From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Erie Township

WILLIAM H. BELL, a native of Peru Township, was born February 13, 1842, and is a son of Pleasant L. and Laurinda E. (Duffield) Bell, natives of Indiana, the former of whom was born April 4, 1814, and the latter April 15, 1819. Wm. H. is the eldest member of his father's family of ten children, of whom there still eight living. Our subject received a good education, having attended Bryant's Business College, at Chicago, for one summer, and the schools of Peru, which enabled him to teach school for several years. In 1864, after returning from Chicago, he entered the service of his country at the age of 22, in the 138th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Co. A, and continued about five months. After returning from the war, he engaged in farming and teaching, and was married March 19, 1868, to Nancy I. Wolfe, a native of Pickaway County, Ohio, to whom have been born eight children, seven of whom are now living, viz.: Cora, Horace E., Alice, Wm. A., Clarence T., Nellie, Lulu and Richard, who died at the age of five months. Mr. Bell and family are members of the United Brethren Church. He is a Republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, which policy he has ever since pursued. He is a possessor of 80 acres of land in Erie Township, which is under a fair state of cultivation. He is a gentleman that is held in high esteem of those with whom he is acquainted.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Erie Township

WILLIAM BUTT was born in Ohio on the 10th day of May, 1829, he being the second son of William and Effie (Mclntyre) Butt, natives of Virginia and New York, whose union was solemnized in the State of Ohio in 1826. In 1832 they emigrated to Indiana and settled in Allen County, near Fort Wayne. Here they remained about thirteen years, and from thence moved to Miami County, settling on the Richardville Reserve, and resided there until their deaths, which occurred in 1869 and 1856. Our subject was reared on a farm and has always followed the vocation of a farmer, in which he has been very successful, now being the owner of 570 acres of fine river bottom land in Erie Township, which is noted for its productive qualities. His home consists of an elegant and imposing two-story brick residence, and he has a large and commodious bank-barn, the surroundings of which are pleasant in the extreme. He and Miss Elizabeth Lesher were united in marriage November 7, 1858, to who four children were born, viz.: James F., Mary E. (deceased), Ida A. and Dora E. His wife died February 23, 1869, and one the 2d day of December, of the same year, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Scovel, a native of New York. Their union has been blessed with two children, Eva L. and Rosa C. Politically Mr. Butt is a Democrat, and he has held the offices of Township Trustee and Assessor.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Erie Township

VALENTINE DURKES, a native of Bavaria, Germany, was born April 7, 1838, a son of Daniel and Susannah (Stalheber) Durkes, native of Germany, who came to America in 1854, and located in Miami County. Our subject remained home until he reached his majority, and he then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed more or less for 20 years. He received a good education in the German language, but has never, since living in America, had the advantage of school. June 4, 1864, he was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Barnhard, a native of Holmes County, Ohio, of German descent. To this union there were six children born, named Mary E. (deceased), Bena, George, Frank, Willie O. and Emma. In 1861, Mr. Durkes entered the service of his country in the 49th Illinois Volunteer Infantry and remained in Grant's division until the battle of Pittsburg Landing, when he became ill and was sent to this home. In February, 1871, Mr. Durkes and family located on his farm in Erie Township, which consists of 126 acres, well improved and under a high state of cultivation. He is the owner of a sixth interest in 72 acres of undivided land in Harrison Township. He and family are members of the United Brethren Church, and has always been a Democrat.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Erie Township

BENTON HARRISON, born June 22, 1845, is a son Reuben C. and Judith A. (Keever) Harrison, natives of Kentucky and Ohio respectively. In 1836 the father and family came from Ohio and settled in Wayne County, where they resided two years, and in September, 1838, came to Miami County and located in Richland Township, where they resided until their death. Reuben C. was born February 2, 1805, and died March 15, 1881. The mother was born April 12, 1814, and died July 30, 1886, at the age of 72. Our subject left the paternal roof and started in business for himself. He has always followed farming. On the first day of February, 1872, he was united in marriage to Miss Melissa A. Nichelson, a native of Miami County, who was born October 1, 1849. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison seven children have been born - William L., Jessie (deceased), Reuben C., Emma M., George W., Julia A. and Leona M. Mr. Harrison has filled the position of Assessor of Erie Township, and was in 1883 Township Trustee, appointed by the County Commissioners to fill the vacancy of Jacob Hockstetler, resigned, and was re-elected to the same position in 1884, which he filled with credit to himself and his constituents. His politics are Democratic. He was a resident continuously of Richland Township until 1873, when after his marriage he came to Erie Township and has here resided since that time. He is the possessor of 146 acres of fine farming land, which is nicely located on the Peru and Paw Paw pike, under a high state of cultivation, and is substantially improved. His education was obtained at the common schools.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Erie Township

FRANK HOSTETLER, a native of Miami County and of Erie township, was born March 22, 1859. He is the third living son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Shefler) Hostetler, natives of Ohio, who emigrated to Indiana in 1845 and located on the farm now operated by Frank, our subject, but are now residents of Peru Township. He received a common school education and at one time attended college at Terre Haute, Indiana. At the age of 21 he commenced teaching school, and taught five terms in his immediate neighborhood, and on April 24, 1883, his marriage with Miss Sarah A. Dise was solemnized, and to them one child has been born - Ray E., born November 2, 1885. Our subject was reared on the farm, and after his marriage resumed farming on the old homestead first occupied by his parents, a half of which he is the proprietor - the other portion being owned by his Elder brother, Gideon, which consists of 100 acres. At the township election held in April, 1886, he was chosen by the residents of Erie township to act as its trustee for the ensuing two years. The subject is a Democrat. He and wife are members of the U. B. Church.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Erie Township

RILEY G. KING, was born December 24, 1836, in Portage County, Ohio, and is the son of Timothy L. and Mary M. (Wright) King, natives of Massachusetts and New York respectively, who were married in Portage County in 1835, and came to this county in 1839, bringing their family of two children, our subject and Isabel. Riley remained at home with his parents until he was 24 years, and received a limited education. He has always followed the occupation of farming, and was employed as a farm hand until the opening of the war, when he enlisted in Co. B of the 13th Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and remained in the service about three years and three months, mustered out July 10, 1864. After he returned from the army he resumed his former occupation, farming and his marriage with Miss Mary A. Burke, a native of Wayne County, Indiana, born September 9, 1837, was solemnized on March 12, 1868, at Paw Paw, this county. To this union three children were born an infant (deceased) unnamed, Clarence Bruce and William Oscar aged 13 and 10 respectively. Mr. King and family are members of the United Brethren Church. He is a Republican and always votes the straight ticket. He is the possessor of 188 acres of land in Erie and Richland Townships, which is all, with an exception of 27 acres of timber, under a high state of cultivation. He has acquired all by hard labor. He is perhaps the oldest citizen of Erie Township now living in its borders.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Erie Township

JAMES E. MANIS, a native of Tennessee, was born October 24, 1834, a son of Jesse and Alcy (Lawson) Manis, natives of Tennessee. Our subject was reared on a farm and received a limited schooling, but has, since reaching his majority, acquired sufficient education to transact the ordinary business of the times. He is the owner of 160 acres of land in Erie Township which is in a fair state of cultivation and comfortably improved. He was married to Miss Euphemia Wright, a native of Wayne County, Indiana, July 16, 1864, to whom nine children have been born, their names being as follows: Schuyler C. (deceased), Charles W., Dona (deceased), an infant daughter unnamed (deceased), Jesse, Benny F., James, another infant daughter unnamed (deceased), and Albert. He is a Republican. Mr. Manis emigrated from Tennessee to Indiana in 1852, and located in Henry County, where he resided for about nine years, after which time he followed the business of an auctioneer for about three years, and then came to Miami County where he became engaged in working by the day as a farm laborer, after which time by dint of the strictest economy and hard labor he had raised sufficient money to enable him to commence business for himself as a farm renter, which course he pursued about four years, and then purchased the farm on which he now resides. His land is situated in Sections 3 and 4, Erie Township. He is held in high esteem by his neighbors and those with whom he is acquainted.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Erie Township

GEORGE W. NICHELSON, one of the pioneers of Erie Township, is a native of the eastern portion of Maryland, and was born October 6, 1816. His parents' names were George and Leah (Dorman) Nichelson, natives of Maryland, who emigrated to Pickaway County, Ohio, in April, 1817, where our subject was reared and remained until 1844, when he then came to Indiana and located in Miami County, where he has since continuously resided. He has always followed the occupation of farming and is now the possessor of 300 acres of land in Erie Township which is well improved. His marriage to Mrs. Emily (Beers) Cole was solemnized September 1, 1848, to whom three children have been born - Melissa, Paul B. and George R. (deceased). His wife was the mother of one daughter - Mary - by her first husband. She died at the age of nineteen. Mr. Nichelson is a lifelong Democrat politically, and sincerely believes in the principles of that organization. Coming to Miami County when he did Mr. N. will long be remembered as one of the successful pioneers, and one whose memory will ever be held in high esteem.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Erie Township

PAUL B. NICHELSON, a native of Miami County, was born May 21, 1852, and is a son of George W. and Emily Nichelson, whose sketch appears above. Paul B. received a common school education, and was reared on the farm on which he now resides. December 8, 1875, he was married to Miss Ellen Jackson, daughter of James Jackson, of Wabash County, to whom one boy was born; Harry B., May13, 1881. He is at present, Assessor of Erie Township. Has taught school several terms and now owns 55 acres of land in Erie. He follows farming and stock raising. Politically he is a Democrat.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Erie Township

DANIEL A. RICHER, a native of Miami County, was born April 26, 1850, a son of John and Magdalena (Naftzger) Richer, natives of Switzerland and France, who emigrated to Ohio in 1840, and from thence to Indiana in 1848, and located in this county and are still residents of the same. He was educated in the common schools, and remained on the farm with his father until about twenty-two years old, and was then married to Miss Mary J. Miller, December 21, 1871. Mrs. Richer is a native of Virginia, and was born December 11, 1850 a daughter of Daniel and Catharine Miller, who came to Indiana when she was about eight years of age. Our subject was bereft of his beloved companion on the 29th of November, 1885. To their union were born six children, the names of whom are: William L., Noah E., Effie R., John, Isaac N. and Laura M. Noah E died January 23,1875 and John died September 2, 1878. Mr. Richer is the proprietor of 122 acres of land in Erie Township, all of which is under a high state of cultivation and is improved in a substantial manner, which gives his house a very aristocratic appearance. On his farm he has had constructed a large two-story brick residence of modern pattern, and also a large and commodious bank barn, which afford comfortable quarters for those that surround him - both man and beast. He and family are natives of the U. B. Church. While living, his wife was a member of the Dunkard denomination of religious worshippers. When she was dying she expressed herself as ready to go, and bid the members of her family and friends an affectionate good-bye. Politically, Mr. Richer used to be a Democrat, but latterly is an advocate of the principles of the Prohibitionists. In connection with his farm he has in season been running a cider mill, and in the fall of 1886 he added a new departure - hydraulic process - which enables him to manufacture sorghum molasses, apple jelly, vinegar, etc., affording him a remunerative trade.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Erie Township

WILLIAM W. ROBERTSON, a native of Muskingum County, Ohio, was born June 24, 1841, a son of William and Elvira (Jones) Robertson, who settled in Miami County in about 1845. Previous to his (the father) coming to Indiana with his family, he and Mr. John Misener run the first grocery and provision store in Peru that was ever conducted in that place. W. W., our subject, has in his possession the account book used by that firm, the introduction of which is an account with Alexander Wilson, to whom is charged two cords of wood at sixty cents each, Dated November 30, 1839. This business was continued about one year, and then closed out, the reasons for which are not assigned. When he returned to Indiana with his family he purchased about 250 acres of land lying in the region of the line between Erie and Richland Townships now owned by R. G. King, R. Wickiser, Louis King and what is known as the Kitsmiller farm. His death occurred in 1860. His marriage was solemnized on the 25th day of September, 1835. William, our subject, remained at home until about the age of seventeen, receiving a common school education being reared upon the farm. His marriage with Miss Susannah A. Kitsmiller, was solemnized April 9, 1865, to whom eight children were born: Alfretta R., Mary E., Estella A., William C., Jessie V., Louis D. and two deceased. Mr. Robertson has held the office of Justice of the Peace, Constable and Assessor, having held the former position about six years. He is the proprietor of sixty acres of land which is under good cultivation in Erie Township, Section 4. Politically he is a Democrat.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Erie Township

JOHN WAYMIRE, a native of Preble County, Ohio, was born August 19, 1832, a son of Andrew and Sallie (Fouts) Waymire, natives of Ohio. Our subject received a common school education, and at the age of about 19 years he commenced to learn the carpenter's trade, and has followed the trade more or less in connection with his farming ever since. He came to Indiana in 1858 and settled on the farm on which he now lives, which was then a wilderness. It consists of 80 acres, in section 3, Erie Township. He was married in the spring of 1854 to Harriet Speelman, a native of Preble County, Ohio, and they are the parents of ten children - five living - Mary C., Sarah A., Hulda, Alfred, Rosan, Andrew, Joseph H., Noah, Christian and John E. In 1863 he volunteered in the 11th Cavalry, 126th, Regiment of Indiana Volunteers - was Corporal - and continued until the war closed. He is a member of G. A. R. Post, No. 65, and a Republican.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Erie Township

RICHARD C. CRANE, a native of Preble County, Ohio, was born December 8, 1834, to George and Elizabeth (Batey) Crane, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and New York, who emigrated to Indiana in the year 1848, and located on the farm owned and managed by our subject. Mr. Crane was married in February, 1855, to Sarah Hall, a native of Ohio, to whom were born these children, whose names are as follows: Mariah Jane, Catharine, Vioma, Laura, Belle, Mary Elizabeth, Armintha and William, four of whom are still living. He was again married January I, 1878, to Miss Mary Miller, a native of Miami County, and to this union three children have been born, the names of which are as follows: Fannie, Lydia and George. He was reared on the farm and received a common school education. He is the owner of 154 acres of land in Harrison township, which he is improving rapidly and which is under a high state of cultivation. He always has taken an active part in the political affairs of the vicinity in which he resides, and at the polls votes the Democratic ticket.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Harrison Township

DANIEL F. DEISCH, a son of John Philip and Catharine F. (Kull) Deisch, was born in Rocking County, Ohio, on the 16th of March, 1848. The father and mother were both natives of Germany, coming to this country about 1830. They were married in Ohio and settled in Hocking County, where three of their family of twelve were born. In 1850 they moved to Miami County settling in Washington Township. In about 1858 they moved to Clay Township where Daniel Deisch, the subject of this sketch, was raised on his father's farm, receiving a good common school education. Remaining and helping his father on the farm until he was twenty-eight, he was on the 16th day of March, 1876, married to Rebecca Ann Murden, a daughter of Thomas W. and Cynthia Ann (Smith) Murden, a native of Miami County, being born there on the 6th of November, 1857, and a lady of English descent. To this union were born six children: Charles Oliver, George F., Matilda B., Cora Adell, Osie Filora and an infant. All are living. Mr. D. began business in Marion where he was married, and in 1879 came to McGrawsville where he now has a large general Store, the Postoffice, and is the Railroad Agent. He also deals in grain and stock. Coming to this county when all was new and nearly wilderness. Mr. D. has seen the great change that has made the country what it is. He is an industrious, enterprising young merchant and a No. 1 citizen.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Harrison Township

EZRA T. LAMB, the son of George and Susannah (Thomas) Lamb, was born the 30th of April, 1850, in Jackson Township, Miami County, Indiana. Both were of English descent, the great-grandfather of Mr. Lamb coming from England. The father was born in North Carolina in 1824, and the whole family removed to Madison County, Indiana. But it was in Grant County that the father and mother met and were married in 1849. They settled in the woods east of Amboy and there began life and raised their family of nine children, whose names are as follows: Ezra, Mary E., William N., Sarah M., Martha, Angeline, Asenath Jane, Walter H. and Harvey. Of these Mary and Angeline have since died. Mr. Ezra Lamb, the subject of this sketch was raised on his father’s farm, there receiving an education sufficient to enable him to teach nine successive winters in the public schools of Indiana, and the last six years of his teaching he had a first-class certificate. The 23d of September, 1875, Mr. Lamb was married to Eliza Eppele, a lady of German descent, and one well esteemed, her parents both emigrating to this country from Germany. To this union were born five children, viz.: Allie, born July 28, 1876; Charles born January 30, 1879, died July 11, 1879; Alburtus G, born May 21, 1880; Henry S., born November 17, 1881; Ina J., born November 9,1883, and an infant son, born October 3, 1886. in the spring of 1886 Mr. Lamb moved to the farm where he now lives, in Section 27, at Amboy. Beginning life in fair circumstances Mr. Lamb has worked hard and more than doubled his means He is an enterprising young farmer and his family is respected by all who know them.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Harrison Township

MRS. ELIZABETH PLOTNER, a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, was born April 2, 1842. At the age of six she emigrated to Peru Township, Miami County, with her parents, George and Susan (Yeazel) Rhineberger, natives of Ohio. The father of our subject always followed the occupation of farmer. The father died October 18, 1872, and the mother is residing in Indianapolis. Our subject was married January 7, 1864, to Mr. Samuel Plotner (deceased), to whom were born two sons, whose names are Frank O. and Harry, the former now residing in Iowa and the latter at home with his mother. The husband of the subject of this sketch was a stock dealer, and met his death by riding on top of a moving train and being precipitated to the ground while passing through a low covered bridge on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad at Newark, Ohio, October 29, 1876. His life was insured for $2,000, besides a farm of 116 acres, which were left to the widow and her two sons, on which she now resides. Our subject has a fine farm in splendid cultivation in the northeast corner of Harrison Township, Miami County, of which she has entire management and which is tilled by a tenant.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Harrison Township

ELI SCHROCK, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, the 6th of March 1842. Both parents were of German descent. The father was born the 6th of March, 1804, and died the 6th of March 1858; the mother was born in September 1806, and is still living. There were twelve children in the old gentleman's family, viz.: Catharine, Benjamin, Jacob, Isaac, Jonas, Susannah, Elizabeth, Joseph, Eli, Noah, Lydia and John, all born in Holmes County, Ohio. Benjamin and Susannah are now gone on before. All with the exception of three living right in southern Miami and northern Howard, and all have their share of this world's goods. Mr. Jacob Schrock in 1849, moved to Indiana and settled on the line between Miami and Howard County, and there the family were reared, and there Eli Schrock, the subject of this sketch, was reared, helping to clear away the forest and make a home. Mr. Schrock had an education sufficient to enable him to teach two terms in the public schools of the State. Although on account of having no schools, he did not go to school until at the age of 13, yet has improved his opportunities and gained a good education for that time. In 1863, Mr. Schrock was married to Elizabeth Schrock, a daughter of John and Mary (Sproll) Schrock. Both were of German descent and both are now living. To this union was born ten children, viz.: Amanda, Lavinia, John, Mary Ann, Harvey, Noah, Eli and Elizabeth, Emma and Willard. In 1877, Harvey was called away. In the spring of 1864 Mr. and Mrs. Schrock settled on the farm where he now lives, in Section 21, where he has since resided and there raised his family. Mr. and Mrs. Schrock are members of the Amish Church. Mr. Schrock began life in fair circumstances and has, by dint of industry and perseverance, gained a fine farm of 115 acres, within 1/2 miles of North Grove. His family has grown to be respected throughout the township, and, in 1884 the people of Harrison Township gave him their highest office, that of Township Trustee, and in 1886 he was re-elected. Mr. Schrock, is a thorough gentleman and expects to remain on the farm where he has spent the best part of his life in getting under the state of cultivation which it now is.

From History of Miami County, Published in 1887 by Brant and Fuller in Chicago - Harrison Township