From reliable information it appears that the Clay people originated in Germany. Just when the first representatives left the fatherland and settled in Pennsylvania cannot be ascertained, as too many years have elapsed since that time to make mere oral statements of much authentic value. It is known that the subject's ancestors left Pennsylvania a long time ago and migrated to Stark county when that part of Ohio was still in possession of the original inhabitants of the land. The subject's grandfather purchased from the government a tract of land in that part of the state and was a typical representative of the strong and fearless pioneer class who took their lives into their own hands and penetrated the dense wilderness, infested with wild beasts and painted savages, for the purpose of making homes for themselves and their posterity.

John Clay, father of William H., was born in Pennsylvania and was young when the family moved to the new home in Ohio. When he grew to manhood he married Susan Smith, who bore him children as follows: William H., John A., Jane M., Jefferson L, Francis, Alice and Hiram, all living, the subject being the only member of the family in Kosciusko county.

William H. Clay was born on the old family homestead in Stark county, Ohio, on New Year's day, 1840. He grew up on the farm and experienced the hard work which usually falls to the lot of a country lad. His early educational privileges appear to have been somewhat meager, but after attaining his majority he made up in some degree for this deficiency by attending school taught by a very accomplished instructor. His early life was without incident and it was not until the dark and sinister war cloud spread over the country that its monotony was broken. Realizing that the duty of every true American able to bear arms pointed with unerring fingers to the Southland, where the rebellion was raging in all its fury, Mr. Clay, on the 11th of August, 1862, enlisted in Company A, Thirteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, this being his third attempt to enter the army. His command was attached to Grant's army in Tennessee and it was not long after his enlistment until he received his baptism of fire on the bloody field of Stone River. Subsequently he shared the fortunes and vicissitudes of his comrades in a number of campaigns and engagements, notably among which were Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, and nearly all the battles around Atlanta, Franklin and Nashville, besides numerous minor engagements and skirmishes, in all of which he bore himself with the bravery becoming a loyal and enthusiastic defender of the nation's honor. Mr. Clay was several times wounded, hut not seriously, and was discharged at the expiration of his period of enlistment, November, 1865, at once returning to his home in Stark county, Ohio.

On February 6, 1866, Mr. Clay entered into the marriage relation with Miss Isabelle Sanderson, a native of the Buckeye state, born of English parentage. After following agricultural pursuits in Ohio until 1872 he disposed of his interests there and came to Kosciusko county, Indiana, settling in Plain township on a tract of woodland, which he has since cleared and developed into a good farm.

Mr. Clay has labored diligently, lived well and is now the owner of a fine home and a sufficiency of the comforts of life to render any anxiety about the future unnecessary. He is indebted to nobody but himself for his present competency and knows that every dollar in his possession has been earned honestly and by honorable means. He stands well with his neighbors and fellow citizens, is respected by all with whom he is acquainted and has long been recognized as a gentleman of probity and unimpeachable character. He has never been a speculator, but contents himself with the steady and sure gains which come as the legitimate result of industry and well-directed efforts.

In his political affiliations Mr. Clay is a Republican and as such is well posted upon the issues of the day, but he has little taste or inclination for the distractions of active politics. He is a plain, unassuming man of the people, a respectable representative of the large and influential class that in a quiet way mould public opinion and give stability to the state. Mr. and Mrs. Clay are members of the Christian church, believing earnestly in its plain, simple teachings and exemplifying its great cardinal truths in lives devoted to God's service and to the uplifting of humanity. He has been clerk or the Leesburg congregation for a number of years and is also a member of its board of trustees. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow, having passed all the chairs in the local lodge to which he belongs, besides representing it in different sessions of the grand lodge.

Mr. and Mrs. Clay have seven children, four sons and three daughters, namely: Austin H. is married and lives in Plain township; Ida B. is the wife of Charles E. Hickman and lives in the state of Kansas; Clarence W., who is a married man, resides in Warsaw; Elmer L., also married, is a farmer of Harrison township: Eva married Anson Borkert, of Prairie township, this county; Rosa J.., who is now Mrs. Howard R. Goodman, lives on the old farm with her father; Bernard, the youngest, is single and has never left the parental home.

Progressive Men and Women of Kosciusko County, Indiana
B. F. Bowen, Publisher
Logansport, Indiana
1902

SAMSON JACKSON NORTH.
The man whose history is given below is of direct English descent. Three brothers of the North family in England came to America early in the nineteenth century, one settling in New England, one in Pennsylvania, and one, Thomas, in Virginia. Later the latter came to Pickaway county, Ohio, where in 1805 his son Joseph was born. The latter grew to manhood and married Sarah Russell, of Fairfield County, Ohio, and to them was born, near Marysville, Union county, Ohio, on November 30, 1835, the subject of this sketch, Samson Jackson North.

When the subject was six years old his parents moved to a farm in Delaware county, Ohio, and in his sixteenth year they traveled overland to Iowa, but in less than a year started back to Ohio, reaching Milford in the spring, but as the roads were breaking they could go no farther. Joseph rented a. farm and settled there, where they continued to live, renting and farming, until he retired from active work on account of advanced age.

Politically he was a strong and decided Jacksonian Democrat, but never held nor desired a public place. His last years were spent with his son Samson. He died June 8, 1885, at the age of eighty, having outlived his wife twenty-three years, her death occurring in 1862.

Samson grew up on the farm, remaining with his parents until he was twenty-one. He was educated in the common schools and was particularly fortunate in having good teachers. He himself became a teacher at the age of eighteen, teaching the first school of the district, in a schoolhouse built in the woods near where Nappanee now is, in Kosciusko county. He continued to teach in the winter and worked on the farm in the summer, improving his spare hours while teaching by reading law, this industrious application gaining for him admittance to the bar early in 1861. About the middle of the summer of 1862 the call reached this county for more soldiers to aid in the suppression of the Rebellion and Samson was one of the first to respond. On July 29 he began to raise a company, Lieutenant Timothy Loehr having commenced to recruit in the county, and Milford was made the central recruiting point. At the election of officers, August 18th, Samson North was made captain of Company F, Seventy-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Colonel Chapman. Richard H. Hal1, one of Samson's former teachers, enlisted in the same company, was made orderly, later became lieutenant and was killed at Chickamauga. Samson served throughout the war, remaining in command of the company until they were mustered out in June, 1865. During the entire service he was absent from his company but sixty clays and then was in the hospital with typhoid fever. He was a faithful soldier, seeing much hard service, and has numerous proofs of many narrow escapes. He was wounded in the first battle, but the effect was not permanent. He was once knocked breathless by a spent ball striking him in the stomach. His sabre and scabbard are scarred and misshapen by bullets and the holes in his belt strap and the sleeves of his coat testify to his presence in the thickest of the fight. He was in the battles of Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge, in all of the Atlanta campaign and at Jonesboro. The company lost heavily at Chickamauga because its position was one of the most hotly contested of the whole war. He was in charge of a foraging party of twenty-eight men selected from four regiments for the march to the sea, but rejoined his company at the sea and, remained with Sherman to the close of the war. He marched to Washington and took part in the grand review in that city.

Upon returning from the war Mr. North resumed his law practice at Milford and, being qualified to practice in all courts, he has devoted his full time and energies to the interests of his clients. In political belief he was a Democrat, following the example of his father, until 1882. Since 1884 he has been a Prohibitionist, taking an active part in conventions, making speeches during campaigns and giving his help and influence to all kinds of temperance work. As a man interested in public improvement he has not been idle. He assisted in securing the right of way for the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, was related to the locating of the Michigan division of the Big Four and took part in the making of a ditch six miles long from Leesburg to Turkey creek, which drained land a mile in either direction. In addition to this line of improvement he has purchased other lands and has brought four hundred and eighty acres to a condition of fertility, increasing its worth from five dollars to fifty dollars per acre. About thirteen acres of this tract is devoted to onion growing.

Mr. North was married August 14, 1862, before going to the war, to Miss Mary A. Egbert, of Milford, daughter of John and Abigail Egbert. She was born near Jonesville, Michigan, but was reared at Milford where her father kept hotel for several years, and ever since she was a child she has lived in the same block in Milford, remaining in charge of her husband's interests during the war. She was a member of the Baptist church at the time of her marriage, but wishing to be in the same church with her husband she transferred her membership to the Methodist church, of which he has been a member since 1879, and is now a trustee of the local church.

Mr. and Mrs. North have two children living. Clara B., wife of Robert L. Ruley, of Milford, and Mary L. North, an art student, now the wife of Frank D. Wagner, of Chicago, an employe of the Illinois Central Railway. Clara was a school teacher before her marriage, also a music teacher. She has five children, Robert M., Agnes L., Bertha Elizabeth, Mary J. and Birtney Jackson.

Progressive Men and Women of Kosciusko County, Indiana
B. F. Bowen, Publisher
Logansport, Indiana
1902

JOHN F. HANEY.
This gentleman, a native of Indiana and of Swiss descent, has resided on his eighty acre farm in Scott township, Kosciusko county, Indiana, since November, 1881, and has won for himself a fine reputation as a farmer and citizen. Hewas born in Elkhart county November 1, 1854. His father, Abraham Haney, was born August 16, 1826, and his wife, April 29, 1831. They were married in Switzerland in 1851, and came thence to America in 1852, landing in New York city in April. From New York they went to Columbiana county, Ohio, but the same year came to Indiana ,and for a few months lived in Whitley county. In 1853 they removed to Elkhart county, and in 1860 came to Kosciusko county and resided in Jefferson township until 1884, when they removed to Marshall county, where the death of the father occurred October 15, 1897. The mother still resides in Marshal1 county, greatly venerated by all her neighbors. These parents had a family of nine children, namely: Jacob A., born April 21, 1853; John F., November 1, 1854; Catharine, January 10, 1857; William, April 9, 1859; Anna M., December 2, 1860; Daniel, September 30, 1864; died August 31, 1898; Peter and Edward, twins, born July 29, 1866, Edward dying in infancy, and Emanuel R., born August 24, 1872.

John F. Haney was reared a farmer and after working on the home farm until twelve years old, hired out until his eighteenth year as a farm laborer, in the meanwhile faithfully turning over his earnings to his parents. He then continued to work on his own account as a monthly laborer until 1881, when he purchased a part of his present farm, and later bought the remaining part, and has converted the whole into one of the most productive farms of its dimensions in the township.

The marriage of Mr. Haney took place in Kosciusko county, October 23, 1881, to Miss Mary L. Summe, who was born in Stark county, Ohio, July 29, 1860, and is a daughter of Samuel and Catherine (Rough) Summe. Her parents were among the early pioneers of Kosciusko county, Indiana, but now reside in Franklin township, about four and a halt miles northeast of Akron, Fulton county, Indiana. They have a family of ten children, born in the following order: Mary L., Amos, Leonard, Malinda J. (deceased), Frederick, Franklin, Alva and Alta (twins), and Elmer. The union of John F. and Mary L. Haney has been crowned by the birth of two children, viz.: Elsie O., born January 12, 1887, and Iven F., born November 8, 1893, both now attending school. In politics Mr. Haney is a Democrat, but has never been an office seeker.

Mr. Haney has sixty-five acres of his farm under an excellent state of cultivation and all under fence. He has placed upon it all the improvements, which compare favorably with others in the neighborhood, and has been quite successful in all his undertakings.

Progressive Men and Women of Kosciusko County, Indiana
B. F. Bowen, Publisher
Logansport, Indiana
1902

ISAAC SHENEMAN.
One of the most progressive agriculturists of Scott township, Kosciusko county, Indiana, although not one of the most extensive, is Isaac Sheneman, whose farm presents to the eye of the passer-by every indication of being under the control of an experienced and skillful manager. Mr. Sheneman was born in Holmes county, Ohio, March 22, 1842, and is the ninth of the twelve children born to Frederick and Elizabeth (Fredline) Sheneman, who were born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania. There their marriage took place, and they later migrated to Holmes county, Ohio, where they resided until 1860, when they came to Indiana and settled in St. Joseph county, there passing the remainder of their lives. Their twelve children were named, in order of birth, as follows: Mary, George, David, Jacob, Joseph, Henry, Frederick, Moses, Isaac, John, Samuel and Zachariah.

Isaac Sheneman came to Indiana with his parents in 1860. He had been reared on a farm and as a farmer has met with a satisfactory returns. In 1866, in Elkhart county, he married Miss Mary Cripe, but this lady was called away in 1870, and Mr. Sheneman next married, in February, 1872, Mrs. Lucy A. Brubaker, widow of Joel Brubaker and daughter of John D. and Sarah Neff. In 1871 Mr. Sheneman settled in Kosciusko county, and came in possession of a farm through his wife, and immediately after marriage took possession of his premises and started housekeeping, his amiable helpmate having ever since made it one of the happiest homes in the township. By neither marriage has Mr. Sheneman been blessed with children.

Mr. and Mrs. Sheneman are members of the German Baptist church and do all in their power to advance its work of evangelism, contributing freely of their means also towards its temporal maintenance. They have lived in consonance with its doctrines, and have gained an enviable reputation among their neighbors and many warmhearted friends for their personal good qualities.

Mr. Sheneman's compact farm of eighty acres is a model in itself, all, with the exception of fourteen acres, being in a state of excellent cultivation and improved with all necessary buildings to make farm life desirable and, under his experienced management, decidedly profitable.

In politics Mr. Sheneman affiliates with the Republican party, which he actively aids on all occasions, but never has sought recompense in the way of seeking public office. He has in his possession a valuable relic in the shape of an old parchment deed, dated September 2, 1839, and bearing the signature of President Martin Van Buren.

Progressive Men and Women of Kosciusko County, Indiana
B. F. Bowen, Publisher
Logansport, Indiana
1902

THOMAS J. ROHRER.
Among the successful farmers and self-made men of Kosciusko county the subject of this sketch occupies a conspicuous place. He is a native of Indiana and son of John and Catherine Ann (Unrue) Rohrer, the father born in Preble county, Ohio, September 3, 1826, and the mother in the same state February 18, 1827. When six years old John Rohrer was brought to Elkhart county and has spent his life since that time on the place which he cleared and developed in his young manhood. His wife, whose maiden name was Catherine Ann Unrue, has borne him ten children whose names and dates of births and other facts connected with their respective histories are as follows: (1) Francis M. was born October 1, 1849; he took for his wife Mary Brothers and is the father of two children, Romaine and one that died in infancy; he is a carpenter by trade and lives in the city of Goshen, Indiana. (2) William W., a carriage painter working at his trade at New Paris, Elkhart county, was born May 7, 1851, and married Clara Elsworth. (3) Rebecca A., born February 15, 1853, is the widow of the late D. W.Peoples, who was killed some years ago by a railroad locomotive; not seeing the rapidly approaching train, he drove to the track and was struck by the engine and thrown nearly one hundred and eighty feet, his body being mangled almost beyond recognition. Mrs. Peoples is the mother of these children, Nellie, Melvin, Clara, Maude, Blanch and Zoe. (4) James M. and (5) Thomas R. are twins, their births occurring on the 9th day of October, 1855. James married Phobe Johnson and has a family of children, Cart, Irvin, Ernest and Hazel; he was formerly a carpenter, but of recent years has devoted his attention to farming. (6) Sarah A was born February 16, 1858, and died March 31, 1859. (7) Mary E. born January 24, 1860, is the wife of Henry Yotter, a shoemaker of Union Mills, this state. (8) John M. was born February 28, 1862, married Linnie Harper and has two children, Ruth and Glenwood; he is a farmer of Elkhart county. (9) Emma, wife of Melvin Sheline, was born August 5, 1864, and has children as follows: Goldie, Gladys and Gordon. (10) Ira, a manufacturer of tents and awnings at Boise City, Idaho, is a single man, born January 2, 1867.

John Rohrer, the father, cleared about one hundred acres of land by his own labor and is now a farmer of Elkhart county, also an extensive raiser of live stock, devoting greater part of his attention to the latter. He is a prosperous man and prominent citizen of his community. In politics he is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, in religion a member of the Allbright church; his wife is a Methodist.

Thomas J. Rohrer first saw the light of day on the family homestead in Elkhart county and grew to manhood with a practical understanding of what is meant by honest toil and frugal thrift. His educational discipline, acquired in the common schools, has been effectually supplemented by a thorough training in active life and today he is an intelligent, well-rounded man, fully qualified for the usages and experiences which the world brings to individuals of his physical and mental stamp. Like a dutiful son he rendered valuable assistance to his father until his twenty-sixth year, when he left home and entered upon his own career as a farmer. October 10, 1882, was the day when Thomas J. Rohrer and Miss Della, daughter of George and Mary (Davison) Adams, were united in the bonds of holy wedlock, a union blessed with the following children: Otto Lee, born January 17, 1884; George E., born May 28, 1887; Lura A., September 1, 1889; Raymond D. and Rube M., twins, whose births took place on the 1st day of April, 1898.

After his marriage Mr. Rohrer rented a farm near the village of Syracuse, this county, and one year later moved to the county of Elkhart where he continued to cultivate leased land for a period of five years. Returning to Kosciusko county he rented the place where he now lives until 1900, when he sold eighty acres of land in Elkhart county which he then owned and invested the proceeds in his present home, consisting of one hundred and eighty and a half acres. Ninety acres of Mr. Rohrer's farm is in cultivation, the balance being valuable timber land from which in due time he expects to realize a respectable sum of money. The neat and thrifty appearance of the place, the good fences, substantial buildings and other evidences of prosperity attest the interest Mr. Rohrer has manifested in his work and management, the farm and everything it contains bespeaking the presence of a scientific and up-to-date agriculturist. In the fields may be seen a herd of full-blooded shorthorn cattle, among the best in the county, a large drove of fine swine, in addition to which there are from eight to ten valuable Norman horses well adapted to heavy draft work and general farming purposes. Mr. Rohrer has met with well-merited success as a raiser of stock and grain, and he also gives considerable attention to the usual vegetable crops and fruits, without which no farm is complete.

Like his father, Mr. Rohrer is an uncompromising adherent to the Republican party and takes pains to keep himself fully informed upon state and national legislation and the great issues which to a large degree shape and control the destiny of the country. Fraternally he ho1ds membership with Camp No. 6373, Modern Woodmen of America, at Milford, aside from which he is not identified with any benevolent or religious organization, Mr. Rohrer is decidedly a self-made man, having accumulated the ample fortune which he now enjoys by hard and long-continued toil, assisted by his faithful wife, who has been his active colaborer and wise counsellor ever since the two started upon life's journey together. They are highly esteemed by their neighbors and friends and in every respect have shown themselves worthy the respect in which they are held. Mr. Rohrer is a good man and true and it is to such as he that the county of Kosciusko is largely indebted for its wonderful advancement along agricultural, industrial and other lines.

Progressive Men and Women of Kosciusko County, Indiana
B. F. Bowen, Publisher
Logansport, Indiana
1902

HENRY J. BERGER.
One of the most thoroughly practical and successful agriculturists of Scott township, Kosciusko county, Indiana, is Henry J. Berger, who was born in Marshall county April 24, 1850. His parents, Henry and Sophia (Zimmer) Berger, were respectively born in Germany July 1, 1814, and December 24. 1823. They came to the United States with their parents in 1832 and were reared chiefly in Ohio, but subsequently came to Indiana and were married in Marshall county in May, 1843, after which event they settled on a farm near Bremen, on which they resided until 1886, when they retired to the village; there the father died Apri19, 1899, and there the mother still has her residence. Eleven children were born to these parents and were named in order of birth, as follows: Catharine, Sophia (deceased), Henry J., Jacob, George, Elizabeth, Matilda, Charles, John C., and two who died in infancy unnamed.

Henry J. Berger was born on a farm and was reared as a farmer, which has been the business of his whole life; and judging from his success, no other calling would better have suited him. He was educated in the schools of his home district and filially aided on the home farm until his twentyfourth year. October 2, 1873, he married, in Marshall county, Miss Margaret Knoblock, a daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Laudaman) Knoblock, and to this union was born one child, Sarah E., now deceased. Mrs. Margaret Berger passed away, her death taking place March 9, 1875, and as his second choice for a life partner Mr. Berger led to the marriage altar, January 9, 1879, Miss Mary Ringgenberg, who was born in Marsha11 county, April 27, 1853, and is a daughter of Christian and Catherine (Burgener) Ringgenberg. The latter were among Marshall county’s early settlers, and were the parents of thirteen children, eleven of whom they named, in order of birth, as follows: Christian, John, Catherine, Elizabeth, Mary, Lydia, Jacob, Peter, Louisa, Rosa and Samuel; two died in infancy unnamed.

In April, 1876, Mr. Berger purchased his present farm in Scott township, Kosciusko county, on which he settled immediately after his marriage . Of the one hundred and six acres which this farm comprises Mr. Berger has placed about eighty acres under cultivation, all of which he has fenced in. He has erected also a comfortable dwelling and commodious outhouses on the place, and now has as pleasant a home as there is in the township. Here, on an income-producing farm, in company with his wife and eight children, he is passing the happy hours away, contented with his lot in life and complacent in the happiness of his children, who are named Ervin E., Stella S., Laura L., Ada S., Milton H., Minnie B., Rosa M. and Cora M.

Mr. Berger is a Republican in his political views, and religiously he and wife are members of the Evangelical Association. To the latter they are liberal contributors financially and are conscientious in following its teachings. They maintain a high position socially and their influence is ever exerted for the moral and material advancement of their neighbors and fellow-citizens.

Progressive Men and Women of Kosciusko County, Indiana
B. F. Bowen, Publisher
Logansport, Indiana
1902

JACOB HEPLER.
This enterprising and well-to-do farmer was born on the farm which he still occupies in section 12, Scott township, Kosciusko county, Indiana, October 18, 1842, and is a son of David C. and Magdalena (Yaulky) Hepler, of whom mention is also made in the biographical notice of an elder brother, Samuel C.

Jacob Hepler is the sixth child in a family of eight children, was born on a farm and was educated in a common school. Until he reached his twenty-seventh year he resided on the home place, assisting his father in its cultivation, but was married February 18, 1864, to Miss Nancy N. More, also a native of Kosciusko county and a daughter of William and Anna More, early settlers.

After ceasing to work for his father, Jacob and his brother Isaac purchased the old homestead, which they divided, Jacob taking the north one hundred and forty-seven acres and forty acres in Scott township, and Isaac the south part. In 1877, Jacob erected a handsome dwelling, in which he has since resided. He also built a fine bank barn, 4ox70 feet, in 1883, and all other necessary outbuildings.

Mrs. Nancy N. Hepler was called away March 6, 1877, leaving seven children, namely: Mary, Daniel, Rosa A., Margaret E., William, Albert A. and Nancy. November 4, 1877, Mr. Hepler led to the marriage altar Miss Amelia A. Rose, who was born in Cambria county, Pennsylvania, March 23, 1856, a daughter of Joseph J. and Elizabeth (Arters) Rose, natives of the same state and born respectively in 1830 and 1825. They were married in Cambria county, Pennsylvania, and came to Kosciusko county, Indiana, in 1864, but remained here a short time only and then went to Elkhart county. There they resided two years and then came back to Kosciusko county, where the mother died September 28, 1883. The father now resides in Nappanee, Elkhart county. Mr. and Mrs. Rose had a family of eight children, viz.: Catherine, Amelia A., Rachel, Mary, Emanuel, Israel, Joseph K. and one that died in infancy. To Mr. and Mrs. Hepler has been born one son, Irvin. Mr. and Mrs. Hepler are consistent members of the Lutheran church and have so lived as to win the respect of the entire community, to whom they have endeared themselves by their many amiable personal qualities and kindly acts. Mr. Hepler may well be classed as a pioneer, having lived in this county over half a century.

Mr. Hepler is a Democrat in politics and at present he is a member of the advisory board. He has in his possession an old parchment deed, executed during the administration of President Van Buren.

Progressive Men and Women of Kosciusko County, Indiana
B. F. Bowen, Publisher
Logansport, Indiana
1902

JAMES E. HOLLAR.
Devoting his energies to agriculture, the subject of this sketch enjoys distinctive prestige as one of the most enterprising farmers, in the county of Kosciusko. He is one of the largest land owners in Jefferson township and in point of general improvements, especially in the matter of buildings, his place is not excelled by any farm in this part of the country. Mr. Hollar came to Indiana with but a limited amount of capital. With a liberal endowment of self reliance, a clear brain, a strong will and a determined purpose, he overcome the 'many discouraging circumstances which marked his arrival, removed the numerous obstacles from his pathway, gradually forged to the front and in the course of time found himself in possession of the ample fortune which he today enjoys.

Mr. Hollar's people were among the early German inhabitants of Virginia. His father, Alexander Hollar, was born in that state, as was also his mother, Eva Price. After their marriage these parents settled in the county of Shenandoah, where they spent the remainder of their days on a farm, the father being one of the well-known citizens of the community where he lived. Their eight children were named as follows: Amos, Sarah, Harvey, Joseph, James E., Levi, Silas and George W.

James E. Hollar, to a brief review of whose life the reader's attention is now respectfully invited, was born on the home place in Shenandoah county, March 9, 1851. He was fortunate in having favorable surroundings during his childhood and youth, the farm being situated in a beautiful and healthful locality and the labor required of him being suitable to his years and strength. He received his first educational training in a subscription school taught in a building which his father erected upon his own farm at his own expense, there being no house in the neighborhood especially designed for public school purposes. Realizing the need of better schools than the indifferent ones that had been formerly taught at divers places in the community, Mr. Hollar put up the above building primarily for the education of his own children and secondly for the children of any of his neighbors who saw fit to send their children to it for instruction. He also procured the services of a competent teacher and the work done in the little school house on the Hollar farm gave an impetus to the cause of education in that locality, which subsequently led the people to take greater interest in the intellectual development of their children. Young James attended school of winter seasons until nineteen years of age, spending the rest of the time in the fields at such work as is required on a Virginian farm. When nineteen he entered upon an apprenticeship to learn carpentry and in this engaged about six months at a monthly remuneration of six dol1ars. Being naturally skilled in the use of tools, he soon acquired much more than ordinary efficiency as a workman, and after receiving instruction for the above length of time he was sufficiently advanced in the trade to undertake building upon his own responsibility. In the spring of 1870 he left home and started into the wor1d to make his own living and if possible acquire something more than a mere existence, as he was determined to achieve success if it lay within his power so to do. Like the majority of young men, he set up his goal in the west and with little means at his command started afoot upon his journey in which there was no deviation or break until he reached Licking county, Ohio, where he stopped temporarily, to earn a little money, doing a job of clearing for a farmer. After working two weeks and receiving his pay, the young pedestrian proceeded on the journey until he came to a little village by the name of Melmore, in the county of Seneca, where he hired to one Samuel Brooks, a local carpenter, in whose employ he continued about one year. At the expiration of that time he entered into a partnership with that gentleman and until 1873 worked in several parts of Seneca county, the meanwhile adding to his reputation as an architect and builder.

Having accumulated about five hundred dllars at his trade, Mr. Hollar in the above year came to Kosciusko county, Indiana, and not long after his arrival went in partnership with his brother Joseph, for the purpose of purchasing a tract of land in Jefferson township. The land was all in the woods and the two brothers at once proceeded to clear and develop it, a work which he prosecuted very industriously and with most encouraging results. At the end of one year Mr. Hollar again turned his attention to his trade as there was then a great demand in Kosciusko county for experienced carpenters. He erected a number of buildings of various kinds in different parts of Jefferson and other townships and when thus engaged continued to clear his land and add to its improvements. During the fourteen years following he divided his time between carpentering and agriculture, meanwhile, with the assistance of his brother, extending the area of cultivable land until the farm ranked with the best improved and most valuable in the township of Jefferson. At the expiration of the fourteen years he quit his trade and devoted all of his time to agricultural pursuits, which he prosecuted with such energy and success as won for him the reputation of one of the most enterprising and progressive farmers in the community. Subsequently he purchased a saw-mill and engaged in the manufacture of lumber, about the same time investing considerable money in a tile factory, which proved a very fortunate enterprise. Mr. Hollar operated the saw-mill with much success about seven years, and then again took up agriculture. The second year after coming to this county the farm was divided, Joseph taking the west half of the farm and James the east. While partners their relations were most amicable and being men of much more than ordinary judgment and thrift, their success was commensurate with the energy displayed in their various undertakings. After the property was divided James E. made other and greater improvements on his farm, among which was the large and elegant brick residence erected in 1889 at a cost of several thousand dollars. He also added to his real estate from time to time until his place contained four hundred and forty-nine acres, its present area. This is one of the model farms of Jefferson township and there are few if any in the county that are better improved or represent a greater value per acre. Mr. Hollar is a progressive agriculturist and prosecutes his work upon quite an extensive scale. He is also an excellent judge of fine stock and in connection with general farming devotes considerable time to cattle, hogs and horses, in the raising and selling of which he has been quite success ful.

As a man and citizen Mr. Hollar is highly esteemed, standing for all legitimate public improvements and taking an active interest in the material development of his township and county. He takes large and liberal views of life, there being nothing narrow or bigoted in his nature, and keeps himself well informed upon the leading topics of the day. He is one of the intelligent, broad-minded men of his neighborhood and has always endeavored to use his influence so as to make wiser and better the people of the community in which he lives.

Mr. Hollar is a married man and the father of ten children. His wife, formerly Miss Elizabeth Price, daughter of Samuel and Rachel (Hulvy) Price, was born in Ohio, March 14, 1854, and the ceremony which changed her name to the one she now bears was solemnized on the 17th day of April, 1874. The following are the names of the children constituting the family of Mr. and Mrs. Hollar, together with the birth of each: Samuel A., April 5, 1875; William H., November 13, 1876; Eva A., March 13, 1878; James E., September 29, 1879; George W., June 12, 1881; John E., August 30, 1882; Grover C., December 15, 1884, died August 23, 1899; Enos E., October 11, 1886; Charles M., March 24, 1888; and Amos R., March 4, 1892. Mr. Hollar is a Democrat in politics, while fraternally he is a member of Lodge No. 418, F. & A. M., and Lodge No. 478, I. O. O. F., both at Milford, Indiana. Mrs. Hollar is a member of the German Baptist church.

Progressive Men and Women of Kosciusko County, Indiana
B. F. Bowen, Publisher
Logansport, Indiana
1902

JOSEPH HOLLAR.
Prominent among the successful farmers and representative men of Jefferson township is Joseph Hollar, a Virginian by birth and an Indiana man by adoption. His parents, Alexander and Eva (Price) Hollar, were natives of the Old Dominion state and descendants of early pioneer German settlers. He lived in Shenandoah county, where the father acquired local repute as a farmer and citizen. He was one of the prominent men of his community, took a leading part in public affairs, especially in the matter of education, which he was an ardent friend and liberal supporter. By reference to the sketch of James E. Hollar, a brother of the subject of this review, it wil1 be learned that Alexander Hollar at his own expense erected a house for school purposes upon his land, furnished it with the necessary appliances and fuel and then secured the services of a teacher who opened a school for the accommodation of the children of the neighborhood.

Joseph Hollar was born in the county of Shenandoah, June 23, 1849, and spent the: years of his childhood and youth on the family homestead. He received his education in the school taught on his father's farm and until nineteen years old contributed his time and energies to the family support. When about nineteen he engaged with George W. Smootz to learn the millwright's trade at a monthly compensation of eight dollars for the first year. His services proving valuable, his wages were increased at the end of one year to twelve dollars per month and he continued with his employer until 1870. In April of that year, in company with his brother, James E. Hollar, he started on foot to make his fortune in the West and the two proceeded on their way to Licking county, Ohio, where they received employment for a limited period with a farmer. After working two weeks clearing, chopping wood, splitting rails, etc., they took a train for Tiffin, Ohio, whence they proceeded to the town of Melmore, Seneca county, where an uncle by the name of Jacob Price was living. Shortly after reaching the home of his relation Joseph went to work for a farmer in the neighborhood at twenty dollars per month and at the expiration of the second month invested his wages, amounting to forty dollars, in a set of carpenter's tools. With these he began working with William Little and Samuel Brooks, well-known local builders, and, although without previous experience other than as a millwright, he was paid the sum of one dollar and a half per day for his services. After continuing with those gentlemen a short time he started out for himself and soon found work with other parties at better wages. He continued carpentry in Seneca at two dollars per day until 1873, in December of which year he and his brother came to Kosciusko county, Indiana, and invested their combined capital in a tract of wood land lying in Jefferson township, the same on which he has ever since lived. After purchasing their land the two brothers returned to Ohio for the purpose of settling up their business affairs, this done they came back in January, 1874, and began the work of clearing a farm and laying the foundation of their future homes. The two brothers continued as partners in farming and carpentering and later saw-milling and the manufacture of drain tile until September, 1874, when they divided their interests and each took possession of his half of the land. Joseph took the western part of the place and has since bent all his energies to its improvement. In October following the division of the property he built a substantial dwelling and since that time other buildings have been erected and a general system of improvements inaugurated and carried to successful completion; his farm is now classed with the best and most valuable in Jefferson township. In 1893 he replaced his first residence with a fine modern brick edifice, beautiful in design, handsomely furnished and finished with the latest conveniences which make the house wife's lot an enviable and desirable one. His is one of the most attractive and rural homes in the county of Kosciusko, as he has spared neither pains nor expense to make it a dwelling place for a farmer who believes in progress and improvement, as well as in the nobility of his chosen calling. The farm, which contains one hundred and sixty acres, is well fenced and drained and every acre devoted to agricultural purposes has been developed to its full productive capacity. Mr. Hollar, like his brother, not only farms extensively, but adds very materially to his income by raising and selling live stock. He keeps on his farm quite a number of fine cattle and hogs, and also pays considerable attention to horses, hut does not make a business of raising the latter for the market.

Mr. Hollar's life has been quiet and uneventful, at the same time productive of good to his fellow man. He attends strictly to his own affairs, although interested in the growth and development of the community, and his name is usually connected with all enterprises for the common good . He is a man of unswerving integrity and keen judgment of men and things, and his purposes once formed are generally carried out to the letter. All who know him speak in the highest terms of his standing as a neighbor, friend and citizen and it is a compliment worthily bestowed to class him with the representative, self-made men of his adopted township and county.

Mr. Hollar and Miss Eva Tusing, daughter of Nicholas and Catherine (Biller) Tusing, natives of Virginia, were united in marriage on the 11th day of October, 1874. Mrs. Hollar was born October 26, 1849, in Shenandoah county, Virginia, and has presented her husband nine children, Alexander N., Charles L., George W., Viola M., Cora I., Irving J., Loren A., Clarence V. and Fremont C., all living but the two daughters, Viola and Cora.

Progressive Men and Women of Kosciusko County, Indiana
B. F. Bowen, Publisher
Logansport, Indiana
1902

JOHN MARQUART.
George Marquart, the father of the subject of this review, was one of the sturdy, industrious citizens which Germany has contributed to the United States. He belongs to that large and eminently respectable class of foreigners that became loyal supporters of American institutions and by their industry and enterprise did so much to promote the material development of our country. George Marquart married in the fatherland Miss Mary A. Kurtz and about the year 1833 left his native shores and came to the New World. He first settled in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, whither many of his countrymen had preceded him, and after living there about three years changed his abode to Stark county, Ohio. He made his home in the latter state until 1854, at which time he came to Kosciusko county, Indiana, and settled on a farm in Jefferson township, which his son, the subject of this sketch, now owns and cultivates. He resumed his labors as tiller of the soil and after a long and useful life he bade adieu to earth and earthly things and en tered another and a happier state of existence; he died in 1879, his wife preceding him to the other world by about nine years. Of the five children born to George and Mary A. Marquart, the subject is the only one living; the others were Christian, Elizabeth, a twin sister of John, George and Mary C.

John Marquart was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, February 10, 1839, the same year which witnessed his parents' removal to Stark county, Ohio. He spent fifteen years of his life in the latter county and state, meantime attending at intervals the country school and assisting his father with the labors of the farm. In 1854 he accompanied the family to the county of Kosciusko and from that time until attaining his majority did his full share in clearing and cultivating the home place and contributing to the support of his parents, brothers and sisters. He was reared to agricultural pursuits and after coming to Jefferson township did not leave the parental roof, but continued to look after the farm and his father's interests until the latter’s death. His brothers and sisters dying, the place fell to him and he has since cultivated it with success and financial profit, until it is now one of the best improved and most valuable arms in the township of Jefferson.

Mr. Marquart has added to the original place and now owns two hundred and sixty acres of fine land, admirably situated in one of the richest agricultura1 districts of the county, two hundred acres being in cultivation, the remainder heavily wooded with fine timber.

Mr. Marquart has led a very active and industrious life, from his boyhood knowing little by practical experience of the meaning of idleness. He believes in earning bread by the sweat of the brow and, fully realizing the true dignity of honest toil, has bent his energies in the direction of providing comfortably for himself and family and making the world better by his presence. As a farmer there are none better, and as a man he combines within himself the sterling qualities of head and heart which makes the useful neighbor, the steadfast, faithful friend and the enterprising, energetic citizen. He is well known among the people of this and other parts of the county as a quite, unassuming man, honest and upright in all of his dealings, ever ready to lend a helping hand to a friend and fulfilling to the best of his ability all requirements expected of a citizen of a great and enlightened common wealth. He is one of the financially strong and reliable men of his community, being the possessor of a competence sufficiently ample to enable him to spend the remainder of the of his days in plenty and content.

Mr. Marquart was married in this county April 22, 1873, to Miss Elizabeth Oster, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Sarrbruck) Oster, the union resulting in eight children, namely: Mary A., Emma E. (deceased), Malinda ( deceased), Matilda, Emanuel (deceased), George, John (deceased) and Clara. By reference to this list of children it will be seen that the hand of affliction has been laid heavily upon the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Marquart. Like a refining fire, the visitations of the death angel may be blessings in disguise. To the unbeliever, such dispensations of Providence are but clouds of midnight darkness with not a ray to dissipate the intensity of the gloom; to those who look upon this life as a preparation for a higher and holier state, they are among the afflictions that tend to work out "a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory". Mr. Marquart is a Democrat in politics, and in religion a Lutheran, while his wife belongs to the Evangelical Association.

Progressive Men and Women of Kosciusko County, Indiana
B. F. Bowen, Publisher
Logansport, Indiana
1902