulation. In his death the county lost a good and useful man; on who was respected by all, and highly esteemed for his many virtues.” Five or six years before he died, perhaps more, Mr. Fusselman removed to Newville where he opened a store and carried on an active business while he lived. He died Feb. 27, 1863, of congestion of the lungs. When the news of his serious illness went abroad his friends came from many miles distant, anxious to see him, to help, if possible, but at least to testify in some manner to their affectionate sympathy. The peace of God which passeth all understanding went with him through the valley and shadow of death. For him it had no sting, and a visible joy shone on his dead face, as if even the lifeless clay were witness to his happiness. His widow survived him nearly twelve years, dying Jan. 29, 1875. To her whose life had been maimed by the loss of her husband, to whom the intervening years had been a period of waiting, death came as a welcome friend. Let us humbly hope that it reunited in paradise those whom it had separated here.

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