D. S. Curtis is a native of Macomb County, Mich., and was born March 1, 1836, the youngest of nine children born to John and Abigail (Huggins) Curtis. The former was of English descent, and a native of Cayuga County, N. Y.; he was reared a farmer, and served as a soldier in the war of 1812. The latter was a native of the same county and State and of Scotch extraction. In 1838, the family came to Portage Township and settled on the farm where the subject of this sketch was reared, and where he now lives; here his father died November 12, 1865; he was a member of the M. E. Church; in politics, was a Democrat, and filled many offices of public trust. July 3, 1860, Mr. Curtis married Miss Ann Libby, a native of Canada, and five children have blessed their union, viz., Permelia A., George A., Charles E., Minerva A. and Wealthy A. Mrs. Curtis is a member of the M. E. Church; Mr. C. is a Royal Arch Mason, and is now filling the office of Superintendent of Roads; in politics, he is a Democrat. He has a well-improved farm of 108 acres and is highly esteemed by his neighbors.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 371 Portage Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

Jeremiah Daly was born in 1851 in Ireland. He is one of six children born to Daniel and Julia (Singleton) Daly, both natives of Ireland. They emigrated to the United States when Jeremiah was about one year old. After a short stay in New Jersey, they went to Ohio, where they remained about one year. The father was a contractor on the Pittsburgh, Ft. Wayne & Chicago Railroad. He worked along the road to Valparaiso, where he arrived in 1857. The railroad company being at that time in embarrassed circumstances, the elder Daly had to take a quarter section of land as back pay, part of the present farms owned by the Daly brothers. The farm on which our subject and his unmarried brother, Michael, is living, is the old homestead. The father and sons began clearing the original forests, and have succeeded in making a set of the best farms in the township. The brothers altogether, own about 520 acres. Jerry, as he is called, and his brother Michael, own 260 acres of it, with good buildings, etc. The father and mother lived to a ripe old age, and died suddenly - the former in 1875, and the latter about one and one-half years before. He and his brother Michael are both members of the Catholic Church. Michael was born in 1855, in Ohio, and is the youngest member of the family. Jeremiah is at present Road Superintendent of the township. In political faith, he has always been a Democrat, and takes an active part in politics; he is at present the representative of the Democratic Committee in this township. As a man, he is well informed, genial and enterprising; as a citizen, public-spirited and influential. He was married November 3, 1880, to Kate Leahy, a native of Valparaiso. They have one child - Cornelius. Mr. Daly received a common school education, and has been a great reader; his wife was educated at the St. Paul Catholic School of Valparaiso.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 365,366 Liberty Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

J. B. Decrow was born in Licking County, Ohio, October 21, 1833, and was the eldest of three sons born to J. P. and Delilah Decrow, both natives of Waldo County, Me. His father, J. P. Decrow, followed sailing for seven years; then went to Cincinnati, where he learned the carpenter trade, and about 1832 went to Licking County, Ohio, and moved on a farm, where he now is. J. B. Decrow, after attending common schools, and a select school, engaged in teaching, and in 1856 attended a commercial course, and in 1859 went to Pittsburgh, where he attended the Iron City Commercial College and graduated June 16, 1859. On returning to Licking County, on November 10, 1859, he was married to Mary A. Ramey, born in Knox County, Ohio, June 8, 1835. To this union four children were bequeathed - Delma J., Arthur B. C., Eva B. and Vonie D. In 1866, he moved to Porter County, where he purchased and occupied the farm on which he now resides; it embraces 200 acres. His wife died August 28, 1879. Mr. Decrow has been Justice of the Peace for nine years, also Township Trustee.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 349 Morgan Township

Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

Richard Dodd was born in Amherst County, VA., February 3, 1828, and is the fourth child of a family of twelve born to Joseph and Elizabeth (Hattan) Dodd; eight of these are now living, he being the only one in this county. His parents were natives of Virginia, where they married and where eight of their family were born. In 1842, they emigrated to Hamilton County, Ind., where they remained until their death - the father dying on November 20, 1845, and the mother, April 24, 1876. Richard Dodd received but little education in youth, but has acquired his limited knowledge since arriving at manhood. He was married to Annie M. Bales, March 21, 1850; she is a native of North Carolina, whence she came with her parents to Hamilton County, Ind., when four year’s old. This union produced eight children, six of whom are living - Nathan R., Alfred A., Asa A. Joseph L., Walter and Laura E. J. Mr. Dodd moved to Porter County in 1858, settling on the land he yet owns - 160 acres, 135 of which are improved. He is a member of Westville Lodge No. 136, I. O. O. F., and his wife of Silver Star Lodge, No. 183. Mr. Dodd is a Republican.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 358 Jackson Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

F. J. Field was born in Syracuse, N. Y., January 10, 1830, and is one of the six children of Thomas J. and Louisa A. (Chapman) Field. His father was a native of Poughkeepsie, and his mother of Onondaga County, N. Y.; his uncle was a Lieutenant in the United States Navy, and on board the Macedonia during the war of 1812. When six years of age, he came with his parents to Michigan City, Ind., removing to Liberty Township, and later to Portage Township, where his father died in 1875, a Justice of the Peace, and a man much esteemed by all. F. J. Field, at the age of nineteen, went on a whaling voyage, through Bering’s Straits to 72 ˝ north latitude; he has laid in a boat three days without food or water. Returning home, he again sought the sea for eight years, and was wrecked on the shore of Cuba. In 1861, he began sailing on the lakes, and, in 1864 he enlisted in Company M, Heavy Artillery of Illinois. After the war, in 1872, he bought the 160 acres on which he now resides - a rich farm, well improved. On April 2, 1866, he was married to Miss C. E. Selkirk, of Ashtabula County, Ohio. In politics, Mr. Field is a Republican, and also a substantial citizen. Mrs. Field is a member of the Congregational Church.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 340, 341 Union Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

Herbert J. Fish was born in Connecticut April 20, 1850; he was second of a family of three children, born to W. P. and Laura M. Fish. The former was the eldest of a family of eleven children born to Moses and Susan Fish, who were natives of Connecticut, where they were married and remained until death. W. P. Fish was born in Connecticut June 15, 1816; also was married there October 18, 1842, to Laura Foster, also born in Connecticut, June 25, 1822. In 1865, W. P. Fish and wife moved to Porter County, Ind., and has remained there ever since, our subject coming with them. In 1873, Herbert J. was employed as bookkeeper for Asher & Co., Valparaiso lumber dealers, with whom he remained for some time; he was married, December 14, 1876, to Louisa Hayden, who was born in Porter County June 16, 1859, daughter of the old pioneer, John W. Hayden, of Valparaiso. The spring following his marriage, he moved on the farm where he now lives; he has two children - Erie and Ella.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 349 Morgan Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

John Fleming, farmer, was probably the second male which child born in Porter County; his birth took place in Washington Township March 1, 1833. He was the second of thirteen children of Jacob and Catharine (Hesser) Fleming, the former a native of Virginia, the latter of Ohio. Mr. Fleming settled in Washington Township in 1832, where he lived until his removal to Valparaiso, where he died. John Fleming has always lived in this county, working at home until the age of twenty-two, at which time he was married, on November 2, 1856, to Joanna Maxwell, of Wayne County, Ohio. Ten children followed this union - Edward, Eliza, David, George (deceased), John C., Artemus, Mary C., Emma R., Maud (deceased) and Robert. In 1858, Mr. Fleming bought a farm in Union Township, which he left, going to Washington Township, where he lived until 1870, when he located on the old Cadwell place in Union Township, where he now resides. In politics, Mr. Fleming is a Democrat.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 341 Union Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

H. W. Forbes is the eldest son of J. T. and Martha (Pettit) Forbes, parents of seven children, five still living; he was born near Hamilton, Upper Canada, January 6, 1843, and came with his parents to Porter County in 1854; he attended a common school until he was nineteen years old, when he attended three terms at the Valparaiso College; he has worked mostly at farming, but at present owns a mill near Coburg; he has also dealt in grain and wood, shipping from Coburg, where he was the first agent for the B. & O. R. R.; he was also appointed the first Postmaster, which position he now holds, it being largely due to his influence that said post office was established; he has 195 acres of land, about 130 of which are cultivated, and has besides buildings and other improvements. In politics, Mr. Forbes is a liberal Democrat. He was married, January 26, 1868, to Helen Shinabarger , the daughter of Jacob Shinabarger, who was born in La Porte County December 1, 1845. To this marriage a family of five have been born, only two of whom survive - Ross C. and Ruby J. The mother of Mrs. Forbes, now eighty-one years of age, residing with our subject. The first school attended by Mr. Forbes was a missionary school for the Indians; he attended here three years.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 334 Washington Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

Thaddeus H. Forbes, son of J. T. and Martha (Pettit) Forbes, was born near Coburg Upper Canada, August 20, 1851; he came with his parents to Porter County in 1854, and attended the common schools until about eighteen years old, thereby receiving a very fair education; he remained at home until past his majority, and was married, June 26, 1875, to Nora Pinney, of La Porte County, Ind., daughter of Horace Pinney, and born September 4, 1852, her parents being among the oldest settlers of that county. Since his marriage he has been engaged in farming, clearing land and stock raising; he has a good farm of 150 acres, about eighty of which are improved, together with good necessary buildings; he was for four years Deputy Postmaster of Coburg, and also kept a grocery for three years, but is now employed in farming. Like other members of his father’s family, he is a Democrat, but exceedingly liberal in his political views.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 334 Washington Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

William L. Freeman, farmer, was born in St. Thomas, Ontario, April 10, 1824; he is the youngest of eight children born to Leonard and Sarah (Guy) Freeman, both natives of Vermont; his father was a farmer, but had served as a Lieutenant in the British Army during the war of 1812. William L. Freeman passed his youth in Canada and at the age of eleven began the clothier trade with his brother, at which he continued until of age, when he learned carpentering. In 1847, he went to Michigan City where he worked three years. In 1850, he bought the farm in Union Township on which he has since lived; it is a desirable property of 105 acres, containing good buildings. On April 10, 1852, he married Mary J. Haskin, a native of the Empire State. The union was blessed with one child - Charles R., of Lancaster County Neb. Mrs. Freeman died August 7, 1853. On September 29, 1854, he was married to Electa L. Peck, of Erie County, Penn.; she also died, February 8, 1855. On November 16, 1859, he was united to Mahala Cheever, of New York. Three children were the fruit of this union - Mrs. Mary J. Beem, William and Oliver. Mr. and Mrs. Freeman are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Freeman is a member of Valparaiso Chapter and Commandery A. F. & A. M. and K. T. In politics he leans toward the Republicans, and is an influential and worthy citizen.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 341 Union Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

Solon French was born in Porter County Ind., April 14, 1838, and is the fourth of nine children composing the family of Ora B. and Abigail (Dibble) French; his parents were among the early settlers of Porter County, and here Solon was engaged in farming until the age of twenty-four years, when he afterward settled in Union Township. In December, 1863, he was married to Martha E. Atwell, of this county. This marriage was blessed with six children, of whom but two are living, Bertha and Emma. On October 13, 1864, he enlisted in Company D., Seventeenth Indiana Mounted Volunteer Infantry; he served until the end of the war, receiving two wounds in his country’s service. He owns a good and attractive farm numbering 140 acres, and is one of the leading farmers of his section. In politics, he is a Republican; he has been Township Trustee, and also Justice of the Peace for four years.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 341, 342 Union Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

Robert M. Fryar was born in the county of Down, Ireland, June 17, 1833, and is one of the eight children of William and Nancy Fryar. His father was of Scotch origin, and also born in the county of Down, in 1796, where he was married in 1818, and where he died in 1869; his mother died in 1878. Robert M. Fryar, was married in the county of Down, November 6, 1853, to Sarah Harris, of the same county, born June 17, 1833, he and his wife being of the same age. In 1854, he came to America, and to Portage County, Ohio, where he remained until 1856, afterward removing to Porter County, Ind. In 1857, he went to Marshall County, Ind., where he purchased a saw mill and engaged in that business until 1862, when he enlisted in Company F, Seventy-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. In 1867, he returned to Porter County, Ind., and purchased and moved on the farm on which he now lives. Mr. and Mrs. Fryar have had ten children, five of whom remain - William J., Robert D., Nancy J., Anna and Joseph A.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 349, 350 Morgan Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

William Gates was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., March 4, 1832, and is one of three children of Horatio and Amy Gates; the former a native of Massachusetts, born February 23, 1797, and the latter of Vermont, born October 11, 1808. They were married in St. Lawrence County, N. Y. in 1828. In 1837, they moved to Porter County, Ind., where they lived until death; he died April 22, 1854, and she three weeks later. William Gates remained at home until after his father’s death. On October 18, 1860, he was married to Rachel Shults, born in Porter County, Ind., December 1, 1842, a daughter of John Shults, of Morgan Township. One son was the result of this union - John H., born August 29, 1861. Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Gates moved on the farm formerly owned by his father, where he remained until 1867, at which time he occupied the property on which he now resides.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 350 Morgan Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

John Hansford was born in Somerset, England, January 8, 1813, and is third of a family of four children born to John and Sarah (Pickford) Hansford; Mr. Hansford thinks he is the only one of his family now living; his parents were born and died in England. Our subject received no school education, but is wholly self-instructed; he left England for New York at fifteen years of age, where he stopped a short time, thence moved to New Jersey, where he lived until 1832, thence to New Orleans, Cuba, and finally landed in Chicago in 1836; he stayed in Cook County, Ill., until 1842, when he settled in Washington Township, Porter Co., Ind., upon the place of his present residence; he has now 920 acres of land, with important improvements. In November, 1838, he was married, in Cook County, Ill., to Ann Moran; she died in 1840, leaving two children, one now living - Martha (wife of S. Lewis, of Morgan Township). In 1843, he was again married, this time to Hannah Dillingham, who died January 1, 1875, by this union he had thirteen children, seven of whom are living - Eve (now in Kansas), Effie (wife of Otis King, of La Porte County), Ella (wife of R. Reed, of Washington Territory), William, Emma (wife of J. Sulman, of this township), Jay and Jonah (twins). On April 4, 1876, he was married a third time, the bride being Mary Grundy, who died in April, 1877; on June 21, 1877, he married his present wife - Lizzie Street. In business, Mr. Hansford has been exceedingly successful; in politics, he is independent, voting for the best man. For two years he has had a position on the G. T. R. R., which he yet retains.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 334, 335 Washington Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

Isaac Hardesty was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, May 22, 1822, and is a son of William and Louisa (Knouf) Hardesty. His father was one of the pioneers of Eastern Ohio, a farmer, miller and merchant, and started the first mill in Carroll County, Ohio. He was of Huguenot extraction, his grandfather having been expelled from France for his religious opinions. After the death of his father, which occurred when he was twenty-four years of age, Isaac Hardesty worked seven years on the Sandy & Beaver Canal, and in 1853 came to Porter County, Ind., where he farmed until 1860, when he purchased a carding and saw mill in Union Township. Four years later, he resumed the plow, and is now owner of 307 acres of fine land, with commodious buildings and good improvements. Mr. Hardesty was married, December 24, 1846, to Catherine Sholl, of Fayette County, Penn. Four children have graced this union - Mrs. Margaret P. Hodson, Mrs. Elva A. McElree, Mrs. Ophelia M. Young, and Louisa C. Mr. Hardesty is a man of original and independent thought, was well as extensive reading. He is a Republican, and has frequently addressed his community on important questions of government. He has been Township Trustee about fifteen years. He is also a Christian, though not connected with any church, and an earnest Sunday school worker.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 342 Union Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

Joseph L. Harris was born in Oxford County, Canada, November 3, 1835. He is the youngest of five children born to Gilbert and Berenice (Cook) Harris. His father was a native of New York, and his mother of Vermont. His great-grand emigrated from Wales to Nova Scotia. In 1839, Gilbert Harris located in Porter County, on the farm on which our subject now lives. He was an ordained minister of the Baptist Church, and the first who preached in Union Township; he died in September, 1847. On December 23, 1872, Joseph L. Harris married Mary B. Barker, of Oxford County, Canada, by whom he has had seven children - Virgil V., Hattie V., Milo N., Bradford E., Ole J., Jesse A. and Georgie A. Mr. Harris received an excellent education, having spent three years at Franklin College, in this State, failing health compelling him to withdraw. He is a member of the Phi Delta Theta Society. He is an intelligent man and enterprising citizen, a stanch temperance champion, and an earnest Sunday school worker, both he and Mrs. Harris being members of the Baptist Church. In politics, he is a Republican. The first house erected on Twenty-Mile Prairie is still standing on his farm, and is carefully preserved as a relic.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 342 Union Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

Capt. S. P. Hodsden is a son of Stephen and Lenura T. (Pettibone) Hodsden, and was born at Mill Creek, Ohio, January 29, 1838. The Pettibones were a leading family of New England, and the grandfather of our subject served thirty years in the General Assembly of Connecticut, and was an Orderly on the staff of Gen. Ward during the Revolution. Stephen Hodsden received an academic education, but was a farmer most of his life, although he devoted several years to mercantile business. He served in the war of 1812, and at the battle of Plattsburg was complimented for his bravery. In 1841, he settled in Union Township, after making extensive explorations in Indiana and Illinois. He purchased 240 acres to which he added 60, and on which he lived until his death, December 24, 1872. He was a Republican and an Abolitionist. Capt. S. P. Hodsden came with his parents to Union Township in 1841. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, Ninth Indiana Volunteers. During his three months’ service, he was in several skirmishes. He re-enlisted in Company E, Ninth Indiana Volunteers, and served until the war was ended. He was appointed Second Lieutenant on entering the three years’ service; was afterward Adjutant, and, on the death of his brother, July, 1864, became Captain of Company H. He was wounded five times, most severely at Marietta, while in charge of the skirmish lines and in charging the rifle-pits. After the war, he returned to husbandry, locating on the old homestead, and having a good farm of 400 acres. On November 1, 1868, he was married to Margaret P. Hardesty, of Porter County. They have had six children - DeWitt C., Catherine T., Lillie M. (deceased), Isaac H., Maggie M. and Stephen B. Capt. Hodsden is a liberal in religion, and a Democrat in politics.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 342, 343 Union Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

DeWitt C. Hodsden, at the outbreak of the war, was a student at law in the University of Michigan, and during vacation was studying with Mr. De Motte, now Congressman. He had been quite successful before Justices’ Courts, having lost but two out of one hundred cases. When the President’s call for troops was announced, he immediately dropped his books, and was chosen Orderly Sergeant of a newly formed company, and when the company was re-enlisted for three years he was chosen First Lieutenant of Company H, Ninth Indiana Volunteers. He was present at Shiloh, and on the death of Adjt. Patton was made Acting Major, and took command of the company during the battle. Being ordered by Lieut. Col. Blake to take a dangerous battery, he did so, with a loss of thirty out of fifty-six men, only twenty escaping unwounded. He afterward became Captain, which he remained until his death, July 24, 1864, near Marietta, Ga., from his wounds. After the battle of Stone River, he was presented with a sword and sash by his men, on which was mentioned the battles in which he had commanded them.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 343 Union Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing