David H. Lessig was born near Goshen, Elkhart county, Indiana, September 4, 1851. His parents, Joseph S. and Elizabeth Hart Lessig, were both natives of Pennsylvania. They were married in Ohio, coming to Indiana in 1850. Joseph was a hatter by trade and upon settling at Leesburg he opened a store, soon building up a good trade. Although he suffered loss by fire at one time, he still prospered and continued to sell goods from 1856 to the time of his death, September 4, 1868. His wife survived Lim nearly thirty years, her death occurring in February, 1896, at the age of seventy-eight years. Her last years were spent with her two surviving children, Harriet, the older, who is Mrs. W. R. Ellis, of Goshen, and David, at Leesburg. Thomas C., the older son, answered one of the first calls to war and although only a young boy, joined the first company formed in Kosciusko county. After the three-months service he re-enlisted for one year and then for three years, his entire service being under General Williams. After the close of the war Thomas assisted in the store until his father's death, his own death occurring two years later at the age of thirty. David spent his boyhood days to the age of seventeen attending school and helping in his father's store. After the death of his father he left school and one year later he was given a place under General Williams, who was then clerk of the county. He remained in that office two and a half years. During these years he was receiving valuable training in the school of experience. He was next employed by railroad agent Stanley at Leesburg, as bookkeeper in the grain house, and also attended to considerable of the railroad business. He remained in this position two years and then opened a new store at Leesburg, continuing in this business, except for a brief interval, until he was elected county auditor, in 1894. It is interesting to note this man's steady rise. He retained the office of auditor four years, having been elected by the Republican party. David's father had been active in politics and the son became imbued with Republican principles early in life. He was township trustee for Plain township four years and served as postmaster at Leesburg four years during Harrison's administration. He has served his party as delegate to conventions and as central committeeman for a time, and is still active in political work. He gave his personal attention to the routine duties of his office as auditor and was the first auditor of Kosciusko county elected under the new law. That he proved faithful in public trust is shown by his being called to the presidency of the Lake City Bank immediately upon the expiration of his term as auditor, without solicitation on his part, as he was preparing to return to Leesburg, where he had business interests. Since assuming the presidency he has devoted his entire time and energies to the direction of the bank, which, due to his careful management and his knowledge of the business interests of the county, continues to be a substantial institution.

Mr. Lessig is of delicate constitution, having been threatened with hereditary consumption of which his brother died. He is a lover of out-of-door life and especially enjoys camping out near Tippecanoe lake.

At the age of twenty-four years Mr. Lessig was married to Miss Fanny S. Richardson, of Rochester, New York, who died one year later and was buried on the first anniversary of her marriage. She left a daughter, Fanny E., who is now the wife of Earl W. Conrad, of Warsaw. After nine years Mr. Lessig was again married, this time to Mary Eugine Killbury, of Hornel1sville, New York, whom he met while she was visiting relatives in this county. Four children were born to them, Harriet Louise, Joseph S., Donald Killbury and Eleanor Horton. Mrs. Lessig is devoted to her family and is a capable wife and mother. She is a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Lessig is a. member of the Masonic Lodge No. 181, at Leesburg, in which he served as worshipful master for several years and was for some time an active lodge worker. He is also a member of the chapter at Warsaw.

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

JAMES WILLIAM LIGHTFOOT.
It is not often that gentlemen who follow the vocation of farming turn their footsteps to the east, coming from a state noted for its congenial climate and productive soil and where land is supposed to be plentiful and easily obtained. Yet such was the case with those who controlled the early years of our subject; it might be said, however, that it was foreordained by that mysterious providence which leads without our knowledge.

James Wil1iam Lightfoot is a native of the great state of Missouri and was born March 2, 1845. His early life was there spent until the death of his parents, which occurred in 1852, when he was a lad of but seven years. After the said bereavement the elder children determined to make a home in Indiana and that year came to Kosciusko county. It was here that young James Lightfoot was reared, receiving his instruction in the common schools of the district during the winter seasons, and when old enough assisted in the labor incident to the life of a farmer boy. That he was an apt pupil in both school and farm is evidenced by his present pleasant home and surroundings, and the prosperity which attends him in these later years of life can be attributed to that inherent energy and determination which wins success, even under adverse circumstances.

On August 29, 1875, Mr. Lightfoot was married to Miss Hulda Elizabeth Stinson, born March 30, 1851, in this county, a daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Wilson) Stinson. Her father, Jacob Stinson (deceased), was one of the early pioneers of Indiana and a large land holder in Kosciusko county. Mr. and Mrs. Lightfoot are the parents of six children, namely: Garrett B., who married Nora Menzie, is a farmer of this county; Lester H. is at home with his parents; Leon J. died at the age of fifteen: Mary L., John S. and George A. are all at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Lightfoot attend the Methodist Episcopal church, and are held in much esteem by their numerous friends for their excellent qualities. Mr. Lightfoot is a Republican in politics, but gives no time to political matters beyond a proper exercise of his right of franchise. He is an excellent, quiet citizen, and enjoys the respect and confidence of his neighbors and friends, who have known him from early boyhood.

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

JOSEPH SMALLEY.
The family represented by the subject of this memoir moved to this state when the country was a wilderness, filled with wild animals and with Indians about as wild and dangerous as the animals. They were pioneers of the typical class, and went into the woods with Christian fortitude to carve from the wilds homes of comfort and refinement. They located in Noble county, Indiana, in r836, when there were not a dozen families within as many miles. Deer frequented the clearing they made and stole their crops. Bears were often encountered in the cornfield in roasting-ear time, and the domestic animals had to be looked after sharply or they fell a prey to the wolves and foxes. They were required to cut their homes from the dense forests which covered the land, and not a crop could be raised until the timber had been burned and the sunlight had been let in to drink up the surplus moisture of the soil. The subject was born in Fayette county, Ohio, and is the child of David and Margaret (Shobe) Smalley. David was reared on his father's farm in that county, and was taught to know what hard work meant at almost the commencement of his life. He was given such education as the subscription schools of his day afforded, and upon reaching manhood married Miss Margaret Shobe. To this union were born four children, as follows: Melissa, born in r840, who is unmarried and lives with her brother in Noble county; Joseph, subject; Jacob, unmarried, who resides in Noble county and is engaged in farming and stock raising; one that died in infancy. David Smalley's father moved his family from Fayette county, Ohio, to Noble county, Indiana, in r836, and there they entered a large tract of wild land, all covered with heavy timber. Later the father gave each of his children eighty acres of this farm, and they settled on the same and began to clear away the dense brush and timber. It is claimed that at that time there were only six families living in what is now Noble county. At any rate this shows how very new the country was and with what the settlers had to contend. The mills were scores of miles away and the store supplies were mostly gone without. A little later one of the brothers of David caught the gold fever and joined a troop of men and crossed the plains to California. His experiences for many years were the talk of his family and friends and would themselves make an interesting volume. David lived and died in Noble county, and was one of its foremost citizens and old settlers. His life was filled with exciting events connected with the early times. David grew to manhood in Noble county, and received his education at the pioneer schools, attending the old log house, with its slab seats and clapboard roof, its stone chimney and its puncheon floor and greased windows. His son, the subject of this memoir, was given better opportunities, as he came at a later day when the pioneer days were drawing to a close. He was reared on the farm and upon attaining manhood met and married Miss Mary Bybee, November 17, 1871. To this union were born six children, as follows: Harry, born September 14, 1873, who is unmarried and resides at home; Gertude, born February 23, 1878, is, unmarried and lives with her father; Lucinda, born September 25, 1881, is unmarried and lives with her parents; Della, born June 22, 1875, died February 4, 1890; two others died unnamed.

After marriage the subject lived in Noble county for thirteen years, and then moved with his family to Seward township, this county, and here they have since remained. Mr. Smalley is a strict Republican, has served his township as delegate in the county conventions, and is regarded as a citizen of high character and irreproachable life. Mrs. Smalley is a member of the United Brethren church and both are universally respected.

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

GEORGE W. SMITH.
This well-known citizen comes from one of the oldest families in this portion of the state. They settled in this county when the land was covered with heavy timber and when scarcely a clearing had been made in the vast expanse of wooded soil. The family is of German descent. The great-grandfather came from the Fatherland to America before the Revolution and settled in the Keystone state when he was still a single man. Leonard Smith, Sr., was one of his sons. The latter was reared a farmer and upon attaining man's estate married Miss Brifogle, and to them were born Leonard Jr., John, Peter, Jacob, Margaret, Elizabeth and Maria. Leonard, Jr., distinguished himself in his opposition to slavery. He was an eloquent speaker and on all occasions made war upon the institution of slavery. He did not hesitate to disobey the infamous fugitive slave law, which required northern men to assist in capturing runaway slaves and return them to their masters. Instead of doing this, he did as many of the greatest men of that time did - assisted them in their efforts to escape their cruel masters. He was connected with the famous "underground railroad," which was formed in secret to help the slaves escape. He married Miss Mary Heise and came to this county in 1848 or 1849, settling on the farm where John C. Smith, brother of subject, now resides. After a long and eventful life he passed away in 1865. His widow survived until October 16, 1892, when she, too crossed the silent river.

George W. Smith, the son of Leonard and Mary Smith, was born in Franklin township, this county, February 3, 1856, and was reared on his father's farm, receiving in his boyhood a fair education and learning the business of farming in all its details. He finished his schooling in the grades and in the normal schools at Warsaw and was far enough advanced to teach in the district schools, which he did for eight terms with excellent success. He held one of the highest graded certificates of that day. He thought at first that he might permanently follow the profession of teaching, so well did he succeed and so well was he liked, but finally he determined to leave the schoolroom for the farm, and accordingly he bought the land where he now resides, one hundred and twenty acres, the most of which was covered with dense woods. Previous to locating on the farm he was, August 23, 1884, united in marriage with Miss Rosa B. Jones, the daughter of Samuel and Eliza J. (Warren) Jones. She was born June 10, 1865. Her father served in the Union army during the Rebellion, and long after the war, in December, 1896, he was killed by a train at Burket. One child was born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Cora, born August 15, 1885, and died September 13, 1896. Mr. Smith has a fine farm, well cleared and cultivated. He is a Republican and is much interested in the success of his party in county, state and nation. He has served his party as chairman of the township committee, and success usually attends his efforts. In 1884 he was elected trustee of Franklin township by a majority of thirty-eight votes, the township being practically Democratic, thus showing the high esteem in which he was held. It should be borne in mind that the office of trustee is the same to the township as the governor is to the state, he having general charge of the affairs of the township. Upon his re-election Mr., Smith received an increased majority, an indication of the satisfaction felt by his constituents. When he assumed the office the township was heavily in debt, but at the conclusion of his service the indebtedness had been wiped out and a neat sum was in the treasury. He made the effort to and did raise the standard of teaching in the township. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren church in Seward township. They stand high in the community and have the unbounded respect of a11 who have the pleasure of their friendship.

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

GEORGE D. ROSE.
This gentleman is another of the old soldiers whom it is a delight to honor. They are getting fewer and fewer in number and their march is not as quick and full of meaning and fire as it was nearly forty years ago; but it thrills one to see them in their old uniforms, with their tattered flags flying and their forms bent as they hobble along on their canes at the reunions or on Memoria1 day or the Fourth of July. And how interesting it is to hear them tell the story of the dreadful hardships they endured in the hospitals or on the harassing marches, or in the battles or skirmishes, or in the prison hells of the Southern Confederacy. But their time is short now; so all persons should join in honoring them for the sacrifices they made when they were young and full of the love of life, but which were offered free on the altar of their country. George D. Rose. J r., was born at Louisville, Stark county, Ohio, September 14, 1836, and is the son of George D., Sr., and Catherine (Zerby) Rose. The Rose family is of Germanic descent, the grandfather emigrating from his native land to America in 1793, when he was a lad of two years. The family first located in Maryland and there the grandfather grew up and learned the jeweler's trade, his residence and shop being in Georgetown. He lived there until the day of his death. The father of the subject was reared in Maryland and when a young man was put out to learn the shoemaker's trade. It was thought proper then that all boys should know some trade. After he had served his apprenticeship he opened a shop of his own in Fredericksburg, Maryland, and remained there several years. While at Reading, Pennsylvania, he met Miss Catherine Zerby and soon afterward, in 1817, they were married. To this marriage fourteen children were born, five sons and nine daughters: Elizabeth, who became the wife of Solomon Clingerman, and after his death married Thomas Tegarder, who died in April, 1902; she is still living and resides in Wisconsin; Susanna, who became the wife of Henry Horner and is deceased; Henrietta, who wedded Charles Rockhill and is deceased; Jacob, who died when young; Catherine, who became the wife of Richard Hatfield and resides in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska: Josiah, who married Mary A. Flowers, was a soldier in the Union army during the Rebellion, a, private in Company K, Twenty-eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry; he is deceased and his widow lives in Kansas; Mary A., born August 8, 1829, was married in 1845 to William R. Hatfield, now deceased, and she lives in Claypool, this county; Margaret, who became the wife of John McCone and is deceased; Lucinda, who wedded Aaron Flowers and lives in Oklahoma; George D., Jr.; John H., who died at the age of fifteen years; Edward, who died aged eighteen years; Sarah, who married Farris Whitwer, a soldier in the Union army during the Rebellion; Rebecca, who became the wife of William VanHorn and lives in Clearwater, Nebraska. The father of the subject became a prominent man in Stark county, Ohio, whither he moved at an early day. He was an active Whig, and as such was elected sheriff of that county. He was an auctioneer of considerable prominence. He became a member of the Baptist church, and was a man of liberal habits and of much intelligence. In April, 1840, he came with his family to Laporte county, Indiana, and five years later removed to Clay township, this county, and there followed his trade of journeyman shoemaker. He and his wife were worthy people. She died in 1874, at the age of seventy-four years, while he remained until 1880, when he, too, passed away at the age of eighty-five years.

George D. Rose passed through the usual experiences of boys of the early days. He received a meager education, learning to read and write after he became a man. On the 27th of September, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Fourteenth Iowa Infantry, and after a season in the camp of instruction was sent to the scene of conflict down the Mississippi river. His first service was at Fort Henry and after its capture he participated in the battle of Fort Donelson, being engaged for four days. He moved with the army of General Grant up the Tennessee river and encamped near Pittsburg Landing. Here on the 6th and 7th of April, 1862, he fought in the desperate battle of Shiloh. Late in the day he was captured by the enemy, but Mr. Rose, together with a squad of others, gave them "leg bail" and skedaddled back to General Sherman's corps. After this what was left of the regiment was placed in the Union Brigade. He took part in the siege of Corinth and in the battle of that name, and there, on October 3, 1862, he was shot through the right shoulder and laid three days in the mud and rain before he was picked up. He remained in the hospital for four months and was then discharged from the service; he has never fully recovered from the effects of his wound and the exposure.

Previous to the war, while in Jasper county, Iowa, Mr. Rose married Miss Eliza Anderson, the ceremony taking place December 3, 1858. She bore him three children, one girl and two boys: Emma R., who became the wife of George Groat and lives in Trail, Oklahoma; Elmer E., unmarried, was a soldier in the Philippines as a member of Company H, Twenty-third United States Infantry; Thomas S. died when four years old. Mr. Rose lost his wife by death February 11, 1874. Owing to his splendid war record, Mr. Rose was chosen door-keeper of the house of representatives for the sixteenth and seventeenth general assemblies of Iowa, and was made sergeant-at-arms' of the house of the eighteenth general assembly. Succeeding this he was appointed guard of the state prison at Fort Madison for a term of four years, but only served two years and two months, when he resigned. He served as deputy sheriff of this county for five years. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and of the Knights of Pythias. He is an ardent Republican, and one of the most prominent men in this portion of the state.

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

PETER SYLVESTER COOK.
Peter Sylvester Cook, a native of Harrison township, Kosciusko county, Indiana, was born November 20, 1846, and is a son of John W., and Ann (Pittenger) Cook. His early education was obtained in the old subscription and free schools of his township and the high schools of Warsaw. Not being satisfied with the knowledge already obtained, he later entered DePauw University, at Greencastle, Indiana, and later the Dunkard University of Warsaw, where he took a special course in mathematics and later a higher course in a university in Ohio. He was also educated in voice culture. In the meantime he had taught four terms in the district schools of his native county and as an educator gained considerable distinction, being asked many times to continue in this direction. Having from early youth had a great desire for the pulpit, he had long before this determined to enter the ministry, which he did. He studied under the Methodist denomination and was ordained as deacon in 1878 and as elder in 1880. Subsequently he was sent as a missionary to North Dakota, where he was located for six years, having preached in this state eight years previously, but returned to his native state, where he was found preaching the gospel for a number of years. On account of heart trouble he was obliged to abandon the ministry in 1898 and has since that time turned his attention to agriculture. In 1899, not having the proper facilities for educating his children in the vicinity of their home, he purchased seven acres of land on the east limits of the city of Warsaw, where he has a very comfortable home.

In political affairs Mr. Cook cast his first vote for the Prohibition party. Mr. Cook has been twice married, first with Margaret Watson in the fall of 1875. She was a daughter of John and Salome (Heistler) Watson. They were the parents of one child, Ocie Pearl, now the wife of Alonzo Lehman, a resident of Wayne township. Mrs. Cook died in December, 1877, and he was married to Elizabeth Balsley, a daughter of Phillip and Eliza (Elgenfritz) Balsley. They became the parents of three children: Bertha, who died aged five months, Frederick M. and Gerald K. Mr. Cook is a man of wide knowledge, being a great reader, a deep thinker and a good conversationalist, and withal is a pleasing gentleman to meet.

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