This union has been blessed with five children, three of whom are living--Caleb F., a merchant of Packerton, Kosciusko County; Ida M. and Isaac Elgy, both at home. Two sons are deceased--William A. died in Starke County, Ohio, April 18, 1861, in his fifth year, and James Marion died in Washington Township, Kosciusko County, January 20, 1872, aged nearly 10 years. In 1863 Mr. Scott settled on his present farm, then wild land, heavily covered with timber. For six years he had no other team but oxen. His present farm now consists of 155 acres of well-improved land, and his primitive log cabin and sheds have been replaced by one of the best residences in the county, his barns and outbuildings being Correspondingly good. In his political views Mr. Scott affiliates with the republican party. Mrs. Scott was reared in the faith of the German Luthern church, but with her husband joined the United Brethren church in 1861. Mr. Scott takes an active part in church work, and for many years has acted as class leader, and as trustee.

Source: Biographical & Historical Record of Kosciusko County 1887
Posted: March 12, 2000

Isaac Scott, farmer, section 25, Wayne Township, was born in Starke County, Ohio, September 23, 1840. His parents, Caleb and Mary Scott, were natives of New Jersey. His father was of English ancestry, and was among the early settlers of Starke County. Their surviving children are--Abraham, Samuel, William, Isaac, Joseph, Joshua F., and Amasa S. In the summer of 1850 the father immigrated to this country with his family, coming the entire distance by team and wagon, settling in Wayne Township about five miles southeast of Warsaw. He died in September, 1867, his wife surviving him but a few years. His first marriage was with Rebecca Garwood, and they had two children, one surviving-- Sarah, wife of William Nailer, of Ohio. When he settled upon his farm there was hardly a stick amiss, his place being very heavily timbered. Like other pioneers in a new country, he endured many privations and hardships. His first purchase was of 200 acres, for which he paid $4.50 per acre, the payment of which left him without any surplus fund. He was a man of industrious habits and great determination, qualities that secured his success in life. He was a member of the Christian Church, and officiated as deacon at one time. In politics he was formerly a Whig, and in later years became a Republican. In his demise Kosciusko County lost not only an honest pioneer but one of the "corner stones" of Wayne Township. Isaac Scott, the subject of this sketch, was reared to manhood in this country, and was educated in the early district schools. August 15, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Thirteenth Regiment, Indiana Infantry. He participated in the battle of Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Stone River, Chattanooga, and was in the Atlanta Campaign to August 16, 1864, when he received a severe flesh wound, which necessitated his being under the care of nurses. He was first taken to Cumberland Hospital, at Nashville, and subsequently to Jeffersonville, Indiana. September 24 he was sufficiently recovered to leave the hospital, and was discharged from the service. His father’s health at that time being very poor, it necessitated this return to the country. He married Sarah H. Johnson, daughter of John and Esther Johnson, of Stark County Ohio. They have had four children, three of whom survive--Carrie E., Earl P., and Sarah M. Mr. Scott owns 179 acres of well improved land. He and his wife are ardent members of the United Brethren church, of which he is at present steward. He is a member of Kosciusko Post, No. 114, G.A..R., and in politics is a Republican.

Source: Biographical & Historical Records of Kosciusko County 1887
Posted: March 12, 2000

Joseph Scott farmer, section 36, Wayne Township, was born in Stark County, Ohio, May 29, 1842, son of Caleb and Mary Scott, who came to this country in 1850. He was reared in this country, and July 3, 1867, was married to Miss Mattie Mickey, born June 26, 1847, daughter of Isaac and Mary (Bryan) Mickey, both of whom are deceased. They were early settlers of Kosciusko County. Seven children were born to this union, six of whom are living--Cora A., Mary C., Muzetta B., Walter S., Elden D., and Vernice O. Isaac Mickey came from to Fulton, Indiana in 1850, and to this county two years later. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and died in June 1884. He was the father of seven children, whom four survive- Mrs. Scott, Mary A. wife of Samuel C. Funk, Florence B. wife of Harry Ayers, and Hiram G. of Illinois. October 21, 1861, Mr. Scott enlisted in Company F, forty-sixth Indiana Infantry. He was engaged in the battle of New Madrid, Ruddles Point, evacuation of Fort Pillow, Memphis, Tennesse, St. Charles, Arkansas, Ft. Pemberton, Mississippi, Champion Hills, Vicksburg, Jackson, Port Gibson, Mansfield, and others of minor importance. He was taken prisoner at Champion Hills, but was immediately paroled. He was honorably discharged from service, and returned to this county. He owns 110 acres of good land on section 36, where he resides. He is a member of Kosciusko Post, No. 114, G.A.R., and in politics affiliates with the republican party.

Source: Biographical & Historical Record of Kosciusko County 1887
Posted: March 12, 2000

Now that our nation is again at war there is a more general appreciation on the part of the present generation of the struggles and sacrifices made by the boys in Blue of the ‘60s who preserved and perpetuated the union of states. One of the honored soldiers of that conflict between the North and the South was Joseph Scott, for more than half a century a well known farmer and active citizen of Kosciusko County. Mr. Scott spent the last years of his life retired from the heavier duties of his earlier years on his farm in section 36 of Wayne Township, on route No. 6 out of Warsaw. The farm is six miles southeast of Warsaw.

He was born in Stark County, Ohio, sixteen miles east of the city of Canton, May 29, 1842, son of Caleb and Mary (Ivens) Scott. His parents were both natives of New Jersey, his father of English ancestry. Caleb Scott brought his family to Kosciusko County in the summer of 1850, covering the entire distance from Stark County, Ohio, by team and wagon. He located in Wayne Township about five miles southeast of Warsaw, and died there Sept. 1867, survived by his widow several years. Caleb Scott married for his first wife Rebecca Garwood, and they moved from New Jersey to Stark Co., Ohio, and she died on the farm there. Rebecca Garwood Scott was the mother of two daughters, one of whom died young and the other, Sarah, was twice married and is now deceased. Caleb Scott had bought land in Kosciusko County prior to his removal here in 1850. He was a member of the Bible Christian Church, was a Whig and went from that party into the ranks of republicans. By his marriage to Mary Ivens he had thirteen children. Six of the sons were Civil War soldiers, named Caleb S., Isaac and Samuel, who were in Company B of the Thirtieth Indiana Infantry, William, a member of Company I of the Twelfth Indiana Infantry, Joshua F. in Company H of the Seventy-Fourth Indiana, while Joseph was in Company F of the Forty-Sixth Indiana.

It was on October 21, 1861, that Joseph Scott enlisted in Company F of the Indiana Infantry. He saw service practically throughout the period of the war until the fall of 1865, and though constantly exposed to danger was never wounded. He was present in some notable campaigns and battles of the war, including New Madrid, a number of the battles and campaigns along the Mississippi, including Fort Pemberton, one of the approaches to Pittsburg, Champion Hills, the seige of Vicksburg, Jackson, Port Gibson, Mansfield and others. He was taken prisoner at Champion Hills but was immediately paroled, re-entered the army and was four years in service with the exception of about three months.

After the war Mr. Scott returned to his old home in Wayne Township and engaged in farming. On July 3, 1867, he married Miss Martha J. Mickey, who was born in Wood County Ohio, June 26, 1847, daughter of Isaac and Mary (Bryan) Mickey, of a family of early settlers in Kosciusko County. Her father Isaac Mickey, was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, March 7, 1819 and died June 30, 1884. His parents were Isaac and Susana (Brinley) Mickey. Prior to 1734 six brothers named Mickey emigrated from Ireland to the United States, locating in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Isaac Mickey grandfather of Mrs. Scott, married for his first wife Elizabeth Metcalf, and they had three sons: John R., born Jan. 9, 1812, died Oct. 3, 1849; Robert R., born August 22,1814, and died December 8, 1849; and Henry H., born April 13, 1816. Elizabeth Metcalf Mickey died in Pennsylvania June 24, 1816. Isaac Mickey then married for his second wife Susana Brinley, and their family consisted of five sons and three daughters, named Isaac, Joseph, Margaret, Daniel, Hiriam, Mary, Lucinda and Harmon. Isaac Mickey moved with his family to Indiana and located in the southwest corner of Franklin Township in 1846, and on October 3, 1849, both he and his wife died and were buried in the same grave in Nichols cemetery.

Isaac Mickey, father of Mrs. Scott, grew to manhood in Ohio and married Mary Bryan. In 1851 he moved to Kosciusko County, locating near Silver Lake in Lake Township. That locality remained his home until 1864, and in the following year he settled in Wayne Township, where he spent his last years. Of the seven children of the Mickey family three are still living: Martha J.; Mary A., wife of S.C.Funk of Warsaw; and Hiriam G., of Pierceton Indiana.

Mrs. Scott was reared in Kosciusko County and lived at Silver Lake until 1865. After completing her work in the common schools she taught in this county five terms. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Scott located in Harrison Township and lived on a farm near Atwood for seven years. Selling out that place, he came to the present home in 1874 and in this locality they prospered and performed their duties to home, family and community and well earned the wealth of esteem and affection which was showered upon them when on July 3, 1917, they celebrated their fiftieth or golden wedding anniversary in the presence of a host of children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren and loyal friends and Mrs. Scott had the following children: Cora A. widow of William H. Funk; Mary C. wife of Irvin Sheely, of Montana: Musetta B., wife of William F. Hetzler, of New Mexico; Walter S. who married Mattie Bogg and lives in Monroe Township; Elden D., who married Elizabeth Rock and lives at Lake Charles, Louisiana;Freddie, who died in childhood; Vernice O., wife of Sherman Fike of Wayne Township; and Joseph R., who married Gusta M. Harley and lives on the old homestead farm. Mr. and Mrs. Scott have eighteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Mrs. Scott is a devout member of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Scott was long affiliated with Kosciusko Post No. 14 of the Grand Army of the Republic, and Mrs. Scott is a member of the Woman’s Relief Corps. In politics he simply voted the republican ticket without seeking any of the honors of office. Mr. Scott died July 3, 1918.

Source: "History of Kosciusko County" 1919
Posted: March 12, 2000

Stephen and Christiana were married in Woodstock 15 June, 1817, and appear to have moved to Ohio after 1836 with 7 children; at least one more was born in Ohio after 1840. The Kitsons then moved to Kosc. Co. where Margaret was married late in 1841. Other siblings were Harriet, married to James Cordill; Elizabeth married to Zedikiah Tumbleson; Mary S. married to John H. Faulk; Charlotte H., Stephen, William, and possibly John E.A.

Abraham and Margaret owned land in the very south-eastern corner of Monroe township, bordering on Cleveland township in Whitley Co. Here they raised 7 known children. Elizabeth was born 30 Mar.1843, and married Hiram F. Biddle 1865. Her siblings were Christiana b. 1847, Harriet or Hannah b. 1852, Mathias b. 1854, Charlotte b. 1856, Sarah Ann b. 1858 married Jacob B. Carns, and Mary Alice b. 1860. Abraham Smale died 26 Aug. 1890 at 78 yrs, and Margaret died 21 May, 1904 at age 84 yrs. Both are buried in Collamer Cemetery just over the Kosc. Co. border in Whitley Co.

Submitted by: Cynthia Nelson
4/23/98

ENOCH JOHN SMITH, a farmer of Washington Township, was born in Middletown, Frederick County, Virginia, July 7, 1822. When he was twelve years of age his parents moved to Maryland, and soon after to Fairfield County, Ohio, where he lived until coming of age. In 1843 he came to Indiana, and settled in Plain Township, Kosciusko County, where he engaged in farming until 1873, when he located on the farm where he now lives. Mr. Smith was married in 1843 to Susan Luttrell, daughter of John and Betsey Luttrell. She died in 1868, leaving two children - William and Otis, both in Nodaway County, Missouri. In 1870 he married Mrs. Mary Guy. In politics Mr. Smith is a Republican. His parents, William and Sarah (Morris) Smith, were natives of Virginia, his father of German and his mother of German and Irish descent. They came to Kosciusko County in 1844, and located in Plain Township. The mother died in, 1876, and the father in 1884.

Source: History of Kosciusko County, 1919
Submitted: September 17, 2000

JOHN KEITH SMITH, an active and enterprising agriculturist of Washington Township, is a native of the same township, the date of his birth being September 10, 1854. His parents, John S. and Rose Ann (Keith) Smith, were among the early pioneers of Washington Township, coming here in the year 1838. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom our subject was the third son. His youth was spent on the home farm, where he was reared to agricultural pursuits, receiving his education in the district schools. In 1876 he went to Iowa, where he followed farming in Wayne and Montgomery counties, remaining in that State till the spring of 1878, when he returned to Kosciusko County, Indiana. September 28, 1880, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Sheely, she being a daughter of William and Ellen (Van Ness) Sheely, of Wayne Township, Kosciusko County. Since his marriage Mr. Smith has farmed the homestead farm in Washington Township for his mother, his father being deceased, this being the same land on which his parents located on coming to the township in 1838. In politics Mr. Smith casts his suffrage with the Democratic party. He is a member of the Odd Fellows' order, and belongs to Pierceton lodge, No. 257, I.O.O.F.

Source: "History of Kosciusko County", 1919
Submitted: September 17, 2000

JOHN SLEEPER SMITH, deceased, who was one of the old and honored pioneers of Kosciusko County, was born near Hagerstown, Maryland, in 1808, and was of German ancestry. He remained in his native county until nine years of age, when he was taken by his parents to Bedford County, Pennsylvania, and there he was reared to the avocation of a farmer. At the age of eighteen years he began to do for himself, and to care for his parents. He was married in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, March 9, 1830, to Miss Rose Ann Keith, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and of German and Irish parentage. She is a sister of Lewis Keith, who was the original owner of the land on which Pierceton is situated. Of the eleven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, eight still survive - Mrs. Mary McLoughan, Missouri; Mrs. Marsha Workman of Sumner County, Kansas. Mrs. Lucy Baker of Mercer County, Missouri. Mrs.Catherine Ringer, of Kosciusko County, Indiana; Daniel J., a farmer of Wayne County, Iowa; Mrs. Rose Ann Perry of Pierceton; John K., of Washington township, and Godfrey J., also living in Washington township. Lewis Henry died March 12, 1835, aged fourteen months; Mrs. Hannah Elder died May 10, 1860, aged twenty-eight years and Mrs. Rachel Baker died at the age of twenty years, July 7, 1866. In 1838 Mr. Smith came with his young family to Kosciusko County, Indiana, and settled in an unbroken wilderness in Washington township, and there they experienced many of the hardships and privations incident to life in a new country. lndians were the principal inhabitants, few white people having settled in the county at that time. Hannah Warsing, Margaret and Nancy Rhodes and Lewis Elder came with the Smith family from Pennsylvania, all making the journey partly on foot and partly by team, being on the way for several weeks. After crossing the Ohio line they had to cut their own road and construct bridges to cross streams. On coming to Washington township Mr. Smith entered land from the Government, which he improved and cultivated, the land being still owned by his heirs. His death occurred in Oct., 1869, in his sixty-fourth year. In his religious views he was a Presbyterian, and was one of first members of the church at Pierceton. His widow is still a member of the same church. She still makes her home on the old homestead in Washington Township, being now seventy-seven years old.

Source: "History of Kosicusko County"
Date Posted: January 29, 2001

SAMUEL SNOKE, one of the prosperous and enterprising farmers of Clay Township, is a native of Indiana, born in Wabash County in the year 1842, a son of Jacob and Hetty (Shadow) Snoke. When but nineteen years of age he enlisted in the service of his country in Company I, Twelfth Indiana Infantry, and served throughout the entire campaign. He participated in twenty-two engagements, including the battles of Mission Ridge, Atlanta, Dalton, Buzzard Roost and Savannah. He was taken prisoner at Richmond, Kentucky, but was soon after paroled. After the close of the war he returned home somewhat shattered in health. He was united in marriage June 6, 1867, to Miss Ann E. Hinkson, of Clay Township, whose parents, Thomas and Ellinor (Frazee) Hinkson, came from Rush County, Indiana. To Mr. and Mrs. Snoke have been born two children Jennie and James W., both of whom are natives of Kosciusko County, Indiana. After his marriage Mr. Snoke settled on the farm which is now owned by Newton Lucas, at that time the property of our subject. In 1870 he purchased a part of his present farm, which was also a part of his wife's inheritance. Mr. Snoke came to Indiana without capital, but by persevering industry and good management he has been prosperous in his agricultural pursuits, and is now classed among the wealthy and influential citizens of his township. Since coming to Clay Township he has served a number of terms as school director, and also held the office of supervisor. In his political views he is a Republican, but his family are principally Democratic. Christian Snoke, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a soldier in the war of 1812, enlisting in a Pennsylvania regiment. He was a resident of that State till his death.

Source: "History of Kosciusko County", 1919
Submitted: September 17, 2000

HENRY M. STONER, lumber and stock dealer, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, June 29, 1841. In 1846 the family removed to Franklin Township, thence to Butler Township, De Kalb County, where he lived until he was twenty years of age. In September, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Thirtieth Indiana Infantry, with Cyrus Hawley as Captain. After the battle of Stone River Captain Hawley resigned, and W. W. Griswold became Captain, and in a few months was promoted to Colonel of the One Hundred and Fifty-second Indiana. Mr. Stoner participated in the battles of Shiloh, Stone River and Chickamauga. During this last battle he was wounded in the left shoulder. The Color Sergeant was wounded, and Mr. Stoner, being Sergeant, took the colors, and on Sunday, about 1 o'clock, he received his wound, the ball striking him in his left upper arm near the shoulder, passing the scapula and lodging near the spine on the left side. He went to the hospital at Chattanooga, then to Nashville, where he remained two months, when he received a thirty days' furlough. He returned to his company and was ordered to report at the hospital. When he returned to his regiment he found that it had veteranized, but the doctor would not accept him, and wished him to go into the invalid service; but, instead, he asked for a discharge. He was discharged December 31, 1863, and returned to De Kalb County, and for four months went to public schools. In 1864 he was elected county surveyor. Resigning in 1865, he went to Cedarville, Allen County, where he engaged in the milling business, following it until 1876, not with very flattering success. He sold out and came to Syracuse, where he has been engaged in the hard-wood lumber business, with reasonable success. He was married October 17,1871, to Miss Mary E. Knorr, who was born in Pennsylvania June 6, 1848. In 1868 she came to Allen County, this State, with her parents, Charles and Matilda (Wagner) Knorr. Her father was born in Pennsylvania, and removed to Syracuse in 1875. He is a physiian. Her mother was born in Berks County, Pennsylvania. They are of German ancestry. Mr. Stoner's father, John Stoner, was born in York, Pennsylvania, October 30, 1796, and died August 12, 1881, at the home of his daughter in Cedarville. His mother was also born in Pennsylvania, in 1800, and died August 12, 1856, at her home in Butler Township, De Kalb County. Mr. Stoner does not remember much about his grandparents. His wife's grandmother, Knorr, died in Kansas in 1881, aged eighty years. Mr. and Mrs. Stoner have two children - Daisy M., born May 29, 1875, and Winifred, born February 5, 1878. Before he could vote Mr. Stoner was a radical Free-soiler, but since that time be has voted the Republican ticket. He served as justice of the peace four years. He is commander of Lakeview Post, No. 246; has held that position since its organization. Mr. Stoner relates an incident that occurred during his army life, in the first day's fight at Chickamauga, that may be of interest to the surviving members of the Thirtieth Indiana. He was bearing the colors on that day. The regiment was in Colonel J. B. Dodge's Brigade, Johnson's division, which occupied the left center of General Thomas' corps. The brigade, after firing a few rounds, made a charge, driving the rebels about a mile. Their battalion was not more numerous than a skirmish line when they readied their advanced position. They withdrew a short distance, skirmishing and firing continuing more or less brisk until dusk, when the rebels, who had worked around to the right rear, gave them a few sharp and quick volleys of musketry, and raising a yell, assaulted them. Our troops supposed, until the charge was made, that a relief was coming to take their places. They soon heard the rebels calling upon the Union troops to surrender. Mr. Stoner now realized the situation, and the danger of the capture of the colors. He shouted to the Thirtieth Indiana to "rally round the colors." Thirteen men answered the call, forming themselves around the colors with fixed bayonets. They retreated cautiously, so as to avoid falling in with any considerable number of rebels. They soon fell in with Colonel Buckner, of the Seventy-ninth Illinois, who had about the same number of men that he had. Colonel Buckner was very much disheartened at the condition of things. They put their forces together and continued their retreat, but soon came upon the right wing of the Eighty-ninth Illinois, which formed the right of General Willich's Brigade. Here this squad of the Thirtieth Indiana rested, having brought away their colors in safety.

Source: Biographical & Historical Record of Kosciusko CO., IN.; Lewis Publish Co., 1887
Dated: August 28, 2000

The Summy Pioneers of Kosciusko County.

Frederick Summy Sr. was born in Germany, January 30, 1773. When a small boy, he with his three brothers, emigrated to the United States.

Frederick first settled in Ohio and subsequently moved to Union County, Indiana. There he married Rachael Plummer. To this union was born nine children: Sophia, Hiram, Isham, Frederick Jr., John Katie, Eli W., Rebecca and Anthony. In 1829, he, with his family, left Union County and settled on the south side of Elkhart County. Four of his sons then came to Kosciusko County.

Frederick Summy Sr. died in 1849 and his wife Rachael died in 1867. Both are buried in Clunette Cemetery.

Frederick Summy Jr.'s wedding was the first recorded marriage in the County. Mr. married Adeline Trimble in the year 1834. This was the greatest social event to take place here up to that date. More than 100 guests were present at this historical event.

Frederick Summy and his bride bought land and built a house one-half mile north of what is now Clunette. They had seven children. Their eldest daughter, Angeline, was the first white child born in this community. She was born in 1835, and died in 1930, buried in Leesburg Cemetery. She married Isaac Powell on Oct. 28, 1854.

Eli W. Summy, son the Frederick Sr., opened a general store in Galveston (now Clunette) in 1846. Later he moved to Leesburg and ran a general store there. He was a charter member of the Leesburg Masonic Lodge. He married Milly Stephenson on June 24, 1852.

Isham Summy laid out the town of Palestine in 1847 and for many years, it prospered, and Isham had visions of it being a city some day. He is buried in the old Palestine Cemetery.

John Summy, son of Frederick Sr., was born in 1813 and died in 1857. John married Malinda Boner, who was born in 1811 and died in 1904. John and Malinda had four children: Lanson, William H., Eli (listed as Allen P. in the 1850 census) and Rebecca. John and Malinda are buried in the Clunette Cemetery.

John and Malinda bought a section of land from the government in the year 1836, four miles west of what is now Leesburg, and built a log cabin in the wilderness. At the time there was an Indian trading post and a grist mill at Monoquet on the Tippecanoe River. They went by horse and wagon, taking corn and wheat to be ground to flour and corn meal. To do their trading at the Trading Post, it was a distance of eight miles, and there were many Indians living along the way. However, they were friendly Indians. The road leading west out of Leesburg is named the Summy Road after the Summy pioneers.

John and Malinda's son, Lanson, married Mary Lightfoot, and they had five children: Melvin, Charles, John, Malinda and William E.

William E. married Mary Francis Duke, known as Mame, and they had two daughters, Leone May and Lois Edith. William was a school teacher, as was Leone prior to her marriage to Merl Scoles. Merl's folks, Ed and Edith Scoles, were also long-time Leesburg residents, who made their livelihood by farming and raising Percheron horses.

Merl was the owner of Warsaw Building Supply for many years until his retirement in the late 1950s. Merl and Leone had three children: Dorothy, Robert and William. I am William's daughter. I am proud to say I am a fourth generation school teacher! (much of the above narration was from a history written by my grandmother's cousin, Byrd Summy Irvin.)

Submitted by: Jaira Hill
Silverton, OR
5/16/98

William Strieby, farmer, resides on section 29, Turkey Creek Township, where he owns 240 acres of land. He was born in Pennsylvania, March 23, 1811, and the following June his parents moved to Lawrence Township,Tuscarawas Co. Ohio, where he resided until his marriage.

He was the son of John and Maria (Rishel) Strieby, both being born, reared and married in Pennsylvania. The father died in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, in 1841, aged about sixty-eight years. The mother died in 1839, aged sixty-five years. William never saw his grandparents: they died before his remembrance. They are supposed to have settled in Pennsylvania.

Mr. Strieby was married December 28, 1830, in Tuscarawas County, to Elizabeth Stiffler, who was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, March 17, 1814, and when three weeks old her parents removed to Stark County, Ohio, settling in Pike Township, where she was reared and educated. Mr. and Mrs. Strieby live in Tuscarawas County until their three oldest were born---Henry, Anna and Andrew. The two sons are living in Turkey Creek Township. Anna died at the age of twenty-four years. She married John Keiser, and at her death left one child. The family came to this county in July, 1836. Mr. Strieby first bought eighty acres of land in Van Buren Township, and lived there until the following April, when he sold and purchased the 160 acres where he now lives. He has since added many acres to his original purchase. When they removed to this county, they only came with two yoke of oxen and covered wagon, two milk cows, two yearling heifers, and enough money to pay for his first purchase. He bought one barrel of salt for which he paid $10. He built a round-log cabin, which burned down soon after. He bought his present farm of his father, going to Ohio, and returning on foot, to make his purchase. While he was gone, a boy named Christopher Saunders, who came to the county with them, hewed the logs for a new house. This boy lived with them seven years, then married.

Their neighbors were scarce, and venison was plenty. He bought his first corn of Oliver Wright, for which he paid 60 cents per bushel. For the next he paid 75 cents. He used to hunt dear and sell it for 3 cents a pound. His family once lived four days on potatoes, venison and pumpkins. Mrs. Strieby was of great assistance to her husband in those pioneer times. She helped to clear many an acre of land, cutting the saplings and smaller trees, piling the brush and burning it, while her husband cut the larger trees. In this way they have worked until they have acquired a competence for themselves and their children. When her son Andrew was a babe, Mrs. Strieby was out in the clearing, and feeling very poorly. She took up an old rotten sapling and found a quart of wild peas. She and her son Henry gathered them in a tin pan and carried them to the house. Mrs. Strieby cooked them, and says she never relished a meal better than she did those boiled peas. She frequently went with her husband to hunt deer. One evening after they had retired for the night, they arose at her suggestion and went out and caught two coons. During the first and second summers they all had the fever and ague. In the fall of 1837 they became greatly discouraged, and concluded to sell their cows and return to Ohio. Mr. Strieby went to the prairie to find a purchaser, and saw a man who promised to come in a day or two and buy them. During his absence Mrs. Strieby meditated upon the subject, and finally concluded that they had better remain where they were. She told her husband that they would not sell their cows. He demurred somewhat, but his wife triumphed, and they did not make the change.

Mrs. Strieby spun and wove woolen yarn and flax, and for many years they made their own clothing. They used to dig ginseng and lady-slipper roots when not overcrowded with work, as it was always a cash article. One day Mrs. Strieby and her hired girl went out and dug lady-slipper roots, which they sold to Sam. Chipman for $46. The first wheat Mr. Streiby sold in this county he hauled with an ox team to Michigan City in 1840, and sold for 62-1/2 cents a bushel. The next year he took a load of wheat, and with it 260 pounds of butter, which he sold for 12-1/2cents a pound. Mrs. Strieby says she has walked to Milford, a distance of eighty miles, and carried from twenty-five to thirty-five pounds of butter and sold it for supplies.

The following children of Mr. and Mrs. Strieby have been born in this county--William, Joel, Elizabeth, John, Conrad, Sarah, Alfred, Minerva and Barbara. William died in January, 1879: was married and the father of six children. He was a soldier in the late war, enlisting in 1861, and was one of the last ones to come home. His exposures in the army caused the disease with which he died. Sarah married George Gonterman and died leaving seven children. Mrs. Strieby's father, Conrad Stiffler, was born in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania in 1792, and died in this county in 1872, past eighty years of age. Her mother, Rachel (Fetters) Stiffler, was also born in Huntingdon County, in 1789, and also died in this county. They were the parents of thirteen children, of whom, Mrs. Strieby, was the third. Five of them are now living--Daniel and Anna live in this county; Jacob lives in Michigan; Catherine lives in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Strieby have fifty-six grandchildren and thirty-two great-grandchildren. They celebrated their golden wedding the 28th day of December, 1880. It was one of the coldest days of the season. There were seventy-four persons present, old and young, including several of their neighbors. Her grandfather, Jacob Stiffler and her grandmother, Elizabeth (Nipps) Stiffler, died in Pennsylvania. Her maternal grandfather, George Fetters and her grandmother, Elizabeth (Switzey) Fetters, died in Pike Township, Stark County, Ohio. Mr. Strieby has given his children over $11,000 besides their outfits when they were married.

Source: "The Biographical Historical Record of Kosciusko Co. IN"
Submitted by: Nancy Brannam