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HON. ISAAC P. GRAY, prominent in State and national politics, was born October 18, 1828, in Chester county, Penn., and is a son of John and Hannah (Worthington) Gray. His ancestors were members of the Society of Friends, or more commonly known as Quakers, his great-grandfather coming with William Penn from England. Receiving but a common-school education in youth, he embarked in mercantile pursuits at New Madison, Ohio, removed to Union City, Ind., in 1855, where he continued merchandising, but later began the practice of law, having previously qualified himself for that profession. During the war of secession, he commanded the Fourth Indiana Cavalry for a time, but ill health necessitated his withdrawal from an active military career, and returning home he helped recruit the One Hundred and Forty-seventh Indiana Infantry. Until the organization of the Republican party, Col. Gray was a Whig. As a Republican he was defeated for Congress in 1866, but two years later was elected to the State Senate, where he served four years. In 1870 he was appointed minister to the Island of St. Thomas, West Indies, but declined the honor. In 1871 his political views underwent a change, and since that time he has been an active Democrat. He was nominated by acclamation and elected lieutenant governor in 1876, and upon the death of James D. Williams, became governor of the State. As the candidate of the Democratic party in 1884, he was nominated for governor of the State by acclamation on the first ballot, and upon election gave it an excellent administration. For the past two presidential terms he has been prominently mentioned as a candidate for either the first or second place on the Democratic presidential ticket, but the uncertain game of politics has decided in each instance in favor of others. Gov. Gray is a man of unquestioned ability and of unbounded ambition. He married Miss Eliza Jaqua in 1850, and to this union there are two living children. Mr. Gray is now minister plenipotentiary and envoy extraordinary to Mexico, having been appointed to that high office by President Cleveland.

“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

ELLIOTT CRULL. When the books are balanced, when all accounts are finally adjusted, figuratively speaking, there will be a larger credit balance opposite the name of the gentleman who is the subject of this sketch than is usually placed to the credit of the average of mankind. While a man of no great wealth, he is the possessor of that which is far more valuable - an honorable name and the confidence and friendship of those who know him best. Beginning life's battle at the lowest round of the ladder, he has, by sheer force of character, fought to the front and is justly recognized as one of the foremost citizens of Elkhart county. Just across the line of this county, near Mishawaka, his birth occurred on May 22, 1858. When yet a mere boy his parents removed to Baugo township, Elkhart county, where he grew to manhood. From his earliest recollection Mr. Crull's life has been one of hard work and self-denial. His advantages for an education were of so meager a character that he was only enabled to master the common branches. At about thirteen years of age he started out in life for himself, and for a number of years worked out by the day and month, and at such occupation as would afford him the most remuneration. About 1878 he went to Elkhart, where he first found employment on the coal dock, but later became local baggage agent of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway. Still later he became agent at Elkhart for the United States Express Company, which he resigned in order to become city marshal. By this time he had attracted many friends because of his manliness and honesty, and these friends were among the best class of people. He served four years as city marshal, and in 1890, as the candidate of the Republican party, was nominated for and elected sheriff of the county. No one occupying this office ever gave better satisfaction than did Sheriff Crull in his first term. His services have been duly recognized by his party, and in 1892 he was nominated for a second term and was re-elected to succeed himself. Socially Mr. Crull is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows, and Red Men's fraternities. June 1, 1882, occurred his marriage with Miss Alcetta Fink, by whom he is the father of one son, Norris E.

FRANKLIN G. ROMAINE, who has so efficiently and ably officiated as treasurer of Elkhart county during the past four years, is a native of the city of New York. Ralph Romaine was the name of his great-grandfather, as it was also that of his grandfather. The former was a native of Holland, where the name was spelled Romyne, and was the progenitor of the family in America. On coming to this country he resided near Paterson, N. J., many years, and became plantation and slave owner. His son, named Ralph in his honor, was a man of superior education, obtained a favorable reputation in literary circles, and for many years plied his vocation of school teaching in the city of New York. There Theodore Romaine, the father of Franklin G., was born, reared, educated, taught school and married Cornelia Kane. Declining health caused his removal West in 1861, but instead of receiving the hoped for benefit, he grew steadily worse, and died the following year at Bristol, Ind., where his widow continues to reside. They were the parents of six children, all of whom grew to mature years and are yet living. Franklin G. Romaine was born August 20, 1848, receiving his youthful training and schooling in his native city. Upon the removal of the family to this country, when he was thirteen years old, he completed his education at Bristol, and when eighteen years old started out in life for himself as clerk in a hardware store. This he continued three years at Bristol and the succeeding three years was engaged in a like occupation at Constantine, Mich. The next three years were passed in clerking at Elkhart, but in 1876 he returned to Bristol, where, for thirteen years, he carried on a safe and reasonably lucrative business in merchandising. Mr. Romaine has always been a believer in the policies advocated by the Republican party, and has ever been ready to advance its cause in any reasonable and legitimate manner. He began his political career as clerk of the corporation of Bristol, serving three successive terms, and has served Washington township four elective terms as trustee. In 1888, as the candidate of his party for the office of treasurer of the county, he was elected by a larger majority than is usually given a candidate. His occupancy of this office was both capable and satisfactory, so much so, in fact, that he was given the customary re-nomination in 1890, which resulted in his re-election. Mr. Romaine is singularly quiet and unobtrusive for a man who has so long been before the public. This does not seem to affect his popularity in the least, however, for but few men in the county command more or warmer friends than does Franklin G. Romaine. Socially he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having attained to the encampment of that order, and he and family are of the Episcopal faith in religions belief. To his marriage with Miss Mary A. Salisbury, solemnized May 25, 1871, six children have been born, as follows: Florence M., Theodore K., Benjamin F. (died when nine years old), Anna, Mary A. and Bertha.

HON. ALBERT G. PORTER was unquestionably one of the ablest and most popular of Indiana's governors; and aside from this is a fine lawyer, a polished gentleman and a worthy neighbor. His youthful years were passed in and adjacent to Lawrenceburg, Ind., where, for a number of years, he attended the ferry across the Ohio River, which was on the direct route of travel between Indiana and Kentucky. Manual labor of the hardest kind thus fell to his lot when a boy, as did also the full management and charge of the ferry; and thus, in youth, he had thrust upon him by practical illustration the lessons of industry and self-reliance. At the earliest opportunity he took his small savings and entered the preparatory department of Hanover College, remaining until his means were exhausted. He then expected to return to the ferry, as his father was unable to assist him; but an uncle who had heard of his determination to secure an education, provided the necessary means and sent him to Asbury College, at Greencastle. Graduating in 1843, he studied law until 1846, then moved to Indianapolis, where he embarked upon the practice of his chosen profession and where he has long held a front rank at the Indiana bar. In 1853, by the Governor's appointment, he became reporter of the State Supreme Court to fill a vacancy, and the succeeding year was elected to this position. Up to this time he was a Democrat, although much opposed to the repeal of the Missouri Compromise. The action of the slave States in forcing their doctrines in the new States and Territories, together with their evident purpose of carrying the election in those localities by force and fraud, and the endorsement given to this by the Democratic party forced Mr. Porter out of their ranks and into those of the Republicans. In 1856 he voted with this new party, and two years later, although not a candidate, was nominated and elected to Congress, and re-elected two years later. Voluntarily quitting Congress for the more remunerative (to him) practice of law, he confined his attention to legal pursuits, until upon the solicitation of Secretary of the Treasury (now United States senator) Sherman he became comptroller of treasury. In 1880 he was nominated by his party for governor, and upon being elected served as such four years. After that time he confined his attention, largely, to legal and literary pursuits until, under President Harrison's administration, he became minister to Italy. He resigned that office after the election of President Cleveland.

JESSE E. HIGH. The gentleman of whom we write owns a fine farm in Cleveland township, Elkhart Co., Ind., and his estate shows every indication of order and thrift. He is an Ohioan by birth and education, born in Miami county, September 15, 1820, and his parents, Jacob and Sarah (Nicholas) High, were natives respectively of Virginia and Pennsylvania. The elder High settled in Miami county, Ohio, about the year 1814, after his return from the War of 1812, in which he served as a private, and he was one of the pioneers of that region, making his home there until 1840 when he and his family came to Elkhart county, Ind. He purchased a farm on first coming here, but for two years lived on a rented farm in Cleveland township. The land he had purchased consisted of 200 acres all covered with timber, and it took many years of hard labor and great industry to clear and develop it. To his marriage were born the following children: James, Jesse E., Andrew, Eli, Samuel, Catherine, Sarah and Julia, all now living with the exception of James and Sarah. On this farm Jesse High erected a frame house, 18x26 feet, in 1840, and resides on this at the present time, Mr. and Mrs. J. High passed the remainder of their days on this tract, the mother dying August 10, 1862, and the father February 28, 1872. They were honest, upright citizens. Jesse E. High, the second in order of birth of the above-mentioned children was about nineteen years of age when he came with his parents to Cleveland township. He had received a rather limited education in his native county, attending district school about three months each year, and when old enough he learned the carpenter's trade, his first work in that line being to construct the barns of many of the early settlers of Elkhart county. He was married on March 28, 1844, in St. Joseph. Ind., to Miss Esther Jenkins, a native of Miami county, Ohio, born May 28, 1825, and the daughter of Isaachar and Esther (Pearson) Jenkins, the former a native of Alabama and the latter of South Carolina. Her parents settled in Miami county, Ohio, in 1806, and there they resided until 1833, when they removed to St. Joseph county, Ind., and there remained for about thirteen years. They afterward disposed of their property and removed to Iowa, but only remained a few years. While on a visit to Miami county, Ohio, Mr. Jenkins died in 1851, but his wife lived to be quite aged, dying February 5, 1872, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. High. At the time of the marriage of our subject and wife they settled on the High homestead in Cleveland township, about two miles northwest of Elkhart, and there they reside at the present time. As the years passed along one child was born to them, Americus V., born June 27, 1846, who married Miss Mary Oakes. He now resides on the old homestead and superintends everything connected with it. Our subject has seventy-eight acres of land, most of which is improved, and has about four acres of timber. He has a two-story brick residence, erected in 1876, and his out-buildings are all substantial and ornamental. In politics he is a Republican. He has one grandchild, Otis O., whose birth occurred on September 25, 1879.

JOHN DAVENPORT. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is one of the most conspicuous of the old-time merchants of Elkhart, and is one of the few remaining pioneers of the county. So intimately interwoven is his history with that of Elkhart, that, like the history of the Beardsley's, one can hardly be given without giving both. While the history of the old pioneers is commonplace enough, yet it is always interesting to the student of nature, because it tells of the struggles with adversities, the hardships of pioneer life in the great West, and the pathos naturally attending the success or failure to keep the wolf from the door. John Davenport is a native of that old historic town of Chillicothe, Ohio, his birth occurring December 6, 1811. His father was Abraham Davenport, and his mother was Penelope Davenport, nee Griffith, both branches of the family being among the pioneers of Ross county, Ohio. The characteristic log-cabin school-house, furnished with slab seats, puncheon floors and greased paper for window lights, together with the old-time school-master and long birch gad, served .John Davenport such youthful education as he received; and his earlier years were passed in clearing, grubbing, making rails, planting, hoeing and reaping with the old-fashioned sickle when not otherwise employed. His parents having moved from Ross to Miami county, he went to Piqua, when seventeen years old, to learn the potter's trade, but two years later was compelled to abandon it because of declining health caused by the chemicals then used. In April, 1832, he married Clarinda Broderick, and four years later, with his wife and two children, braved the perils of frontier life and emigrated to Indiana. Locating at Elkhart, then a village of about three hundred population, he embarked in merchandising within a month after his arrival, selling a mixed stock of goods suitable to the times and conditions. Here Mrs. Davenport died in March, 1840, leaving four children, as follows: Anthony S. (a physician by occupation, an active participant in all the movements and engagements of the Forty-fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry during the Civil war, up to and including the battle of Shiloh, where he was exposed to the inclemency of the weather and from the effects of which he died the following August); Clementine (now residing in Elkhart, the widow of J. M. Hackathorn); Laura E. (died in September, 1861, the wife of John McNorton); and John B., the present recorder of Elkhart county. In 1841 Mr. Davenport re-married, his second wife being Clementine Broderick, a sister of his first wife. This lady died in September, 1891, without issue. From 1836, for a period of nearly forty years, Mr. Davenport was continuously engaged in mercantile pursuits in Elkhart, and during this time both made and lost considerable money. For thirty years be has speculated in wool and other products, and is considered the best judge of wool in the entire country. In politics he was formerly a Whig, but since 1856 has always affiliated with the Republicans. He was a charter member of Pulaski Lodge Independent Order of Odd Fellows, where he has ever since retained an active membership. In his declining years Mr. Davenport's chief pleasure is in his family circle, and reviewing a life of over four-score years, in which no one can point to a single discreditable action.

JOHN B. DAVENPORT, the popular incumbent of the recorder's office of Elkhart county, is the youngest in a family of four children, the father being the old pioneer, John Davenport, a biography of whom precedes this. He was born August 27, 1839, in the city of Elkhart, Ind., which yet serves him as a place of residence, and which, with but a few years' exception, has always been his home. His education was mostly obtained from the schools of his native city, but he spent nearly one year in the State University at Ann Arbor, Mich. When the war between the loyal and disloyal States of the Union broke out he was attending that institution, and as his elder brother had enlisted in his country's cause, John B. was prevailed upon to return home and assist his father in the discharge of a heavy mercantile business which he was then conducting. Having thus embarked in merchandising when a young man, Mr. Davenport has made that his life's occupation, and steadily followed mercantile pursuits in this city until 1891. In 1890 he was selected as the nominee of the Republican party for the office of county recorder, and at the ensuing election had a majority of about four hundred votes and nearly three hundred votes in Elkhart county more than the State ticket. No one who knows John B. Davenport ever considers him anything but a gentleman in every respect. His innate dignity and affability make him deservedly popular with the public; and the painstaking care with which he discharges the duties of his office, ranks him second in value to no recorder ever elected to the office in Elkhart county. In January, 1868, Miss Charity A., daughter of Dr. David H. and Amanda (Torry) Runyon, became his wife, and to their union two children have been born - Richard B. and Mary L. Mr. Davenport was in mercantile pursuits and shipping grain while in La Grange, from 1875 to 1880.

JACOB WAHL (deceased). The sketch which is given below is that of a gentleman who, though passed to his final reward, still lives in the gracious influence that emanated from him while on earth. We find no one more worthy of mention or whose long life of usefulness is more worthy to be chronicled than this gentleman, whose honesty and integrity were proverbial in the community. All his characteristics of industry and perseverance were inherited from his German ancestors and all his accumulations were the result of many years of hard labor. He was a native of Germany, born in Wurtemberg, February 7, 1809, and was a son of George and Catherine (Kaiffer) Wahl. When twenty-two years of age, Jacob Wahl came to America (a sister having come two years previous), and settled in Mahoning county, Ohio, where he worked at carpentering, having learned that trade in his native country. On August 23, 1838, he was married in Mahoning county to Miss Annie King, who was born in Armstrong county, Penn., August 23, 1816, and who was the daughter of George and Sarah (Silfoot) King, both natives of the Keystone State, where they were reared and married. There the parents passed their entire lives, the father dying when Annie was about six years of age, and the mother when she was about twelve. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. King, as follows: Jonathan, born January 5, 1804; Stena, Elizabeth, Henry, Polly, Annie and Phoebe, who was born November 18, 1818. All are now deceased except Jonathan, Henry and Annie. In 1850 Mr. and Mrs. Wahl removed to Elkhart county, Ind., purchased eighty acres of land in Cleveland township, and there Mrs. Wahl still resides. After settling in that township, Mr. Wahl cleared a great deal of land and afterward added to the same until he owned a farm of 160 acres. To his marriage were born the following children: Catherine, Sophia, Jonathan, Jacob, David, William F., Malinda A. (deceased), and Royal H. (deceased). Mr. Wahl was a member of the Evangelical Church for many years and was a liberal contributor to the same. He was active in all good work, was public spirited, and was universally respected. He was a man whose sterling worth of character was recognized by all and his death, which occurred on April 8, 1889, was deeply deplored by a large circle of friends and acquaintances, as we1l as his own immediate and sorrowing household. He was a good and kind father, a loving husband, and his memory will remain green long after his body has moldered to dust. He was a hard-working and industrious man during his entire life, was a careful manager and a man of excellent judgment in business affairs. His aged wife, who now resides on the home place, is also a member of the Evangelical Church, and although time has laid his whitening hand upon her brow, she is still comparatively active and independent.

HARRY S. CHESTER, clerk of the courts of Elkhart county, is a native of the State of Massachusetts, his birth occurring at Westfield on January 23, 1862. He is one of a family of seven children, five of whom are yet living, born to the marriage of John B. Chester and Elizabeth E. Ellis, who were natives of Liverpool and London, England, respectively. The parents were married in their native country and immigrated to the United States in 1851, locating in the New England State of Connecticut, where the father followed his trade of cigar manufacturer. Later the family removed to Massachusetts, and from there, in January, 1880, to Elkhart county, Ind., locating in the city of Elkhart, where the father yet resides, employed at his trade. Mrs. Chester died in September, 1892. Although practically a newcomer in Indiana, Henry S. Chester, by his superior business qualifications and his identification with the material welfare and progress of Elkhart county, is justly recognized as one of its foremost citizens. It does not necessarily follow that because the boy received but little scholastic advantages, the man must necessarily be uneducated. Although Mr. Chester never attended school after thirteen years of age, he nevertheless possesses a polished education, acquired by exhaustive study and reading when his school days were a thing of the past. When nineteen years old be followed his parents to the Hoosier State and has since made his home in Elkhart. Having learned cigar-making of his father, he followed that occupation until 1884, when he became a student of Blackstone in the law office of Capt. Henry C. Dodge, with whom he remained nearly three years. In 1886 he began his political career as the Democratic candidate for the office of city clerk of Elkhart, and to this he was elected by a majority of eighteen ballots. Two years later he was reelected to this position, increasing his previous majority to 736 votes. This remarkable proof of approval, on the part of the public, gained for him, in 1890, the nomination for the county clerkship. It must be a source of no little satisfaction for a man to know that the approval of his official acts and his personal popularity caused a change of over one thousand votes in a county like Elkhart. This is true in Mr. Chester's case and is demonstrated by the fact that as a Democrat he was elected county clerk by a majority of 786 votes, when the usual Republican majority in the county is at least 300. Mr. Chester's popularity is, in a measure, no doubt, the logical result of his official qualifications and the invariable rule he puts into execution of obliging those who seek his assistance, and the gentlemanly courtesy extended to all, regardless of politics or religion. As a further mark of favor, on the part of his party, he was elected one of the two delegates from the Thirteenth Congressional District of Indiana to the National Democratic Convention, at Chicago, in 1892, that resulted in the nomination of Cleveland and Stevenson. Mr. Chester is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, is the present supreme reporter of the Knights of Maccabees, is grand foreman of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and has served as an official in the Grand Lodge of the Knights of Pythias.

WILLIAM F. WAHL. Among the worthy residents of Elkhart county, Ind., it is but just to say that Mr. Wahl occupies a conspicuous and honorable place, for he has always been honest, industrious and enterprising, and as a result has met with more than ordinary success. He is a man well known in agricultural circles, and is recognized as a careful, energetic farmer, who by his advanced ideas and progressive habits has done much to improve the farming interests of his section. No man takes a greater interest in the agricultural and stock affairs of Elkhart county than Mr. Wahl, and no one strives more actively to promote and advance these interests to a higher plane. He has a native pride in this county, for he was born here, in Cleveland township, and it is but natural that he should strive to see all its matters placed on a footing equal, if not superior, to the affairs of other counties in the State. He was born on the 28th of October, 1852, and is a son of Jacob and Ann (King) Wahl, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Pennsylvania. The original of this notice was reared in Cleveland township and there received a good practical education. Inheriting the thrift and industry of his German ancestors he began when quite young to make his own way in life, and learned the cabinetmaker's trade in Elkhart. This was in 1874, and later he went to Grand Rapids, Mich., where he worked for about nine years. Returning to Cleveland township, he was married there on the 29th of September, 1885, to Miss Viola Landon, who was born May 12, 1856, and who was a daughter of Columbus C. Landon. To Mr. and Mrs. Wahl have been born two children: Clement L., born August 5, 1886, and Wilmot, born April 1, 1888. Mr. Wahl was elected justice of the peace in 1890, but as all his time was devoted to his farming interests, he did not qualify. He is a member of the Knights of Labor and Patrons of Industry. He is the owner of 119 acres of good land, most of which is under cultivation, and everything about the place indicates the owner to be a man of good judgment and sound, practical sense. In politics he is a Democrat.

GEORGE MILBURN, the present efficient auditor of Elkhart county, is a fair representative of the better class of men, who began life's battle at the lower rounds of the ladder, and through his own efforts has gained the topmost round. Practically speaking, he today is in comfortable financial circumstances, and the position he now occupies is direct evidence that he is the possessor of the confidence and esteem of his fellow man. When the correct view of life is taken, what more could be expected of mortal man? The acquirement of sufficient wealth to keep one's family in comfort, and the fulfillment, to the best of one's ability, of the Divine command: “Do unto others as you would be done by,” has been one of Mr. Milburn's principal efforts throughout his career. The fact that he occupies one of the most responsible and lucrative offices within the gift of the people of Elkhart county, is undisputable evidence that he has the confidence of the public. George Milburn is a native of Canada, his birth occurring in the Province of Ontario, May 13, 1839, and is a son of John and Martha (Rose) Milburn. The father was born in England, but moved to Canada when a boy and there married, his wife being a native of Canada, and a descendant of the early Dutch colonists of the New England States. He followed merchandising through life, and died leaving a widow and four children surviving him. Two children born to his marriage died in infancy; one son died in Cass county, Mich., at the age of twenty-two years; two sons (Thomas and John D.) are prominently connected with the manufacturing interests of Memphis, Tenn., and the only surviving member of his family in Indiana is the subject of this sketch. The mother died in Memphis in 1878, of Yellow fever. George Milburn received a good common education in youth, which was more of the practical than theoretical order. When about sixteen years old, he came to the States and began clerking for his uncle, after whom he was named, at Mishawaka, Ind., and remained with him unti11865. During this time he acquired an interest in the celebrated Milburn Wagon Works at that place, but after the big fire which destroyed a large part of the property, after the close of the war, Mr. Milburn disposed of his interests and moved to Bristol. Purchasing a small tract of laud, he engaged in fruit growing, and from time to time as his increasing means permitted, added to his possessions until he now owns 170 acres of valuable land, all but seventy acres being exclusively devoted to fruit culture. Although a Democrat in politics, Mr. Milburn is in no sense what is termed a politician. He believes in the policy of his party, but never aggressively urges his views on others; he invariably makes use of the inalienable right of the American citizen, but illustrates by action the method of attending strictly to his own business, and not meddling with matters of no concern to him. These qualities made him unusually popular, and when he became the candidate of his party for county auditor in 1890, he not only overcame the reliable Republican majority of 400 votes against the Democrats, but secured a popular majority of 465 votes over his opponent. Ability and courtesy have characterized his administration, and he unquestionably has given satisfaction to all, regardless of politics. In 1864 Mr. Milburn married Miss Mary E. Hanford, who died without issue two years later. In 1868 he wedded Miss Elizabeth P. Congdon, who has borne him six children, five of whom survive (Laura dying in January 1892): Henry H., Mary E., Laura, Helen, Florence and Rollin G. Mrs. Milburn is a member of the Episcopal Church.

ISAAC SHINN. The entire life of Mr. Shinn has been passed in ceaseless activity, and has not been without substantial evidences of success, as will be seen from a glance at his rather small, but very productive farm. His career is 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. Mr. Shinn was born in Lincoln county, Ohio, June 26, 1835, and is a son of Stacy and Esther (Fowle) Shinn, both natives of New Jersey. The parents emigrated from their native county to Ohio in 1835, settled on a farm, and there Stacy Shinn died shortly afterward. His wife survived him until about four years ago, and was about seventy years of age at the time of her death. These children were born to their union: William, Amos, Nathan, Stacy, Elizabeth, Rachel and Isaac; Nathan, Rachel and Isaac being the only ones now living. The youthful days of our subject were spent on the farm in Ohio, and as his father, died before he was born, at a very young age he was obliged to start out to battle in life for himself. He had very limited advantages for receiving an education, but as he was industrious and reared to hard labor, he obtained a competency and has many of the comforts and conveniences of life. He was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Swartz, who died October 27, 1881, leaving five children, who are named as follows: Amos, Sarah C., Celia E, George W. and Nettie S. Mr. Shinn's second marriage occurred January 29, 1885, at Elkhart to Miss Mary M. Keefer, who was born in Ohio, September, 1834, and who is a daughter of Peter and Catharine (Rihert) Keefer, both natives of the green isle of Erin, and both of whom died in Elkhart county. Mr. Shinn has eighty acres of land, about eight acres of which is timber, and is one of the most industrious and thoroughgoing agriculturists of this section. He and wife are worthy and exemplary members of the Lutheran Church, and he is a stanch supporter of Democratic principles.

WILLIAM A. BEANE, editor and proprietor of the Goshen Democrat, was born in Preble county, Ohio, October 5, 1828. He came with his parents to Elkhart county in July, 1836, where he attended the common schools of that time up to 1841, the teachers being Capt. Henry Beane, E. D. Smith, John Dautrow, Sylvester Webster, and last the Hon. Nelson Prentiss, of Albion, Noble county, who is now living at the age of eighty years. In the fall of 1843 he came to Goshen, and that winter attended the school of A. C. Carpenter. In March, 1844, he commenced the printing business with the late Dr. E. W. H. Ellis, in the old Democrat office, which then stood upon the same ground now occupied by his son, W. R. Ellis, immediately north of the Court House. After working two years at the trade he took a position in the store of the late John Winder, where he remained until March, 1850, a period of four years. After working at the printing business again, in different places, as a "jour" printer, for a couple of years, he settled down again in the Democrat office, where he has been almost uninterruptedly ever since. He first became the sole proprietor of the office in August, 1860, and has been connected with it so closely since that any short vacation is hardly worth mentioning. His life is bound up in his favorite business as much as his files are inside of the covers of his books. Mr. Beane married in July, 1854, and has raised six children, three sons and three daughters, as follows: Mrs. W. E. Geddes, of Chicago; Charles E. Beane, of Salt Lake City, Utah; Frank W. Beane, of Blackfoot, Idaho; Joseph A. Beane and Mrs. H. R. Whitmer, of Goshen, and Mrs. D. E. Studabaker, of Decatur, Ind., thus leaving him where he commenced thirty-eight years ago. Mr. Beane had three sisters and two brothers, all of whom are dead except his brother, C. C. Beane, of Leesburg, Ind., who was elected representative for Kosciusko county in November, 1892, on the Republican ticket. Mr. Beane's father, William Beane, died in Benton, in March, 1840, at the early age of thirty-eight years. His mother afterward married the late Mark B. Thompson, by whom she had five children. Mrs. Thompson died in May, 1872, and her husband followed her in about six weeks afterward. The subject of this sketch has always had a strong attachment for Goshen, where he has spent the best years of his life, and the probability is that here is where his body will rest after "life's fitful fever is over." He has attained considerable fame as an editor and a forcible, trenchant writer. Under his management the Goshen Democrat is a pronounced financial success, and is justly recognized as one of the best and most readable papers published in Indiana.

HON. DANIEL W. VOORHEES, whom Indiana Democrats so delight to honor, is a native of Ohio, his birth occurring in Butler county, September 26, 1827, and is a son of Stephen Voorhees, a native of Kentucky, and a grandson of Peter Voorhies, of New Jersey nativity. When only two months old his parents moved to Fountain county, Ind., and this State has ever since been his home. Asbury University graduated him in 1849, and here he obtained a wide reputation as an orator of superior ability, and the high regard of the faculty. He studied law and in 1852 was solicited by Hon. E. A. Hannegan, formerly United States senator, to become his partner, which he accepted. In 1853 he was appointed State's attorney of his circuit by the governor, and thus obtained the foundation of his justly earned reputation as a superior criminal lawyer. In 1856 he was the Democratic nominee for Congress, and although defeated, reduced the opposing majority nearly eighteen hundred votes. In 1857 he moved to Terre Haute, and the year following was appointed United States district attorney by President Buchanan. In 1860 and in 1862 he was elected to Congress; and in 1864, although declared elected, his election was successfully contested. In 1868 he was again elected to Congress, and re-elected in 1870. In November, 1877, he was appointed United States senator to succeed Governor Morton, and has ever since occupied this position by election. Unquestionably Mr. Voorhees is one of the most brilliant men that has ever held office within the State's jurisdiction. Not only has he an established reputation as a great statesman, but his fame as a criminal lawyer is equally as brilliant. He has always been an unswerving, uncompromising Democrat. His great ability as a statesman and lawyer ill respected and acknowledged by all, regardless of politics. Mr. Voorhees married Miss Jane Hardesty in 1850, and four children have blessed their union. "The Tall Sycamore of the Wabash," as he is known, occupies a prominent page in the volume devoted to America's greatest sons.

JOHN MONROE (deceased). To keep green the memory of the departed whose lives were worthy and filled up with good deeds, is an object deserving much effort. Not only do the children of those who have passed on to the other world desire to perpetuate their memory, but their neighbors and friends may well feel that they are benefited by rehearsing the incidents of the life that has closed. He, of whom we write, was born in the Empire State, and in New York City, January 16, 1817. His parents, Abraham and Sarah (Butters) Monroe, were natives of that State also, and there our subject grew to mature years, receiving no educational advantages. Glowing accounts of the fertility of the soil of the Buckeye State reached his ears, and in 1837 he emigrated to Columbiana county, Ohio, where he was married in 1842 to Mary Topper. The following children were the fruits of this union: William T., Elizabeth, Margaret, James and Lucinda. In October, 1850, they removed to St. Joseph county, Ind., settled on a farm in Madison township, but subsequently moved from there to Penn township, where Mr. Monroe passed away, July 9, 1882. Mrs. Monroe still survives him and makes her home with her son, William. She has lost the use of her limbs and has been confined to her bed for more than six years. She is now quite aged, being over seventy-six years old. Her son, William T. Monroe, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, March 21, 1847, and when three years of age he was taken by his parents to St. Joseph county, where he was reared. He had limited educational advantages, but being naturally of a studious turn of mind, most of his education was received by diligent study at home. On the 7th of July, 1872, in Elkhart county, he was married to Miss Alma Noffsinger, who was born October 12, 1855, and who was a daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Overlees) Noffsinger, the former a native of Elkhart county, born May 26, 1831, and the latter of Ohio, born June 25, 1836. Jacob Noffsinger died June 7, 1882, but his widow is still living and makes her home in Elkhart. To Mr. and Mrs. Monroe have been born two interesting children; Jennie L., born November 28, 1874, and Pearl A., born December 17, 1876. Mr. Monroe has sixty-one and a half acres of land, about three acres of which is timber land, but the balance is under cultivation. He has a good residence and his out-buildings are all in good condition. Previous to his settlement in this county Mr. Monroe resided north of Osceola, in St. Joseph county, where he owned forty acres of land. In 1881 he came to Elkhart county, where he has made a permanent settlement. In politics he is a Democrat and his two children are members of the Methodist Epis¬copal Church.

JAMES L. KERSTETTER, secretary and manager of the Goshen Woolen Mills Company, and one of Elkhart county's best known citizens, is a native of Stark county, Ohio, his birth occurring February 6, 1837. He is one of a family of eight children, three (James L., Edmund R. and Chauncey W.) yet living, born to the marriage of Peter Kerstetter and Mary Rogers. The father was a Pennsylvanian by birth and descended from German ancestry. When but a boy he was bound out to a saddler, but because of harsh treatment ran away, and when next heard from was at Minerva, Ohio, engaged in the harness and saddlery business. He there married, but in the year 1839 moved to York township, Elkhart Co., Ind., and became the pioneer in the manufacture of fanning-mills. In 1844 he moved to Goshen, where he afterward engaged in stock dealing. Being of a social disposition, he made many acquaintances, and invariably an acquaintance became a friend. He was honest and open in his dealings, and in politics was a Whig, Free Soiler and Republican. He died in 1875, followed by his widow nine years later. When two years old James L. Kerstetter was brought to Elkhart county, and when fifteen he began doing for himself. His education was obtained from the common schools, college at Kalamazoo, Mich., and Wabash College at Crawfordsville, this State. His father and brother Edmund having enlisted for the war he returned to Goshen, after having taught school and clerked for a time after coming out of college, in order to assist his mother. For four years he was engaged with A. L. Hubbell in the grocery trade, and later continued a like business alone. Upon the close of the war he accepted his brother, Edmund R., as a partner, and dry goods were added to their stock of groceries. When his brother was elected sheriff of the county, the brothers still continued as partners in the general income. Owing to there being ample work for both in the sheriff's office, their stock of goods was sold, and, still continuing as partners, the brothers conducted the affairs of the office to which Edmund R. had been elected, two terms. Afterward, James L. engaged in saw-milling until he was burned out in 1874, when he went to La Porte and was employed by his wife’s uncle, Frederick C. King, in a woolen-mill. He remained there five years, then returned to Goshen, where he has since resided, and is identified with what is now the Goshen Woolen Mills Company. This institution gives employment to about forty-five hands and annually transacts business amounting to nearly $60,000. When a young man Mr. Kerstetter clerked in a store at La Grange, Ind. He there met, and October 13, 1861, wedded Miss Susan E., daughter of Benjamin King, and by her is the father of four children: Jessie, Florence, Frederick and Fanny. Mr. Kerstetter cast his first vote for Lincoln in 1860t and he has ever since affiliated with the Republican party. He is one of Goshen’s most enterprising and public-spirited men.

WILLIS LAYTON. Prominent among the representative citizens of Elkhart county stands the name of Willis Layton, a native of the Buckeye State, which has contributed so much of population and of intelligence to Indiana. He was born in Miami county, June 15,1843, and is a son of Benjamin F. and Mary (Wilmore) Layton, native Virginians, the father born on December 19, 1801, and the mother in Rockbridge county, January 19, 1808. Both parents grew to mature years in their native State and were married on September 16, 1823. Five years after this union they removed to Miami county, Ohio, and located on a farm near Piqua, where they made their home until December, 1848, at which time they removed to Elkhart county, Ind. They settled on a farm in Cleveland township, where the son Willis now resides, and as there were only about five acres cleared at that time, Mr. Layton went actively to work to develop and make improvements. He was unusually successful and passed the remainder of his days in cultivating the soil, his death occurring on October 7, 1854. His wife survived him until November 17, 1872. An old-fashioned family of eleven children was born to this worthy couple, four of whom are living: Susannah, born September 2, 1834; Katie A., born July 19, 1837; Joseph J., born May 18, 1841, and Willis. Those deceased are: Martha J., born August 16, 1828, and died January 30, 1892; William W., born August 16, 1832, and died May 20, 1866; Benjamin F., born June 2. 1837, and died in the army in 1862 from the effects of a wound received in the battle of Fort Donelson; Mary E., born June 23, 1846, and died October 3, 18540; Nancy E., born March 27, 1849, and died September 18, 1854; Sarah A., born June 14; 1853, and died September 25, 1854, and one died in infancy, in Ohio. When five years of age, Willis Layton was brought by his parents to Elkhart county, Ind., where he was reared on a farm, and where he received his education in the common schools. On September 10, 1861, he donned his suit of blue and enlisted in Company I, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry; turned recruiting officer and got several recruits for said company and was with his regiment in all its battles, skirmishes and marches the entire four years and four days, except time of absence caused by being a prisoner and a three days' mounted infantry ride after the enemy while he was on detached service. He was in the siege of Chattanooga, where there was less than one-fourth rations issued for more than three months, and he paid 50 cents an ear for corn to grind in a coffee-mill to make mush without salt to season it with; it was relished better than well-prepared meals are now, and there was very little corn or provision to be had at any price. If a person succeeded in buying an ear of corn the thought would come up before him that it was stolen from a starving mule. But from General Thomas down, they bad resolved not to go any farther north until the enemy was whipped or they were starved or killed. The men made little complaint about their condition. For two or three weeks after the Chickamauga battle, going on picket duty was about like going on the skirmish line, as there was more or less firing on the line all the time. Willis was in a train wreck between Chattanooga and Knoxville, Tenn., where one man was killed and himself and several others were more or less seriously injured. He took a prominent part in the battle of Chickamauga, in which he received a gunshot wound in his left knee. He still feels the effects of this wound, and being obliged to be vaccinated, in April, l864, he suffers from the impurities that passed through his system and is unfit for work. He receives a pension of $14 per month, which is a very small price indeed for the loss of his health. Mr. Layton was taken prisoner while on picket duty near Henderson, Ky., and was taken to Little Rock, Ark., where he was confined three months. About the first of the year 1862 he succeeded in escaping, but before he got to the Union lines was taken seriously ill, from exposure, was recaptured and taken back to the rebel hospital. There he remained four months and was very ill indeed. When he improved again he was confined in the prison, but shortly afterward effected his escape, and made his way to Fort Scott, Kan., the nearest point where the Union army was stationed. Before reaching his destination he was fired upon by Coffey's cavalry, and they, believing him to be a spy, gave him a hasty trial; but there not being sufficient evidence he was paroled, afterward making his way to Fort Scott. At that point he was furnished transportation to the North by General Lane, commander of the post at that place. During Sherman's famous march to the sea he was detailed to drive a post ambulance from Chattanooga to supply the General's shortage in that line. He followed after the Sixty-sixth Regiment, Illinois Volunteers, which were armed with the Henry repeating rifles and they fought like tigers, being deployed as skirmishers most of the time. They ran the enemy as a deer would run from a destroyer, keeping up almost a continual fire at them. But every once in a while it was his sad duty to pick up one of the boys who had fallen in battle, far from home and kind hands that would gladly have cared for them. He went with them well down into the heart of Georgia before he was relieved. He then returned to his regiment at Chattanooga, Tenn., and was at the battle of Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge, but was in reserve. He fought bravely for the old flag and no braver soldier trod the sod of a battlefield. Mr. Layton was married on October 6, 1870, to Miss Sarah L., daughter of John and Jane (Bryson) Nixon, the former a native of Ireland, born September 24, 1805. Mr. Nixon was reared on the Green Isle and when seventeen years of age braved Neptune's tender mercies and came to America, locating in Pennsylvania, where he remained one year. From there he went to Ohio, located in Huron county, and was there married on September 20, 1827, to Miss Jane Bryson, a native of Center county, Penn., born January 17, 1806. To them were born the following children: Jane A., born November 20, 1828, and died January 15, 1875; Elizabeth, born July 20, 1830, and died March 4, 1873; James, born January 14, 1833, and was killed at the battle of Richmond, Ky., August 30, 1862; Robert, born August 26, 1835, and died April 12, 1854; Samuel B., born August 29,1837, and died September 28, 1838; Isabella, born April 18. 1840; William, horn April 11, 1843,and killed at the battle of Iuka, Miss., September 19, 1862; Sarah L., born September 30, 1845, and David, born October 12, 1850. After residing in Ohio twelve years, Mr. and Mrs. Nixon moved to Cass county, Mich., and there resided until February, 1838, when they moved to Kosciusko, where they made a permanent settlement, residing on one farm for over forty years. Mr. Nixon died on February 25. 1875, and his wife survived him until February 11, 1890. To our subject and wife were born three children: Etta L., born August 23, 1871; Millard W., born April 3, 1881, and Katie M., born April 15, 1883. Mr. Layton has twenty acres of land, principally devoted to small fruit, and he also has an apiary of about twenty colonies, but formerly had one hundred. In politics Mr. Layton is a Republican and is a member of Elmer Post G. A. R., of Elkhart.

GEN. ALVIN PETERSON HOVEY, who died while serving his first term as governor of Indiana, was a native Hoosier, his birth occurring in that widely famed county of Posey September 6, 1821, and, like thousands of others who attained prominence in American history, his lot in youth was one of hardship and gave no hint of the honors that a strong intellect, fairly used, coupled with unwearying industry, were to bring him. In the common schools of his native county, which were then of the poorest, and are not now much better, he managed to pick up a rudimentary education which he supplemented by hard study, after the active work of his life had begun. He studied law and, having been admitted to the bar in 1843, when about twenty-two years of age, he entered at once upon what his youth and surroundings considered, was a successful and lucrative practice as an attorney at Mount Vernon. For seven years he devoted himself to his profession, but about 1851 he was elected a member of the constitutional convention by which the constitution of Indiana was revised, and so greatly did he distinguish himself in that body that in the next year he was chosen circuit judge of the Third Judicial District of his State and, after three years' service upon that bench, was in May, 1854, made one of the judges of the Supreme Court of Indiana, but held the position only a few months. He was appointed by President Pierce in 1855 United States district attorney for the District of Indiana, from which he was removed by President Buchanan because of having been an ardent supporter of Douglas. During the war with Mexico he was a lieutenant, but his company failed to secure an entry into one of the regiments assigned to Indiana. When the war of the Rebellion came upon the country, although he had never had any military training and had never shown the slightest aptitude or inclination for the military profession, he instantly cast aside his per¬sonal considerations, enlisted in the service and started out as colonel of volunteers, by appointment of Gov. Morton. His command was first employed in Arkansas, where, without any opportunity of becoming distinguished in battle, he so bore him¬self that he won the admiration of his superiors. Shortly after the reduction of Fort Donelson, for meritorious service, he was commissioned brigadier general and a short time after was made major general, although he did not receive his commis¬sion until two years after it was granted. In time his chance came to show the mettle of which he was made. Transferred to the Army of Tennessee, just before the opening of the memorable campaign which ended on July 4, 1863, in the surrender of Vicksburg, he was assigned to an important command. At the battle of Champion's Hill, which was the pivotal one of the brief and brilliant series of engagements by which Gen. Pemberton was forced back with his entire army into Vicksburg, Gen. Hovey so executed the task which fell to his lot, that Gen. Grant spoke of him, in his official report, in terms of highest praise, awarding him the honor of the victory at Champion's Hill, which Grant himself called the "key battle" of his movements to get in the rear of Vicksburg. After the fall of this place he was sent to a field of duty where he could gain no military laurels, but where his services were of vital value to the Union cause, for he was put in command of the District of Indiana, where, with the powerful aid of Oliver P. Morton, then governor, he prosecuted and kept the disaffected element under control. The war being ended he resigned his commission in the army in October, 1865, and soon after was appointed United States minister to Peru, having declined the mission to Buenos Ayres, which had been tendered him. After holding the post of minister to Peru for five years, he resigned it in 1870, when he returned to Indiana and resumed the practice of law, to which he confined himself for the next sixteen years, but all the time, having a keen interest in public affairs, both national and State, he put his ability as a public speaker at the service of the Republican party, having prior to the war been a Democrat. In 1886 he was a candidate of his party for Congress and was elected in a close district. In the House of Representatives he showed so much civic ability that in 1888 he was made the nominee of his party for governor of his State and entered at once upon the hottest political campaign the State has ever known. As a result of the canvass he received a plurality of votes of 2,200 over his competitor, Gen. Matson, who had been a gallant Union soldier, had shown a capacity for civil office and was in every way the strongest candidate the Democrats could have nominated. Being thus chosen as the first Republican governor Indiana has had since the war, Gov. Hovey entered upon the duties of his office and in their discharge displayed the same courage, clear intellect and unsullied integrity with which he ever met every other function allotted to him. While fulfilling the requirements of his office he was taken ill and died November 23, 1891. He was a ripe Latin scholar, was determined and self-reliant, a frequent contributor to magazine literature and a poet of more than ordinary ability.

HENRY W. BISSELL. It is generally considered by those in the habit of superficial thinking that the history of so-called great men only is worthy of preservation, and that little merit exists among the masses to call forth the praise of the historian or the cheers and appreciation of mankind. A greater mistake was never made. No man is great in all things, and very few are great in many things. Many by a lucky stroke achieve lasting fame, who before that had no reputation beyond the limits of their neighborhood. It is not a history of the lucky stroke which benefits humanity most, but the long study and effort which made the lucky stroke possible. It is the preliminary work -the method- that serves as a guide for the success of others. Thus it appears that the lives of the masses out of which come the men who control the world, will furnish the grandest, truest lessons for the benefit of humanity. The common soldier, who bears the brunt of battle and who does his best, is as much entitled to highest praise for his efforts as is the general who stands back out of rifle shot and directs the struggling troops to victory. The widow who places her mite upon the altar deserves greater praise for her sacrifice than the prince who places thereon a costly pearl. The widow gives all she has; the prince will never miss his gift. And a history of the widow's suffering and sacrifice is of much greater pathos and value to the student of history and human nature, than the dizzy story of the ostentatious gift of the prince. All writers agree that the quiet lives are the ones which furnish the best examples of heroism, sacrifice and merit.

After all this is said, the honest man, the man who has endeavored, to the best of his ability, to follow the precepts of the Golden Rule, the man who has lived to the age of four score years and universally commands the respect of his fellow-men even though he has attained no high political or other preferment, is the one whose life is worthiest of emulation and whose history is most deserving of preservation. Such a man is Henry W. Bissell, whose name forms the subject of this memoir. His ancestors were French, but for many generations lived in England. The general belief and accepted version of the advent of the family in America is that John Bissell, a native of Somersetshire, England (where he was born about the year 1591) in order to escape the religious persecutions so common at that time, immigrated to the colonies with his family in 1628, landing at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts. According to Stile's History of Old Windsor, Connecticut, to which point he moved about the year 1640, he was the first settler on the east side of the river and had charge of the Scantic Ferry. From this pioneer, John Bissell, the different heads of the family are traced in a direct line to the immediate subject of this sketch, as follows: John, Jr.; John, Jr., the third who married Izrel Mason; Daniel married Margaret Dewey; Ezekiel married Ruth Devotion; Eliphaz married Elizabeth Birge; Eliphaz, Jr., married Diantha Norton. This brings the record up to Henry W. Bissell, of whom a more extended notice is here given. A native of the State of New York, his birth occurred at Vernon Center, Oneida county, June 26, 1812, being now the only living representative of his family, originally consisting of three sons and two daughters. His youth was passed in a similar manner to that of hundreds of other boys, having been spent in assisting his parents at home and in attending the district schools. During his early manhood he completed his schooling by attending Cazenovia Seminary, and later in life began farming, teaching and clerking. In 1837, while on a visit to Detroit, where a brother was living, he embarked in a trading tour through western Michigan and northern Indiana, and passing through Goshen was so well pleased with the village and its surrounding fertile lands that he determined to make it his future home. In 1839 he opened a general store on the east side of Main street, opposite the present court-house, which he operated about fifteen years, also being interested as partner a part of the time with William Cowan, at Oswego, in a similar enterprise. Returning to his native State for a wife, he wedded Sabrina A. Spencer in 1840, who died May 26, 1846, leaving him three small children - Amelia J., Harriet E. (died in 1847), and Sabrina O., who died in 1848. The first named is the wife of A. E. Billings, of Toledo, Ohio, and is the only one living of Mr. Bissell's children. For a second wife he selected Mrs. A. M. (Turk) Sands, of Somers, Westchester Co., N.Y., a lady of Huguenot ancestry, who died May 19, 1880, without issue. Together with his family Mr. Bissell, the winter of 1853-4, visited Washington, remaining a period of nine months, visiting all the places of interest and particularly the houses of Congress. He particularly recalls the memorable speech of Stephen A. Douglas on the Missouri Compromise Bill, and considers this vacation one of the most enjoyable events in his life. Returning to Goshen, Mr. Bissell turned his attention more exclusively to dealing in grain, which he continued for about seventeen years, acquiring a competency. Since then he has retired from active operations, confining his time to the management of his valuable estate and in the contemplation of a well-spent life. A Whig first in politics, he naturally drifted into Republican ranks upon the organization of that party, and has ever since affiliated as such. For nearly half a century he has been identified with the Presbyterian Church. While a man of strong convictions and steadfast resolutions, Mr. Bissell has at no time obtruded his opinions upon others, nor has he ever sought political or other preferment. His busy career has given him time to do but little else than pursue the even tenor of his way and in assisting, so far as able, all meritorious causes.

HON. W. J. DAVIS, attorney and counselor at law, and member of the oldest legal firm of Goshen, Messrs. Wilson, Davis & Wilson, is a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, his birth occurring September 24, 1847. He is a son of David Y. Davis, also a native of Fairfield county, Ohio, and grandson of John Davis, a Pennsylvanian, and family tradition says, of Welsh descent. When it required all the hardihood usually possessed by the pioneer, the elder Davis, in the year 1800, braved the perils of frontier life and immigrated to the wilds of Ohio with his family. David Y. Davis was a farmer, as was his father before him, following that occupation through life. He married Eunice E. Stirratt, who bore him one daughter, and after her death wedded Sarah B. Packer. Eight children were born to his second marriage, six of whom grew to maturity and four are now living. The father was a man of more than ordinary intelligence, honest to the very penny, unobtrusive in his intercourse with his fellow man, a Presbyterian in religion and a Whig, Know-Nothing and lastly a Republican in politics. He died April 17, 1891, preceded by his wife in November, 1871. W. J. Davis ,vas reared upon his father's farm in Ohio, attended the district school in his boyhood days and later the high schools at Rushvil1e and Bremen. In May, 1866, he entered Washington and Jefferson College, at which he graduated August 6, 1868, with the degree of Bachelor of Science, and during his collegiate career determined to make the practice of law his vocation through life. After graduating he taught school two years in the States of Ohio and Pennsylvania, and during this time read law under the tuition of G. W. K. Minor and John S. Brasee, of Uniontown, Penn., and Lancaster, Ohio, respectively. He was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court at Columbus, Ohio, on February 28, 1871, and the day following this event went to Wells county, Ind., for the purpose of checking the theft of timber from a valuable piece of land entered by his father in 1835 from the Government. The object of his visit was satisfactorily performed, and while there he associated himself in the practice of his profession with T. W. Wilson, at Bluffton. He remained there until 1878, when he removed to Goshen, where he has ever since resided, actively engaged in legal pursuits. Mr. Davis is a Republican in politics. He volunteered for the cause of the Union during the Civil war, but was rejected because of not being old enough. Naturally of a studious nature, his youthful surroundings were such as to develop this disposition rather than retard its growth. His father being a great reader of the news and good literature, kept his home supplied with the magazines and newspapers current at that time, and with good books. Young Davis found much of his youthful pleasures in reading his favorite authors at home instead of on the playground with boys of his age. This habit, cultivated in youth, has clung to him in his more mature years, and he is as much a student at forty-three as he was at fifteen. As a lawyer he ranks among the first in the district. As a citizen he belongs to the Odd Fellows fraternity, the Presbyterian Church, is enterprising and commands general respect. In 1884 he was elected senator from Elkhart county, serving four years and making a creditable record. He became a church member in 1867, and at the spring session of 1876, was selected to represent the Fort Wayne Presbytery in the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, which met, at the church presided over by the Rev. T. DeWitt Talmage, of Brooklyn, N. Y. This was one of the most enjoyable events of Mr. Davis' life. He not only had the pleasure of participating in the duties to which he had been elected, but was enabled to visit the larger cities of the East and the Centennial Exposition at Philadelphia. Mr. Davis was married October 9, 1873, to Miss Maria McKean, a native of Washington, Penn., and the daughter of Thomas and Fanny (Snodgrass) McKean. Five children have been born to this union: Thomas A., born July 31, 1874; Fanny M., born July 2, 1876, died October 25, 1886; Clara, born July 14, 1878, Bessie, born June 15, 1885; died October 27,1886, and Marie McK., born October 27, 1887. Mrs. Davis, as well as the older children, belongs to the Presbyterian Church.

JOHN MANNING. Among the sons of pioneers whose memory is so highly honored in Elkhart county, is Mr. Manning, whose excellent farm and pleasant home is one of the ornaments of Cleveland township. His father, Elias Manning, was a native of the Buckeye State, and his grandfather, John Manning, in company with a brother, came across the Alleghany Mountains in about 1780 or 1790, when that section was a vast wilderness, and settled in Cincinnati, Ohio, and there remained for some time. From there they moved to Piqua, Ohio, and were among the pioneers of that place, in fact laid out the first addition of the place and erected a custom mill, portions of the old race and foundation being still visible. Here John Manning died about the year 1810. Elias Manning was married to Miss Sarah W. Frost in 1824, her parents being among the pioneers of Miami county, Ohio, and in 1834 he removed to Elkhart county, Ind., locating one mile west of Goshen, on Elkhart River, on the 1st of May of that year. Daring that year he erected a saw-mill, which was considered a very good one for that time, receiving custom from many distant points, this being one of the first mills in the county. In 1838 he also erected a grist-mill, which he sold in 1842, moving on a farm in Jefferson township, and in 1844 he removed to Elkhart, where he resided until the time of his death in the fall of 1846. He was a millwright and his death occurred while on a business trip to Ohio. His marriage resulted in the birth of nine children, eight of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. as follows: William F., Oliver H. (deceased), Elizabeth F., Mary C. (deceased), Susan, Ebeneezer F., Nancy, Margaret (deceased), and our subject. Mrs. Manning survived her husband until the fall of 1871. The original of this notice was but eight years of age when he came with his parents to Elkhart county, Ind., and there finished his growth. He learned the millwright trade of his father and followed this for many years. At the time of his father's death he took entire charge of business and continued the same until about 1872, at which time he located upon the farm where he now resides in Cleveland township. Mr. Manning was married January 6, 1864, to Miss Hortense Compton, who was born April 1, 1839, and who was a daughter of Ezekiel and Frances (Ward) Compton, both natives of Ohio, born near Cleveland, the former February 24, 1811, and the latter February 16, 1813. Mr. Compton died in Jane, 1854, but his wife still survives him and is a resident of Elkhart. Seven children were born to them as follows: Jacob D., Eliza A., Hortense, Charles (died in infancy), Hugh G., and Mary E. and George E. (twins, the former deceased). By strict attention to business, and by an upright, honorable career, Mr. Manning became the owner of 407 acres of land, and has about 100 acres in timber. He has a commodious residence, and everything about the place indicates that an experienced hand is at the helm. His out-buildings are an ornament to the farm, and are not allowed to assume a dilapidated appearance. In politics he is a Republican, and has represented his township as trustee, besides holding other local positions. His marriage resulted in the birth of the following children: Lewis E., born October 13, 1864, and died October 17, 1887; George J., born September 6, 1872, and Mary A., born May 15, 1878.

HON. JOSEPH EWING McDONALD to Indiana was what Allen G. Thurman was to Ohio. Unlike many statesmen of prominence he never descended to "ward politics," petty intrigues, or appealed to party prejudice; but on the contrary was dignified, a thoroughly honest, conscientious gentleman, appealing to intellect and reason rather than passion, and preferring to meet squarely all issues instead of avoiding them. Democracy lost its ablest and most candid representative in Indiana upon the death of Hon. J. E. McDonald. Born August 29, 1819, in Butler county, Ohio, he was a son of John McDonald, a native of Pennsylvania, a farmer, and, as the name indicates, of Scotch ancestry. His mother was Eleanor (Piatt) McDonald, also a native of the Keystone State and a descendent of the French Huguenots. Joseph E. was left fatherless when yet a babe, and his mother marrying John Kerr, the family moved to Indiana in 1826, and settled in the almost unbroken forests of Montgomery county. It was amid scenes of hard labor and self denial that the character of this youth was formulated. Naturally of a studious nature, he seized every opportunity for mental improvement, borrowed books and papers that he was unable to purchase and often the midnight hour found him by the side of a tallow dip absorbing intellectual food from the best authors and from standard works. He was apprenticed to the saddler's trade at an early day, and at eighteen entered Wabash College, at Crawfordsville, defraying his expenses by working at odd hours at his trade. He also attended Ashbury University six months, and in 1842 began the study of law at La Fayette, Ind. He was admitted to the bar, undergoing an examination before the supreme court judges, was nominated for prosecuting attorney of his district prior to receiving his license to practice, and was elected to this position the August following. He was re-elected to this office in August, 1845, serving in all four years. The fall of 1847 he moved to Crawfordsville and was elected to Congress from the old Eighth District two years later. In 1856 he was elected attorney general of the State, being the first chosen to this office by the people, and was re-elected, serving two full terms. In 1859 he removed to Indianapolis, where he continued an active career until his death. His knowledge of the law was remarkable, and his readiness in debate made him the foremost lawyer of the State. As an all-round attorney and counselor, his superior has never practiced in Indiana. He made the principal argument for the objectors in the count of the electoral vote of Louisiana before the commission appointed to determine the result of the presidential election of 1876, having, in March, 1875, been elected as a member of the United States Senate. Always a firm, consistent Democrat of the Jeffersonian school, he took rank among the first men of the nation and was once a prominent candidate for his party's nomination for the presidency. Mr. McDonald was a Presbyterian in religions belief. He married Nancy R. Buell on Christmas day, 1844, and the issue to this union was three sons and one daughter. For his second wife he married Josephine Farnsworth Barnard, January 12, 1881, while in the United States Senate. She still survives him. To this union there was no issue. Mr. McDonald died June 21, 1892, honored and respected.

CALVIN C. LANDON. Among the sons of Vermont who brought with them to this western land the sturdy habits of independence, integrity and industry which have ever marked the "Green Mountain boys," we are gratified to be able to name Mr. Landon, whose fine farm of 210 acres is among the best of Elkhart county, Ind. He possesses those advanced ideas and progressive principles regarding agricultural life, which seem to be among the chief characteristics of the average native Vermonter, and in every walk of life he has conducted himse1f in an honorable and upright manner. Mr. Landon was born in Rutland county, Vt., July 27, 1824, and is a son of Calvin and Abigail (Smith) Landon, the former a native of Rutland county, Vt., and the latter of Hampshire county, Mass. When but a small lad Calvin C. Landon was taken by his parents to the State of New York and there he was left without the tender and watchful care of a mother when only five years of age. After her death his father married again, his second marriage being to Miss Mary E. Marsh. On account of failing health the father went to the seashore in 1837 with the hope of deriving some benefit from the salt breeze, and there he received his final summons. After the death of his father our subject went to Massachusetts to live with relatives, who afterward removed to New York where young Landon lived until 1854. Led by the promises of the prairies of the West he turned his face toward the setting sun and made no settlement until reaching the State of Indiana. He located in Elkhart county, where he purchased land, and there he has made his home ever since. The most notable event in the life of the young man was his marriage in Elkhart county, July 22, 1855, with Miss Margaret Brown, who was born October 6, 1833. She was the daughter of Solomon M. and Sarah (Ketcham) Brown. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Landon, viz.: Clematus V., born May 17, 1856, married William F. Wahl, and Oliver J., born May 14, 1861. Mrs. Landon died December 26, 1891. She was a lady of much culture and refinement, and was highly esteemed by all. Mr. Landon has been a hard-working man, and what he has accumulated has been the fruits of his industry and good management. About 1875 he noticed his eyesight beginning to fail, and for ten or twelve years he has been unable to read or drive about. At present he is almost totally blind. Although he has met with this great misfortune Mr. Landon bears it with a great deal of fortitude, but it is a great blow nevertheless. His son Oliver has entire charge of the farm of 210 acres, twenty acres of which are in timber, and is a wide awake, industrious young man. He was married December 25, 1884, to Miss Grace M. Shreiner, who was born December 14, 1867. They have three children as follows: George C., born February 11, 1886; Archie B., born February 14, 1888; Clarence C., born October 1, 1890; Alvin Landon, born November 8, 1892. Like his father Oliver voices the platform and declarations of the Democratic party, and in general matters he is in favor of anything which will im¬prove the condition of the county and elevate social life.

HON. ISAAC BLACKFORD has made a greater impression upon the Supreme Court of Indiana than any man who ever sat upon the bench. Coming to the bench September 10, 1817, he continued until January 3, 1853 - a period covering the entire existence of the old court, with the exception of the first few months after its creation. He succeeded Judge Johnson. He sat longer on the bench than any other man, and during that time made his name by his untiring accuracy and exact learning, familiar on two continents. Blackford was born at Round Brook, N. J., November 6, 1786. His father was a native of England, and died when Isaac was in his teens. At sixteen he entered Princeton College in a class of thirty-four, and among his classmates were three who became governors of States, three United States senator, and four judges of supreme courts. Blackford excelled in Latin and Greek, delighted in books, was proficient in astronomy and the higher mathematics, and in his senior year read Blackstone. He read law at Morristown with Gabriel Ford, walked to the Allegheny River because of a lack of means to pay stage fare, and in 1811 came to Indiana, resuming his legal studies at Brookville. He later served as cashier of the Vevay branch of the Territorial Bank, and not long afterward edited a paper in Vincennes, Ind. In 1813 he became the first clerk and recorder of Washington county, and in December of the same year was elected clerk of the House of Representatives. He was re-elected the following August, but resigned on being appointed presiding judge of the First Circuit, a position he held until January, 1861. On his thirty-first birthday he was elected representative from Knox county, and on the organization of the first State Legislature was chosen speaker without opposition. "His great fairness and unyielding integrity and natural fitness," said Senator James Noble," won the respect and hearty good-will of us all, and we couldn't find it in our hearts to oppose him." Ten months later he was appointed judge of the Supreme Court. While a man of no great breadth of mind, of superior mental calibre, his bump of caution was so abnormally developed that he would never do any guessing; but, on the contrary, never passed an opinion unless he absolutely knew that he was right. He was emphatically a book-judge. In 1824 he was an elector on the Adams ticket; in 1832 he voted for Clay; in 1836 be cast his ballot for Van Buren and was ever afterwards a Democrat. In 1825 he was defeated by James Ray for governor, the respective votes being 10,418 to 13,040. The winter of 1825-6 he was defeated for the United States senatorship by William Hendricks, who had but one vote the majority. In 1855, under the appointment of President Pierce, he was appointed judge of the United States Court of Claims, a position he retained until his death, December 31, 1859. This sketch was compiled from a biography published in the Green Bag of May, 1892.

EDWARD W. WALKER is justly deserving the recognition of being the most extensive manufacturer of Goshen, as well as one of its best known citizens. Born September 2, 1831, at Logan, Hocking Co., Ohio, he was brought to Elkhart county, Ind., in 1835, by his parents, who engaged in farming in Middlebury township for several years, and later removed across the line to Eden township, La Grange Co. Both the father and grandfather of Edward W. Walker bore the name of Thomas, and were natives of Yorkshire, England. Thomas Walker, Sr., and his four sons were horse-shoers, a trade usually confounded with blacksmithing and yet entirely different. In 1819 the family immigrated to the United States, being influenced to do so by a brother of the elder Walker, and by the father of the subject of this sketch, who had preceded them. They located at Athens, where the father and youngest son engaged in blacksmithing; the other sons locating at other points where they deemed they could do best. It was at Athens that the elder Walker died. Thomas Walker. Jr., father of Edward W., settled in Hocking county, Ohio, where he carried on farming and blacksmithing conjointly. He married Elizabeth Harman, a native of Yorkshire, England, whose parents settled at McConnellsville, Ohio, in 1818, and in the year 1835 immigrated westward for the purpose of improving their condition. The father died at his home, not many miles from Middlebury, in La Grange county, in 1848, followed by his widow in 1876. They were the parents of ten children, eight of whom are yet living. Edward W. was the fifth born in this family. His early years were passed upon the home farm, assisting his parents in the work of backwoods life, and attending the pioneer subscription schools. He later attended the LaGrange Collegiate Institute, an educational institution at Ontario, La Grange Co., well remembered by the old settlers, which has long since gone the way of all earthly things, as well as the town in which it was located. When nineteen years old he began learning the millwright's trade, but later worked at the carpenter's trade. When twenty-two he opened a stock of merchandise with his brother-in-law, C. Stutz, at Middlebury and sold goods there eight years, then, until 1870, handled stock-mostly sheep-and dealt in real estate. He moved to Goshen in 1866, and laid the foundation of his present business in 1870. He first began manufacturing agricultural implement wheels, which then began to come in vogue, but later branched out into making wheelbarrows, wood pumps, etc. At no particular time has his business been affected with what is called "booms." It has simply reflected what its management has been. The idea of Mr. Walker has all along been to do a conservative business, to do what he did do honestly and in first-class order. The result has been a substantial and steady increase from its very inception. Besides this he is head of the company comprising himself and nephew, Edward E. Stutz, in the manufacture of carriages. He is also president of the Goshen Folding Bed Co., being its largest stockholder, and was one of the founders of the City National bank of Goshen, established in 1872, and has continuously been one of its directors since its organization. In his various interests Mr. Walker gives employment to from 175 to 200 men, and his average annual sales now amount to $250,000. While an ardent Republican in politics, Mr. Walker aspires to no political preferment. January 19, 1859, he was united in marriage with Miss Hannah M. Brown, daughter of Benjamin and Hannah (Fields) Brown. No children have ever been born to this union, but the Christian charity of Mr. and Mrs. Walker has been exemplified in their adoption of a child, Laura Dayton. This child was received by them an infant, and being deprived of children of their own, they lavished on this child all the love and care which tbeir generous hearts could bestow. When life seemed brightest, when upon the threshold of womanhood, lacking three months of being seventeen years old, their hearts were crushed by the shad¬owy hand of death, and their daughter, by adoption, was called to a home in the Infinity. Both Mr. and Mrs. Walker are members of the Presbyterian Church.
“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 S. SMITH (deceased). It is with true interest that the biographer takes up his pen to speak of those worthy citizens whose active lives have ceased on earth but whose influence extends still and will continue to extend among all who knew them. Mr. John S. Smith was born in Alsace, France, now Prussia, Germany, in the latter part of December, 1800, and was a son of George Smith. Our subject crossed the ocean to America in the spring of 1828, and was six weeks on the trip to New York City. After reaching that city be went up the Hudson to Albany and then via Erie Canal came to Buffalo, from Buffalo by schooner to Cleveland, from there by wagon to Canton, Stark county, Ohio, when tbere were but three houses in the town. His son, George A., has a saw that was used in the erection of the first house in Canton. After residing a year in town John S. Smith moved nine miles north, purchased thirteen acres of land and two years later purchased thirteen acres more. In 1837 he crossed to Elkhart county, Ind., by ox team, was three weeks on the road and was one week in getting through Maumee Swamp, a distance of thirty miles, this being considered fast traveling for those days. He located on the northwest half of northwest quarter of Section 27, Cleveland township, and erected a log cabin in the wilderness. Although the land was wild upon which he settled, and the implements he used rude and unhandy, the soil was rich, and as the work of clearing progressed and the crops were put in, it yielded a good return. He had eighty acres to start with and he afterward purchased additional land at different periods. He was married in France in 1828 to Miss Anna Hessig and the following children were born to this union: John H., resides in Mahaska county, Iowa, where he settled in 1850; Margaret, resides in Cass county, Mich., and is the wife of Michael Hoover; Catherine (deceased); Christian, and Anna (deceased). Mr. Smith was among the first settlers of this township, and here he labored on the farm until his death, on October 29, 1879. His wife survived him until May 29, 1892, making her home with her son, George A., after the death of her husband. She was an invalid during the last four years of her life. A brother of our subject, George, who was twenty years his senior, was in the army under Napoleon, but being wounded when about to start to Moscow, was released. He came to America with his brother, John S., and settled in Stark county; in 1835 he came to Elkhart county, where he died in January, 1864, when seventy-five years of age. George A., son of John S. and Anna (Hessig) Smith, was born in Stark county, Ohio, October 5, 1832. When nearly five years of age he came with his parents to Elkhart county, Cleveland township, which was an unbroken forest at that time. He distinctly remembers the privations and hardships of those pioneer days, and at an early age became thoroughly familiar with hard labor. He received his education in the common schools of the county and later entered a seminary at New Berlin, Penn., where he remained for two years. He was married December 4, 1863, to Miss Susan Eyer, a native of Pennsylvania, and the daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Eyer, natives of Lancaster, Penn., where they both died at an advanced age. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born four children: Albert H., Wesley E., Anna B. and Clara E. Mrs. Smith's death occurred September, 1, 1883, after a lingering sickness of nearly a year. Mr. Smith's second marriage occurred September 14, 1884, to Miss Mary Kelley, a native of Elkhart county, Ind., born April 22, 1858, and the daughter of Mrs Kelley, a native of Switzerland. One child, Clifton C., has been born to this union. Mr. Smith has 284 acres of land, forty-five acres of which are timber land, and has a very fine brick residence, excellent out-buildings, etc. He is a member of the Farmer's Association and he and Mrs. Smith are members of the Evangelical Church. He is a strong Prohibitionist in politics.

HON. JOHN H. LESH. There is an obscurity in the game of life that, to the robust mind, is always attractive. The important uncertainty of the final outcome, its value to all, serves as an incentive to great deeds. To push forward and win the battle is the one common impulse and ambition of humanity. But in this vast concourse of struggling warriors, the number who achieve success is comparatively small, and in the majority of instances is confined to those who by reason of family inheritance or extended learning, have a far better start than their fellows. Without these qualifications success is rarely attained, but when it is the fortunate being is invariably the possessor of an indomitable will, untiring energy and an unusual amount of native shrewdness and ability. Such a man is John H. Lesh, the subject of this sketch. A native of Ohio, his birth occurred in Montgomery county, March 19, 1846, being a son of Joseph and Margaret Lesh, the mother's maiden name being Leslie. The family moved to Wabash county, Ind., in 1850, and there both parents died. The father was a farmer, conservative in all his dealings, honest in every sense of the word, wise and brave and distinguished among his fellow-men. He died November 14, 1891, preceded by his wife in March, 1866. Of the five children born to them all are living save the eldest. John H. Lesh was reared to hard work on the home farm, and when twenty years of age was told by his father that, inasmuch as he was unable to give him a start in financial matters, he could then start for himself and not remain at home until twenty-one. Up to this time his schooling was so limited that he could barely read and do a little figuring; but subsequent events rendered it absolutely necessary that he should be better qualified in this respect, and he accordingly applied himself, with the result that through his own efforts he has acquired a practical knowledge of the common branches of education. For seven years after starting out for himself he found employment as a day and monthly laborer, and during this time had accumulated a team of horses, some household goods, and what was both more interesting and important, a wife and two children. The year 1873 was the important epoch in the financial career of Mr. Lesh. Prior to this time he had worked as hard at farming and kindred employments as was possible for a man to work, and after seven years he was but little better off than when he started. This was discouraging in the extreme. He concluded to try lumbering as a means of bettering his condition. Investing a few dollars which he had saved in some live timber, he cut the trees down, carted the logs to a neighboring saw-mill, converted the logs into boards, and when this lumber was sold he found his original investment had been multiplied by seven. Moving at once to North Manchester, he turned his entire attention to the lumber trade, and so successful were his efforts that four years after an inventory disclosed that he had accumulated $15,000. This was a great deal of money, but untiring energy, shrewd management and close attention to business had brought him a just reward. North Manchester then proving too limited a field for his labors, he established a lumber office in Chicago; but desiring to live at Goshen, a place he had always admired, he moved his family to this place in order to get better railroad transportation to where his business was located. Goshen has ever since been his home. After two years' profitable trans¬action in lumber at Chicago he closed out, and invested his capital, amounting to about $20,000, in a like business at Goshen. Evidently Mr. Lesh was particularly adapted to all the intricacies of the lumber trade, for from the very beginning he has been successful. The business of John H. Lesh & Co., of Goshen, was established by Mr. Lesh, and he was always the manager and chief mover of the firm. Through his efforts the business as John H. Lesh & Co. was successful for nine years. By him the firm was dissolved. Mr. Lesh is president of the firm of Lesh, Sanders & Egbert Co., Goshen, having a capital and surplus of $125,000 and doing an average annual business of $400,000; is president of Lesh, Prouty & Abbott Company, capital and surplus $110,000, of East Chicago, dealers in black walnut lumber, doing a yearly business of $300,000, and is president of the Rock River Stock Farm, having a capital of $15,000. He is the owner of considerable real estate in different places - one tract near Goshen being as finely an improved piece of land as there is in the State. He owns sixteen acres of Chicago suburban property which has a market value of $30,000; about 1,255 acres of southern lands and beside is a director in the City National Bank, of Goshen. He owns, at Goshen, the handsomest and most costly residence in Elkhart county. Mr. Lesh originally had as good a constitution as mortal man usually possesses, but the immense amount of hard work he has gone through with has unquestionably impaired his health, although not to any serious extent. Remembering the time when he was a boy, struggling with the adversities of life, he has been the most liberal of employers and has ever extended a helping hand to the worthy. Perhaps no man in Goshen possesses more friends than John H. Lesh. Unsolicited on his part he received the Repubican nomination for mayor of Goshen, by acclamation in 1890, and after serving one term positively declined a renomination. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., K. of P. and Masonic fraternities.

Deb Murray