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

ALLEN KRIEG, one of the largest and most extensive farmers in Perry Township, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, September 29, 1817, the son of John and Sarah (Gouers) Krieg, who were also natives of Pennsylvania, from whence they removed to Ohio in 1837, and after a residence there of nine years’ duration, came on to Indiana and Miami County, where they lived until their death, the mother dying in 1861, and the father in 1872. Our subject was reared in his native state, receiving a limited education. He accompanied his parents to Ohio and learned the carpenter's trade there, at which he continued to work until 1855, when he followed his parents to Miami County and purchased a farm, and has since that time made farming his principal occupation, being very successful, owning about 988 acres of improved land, all the fruits of his own industry and economy. October 3, 1841, Catherine Wyerbach became his wife. As a result of this union five children were born, these four now living: Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Zimmerman; Sarah, now Mrs. Jacob Mohler; William, who married Eda Shoemaker, and Enos. August 22, 1877, he suffered the bereavement of loosing his beloved wife. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a Republican in politics.

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

CORNELIUS LOW, a leading agriculturist of Perry Township, is a native of Hunterdon County, New Jersey, and was born August 21, 1818, the fifth of eight children born to Cornelius and Elizabeth (Baker) Low, both natives of New Jersey, born respectively September 25, 1783, and October 8, 1784. Benjamin Low, paternal grandfather of our subject, was of Dutch descent. He served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, as did Timothy Baker, subject's maternal grandfather. Cornelius, son of Benjamin Low, emigrated to Ohio in 1836, where he lived until his death, which occurred April 21, 1870. His wife died March 8, 1869. Their son, the immediate subject of this sketch, remained at home with them until he had attained the age of twenty-seven years, receiving a common school education. April 24, 1845, he was united in marriage with Sophronia Beard, becoming by her the father of six children, named as follows: Quimby, who married Emma Stroop, Delpha, Ohio, now Mrs. F. G. Lukens; John, whose wife was Saloma Longnecker; Alonzo L., who espoused Anger Gosa; Bettie wife of Joseph Martindale. The deceased child was Maria B.; died April 25, 1884. Mr. Low emigrated from Ohio to this county in 1853, purchasing and settling on the farm where he now lives. He has met with great success. He is still the proprietor of 83 acres of fine land, and at one time owned about 900 acres, but he has divided his real estate among his children, starting each in life with a good farm. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church. Politically, he is a Democrat.

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

CHARLES LUCKENBILL, an active citizen of Perry Township, is a native of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, where he was born December 29, 1840, being the fourth in a family of sixteen children born to Solomon and Mary (Fesler) Luckenbill. Our subject was reared in his native State, remaining at home with his parents until he attained the age of twenty years. He received a limited education. Realizing the necessity of the preservation of our union he enlisted September 21, 1861, in Company F, 93d Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, as a private, from which he became Corporal of his company. He served until 1864, when he veteranized, re-enlisted in the same company and regiment, serving until December 28, 1864, when he was discharged on account of disability. He was present and participated in the following important engagements: Williamsburg, White Oak Swamps, Malvern Hill, in the seven days' fight there; Fairfax Court House, Antietam, Kelly Fork, Fredericksburg, Salem Church, Gettysburg, Mine Run, and the Battle of the Wilderness, where he was wounded in two places, while aiming to fire, a ball passed through his arm and jaw; the latter was a very severe wound, and it was seven months before he recovered sufficiently to be dicharged from the hospital and then he suffered greatly for several years. In 1865 he emigrated to Indiana and Miami County, working over a year as a farm hand, when he purchased land, and has ever since lived in this county. August 16, 1866, his marriage with Margaret Jamison was solemnized and to their union five children were born viz.: Lewis A., Ella, Anna, Alonzo and Lorenzo. February, 1876 Mr Luckenbill suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. November 1876, his marriage with Cynthia A Harden was celebrated. His occupation has always been farming, and he has been very successful. He now owns 120 acres of well improved land, which he has accumulated by his own industry and economy. He and wife are members of the M.E. Church. In politics he is a Republican, and he always manifested a good live interest in the political affairs of the county and community in which he lives, where he enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know him.

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

HUGH MILLER farmer and pioneer, of Perry Township, yet living, was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, December 12 1812, the son of Daniel and Esther (Harper) Miller, who were natives of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Ireland respectively. Our subject was reared in his native state, remaining with his parents until he attained the age of twenty-two years. He obtained a good education considering the facilities afforded in those days. In 1827 he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter trade, his apprenticeship continuing four years. He was engaged in plying his adopted vocation in his native and Starke County, Ohio, until 1841, when he came to Indiana and purchased land in Miami County. He then returned to Ohio, and two years subsequent, again came to Miami County, of which he has since been a resident. November, 1835, Judith Grogg became his wife, and by her he is the father of ten children, eight now living, viz.: Joseph, who married Sarah Rhodes, since deceased; Cynthia, widow of R.P. Johnson; Sarah, wife of Daniel King; Miranda, consort of Jonas Rhodes; Noah (see sketch), Benjamin F., Anneta and Richard, who married Melissa Miller. Since 1841 Mr. Miller has made farming his occupation and has been uniformly successful. He now owns 250 acres of well improved land under a high state of cultivation. Politically he is a Democrat, and under the Old State constitution he was honored with an appointment to the position of Township Trustee.

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

NOAH MILLER, one of the progressive farmers of Perry Township, and native of that township, was born April 16, 1848, the son of Hugh and Judith (Grogg) Miller (see sketch). The subject of this sketch remained at home and assisted his parents on the farm until he was twenty-five years of age, receiving a good education in the schools at Gilead; under W.W. Lockwood, as instructor, he became sufficiently proficient to enable him to secure a license to teach, which he, however, only followed for one term of four months. He then adopted the vocation of farming, in which he has met with good success. He is the proprietor of 117 acres of well-improved land. October 23, 1873, Harriet, daughter of Daniel Shoemaker, became his wife. She was born April 14, 1850. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Miller two children have been born - Nettie, born September 1, 1875, and Nellie, born February 2, 1877. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, but is now on demit. Politically he is a staunch Democrat, always manifesting a good live interest in the political affairs of the county and community in which he lives, where he has been honored with an election to the position of County Commissioner.

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

JOSHUA MURPHY, deceased, was a native of Wayne County, Indiana, where he was born January 22, 1820. He was a son of Joshua and Margaret (Chamness) Murphy. He was reared to manhood in his native county, and married there October 19, 1836, Miss Tacy Shoemaker, daughter of Ezekiel and Margaret (Weber) Shoemaker. She was born January 29, 1817. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Murphy eleven children were born, of which these eight are now living: Susan, wife of Edward Busick; Emily, now Mrs. David Fetrow; Milton, who married Lizzie E. Antrim; Amos, whose wife was Lydia Hoover; Lewis, whose consort was Elizabeth Tombaugh; Oliver, who married Emma R. Doud; Ellen, wife of Henry Whisler, and Nelson, married to Lucinda Blackburn. He was a man with a limited education, the facilities of the days when he attended school being poor. He was a member of the Friends' Church, and always lived a true and devout Christian life. He died September 12, 1882, and in his death the community lost an honored and respected citizen, one whose memory will always be revered by all who knew him. In 1841 he made his settlement in Miami County, purchasing a tract of eighty acres, which was then a wilderness of woods, he having to chop his road out in order to reach the land. He was a successful farmer, owning at the time of his death 360 acres of improved land. Oliver now occupies the home farm, which has never been divided. To him and wife three children have been born, as follows: Mertie, Nina M. and Manetta. He is a young and enterprising farmer, and bids fair to become one of Perry Township's most substantial citizens. In addition to his share of his father's estate, he owns forty acres of land.

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

JOSEPHUS NORMAN is a native of Randolph County, Indiana, where he was born December 30, 1829, being the seventh in a family of ten children born to Larken and Nancy A. (Shoemaker) Norman, who were natives of Virginia and Tennessee respectively. They settled in Randolph County in an early day, from whence they removed to Grant, and then in 1838 to Miami County, locating in Perry Township, near Stockdale, living in that vicinity until the death of Mr. Norman, which occurred in 1861. There the mother of our subject lived on the farm of Josephus until her death, which took place in 1876. Our subject was reared on the farm, remaining with his parents until he attained the age of twenty six years. He received a common education, such as the facilities of his day afforded. January 27, 1856, his marriage with Sarah Ranck was solemnized, and to their union eleven children were born, of which these eight are now living: John F., who married Mary E. Smith; Miles O., whose wife was Martha Enyart; Cynthia C., now Mrs. John W. Cleland; Milo J., Alonzo A., Sarah c., Elizabeth E. and Rosetta. October 30th, 1878 Mr. Norman suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. He has always made farming his occupation , and he has been very successful. He now owns 120 acres of well improved land. He also owns and operates a threshing machine. In politics he is a Republican and he always manifests a good, live interest in the political affairs of the county and community in which he lives, where he enjoys the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens.

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

HENRY SAUSAMAN,an enterprising farmer of Perry Township, is a native of Starke County, Ohio, born March 31, 1833; the next to youngest in a family of ten children born to John and Catharine (Charet) Sausaman, who were both natives of Pennsylvania, from whence they emigrated to Ohio in 1830. The former died in 1845 when Henry was but twelve years old, leaving him to carve a fortune for himself. He had, up to that time, received very little schooling and subsequently got still less. Thus he obtained a very limited education. He engaged as a farm hand, and, by dint of his own industry and economy, accumulated sufficient to purchase a farm of his own. August 25, 1855, his marriage with Catharine Feller was solemnized, and their union has been blessed with ten children, viz.: Thomas J., who married Flora Huffman; Mary A., Edward F., Urias B., Esther E, wife of Enos Swihart; Lydia A., Daniel M., Albert H., Sarah J., and Melissa C. In 1864 he emigrated to Miami County and settled on the farm where he now lives. In his vocation of farming he has been uniformly successful now owning 16o acres of well improved land. In politics Mr. Sausaman is a Democrat.

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

PROF. JACOB TATE, teacher in the public schools at Gilead, a native of Rush County, Indiana, born January 16, 1848, is the eldest in a family of nine children born to William and Leanna (Mincks) Tate, who were natives of Bedford and Green Counties, Pennsylvania, respectively. Their parents emigrated to Indiana in a very early day. Subject’s father settled in Miami County about 1853, of which he continued a resident until his death, which occurred March 7, 1871. He was a blacksmith by trade, served his country gallantly during the entire war, enlisting in 1861 in Company A, 39th Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which subsequently became the 8th Cavalry. He was with Sherman on his March to the Sea, and participated in all the engagements incident to that campaign. Our immediate subject always made his home with his parents, and, upon the death of his father, became the support of his widowed mother. He received a common school education. He has always made teaching his occupation, in which profession he has been eminently successful, ranking as one of the best instructors of Miami County. Is a member of the M. E. Church. In politics an ardent Republican.

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

HEZEKIAH TOMBAUGH, native of Perry Township, was born June 16, 1853, being the elder of two children born to George and Elizabeth (Thomas) (Swihart) Tombaugh. George Tombaugh, father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania, October 28, 1796. He grew to manhood in his native State, and was reared on a farm. He married there Susanna Myers, by whom he was the father of ten children, as follows: Lucinda, born November 22, 1820; Elizabeth, born April 9, 1822; Isaiah, born May 11, 1824; Levi, born July 7, 1826; Aaron, born November 14, 1828; Mary Ann, born April 3, 1831; Sussana M., born February 9, 1834; George W., born December 24, 1837; Jacob M., born May 7, 1840. He, with his family, moved to Ohio in 1831; one year later he removed to Indiana and Miami County, first settling near Mexico, living there one year, when he moved to Perry Township, of which he continued a resident until his death, which occurred in 1880. His first wife died October 14, 1850. He was subsequently (March 6, 1851) married to Elizabeth (Thomas) Swihart, widow of Jonathan Swihart. To this marriage two children were born, Hezekiah, our subject, and Rebecca, February 18, 1856. Mr. Tombaugh always followed farming, in which he was successful. He was a member of the Dunkard Church, and always lived a true Christian. He united with that church in 1831. Our immediate subject has always lived at the old homestead. He received a good common school education. September 12, 1875, his marriage with Catherine M. Heddleson was solemnized, and to their union two children were born, both deceased. April 18, 1879, he suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. February 21, 1883, his nuptials with Hannah Speck were celebrated, to whom have been born two children, George E. and Jessie. He has always made farming his occupation, and he has been very successful. He now owns 124 acres of well-improved land. He and wife are members of the Brethren Church. In politics he is a Republican, and he always manifests a good, live interest in the political affairs of his community, where he was honored, in 1886, by an election to the office of Township Trustee.

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

JOSEPH H. WAIT, a prominent citizen of Perry Township, was born in what is now Allen Township, March 6, 1839. He is the eldest of six children born to Sullivan and Margaret A. (Woods) Wait, who were natives of New York and Kentucky, respectively. They emigrated to Indiana and Miami County in 1838 settling on the farm where our subject was born, and on which he was reared to manhood, receiving a common school education sufficient to enable him to teach. At the age of twenty-two, July 2, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, 26th Indiana Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, where he served with distinction until January 15, 1866, during which time he participated in a number of hard-fought engagements. May 2, 1864, he was united in marriage to Marietta H. Wright, by whom he became the father of the following named children: William S., Margaret, Joetta Anna A., Frank H., Henry E., Earle, Emma, Laura E., Carrie M., and Marietta. Mr. Wait made farming his occupation until 1870. He then, for several years, divided his attention between that pursuit and selling sewing machines. From 1876 until 1885, he was engaged in saw milling; at the latter date he embarked in the mercantile business, and is now the proprietor of a fine store in the village of Gilead enjoying a thriving and remunerative business. November 28, 1881, he met with the misfortune of losing his beloved wife. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Although not belonging to any church, he is a believer in the hopes of a Christian religion, and may always be found a faithful worker in the Sunday-school. In politics he is and ardent Republican, and was twice the successful candidate of his party for the position of Township Trustee, filling that office in a very creditable manner, and to the entire satisfaction of his constituency.

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

JAMES WILDMAN, an old and respected citizen of Perry Township, was born in Jefferson County, Indiana April 15, 1817, the eldest in a family of eight children born to Joseph and Mary (Underwood) Wildman, who were natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. They emigrated to Miami County in 1838. Two years later they pre-empted a tract of land in Perry Township, where they lived until their deaths. The immediate subject of our sketch has always lived at the old homestead. The opportunities for acquiring an education were in those days very limited, and his help, which was needed in clearing away the forest and putting the land in a state to cultivate, kept him from taking advantage of the facilities that were afforded, hence he obtained no education. October 25, 1866, his marriage with Anna E. Carlisle was solemnized. To their union these three children have been born: Carey, born August 6, 1868; Leroy, born October 20, 1870, and Alta, born November 23, 1872. Mr. Wildman is a successful farmer, and the owner of 120 acres of land in good condition. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church. Politically he is a Republican.

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

WILLIAM E. WOOLLEY (farmer), of Perry Township, was born in Alleghany County, Pennsylvania, October 20, 1816, the son and third of twelve children born to Amos and Anna (Ellis)Woolley, both natives of New Jersey, of German descent. They emigrated to and settled in Indiana about 1846. The subject of our sketch learned the wagonmaking trade with his father; and followed that business until he came to Indiana. In early life he received a common education, one in keeping with the facilities afforded in those days. June 29, 1839, he was united in marriage with Jane Cassel. To their union three children were born, Mary A., wife of Levi Carn, being the only surviving one. John N., a son by this marriage, lost his life in the service of his country at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, June 27, 1864. Mrs. Woolley died January 29, 1845. January 28, 1847, Sarah T. Lewis became his wife. By her he is the father of ten children, these eight now living: Jennie C., wife of Brazil Fagan; Alexander H., who married Allie Paxton; Gilbert L., Alice, consort of Burch Doud; Cora B., now Mrs. Charles Cool; Clara M., wife of Milo VanLeer; William E. and Elizabeth. January 21, 1879, Mr. Woolley again suffered the bereavement of losing his wife. His vocation, since coming to Indiana, has been farming, in which he has been uniformly successful. He is the proprietor of 122 acres of improved land in Miami County and 64 acres located in Henry County, Ohio. In politics he is a Republican, and has been honored with an election to the offices of Township Assessor and Trustee.

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

DANIEL BOWSER, one of the well-to-do farmers of Pipe Creek Township, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, November 1, 1833, son of John and Susanna (Wyland) Bowser, natives of Ohio and of German extraction. Our subject’s youth was passed amid the stirring scenes of farm life, with the rugged duties of which he early became familiar. He enjoyed such rude advantages for an education as were offered in those days. From the time of his father’s death, which occurred in 1851, he was his mother s only support, caring for her until her second marriage, which took place in 1853. The family then moved to Goshen, Indiana. Mr. Bowser came to Pipe Creek Township in the winter of 1854, and purchased eighty acres of land. He has been twice married, the time in 1855, to Miss Mary Shively, daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Bowman) Shively. He chose for his second wife Hannah Shively, a sister of his former wife. They were married January 4, 1857, and are the parents of the following children: John E., born February 15, 1858; Susanna, born June 1, 1861; Levi, born April 20, 1865, and Mary E., born June 16, 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Bowser are members of the German Baptist Church, with which they have been united for thirty years. Mr. Bowser officiated as minister in the second degree of his church for fifteen years. In politics he acts with the Democratic party.

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

JACOB W. BRANDT, one of the early pioneers of Miami County, is a native of Pennsylvania, born October 2, 1820. His parents were Martin and Elizabeth (Weaver) Brandt, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former of German and the latter of English descent. Our subject remained with his parents, clerking in a store and securing in the meantime, a fair education, until twenty-one years old. He taught school some eight years, two of which he taught in Lewisburg, Cass County. In the spring of 1842, he and his father purchased a tract of land in Tipton Township. In 1845, he moved to Pipe Creek Township where he trade for 148 acres of heavily timbered land, then considered the poorest part of the county, but now one of the best farms in the locality. October 16, 1845, he was united in marriage with Rachel A. Hiller, and by her is the father of five children, only three: Anamelia A., James E. and Catharine C., yet living. The mother died June 15, 1859. Mrs. Martha A. Britton, his second wife to whom he was wedded October 6, 1859, was born August 17, 1827, in Guilford County, North Carolina. In 1846, she married Charles Britton who was away in 1857. By him she was the mother of four children, these two yet living: John P. and Eliza A. To her union with Mr. Brandt, two children have been born, Flora A. and Elmar W. Mr. and Mrs. Brandt are members of the Christian Church. The pleasant Hill Church is located on their farm.

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