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CHARLES W. JAQUITH. Prominent among the successful business men of Nappanee, Ind., is Mr. Charles W. Jaquith, dealer in farming implements and field seeds. He owes his nativity to St. Joseph county, Ind., born on a farm in Madison township, May 6, 1839. He is a son of Henry and Lucy (Tallman) Jaquith and the grandson of Reuben and Mary Jaquith, both of English descent. Henry W. Jaquith was a native Vermonter, born March 10, 1806, and there made his home until ten years of age, when he came with his parents to southern Indiana. This was in 1816, and in 1827 he married Miss Lucy Tallman. Nine years later, or in 1836, he moved to St. Joseph county, Ind., settled on a farm in Madison township, and there resided for sixteen years. From there he moved to Sumption's Prairie, resided there for twelve years, and then for ten years was a resident of South Bend, where his death occurred in October, 1876, when sixty-nine years and seven months old. He was a cooper by trade and that was his principal occupation in life. In his religious views Mr. Jaquith was connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, joining the same in 1840, and has always lived an upright, honorable life. Until the last year of his life he held office in his church, and was ever one of its leading members. Honorable and upright in all his relations he was loved and esteemed by all who knew him, and his death caused universal sorrow, for all felt the loss to be sustained by the departure of such a man. He was a good man in every sense of the word, and his memory will live in the hearts of the people long after his body has moldered to dust. He died in the faith of a glorious hereafter, and was at peace with God and man. His wife died at her home in South Bend, from general debility, when seventy-nine years of age. She was born in Canada, June 21, 1809, and the last years of her life were spent in South Bend. She was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and a woman widely and favorably known for her many excellent qualities. Eleven children were born to this worthy couple, four of whom are still living: Andrew J.; .Albert D.; Julia A., who died in 1887; Permelia D., died in 1873; Nathaniel T. E.; Charles W.; Lucy Emaline, died in 1873; Dr. Franklin, died in 1878; an infant, died unnamed; Lucinda, died in 1869, and George, died young. The father of these children was a Democrat in early life but later became a Republican, and continued a member of that party until his death. Charles W. Jaquith was reared on his father's farm. After reaching mature years he married Miss Julia F. Crocker, who was born in 1840, and who was the daughter of Ezra and Julia (Curtis) Crocker. Mr. Crocker was born in Vermont, March 9, 1806, and his wife in Connecticut, November 25, 1803. They were married in the State of Ohio, April 8, 1828, and the following children were born to them: Samuel, Sarah, Andrew J., Ezra T., Mary A., Julia F. and Orris J. Simpson, a son by a later marriage. Mrs. Jaquith's maternal great-grandfather, Ethan Curtis, married Miss Elizabeth Warner in Connecticut, in January, 1778, and thirteen children were born to them: Lydia, Samuel, Sarah, Ethan, Chancey, Betsy, Eunice, Ada, John, Joel, Catherine, Willis and William. The son Samuel, grandfather of Mrs. Jaquith, married Mary A. Churchill in the State of Massachusetts, January 8, 1802, and twelve children were born to them: Julia, Caroline, Andrew, Eliza, Eunice, Churchil1, Lucy, Crosby, Rebecca, Chancey, Moses and Mary. Mary A. Churchill's parents, Moses and Mollie (Crosby) Churchill, were married in Massachusetts in March, 1785, and eight children were born to them: Mary A., Betsy, Moses, Lucy, Polly, Samuel, Rebecca and Major. Mrs. Jaquith's paternal grandfather, Josiah Crocker, married Miss Sarah Toby in Massachusetts, in 1788, and later moved to Vermont, where nine children were born: Benjamin, James, Thomas, Sarah, John, Timothy, Ezra, Betsy and Eliza. Mr. and Mrs. Jaquith's nuptials were celebrated May 26, 1864, and two children have blessed this union: Minnie B. and M. Leroy. The former was born June 28, 1869, and was married to C. M. Curtis September 17, 1888. On December, 17,1889, a son was born to them, whom they called Jaquith G. Curtis. M. Leroy is at home and in business with his father. Previous to locating in Nappanee Mr. Jaqnith was engaged in farming in St. Joseph county, this State, and he also worked at the carpenter's trade. He was at one time the owner of a saw-mill. He now owns a good farm in St. Joseph county, and is a man of good business habits. 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

CLANDEN K. CURTIS, a substantial farmer of Union township, Elkhart Co., Ind., resides in the northeastern part of the township, eight and one-half miles from Goshen, where he receives his mail. He was born in Canada West, or Ontario, July 27, 1850, and was the eldest son born to B. S. and Elizabeth (Kupland) Curtis. B. S. Curtis was a native of Orange county, N. Y., born May 20. 1815, and the son of Gad and Mary (Hitchcock) Curtis. Gad Curtis was a New Yorker by birth born March, 1791, and was reared and married in his native State. Soon after his marriage he went to Canada, and reared a family of children, five of whom were boys, viz.: Burtin S.; Clanden; Julia. who married a Mr. Jacob Wismer; Gad; Milin; Margaret and Moses. Of these children our subject's father was the eldest. The Curtis family is of English origin. Gad Curtis served in the War of 1812, and lived to a good old age, passing away in 1869. He was a strong and powerful man, even in his old age. His wife was a New York lady, and she, too lived to an advanced age. The family emigrated to Canada at an early day and there the children grew up, married, and scattered. The second son, Clanden, became a minister of the Evangelical Association. He has reared a family, and still lives in New York State. Julia is a member of the Church of England. B. S. Curtis, father of subject, was married in Canada, and there made his home unti11857. He was a potter by trade. While a resident of Canada he was quite prominent in politics, was justice of the peace for about twelve years, and held other local positions. In 1857 he emigrated to Olive township, Elkhart Co., Ind., and settled on a farm of 100 acres which was partly improved. Previous to this, in 1845, while residing in Canada, he became a minister of the Gospel, and was active in this noble work for twenty years. In the year 1864 he enlisted as chaplain of the One Hundred and Forty-second Indiana, and remained with that regiment until the close of the war. He was in a number of prominent engagements, and served his country faithfully. Returning from the war, he turned his attention to the improvement of his farm. He also carried on his ministerial duties for a number of years. After residing in Elkhart county, Ind., for twenty-two years, he passed to his final reward on October 20, 1886. In politics he was a "black Abolitionist," bitter against slavery, and a firm believer in the rights of the negro to have freedom. After coming to this country he held no public offices, but was ever a public-spirited man, interested in educational as well as religious affairs. Socially he was a Master Mason. In 1880 he left Elkhart county, went to La Grange county, this State, and later to Reed City, Mich., where he died. He was a man of some property and was generous and free hearted, giving freely of his means to support all good enterprises. His wife was a native of Canada, and the eldest of four children born to Mr. Kupland, the other children being Elizabeth, Susan and Levi. Her death occurred in 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis were the parents of seven children, two dying when small: Clara, now Mrs. Frank Freedman; Susan died when small; Leah, married Joseph Musser, and they make their home in Harrison township, this county; Elizabeth, married and resides in Van Buren county, Mich., on a farm (she has a family); Berton, died when a small boy; Clanden (subject), and Julia. The latter resides in Branch county, Mich., and married Adam Heltzel, a farmer. They have a family. Clanden K. Curtis remained in Canada until seven years of age, and then came with his parents to Indiana. His early days were passed on the farm and in the school-room, and when nineteen years of age he started out to make his own way in life. As he had been reared to farming, it was but natural perhaps that he shou1d choose that as his occupation in life, and he engaged in tilling the soil on his father s place. Later he moved to another county, resided there for eight years, and then returned to this county, where he settled in Union township on a farm of 208 acres. He has now resided on this place for about thirteen years, and it is one of the best improved places in the county, and the largest tract owned in the township. Farming and stockraising have been his chief occupation, and he has met with good success. For sixteen years Mr. Curtis has been a member of the Mennonite Brethren in Christ, and for the past eight or nine years he has been preaching, part of the time in Michigan, where he now has a charge. He devoted a large part of his time to the church, and hopes in the future to devote his entire time to the good work. In politics Mr. Curtis is a Republican, and is deeply interested in the affairs of his State and country, particularly in educational matters. He was married in June, 1869, to Miss Leah Blosser, a native of Mahoning county, Ohio, born November 27, 1850, and one of eight children born to Reuben and Barbara (Metsler) Blosser. Her brothers and sisters were named as follows: John, Tobias, Abraham, Peter, Elizabeth, Samuel, Scott and Noah. All but John, Tobias and Samuel, are still living. When fifteen years of age Mrs. Curtis went to Canada with her mother, her father having died many years before, and settled on a farm. In 1869 she was married to Mr. Curtis. She was a member of the Mennonite Church, and died on January 25, 1879, leaving four children: Lucinda, who was born in 1870, and who is now the wife of Samuel Hoover, of Harrison township, and the mother of one child, Armilla, who was born December 3, 1891; Ella, who was born August 22, 1871, and is now in Chicago; Joseph, born June 3, 1873, is at home; and Barbara, born May 22, 1877, is at home. Mr. Curtis was married September 22, 18-, to Miss Rebecca Blosser. a cousin of his first wife, and a daughter of Peter and Mary A. (Reed) Blosser. Mrs. Curtis was born October 27, 1850, in Mahoning county, Ohio, and was one of three children, the others being Amos and Susan. She came to this county with her parents about forty years ago, and her father died in 1855 or 1860. To Mr. and Mrs. Curtis have been born six children, as follows: Viola, born October 8, 1882; Eva C., born February 14, 1884; Otho, born February 12, 1886; Ruel M., born September 20, 1889; and a boy baby, born June 4, 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis are among the representative citizens of the county and are highly esteemed by all.

JACOB EBY. The farming class of America and especially of the northern tier of States, is noted for the degree of intelligence that is possessed among its representatives. Mr. Eby belongs to one of the most progressive of families and as a tiller of the soil, as well as in other respects, he has endeavored to keep out of old grooves and has always favored the adoption of new and improved methods in conducting his operations. The family originated in Switzerland and were Catholics. A well-defined tradition in the family relates that at one time there were five brothers of the name living in Switzerland and all were Catholics, but one who was a Mennonite, which sect was greatly persecuted in Switzerland, and many of its followers found homes in the wilderness of Pennsylvania, and among them was the founder of the Eby family in America. The family resided in Pennsylvania for generations and there John Eby, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, followed the calling of a blacksmith and was married to a Miss Lehmy, their children, Peter and David, being the only ones of their family that are remembered. David Eby, son of John, was born in Pennsylvania and was but twelve years of age when he started out to make his own way in the world, and in 1807 went to Canada with a party of eleven other men, five of which company are remembered: Benjamin and Samuel Eby, distant relatives of David; Joseph Snyder; Peter and Daniel Erb, three of whom were married men and the rest single. They were all Mennonites and settled in Waterloo township, Waterloo Co., Ontario, and the city of Berlin now stands on the ground which was taken by Benjamin Eby. David Eby was married there to Elizabeth Bechtel, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Allabaugh) Bechtel, and after his marriage settled on and cleared up a good farm from the dense timber with which it was covered. It consisted of 330 acres, and besides this he owned 200 acres in the township of Woolwich. Mr. and Mrs. Eby became the parents of eleven children: Joseph, Mary, Mattie, Jacob, Annie, Elizabeth, Fronica, Susan, David, Elias and Enoch. Joseph Bectel, the maternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a Mennonite preacher; Benjamin Eby was a bishop in the church and Samuel Eby was an elder, and together they established a church in their settlement which flourished, and at the death of Benjamin Eby, about 1850, there were 1,100 members, nearly all of whom were converted through the instrumentality of these humble followers of Christ. David Eby died at the age of seventy-five years in March, 1855, leaving a goodly property and an unsullied name as a heritage to his children, before whom he always set a good example, and to whom he was a kind and faithful father. His farm is now very valuable, as it is close to the city of Berlin, and is owned by David Eby and his sons and is valued at about $100,000. Jacob Eby was born on the old homestead in Canada, October 18, 1815, and, owing to the primitive condition of the country during his youth, he received a very limited education, his studies being mainly pursued of evenings by the old fashioned fireplace. Like many of the early pioneers he was handy with tools and worked at carpentering, blacksmithing and the mason's trade. When he was a young man wild game was very plentiful, and as he was skillful in the use of the rifle, and very fond of the sport, much of his leisure was spent in the chase. He kept an account of the game killed and brought down 46 deer, 7 wolves, 2 bear and shot and trapped 100 foxes. Coon, mink, martin, fish, otter and wildcat also fell victims to his skill. Two of the wildcats that he killed were as large as a common dog. When a young man he and his dog were one day in a field near some heavy timber in Canada, where several men were chopping wood, when a half-grown black bear came through the trees, but becoming frightened by the shouts of the men, turned and came through the field. Mr. Eby waited for it and at the right moment attacked it with knife and club and with the help of the dog, which was large and strong, killed it. On another occasion, when he was going into the woods to split posts he saw a full-grown wolf asleep in a fallen tree top, whereupon he threw his ax, struck it fairly and killed it. April 7, 1840, he was married to Polly Bingaman, a daughter of John and Hannah (Berkey) Bingaman, her father being of Pennsylvania Dutch stock. He cleared a good farm of 100 acres and was accidentally killed by the falling of a large limb from a burning tree when about seventy years of age. He and his wife were Mennonites and the parents of the following family: Judith, Esther, Susanna, Hannah, Eunice, Catherine, Mary, Magdaline, John, Sallie and Isaac. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Eby: Enoch; Simon, who died at the age of twenty-one years; Seth; Cyrus; Jacob; John; Joseph and Noah. After his marriage Mr. Eby settled seven miles north of his father's homestead on a 200 acre tract of wild land for which he paid $750, and here he lived and worked hard until 1860, when he came to St. Joseph county, Ind., and bought 280 acres of land, 80 of which were cleared. He has improved the remainder by thrift and perseverance and added to his original purchase until he at one time owned 700 acres, all of which he bas given to his children, except 280 acres. He and his wife have been life-long members of the Mennonite church, but have liberally assisted other churches with their means. He contributed money toward building two Mennonite Churches in his vicinity, as well as for the Catholic and Baptist Churches of Mishawaka. He is generous and high-minded, broad in his views and well posted on all topics. His sons are all settled near him and are in good circumstances: Enoch, who is farming near Tippecanoe Lake, Ind., married Keziah Wendy and has three children; Seth farms near Bangor, Mich., married Hannah Herrington and has two children; Cyrus is a farmer near the old home, is married to Annie Wenger and has seven children; Jacob also farms near home, is married to Elizabeth Wenger and has eight children; John is a farmer, is married to Harriet Weaver and has two children; Noah farms, is married to Laura Moon, by whom he has two children; Joseph is at home. Mr. and Mrs. Eby have two great-grandchildren. Their granddaughter, Hannah Eby, daughter of Enoch, married Emmet Gordey and has one son, Alva Allen. John Eby, a grandson, married Mary Eby and has a son, Walter. Mr. Eby is a stanch Republican.

JOHN J. McDONALD. The career of Mr. McDonald presents an example of industry, perseverance and good management, rewarded by substantial results well worthy the imitation of all who start out in life as he did, with no capital except a good constitution and liberal supply of pluck and energy. He came originally from that grand old State, Virginia, born in Berkeley county, February 18, 1826, and was the eldest of four children born to Charles and Rebecca (White) McDonald. Charles McDonald was a native Virginian, born about 1800, and was married in that State. In the year 1837 he moved to Ohio, settled in Clark county, and there his death occurred ten years later. In politics he was a Whig, and left his native State because he was opposed to slavery. He made a good home, was a kind and industrious man, and one who was very popular. His wife was also born in the Old Dominion, and was the daughter of an early pioneer of that State. She died in Clark county, Ohio, three years after her husband, and was a member of the Society of Friends. They were the parents of five children, three of whom are living: Jane, who married Aaron Craig, died in Kosciusko county; Mary A., died in Clark county, Ohio, and was the wife of John Evans; Sarah E., married Alexander Walters (deceased), and resides in Marion county, Iowa; John J., subject of this sketch; and William, who lives in Piatt county, Ill. The parents of these children passed through all the privations of pioneer life, both in Virginia and Ohio, and were excellent people, well known in their neighborhood, and well respected by all favored with their acquaintance. The McDonalds were of Scotch, and the Whites of English extraction. Our subject was ten years of age when the family moved to Ohio, but well remembers the trip over the mountains, as they made the journey by wagons. He went to school both in Virginia and Ohio, and secured a good practical education in the subscription schools of that day. He assisted his father in the duties on the farm, grew to manhood on the same, and in 1850 married Miss Sarah Maxwell, daughter of Givin and Mary (Fisher) Maxwell, both natives of Virginia, and early settlers in Ohio, where they settled in Clark county. There the father worked at the shoemaker's trade, and died in 1853. In politics he was a Whig, and in religion a Methodist. He was a well-posted man for his time and day, and was progressive and enterprising. His life dated back to the beginning of the century. The mother passed away in Clark county about twelve years after the death of her husband, and was a member of the Protestant Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell were the parents of twelve children: Thomas, in Ohio; Frances (widow) resides in the same State; Nellie (deceased); Peter; William; Absalom; Mary; Sarah; John; Amy, and two others who died young. Of these children five are living: Sarah, born in Ohio, February 2, 1830, and grew to mature years in Clark county, where she obtained her education in the subscription schools; William, who was born October 15, 1850, married Miss Anna May, and now resides in Locke township, this county, having had three children. Ira (deceased), Iva B. and Edith May. John E., born in Ohio, December 1, 1852, married Miss Harriet Myers, and they have four children: John (deceased), Orvil, Clara and Freddie; they now live in Michigan. Martin L., born in Ohio in 1854, married Miss Sarah Bethel, and resides in Harrison township, this county. Elizabeth J., born February 18, 1856, died October 17, 1863. Mary A., born May 9, 1858, married David Rohrer, of Elkhart, Ind., and has five children: William, Clarence, Edgar, Guy and James. Thomas H., born January 27, 1860, is now residing in Union township; he married Miss Jennie Yarian, and they have four children: Minnie, Orval, Nellie and Harvey, besides one that died. Charles I., born August 29, 1862, resides in Goshen, and is the husband of Miss Rose Pebble. Amy F., born November 30, 1864, married William Burtwhistle, and is the mother of one child, Joy V.; they live in Nappanee. Eliza A., born March 2, 1867, married John Wisler, and they have two children: Madge and Charles; they live in Locke township. Noah F., born October 8, 1869, resides at home. Laura B., born February 14, 1878, at home. Clara A., born April 30, 1875, died September 1, 1877. Of this family all but two were reared, and of those living, only the two youngest are unmarried. When Mr. McDonald came to this part of Indiana he bought eighty acres, which he has since improved until it is one of the best farms in the county. In his political views Mr. McDonald is a Republican, and he has held a number of public offices, among them those of road supervisor, school director and township trustee, holding the latter office four years. He now carries on general farming, and does all his trading at Nappanee. Before he came to this State, he worked as a teamster on the roads in Ohio for fourteen years, and after locating in Indiana, he ran a saw-mill for twenty years on Yellow Creek. In that, as in all other enterprises attempted by him, he was successful, his success being due to honest, hard work.

JONAS FREDRICK. Like many of the representative citizens of the county Mr. Fredrick owes his nativity to the Buckeye State, born in Columbiana county, December 15, 1850, and is one of those enterprising, progressive men who have selected other pursuits outside the chosen channel of agriculture. He was the eldest of seven children born to the marriage of William and Sarah (Anglemyer) Fredrick, and the grandson of Michael Fredrick, who was a native of Pennsylvania, but one of the earliest settlers of Columbiana county, Ohio. The grandfather was a school teacher in his earlier years, but later engaged in farming, which he carried on until his death. His wife is still living and well advanced in years. They were the parents of ten children, as follows: John, George, Joseph, William, David, Sarah J., and others whose names are forgotten. William Fredrick, the father of our subject, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, and after his school days, married Miss Anglemyer, and settled down as a miner in the coal regions. In 1853 he moved to Hardin County, where he lived until July 5, 1880, when he was killed by the explosion of a threshing engine. He was a member of the German Baptist Church, and in politics was a Democrat. During the last years of his life he was engaged in farming and accumulated a comfortable property. He held a number of township offices and was a good citizen, ever ready to advance all worthy enterprises. His wife was a native of Columbiana county, Ohio, born in 1830, and the daughter of Jacob Anglemyer. Mrs. Anglemyer died when her daughter was quite young, and Mr. Anglemyer married again. Mrs. Fredrick is still living on the home farm in Hardin county, Ohio, where the family settled many years ago. She is the mother of seven children: Jonas, the subject of this sketch; Harvey, who died when four years of age; William, a resident of Hardin county, Ohio; Jessie, resides in the same county; Rebecca, wife of Peter Stuckman, resides in Union township, Elkhart county; Sarah, deceased; and Alice, who married Benton Jones, and resides in Menton, Ohio. Jonas Fredrick spent his early life in Hardin county, and was well educated in the district schools. He then taught school for some time, and in 1872 came to Indiana, where he learned the carpenter trade at which he still continues to work. However, agricultural pursuits have been his chief occupation, and the advanced manner in which he has seized every idea or principle tending to the enhanced value of his property has had considerable to do with his success in life. On December 3, 1874, he married Miss Lydia, daughter of John Anglemyer, and then settled on the farm where he now lives. This farm then consisted of eighty acres, all but ten acres being in the woods, and by industry and perseverance he has added to the original tract until he is now the owner of 120 acres, all cleared but about ten acres. His marriage resulted in the birth of eight children, all at home, as follows: Judie, Charles, John, Jessie, Harvey, Edith, Anna and Fannie. Mr. and Mrs. Fredrick hold membership in the German Baptist Church, and he is a deacon in the same. Mr. Fredrick is not a partisan in politics but is a public-spirited man, and one deeply interested in the progress and improvement of the country. He has held office in the township and is a most worthy citizen.

CHRISTIAN STOUDER is a well-to-do and prominent farmer located in Union township, this county, where he was born April 14, 1845. He was one of four children, only two now living, Mrs. Neff and himself, born to the marriage of Christian and Mary (Miller) Stouder. The mother of our subject had been married previously to a Mr. Bright, and bore him five children, as follows: George W.; David M., residing in Michigan; John (deceased); William, residing in Kansas, and Mary, Mrs. Bradner, now of Union township, this county. During his youthful days our subject divided his time between the duties on the farm and the duties in the school room, receiving his education during the winter months. When about sixteen years of age he left home and began working a farm by the month. When twenty years of age he came in possession of a farm of eighty acres near Nappanee, and this he owned six or seven years, when he sold out and bought the place were he now lives. At the present time he has 124 acres of good land, well improved and with many improvements. When twenty-two years of age he married Miss Elizabeth Rohbein, a native of the Buckeye State, born September 20, 1853, and the daughter of Adam Hohbein. Mr. Hohbein was born in Germany, and was one of two children born to his parents. He was crippled when a small boy and as a consequence was not obliged to serve in the German army. He was married in the old country to Miss Catherine Horn, and shortly afterward crossed the ocean to America, settling in Mahoning county, Ohio. In 1865 they moved to Indiana, and there Mr. Hohbein has since followed the trade of tailor. He and wife are still living in Union township, and are consistent members of the German Reform Church. They have had ten children, of whom but four are living: Elizabeth (deceased), was the wife of Mr. Stouder; Hannah, the widow of John Umbaugh, resides in Union township; Louisa, married -- Wise, and resides on the home place; Martha, wife of William Umbaugh, resides in Union township; Christian, and a brother are deceased; Sarah, died in this State, was the wife of Jacob Wise; Peggie A., died in Ohio, and two other children died young. Mrs. Stouder was a child of thirteen years when her parents came to Indiana. She became a member of the German Baptist Church, and died in 1875, leaving one child, Emma C., now deceased, who was born in 1868. Mr. Stouder selected his second wife in the sister of his first wife, Catherine Hohbein, who was born in Ohio, April 6, 1853, and who became the mother of five children: Alvina, who was born October 23, 1873, and died three years later; Lydia, born October 14, 1875, died at the age of two years; William H., born December 23, 1877, is now at home assisting on the farm; David T., born November 27, 1879, and Mary E., who was born and died in 1881. Mr. Stouder and his wife are both members of the German Baptist Church, and in politics Mr. Stouder is a Democrat. His two sons are still attending public school, and he intends to give them each a good education. On his fine and well-located farm Mr. Stouder is engaged in general farming, and is surrounded by all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. His property is the result of bard work and perseverance. He inherited land from his parents, and after settling this embarked in the saw-mill business. He was quite unfortunate at one time, for his mill was destroyed by fire, but in spite of all this be managed to make some money, and in 1870 bought the fine farm where he lives. He has added to the original tract, and improved it in so many ways that no better place is to be found in the county.

SAMUEL C. NEFF is one of the oldest native-born residents of Elkhart county, in which he now resides. He is a member of a family whose history was identified with the State in days of earlier and simpler style of living. He was born near Bristol, April 2, 1839, and was the youngest but one of a family of eleven children, five sons and four daughters living, born to the marriage of Henry and Anna (France) Neff, both natives of Virginia, and descendants of old Virginia stock. Henry Neff was born in Franklin county, that State, and was a son of Isaac Neff, who was also a native of the Old Dominion. Henry Neff's wife, Annie France, was a daughter of Christian France, and like himself, was of German origin. After marriage they moved from Virginia to Ohio, thence to Elkhart county, Ind., in 1834, settling on a farm near Bristol. About the year 1841 the family moved to Jackson township, this county, settled on a farm now owned by the youngest son, and there the father and mother died, the former at the age of seventy and the latter when eighty-three years of age. The father and mother were lifelong members of the German Baptist Church and among its most prominent and influential members. He was a man of resolute character, and of more than ordinary intelligence. His children were named as follows: Isaac, died in Kansas; Mary, married John Studebaker (cousin of the large manufacturers of South Bend), and is living in Montgomery county, Ill.; Elizabeth, wife of Adam Lentz, died in Illinois; Daniel; Susan, wife of Levi Arnold; John F., Henry, Samuel C. (subject) and William, who resides on the home place in Jackson township. Mr. Neff had very little means when he came to Elkhart county, but by honesty and hard work accumulated a comfortable fortune. Samuel C. Neff was born in the northern part of the county, but when a child moved with his parents to Jackson township, where he grew to manhood. Although his schooling was limited to the winter months, he secured a good education, and after assisting on the farm until twenty-one years of age, started out to battle his own way in life. His father gave him a farm in Marshall county, this State, but this he sold in 1870, and bought the farm on which he has lived ever since. During this time, April 2, 1863, he married Miss Lydia Stouder, who, like himself, was a native of Elkhart county, born July 19, 1843. Her parents, Christian and Mary Stouder, were among the early pioneers of the county, and of the five children born to them two are still living: Lydia and Christian; Samuel, Lucinda and Lavina are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Neff have lived in this part of the county a number of years, and nine children were born to them; two are deceased, Calvin and Marvin. Seven are living, as are also six grandchildren; four of the children are married: Mary A., wife of Mr. Levi Pippinger, and has three children; Anna, married Mr. William Birkholder, and has one child; Christian, married Miss Minnie Smith, and has one child, and Deliline, married Mr. Enos Missler, and they have one child. The unmarried children are at home. Samuel C. Neff and wife are members of the German Baptist Church, and Mr. Neff is deeply interested in church and school work, as well as everything tending toward the upbuilding of the county. He is one of the largest landholders in this part of the county, owning about five hundred and fifteen acres in Union township and a quarter section in Locke township. All his property has been accumulated by the honest sweat of his brow, and he merits the respect and confidence of all for his industry and good management. In connection with farming he is also engaged in stockraising, and is meeting with good success. His elder children are living on his various farms, and the younger are at home.

GEORGE ARNOLD. Mr. Arnold, furniture dealer and manufacturer, is one of the foremost business men of Nappanee, and at all times keeps a well-selected and extensive assortment of medium and the finest grades of goods. As in every thing else so in furniture it always pays to keep the best, and the establishment of Mr. Arnold has gained an excellent reputation for just methods. This gentleman was born in Stark county, Ohio, December 24, 1839, and was the seventh in order of birth of nine children born to Reuben and Mary (Harman) Arnold, both natives of Pennsylvania, the father born November 7, 1799, and the mother May 10, 1805. The Arnold family came originally from England and is remotely connected to Benedict Arnold of Revolutionary fame. Our subject's maternal grandfather, George Harman, was a soldier of the War of 1812, was wounded in a battle with the Indians and remained a cripple for life. The Harmans, for the most part, were prosperous people and many of them were quite wealthy. The parents of our subject, with three children, Sarah, Daniel and Angeline, moved from the Keystone State to Stark county, Ohio, at an early day, and there six more children were born: Catherine, Reuben, George, Samuel, Mary and --. The father settled on a farm and in connection with tilling the soil followed the wagon maker's trade for a number of years. He enjoyed considerable prominence as a musician and was a fifer and drummer in the militia forces of Pennsylvania. In politics he was a Democrat and in religion held strictly to the Lutheran faith, being deeply interested in church work. He made consider�able property, but never became rich, and died on his farm in 1857. The children except one are all living, one in Ohio, four in Michigan, two in Elkhart county, Ind., and one in Washington county, Ark. After the death of her husband the mother went to live with her eldest son in Michigan and there her death occurred in 1879. She was also a member of the Lutheran Church, a true Christian in every sense of the word, and one who suffered many trials and hardships. Like the majority of country boys the youthful days of our subject was passed in the school-room and in assisting his father on the farm. When eighteen years of age he began learning the carpenter's trade and followed this until twenty-one years of age, when he emigrated to Cass county, Mich. After remaining there one year he returned to Ohio and at the end of another year enlisted in the United States army as mechanic, being stationed at Washington D. C. about two years. From there he came to Indiana, settled in South Bend, and there worked at his trade until 1867, when he went to Michigan. He was there married to Miss Catherine O. Britton, a native of Cass county, Mich., born October 9, 1844, and the daughter of Thomas and Arrilla Britton. Mr. Britton was a native New Yorker and an early pioneer of Cass county, Mich. He settled there a poor boy and by industry and good management amassed considerable wealth. His death occurred in 1868. The mother had died when Mrs. Arnold was but two years of age. The latter was one of three daughters: Anna, Catherine and Lenna, and was reared and educated in her native county, making her home with strangers until her marriage, her father remaining a widower. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold are church members and are active in all good work. Mr. Arnold has held a number of public offices, was justice of the peace for some time and at present is president of the city council. He takes a deep interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the town and county and gives liberally of his means to further all worthy enterprises. He resides in the First Ward and has a pleasant and attractive home. Mr. Arnold has retired from the furniture business and intends to take up contracting and building again. He never was very extensively engaged in the furniture business. He did a great deal of building in this place prior to 1889, but at that date met with a serious accident in the collapse of a brick building, after which he went into the furniture business.

SOLOMON J. STRYCKER, one of the foremost farmers of Union township, Elkhart county, Ind., was born May 25, 1847, and is the only son of Christian and Mattie (Stump) Strycker, both natives of Canada, the former born in 1817 and the latter in 1818. When a young man the father came to Indiana, settled in Union township, and bought 160 acres of land. Being a single man he boarded with John Burkholder, his nearest neighbor, and cleared five acres of land on which he erected a log cabin. After marriage he cleared up his farm and passed through all the hardships of pioneer days, but was very successful as an agriculturist. Later he bought more land, and sold eighty acres of the farm he had bought to his son-in-law. He and his brother, Jacob, bought the first threshing machine in the township. On the farm where he had passed the best years of his life his death occurred May 11, 1887, and no man was better respected or more highly, esteemed. In religion he was a German Baptist, and in politics a Democrat. Mrs. Strycker was a young lady when her parents, Solomon and Anna (Burkholder) Stump, moved to Elkhart county and settled in Union township. There both passed the remainder of their days. Mrs. Strycker has one brother living in the township. She was married to Mr. Strycker on March 3, 1842, and became the mother of five children: Anna, born November 18,1844, and died at the age of eighteen months; Mariah, born January 16,1845, married Isaiah Rummel, and now resides in Union township; Solomon J.; Elizabeth, born January 28, 1850, married, but is now deceased; and Sarah, born March 3, 1854, is at home. Mrs. Strycker is still living, is seventy years of age, and is a member of the German Baptist Church. Solomon J. was born on the farm where he now lives, and received his scholastic training in the old 1og school-house. When twenty-three years of age he was married to Miss Isabel Skinner, who was born November 17, 1854, and who was the daughter of Ephraim and Mary (Black) Skinner, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. Mr. Skinner was a pioneer settler of Noble county, Ind., and died in 1882, when seventy years of age. Mrs. Skinner's father, John Black, was a pioneer settler of Elkhart county and a prominent citizen of the same. She is still living and was the mother of twelve children. Mr. and Mrs. Strycker were married in 1870, and four children have blessed this union: Ephraim, born April 15, 1871, married September 15, 1892, to Miss Ida M. Walters, of Union township, where he now lives; Mary A., born April 20, 1873, married Daniel B. Stouder, and resides on a farm in Union township; Elizabeth, born March 11, 1877, died March 25, of the same year; and William H., born July 3, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Strycker are members of the German Baptist Church, and he is a deacon in the same. He has one of the best improved farms in this part of the county, and has been very successful as a stockraiser. In his political affiliations he is a Democrat. He is one among the best citizens of the county, and is active in his support of all worthy enterprises. Mr. and Mrs. Strycker have taken a little girl to raise, Emma M. Stouder, who was born September 5, 1885.

GEN. BENJAMIN HARRISON, ex-President of the United States, is a grandson of the famous hero of Tippecanoe, Gen. William Henry Harrison, the ninth President of the United States. His birth occurred at North Bend, Ohio, August 20, 1833, and his early education was acquired under the tutelage of a private instructor. At fourteen year's of age he was sent to Cary's Academy; near Cincinnati, where he remained two years, then entered Miami University, at Oxford, which graduated him in 1852. Having a predilection for legal pursuits he became a disciple of Blackstone at Cincinnati, and early in 1854 located for the practice of his profession at Indianapolis. Early in his professional career Mr. Harrison exhibited to a marked degree those characteristics which afterward made him famous as a great lawyer, and it was not long until he found himself the possessor of a large and fairly lucrative practice. In the fall of 1860 he was elected reporter of the supreme court of the State, and during his incumbency of this office published volumes XV and XVI of State Reports. The war coming on, Mr. Harrison deemed that his country's welfare should become his first consideration, and accordingly resigning from his lucrative position he recruited Company A, of the Seventieth Regiment of Indiana Infantry and immediately went into active service. He remained in the service of the Government until the close of the war, when he was mustered out as brevet brigadier general. Returning home he resumed legal pursuits. In 1876 he was the unanimous choice of the Republicans for governor of Indiana, but was defeated at the polls. After this (from 1881 to 1887) he was a United States senator and became one of the most conspicuous figures in the Nation. In 1888 he was nominated by the National Republican Convention, at Chicago, for the Presidency of the United States. During the campaign he made numerous addresses, and although he had a vigilant enemy to combat, ready to distort or misconstrue his utterances, he did so remarkably well that not a single point was raised against him. His four years of administration marked an era of prosperity for the country, and at the National Convention of 1892 held at Minneapolis, he was re-nominated on the first ballot. At the succeeding election he was defeated for a second term by Mr. Cleveland. Mr. Harrison and family are devout members of the Presbyterian Church. In 1853 he married Miss Carrie L. Scott, by whom he is the father of two children.

BROWN BROS. The industries of Nappanee are principally of an important character, ably and successfully carried on, the products being such as to have secured for this western town a reputation of which any might well be proud. Prominent among the successful business men of this town are the Brown Bros. dealers in agricultural implements, wagons, buggies, wind-mills, buckeye binders and mowers. They have been in business here since March 1, 1889, and from the first their trade in the above lines has been good, and on the increase right along from the time they opened up in Nappanee. The individual members of this firm, John W. and Charles H. Brown, are part and parcel of Elkhart county, both being born and reared therein within five or six miles of Nappanee, and educated in all the workings of the farm and the use of all kinds of modem farming implements. In the sale of wagons their greatest trade is with the old-time and justly celebrated Studebaker wagon, which has kept its place in the front rank. Their sales of the Oliver Chilled plow has met with the same success as their efforts with the Studebaker wagon, and their sales last year were $10,000 greater than those of the year before. The indications now are that this year's efforts will show a corresponding increase over last year's very big sales. The Buckeye harvesting machines and the Reeves straw stacker are being handled by this firm, all of which are growing in popularity every season. The new Birdsell Clover Huller, manufactured at South Bend, is meeting with deserved favor by the farmers of this section, and the success of the Brown Bros. in handling this useful farming implement has been very gratifying from their first introduction here. These brothers are the sons of Jacob Brown, Jr., and Sarah J. (Richcreek) Brown, and the grandsons of Jacob Brown, Sr., and Lydia (Smith) Brown. The grandfather was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Summerset county in 1801, and the son of James Brown, who was a native of this country but of German parentage. In the year 1803 James Brown moved with his family to Canada, settled in the neighborhood of Toronto and there followed farming. There Jacob Brown grew to manhood and married, and there most of his children were born, only three having been born after he came to this country. About 1839 Jacob Brown and family emigrated to Indiana and settled in Union township, Elkhart county, on the farm now owned by his sons, James and Jacob. He was one of the pioneers of the county and bought 160 acres, which was all in the woods. He cut the first timber on this place and spent many years in improving and developing the same. He made the trip from Canada with wagon and team, but had his goods shipped by water. When he came to this county he had considerable means, having owned a good farm in Canada, and he soon became one of the successful and prosperous farmers of Elkhart county. He was a member of the Mennonite Church, and in politics was a Democrat. An honorable, upright citizen, he held many township offices and was supervisor for some time. He lived to be quite an aged man, dying in 1885, at the age of eighty-two years. His wife was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1800, and was probably a child when taken by her parents, John and ___ (Stump) Smith, to Canada. To Mr. and Mrs. Brown were born eight children, five of whom are still living and all in Elkhart county, two in Union, two in Jackson and one in Harrison township. Mrs. Brown was a member of the German Baptist Church, was much interested in church work, and died on the old home place in Union township in 1885. The children were named as follows: John, a native of Canada, born in 1827, was a boy of fourteen years when the family came to this county and is now a farmer of Harrison township and a man of a family; James, resides in Union township; Susan, born in Canada, died in Elkhart county when eighteen years of age; Jacob, Jr. (father of subjects); Lydia, now the wife of Daniel Neff, a farmer of Jackson township; Elizabeth, now the wife of Henry Neff, a farmer of Jackson township; Sarah, married Moses Whitehead and after his death married B. R. Graves; she is now deceased; Matilda, died at the age of seven years. Jacob Brown, Jr., father of Brown Bros., was born in Canada, December 13, 1834, and when about four years of age was brought by his parents to Elkhart county, Ind. His youthful days were passed on the old home place in Union township and his education was received in the district school. Like most of the country boys he attended school during the winter months, but when summer approached he assisted his father on the farm. When twenty-one years of age he started out for himself and soon after married Miss Sarah J. Richcreek, a native of Elkhart county, Union township, born September 7, 1837. She was a daughter of Charles H. and A. (Elsea) Richcreek and the granddaughter of Charles Richcreek. The Richcreek family emigrated to this county in 1844 and settled in Jackson township, where the father carried on farming. He was an industrious, hard-working man and one highly esteemed for his many estimable qualities of mind and heart. He was born in Virginia, in 1808, and died at the age of sixty-nine, in 1877. His wife was also a native of Virginia and was born in 1810. Both held membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics Mr. Richcreek was a Republican. His children were named as follows: John S., who died in 1865, was married and lived in Kosciusko county; Angeline, who died in 1891, was the wife of Jacob Broumbaugh and was the mother of three children; William, married and resides at Webster, Kosciusko county; Sarah J. (Mrs. Brown); Harriet, wife of William Foose, resides in Nebraska; and Charles, who died at the age of eighteen years. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Brown settled on a farm of eighty acres and on this they have since resided. In politics he has ever been a warm supporter of the Democratic party and takes a deep interest in political affairs. He was trustee of the township in 1861 and 1862, and he has also held the office of justice of the peace and supervisor. All his interests are centered in and around Elkhart county and he is a man whose excellent judgment and sound good sense would find him friends in any community. To his marriage have been born six children as follows: Alice C., born February 1, 1856, married Jacob Kirkdaffer, of Washington township, this county, and they have twelve children: Charles, Jacob, Michael, Melvin, Picher, Lydia, Alice, Sarah, Vernon, Frank, Eddie and Anna. The next child born to Mr. and Mrs. Brown was Lydia A., whose birth occurred April 27, 1858. She married Joseph Stump and they have three children: Della, Luella and Arvilla. John W. Brown was born December 29, 1860, and is a member of the firm of Brown Bros.; Charles H., born September 1, 1863, is also a member of the firm; Sarah C., born December 4, 1867, is still at home; Jacob F., born December 8. 1873, is at home assisting on the farm. The son, John W. Brown, was reared on his father's farm in Union township and secured a good practical education in the common schools. When twenty-three years of age he started a small store at Gravelton, Kosciusko county, where he remained a few years and where he was appointed postmaster, holding that position for four years. He increased his stock from year to year until 1889, when he sold out and moved to Nappanee and embarked in the implement business in company with his brother, Charles H. The first year they did a business of $15,000, the next year $28,000, and in 1891 $34,000, making a good business. They are the leaders in their line in this part of the county. John W. Brown was married in 1882 to Miss Lizzie Broumbaugh, daughter of David M. Broumbaugh (see sketch). Mrs. Brown was born in 1861 and was reared on her father's farm in Jefferson township, Kosciusko county. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brown: Hettie, born May 18, 1883, and died when sixteen months old, and Eva, born November 26, 1886. Mr. Brown and family reside in their own home in Nappanee and are well respected in the town. Both are members of the German Baptist Church. As a business man Mr. Brown has few equals and as a citizen and neighbor he is well liked. In politics he is a Democrat. Charles H. Brown, the junior member of the firm of Brown Bros., was born September 11, 1863, and, like his brother, his early days were passed in assisting on the farm. In the district schools he obtained a fair education and he continued under the parental roof until 1890, when he became a member of the firm of Brown Bros. Since that time he has been actively engaged in the implement business in Nappanee and has met with unusual success, being a man possessed of more than ordinary business acumen. Like his father and brother, he espouses the principles of the Democratic party, and is a warm supporter of its platform. He was married on the 15th of November, 1889, to Miss Etta J. Broumbaugh, daughter of David M. Broumbaugh, and a sister of his brother John's wife. She was born March 8, 1865, and passed her girlhood days on the old farm. One child, a son, has been born to this union but is yet unnamed. This young couple have a nice, cozy home in Nappanee and take a deep interest in all the worthy enterprises of the town.

Deb Murray