Levi Huffman was born in Hunterdon County, N. J., February 1, 1830, and is one of the nine children of Nathaniel and Mary Huffman, both of whom were natives of New Jersey and of Dutch descent. In 1840, the family moved to Wayne County, Ohio, and later to Henry County, Ohio, where Nathaniel Huffman died. After this, Levi being eighteen years of age, he, with his mother, moved back to Wayne County, where, at the age of twenty, he began the milling business. In 1853, he went to California, by way of the Isthmus, remaining three years, the first in the mines, the last in the grist-mill at Sacramento. In 1856, he returned to Wayne County and the milling, and in 1859, worked in the Etna mills at Valparaiso. Soon after, he returned to Wayne County, and in 1868 again to this county. On December 4, 1868, he married E. F. Hammonds, of Valparaiso, by whom he had two children - V. Estelle and Levi R. In 1875, he purchased the farm in Union Township on which he now resides, giving attention to farming for three years, when he took charge of the Cascade Mills, which he purchased in 1882, and is doing a prosperous business. Mrs. Huffman is a member of the Christian Church. In politics, Mr. Huffman is a Democrat, and also an esteemed and worthy citizen.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 343, 344 Union Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

W. C. Janes, farmer, was the eighth of nine children born to Elijah and Mary (Clark) Janes. His father was of English descent, but a native of Grand Isle, Vt., born in 1793. His mother was a native of New York. W. C. Janes began life in Oxford County, Ontario, March 20, 1833. He came to this county and township with his parents in 1844, remaining until he was twenty years of age, when he went to Norfolk County, Canada, where he farmed for ten years; then removed to Iowa, and two years later again settled on the old homestead in Union Township, where he now resides, and where his father died in 1878. On January 24, 1860, he was married to Helen McKay, of Norfolk County, Ontario. To this marriage five children have succeeded, four of whom are living - Charles W., Robert E., Mary W. and Jeannette H. Mr. Janes is a Republican, a leading and respected citizen.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 344 Union Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

Benjamin Fifield is the second of the seven children of Thomas H. and Elsie (Carter) Fifield, and was born in Grafton County, N.H., November 27, 1827; his parents are natives of the same state, and his paternal grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. The family moved to Canada when Benjamin was about five years of age, and thence, in 1841, came to Union Township, this county; here our subject assisted on the home farm and attended school until 1853, when he settled on the farm in this township, on which he still resides. March 9, 1854, he married Lany Sphuler, a native of Germany, who has borne him seven children, viz.: Walker, of Liberty Township; Mrs. Sarah A. Crisman, of this township; Thomas H., deceased; Mrs. Myra Holmes, of La Porte County, Ind.; Jaccheus H., Jessie A., and Clarence E. Mr. Fifield’s farm comprises 250 acres of fertile land, well furnished with excellent buildings; he gives considerable attention to stock raising and dairying. In 1856, his father removed to Valparaiso and a few years since retired to South Bend, to enjoy in peace the fruits of his early industry. Mr. Fifield is a Republican, and is one of the substantial men of Portage Township.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 372 Portage Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

J. T. Forbes was born in Madison County, N. Y., December 14, 1817, and is the eldest of seven children born to David and Martha (Sheridan) Forbes, all of whom are living; his father is a farmer, living in Tama County, Iowa. Born in poverty, Mr. Forbes has had a fierce struggle with existence, and has been the support of his parents for many years, still assisting his father, his mother being dead. In youth, he received no education, never having passed more than twelve days in a schoolroom; he has now, however, a fair education, self-obtained. In 1832, he moved from New York to Canada, and remained until 1854, when he came to Porter County, Ind., and settled on the land he now owns, 410 acres, about 290 of which are improved, with a fine brick house and good buildings. Mr. Forbes has been very industrious and very successful. He was married, April 2, 1841, to Martha Pettit, daughter of Robert and Abigail (Wilson) Pettit, born August 20, 1821. They have had seven children, with five living - Hamilton W., Thaddeus H., Hilda A., Matilda E. and Andrew Jackson, all living in Porter County. Mr. Forbes is a liberal Democrat.

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

Henry Friday was born April 12, 1848, in Germany. He is the eldest of five children, living, born to James and Sophia (Lindermann) Friday, both natives of Germany. Young Friday lived in Germany, with his father, until he was six years old, when he emigrated to the United States, settling in Michigan City, Ind., and afterward living in Otis, La Porte County, when, in 1858, he came to Westchester Township and bought 160 acres of land. Henry lived with his father up to twenty-five years of age, receiving the usual education. In April, 1873 he married Frederica Mahus, a native of Germany. He then bought forty acres, living on that about two years. At the death of his father, he went to live on the old homestead, where he remained five years. He now bought his present farm, consisting of 140 acres of fine land, well improved, with good buildings, etc. He has begun stock-raising as more of a specialty than heretofore. Mr. Friday is a member of the F. & A. M. order, and has taken three degrees. He and wife are members of the German Lutheran Church. He is a Greenbacker, an intelligent man and enterprising citizen. He has three children living - William, Louis and Charles.

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

John H. Hannon was born in Porter County, Ind., January 27, 1852, and is a son of Michael Hannon, of Pleasant Township, Porter County. He was married, at Valparaiso, Ind., February 18, 1879, to Johanna, daughter of Edward and Bridget Hartnett; she was born at Valparaiso July 11, 1857. Shortly after his marriage, he moved on the farm where he now lives. He has two children - Mary and James. He and wife are members of the Catholic Church.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 376 Pleasant Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

Michael Hannon was born in Ireland October, 1814; he was the youngest of a family of thirteen children born to Matthew and Mary Hannon. Our subject was married in Ireland in the spring of 1842, to Ella Mulehon, who was born in the year 1812. In the year 1843, Mr. Hannon moved to La Porte County, Ind., remaining about four years; he then moved to Porter County, Ind., and, in 1850, purchased the farm where he now lives; he now owns 489 acres of land. Has a family of five children - Matthew, Mary, David, John and Thomas. He and wife are members of the Catholic Church.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 376 Pleasant Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

Andrew Harrison was born in Porter County, Ind., June 9, 1843, and is one of the ten children of Robert and Esther (Garrett) Harrison, both natives of the Isle of Man. Robert Harrison was a blacksmith, and about 1826 came to America and settled in Lake County, Ohio, where he followed his trade until 1836, when he came to Porter County, and the following year located in Portage Township, residing here until his death in 1861; he was a licentiate of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and preached frequently; he was also Township Trustee. Andrew Harrison has always lived on the homestead, and now has a good farm of 160 acres. On October 21, 1869, he was married; to Martha Quatermass, a native of Ontario. Seven children followed the union - Laura M., Ettie, George R., Sarah M., Alvie G., Thomas A. and Martha. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Mr. Harrison is a member of the Valparaiso Commandery, No. 28. In politics, he is a Republican; he has held several offices of public trust, among which are Township Assessor, in 1870; Township Trustee, and for four years, 1876-80, county Commissioner.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 372 Portage Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

G. M. Haxton, born in Livingston County, N. Y., June 25, 1820, is a son of Marsena and Eliza (Parmer) Haxton, and the second of seven children. Marsena Haxton was a clothier, a soldier of the war of 1812, and both he and his wife were natives of New York. When G. M. Haxton was a child, his parents moved to Monroe County, N. Y., where he lived until the age of twenty, when he began working in a planing mill factory, and two years later went to Lorain County, Ohio. Here he remained twenty-five years, with the exception of four years passed in Medina County, and in 1867, settled in Portage Township on his present place; this farm covers 320 acres; he gives his main attention to dairy and stock business. On May 1, 1842, he was married to Lodema Vosburgh, of Monroe County, N. Y., who died in 1852, leaving two children - Mrs. Eliza M. Waite, of Lorain County, Ohio, and Marsena (deceased). His second marriage, to Wealthy A. Vosburgh, on November 25, 1852, was blessed with four children - Lodema, Mrs. Caroline M. Small, Florence and George E. Mrs. And Mrs. Haxton are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is Independent in politics.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 372 Portage Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

R. B. Hill, son of Samuel and Rhoda (Evans) Hill, was born in Cicero, Onondaga Co., N. Y., August 1, 1829; his parents were born in East Hartford, Conn., his father May 31, 1785, and his mother March 23, 1787. After marriage they moved to Onondaga County, N. Y.; thence to Niagara County, and thence to Porter County, Ind., in 1856, settling in this township and living here until they died - the father in 1867, the mother in 1871. R. B. Hill received an ordinary education, and at the age of fourteen began work on the Erie Canal, and afterward worked at farming. On July 4, 1853, he was married, at Niagara Falls, to Lydia A. Taylor, daughter of Oliver and Samantha Taylor. She was born January 18, 1833; her father was a native of Virginia, her mother of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Hill have had seven children, six of whom survived - Harriet, James M., Emma, Schuyler C., Edward C. and Frank. Mr. Hill came to this county in 1857, when, as he says, “it was a wild looking place.” His prospects were discouraging, and, but for the support and encouragement of J. P. Noble and others, he would have gone away; his first crop, from cleared ground, was eighty-two bushels of wheat, and favorable ever after; he now has a fine farm of 107 acres, being in comfortable circumstances. In the beginning, he was greatly assisted by his wife, who drove the ox (for they had no horse) while Mr. Hill held the plow.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 358, 359 Jackson Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

John Johnson, Jr., was born April 8, 1825, in Virginia. He is the eldest of five children born to John and Eleanor (Louis) Johnson, both natives of Virginia. The elder John died when our subject was about eight years old. When about twelve years of age, he went to work for himself, working on the farm until about twenty-four years of age. This was in Ohio, where the family had come a few years before the father’s death. Our subject was married, October 15, 1849, to Mary A. Fury, a native of Virginia. He had bought his present farm of eighty acres of good, well-improved land, and now increased to one hundred and sixty acres. He has forty acres also in Michigan. His farm is crossed by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, one mile west of Woodville Post Office. He is a member of the United Brethren Church; he has held the office of Justice of the Peace for twelve years, which indicates the satisfaction he has given; he has always been a Democrat in political belief; is a well-informed man and enterprising, influential citizen. His first wife died in November, 1864, of consumption. He married for his second wife Mrs. Susan Hubbard, a native of Ohio. He has five children living - John B., Amanda, Mary A., Andrew and Cora.

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

S. D. Johnson was born at Perry, N. Y., May 13, 1829. He was fourth of a family of six children born to Moses and Eunice (Lyman) Johnson, who were natives of Connecticut, where they were married, and in an early day moved to Perry, N. Y., and in 1837 moved to Oakland County, Mich., where the remained until death. S. D. Johnson remained at home until after his father’s death, and in 1849, went to California, engaging in mining some time, returning to Michigan, and in 1852 went on the Michigan Central Railroad as brakeman, and after one year was promoted to baggage master, continuing that five years; he then was promoted to conductor, which position he filled nineteen years. He was married, at Detroit, Mich., May 8, 1859, to Mary M. Cooper. In1850, Mr. Johnson moved to Porter County, Ind., and purchased and moved on the farm on which he now lives. He is one of the most energetic men of the township, and is respected by all with whom he is acquainted. He has a family of six children - Jessie E., Grace C., James H., Myra K., Hattie B. and Stephen D.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 376 Pleasant Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

S. R. Johnson was born in Otsego County, N. Y., March 27, 1829. He is the third of the seven children of Stanton and Ada (Sweet) Johnson, both of Otsego County and of English descent. S. R. Johnson, at the age of seventeen, came with his parents to Kalamazoo, Mich., and in 1846 he settled in Washington Township, Porter County, Ind., where he rented a farm and lived eight years. Here, on September 27, 1846, he was married to Julia A. Bundy, of Elkhart County, Ind. This union was blessed with four children - Mrs. Ada M. Stoner, of this county; Mrs. Alice Wells, of Chicago; Marian R. (deceased); and Marvin P.(deceased). In 1854, he moved to Morgan Prairie, where, two years later, he purchased a farm, afterward increased to 200 acres. In 1863, his father came to this county, where he lived until his death, in 1867. Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Johnson is an Odd fellow and in politics a Republican. He held the office of Trustee in Morgan Township five years, and has also been Assessor.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 344 Union Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

J. Kimble was born in Hocking County, Ohio, February 19, 1828, and is one of a family of thirteen children born to Jonathan and Hannah (Runnels) Kimble. Mr. Kimble had no opportunity of attending school in his youth, and as a consequence, is without book education. In 1854, he moved to Noble County, Ind., where he remained about five years, when he removed to Missouri and remained about one year, at which time he removed to La Porte County, Ind., and in 1864, to Porter County, Ind., where he has since lived; he purchased 160 acres - the farm he now owns - in 1872. In 1849, he married Amanda Potter, who died in Missouri in 1859, leaving two children as issue - Wesley and Frank. In 1861, he took as his second wife Melinda Wolf, daughter of Levi Wolf, of La Porte County, by whom he has five children - Laura, Gerry, Alta, Corma and Myrtie. In politics, Mr. Kimble is a stanch Republican. One hundred and thirty acres of his farm are improved, and the buildings are excellent.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 359 Jackson Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing

Joseph Kimerer was born in Wayne County, Ohio, August 2, 1824; he is one of sixteen children born to Jacob and Catherine (Korn) Kimerer, only six of whom survive; his parents were born, reared and married in Cumberland County, Penn., removing to Wayne County, Ohio, in 1814, and being among the pioneers of that county, where his father died in 1837; his mother removed to Holmes County, where she resided until her death in 1859. Joseph Kimerer lived with his mother until his majority, when he was married, November 10, 1846, to Jane V. Silcott, a native of Fairfax County, Va., born in 1828; she died in 1862, leaving a family of five - Mary A. (wife of S. Thatcher), Marion, Lewis N., William A. and Jackson. In 1864, he married Nancy Hanna, who died in 1865, to which second marriage one child resulted - Nancy J. On March 20, 1866, he was married to Mary J. Lisle, of Holmes County, Ohio, by whom he has a family of three - James, Helen M. and Alice M. Mr. Kimerer moved from Wayne County to Holmes County in 1846, and engaged in farming until 1872, when he came to Porter County; he has a fine farm of 246 acres. In politics, Mr. Kimerer is a liberal Democrat, and was County Commissioner of Holmes County, from 1860 to 1866; also, Trustee for threes years, and Township Clerk for one year. In 1852, Mr. Kimerer traveled to California, but determining that farming was safer as a business than gold mining, he returned the same year; he was a Mason many years, and has not now abandoned the order. Mr. and Mrs. Kimerer are members of the Christian Church.

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

Sylvester A. Lewis was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, February 14, 1834, and is a son of L. Mander and Mary Lewis. His grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier, and fought under Col. Ethan Allen at the battle of Ticonderoga; his father was a pioneer of the Western States of Ohio and Indiana, and an associate of Gen. William Henry Harrison, in subduing the wilds of Ohio; he read medicine in Cincinnati, and came to Indiana in 1836 and engaged in practice for nearly half a century; he was a firm believer in the soul’s immortality and rewards and punishments. He was married in Hamilton County, Ohio, May 29, 1823. In 1849, he moved to Porter County, Ind., and resumed his practice; he died September 3, 1880. The mother lives with her children. S. A. Lewis remained with his parents until manhood. He was married, January 3, 1861, to Maria Hansford, a native of Cook County, Ill. In 1880, Mr. Lewis moved on the farm, where he now lives and owns; it comprises 320 acres of fine land, which is well improved. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have a family of four children - M. L., L. S., M. E. and D. M. Lewis.

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

T. H. Lewis was born in Butler County, Ohio, November 25, 1838; he is one of a family of eleven children born to Elmander and Mary (Dodge) Lewis, ten of whom are living; his parents were natives of Massachusetts and his grandparents came to Ohio with their family at a very early day. Our subject came to this county with his parents in 1849, and settled in Morgan Township. In the spring of 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company B, Sixty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and took part in the second battle of Bull Run; he was with Gen. Sherman in his “march to the sea,” remaining in the service until the war had ended. Since that period, his occupation has been farming, having 200 acres of land; he was married, January 25, 1866, to Caroline Austin, a native of Porter County, and daughter of Cain and Mary (Bowker) Austin; her parents were among the early settlers of this county. To this union there have born two children - Eddie and Florence. Mr. Lewis is a firm Republican, and as such represents his party as Trustee of Washington Township, and this for a second term; he is a man of much executive ability and integrity, and has been quite successful in his affairs.

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

Fritz Lindermann was born July 25, 1836, in Mecklenburg, Germany. He is one of eight children born to Jasper and Mary Lindermann, both natives of Germany. Fritz lived in Germany with his father until twenty-two years of age, having received a common school education, when he emigrated to the United States, and settled in Porter County, working around for about four years; he now brought land in Jackson Township. He had been married to Sophia Fanter, a native of Germany, in 1859. He took his wife to his new farm, where they resided for fourteen years on 120 acres of good land. In the fall of 1877, he bought his present farm of 319 acres of excellent land. It is now in good condition, through the intelligent care of Mr. Lindermann, with good buildings and other improvements, and he has fair prospects of becoming one of the best farmers in Porter County. He has been a Mason for the last four years, and has taken seven degrees. He and his wife are members of the German Lutheran Church. In the spring of 1880, he was elected Township Trustee, and has served with ability. He is a Greenbacker and an ex-Republican. He has five children - Henry, Frank, Fritz, David and Emma.

Source: “Counties of Porter and Lake, Indiana, Historical and Biographical,” Goodspeed and Blanchard, 1882 page 366, 367 Liberty Township
Data entry volunteer: Suzan Schaeffing