“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
Together with Biographies of Many Prominent Men of Northern Indiana and the Whole State, Both Living and Dead”
Goodspeed Brothers Publishers, Chicago
1893
John Morris Co. Printers and Binders

GEORGE S. WALTERS has been successful from a pecuniary standpoint in the conduct of his affairs, and is a liberal, generous and high-minded gentleman, whose correct mode of living has gathered about him a large circle of friends and well-wishers. He was born at Hesse Cassel, Germany, April 14, 1844, the fourth child born to Justin and Elizabeth Walters, who brought him to America when he was about three years old, the voyage thither occupying about six weeks. They landed at Baltimore, but at once moved to Ohio, and in 1853 came to Indiana, settling first in Harrison township and six years later in Union township. In 1859 they took up their residence on the farm on which the mother is still living with her daughter Lydia. At that time it was a typical pioneer farm of Indiana, for it was heavily wooded, and little or no improvements had been made. They at once set to work to clear it, and as their means at that time amounted to the sum of $80 they found it necessary to work early and late it order to keep the wolf from the door and to provide themselves with the common necessaries of life. The father was a weaver by trade, and for a number of years wove all the cloth which covered his family. Their labors were in time rewarded and they eventually became possessed of a good property. The father paid the last debt of nature about 1869, his death occurring in the month of March, at which time, and for many years prior, he was a worthy member of the Mennonite Church. George S. Walters attended the schools of Elkhart county, mostly in Union township, and in the neighborhood where he now lives the principal part of his life has been spent. At the age of twenty-two years he took unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Susan Ernest, daughter of George W. and Rachel (Nagle) Ernest, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania, the father being now a resident of Nappanee. Mrs. Walters was the oldest of their three children, and was born in Cumberland county, Penn., on August 27, 1843. She was five or six years of age upon coming to this county, and upon her father's farm in Union township she attained womanhood, obtaining a good education in the district schools near her home. She married Mr. Walters at the age of twenty-one years, and with him settled on the old Walters homestead, where they resided two years, then rented a farm near Ulry school-house, and after making one more change to the Fritz farm, on which he remained for two years, bought the place on which he now resides, which consisted or eighty acres, and was only improved by a log house, stable, and twenty-five acres of cleared land. He now has a farm that is as well improved as any in the county, and has so conducted his business that he has been able to improve it with a handsome house and also in numerous other ways. He has a fine barn capable of holding a large amount of hay and stock, and is engaged in general farming and stockraising and in the winter devotes his attention to dealing in lumber. He has prospered in all his business undertakings, and this is, no doubt, owing to the fact that every detail of his work has been carefully looked after, and that he is energetic and honest. Like all public-spirited and intelligent gentlemen he is quite popular in the Republican party. His family consists of nine children: Frank, born August 30, 1866, is married to Sarah J. Hartman, daughter of Tobias Hartman, of Nappanee, and they have a little son, Ray; Frank Walters lives in Nappanee and is a clerk in Hartman's store; the next child of Mr. Walters is Alice E. who was born February 1, 1869, has taught eight terms of school in Elkhart county, and is now taking a teacher's course at Valparaiso, Ind.; Ida was born May 22, 1870, is quite a skilled musician, and is at home with her parents; Jesse, who was born December 29, 1872, assists his father on the farm, and has also manifested a taste for music; Milo, born January 19, 1874; Ira, born April 7, 1878; Oscar, born June 29, 1881; Bertie, born August 26; --, and Vernon, born October 3, 1887. Two children died in infancy. Mr. Walters bas endeavored to give his children good advantages, and as a result he has a bright and intelligent family, who give every promise of becoming an honor to their parents. During the Civil war between the North and South Mr. Walters was a soldier in the Union army, serving in Company I, Indiana Volunteers, but was taken sick with measles and returned home. Mrs. Walters' parents were native Germans, and her mother's maiden name was Dedrick. They were the parents of three daughters.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
Together with Biographies of Many Prominent Men of Northern Indiana and the Whole State, Both Living and Dead”
Goodspeed Brothers Publishers, Chicago
1893
John Morris Co. Printers and Binders

SOLOMON BERLIN (deceased). The sketch here given is that of one of the early pioneers of Locke township, Elkhart Co., Ind., and is a tribute paid to his many virtues and to the lessons which as a father he impressed upon the minds of his children by the example of a noble and honorable life, which, although it was fraught with hard labor and patient industry, was a model to his heirs of the sterling qualities that characterize a man who lived nearer to nature in its purity than to the artifices of society. Mr. Berlin was a native Ohioan, born in Mahoning county, May 26, 1827, and was a son of John and Susan (Huffman) Berlin, the former being a native of the Keystone State and a son of German parents. Solomon Berlin was the eldest often children who were named as follows: Solomon, Josiah, Jacob, Milton, Catherine, Lydia, Mary, Lizzie, Lavina and Sarah. Catherine married Fred Richmond of Nappanee. Lydia married Henry Woodruff, of Lacygne, Kan. Mary married L. B. Winder, of Nappanee. Lizzie married S. D. Coppes, of Nappanee. Sarah married George Green, of Ravenna, Ohio. Lavina married Eli Yarian, of Locke township. Josiah married Julia Slabaugh and lived in Elkhart county, died in 1869. Jacob entered the war in September of 1861, and was killed at the battle of Shiloh on the morning of the second day's fight; he was a good and brave soldier of the Ninth Indiana Volunteers; the Nappanee G. A. R. Post bears the name of Berlin, to his memory. Milton died while young. Solomon passed his boyhood and youth in his native State and was there married in 1852 to Miss Fianna Slabaugh, a native of Lancaster county, Penn., born in 1824. Almost immediately after marriage this young couple emigrated to Elkhart county, Ind., settled on a farm Mr. Berlin had purchased in Locke township, Section 13, and this is still owned by his children. Here they experienced all the trials and privations usual to pioneer settlers, but they surmounted all difficulties and became prominent, substantial citizens. The farm on which Mr. Berlin settled was part of an Indian reserve and in 1878 there was considerable litigation brought on by some sharpers and Western Indians which cost the owners of Section 13 considerable money to prove their claim. Solomon devoted his attention to clearing his farm and rearing his family. Soon after settling he bought an interest in a saw-mill with his brother Josiah. He was a prominent citizen during the war and held important offices of trust. In politics he was a strong Republican and a man ever deeply interested in political matters, and received nominations by his party, but was never elected, owing to the strong Democratic majority, although at one time there was a tie vote for trustee. He was a worthy member of the United Brethren Church, and for many years was a member of the Masonic fraternity and Blue Lodge of Wakarusa. Mr. Berlin possessed many excellent traits of character and was progressive and enterprising. He had a brick kiln on his place and manufactured the first brick in this part of the country. This was in 1854. He and Amos Slabaugh walked from Portage county, Ohio, in 1851 to this county and selected the land on which he located. Mrs. Berlin was but a child when her parents, Christian and Nancy (Rhodes) Slabaugh (see sketch of Slabaugh family) emigrated to Portage county, Ohio, and there she was reared and married. She was a member of the Lutheran Church, but was a regular attendant at the United Brethren Church. She was a kind mother and a lady much esteemed by all acquainted with her. She died June 17, 1882, when in her fifty-ninth year. These children were born to this honored and much esteemed couple: Helena A., died when four years of age; Francis E.; Warren E.; and Ellen Irene, died in 1871. Solomon Berlin and wife were among the first settlers of Locke township and from the time of settlement were identified with the early history of the same. For many years the Locke postoffice was located at Mr. Berlin's home and he was appointed postmaster under Abraham Lincoln. He received his final summons on September 22, 1872. His son. Francis E. Berlin, was born in Locke township, on his father's farm, May 15, 1858, and like most of the boys of that day, he attended school during the winter and was busy on the farm during the summer months. After the death of his father he took charge of the farm and with the assistance of his brother Warren, carried it on successfully. He married Miss Leah M. Myers April 9, 1887, who was born in Locke township, November 23, 1868, and who was the daughter of Jacob D. and Catherine (Wisler) Myers (see sketch of Myers family). One child, Ray R., born January 27, 1890, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Berlin. Mr. Berlin is one of the public-spirited young men of the county and in politics he is a stanch Republican. He has held important offices of trust in the township and is at present township trustee. Since the death of their father, Francis and his brother Warren have purchased 100 acres and together own 206 acres. This farm is one of the best improved in the section and is nicely located. These gentlemen are doing a general line of farming and stock-raising and are wide awake and progressive. Warren E., the youngest son born to the marriage of Solomon Berlin, first saw the light of day on his father's farm in Locke township, August 5, 1862. When old enough he attended the district school and continued in the same until nineteen years of age, when he entered the normal school at Nappanee and Valparaiso, and fitted himself for a teacher. He became one of the prominent teachers of Elkhart county and taught eleven terms of school. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party. In the year 1886 Mr. Berlin married Miss Angeline Roose, a native of Elkhart county, Ind., born November 19, 1868, and the eldest of seven children born to Silas and Harriet (Flickinger) Roose, who are now residents of Wakarusa, this county. Their children were named as follows: Angeline, Amanda, Mary, Sevilla, Jessie, William and Nellie. Mrs. Berlin was well educated and became a teacher, following this until her marriage. She is now the mother of two children: Bertha C., born December 9, 1887 and Ethel A., born May 2, 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Berlin are prominent young people of the township and are well liked by all acquainted with them.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
Together with Biographies of Many Prominent Men of Northern Indiana and the Whole State, Both Living and Dead”
Goodspeed Brothers Publishers, Chicago
1893
John Morris Co. Printers and Binders

JACOB D. MYERS, one of the most prominent farmers of Locke township, Elkhart Co., Ind., was born in the Buckeye State, Columbiana county, and his natal day was April 12, 1835. He was fourth in order of birth of eight children reared by John and Sarah (Longnecker) Myers. John Myers was born in Adams county, Penn., in 1806 and the son of Henry and Mary (Knupp) Myers, both natives of the Keystone State. The great-grandfather, also Henry Myers, came from Switzerland to America at a period antedating the Revolution and probably settled in Adams county, Penn. Henry Myers, Jr., married and reared a large family of children, viz.: John, Jacob, Henry, Samuel, Noah, Joseph, Susan and Mary. All these children reached mature years, married and reared families. About 1806 Henry Myers, Jr., and family moved to Columbiana county. Ohio, and settled on a farm in Beaver township. There he and his worthy wife passed the remainder of their days, both living to be quite aged people. They were members of the German Baptist Church and honorable, upright citizens. They worked hard, were industrious and frugal, and accumulated a comfortable property. John, their eldest child, and father of our subject, was but an infant when his parents moved to Ohio, and he was reared in the woods of Columbiana county. He attended the subscription schools of his day and was reared to farm life. After growing up he returned to Adams county, Penn., and learned the tanner's trade, which he followed for a number of years. He was well known as John Myers, tanner. He was married in Columbiana county, Ohio, to Miss Sarah Longnecker, and subsequently settled on a farm in Beaver township, and in connection with agricultural pursuits was also engaged as a tanner. He became a successful farmer and a wealthy man. In politics he was formerly a Whig, but later espoused the principles of the Republican party. He was interested in all affairs of moment and was a well-posted man. The German Baptist Church found in him a liberal and worthy member, and one who took a deep interest in its progress. He died in 1854 and was one of the most prominent citizens of that county. Mrs. Myers was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, and was a daughter of Daniel Longnecker, one of the early pioneers of that county. Mr. Longnecker was a native of Pennsylvania. He reared a large family of children, most of whom are scattered, and of whom Mrs. Myers was one of the eldest. Mr. and Mrs. Myers became the parents of nine children: Lydia, born May 28, 1825, died when about three years old; Mary A., born March 1, 1827, became the wife of John M. Roose, and died in 1880; Hannah, born February 9, 1829, died when nine years of age; Sarah, born November 1, 1830, is now residing in Ohio and is the wife of Simon Summers; Rachel, born January 16, 1833, became the wife of Michael Roose and is now residing in Columbiana county; Jacob (subject); Elizabeth, born April 16, 1840, died when thirteen years of age; and John, born July 9, 1844, is residing in Ohio, and is a prominent lawyer. He is married. Mrs. Myers was a member of the German Baptist Church and a lady possessing many excellent qualities. She died in the Buckeye State in 1886. Jacob D. Myers divided his time in youth in assisting his father on the farm and in attending the district school. As most of his time, however, was spent on the farm his scholastic training was not as thorough as it might have been. After the death of his father, in 1845, he started out to fight life's battles for himself and was engaged in farming on shares for some time. In 1858 he married Miss Catherine Wisler, a native of Columbiana county, Ohio, born June 8, 1840, and the daughter of Anthony and Magdaline (Miller) Wisler. Mr. and Mrs. Wisler were members of the Mennonite Church and the former was a wealthy farmer and one of the early pioneers of Columbiana county. Anthony Wisler was born in Berks county, Penn., April 9, 1806, but moved from that State to Ohio and there his death occurred on September 11, 1887. To his marriage were born nine children, four of whom are living: Susan, Lizzie, one died unnamed, Jonas, Daniel, Catherine, Leah, Sarah and Anthony. The four living are: Jonas, in Columbiana county, Ohio; Anthony, in Ohio; Leah in Ohio, and Catherine (Mrs. Myers), in Indiana. Mrs. Wisler was born in that county, September 2, 1809, and was the daughter of Tobias Miller. She died October 31, 1871, in her native State. After his marriage our subject followed farming in Ohio, until 1863, when in the fall of that year he came to Elkhart county. He bought a farm of eighty acres, built a house on it, and began clearing his farm. He has been unusually successful in his chosen calling and has added to the original tract until he is now the owner of 120 acres, all in one tract. He and his estimable wife experienced the trials and tribulations of pioneer life, but they worked their way to the front in spite of many drawbacks, and are classed among the substantial citizens of the township. In polities Mr. Myers supports the Republican party and has held office in this township. He is deeply interested in school and church work as well as all other enterprises to benefit the county. His success in life is owing to hard work and good management on the farm in raising stock and grain. He annually raises many cattle and his fine farm shows that much care has been bestowed upon it. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Myers: Isaac, born January 1, 1860, and now a farmer of Olive township, this county, married Miss Anna Plecher, daughter of Henry Pletcher, a prominent farmer of Harrison township. They have had two children: Harvey, born May 31, 1884, and Roscoe, born April, 1887. Isaac Myers is a well-to-do farmer, a public-spirited young man, and a Republican in politics. The second child born to Mr. Jacob D. Myers, Leah, first saw the light of day November 23, 1868. She is the wife of Francis Berlin and the mother of one child, Roy B., whose birth occurred February 27, 1889.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
Together with Biographies of Many Prominent Men of Northern Indiana and the Whole State, Both Living and Dead”
Goodspeed Brothers Publishers, Chicago
1893
John Morris Co. Printers and Binders

ELIJAH W. HALFORD, ex-President Harrison's private secretary, although a foreigner by birth, is an American in the fullest sense of the word. He was born in Nottingham, England, in the month of September, 1842, and when seven years old was brought to the United States, where he received his education and which has ever since been his home. When yet a youth he learned the printer's trade at Hamilton, Ohio, and coming to Indianapolis the winter of 1861-2 found employment on the Journal, of that city, remaining with it in various capacities for ten years. At the time of the establishment of the Chicago Inter Ocean, he was tendered the position of managing editor, and accepting, he occupied the place two years, during which time he obtained an extended reputation as an able journalist and brought to the paper its renown as the greatest Republican newspaper of the great Northwest. Upon his resignation as chief of the Inter Ocean he returned to Indianapolis, and for a number of years was managing editor of the Journal. Accepting President Harrison's appointment as private secretary, Mr. Halford occupied that position until near the close of the administration, when he was appointed paymaster in the United States army, with the rank of major. In his intercourse with the great men of all parties, he has won universal respect. When twenty-six years old he married Miss Fannie Armstrong, by whom he is the father of one daughter.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
Together with Biographies of Many Prominent Men of Northern Indiana and the Whole State, Both Living and Dead”
Goodspeed Brothers Publishers, Chicago
1893
John Morris Co. Printers and Binders

ISAIAH RUMMEL. No matter how disagreeable the outlook in life, or how little encouragement is received, there are some who will succeed in whatever they undertake, while others, placed in the same position, will give up in despair. Among those who have won universal respect by push and energy, and who are classed among the first in whatever they undertake, is the above mentioned gentleman. Notwithstanding many reverses and discouragements, Mr. Rummel has ever come boldly to the front, and, with the perseverance and progressive spirit of the native Ohioan, surmounted all difficulties. He is an early pioneer of Elkhart county, settling on Section 17, Union township, in the spring of 1866, and first bought eighty acres, all in the woods. He subsequently added to this twenty acres of timber, and his farm of one hundred acres is now one of the finest tracts of land in the township, or, in fact, in the whole county. The improvements are very good indeed. Mr. Rummel was born in Mahoning county, Palland township, Ohio, April 4, 1838, and was the eldest of a family of five children born to Jacob and Hannah (Whitenbarger) Rummel. Jacob Rummel was also born in Mahoning county, Ohio, and was one of eight children born to the marriage of Peter Rummel, five sons and three daughters: Henry, George, John, Peter, Jacob, Margaret, Christina and Susanna. The grandfather, Peter Rummel, was a native of Germany, and after coming to this country, settled in Mahoning county, where he passed the remainder of his days. One of his sons, Henry, was a soldier in the War of 1812, and all his children are deceased. They had all grown to mature years, reared families, and all the sons were Democrats except Jacob, who also affiliated with that party for some time. Later he became a Whig and finally a Republican. Jacob was born about 1814, and after reaching mature years followed agricultural pursuits in his native county. He was married there to Miss Whitenbarger, also a native of Mahoning county, who was the eldest of three children born to Jacob and Hannah (Rose) Whitenbarger. The Whitenbarger family is of German and the Rose family of English descent. Both families settled in Ohio at an early date. Jacob and wife became the parents of four children: Hannah, who became Mrs. Rummel; Joseph, Eliza and Jacob, who died young. After residing in his native county for some time Mr. and Mrs. Rummel, with their family, moved to Lawrence county, Penn., but subsequently bought the old home place of Mrs. Rummel's parents and returned to Ohio. Two of the children were born in Pennsylvania. Mr. Rummel learned the blacksmith trade when a boy, but followed farming at which he became wealthy. He was always deeply interested in political matters and was also interested in religious matters, being a member of the New School Lutheran Church, class leader and an active man in the Sunday-school. He was a popular man in his community, generous to a fault, and ever ready to assist the sick and afflicted. No better man had his home in the county. He was superintendent and school director in the township in which he lived; was of a jovial, genial disposition, and enjoyed good company. His wife is a member of the same church and an excellent woman. Like her husband she was ever ready to assist the sick and unfortunate, and suffering humanity ever found in her a true friend. She reared her five children to mature years and her excellent advice and counsel will ever linger in their minds. The children were named as follows: Isaiah, the eldest; Joseph, born in Ohio, April 16, 1840, enlisted in 1861, in Company C, One Hundred and Fifth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and was killed in the Atlanta campaign by an exploding shell (he was buried sixteen miles south of Atlanta, Ga.; he had been a brave soldier and was in many battles; the same shell that killed him ended the lives of two of his comrades; he was a single man); Eliza married William Rife who was a soldier in the Confederate army, being pressed into service, and they now live on a farm in Ohio; John resides with his mother and carries on the home place (he married Miss Susan Sittler and they have one child, Chauncy); Obediah married Samantha Yarian, a daughter of Adam Yarian, and has four children: Francis, Daisy, Edith and Adam (he and wife now reside in Mahoning county, Ohio). The mother of these children resides on the old farm, is seventy-five years of age, and although the snows of many winters have passed over her head, she is still in the enjoyment of good health. Isaiah Rummel, the original of this notice, was reared and educated in Mahoning county, Ohio, and although his educational advantages were not of the best, he improved every opportunity and acquired most of his learning by earnest study at home. He worked on his father's farm and followed the usual life of a farmer's boy until a young man. In 1864 he enlisted in the army, was in service' four months, and was at Point Lookout. He has never recovered from the effects of the exposure he underwent while in the service. He received his discharge at Camp Denison and returned to Van Wert county, Ohio, where he had located before enlisting. After his brother's death he returned to Mahoning county, and later worked at the carpenter's trade. Returning to Van Wert county he remained there until 1866, when he came to Indiana and located on the farm where he now lives. September 16, 1869, he led to the altar Miss Mariah Strycker, daughter of Christian Strycker, and a native of Elkhart county, Union township, Ind., born February 16, 1845. She was well educated and is an intelligent and accomplished lady, and lives a pious life, always ready to aid the poor and the sick. Mr. Rummel has seventy-five of his one hundred acres of land cleared and is wide awake and thoroughgoing. Seven living children have been born to his marriage and are named as follows: Elmer J., born July 9, 1870, is a carpenter by trade and in politics a Republican (he is an upright, honorable young man and makes his home with his father); John C., born June 14, 1872, is at home assisting on the farm; Martha .A.., born June 11, 1874, is also at home; George L., born January 28, 1877; Emery E., born August 14, 1879; Sarah E., born November 10, 1882; Hannah A., born January 23,1886, and died February 2, 1887; and Laura M., born July 14, 1889. Mr. Rummel is a church member and a prominent citizen of his section. In politics he is a Republican and has been a member of the Central Committee for a number of years. He is well known throughout the county as a Repnblican and has held a number of local positions.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
Together with Biographies of Many Prominent Men of Northern Indiana and the Whole State, Both Living and Dead”
Goodspeed Brothers Publishers, Chicago
1893
John Morris Co. Printers and Binders

JOHN ANGLEMYER, who for the past thirty-eight years has been a citizen of Elkhart county, Ind., and for the most part a resident of Union township, was born on his father's farm in Westmoreland county, Penn., and was one of ten children reared by Adam and Elizabeth (Siple) Anglemyer. The father, Adam Anglemyer, was born in Berks county, Penn., in 1777, and was one of ten or twelve children. He was of German descent and a descendant of a prominent family. His death occurred in 1858, when eighty-one years of age. His wife, who was also a native of Pennsylvania, was born in 1783, and died in 1876, when nearly ninety-four years of age. She was an eye-witness of the funeral procession of Gen. George Washington. This old couple were married in their native State and made their home there for a number of years, eight of their children being born there. Mr. Adam Anglemyer lost his home in the Keystone State by going security. Thinking to better his condition, he emigrated with his family, in 1821, to Columbiana county, Ohio, where for a number of years he lived on a rented farm. He was a cripple, but worked at his trade, tailor, managed to get along and finally secured a home. During his early life he was a member of the Presbyterian Church, but at the time of his death was a German Baptist. He was a man devoted to his home, firm in his ideas, and public spirited and enterprising. In early life his wife was a Presbyterian, but she also became identified with the German Baptist Church. Their children were named as follows: Martha, married John Coblentz, of Columbiana county, Ohio, both are now deceased; Sarah, married John Hilburn and lived in Canada, she is now deceased; Jacob, married Rebecca Sumners, reared a family and died in Ohio; Joseph, married Margaret Mellinger and reared a family and died in his native county; Solomon, married Catherine Smith and now resides in Huntington county, this State, and reared a large family; John (subject); Adam, married Hannah Hoke, both died in this State and left a family; Ephraim, married Lucinda Seidner, who died in Miami county, Ind., and left a family; Elizabeth had a large family, also died in Miami county, and was the wife of Jacob Seidner; and Susan, who is now living in Union township, this county, and is the wife of George Grove and the mother of four children. The original of this notice was born December 16, 1818, on his fathers farm in the Keystone State, and he was a child of three years when his parents moved to Ohio. He grew to mature years in Columbiana county, that State, attended the common district schools and worked as a farm boy until twenty-one years of age. After this he worked on a farm by the month, and on March 16, 1843, was married to Miss Margaret Hoke, a native of Columbiana county, Ohio. After marriage he worked at the shoemaker's trade and also followed farming, and in 1849 moved on a farm in Columbiana county, tilling the soil until 1853. Three children were born to them in that county, one in the State of Indiana, and in the fall of 1853 and the early part of 1854 the family moved to Elkhart county, Ind. They settled in Union township and bought a farm of eighty acres on Section 16. This farm was then nearly all in the woods, but Mr. Anglemyer began improving the place and added to it until he at one time owned 240 acres, and has a fine, well-improved farm. In religion he is a German Baptist. He has been a member of that church for forty years, is an elder in the same, and is much interested in religious and educational matters. As a farmer he has met with success. He is an upright, worthy citizen and one of the foremost farmers. His wife was a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Longanecker) Hoke and the granddaughter of Martin and Margaret (Mellinger) Hoke. The Hoke family is of German origin; Martin Hoke, grandfather of Mrs. Anglemyer, was born in Pennsylvania and came to Ohio at an early date. He went back to bring on his family but died. His widow then moved to the Buckeye State with the three children - Henry, John and Elizabeth - and here passed the remainder of her days, dying in Columbiana county. Henry Hoke, the father of Mrs. Anglemyer, was born in Berks county, Penn., March 10, 1799, but was reared in Columbiana county, Ohio. He was married February 15, 1820, and settled on a farm, where his death occurred August 19, 1857. Mr. Hoke was a stanch Republican, a member of the German Baptist Church, and a leading man in his neighborhood. He held a number of offices in the township and for several years was a school teacher. His wife was born in the Keystone State July 28, 1800, and was a daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Mack) Longanecker. She was a member of the German Baptist Church and died in November, 1875, when seventy-five years of age. This worthy couple were the parents of several children, as follows: Samuel, married to Anna Paulding, died in Union township, Elkhart county, leaving a widow and two children; Isaac, married to Eliza Weaver, and resided in Elkhart township from 1853 until 1890, and then died, leaving a family of eight children, all in this county; Sarah, married Conrad Rhodes and had a family of thirteen children (she is now a resident of Butler county, Penn.); Margaret (Mrs. Anglemyer); Martin, married Catharine Metz and resides in Huntington county, this State, and is the father of eight children; Lydia, married Jacob Kitch and both are now deceased (they left one child, Amanda); Jonas, married Rebecca Halverstalt, resides in Columbiana county, Ohio, and has seven children; George, married Catharine Buzzard, resides in Harrison township, Elkhart county, and has seven children. To Mr. and Mrs. Anglemyer have been born four children. Franklin, who was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, June 13, 1844, is a farmer in Elkhart county, Ind.; DeLorma, also a native of Ohio, born March 3, 1849, died in 1879; he married Miss Mary Miller, daughter of Jacob and Mrs. Miller, whose family were John, Levi, Andrew, Elizabeth and Mary, and became the father of one child, Laura, who is living; he was a farmer in Elkhart county, a member of the German Baptist Church. Lydia A., born August 5, 1853, became the wife of Jonas Frederick, son of William. Frederick, one of four children, the others being: Rebecca, William and Jesse, a farmer of Union township. They have eight children: Judith, Charles, Edith, John, Anna, Jesse, Fannie and Harvey. John Anglemyer's (subject's) youngest son, David H., is living on a small farm near the home place and is also a successful farmer. He was born in Elkhart county, Ind., May 26, 1864, and was reared under the parental roof. He married Miss Catherine Moyer, one of a family of seven children: Catharine, Angeline, Daniel, Abraham, Susan, Nancy and Saloma, a native of Elkhart county, born September 4, 1864, and a daughter of George W. and Mary (Engle) Moyer. Mr. Moyer was an early settler of Elkhart county and Harrison township. David E. John Anglemyer's youngest son, and wife are well-to-do young people. John Anglemyer (subject) and wife raised and provided homes for the following orphans: Amanda Kitch, only child of Mrs. Anglemyer's sister, who married Jesse Newcomer, a well-to-do farmer; Amanda Newcomer, who died after living with them a few years; John W. Anglemyer, grandchild of subject, who now resides with them; Katie Bucher, who also resides with them at this time, and is an estimable young woman. Franklin, John Anglemyer's eldest son, was ten years of age when the family moved to this State. He attended the district school of Elkhart county and then the Goshen High School, thus fitting himself for teaching. In 1865 he branched out in his career as an educator and first taught in Scott township, Kosciusko Co., Ind., but afterward taught in Elkhart county. At the same time he followed agricultural pursuits and has a farm of fifty-nine acres; this he has well improved. He was married in 1867 to Susanna Hoover, a native of Union township, Elkhart county, and daughter of Samuel and Mary A. (Wisler) Hoover. The Hoover family is among the most prominent ones of the county. Mrs. Anglemyer was the eldest of four children - John, David and Jonas - and was born in Ohio, December 4, 1846. By her marriage she became the mother of four children, viz.: Albert H., born May 28, 1868, married Miss Ida Iffert, of Union township, daughter of Louis Iffert (see sketch); Oliver S., born August 17,1871, single; Jesse J., born January 28, 1874, and John W., born December 28, 1879. Franklin's first wife died in 1881 and he subsequently married Mrs. Isophine Longanecker, a native of Ohio, and the widow of Frank Longanecker. Her maiden name was Hoover, daughter of M. Hoover. She was born January 13, 1854, and was one of a family of five children: Calvin, Sylvester, Ida, Clara and Jane. To Mrs. Anglemyer's first marriage were born two children - Ella and Alice - both natives of Ohio, the former born February 12, 1876, and the latter March 12, 1878. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. F. Anglemyer - Mervin E., born February 11, 1886, and Wilber F., born June 13, 1892. Two children died in infancy. Franklin Anglemyer is a member of the German Baptist Church, in which he holds office. He has a farm near the old home place and is prosperous and contented.
“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
Together with Biographies of Many Prominent Men of Northern Indiana and the Whole State, Both Living and Dead”
Goodspeed Brothers Publishers, Chicago
1893
John Morris Co. Printers and Binders

SAMUEL HOOVER (deceased). It is with pleasure that we represent in this volume one of the most prominent and early pioneer families of Elkhart county, and one of its most honored members was the lamented gentleman whose name we have just given. This highly esteemed and eminently useful member of society was a native of Franklin county, Penn., born August 19, 1819, and the son of David and Esther (Lehman) Hoover. Samuel moved with his parents to Ohio, settled with them on a farm in Mahoning county, and there grew to mature years and married. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary A. Wisler (see sketch of her father, John Wisler), was born in the Buckeye State in 1820. After marriage Samuel and wife settled in Ohio, where two children were born to them, and then moved to Indiana, where three more children were born. They came to the Hoosier State in: 1850, making the journey with wagon, and were several weeks on the way. They settled on a farm Mr. Hoover had bought, and on which his sons now live, and as this tract of land, consisting of eighty acres, was all in the woods but a small garden spot, he began immediately to make improvements and clear the land. A small log house was on the place, their limited household goods were arranged in this, and in a very frugal manner they began their career as pioneers. Mr. Hoover owned very little when he first came to the county, and paid $300 for his original farm, but he was possessed of any amount of energy and perseverance and became one of the well-to-do farmers. Just prior to his death, which occurred in 1879, he added ten acres to the original tract of land. He was considerable of a hunter, was known as one of the best shots in the county, and many deer have fallen at the report of his unerring rifle. A man much attached to his home, at the same time he was one of the most public-spirited citizens of Union township, and contributed liberally of his means to further all laudable enterprises. When a boy he had but poor chances for a schooling, but in spite of that fact he obtained a good education and became a good business man. He was possessed of a genial, social disposition and loved to have his friends about him. At the time of his death, June 25, 1879, he was a worthy member of the Mennonite Church, and in politics was a Republican. He and his estimable wife had experienced all the trials of pioneer life, and contributed their share toward the advancement and development of the county. Mrs. Hoover was reared on her father's farm in Ohio, and died in Indiana, July 9, 1859. She was the mother of five children: Susanna, born in Ohio, December 4, 1846, married Frank Anglemyer (see sketch); John W., born in Ohio, November 25, 1848, married and resides on a farm near Wakarusa; one child died in infancy; David W., born on the farm where he now lives in Indiana, June 18,1853; and Jonas R., born in Union township, December 22,1857. David W. Hoover attended the district schools of his neighborhood and the Goshen High School, after which he attended normal, thus securing a good, practical education. He subsequently taught six terms of school in the county, worked at the carpenter's trade for four or five years, and at the death of his father he and his brother. Jonas R., bought the farm. David was married in 1879 to Miss Barbara E. Myers, a native of this county, born April 2, 1856, and one of a family of eight children born to Jonas and Mary (Berkey) Myers. Her father is living on a farm in Locke township, this county, and is a prominent farmer. She was educated in the schools of Locke township, and is a member of the Mennonite Church. In politics David Hoover is a Republican. Besides general farming he and his brother are engaged in stockraising, and have some fine cattle, sheep and hogs. Jonas R. Hoover was also educated in the district schools, and his train¬ing was good for a farmer boy. In 1883, when twenty-six years of age, he was married to Miss Lydia Myers, who was born March 7, 1860, in Elkhart county, and who received her education in the district schools of Locke township. She was a member of the Mennonite Church, and died May 9, 1892. Like his brother, Jonas, is a Republican in politics, and is much interested in political affairs. He is wide awake and thoroughgoing, and is interested in the development of the county.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
Together with Biographies of Many Prominent Men of Northern Indiana and the Whole State, Both Living and Dead”
Goodspeed Brothers Publishers, Chicago
1893
John Morris Co. Printers and Binders

DR. HENRY J. DEFREES, a young but promising physician of Nappanee, Ind., although still in the dawn of the success which has attended his efforts in a professional way, has already given abundant evidence of the ability which qualifies him for a high place in the medical profession. Truly ambitious, and with an ambition whose aim is pure and unsullied, there seems no reason why his unquestioned abil¬ity should not find full scope in relieving the pains which a suffering world is heir to. He was born in Elkhart county, Ind., September 27, 1861, on his father's farm, and was the eldest child born to Jared and Josephine (Fisher) Defrees (see sketch following this). The Doctor's early life was passed on his father's farm, and in the district school he acquired a good education. From an early age he manifested a strong desire for the medical profession, and in 1881 entered the Chicago College of Pharmacy, which he attended one year. Following this he began the study of medicine with Dr. Sensenich, of Wakarusa, subsequently entered Rush Medical College, of Chicago, graduating from that well-known institution in 1888. Immediately after this he began practicing at Milwood, Ind., continued there until 1891, and then located at Nappanee, where he almost immediately entered upon a successful practice. He is a young man of unusual talent, and has met with good success. He enjoys the confidence of all who know him, and his future prospects are bright indeed. In politics he is a stanch advocate of Republican principles. In the year 1889 he was married to Miss Maggie Leatherman, of Wakarusa, who was born January 4, 1865, and who was the daughter of Isaac Leatherman. She was one of eleven children, and was reared on her father's farm, receiving her education in the district school. To the Dr. and Mrs. Defrees has been born one bright little child, Forrest, whose birth occurred November 20, 1890. The Doctor is a member of the State Medical Society, and a member of Kosciusko County Medical Society. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias. Mrs. Defrees holds membership in the Mennonite Church, and is interested in all good work.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
Together with Biographies of Many Prominent Men of Northern Indiana and the Whole State, Both Living and Dead”
Goodspeed Brothers Publishers, Chicago
1893
John Morris Co. Printers and Binders

JARED DEFREES. Mr. Defrees possesses those qualities of industry and energy so characteristic of the native Hollander, and is one of the most progressive and substantial farmers and stockraisers of Locke township, Elkhart Co., Ind. He was born in Freeland, Holland, January 8, 1832, and his parents, Stafold and Hannah (Whisphway) Defrees, were natives of the old country, and there passed their entire lives. The father was born December 5, 1791, and died September 17, 1860, and the mother was born October 11, 1800, and died September 20, 1851. This worthy couple reared a family of seven children: Harvey, Henry, John, Jared, Andrew, Durke and John C. Two of these children died, but the remainder came to the United States, and settled in Michigan and Indiana. Henry, Jared and Andrew settled in Locke township, Elkhart county, and became farmers and prominent citizens. Henry died in 1890, leaving a family in Locke township. Jared Defrees, the subject of this sketch, became familiar with the duties of farm life when a boy, and early in life learned the carpenter's trade. At the age of twenty-one years, he emigrated to America, and landed at Quebec, Canada. He crossed the ocean in a sailing vessel of 700 passengers, of whom ninety died while at sea. After reaching Quebec, our subject worked at his trade for some time, but subsequently went to Montreal, and thence to Detroit, Mich. From there he found his way to Elkhart county, Ind., in the fall of 1854, and worked at his trade, and on a farm until 1861. At that date he moved to the farm on which he now lives, and here he has resided ever since. He has met with fair success in his different occupations and has ever been upright and honorable in all his dealings. In the year 1860 Mr. Defrees was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Fisher, a native of Holland, born February 27, 1843, and the daughter of Class H. and Hannah (Simensina) Fisher, natives of Holland also. Mr. Fisher pursued the occupation of a fisherman, and followed the sea until 1842, when he married, and later crossed the ocean to America. He settled in Jackson township, Elkhart Co., Ind., with his wife and four children, and there, in connection with farming, carried on the dairy business. After tilling the soil for many years, he thought to better his condition by securing more land, and went to Oregon in 1891 to visit their children, and there they now reside. His children, nine in number, were named as follows: Josephine, Henry, Jacob, John, Matthew, Martha, William, Anna and Benjamin, all now residents of Oregon except Mrs. Defrees, and her brother Jacob, who is now residing in Union township. The Fisher family held membership in the Mennonite Church. Mr. and Mrs. Defrees have experienced many hardships as pioneer settlers, and found it very hard to get a start in the land of their adoption. Hard work, ceaseless activity, and great frugality brought them through, and they now own a good farm and a comfortable home. Mr. Defrees worked at his trade and received but 50 cents a day, when he first came to this country, but economy and industry soon brought him to the front. Mr. Defrees is a member of the Mennonite Church, his wife of the United Brethren, while their children belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is one of the public-spirited men of his section. As a stockraiser he has met with much success, and he has also been quite successful in raising grain. He is a well-to-do, honest, farmer, and is well liked in the community. To his marriage were born six children, as follows: Henry, a leading physician of Nappanee, was born September 27, 1861; Jacob, attending Parsons' Horological Institute, at Peoria, Ill., was born February 8, 1863; William, born November 29, 1865, married Miss Mary Montgomery, who bore him two children, Clarence and Edith, the latter dying in infancy; Hannah, was born April 22, 1870, and died at the age of sixteen years; Franklin, born October 20, 1874, assists his father on the farm, and Otto, born September 27, 1879, is in school.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
Together with Biographies of Many Prominent Men of Northern Indiana and the Whole State, Both Living and Dead”
Goodspeed Brothers Publishers, Chicago
1893
John Morris Co. Printers and Binders

JACOB B. MILLER. To the person who closely applies himself to any occupation which he has chosen as his calling in life, there can only come one result - that of success, and a high place in the esteem of those among whom he has made his home. And Mr. Miller is no exception to the rule, for it has only been by industry and strict attention to agricultural pursuits that he has attained to the position which he now enjoys. He owns 100 acres of as well-improved land as can be found in the county - probably the best improved as to its buildings - and is engaged in general farming and stockraising. His pleasant residence is a home indeed, and at once a monument and a reward of patient continuance in well-doing, hard toil and sober living. Mr. Miller was born in Darke county, Ohio, July 12, 1841, and is a son of David O. and Rachel (Bigler) Miller, both natives of Pennsylvania, the father born in Montgomery county, in 1817, and the mother in Washington county the same year. (For further particulars see sketch of David O. Miller.) Our subject was the only son in a family of ten children, as follows: Nancy, Jacob, Mary, Hannah, Susan, Sarah, Julia, Rachel, Lovina and Malinda. Of these four are deceased - the eldest, the youngest and two others. Jacob was but nine years of age when the family emigrated to Indiana, and he was reared principally in Union township, Elkhart county. He received his education in the Miller School-house and was reared to mature years on his father's farm, assisting in the arduous duties of the same until twenty-six years of age. In the year 1866 he married Miss Esther Swihart and rented a farm for one year. Later he moved to Kosciusko county, near Warsaw, where he lived for five years, after which he moved to his father's place and carried it on for three years. In 1876 he bought his present place and has since been engaged in improving and developing his farm. In his political views Mr. Miller is a Democrat. He has held the office of school director, also supervisor, and is interested in all public matters of any consequence. He has been usually successful as an agriculturist and his success is due largely to his excellent judgment and strict honesty and upright dealings; the proud position he now occupies as a representative citizen being a just tribute to his worth. He is a member of the German Baptist Church and is deeply interested in religious and educational matters. His wife was born in Seneca county, Ohio, and is a daughter of Samuel and Fannie (Baker) Swihart. Samuel Swihart was born in Washington county, Penn., and of German descent, his father having been Peter Swihart. Mrs. Swihart was the daughter of Daniel Baker. Of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Swihart, Mrs. Miller was second in order of birth. They were named as follows: Jonas, Esther, Elizabeth and Ellen. All are living and all but Mrs. Miller in Kosciusko county. The parents died in that county where the father had emigrated in 1854, being among the earliest settlers. He became quite wealthy. He and wife held membership in the original German Baptist Church. Esther was born August 24, 1844, and was reared in Kosciusko county where she received a fair education. Mr. and Mrs. Miller's union has resulted in the birth of six living children: Samuel S., who was born April 18, 1868, is at home; David, born November 29, 1870, and resides at South Bend where he is employed at the county jail; Daniel, born April 1, 1872, is at home; Rachel, born September 2, 1874; William, born January 3, 1877, and Charles E., born November 13, 1879. All the children have attended the Weldy School and all are well educated. David and Daniel have also attended the Nappanee schools, and all the sons now voting support the principles of the Democratic party.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
Together with Biographies of Many Prominent Men of Northern Indiana and the Whole State, Both Living and Dead”
Goodspeed Brothers Publishers, Chicago
1893
John Morris Co. Printers and Binders

WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON, the ninth President of the United States and first governor of the Territory of Indiana, was a native of the Old Dominion, his birth occurring at Berkeley, in 1773. His father was Gov. Benjamin Harrison, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Receiving the final part of his schooling at Hampden, Sidney College, he began for himself at eighteen years of age, at which time occurred the death of his father. In opposition to the protests of his friends, he sought a position in the army of the United States, was commissioned ensign by General Washington and ordered to report to the commanding general (St. Clair) of the Northwestern Army. At this period the frontier was greatly harrassed by depredations of marauding bands of savages, supplemented by covert support and aid of the British Government, and the duties of the frontier troops were to hold in check and keep within due bounds these attacks. The elevation of Gen. Anthony Wayne over General St. Clair, in the command of the Northwest, resulted in a more vigorous and active policy and numerous battles were fought with varying success. Having obtained promotion to a lieutenancy, young Harrison was the hero in a bloody engagement August 20, 1792, and for this he was publicly thanked by his superior officer. In 1795 he was made commander of Fort Washington, with the rank of captain; the same year he wedded the youngest daughter of John Cleves Symmes; the original owner of the present site of Cincinnati, and three years later resigned his commission to engage in farming. Very shortly after tendering his resignation he was appointed secretary of the Northwest Territory by President Adams, and as such was ex-offico lieutenant-governor, and in the absence of General St. Clair was governor. In 1799 he was elected a delegate to Congress, and during this session the Northwest Territory was divided into two Territories, named Ohio and Indiana. The latter comprised the present States of Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan, and of this Mr. Harrison received the appointment of governor. He immediately located at Vincennes, which was then the capital, and served as governor sixteen years, having been twice re-appointed by Jefferson and once by Madison. His influence with the Indians was greater than any other white man. He always kept strict faith with these children of Nature, was prompt to reward their good deeds and as decisive in punishing their treachery. During his administration he commanded at the battle of Tippecanoe, and the good results achieved by the success of the whites was made an event by the Legislatures of both Indiana and Kentucky extending the hero of the day a vote of thanks. Governor Harrison is given a prominent place by historians for his services during the War of 1812. He was a participant in the defense of Fort Meigs and the battle of the Thames, as well as being the commander of the Army of the Northwest, with the rank of major-general. In 1816 he was elected to Congress and in 1824 to the United States Senate, from Ohio, and in 1828 was appointed minister to the Republic of Colombia by President Adams, but was almost immediately recalled by General Jackson. In 1836 he was nominated for the presidency of the United States, but suffered defeat. In 1840 he was re-nominated by the Whigs and during one of the most remarkable campaigns this country ever experienced, was elected, and March 4, 1841, was inaugurated. Having spent the most of his life on the frontier, Mr. Harrison lacked the polish of his opponent, and the story was circulated by the Democrats, with the expectation that it would prove detrimental to him, that he lived in a log cabin and drank nothing but cider. The Whigs accepted the insinuation. The simpleness of the human life, divested of glamors and gildings, always appeals to the direct sensibilities of the people. So it did in this case. Log cabins were erected everywhere; kegs, supposed to contain cider, were indispensable. Log cabin and hard cider songs were sung and are yet remembered by the old residenters, and the famous hero of Tippecanoe became the ninth President of the United States. His untimely death occurred one month after his triumphal inauguration.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
Together with Biographies of Many Prominent Men of Northern Indiana and the Whole State, Both Living and Dead”
Goodspeed Brothers Publishers, Chicago
1893
John Morris Co. Printers and Binders

JOSEPREUS NEFF, a member of the Nappanee Implement Company, was born December 30, 1861, on his father's farm in Jackson township, this county, and like most country boys he attended the district school in winter and assisted his father with the farm work during the summer months. He continued under the parental roof until of age, when he started out to fight his own way in life. He first settled on a farm in. Jefferson township, Kosciusko county, improved this farm in every way and subsequently sold to advantage and moved to Nappanee in 1890. Until the spring of 1891 he was with Paxton Bros., general implement dealers, and he then formed a partnership with Mr. French. During the summer and fall of the same year he and his partner built a large double store and salesroom, which they stocked with all the latest and most improved farm machinery and hardware. They are honorable, conscientious business men and have already built up a large trade in their line. Mr. Neff is a practical and experienced man, thoroughly conversant with every detail of his business, and is highly esteemed throughout mercantile circles for his many exemplary traits of character, promptness and reliability. He was the only child born to John and Anna (Lisle) Neff, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Elkhart county, Ind. John Neff was the son of Henry Neff, who came to Indiana at an early day, being among the pioneer settlers of Elkhart county. The mother of our subject was a daughter of John Lisle, also a pioneer of this county. She was one of three children by her father's first marriage, and her brothers were Josepheus, deceased, and Josiah living in Iowa. Her father married the second time and by this union became the father of six children. Our subject was but six months old when he was left motherless and his father was married the second time to Miss Elizabeth Geyer and reared six sons and three daughters: Calvin, Levi, Alpheus, Rollo, Loyd and Burton, and Ida, Emma and Nettie. Both Mr. and Mrs. Neff are living and have a good farm in Jackson township, this county. Josepheus Neff's marriage with Miss Katie Smith, who was born in 1862, was solemnized in 1883, and one bright little child has blessed this union, Gracie, whose birth occurred July 22, 1888. Mrs. Neff's parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Fischer) Smith, were natives of Pennsylvania and Canada, respectively, and early pioneers of Elkhart county. Both are now deceased. They were the parents of eight children, four sons and four daughters: Samuel, John, Frank, Jesse, Susan, Ludia, Kate and Ella. The latter married George Whitehead and died at the age of twenty three years. The remainder of the children are living, the boys on farms in Jackson township and the girls all married and living not far from the old home. Mr. Neff is one of the pushing, energetic young business men of Nappanee and is quite a favorite in business and social circles. In politics he is a Democrat.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
Together with Biographies of Many Prominent Men of Northern Indiana and the Whole State, Both Living and Dead”
Goodspeed Brothers Publishers, Chicago
1893
John Morris Co. Printers and Binders