NICHOLAS LOW, son of Jesse and Elizabeth Low, is a native of York County, Penn.; his parents were natives of the same State, and the father died there; the mother in Maryland. Nicholas Low was educated at the common schools, and remained with this mother until the age of sixteen; he served an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade; worked at that for some time, then came to Ohio and spent about a year there, then returned to Maryland, and was married in New Market, Baltimore County, to Elizabeth A. Hendricks, a native of Maryland; her parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Hendricks, natives respectively of
Pennsylvania and Baltimore, Md., both died in Springfield, Ohio. Mr. Low came to Indiana in 1836, and lived two months in Eden Township, then moved to this township, where he built a log cabin, but has since improved and cleared the land and built a good, large residence, with the customary outbuildings; he owned 320 acres of Government land. Mr. Low is one of the oldest pioneers of the county, and an excellent farmer. They have had nine children - Sarah A. (deceased), Jospeh (deceased), Mary J., (living in this township), Thomas H. (of this township), John W. (of Eden Township), Elizabeth, Daniel
and Juliann (deceased), and Martha E. (of this township). The four living are married. Mrs. Low is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Clearspring Township
JAMES H. MC LAUGHLIN came to this State in 1849, and bought forty acres of land in this township in partnership with an uncle, who also rendered him some assistance when he invested in his present farm of eighty acres. His father, John McLaughlin, came to this country from Ireland when eight years old. His mother was born in Lancaster County, Penn., where they were living when James H. was born; they subsequently moved to this township in 1844 or 1845, and were living here at the time of their deaths. The subject was married in La Grange February 10, 1853, to Miss Rebecca Row. Her parents, Samuel and
Rebecca Row, natives of Pennsylvania, came from Wayne County, Ohio, to La Grange in 1848. Her father died in Clay Township, but her mother still survives. Mrs. McLaughlin was born in Landcaster County, Penn. In 1853, Mr. McLaughlin went to California and spent three years there in mining; returned, and in 1858, established himself on this present farm, which is up to the average in improvements and appearance.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Clearspring Township
ERASTUS NELSON, son of Eli and Isabella Nelson, was born April 19, 1819, in Seneca County, N.Y., where his parents both died. They were natives, respectively, of Maryland and Massachusetts. The subject's boyhood days were spent in New York, in attending schoold and laboring on a farm. He came to this township in 1847, and located on 80 acres of land. Mr. Nelson was very unfavorably impressed with Indiana at first, and after clearing one acre, and building a log-cabin, he sold his land and bought 80 acres where he is now living. At that time the nearest market place was Fort Wayne, and wheat was worth
only 40 cents a bushel. There being more profit in raising peppermint than anything else, Mr. Nelson engaged in that to some extent, finding a market for his crops at Constantine, Mich. He now owns one of the best farms in the township. Mr. Nelson was married in New York, December 26, 1844, to Miss Arvilla Puffer, native of Oswego, N.Y., and daughter of Ira and Sarah D. Puffer. The former died in New York, the latter in Michigan. They are parents of six children - Lovina, at ligonier; Angeline, Isabella, and Francis, living in this township; all are married; Charles F. and Mary L., deceased. Mr.
Nelson has served eight years as Trustee, and is a member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge, 159, Star of the West.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Clearspring Township
FRANCIS NELSON and his wife were both born in this township, and were united in marriage in Wolcottville, on the 18th day of April, 1878. She was Almira J. Musser, the daughter of Daniel and Rebecca Musser. They have an only child - Ethel L. - and are living on a farm in this township, of 80 excellently improved acres of land, with good buildings to correspond. Erastus and Arvilla Nelson, parents of the subject, were early settlers of this county. Mrs. Nelson's parents were also among the pioneers of La Grange County, and are yet residents of this township. They came here from Pennsylvania, their native
State. The subject in his youth taught five terms of school.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Clearspring Township
BURTON PECK, son of John and Sarah (Gilbert) Peck, is a native of Fairfield, Conn., born 1813. His parents were also natives of Connecticut, and moved to New York, where the father died at Phelps. Mrs. Peck died in Indiana. The subject spent his boyhood in New York, and received his schooling at Phelps and Royalton, Niagara County. He started a blacksmith shop when twenty years of age, having served an apprenticeship of three years at that trade; he followed this business eight years. In 1845, Mr. Peck came to this township, settled on 40 acres of land, where he built a shop and log house, and lived there
six or seven years, then removed to this present farm of 140 acres; it originally was composed of 80 acres. The improvements consist of a fine orchard of six acres, containing 250 trees, commodious brick house, etc. He was married, December 7, 1843, in Junius, Seneca County, N.Y., to Miss Sarah Hastings, a native of that State. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church. They have five children living, and one, Esther, deceased. John lives in Eden Township; Charles at home; Olive Pancake, a resident of Noble County; Emily Showalter living in Elkhart County, and George in this township. All are married
except Charles. Mr. Peck is an enterprising and intelligent farmer, possessing sterlig attributes, and ranking as one of the most valued citizens.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Clearspring Township
HAWLEY PECK, a native of Newton, Conn., entered his first 80 acres of land here in 1836, then came and purchased 160 acres two years later, and in February, 1844, trasnferred his family and worldly possessions to this township, from New York, made the necessary improvements on his land, and moved thereon. He purchased another 160 acres adjoining, and sold his government land. His farm has numerous fine buildings, three large orchards, etc. The staple product of his early farming was peppermint, and his was the first raised in the State of Indiana. He found a profitable market for his commodity at Ontario, N.Y.,
to which place he went, via Fort Wayne, ten different times; he also raised live-stock quite extensively. Mr. Peck is well and favorably known in his vicinity. The county fair grounds were purchased by him. In January, 1863, he was elected President of an Agricultural Society, and four years later left itin a flourishing condition;he has been three times a representative of the Agricultural Society of Indianapolis, and for three years was Justice of the Peace. Mr. Peck is a Universalist. His wife died in 1873, July 10; she was Miss Harriet Burnett, daughter of Archibald and Spiddy Burnett, and was a native
of New York, where she was married to Mr. Peck January 1, 1834. To their union were born twelve children, viz.: Louisa, Fayette, Jarvis, Luanna, Sarah A. (deceased), Leonard (died December 20, 1881), Archibald B. (deceased), Julia A., Harrison N., Spiddy, Jane and Ella I. Mr. Peck gave to his two oldest sons 80 acres of land apiece, and to his third son $2,000 in real estate. Mr. Peck's parents, John and Sarah Peck, were natives of Connecticut. The former was a blacksmith and farmer, and died in New York. Sarah PEck died when at the home of the subject in this township.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Clearspring Township
JAMES PIXLEY is the son of Elijah and Lucretia Pixley, natives of Ohio and Kentucky, who located in the southern part of Indiana, and bought 80 acres of land in Union County, where the subject was born February 3, 1831. In 1835, they sold that property and came to this township and entered 320 acres of land. Upon arriving here they lived in a tent about a month, preparatory to building the customary log cabin of the early days, when beds were made by poles laid crosswise on another pole, passed through holes bored in the walls of the cabin. Mrs. Pixley died April 25, 1852, and Elijah Pixley July 24, 1873. After
attaining his majority, the subject worked by the month or day, until twenty-six years old, when he visited California. In 1864, he enlisted inthe Seveth California Volunteer Infantry, Company D, for the remainder of the war. After his discharge, in May 1866, he returned to the home of his parents, and began his career as a farmer on 40 acres of land, previously purchased in this township - he now owns 120 acres of the old homestead farm. He was married in this county August 30, 1868, to Miss Martha J. McDonald, a native of Missouri, and daughter of John W. and Hannah McDonald, the latter living with the subject's
family. They have four children - Flora I., Elijah, Alma E. and William E. Mrs. Pixley is a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and Mr. Pixley of the I.O.O.F.'s and Masonic Lodge, 152.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Clearspring Township
JOHN PRICE, son of William H. and Rachel Price, was born in this township May 22, 1851. William Price was born in Washington County, Md., and came to Indiana in 1847, locating on 80 acres of land in this township; he is yet living and is sixty-five years old. Mrs. Price was born in Licking County, Ohio, and died in Kansas. The subject is living on the farm above mentioned, and his life has been closely identified with this township. He was married here December 25, 1873, to Miss Emeline Barnes, a daughter of Harley and Julia A. Barnes, who came to Indiana and located on a farm in Clearspring Township. She is a
native of New York. Their dwelling house, which is a fine residence, was built by the subject's father, and the farm presents a thrifty and improved appearance. Mr. and Mrs. Price have one child living, Lewis, and two, Dora and Lena, deceased. Mr. Price has served as Assessor three years, and in 1880 was elected Trustee, in which capacity he is now serving.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Clearspring Township
JULIUS O. SESLINE is a native of Switzerland. His parents, Julius and Susannah Sesline, came to America in 1847, and made their home in Stark County, Ohio. His father died in Alliance, Ohio, and his mother in Canton. Julius went to school in Canton, and, in the spring of 1864, enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Sixty-second Ohio National Guards, and after receiving his discharge December 15, 1864, re-enlisted the same year in the Third Ohio Independent Battery. He was in battle when the attempt was made by Gen. Hood's army to recapture Nashville; also in the engagement at Fort Donelson; at one time he was detached
from his battery and set to fighting guerillas, and while in service met with numerous exciting incidents and adventures. He was discharged July 15, 1865, and was engaged in railroading some time afterward; next was employed as clerk in a hotel about a year; then with the sum of 25 cents came to Warsaw, Ind., and was with Perry & Burrill one year, learning the baker's trade; subsequently was employed eight months as baker by a firm in Fort Wayne. He next appeared at Kendallville; then removed to the Haw Patch. He married a Miss Jones December 25, 1873; she was the daughter of Aquila Jones, and is a member of the Lutheran
Church. They have three children - Willis O., John N. and Clyde. Mr. Sesline has a farm of 140 acres, and is a Mason in Lodge No. 76, at La Grange.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Clearspring Township
WILLIAM SIGLER is a native of Washington County, Md., and when quite young went with his parents, John and Catharine Sigler, natives also of Maryland, to Ashland County, Ohio, where they died. He received a common-school education, principally in Ohio, and lived with his parents until December 29, 1841, when he was married to Miss Lydia Himes, a native of Pennsylvania. After farming twelve years in Ohio, he came to this township and settled on 120 acres of land, thirty of which were improved and adorned with two log cabins and one small log stable. Mr. Sigler has made the usual improvements on his farm, and increased it to
270 1/2 acres. Mrs. Sigler's parents, Paul and Susan Himes, natives of Pennsylvania,came to Indiana in 1857, and located on a farm in Johnson Township, where Mr. Himes died. Mrs. Himes died in this township. Mr. and Mrs. Sigler are members of the Lutheran Church, and are parents of eleven children, as follows: Mary and John M., living in Wisconsin; Amanda E., in this township; Susan C., at home; Samuel L., of Wisconsin; Matilda A., this township; Solomon F., this township; Harriet J., at home; Amelia S., of Eden Township; William H., deceased, and Paul E., in this township. All excepting Susan and Harriet are married.
Mr. Sigler served as Constable one year in Ohio, and three years in this township.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Clearspring Township
GEORGE B. ULMER, born December 15, 1838, was the first while child born in Allen Township, and his parents, George T. and Julia A. Ulmer, were among the first white settlers of this township. George B. Ulmer started on an expedition to Pike's Peak, at the age of nineteen, with a company of seven. Mr. Ulmer, while en route home, reaped considerable profit from transactions in live stock. In Illinois he stopped nine months, working on a farm at $18 per month; then went up to the pineries of Michigan, where he was variously employed for eight years, drawing logs, etc., and two years was foreman on the roads there.
He also furnished a number of army horses. Returning to this county, he farmed for five years at English Prairie, in partnership with a brother-in-law; then worked for Hawley Peck for some time at $26 per month. After his marriage with Melinda J. Nelson, November 8, 1866, he rented property a number of years, then bought eighty acres, that now is one of the standard farms of Clearspring Township. His wife died on the 10th of June, 1872; she left three children - Julia N., Della S. and Joseph T. The present Mrs. Ulmer has two children - Maynard C. and Carl L. She was married to Mr. Ulmer March 6, 1873, and is an
intelligent and accomplished lady, having been a school teacher for fourteen years, and has also taught music. Her father, Stephen Cowley, blacksmith and farmer, is yet living in this county. Her mother, Catharine Cowley, died in this county, where they came in 1840, from New YOrk, where their daughter, now Mary Ulmer, was born.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Clearspring Township
HENRY J. ULMER, son of George T. and Julia A. Ulmer, was born in Summit County, Ohio, December 31, 1829. His parents came to Indiana in November, 1836, and located on eighty acres of Government land in Allen Township. George Ulmer planted the first orchard and built the first house in Allen Township. He is a native of Maine, and is now living in Kansas at the age of seventy-four or seventy-five. His wife, who was a native of Connecticut, died in this county. Henry Ulmer lived on his father's farm until twenty-five years of age, when he was married to Miss Sarah W. Cowley, duaghter of Stephen M. and Catharine
Cowley, December 7, 1854. The ensuing year, Mr. Ulmer was engaged in running a saw-mill i this county, then removed to Pretty Prairie, lived on rented property one and a half years, then removed to Lima and resided about seven years. During four years of this time Mr. Ulmer carried the mails from Lima to Albion once a week and devoted the remaining time to farming, and for eleven seasons ran a threshing machine with his father; he purchased eighty acres of property adjoining Lima. He next went to Ligonier, and worked in his father's grist-mill one and a half years, farmed two years, then, with his father and another
partner, engaged in the mercantile business. In 1870, they were burned out, with considerable loss, and our subject then came to his present farm of eighty acres, where he has been quite successful. His wife, who was a native of New York and a member of the Free-Will Baptists, died in October, 1879. There are three children - Goerge C., Kittie A. and Bertha.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Clearspring Township
JOHN A. WEMPLE was born in New York August 14, 1818, and is a son of Abraham and Sophia Wemple, natives of New York, in which State they died. Abraham Wemple, in early life, followed carpentering, but subsequently changed to farming, a portion of the work being alloted to his son, our subject, until he was married, Jluy 31, 1840, to Miss Elizabeth Strang, a native of New York, where her mother, Eleanor Strang, died. Her father, John Strang, removed to this county, where he died in Perry Township. In 1856, after sixteen years of married life in New York, the subject and wife came to the Hoosier State, and located on eighty
acres of their present farm, in this township. In 1857, Mr. Wemple returned to New York, purchased some real estate, remained three years, then returned to this township and has remained, engaged and interested in clearing and improving his farm. They have had ten children - Abram H., living in Perry Township; Willard G., in this township; Folly A., in Michigan; Evaline A., in this township; and Elias C., James and Elijah P., at home. Those deceased are Mary E., Catharine S. and Arville.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Clearspring Township
JACOB AKER, the son of Adam and Tena Aker, natives of Germany, was born in Germany July 21, 1835. His parents died in the place of their birth, and he came to America in 1850. In Ohio he attended school one winter and engaged in farm work, receiving from $6 to $11 per month. This employment he continued four seasons, and Deember 17, 1855, was married to Miss Harriet Blasseus, in Tuscarawas County, Ohio. They subsequently immigrated to Pretty Prairie, in this county, where they lived six years, and bought seventy acres of land, next proceeding to this township, where Mr. Aker, after disposing of his previous purchase, bought
eighty acres of his present property on English Prairie. Their farm now comprises 174 acres, with first-class buildings and improvements. They have had born to them five children - Adaline (deceased), Martha E., Mary E., Catharine and Tena. The last two are single and reside at home. Mary is a resident of Michigan and Martha lives with her parents. Mrs. Aker is the daughter of Valentine and Mary Blasseus. The former a native of Germany, died in this county, where the latter, a native of Pennsylvania, is yet living.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Greenfield Township
PETER ALSPAUGH was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, April 21, 1841, son of Philip and Mary A. Alspaugh. They removed from Pennsylvania, their native State, to Ohio, thence to Indiana in the fall of 1854, settling on a farm in Johnson Township, this county, where Philip Alspaugh died in August, 1880. Mrs. Mary Alspaugh is yet living on the old homestead at the age of seventy-six. Peter Alspaugh received a common education, and October 14, 1861, enlisted in Company H, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Pittsburg Landing, seige of Corinth, Perryville and Stone River.
At the latter place he was wounded, December 31, 1862, and received his discharge September 9, 1863. He was united in marriage, November 11, 1866, to Miss Martha J. Swihart, a native of Ohio, and the daughter of Daniel and Sarah Swihart, who reside in this township. In 1868, Mr. Alspaugh bought eighty acres of his present improved farm of 150 acres, having previously lived on a rent farm on Pretty Prairie. Mrs. Alspaugh departed this life February 2, 1881, at the age of theirty-five years. She was a member of the M.E. Church and left two children - Luella and Lyoll. Mr. Alspaugh belongs to the Methodist Church, and is a
good farmer and public-spirited citizen.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Greenfield Township
ELIJAH ANDERSON emigrated to Indiana from Marion County, Ohio, with his parents, John and Mary Anderson, in 1829; they located in this county on land now owned by the subject. He was born in Ohio October 10, 1817, and married, July 4, 1854, in this county, to Miss Nancy Martin, and has since been a resident of this township. He has accumulated 580 acres of land, all in this township, excepting eighty-seven acres. His farm of 240 acres on Pretty Prairie ranks among the best in the county. Wheat forms the staple product, the crop for 1880 amounting to 3,800 bushels. He also raises stock to some extent. Mr. Anderson, by
perseverance and industry, has acquired his present property, and is a reliable and prominent citizen. In 1877, their fine brick residence was erected, and the other farm buildings are very good. Mrs. Anderson is a member of the M.E. Church, a natie of New Jersey, and the daughter of Daniel and Maria Martin; they were natives of New Jersey, and came to Indiana from Ohio, locating in Johnson Township, La Grange County, where they died. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, John and Alonzo (deceased), Charlotte (married and lives in this township), Orville, Charles and Daniel (twins), Harlow, and Jennie (deceased).
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Greenfield Township
WILLIAM ANDERSON is a native of Ohio, and son of John and Mary Anderson, who removed to Indiana August 16, 1829. After spending one winter in Michigan, they removed to this county and settled on Pretty Prairie, where they died; both were natives of Pennsylvania. William Anderson was born April 10, 181, and resided with his parents until his father's death. He farmed on shares and owned a half-interest in 100 acres in this township, besides 250 acres in Steuben County. After he was married, June 2, 1843, to Miss Elizabeth Selby, he bought forty acres of land in this township, where he settled, subsequently purchasing his present farm of 120
acres, that is well improved and supplied with every convenience. Mr. Anderson owns 593 acres of land, all in this township, except ninety of timber land that lies in Bloomfield Township, and besides their frame residence, has on his farm two tenant houses, four barns, etc. Mrs. Anderson is a native of Ohio, as were also her parents Samuel and Rebecca Selby; they came to this township and located in 1840. Mr. Selby died at Lima, and Mrs. Selby is yet living in Gilead, Mich. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have eight children - Eliza, Amos, Jane, Amanda, Rebecca, Albert, Alonzo and Clara, all of whom are married but two - Albert and Clara.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Greenfield Township
WILLIAM ANDERSON is a native of Ohio, and the son of George and Louisa Anderson. He was born January 10, 1852, reared, educated and married in Ohio, and his parents are yet living in that State. His father is a native of Pennsylvania, and his mother of Ohio. Mrs. William Anderson, formerly Miss Maggie Glass, is the daughter of John and Catharine Glass; the former is a resident of Ohio, where his wife's death occurred. The subject learned carpentering in his youth, and has followed it to some extent since engaging in agricultural pursuits. They first located in Steuben County, Ind.; subsequently taking up their abode in this county, where
their home is now situated on a farm in this township. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have buried their only child - Ella G.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Greenfield Township
GEORGE H. ARVER is the son of Richard and Olive J. Arver, who came to Indiana in 160, locating in this township. Both were natives of New York State, in which State George H. was born in Broome County, October 17, 1850. Mrs. Arver died in Michigan, of which State Richard Arver is yet a resident. George Arver's early life was passed in the States of New York, Indiana and Iowa, his education being principally attained in the latter. Until the age of eighteen, he remained under the parental roof, and spent six years engaged in salary work. December 20, 1875, the event of his marriage to Miss Mary L. Berridge took place in Burr Oak, Mich. They
settled in this county, and after one year's experience in farming in Springfield they removed to this township, where Mr. Arver leased a farm for a period of four years, and at the expiration of that time was sufficiently able to purchase forty-five acres of land, which they have occupied since. It is under good cultivation, and has the necessary farm buildings. Mrs. Arver was born in Indiana, and her father, Charles Berridge, was an Englishman. A son, Frank, is the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Arver.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Greenfield Township
SAMUEL BROWN was a native of Westchester, N.Y., where his parents, Samuel and Susan Brown, died. They were farmers and natives of New York. Samuel Brown was reared in the place of his birth, and when not in school aided his parents. December 31, 1804, he was married to Miss Sarah Kniffin, in Westchester, where they lived about eleven years with Mr. Brown's parents; then removed to Cayuga County, N.Y., thence to Richland County, Ohio, coming to Indiana and locating, in 1833, on the farm in this township, where they died. Mrs. Brown and her parents, Benjamin and Charity Kniffin, were natives of New York; the former died in Cayuga County, N.Y.,
and the latter in Grand Rapids, Mich. Mr. Brown, before his death, had accumulated 720 acres of land that lies near the center of English Prairie. He was a member of the Presbyterian and his wife of the Methodist Church, and they were parents of seven children, viz.: Lama, who is married and resides in Iowa; Sarah A. Nathan, deceased; Loretta; Caroline; Susan, married and a resident of this township, and Maria L., deceased; the three sisters, Sarah, Loretta and Caroline, are single, and live together on the home farm, 180 acres of which, since the death of their parents, they have successfully managed up to the present time.
Source: "1882 History LaGrange County, Indiana" by F.A.Battey & Co.., - Greenfield Township