George Moon was born in county Londonderry, Ireland, July 11, 1816. He was a lad of twenty years when, in 1836, he left his native land and sought a home in the new world beyond the seas. Landing in America, he made his way to Pennsylvania, where he remained for one year in the town of Mauch Chunk, and in April, 1837, joined the tide of emigration then rapidly setting toward the Western wilds beyond the Alleghanies, landing in Leesburg, Indiana. John Knowles then lived about three miles south of Warsaw, and the subject had known the family in Pennsylvania. Edward Archibald, a cousin of George Moon, accompanied him to Indiana for the purpose of obtaining land. George went to Leesburg and hired out at eight dollars per month to John B. Chapman, who owned a prairie farm, where he was employed in the laborious task of breaking sod land with five yoke of cattle. Here he remained for six months, but was unable to procure land. Much sickness from fever and ague prevailed at that time, and it was not uncommon to find whole families stricken with that terrible malady. The families of a Mr. Fitch and a Mr. Dinky were sorely afflicted and out of the thirteen souls there were eleven deaths. The country was very flat and swampy and the few physicians were unable to successfully cope with the disease, then almost a scourge. Some went to Lafayette for care. In 1839 Mr. Moon came to Warsaw, which was afterward his home until his death. Three years prior to this date the town was laid off and the fol1owing year, 1837, the first building was erected. Six families comprised the settlement in 1839, and it was not until 1850 that the hamlet could boast of a population of two hundred and fifty, Mr. Moon taking the census. Hon. John B. Chapman, a lawyer, and at that time member of the legislature, named the county and selected the site for county seat, being the owner of one of the three eighties which it embraced, and named the town Warsaw. The jail was a two-story log structure. There were no doors below and prisoners were let down into the lower room from the second story. The old frame court house stood where the Baptist church now stands. In the fall of 1838 Mr. Moon became a clerk in the store of Metcalfe Beck, a merchant of Leesburg, who shortly afterward set Moon up in business with a small stock of goods at Warsaw. Trade was light and the growth of the town was slow. He sold goods in Warsaw for about ten years, paying for them as fast as he could. His later purchases were made at Michigan City.

Jonathan Moon, brother to our subject, was living in Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, having left Ireland six or seven years before in company with his cousin Archibald, and in the fall of 1837 he came to Indiana. He had some money, bought eighty acres of land, and Archihald entered a tract of one hundred and twenty acres six miles south of Warsaw. That winter Moon and Archibald went to Leesburg and engaged in general merchandising, continuing business until the former's death in 1854. He had accumulated a handsome property, about forty-five thousand dollars, and Archibald also became wealthy. Jonathan Moon left a family, Mrs. Mary (Moon) Cisney, Warsaw, being the only child now in the county. His widow is now the wife of Thomas J. Chapman, of Warsaw.

Another brother of George Moon, Edward, came to In(liana about eight years later and engaged in the drug business at Leesburg. He became county treasurer, and subsequently engaged in merchandising, becoming well and favorably known as successful business man. His widow and two sons, John A. and Charles B., are residents of Warsaw. George Moon, the subject, after selling out in 1848, clerked for his brother in Leesburg. In 1852 he was elected to the office of county treasurer and was re-elected to a second term in 1854. An inspection of the books by the commissioners found them not only well kept, but there was not an error therein. His memory was remarkably good and while not having the advantages of much schooling his retentive mind and close observation served him well. In 1856 he was elected to the lower house of the general assembly. Being an old-line Whig, he naturally gave his fealty to the then rising Republican party. He was chairman of the first Republican convention and old Whig friends had placed him in nomination and elected him by a handsome majority, Mr. Moon making no canvass for the office. He served one year in the house and was made chairman of the committee on ways and means, rendering valuable service through his ability to foresee events or analyze a measure presented to the committee for its consideration. Retiring from the legislature at the close of his term, he became the agent at Warsaw of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago railway, and secured contro1 of the warehouse, holding the position for several years. In 1860 he was sent as a delegate to the Republican national convention at Chicago as a Lincoln man. He and his colleague of this district were the only original Lincoln men at the first session. His personal preference was for Seward, but feared he could not be elected and did feel that Lincoln was the then coming man. After the nomination he returned home and took an active part in the campaign. He chartered a special train for the grand rally held at Fort Wayne, using his personal means to defray the expense. Although handling large sums of money belonging to the railroad, not a cent of it was used to conduct the canvass, but was borrowed from friends when necessary. He finally resigned his position with the railroad, after the election. When hostilities commenced between the north and south Mr. Moon obtained a position under a personal friend who was an army quartermaster, stationed in Kentucky, and was soon promoted to superintendent of the department, with headquarters at Bowling Green. His duties involved the supervision of all stock and he was constantly in the saddle. After the battle of Nashville twenty-three hundred horses were turned over to him, most of them in a starving condition, four hundred dying in one night. He remained there for two years or until the close of the war.

On the conclusion of peace he spent some time in Minnesota, where he was a manager for Daniel Haney at Rochester. Returning to Warsaw, Mr. Moon received the appointment of internal revenue collector in 1869. Hon. William Williams, member of congress for that district, was a Warsaw man and selected Mr. Moon on account of his ability and in recognition of his past services. The bond required on qualifying was two hundred thousand dollars, and Mr. Williams secured the bondsmen. At that time the territory embraced several congressional districts, with headquarters at Fart Wayne, where Mr. Moon remained. Afterward the service was divided and a collector assigned to each congressional district, but this did not lessen Mr. Moon's duties. Previously there were fourteen counties under his supervision, and under the change it was increased to twenty-two. The excellent care and attention he gave to the office was productive of much good and the commissioner at Washington forwarded him certificates of perfection in the work. This was undoubtedly due to his close personal application to office duties. All licenses were issued by him personally, although he had a deputy in each county. Mr. Moon retired in 1884, and the party nominated him and elected him to the state senate, representing the counties of Wabash and Kosciusko. Like all other political positions he held, the preferment came to him unsought. While in the senate his course was not made brilliant by forensic display, but his work was strong in committee and in the quiet way that is assumed by our ablest legislators. One particular measure I received his active attention the amendments modifying the "ditch law." He served two terms in the senate, the second being the one which made Judge Turpie United States senator.

In his home life Senator Moon was always interested in local matters and the esteem in which he was held was emphasized by his election to the mayoralty for four years, there being practically no opposition. When first elected the city treasury was not only empty, but there was a deficit of about six thousand dollars, a condition that had existed for years. He believed in the elimination of all questions or theories which might reasonably be considered questionable and would not stand the test of time and experience. Hence he did not always stand exactly in harmony with party leaders, believing that party consistency to principle and party honesty were the only means to secure success.

Mr. Moon was reared in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church and had been a consistent member for many years. Fraternally he was a member of Goshen Lodge, I. O. O. F., having joined the Order in 1847; he was a charter member of Kosciusko Lodge, No. 62, at Warsaw, established fifty years ago, and was its first noble grand. He joined the encampment at South Bend and was first chief patriarch of Hackelman Encampment at Warsaw. In 1850 he became a member of the grand lodge, and was ever active in the work of the order. He ranked as one of the oldest members of the order in the state, and during his fifty-four years of membership was never a delinquent. In Masonry he also reached an eminent position. He was a Scottish Rite Mason, and for years was active in its good work.

In 1841 Mr. Moan wedded Miss Sarah Elizabeth Graves, the ceremony being performed at Leesburg. She was born in Clarksburg, Virginia, and was a young girl when her parents moved to Indiana. Her brother, William C. Graves, was one of the earliest attorneys of Warsaw and was county clerk for a number of years, and later a banker and merchant. Another brother, Thomas L. Graves, is a resident of Kendallville. After fifty-two years of married life the estimable wife and mother passed away. They were the parents of four children, three of whom grew to maturity: Nancy E., who became the wife of Daniel S. Bitner, of Warsaw; Regina, deceased, who married William B. Funk; and George, who was deputy collector under his father in the internal revenue service, and now resides at Eagle River, Wisconsin. Few men live to attain as high a place in the esteem of the community in which they live as did George Moon, and his death, which occurred an the 15th of April, 1902, was deeply mourned by all classes.

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

WILLIAM HEISLER.
In this country it is an easy matter for a strong young man, one whose powers are unimpaired, to go out in the world and make a good living for himself, but it is not so easy for one to get on well in the world who has met with the misfortune of bodily infirmity. He is handicapped in the race of life and unless he excels in other directions - unless he possesses other superior qualities - his life is likely to be one of severe trials and exactions. But it is usually the case that when a person is thus limited in his activities he more than makes up for it in a sharpening of other qualities, so that he is thus enabled in those directions to surpass his fellows in those respects at least. This seems like an exemplification of the laws of compensation. If curbed in one direction, the energies take an unusual development in another. It would seem that this is the case in the development of the subject of this sketch, for although he has been handicapped for many years he has been unusually successful in the battle for a livelihood. He was born in Stark county, Ohio, July 6, 1845, and is the son of John and Mary (Zeider) Heisler, the father being a native of Germany. When John Heisler was a young man he emigrated from Germany to America and settled in Stark county, Ohio. There he met Miss Mary Zeider, who had come from Germany to France with her parents when she was twelve years old and later had come to America and also settled in Stark county. In due time they were married. The parents of both were farmers and people of strict respectability. John Heisler was a cooper by trade and worked at the same for many years in connection with his farming operations. His farm was situated four miles from Massilon, Ohio, and there he resided until 1863 and then came to Kosciusko county and died here. To himself and wife five children were born, as follows: Catherine, deceased, who married John Byerly, was widowed and lived in Warsaw, Indiana; Pauline, who became the wife of Sylvester Kinsey, is also a widow and resides in Clay township; Wi1liam, subject ; John, who married Miss Catherine Bules and upon her death wedded again, lives in this county; Emanuel resides in Hiawatha, Kansas, and is married. In 1864 the father moved from Stark county and settled on section 6, Clay township, this county, buying the farm now occupied by the subject.

William Heisler grew up on his father's farm and helped to clear off the timber and the thickets of brush. He remained at home until he reached manhood and received during that time a good education at the country schools. Upon reaching his majority he became afflicted with the dreaded white swelling in one of his limbs, with the result that in the end it crippled him for life. Such an affliction would have put a damper on the spirits of almost any young man, but not so with the subject of this notice. He determined to make the most of life, and accordingly wooed and won Miss Mary Bules, whose parents were natives of Germany. Three children were born to this union, as fol1ows: Lizzie, deceased; Winfield S., born July 28, 1880, unmarried and at home; William M., unmarried and at home, was born April 28, 1883. His first wife dying, Mr. Heisler afterward married Miss Ida Good, and by her has one child, Charles J., born July 12, 1900. At the time of his first marriage he had saved very little, owing to his unfortunate sickness, but he put forth his best efforts and by good management succeeded in getting ahead and in time bought out the other heirs and now owns the old farm of one hundred and ten acres. Notwithstanding his lameness he has fol1owed the plow many a day. He is prosperous and highly respected. He and wife are members of the Lutheran church and are prominent in all worthy religious movements. He is a Democrat, takes a lively interest in all political affairs and is one of the leading citizens in this part of the county.

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

ANDREW P. RUPE.
It is proper that the descendants of the old settlers, those who cleared the land of its primitive woods, should see that the doings of the early years are fittingly remembered and recorded. It was said by one of the greatest historians that those who take no interest in the deeds of their ancestors are not likely to do anything worthy to be remembered by their descendants. Could the lives of the first settlers be fully and truthfully written what an interesting, thrilling and wonderful tale it would be. Think of the journey to the West, of the hardships of clearing the soil and the pleasure of rearing the family. Think of the pioneer gatherings, of the shooting matches, the old subscription schools, the first churches under the branches of the trees, the camp meetings, the famous old circuit riders, the husking matches, the coon, wolf, fox and bear hunts with dogs, and then presume to say that the old settlers did not live happy lives. Such were the experiences of the subject of this sketch. He was born in Carroll county, Ohio, May 22,1822, and is the son of Jacob and Martha (Price) Rupe. The father, when a boy was brought to America from Germany and first lived in Virginia. He worked at the carpenter trade, and continued thus employed until the summer of 1836. Upon reaching maturity Jacob Rupe married Miss Martha Price, a native of Maryland, the marriage occurring in Virginia, and to them were born fifteen children, eleven sons and four daughters, as follows: Samuel, who married Miss Maria Shinabury and both are deceased ; Hannah, who died when a small girl; David, who married and lived in Ohio; William, who married Miss Hannah Tussinger and lived in Missouri; Elnora, who became the wife of Edward Garrett and lived in Ohio; John, who married and is deceased; Mary A., who was the wife of David Dodd, lived in Indiana, and later in Iowa; Joseph, deceased, who was married four times; Cornelius married, lived in Michigan and died March 15, 1897; Jacob, who died at the age at eighteen years; Sarah, who was crippled in early life and never married; Andrew P., subject; Michael, ,and two others. Andrew P. Rupe is the only representative of this large family now living and is nearly eighty years old.

In the fall of 1836, when the subject was in his fifteenth year, he was brought by his parents from Richland county, Ohio, to Kosciusko county, Indiana, where the father had secured one hundred and seventy-two acres by trading his farm in Ohio for the land in Seward township. At that time the country was new and wild game was abundant. Even the Indians were still here in considerable numbers. Amid these surroundings Andrew P. grew to manhood. At first they were the only white family in the township, and sometimes the Indians were anything but friendly. On one occasion several of them came to the Rupe house and seemed very angry about something. After several hours of conference the family succeeded in pacifying them with pacific overtures and a square meal and they departed satisfied. Andrew, growing up among them, became familiar with their language and can talk some of it yet. He joined them in their games, sports and hunts, and in time became very expert in the use of the rifle. He became a skillful hunter and shoot many deers and had more than one tussel with ones which he had wounded. He says that very few animals are as dangerous as a wounded deer. It charges upon the hunter and gores him to death in a twinkling unless he can manage to evade the infuriated animal. He had just such an experience and only barely escaped with his life. He was very daring in his hunts and would attack any animal that roamed the dense forests and trust to his skill and marksmanship to get him out of the scrape. It is no doubt true that he has killed more wild game than any other man now living in the county. He was reared to hard work on the farm and in felling the heavy trees and burning the brush. His little education was secured at the old subscription schools. On October 5, 1847, he married Miss Barbara Shoemaker, whose people were also pioneers of this part of the county, having emigrated here from Ohio. At the time of his marriage he had nothing but his wife, with the world before him, but neither feared the result. Seven children were born to this union., viz: Nancy A., who married twice, the second time to Levi Parish, of White Pigeon, Michigan; Eliza now lives in California; Arie is the wife of James Harris and lives in Marion, Indiana; Lydia, who married Aaron McCoy, lives in South Bend. Mr. Rupe's first wife died April 24, 1860, and he married Nancy J. Ramine, who bore him twin boys. One of these, C. C. Rupe, married Miss Anna Andrict and lives in this county. His second wife dying January 4, 1861, Mr. Rupe married Caroline B. Hill. She died without issue, and he chose far his fourth wife Elizabeth Bently, to whom he was married January 1, 1878. She bore him one child, Willie, who died aged seven weeks. Mrs. Rupe was born August 23, 1841, and was brought to this county in 1852.

Mr. Rupe now owns a total of over four hundred acres of excellent land acquired wholly by his own exertions and good management. Mrs. Rupe is a member of the Christian church, and Mr. Rupe, though not a member, has been trustee and treasurer of Palestine Christian church for thirteen years. He is a member of the Lodge No. 73, Warsaw F. & A. M., having joined in 1861. In politics he is an ardent Democrat and was once earnestly solicited to run on his party ticket for sheriff, but declined the honor. He is a splendid specimen of the pioneer farmer and is spending his declining days in happiness and peace after the tumult of a long and active life.

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

EDWARD G. BLACK.
To the person traveling by railway across the state at this day it seems almost incredible that only a little more than ha1f a century ago almost every foot of land was covered with a dense forest through which the light of day rarely ever penetrated. But such was the fact. In a little more than half a century every root and branch has been removed, stick by stick, from the soil by innumerable hands. In fact the most of the timber was removed in considerably less than half a century. This would never have been done had it not been for the fertile soil beneath and the comfortable homes that awaited the efforts of the settlers. The task was a long one, but well repaid the settlers for the trials and hardships. It was through such experiences that the subject of this memorial passed, particularly in his early years. His birth occurred in Prairie township, Kosciusko county, Indiana, May 18, 1851, and he is the son of Joseph and Susan (Richison) Black. The family of which the subject is an honorable member is of English descent. The grandfather resided in Virginia and followed the occupation of farming. His marriage occurred in that state and one of his sons was Joseph, the father of the subject. When Joseph was a small boy his father moved from Virginia to Ohio, and there he grew up with the usual advantages afforded boys of that early period, his schooling being obtained at the pioneer subscription schools. Possessing by nature a good mind, he took to books and obtained a good education far that day. In an early day he became acquainted with the lady who afterward became his wife. They were married and their union was blessed with three sons and three daughters. Previous to his marriage he traveled through the state of Indiana and all the Northwest, and while on this trip bought the land on which he afterward lived in this county, in Prairie township. Every foot of it was covered with heavy timber which had to be removed before the soil could be cultivated. It was a task of immense magnitude, but had to be performed if the family was to sow the grain and reap the same from the soil beneath. Their trip from Ohio was made in a covered wagon through the dense woods and past the small clearings and the small fields of stumps. A rude log cabin was erected and in this their life began in the forests of the "Hoosier state." Ere long the sunlight was let in and the fields of wheat and corn took the place of the virgin forests. Their family comprised the following children: Clarinda, who married E. E. Hart and lives with her father in Prairie township, this county; Edward G., subject; Salem, who married Catherine Kimes and resides in this county; Sarah, who became the wife of William Boggus and lives in this county; Cynthia is unmarried and lives at home with her father; James, who married Cassie Burkett, also lives in this county.

Edward G. Black remained on his father's farm until he attained the age of twenty-one years, securing in the meantime a good education at the public schools and learning during the summers what it was to work on a farm. Upon reaching his majority he hired out to his father by the month and continued thus employed for the space of three years, saving up a snug sum of money in the meantime. April 4, 1878, he wedded Miss Mollie, daughter of George and Margaret (Barrick) Ritchie. Her birth occurred December 9, 1860, she being of Germanic descent. She was reared in Kosciusko county and in the common schools here received her education. To her parents there were born seven children, three sons and four daughters, of whom the only survivors are Mrs. Black, and John W., a resident of Milford, Indiana. To this union three children were born, as follows: Walter E., born November 26, 1878, married Miss Maude Decker, and is the present marshal of Claypool; Nora B., born March 26, 1880, is the wife of William Adams, the latter being a teacher in the grammar department of the Claypool schools; Edna M., born September 26, 1885, has a good education and resides at home with her parents, being unmarried. She passed the examination for the high school and has also taken instruction in music. The parents are members of the United Brethren church of Claypool, of which he has served as Sunday-school superintendent and as steward. He is a member of Tent No. 83, K. O. T. Mr. and Mrs. Black of Hive No. 103, L. O. T. M., of Claypool, of which she is sergeant. Mr. Black is a Democrat and takes much interest in the affairs of the county and country. He is not an aspirant for office, but could well fill any county position. He is thoroughly practical and stands high in the community as man and neighbor. The family is eminently respectable and its members are unusually well informed and intelligent.

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

QUINCY A. HOSSLER.
Man is the noblest work of God and a truly noble man but fulfills the plan of the Creator. The life of man describes a circle. The cycles of existence of different lives form concentric circles, for some are given but a quarter of a century wherein to complete the appointed work, while the span of others varies to the allotted three score and ten. But how true and comforting that life is measured, not by years alone, but rather by a purpose achieved, by noble deeds accredited to it. How often are we confronted when a loved friend and co-worker answers the final summons, with the question 'Why must he go when there yet remains so much far him to do, when he can so illy be spared?' But the grim messenger heeds not and we are left to mourn and to accept submissively." Such is the beautiful and appropriate introduction to a touching and eloquent memorial read before the eighth annual session of the Inland Daily Press Association, touching the life and character of the late Quincy A. Hossler, of Warsaw, former president of the association and far many years one of Indiana's most popular and distinguished journalists. Mr. Hossler's untimely death removed from the newspaper fraternity of the west one af its brightest minds and loftiest intellects, and the many beautiful tributes to his high standing in his profession and to his high standing as a man and citizen attest the abiding place he had in the hearts and affections of his brethren of the press and others.

Quincy A. Hossler was born in the town of Millville, Butler county, Ohio, on the 18th day of October, 1843. His father, Jacob Hossler, removed from Ohio to Indiana in 1850, settling first in Jay county, thence the same year came to the county of Kosciusko and located near the village of Lewisburg, where his death occurred a few months later. The early life of Quincy A. was spent on the farm and when old enough he entered the common schools, where he prosecuted his studies until the age of fourteen. In 1857, with his mother, he removed to Warsaw and on January of the year following entered the printing office of the Northern Indianian to learn the "art preservative." His quick perception, industry, retentive memory and untiring industry enabled him to master the art in a comparatively short time, so that in May, 1861, he started out as a journeyman printer, going first to Cairo, Illinois, where he worked at the case about eighteen months. This is sufficient evidence of his qualifications; but he began to extend his tour and during the three years following visited the northern and eastern states, replenishing his purse from time to time by working at his trade and gradually widening the area of his knowledge by contact with the world. Whether it be true or not that one locality possesses advantages aver another in this art or not, it is certain that he acquired a thorough knowledge of what was known in the places he visited, which was a decided advantage in preparing him for his subsequent career as one of this state's most thorough, all round newspaper men.

In 1866 Mr. Hossler returned to Warsaw and for the ensuing two years was in the employ of his brother, C. G. Hossler, in the clothing business. On the 15th day of May, 1866, he was happily married to Miss Kate Paul, one of the city's most accomplished and popular young ladies, and two years later purchased a half interest in the Northern Indianian newspaper office, assuming charge of the business and mechanical departments. The paper was conducted by Williams & Hossler until May, 1875, when they purchased the Fort Wayne Daily and Weekly Gazette. Six months later General Williams withdrew from the firm and Mr. Hossler was left to conduct the paper alone, a task for which he was peculiarly well fitted, as the continued growth of the Gazette in public favor abundantly proved. Mr. Hossler edited the paper with marked ability until July, 1876, when he disposed of the office and returned to Warsaw, where his family had resided during his absence and where he made his home the remainder of his days.

During the last ten years or more of his life Mr. Hossler was connected with the publication of the Indiana Republican and the Daily Times of Warsaw as one of the business managers, a position for which he appears to have been admirably adapted. He became well and favorably known to the newspaper fraternity of the state and the high standing he attained in the different editorial associations to which he belonged attested his popularity with his brethren of the press in Indiana and elsewhere. For a number of years he was an active member of the Indiana Republican Editorial Association, which passed appropriate resolutions touching his death at the meeting held in Indianapolis, February, 1894. His connection with the Northern Indiana Editorial Association also dates back many years and in all of its sessions he was a conspicuous figure. He admired the social features of these gatherings, believing that by bringing editors together they would become better acquainted and thus prevent personal wrangles which too frequently appeared in the columns of their respective papers. This idea he always practiced and carried out to the fullest extent. In forming his personal associations he entirely ignored party lines and among his warmest friends were many who held opinions directly the opposite of those which he entertained. He always manifested the liveliest interest in the welfare of this association, served two terms as its president and at the time of his death was a member of the executive committee. Mr. Hossler was also an enthusiastic member of the National Editorial Association, the records of which contain a tribute to his worth, couched in elegant diction - in fact one of the most eloquent testimonials ever paid to the memory of a deceased brother. The preambles and resolutions adopted by the Indiana delegates to the national editorial convention held at Asbury Park, New Jersey, in July, 1894, are also beautiful and appropriate and refer at considerable length to his high professional standing and manly worth. In addition to the action taken by these several organizations the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities, of which he was a conspicuous member, and the Royal Arcanum paid due respect to his memory in beautifully written resolutions, while the press throughout the state contained many complimentary eulogiums testifying to his distinguished services as a journalist and bemoaning his departure from the ranks.

Nearly all of Mr. Hossler's active life was connected with the newspaper business in its various capacities. During this long period of journalistic service he attained an enviable distinction, especially as a newspaper manager, while his wholeheartedness, boundless generosity and eminent social qualities made him a friend to everyone with whom he had relations. He was a man of almost limitless energy and with him to will was to do. In his life work he was the very embodiment of enthusiasm and every enterprise that had for its object the upholding of the business enlisted his hearty co-operation and financial support. In his long and honored career he was not unmindful of the business side of life, by diligence and successful management having accumulated a handsome competency, although himself one of the most liberal and whole souled of men. Mr. Hossler was of magnificent physique and pleasing presence, a splendid specimen of symmetrically developed American manhood. He moved among men as one born to leadership and made his presence felt in whatever capacity his abilities were exercised. While devoted to his profession and frequently honored by being chosen to positions of prominence and influence in its various associations, he loved to mingle with his fellow men, regardless of calling, and was the faithful friend and genial companion of all classes and conditions of people. His was a broad, liberal mind, optimistic in all the term implies, but exclusive in the sense that nothing savoring in the slightest degree of insincerity, hypocrisy or cant could for a moment find lodgement therein. He was a manly man, best liked by those who knew him most intimately, and like a ray of sunlight he often illumined and made bright the pathway of those into whose lives fortune cast no golden favors.

While an ardent Republican and for years one of the party's recognized leaders in northern Indiana, he never allowed political differences to interfere with his business relations, nor, as already stated, did it have anything whatever to do in the matter of personal friendship. He was not identified with any religious body, yet had a most profound respect for religion and for a number of years was a regular attendant of the Presbyterian church of Warsaw, to which his wife belonged. A loving and most devoted husband, a master of his calling, a model citizen, a friend without deceitfulness or guile, a man without pretense, a benefactor of his kind such in brief may be summed up as the more prominent characteristics of Quincy A. Hossler, who for all time to came will rank as one of the noted men of his day and generation in the state of Indiana. Struck down in the prime of vigorous manhood and in the zenith of his usefulness, he departed this life on the 6th day of December, 1893, leaving to his friends and to the World the priceless heritage of a name the synonym of honor and a character unsullied by the shadow of a stain. The obsequies were marked by beautiful and appropriate religious ceremonies conducted by the pastor of the Presbyterian church, fallowed by the sublime ritual services of the various fraternal organizations of which the deceased was an honored member. A large concourse of friends and admirers followed the mortal remains to beautiful Oakwood cemetery and when the beloved form was gently lowered to its final resting place each and everyone in the vast throng felt the loss as a personal bereavement.

In closing this sketch it is deemed appropriate to subjoin the following tender poem by William E. Pabor, poet laureate of the Northern Indiana Editorial Association, and read b~ him at its annual session in 1894, commemorative of the "Past Year’ s Dead," of whom Mr. Hossler was one.

They were, but are not; as we meet
We miss them and of each we say:
Alas! a friend has passed away,
Whose smiles, whose words we love to greet.
We bow our heads and bend before
The shrine of sorrow. Love is strong
And life is sweet; but, late or long,
Grief stands and greets us on time's shore;
A shore that stretches out so far
That it in darkened distance dies;
We seem to see where pleasure lies
Across the waves that wash the bar.
We watch the ships that seaward go
Bearing our comrades from our side,
We see them into shadows glide,
The shadows of a common woe.
The hands we grasp are quiet now!
The lips once eloquent are dumb!
The heart, once warm, is cold and numb!
And dust lies on each marble brow.
Each was our comrade, brother, friend;
Each is,-but we can trace the change
That cometh as• men cross the range,
Or whither do their footsteps tend?
Our pleading goes up to the sky:
O! send us down yon starry track
Some word of heavenly knowledge back!
But silence is the sole reply.
Somewhere, dark Calvary's Mount above,
This legion grows with living light
Across the darkness of the night:
Death is the crown of Life through Love.
So let us think of these no more
As dead: who with us stood last year;
They live,-perchance they still hold dear
The friends they left on time's shore,
And amaranth may crown each brow
That we now deck with Asphodil;
And lips with songs celestial swell
That with us sleep in silence now.

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

JOSHUA RING.
When old age approaches it is quite the usual thing for a person to look back over his life to find out whether the world is any better for his having lived. It must be a gloomy retrospect, indeed, when no good can be found upon such an examination. On the contrary what a consolation it must be to anyone to know that his life has been an example of excellence for the guidance of youth and for the congratulation of age. How pleasant it must be, when death approaches, to be able to say truthfully, "I have lived an honest life and have done my whole duty." How many old persons who read these lines can hold up their heads with pride and say without a blush that the world is better for their having lived? The subject of this memorial is one of the number in this county who can truthfully make such a statement. He is respected by everyone who has the pleasure of his friendship and acquaintance. He is a native of the great German empire, his birth occurring in Waldeck in May, 1830. His parents, Joshua and Caroline (Snyder) Ring, were married in that country, where they were also reared and educated. The father was a mi1lwright by trade and followed that business in connection with farming. They were the parents of six children, as fol1ows: Henry, Joshua, Mary, Elizabeth, Philip and one that died in infancy.

Joshua Ring, the subject of this notice, grew to manhood in his native country and secured a good education. He learned the business of farming and has made it his life work. After reaching his majority he worked for several years, carefully saving his earnings, for he had made up his mind to cross the ocean to America. On the 26th of May, 1854, he boarded a sailing vessel and after several weeks spent in tossing on the ocean was landed safe and sound in New York harbor. He came west to Seneca county, Ohio, and found employment on a farm and was thus employed for several years, saving his wages and getting ready to buy a farm for himself. He finally concluded that it is best for man not to live alone, and therefore took unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Sarah Beele, by whom was born one child, Frank, now deceased. He came to Kosciusko county, Indiana, in January, 1862. His wife having died, he married Miss Margaret Homan and by her has two children: Amos, born in 1868, and Ella, born July 3, 1874, both unmarried and living with their parents. Both children have good educations and are progressive and aspiring. When Mr. Ring first came to this country he had only thirty dollars in the world, but since that time he has steadily forged ahead in the race of life. He first bought sixty acres of land in the woods, for which he paid two hundred dollars down and owned four hundred and fifty dollars. He paid the latter by installments as it became due. He cleared the little farm and made the improvements. He kept buying more land and now owns over one hundred and eighteen acres, all of which is as good as there is in the township. Besides this he has saved six thousand dollars. He has reason to be proud of his success in life and of his good name. Everybody holds him in the highest respect. His family are members of the Lutheran church and he contributes liberally to the support of the ministry. He is a Democrat and takes much interest in political affairs. He can say with truth, "I have lived an honest life and have done my whole duty."

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

METCALFE BECK, DECEASED.
One of the early pioneer merchants of Leesburg, Kosciusko county, Indiana, was the late Metcalfe Beck, who was not only a factor of considerable importance in the development of the young city, but who at his death left the impress of his vigorous mentality on the younger members of a community who grew to maturity almost entirely within the years over which his own recollections extended, covering a period of over sixty years. To be brief, he was born in the parish of Thomwaite, in the west riding of Yorkshire, England, March 17, 1812, came to, Kosciusko county, Indiana, about 1835, and here died October 15, 1896, being then eighty-four years, six months and twenty-eight days old.

The parents of Metcalfe Beck were quite well-to-do farming people in England, and when nine years old he came to America with his father, landing in New York city July 11, 1821. In 1825 the family came as far west as Wooster, Ohio, where Metcalfe attended a common school one year, and the three following years studied the German tongue, familiarizing himself sufficiently well in this language as to qualify himself for a salesman to purchasers who could understand German only. At Wooster, Ohio, he carried on the grocery trade far a short time, then sold out, and on June 29, 1835, arrived in Kosciusko county, Indiana. He clerked for James Comstock about a year at Leesburg, it being then the only town in the county, and then became proprietor of the store. He conducted it until 1863, and then sold it to the late Edward Moore, he himself coming to Warsaw.

Metcalfe Beck was first joined in marriage December 22, 1836, by Judge Comstock, to Miss Eunice, eldest daughter of the Judge; but Eunice did not live long, and April 18, 1857, Mr. Beck married his second wife, Catherine Lewis, who died May 22, 1867, at the "Home on the Hillside," at Danville, New York, whither she had been taken for treatment during her last illness. The third marriage of Mr. Beck was to Sarah, daughter of Rev. J. P. Styken. She was born near Trenton, New York, April 10, 1837, of Huguenot descent, and still survives. She most tenderly cared for her husband during his last illness, and, indeed, during the last decade of his life was almost a constant attendant at his bedside, administering comforts to him that excited the admiration and won the warmest congratulations of his many friends.

Mr. Beck had long felt a. strong desire to revisit the scenes of his youth, and in May, 1869, accompanied by his son Hudson (since deceased), he made a trip to his native Yorkshire, as well as to Scotland; later they went to France, where they were greatly impressed with the magnificence of Paris. From there they went to Boston, Massachusetts, en route for home. While abroad they wrote many descriptive letters as to their journeyings, which were published in the Daily Times, of Warsaw, and were eagerly read by their many friends.

To the first marriage of Metcalfe Beck were born: Mary E., now the wife of William Binns; Hudson, a biography of whom is given on another page; and Victoria, widow of Edward Moon. To the last marriage was born one son, who died when but eighteen months old, the love and affection of the father being concentrated upon him to the last, and the tender side of his nature showing at its best when at play with the little boy whose childish sports and caprices he enjoyed without reserve. Gen. Reuben Williams, editor of the Daily Times, in commenting on the character of Mr. Beck, had this to say: "From his boyhood days to the hour of his death I was intimately acquainted with Mr. Beck; indeed, we were more than acquaintances, for a friendship unbroken existed that we look back upon now with pleasure, its intimacy beginning as it did with a great disparity between our ages. His advice and encouragement to us in the earlier struggles consequent upon the founding of the Northern Indianian helped much to sustain us in our efforts; and, knowing him, as we did, quite intimately, we are fully aware that some people are wrong in their estimate of his character.

"He was one of the most methodical men we ever knew. In pioneer days, owing to his knowledge of legal and business affairs, he was often called upon to draw up contracts, make deeds, take mortgages, etc., for neighbors and friends, and when such a thing as a blot on the paper or a word had to be stricken out, with his skillful penmanship he would do this in a way so ornamental that the error would appear to have been done intentionally.

"Exact in business, he demanded, as he invariably paid, the last penny due; yet he was much more liberal when his judgment sanctioned than even his warmest and most intimate friends ever knew. An anecdote will il1ustrate: His whole heart and soul went out, at the very beginning, in favor of saving the Union from dissolution. In the company from this county were fifteen young men from Leesburg and vicinity. When drawn up in line for marching forward to join the regiment he presented each with a five-dollar gold piece, saying that it would serve them for personal expenses."

Mr. Beck came here with the first settlers, who camped for nearly a year in the vicinity of Leesburg, awaiting the day fixed by the government for the entering of land, and was consequently well acquainted with all the peculiar characters both of the whites and Indians that are always to be found an the skirts of civilization, and, having a good memory, could in later years relate a great many incidents that happened in the pioneer days.

Metcalfe Beck was a true Christian. He united with the First Presbyterian church of Warsaw February 20, 1872, and was a conscientious communicant throughout the remainder of his life, but would never accept an official position in the church or elsewhere. When Mr. Beck had reached his twenty-first year Judge Comstock laid his hand on the farmer's head and said; "Stick to your business and let office alone. I have gone through it and it is simply a thing of vain honor."

The last ride Mr. Beck took was to visit the grave of his old boyhood friend, John Hamilton, who had come to Warsaw for his health, or to visit Chicago Hill, as the Hamilton place is now called, but died shortly afterwards. On the last drive, on getting to the font of the declivity, Joe Foote, his driver, helped him step by step up the hill tin he reached the Hamilton grave. There they found that the tombstone had fallen, which greatly grieved Mr. Beck, as it forcibly reminded him of his own approaching end. Mr. F. B . Myers, also an Englishman who had traveled with Mr. Beck, likewise became one of the latter's closest friends . Although, before marriage, Mr. Beck was thought to be somewhat deficient in tenderness, his after life showed that the reverse was the case, as the deep love for his wife and his sons, Edward M. and Hudson, and his many warm and lasting friendships fully proved.

Mr. Beck brought with him from England his grandfather's Bible and with its contents was not at all unfamiliar, and this holy book he bequeathed to his grandson, Albion Beck. Mr. Beck was also in possession of his grandfather's watch, which he brought with him from England, and it is a relic highly valued by the family. He committed to memory the twelfth chapter , of Ecclesiastes, and on one occasion when called upon for a speech repeated Agar's prayer (Proverbs 30:7-10). It was his invariable practice, also, to lead in family prayer. The old buildings of Mr. Beck on the homestead are sti1l left intact, even to the familiar old hunting stove he had used in cooking the game he killed when sporting in the woods.

In March, 1876, Mrs. Beck gathered a class of one hundred children who habitually attended the meetings at the old white Presbyterian church edifice and, there was started the first young people’s meeting, which has since been merged into the Society of Christian Endeavor, each attendant being presented with a medal. She has ever been a hard worker in the cause of Christianity and has attended a number of large assemblages of church-workers, and is still revered by her neighbors far her good works.

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