ELEAZER FRYMAN is a product of the county of Elkhart, Ind., and is a descendant of one of the early pioneer farmers of the section. He was the second child and only son born to Samuel and Barbara (Hay) Fryman, the former of whom was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, about 1816. His early ancestors came to this country from Germany and settled in Pennsylvania, and later in Montgomery county, Ohio, where Samuel was reared. His early life was spent in a great mill with his father, who was a miller by trade, but later he learned the trade of a carpenter and also engaged in farming. In Ohio he was married to Miss Hay, a daughter of Valentine Hay, and at the end of two years moved by wagon through the woods to Indiana and located on a farm in Harrison township, Elkhart county, which is now owned by his only son, the subject of this sketch. He bought land to the extent of eighty acres, all of which was heavily timbered, but after some years, by hard work at his trade, and by clearing his farm at night, he soon had his farm in fair condition for agricultural purposes. He made his settlement in 1842, and he and his good wife went through all the many privations of life on a frontier farm. He and his wife were life-long members of the German Baptist Church, and although he was reared a Democrat, about 1850 he became a Republican and supported that party until his death in 1887, at the age of seventy-one years. He was one of nature's noblemen, and as a citizen was all that could be desired. He was a self-made man, won many friends by his correct mode of living, and upon his death left a nice property to his heirs. His worthy wife was born in Bedford county, Penn., in 1813, and died in Elkhart county in the spring of 1892. She had become the mother of four children by a first marriage to Jonas Miller: Henry, Hettie, Valentine and Elizabeth. The two last mentioned are deceased. Hettie is the wife of Valentine Berkey. Mrs. Fryman had emigrated to Indiana with her first husband and lived in St. Joseph county near South Bend. After the death of her husband she want back to Ohio, and there later married Mr. Fryman. Among the children born of her second marriage is Isabella, who was born in October, 1840, and is now the wife of Michael S. Weaver, of Concord township, by whom she has three children: Edward, Eleazer and Tacy. Eleazer Fryman was born September 1, 1848, on the farm where he now lives, and as soon as he became old enough began to assist his father and soon took almost entire charge of the place, and his father gave the most of his attention to his trade. Eleazer attended the district schools and spent one term in the Goshen High School, where he gained a practical education. He remained at home managing the farm until the death of his father, and in 1869 was married to Elizabeth Steiner; who was born in Lebanon county, Penn., October 6, 1850, a daughter of Andrew Steiner and Henrietta (Vile) Steiner, the former of whom was also born in that county October 20, 1820, a son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Lesher) Steiner. Frederick Steiner was a native of Germany, came to this country with his parents when a child, and from him sprung the numerous people of that name in Pennsylvania. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. Andrew Steiner grew up and married in his native county, there reared his family, but died in Elkhart county, Ind., November 20, 1891, having lived here two years with his daughter, Mrs. Fryman. He was a member of the United Brethren Church, and was a Republican in politics. He was a stone-mason by trade, as was his father before him, and became a prominent contractor, being especially skilled as a bridge builder. He was very charitable, ever lent a hand to the poor and needy, and was liberal in the use of his means in worthy causes. He was quite a Nimrod, took great delight in the sport, and every season spent some months in the Allegheny Mountains hunting deer and in fishing. His wife was a daughter of Henry Vile, and when quite young she was left an orphan and was reared by her grandmother Spangler. Her grandfather Spangler came from Holland, and tradition has it that he brought with him to this country a box of gold. To Andrew Steiner and his wife nine children were born, and the latter made a number of trips to the West to visit her children, who had settled in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. She died in 1877, at fifty-two years of age, an earnest member of the United Brethren Church. She was a Christian in every sense of the word, and was always very kind to the sick and poor. Her children were as follows: John A., born May 10, 1844, is living in Michigan, married to Rebecca Womer; Catherine A. is the wife of Dr. C. J. I. Murray, of Morris, Ill.; Isaac A. is married to Tacy Maulfair, and lives in Maryland; Caroline, who died in childhood; Elizabeth H. (Mrs. Fryman); Emma M. is the wife of Dell Young, of Chicago; Marius W., a dentist of St. Joseph; Mo., is married to Lillie Grant, daughter of Judge Grant, of Grundy county, Ill.; William, who is living in Maryland, was married to Sally Carminey, and after her death took for his second wife Sadie Sumerill; Mary, who is the wife of Adam Phranier, of San Francisco, Cal.; Sadie, who died in infancy; Charles, who died at the age of seven years, and Mindie M., who is now Mrs. Peter Chapman of Goshen, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Fryman were married in Lebanon county, Penn., in 1869, and soon after came to Elkhart county, Ind. They have two sons: Samuel A. born January 24, 1871, and is married to Alice Wagoman, daughter of Andrew and Catherine A. (Shoman) Wagoman, and is now living on a farm owned by his parents. He and his wife have one child, a daughter, Fern, who was born May 29, 1892 . Samuel is a Republican, and is a wide-awake, pushing young man. The second child born to Mr. and Mrs. Fryman was Marius W., born October 14, 1889. They are members of the Progressive Church, and Mr. Fryman has always been a Republican. He has a good farm of 112 acres, and he and his wife are among the most popular residents of their section.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
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JEREMIAH BECHTEL. A glance at the interesting genealogy of the Bechtel family shows that Jeremiah Bechtel comes of very prominent people, who have become noted in the annals of Elkhart county history, and who have, by their upright, straightforward course through life, kept their names unspotted and honored in the sight of God and man. Mr. Bechtel is at present a banker of Wakarusa and one of the most prominent citizens and business men of the place. He owes his nativity to Blair county, Penn., born September 30, 1848, and was the fourth child born to Daniel and Sarah (Neterer) Bechtel (see sketch of Daniel Bechtel). When but a child our subject was taken by his parents to Elkhart county, Ind., and there grew to manhood amid the rude pioneer surroundings of Harrison township. He attended the district school near his home and there laid the foundation for his subsequent prosperous career. When twenty-one years of age he emigrated westward and located in Clinton county, Mo., where he engaged in farming, but on account of sickness came home where he worked on a farm by the month for two years. Later he engaged in the lumber business and still later bought a farm in Union township on which he erected a saw mill. This he operated for about sixteen years in connection with farming and since 1877 has made his home on the farm in Union township, where he owns a fine tract of land. He was very successful as a farmer and mill man and in that way the foundation for his fortune was laid. Success followed him, he grew in wealth year by year, and is today one of the wealthiest men of the county. He is possessed of superior business ability, excellent judgment and his prosperity is due wholly to his energy and enterprise. Mr. Bechtel continued the lumber business in connection with farming until the last few years and on September 15, 1890, he started what is known as the Exchange Bank of Wakarusa. He is recognized as one of the solid business men of the county, is an accomplished and polished gentleman, both by instinct and training, and a very pleasant acquaintance. Public spirited and progressive, he gives his hearty support to all enterprises worthy of mention. In his political views he is a strong advocate of the principles of the Republican party and has held a number of local positions, being county commissioner in 1888 and re-elected in 1890. The first time he was elected by a majority of 700 votes in the county. It is probable that Mr. Bechtel has given more attention to the roads than any man in the county, and his energy, industry and perseverance in every enterprise he has undertaken, is an example worthy of imitation by humble youth. Mr. Bechtel selected as his life companion Miss Louisa McDowell, a native of Elkhart county, born November 14, 1851, in Harrison township, and the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Cart) McDowell (see sketch of William McDowell). Mrs. Bechtel was the eldest of five children born to her parents and was reared on her father's farm in Harrison township. She received a good education in the district school and then became a school teacher, following that profession for five terms in Elkhart county, and meeting with the best of success. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bechtel resided on the farm in Union township, but in 1892 they bought a handsome residence in Wakarusa and make their home there at the present time. They have two children, Harvey S., born December 5, 1882, and Ruth G., born November 29, 1891. Mr. Bechtel and wife have many acquaintances and are classed among the best citizens of the county.

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WILLIAM McDOWELL. For many years this worthy gentleman was a resident of Harrison township, Elkhart Co., Ind., but is now a prominent citizen of Harvey county, Kan. He is a native of that grand old State, Virginia, born August 24, 1823, and his parents, James and Jane (Boyd) McDowell, were born on the green isle of Erin. James McDowell was brought to this country by his parents when only about a year old, and a settlement was made in Greenbrier county, Va., where the McDowell family made their home for many generations. Some of the early members of the family participated in the revolutionary war, and were patriotic and honorable citizens. James and Jane McDowell reared a family of children, and when William was but eight years of age they emigrated by wagon to Elkhart county and settled in Harrison township, where they took up land and began making a home for themselves in the midst of the heavy timber. Many hardships and privations were experienced by this enterprising young couple, but they struggled with adversity and came out conquerors. Mrs. McDowell died in 1866, and her husband followed her to the grave in 1872. He was an old-line Whig in politics, and a Presbyterian in his religious views. His wife also held membership in that church, and they were highly esteemed and respected in the community, not only as pioneer settlers, but as worthy and honorable citizens. From the age of eight years, William McDowell was reared on his father's farm in Harrison township, and attended the district schools of his day. After reaching man's estate he followed farming on the old home place and there remained until a few years ago, when he sold out and moved to Kansas. When twenty-five years of age he was married to Miss Elizabeth Alfard, a Virginia lady and daughter of Robert Alfard, who came from the Old Dominion to Elkhart county, Ind., at an early day. To this union one child was born, but mother and child both died. A number of years later Mr. McDowell married Miss Elizabeth Cart, daughter of Conrad and Rebecca (Fenton) Cart, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Cart came to this country at an early day and settled in Greenbrier county, Va., where Elizabeth was born February 24. 1830. She died in Elkhart county in 1868, leaving five children: Louisa, born November 14, 1851, and is now Mrs. Bechtel; M. A., born August 29, 1856, is the wife of Peter Bechtel, who now resides in Peabody, Marion Co., Kan.; Harriet A., born April 19, 1858, married George Moyer, of Peabody, Kan.; Harvey S., born March 10, 1862, died December 23, 1882, and Oliver E., born April 20, 1867, is living in Kansas. Mr. McDowell's third marriage was with Elizabeth Friend, daughter of an old soldier who was killed in the civil war. Five children were the fruits of this union: Charles, born December 3, 1870; Frank, born December 21, 1872; Mary J., born January 11, 1875; Lottie P., born in 1884, and George, born in 1886. Mr. McDowell is a prominent man in Kansas, and previous to moving to that State was one of the representative citizens of Elkhart county, Ind.

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JOHN SMELTZER. Among the early pioneers of Elkhart county and Olive township, Ind., and who has attained to a vigorous old age, is John Smeltzer, who, many years ago, came to this section with his wife, and settled on the farm on which a portion of the town of Wakarusa is now situated. John Smeltzer was born in the State of Pennsylvania on March 26, 1823, his parents being Michael and Susan (Rhodes) Smeltzer, who were also Pennsylvania people, and were of substantial German stock, possessing the thrift and energy for which that race of people have always been noted. In the State of his birth John Smeltzer was reared, and being one of a family of nine children had to work hard in his younger days, and consequently received but little education. At an early date he emigrated to Richland county, Ohio, and for twenty-five years there successfully tilled the soil. He was married in the Buckeye State to Miss Leah Lechlighter, daughter of Anthony Lechlighter, and in 1848 removed with her to Indiana, and located on a woodland farm in Elkhart county, where they passed through all the vicissitudes and hardships of pioneer life. They still reside on the farm on which they first settled, and have a good and comfortable home about one-half mile east of Wakarusa. At an early day he started a saw-mill, and followed that business with good financial results for a long period. It was conducted under the firm name of John Smeltzer & Co., and later as John Smeltzer & Sons, but is at present known as the Wakarusa Lumber Company and is still doing a paying business. The stockholders are F. Trisinger (Mr. Smeltzer's son-in-law) and Anthony and Henry J. Smeltzer and John Smeltzer, also the substantial citizen, Jacob H. Dell. All are shrewd and practical business men, and are running their saw and planing-mill in a very creditable and satisfactory manner. Mr. Smeltzer may be said to be a pioneer in the lumber business, and as a citizen has always been public spirited, enterprising and industrious, and as a natural result has accumulated a fair share of this world's goods. He and his wife are highly regarded by all who know them, and for many years have been in close communion with the Reformed Lutheran Church. Of eleven children born to them ten are living: Susan, Henry, Anthony, Michael, Catherine, Joseph, Libbie, Daniel, Simon, John and Mary. These children are all in good circumstances and are an honor to the parents who reared them. For many years John Smeltzer has been retired from the active affairs of business life, his sons having taken the burden of the mill off his shoulders. Anthony Smeltzer, the third of their children, and now a member of the Wakarusa Lumber Company, was born in Harrison township, Elkhart county, Ind., June 7, 1850, and was reared on the old home farm near Wakarusa, where he was early taught to till the soil and to learn the duties necessary for the proper conduct of a farm. He obtained his rudimentary knowledge in the district schools and in the town of Wakarusa, but at the age of twenty years gave up farming to enter the saw-mill at Wakarusa, since which time his attention has been devoted to this work. For some time he also conducted a threshing machine, and in a business way has been more than ordinarily successful, for he has a shrewd and practical mind, is quick to grasp at opportunities for bettering his financial condition, and has always been scrupulously honorable in his dealings with his patrons, never putting in practice sharp or doubtful methods, as so many do, in order to further his own interests. He has been familiar with saw-milling since 1869, and in 1875 was made a partner in the business, after which the firm was known as John Smeltzer & Son. In 1880 Anthony was married to Miss Huma Helwig, who was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, November 4, 1854. Her parents, Caspar and Martha (Eckhart) Helwig, were of Gelman descent, and the rather is still a resident of Ohio, but the mother was called from this life in September, 1892. Mrs. Smeltzer was one of a family of eight children. She was married to Mr. Smeltzer in 1880, and immediately began keeping house in Wakarusa, where they have a very pleasant and comfortable home. They are members of the Christian Church, and Mr. Smeltzer now supports the People's party, although in the past he was a Republican. He leans to some extent toward the Prohibition party, for in every respect in his mode of living he is very temperate. He has held positions of trust and honor in Olive township, and at all times has shown himself to be very public spirited and interested in the improvements of the county. He and his wife have many friends, and are among the substantial and honored residents of Wakarusa. Henry J. Smeltzer is the second child born to his parents, and passed his youth very much as his brother did. In Richland county, Ohio, he first saw the light of day, May 18, 1848, and was an infant when his parents made the trip in wagons to Elkhart county, Ind. Henry has resided in the vicinity of Wakarusa since the year of his birth, and during this time the citizens thereat have had every opportunity to judge of his character and business qualifications, and naught has ever been said derogatory to his honor. Owing to the newness of the country and the scarcity of good schools, he only attended a few months each year, his youthful days being spent hard at work on the farm, the most of which he had to do, as he was the eldest son. This rough but practical school developed his intellect and resources at an early day, and his energies were expended on the farm until he was nineteen years of age, when he commenced making his own way in the world. For some time he worked by the day at the carpenter's trade, then followed saw-milling for some time, and later entered the saw-mill business with his father, and since that time has been an active and useful member of the firm of Smeltzer & Sons and the Wakarusa Lumber Company. He has made a success of his business life, and his natural business ability has been strengthened and broadened by experience. He has always been honest, straightforward and industrious, and as a result is successful. He has always supported the Republican party and is a public-spirited man. In September, 1867, when only nineteen years of age, he was married to Miss Barbara A. Ipe, a native of Ohio, a daughter of Washington Ipe, an early pioneer, who is still living in Union township, Elkhart county. Mrs. Smeltzer was born on April 8, 1849, and became a resident of this county when ten years of age. The following children have been borne to her union with Mr. Smeltzer: Susan, is the wife of Jacob Walker, of Wakarusa, and is the mother of one child - Ralphus; William A.; Charles E., who is married to Carrie _____; Hattie, who is the wife of Eli Weise, of Locke township; Cora; Carrie; Libbie; Agnes and Mary I. John H. is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Smeltzer are members of the United Brethren Church, of which they are worthy communicants, and have a substantial and comfortable home in the town. Like the other members of the family Mr. Smeltzer is public spirited, and has always manifested much interest in the development of churches and schools. He is a self-made man in all that the word implies, and one of which his family may well be proud.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
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1893
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OLIVER P. WISLER is the eldest child of Isaac Wisler, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this volume. That he has inherited many of the most worthy qualities of his people is acknowledged and his numerous friends testify to his honesty, kindheartedness and energy. He was born on the farm owned by his father in Locke township, near the town of Locke, on the 13th of November, 1859, and while growing up attended the schools of Locke, where he laid the foundation of a practical education, later finishing his scholastic knowledge in the public schools of Syracuse, Ind. On his father's farm he learned lessons of industry and honesty and while attending school acquired a decided taste for books; which qualities admirably fitted him for the calling of a pedagogue, the duties of which he took upon his shoulders at the youthful age of seventeen. During the two terms that he followed this calling he was quite successful but gave it up to follow other pursuits. Many of his youthful days were spent in the wooden-ware factory belonging to his father, but in later life he became the owner and manager of a threshing machine, which he conducted for about seven seasons, and at the same time followed farming and bought and sold timber. In the management of these enterprises he showed that he possessed fine business qualifications, for his efforts met with abundant reward. Since he attained his twenty-second year he has farmed for himself, and since 1889 has resided on a farm of sixty acres in Locke township, of which he is the owner. He has dealt in lumber and timber for many years, bas a superior knowledge of the business, and as he has been strictly honorable in all his dealings he is deservedly successful. He is at present engaged as assistant superintendent for "The Perley Lumber Company," of South Bend, Ind. In his youth he learned the art of boiler making of his father, and for some time followed this occupation in South Bend. He has made a success of his life and it may with truth be said of him that he is a self-made man. He has always supported the principles of the Republican party, and like all the members of his family, is a public-spirited citizen. On the 20th of September, 1884, he was united in marriage to Elzina Blily, an adopted daughter of Louis and Sarah Blily. She was born September 16, 1867 in Locke township, and from her marriage up to 1889 resided on the farm of Isaac Wisler, at which time her husband purchased their present farm. They have four children: Lester O., who was born August 13, 1885; Harry Otis, born December 6, 1886; Charles M., born June 7, 1888, and Glenn, born October 23, 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Wisler have many friends with whom they are deservedly popular.

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PETER FINK is one of the most prominent farmers or Elkhart county, Ind., and there is no one who more fully illustrates in his career the unbounded energy and activity of the agriculturists of his section than does he. He was born in Lancaster county, Penn., September 29, 1832, the oldest but one of eight children born to Emanuel and Lydia (Madlern) Fink, the former of whom was born in Pennsylvania, a son of Philip Fink, who was of German descent. Emanuel Fink first removed to Ohio and in 1842 came to this country and settled on an eighty acre tract of land in Olive township, and resided on two different farms there until his death which occurred in 1880. He was born in 1803; came by wagon to this section, at which time he was in straitened circumstances, but by following the plow and working at the carpenter's trade and in this manner succeeded in rearing his large family in comfort and accumulating a comfortable competency. In politics he was a Democrat, and held a number of offices in his township. His wife died in this county in 1892, at the age of eighty-four years, a member of the Lutheran Church. She became the mother of nine children, the following of whom reached mature years: Samuel, Peter, Leah, Lydia, Elizabeth, Fianna, William and Nancy, all living in Elkhart county, but Fianna, who died several years ago. Peter Fink has been a resident of Elkhart county since he attained his tenth year, and in the schools of Ohio and those of this county he obtained his education. Until he was twenty-one years of age he made his parents' house his home, at which time he was married to Mary Clause, daughter of John and Susanna (Snyder) Clause, both of whom were born in Berks county, Penn. Mr. Clause was one of the early inhabitants of Harrison township, but died in Locke township in 1878. He was the father of ten children: Sarah, Caroline, Elizabeth, Daniel, Benjamin, Diana, Thillman, Susanna, Mary, Levina, seven or whom are living. When the parents of these children came to this region they were fortunate enough to possess some means by which they purchased eighty acres of woodland. They attended the Lutheran Church. Mr. Clause was a Democrat and was one of the substantial men of his section. Mrs. Fink was born in Medina county, Ohio, April 1837, and was ten years of age when brought to Elkhart county. After Mr. Fink's marriage he settled on a woodland farm in Locke township, which he set to work to clear and on this farm he made his home until 1862, when he enlisted in Company I, Seventy-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry with which he served until the war terminated, participating in the engagements at Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, the Atlanta campaign, the battle of Jonesboro and in numerous skirmishes. He was in the hospital during the winter of 1862-3. The gun which he held in his hand was shot to pieces in the first day's battle of Chickamauga, and he also found some shot in the haversack which he carried at his side, but was himself uninjured. He was always found at the post of duty and he was recognized as a true, tried and faithful soldier. His army career terminated at Washington, D. C., in 1865, and he returned to his farm in Locke township and once more took upon himself the duties of civil life. Since 1866 he has been a resident of the farm he now occupies. He is a member of the G. A. R. of Wakarusa, and also belongs to the Masonic fraternity of the same place. He is a public-spirited man and has always helped to advance the interests of his section. He has one of the best improved farms of his section and gives considerable of his attention to tilling the soil. He and his estimable wife have reared a family of nine children: Henry A., born December 26, 1854, is living in South Bend; Sarah A., born December 18, 1856 is the wife of John Riddle, living in Seneca county, Ohio; Reuben, born February 4, 1859, married, is a druggist of South Bend; Alcetta, born July 30,1861, is the wife of Elliott Crull; Emanuel, born April 2, 1866, is a teacher near South Bend; John, born October 6, 1869, is a druggist of South Bend; Frankie was born July 17, 1875; Charles was born December 11, 1878, and Mabel was born August 27, 1882. The last three are at home. This is one of the finest families of the county, each and every member of which tries to live useful and correct lives, and judging by the numerous friends they have gathered about them they are without doubt succeeding.

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DAVID RODIBAUGH, who for sixty-one. years has been a resident of Jackson township, Elkhart Co., Ind., was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, on January 18, 1819, a son of David and Saloma (Rodibaugh) Rodibaugh, the former of whom was born in Westmoreland county, Penn., a son of John Rodibaugh, who was of German extraction, and died in the Keystone State. David Rodibangh, father of the subject of this sketch, grew to manhood in his native State, and in 1812 moved to Ohio and became the owner of a tract of Government land. Owing to the fact that he lived on the frontier, he was not a soldier of the war of 1812, for his services were required to protect the homes of the early settlers. He cleared his farm from timber and sold it in 1831 and here, also, settled on a tract of Government land in Jackson township, Elkhart county. On this farm he resided until his death which occurred on December 4, 1844. He was a man devoted to his business, paid strict attention to clearing his farms, and being hard-working, honest and upright, he became possessed of considerable means. He experienced many hardships in his frontier career, but prospered through it all, was a life-long member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and was devoted to Christian work. His many years of hard labor provided each of his seven children with homes after his death, and gave them comforts throughout his life. He held official positions of trust in his township, was interested in all enterprises tending to improve the section in which he lived, and his death, which occurred in his fifty-seventh year, was greatly deplored. His wife was born in the same county in Pennsylvania as he himself was, and died in Indiana in 1869. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was a woman of true Christian spirit. She became the mother of thirteen children, but only reared seven: Adam, Leah, Samuel, Lavina, David, Susan, who is Mrs. Rowell, of Goshen; John, Lyda, Isaac, Mary A., Catherine, Abner, Eliza, who is Mrs. Butler, of Jackson township. David, Mrs. Rowell and Mrs. Butler are the only members of the family that are now living. The subject of this sketch has been a resident of Elkhart county since he was twelve years of age, and accordingly became familiar with pioneer life in Ohio and Indiana. He attended the subscription schools which were in vogue in his day, in which he acquired a rudimentary knowledge of the three R's. He remained with his father until twenty-four years of age, then took up the battle of life for himself, and on November 17, 1842, was united in marriage to Martha J. Shaw, who was born in Virginia, July 26, 1823, and who was a daughter of one of the old pioneer settlers of Elkhart county. To them four children were born: the first an infant son, born and died September 6, 1843; Albert W., was born April 1, 1845, and died September 13, 1847; Elmira, born August 19, 1847, and died October 14, 1872; Lorenzo D., born October 13, 1850, is now the owner of a woolen and saw-mill at Bainter, Jackson township. The mother of these children died June 16, 1852, and on January 1, 1856, Mr. Rodibaugh took Rebecca Baringer for his second wife, her birth having occurred in Pennsylvania March 4, 1829, a daughter of David Baringer, who came to Elkhart county, Ind., during the early history of this section. To the second marriage a family of nine children were born, as follows: David D., born April 11, 1856, is living at New Paris; Sylvester D., born November 3, 1857, and died May 2, 1881; Andrew J., born May 29, 1859, is married and is residing near the old home; Rebecca J., was born May 20, 1860, and is the wife of Ira Miller, of Jackson township; Lucinda, was born November 3, 1861, and is the wife of Jacob Wyland; Oliver P. M., was born October 13, 1863, and died October 7, 1865; Su¬sanna, was born April 20, 1865, and died October 15, 1865; Lovina, was born December 31, 1866, and Emma A., born March 8, 1868, is married to Charles Wyland, of Jackson township. The Baringers were among the early settlers of the county and the mother of Mrs. Rodibaugh is still a resident of Jackson township and has passed the eighty-fifth milestone of life. Mr. Rodibaugh started to farming after his first marriage, is now the owner of a large tract of land and is one of the most responsible men of his township. He has been a Republican in politics, but is now a member of the People's party. He has not been particularly active in the political arena, but has held a number of township offices with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned. Although he started out to fight life's bat¬tles with little means, he has been eminently successful and has each of his children a farm valued at from $10,000 to $12,000, but in the accumulation of his means he has been generous in assisting worthy causes, being especially liberal to schools and churches. Farming and stockraising have been his principal callings throughout life, and the success which has followed him in these lines is an example to others to "go and do likewise."

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
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1893
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LORENZO D. RODIBAUGH. Among the wide-awake business men of Elkhart county, Ind., it is safe to say that none enjoys a larger measure of success and public confidence than Mr. Rodibaugh, whose business is as prosperous, in proportion to the capital invested, as that of any other in the county. He was born in the county in which he now resides October 13, 1850, to David and Martha Jane (Shaw) Rodibaugh, a sketch of whom is given in this volume. Lorenzo D. was reared on the farm on which his father is still residing, and the district schools in the vicinity of his home afforded him a practical education, although he was compelled to assist his father on the farm at an early age. In 1873 he began an independent career, for which he was better fitted than the average young man, for besides possessing sound intelligence he was very practical and far-seeing and in his youth had been drilled in the thorough, if rather hard, school. The first wages of his own which he earned was in his father's extensive woolen mills, and there he remained three years, obtaining a practical insight into the details of the business. This mill was the first to be erected in the county and did quite an extensive carding business, which became very much reduced during the war. The mill was then purchased by another party, who greatly improved it in every way and operated it with success for about twelve years. However, in 1872, he sold it to Clark & Rodibaugh, and by them it was conducted in. a very successful manner until 1877, when Lorenzo D. Rodibaugh bought the interest of Mr. Clark and the firm from 1877 to 1888 was known as Rodibaugh & Son . In the last mentioned year Lorenzo D. Rodibaugh became the sole proprietor of the business and has conducted it in such a successful manner that it has become one of the leading establishments of the county and is a great credit to the good judgment and intelligence of the proprietor and manager. Mr. Rodibaugh sold his flouring mill to Thomas Clayton, it being the oldest mill in northern Indiana. Mr. Rodibaugh has what is called a two-sets woolen mills and eleven looms. His establishment gives employment to eighteen hands; and fine blankets, flannel and skirtings of a high grade are turned out in large quantities . In dimensions the mill is 40x90 feet, a substantial frame building, and the dye house is 30x40 feet. The mill is finely fitted up with the latest improved machinery that it is possible to get for the successful conduct of the business. They turn out some of the finest work that is done in the country and there is a large demand for the product of these mills. Everything is thoroughly inspected before leaving the mills, and it is hardly necessary to say that Mr. Rodibangh in all cases uses the very best material he can buy. Under the able management of its present proprietor the business has experienced a prosperous and reassuring growth and is looked upon as one of the best conducted and most reliable of its kind in the country. For some time past Mr. Rodibaugh has also been interested in the lumber business and has a well-equipped saw mill which has a capacity of 8,000 feet per day. He makes a specialty of manufacturing hardwood, especially oak, and in this establishment five or six men are employed. Both plants are supplied with water power from the Elkhart River. Politically Mr. Rodibaugh has always been a Republican up to within a few years when he began supporting the Democratic party. He is a public-spirited and enterprising man of affairs; is an acquisition to the county, and is deservedly a worthy and esteemed citizen. In 1874 he was married to Miss Alice Lower, who was born in Elkhart township, September 13, 1855, a daughter of Daniel and Lydia Lower . Mr. and Mrs. Rodibaugh have four children: Melven M., born September 26, 1874; Clara M., born March 17, 1877; Myrtle M., born May 2, 1881; Lawrence, born April 21. 1883; and have a pretty and comfortable home in a fine portion of the town. They are popular and well liked and move in the highest social circles of the section in which they reside. Mr. Rodibaugh is a self-made man and one whose good name has remained untarnished.

“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”
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1893
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DANIEL LOWER. During the forty odd years that this gentleman has been a resident of Elkhart county, Ind., he has thoroughly identified himself with every interest of the same, and has been very public-spirited and progressive. He was born in Berks county, Penn., April 24, 1825, the eldest but one of eight children born to John and Mary (Mullen) Lower, the former of whom was also a product of Berks county, where he was born in 1801. His parents, Christian and Christina Lower, were descended from early settlers of this section, Christian's father, who bore the same name as himself, having been born in Germany. He came to this country long before the opening of the Revolution, and upon his farm in Berks county, a fort was erected during that war which stood for many years. When the subject of this sketch was nine years of age this fort was still standing and he well remembers the construction of the building. It was also used in early days as a protection from the Indians. The great-grandfather, Christian Lower, reared three sons: Christian, John and Benjamin, but John died when young and only the other two reached mature years. The eldest of these, Christian, became a large land holder and prominent in the pioneer life of Pennsylvania. Benjamin was a soldier in the war of 1812 and was captain of a company. Both Christian, Sr., and Christian, Jr., died on the old home farm in Pennsylvania, the latter becoming the father of three sons: Christian, John and Daniel. He died in the harvest field from drinking cold water when overheated. Each of his children married and reared families of their own. The older members of the family were Tories and Democrats. John Lower grew to manhood in Pennsylvania, married there Mary Miller and in the old fort on his grandfather's farm his two eldest children were born. His wife's parents were Solomon and Mary Miller, native Germans, who early became residents of Berks county, Penn. Mrs. Lower was born in 1803, and with her husband removed to Ohio and until 1854 was a resident of Stark county, Ohio, then came to Elkhart county, Ind., and settled near Goshen. The father died there in 1859 and the mother in 1876, both being earnest members of the church at the time of their death. The father was a Democrat throughout life. The children reared by this worthy couple were as follows: William, who died in 1872, was a farmer of this county; Daniel; John is a man of family and is residing in Elkhart county; Leah died in 1880; Evaline was married to Andrew Youst, of Jefferson township; Eliza is the wife of Henry Rhodes, of Harrison township; Lavina is the wife of Isaac Kile, of Harrison township. The family came from Ohio to Indiana by wagon and here became identified as the leading citizens of their adopted county. Daniel Lower attended the subscription schools of his day and was reared by his worthy parents to be honest and industrious. In 1847 he was married in Ohio to Lydia Snyder, who was born in Stark county, Ohio, May 31, 1828, a daughter of George A. and Lydia (Bear) Snyder, the former of whom was born in Maryland, a son of George and Rebecca (Young) Snyder, and became one of the first residents of Ohio. Lydia Bear was a daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Devalo) Bear, who also removed from Maryland to Stark county, Ohio. The parents of Mrs. Lower were married in Stark county, Ohio, and in due course of time became the parents of eight children: Catherine the wife of Jacob Schuman, of Elkhart county; Michael who is a farmer of Marshall county, Ind.; Lydia (Mrs. Lower), Mary, who became the wife of Henry Shirk, of Elkhart township; William, who is residing in Stark county, Ohio; Josiah, whose home is in Elkhart county; John, who is living in Stark county, Ohio, and Edward, who lives in Marshall county, Ind. The father and mother of these children died in Goshen in 1882 and 1891 respectively, having been residents of this county from 1864. They were members of the Lutheran Church, and the father was a farmer and a Democrat politically. All their children attained mature years. Mrs. Lower was reared on the old homestead in Stark county, but for many years has been a resident of Elkhart county and until 1882 resided on a farm, but since that time has lived at 517 South Main street, Goshen. Although Mr. Lower met with many hardships in early life he has been successful all of which is owing to his own determination and push. Politically he is a Democrat, and has held the office of township trustee for four years. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church and in this faith have reared their children, whose names are as follows: Edward, who was born October 15, 1848, is a carpenter of Goshen, is married and has a family; Daniel S., who was born April 18, 1850, is a cabinet-maker of Goshen, is married and has no children; Christina was born September 12, 1852, is the widow of John Evans, and has three children; Lydia A. was born August 23, 1854, and is the wife of L. D. Rodibaugh; Mary J., born December 13, 1856, is the wife of Perry Miller, of Elkhart township and has three children; Frances, born June 19, 1858, is the wife of Jeremiah Holsmyer and has two children; George, born September 28, 1864, is married to Addie Alasander, and is a hardwood finisher of Goshen, and Minnie, who was born August 17, 1867, is the wife of Ralph Higy, a machinist of Goshen. Mr. Lower is in good circumstances and owns a good farm of 143 acres in Elkhart township, and the fine residence property on which he lives in Goshen.

“Pictorial and Biographical Memoirs of Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties, Indiana
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1893
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MARK R. THOMPSON was one of the leading pioneers of Elkhart county, Ind., and as a public-spirited citizen, a kind and accommodating neighbor and an honorable man of business, he had not his superior in this section of the country. He was among the very first settlers of Jackson township, Elkhart county, coming thither from Wayne county, Ind., in 1829, where he had lived for a number of years. He was a native of Orange county, N. Y., where he was born November 17, 1802, of Scotch-Irish descent, and a son of John Thompson, who made an early settlement in the State of New York. The latter was a soldier in the War of 1812 and was in the battle of New Orleans. His occupation was that of a raftsman of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, and while on one of his trips died in the city of New Orleans. The Thompsons removed from New York to Butler county, Ohio, in 1803, and there devoted their attention to tilling the soil until after the death of the mother, when the father, Mark R Thompson, who was born in Orange county. N. Y., December 17, 1802, emigrated to Indiana, and upon his arrival in Elkhart county, pre-empted the east half of section 2, Jackson township, which was in a primitive condition and heavily covered with timber. The nearest neighbors at that time were Col. John Jackson, Elias Riggs, William Simpson, Major Violett, William Latta and Asel Sparkling. He was first married to Jane Thomas, a daughter of John Thomas, a native of Wales, and took for his second wife Harriet Howell, a widow, by whom he became the father of five children: Charles E., Catherine J., Mark R, Lafayette H., and a daughter that died in early childhood. The father was called from life on the 6th of May, 1872.

“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”
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1893
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THOMAS CLAYTON. Among the grist millers of Indiana, none are more thoroughly posted in their business, or manufacture a better brand of flour than Mr. Clayton, whose long experience in this line of work has made him perfect. On June 18, 1837, he was born in Crawford county, Ohio. and was the sixth child in a family of ten children, born to Thomas and Mary E. (Myers) Clayton, the former of whom was born in Richland county, Ohio, in 1804, and there resided until he reached man's estate, when he removed to Crawford county, Ohio, where he resided ten years. At the end of this period he removed to Van Wert county, where he was called from life in 1852, at the age of forty-eight years. He was a Democrat in politics, a prominent man politically and socially, as well as in a business way, and for many years was a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He accumulated considerable means, was very public spirited, and for twelve or fifteen years filled the position of justice of the peace. Having been reared in the woods of Ohio, as a natural consequence, he was quite a Nimrod, and many deer fell victims to his skill with the rifle. In 1849 he lost his wife, whose birth had occurred in Pennsylvania, she being a daughter of George Myers, who, with his wife, was a native of Germany, their removal to America, and their settlement in Pennsylvania taking place in an early day. Later they took up their residence in Crawford county, Ohio, where they passed from life. Mr. Myers was an officer in the War of 1812, and became a well-to-do farmer of Crawford county. He and his wife reared a family of ten children. Thomas Clayton, the father of the subject of this sketch, was married in Crawford county, and by his wife became the father of ten children: George W.; William, who died in Kosciusko county; Samuel, who is living at Milford, Ind.; Nancy J., who died after marriage to John Duncan; Susan J., who died after her marriage to J. K. Masters; Thomas, the subject of this sketch; James, who is living in Goshen and was a soldier in the Civil war; Mary E., who is the wife of John Ellsworth of Missouri; Sarah, who died young; Henry, who died while serving in the Seventy-fourth Regiment., Indiana Volunteers, at the age of nineteen years, having been a participant in a number of important engagements. The parents of these children were communicants of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and were prosper¬ous and substantial citizens of the section in which they resided. The paternal grandfather, Henry Clayton, came from England and endured the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life in Ohio, from which State he enlisted in the War of 1812, being a member of the United States army. He eventually became a resident of Allen county, Ind., where he paid the last debt of nature in 1855, having attained to an advanced age. His wife, who bore him ten children, died in Iowa, whither she had moved with her youngest children. Thomas Clayton, whose name is at the head of this sketch, remained with his parents in his native county until he attained the age of sixteen years, during which time he became familiar with pioneer life in the woods of Ohio. He led the usual life of the farmer's boy of that period, and while following the plow or wielding the hoe, not only improved and strengthened his muscles, but learned lessons of industry, economy and honesty, which materially aided him in obtaining a competence in later years. What education he now has, has been gained through his own efforts, and in the hard school of experience, but this work taught him self-reliance, and strengthened his judgment as nothing else could have done. In 1853 he came to Elkhart county, Ind., and began making his home in Jackson township with his aunt, Mrs. Chilcote, but was troubled very much with ague, and on that account returned to Ohio, where he spent the winter, returning to Indiana in the spring. Since that time, with the exception of a few years when he lived in Kosciusko county, Elkhart county has been his home. He worked on a farm, and when twenty years of age he secured a small piece of woodland in Michigan, which he later traded for a team, and later traded the team for forty acres of land in Scott township, Kosciusko Co., Ind, which was also heavily timbered. He sold this land and purchased a tract of land in Jackson township, Elkhart county, near New Paris, and lived one year on this farm, but disposed of this in 1864, and purchased a stock of dry goods in Milford, which he conducted two years with success. Following this he entered the milling business in Milford, but after successfully conducting this for six years, he disposed of it also. He then began farming in Kosciusko county, and in two years' time traded for his present farm in Elkhart county. He owns in one body 360 acres of land, all of which was well improved, and devoted to the raising of the usual northern products. He has magnificent buildings, his residence which was erected in 1885, costing between $6,000 and $7,000. He has a fine bank barn 40x80 feet. Mr. Clayton is one of the most extensive stock raisers in the county, and one of its most enterprising, thorough and practical farmers. In 1888 he decided to again embark in milling at Baintertown, for which plant he traded 238 acres of land. He has conducted this in a very satisfactory manner from a financial standpoint, and the mill, which is what is called a 1oo-barrel mill, having seven sets of rollers, turns out the brand of flour known as the Pride of New Paris, which is very popular and well known. Mr. Clayton also owns thirty-two acres of land near the mill, and a half interest in thirty-six acres of other land for water power. Mr. Clayton has been very successful as a man of business, although he has met with some reverses in his race for fortune, but his judgment has usually been exceptionally sound. He is of the stuff of which model citizens are made, and his record as a man of honor has remained untarnished. In politics a Republican, he has always taken an active interest in the good of his party, and has held the position of trustee of Jackson township, and the same in Van Buren township, Kosciusko county. He was one of the county commissioners in 1887, and is well known in political circles as a reliable and substantial man. He was first married in March, 1860, to Miss Amanda Rahrer, daughter of Daniel Rahrer, who was one of the early pioneers of Elkhart county. Two children were born to this union: Enoch and Amanda, and when the latter was one year old, her mother died. Amanda was born in Jackson township in 1840, eventually married and became the mother of the following children: Cassius M., born June 25, 1860, is married and has two children; Mary B., born May 15, 1862, died when fifteen months old; Emma, born June 25, 1864, died at the age of two years; William E., born November 4, 1866, is a miller by trade; Daniel, born January 21, 1870, and James E., who was born March 2, 1873, died at the age of six months. The mother of these children was reared at New Paris, and was only thirty-three years of age at the time of her death. For his second wife, Mr. Clayton took Rebecca Curtis, who was born in Elkhart county, July 21, 1853, a daughter of Harrison and Mary (Kirkpatrick) Curtis, who were early pioneers of Elkhart, and are living at Milford Mr. and Mrs. Curtis reared the following children: Martha, Rebecca J. (Mrs. Clayton), James H., Sarah E., Joseph E., Mary E., Susan, Atha, John E., Charles, Arthur and Ida. One child died in infancy. The parents of these children were from Ohio. Mr. Clayton's second union resulted in the birth of five children: Harley, born August 27, 1875; Perry, born May 28, 1877; Otis, born January 14, 1879; Herbert, born October 26, 1880, and died young, and Craige, born December 13, 1883. Mr. Clayton has always been a patron of education, and has given his children good advantages. He is one of the most enterprising citizens of the county, and he and his wife are worthy church members. He is a member of the Kosciusko Lodge, No. 418, A. F. & A. M., at Milford.

“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”
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1893
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HON. THOMAS J. WOLFE, dealer in men's and boys' clothing, gent's jewelry, watches, etc., at Walkerton, Ind., has made the establishment over which he presides a synonym for all that is popular, progressive and honest. His personal character is as high as his business repute, his honorable deportment in all the relations of life commanding the confidence and respect of all who know him. He was born in a little log house, near Ligonier, Noble county, Ind., August 8, 1851, son of Leonard and Lutitia (Martin ) Wolfe, natives of Ohio and of German-Scotch ancestry. The maternal grandfather was a soldier in the War of 1812. The family came from Ohio to Indiana in wagons, in 1837, and for one year resided in Noble county and then removed to a farm near Middlebury in Elkhart county, after which they returned to Noble county in 1848 and purchased land about one and a half miles from Ligonier where they settled in the woods. They built a little log cabin, the chinks filled with mud, and a mud chimney in which they lived in true pioneer style until better improvements could be made. The woods were filled with wild game and wolves were numerous and sometimes dangerous, so much so that the mother would often throw coals of fire among them to frighten them away. On this place the father died in 1856, his widow surviving him until October, 1892. They reared a family of ten children: Martha, widow of C. C. Gilbert; William J., residing near Armour, S. Dak.; Jane, wife of Henry Hostetter, of Knox, Stark Co., Ind.; Ellison M., of Lincoln township, this county; Maggie B., wife of F. M. Chapman, assessor of Ft. Wayne, Ind.; Charles S., of Ligonier; Rhoda A., wife of J. J. Miller, of Walkerton; and George W., Theron A., and Thomas J., also of that place. The last mentioned was the youngest of the family and was reared on a farm in Noble county where he received such education as the common schools afforded, being compelled to walk two miles to a little log house to attend a three months' winter term of school. The remainder of his time was spent in helping to clear the forests, and in following the plow or wielding the hoe, in fact, he was made thoroughly familiar with pioneer life on a farm in all its phases. At the age of sixteen years he removed to Ligonier with his mother, the public schools of which he attended for three winters, his examination cards, dated 1868-9, being still in his possession. In 1869 he began learning the dentist's profession and in the spring of 1870 located at Walkerton and worked at his profession exclusively for one year, at the end of which time he began clerking in a store belonging to his father-in-law, C. W. N. Stephens, as well as attending to the duties of his profession. He remained in the store until 1875, having charge of the clothing department, in which he afterward bought a half interest, and moved it to a store room adjoining and then assumed entire charge of the same. In March, 1883, he became sole possessor of the stock and has since conducted it very successfully alone. He began life a penniless boy, but the industry and push which he has ever manifested, have been rewarded and he is not only in good circumstances financially, but he is also an influential and respected citizen of his section, whose honesty is unimpeachable. In addition to his clothing house and tailoring establishment he also deals in baled hay and straw, and in 1892 shipped about 375 car loads, and is the owner of two good farms besides town property. He is what may be termed self-made. His busy life does not prevent him from active participation in all worthy projects for the advancement of the material interests of his section, and has done much to advance and promote the well being of his fellow citizens. In 1880 he was elected by his numerous friends to represent them in the Lower House of the State Legislature, and after serving very efficiently one term declined a re-nomination and also that of county clerk which was tendered him. He has always been a stanch Republican politically, and socially is a member of the A. F. & A. M., the I. O. O. F. and Knight Templars. He was married in 1871 to Miss Mary F. Stephens, by whom he has seven children: Addie, Thomas J., Jr., Belle, Claude, Verne, Merton and Beatrice.

“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
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Deb Murray