"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

W. N. ANDREWS, druggist, was born in Portage County, Ohio, October 13, 1828, the son of Samuel L. and Harriet (Shurtleft) Andrews, natives of Connecticut and Massachusetts, respectively, and of Welsh and Scotch descent. They were early settlers in the State where our subject was born. In May, 1839, they moved to La Grange County, this State, where they purchased a farm; but, being all attacked with the ague, except the father, they sold out and came to this township the October following. For the second time a farm was entered in the forest, a cabin erected, and six children reared, and the farm is now a pleasant home. Our subject assisted in the building of the first schoolhouse in this township, and was one of its students under the tuition of Miss Zella Adams. When nearly twenty, he began to learn the carpenter's trade, and worked thereat for seven or eight years; then taught school, at intervals, for four years. In 1862, he entered the drug store of Mason & Greg, at Columbia; in 1864, started and conducted a store at Auburn for Mr. Greg; and a year later, engaged with Meyer Brothers, Fort Wayne, with whom he remained till 1877, when he and W. J. Tyree opened the store he is now conducting. Our subject has been twice married in 1850 to Rebecca Hoover, and in 1852 to Rebecca A. Richey, daughter of George Richey, a native of Ireland. By his last union he bas had born to him six daughters, five of whom are living. Mr. Andrews is an active business man and is Postmaster of Larwill.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

HENRY BAILEY is a native of the" Buckeye" State, his birth occurring in Coshocton County in 1836. His parents, James and Elizabeth Bailey, were natives of Delaware and Pennsylvania respectively, and of English and Dutch descent. Henry Bailey remained on the home farm, working and attending school until he was twenty-one years of age, when he began for himself, and in 1861 removed to Van Wert County, Ohio, and purchased a half-interest in a saw-mill, to which he gave his attention for three years, removing in 1865 to Coshocton County, where he purchased a farm, but in 1868 he sold out and came to Richland township, locating on a fine farm of 160 acres, where he still remains. Mr. Bailey was married in June, 1863, to Miss Ruth A. Richey, daughter of M. F. and Sarah Richey, both natives of Ohio, and of English and Irish descent. They have but one child-Homer Bailey. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey are of the Baptist faith, Mr. Bailey contributing largely toward the support of that denomination in Larwill. Mr. Bailey is one of the most energetic and enterprising of men, being influential in the establishment of the first tile-mill in the county, shipping the first tile and laying the first tile ditch in the township. He does not aspire to political eminence, but devotes his time to stock-raising and home improvements, and all objects devoted to the public good, we find in him an able coadjutor.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

HARLOW BARBER (deceased) was born in Goshen, Litchfield Township, Conn., May 8, 1798, and was the son of Jared and Eunice (Holcomb) Barber, natives of New England. He was a mason by trade, and his wife aided him in the support of his family by weaving. In his childhood, he had been removed by his parents to a farm in Genesee County, N. Y., which he assisted in clearing up, and near by which was a mound, known as Barber Hill. When grown, he went to Georgia for a year and assisted an uncle, an extensive cattle dealer. Returning home, he married, October 14, 1824, Elsie Case, daughter of Truman Case, and born in Berkshire County, Mass., October 22, 1803. He then located on the south side of Barber Hill and farmed until 1838, when he came to Troy Township, this county, and located on Section 14, where he built a round-log cabin, which is still standing as one of the pioneer landmarks, and has been occupied as a residence the better part of the time since. He cleared up this land, and in 1852 sold out and bought the farm now owned by his son, F. B., and this he, a few years later, sold, and located near Larwill, where he farmed a number of years, and as age crept on, he moved into town, and spent the remainder of his days in retirement. His wife, Elsie, died in 1832, from consumption, the mother of five sons, four now living. He took his second wife about 1834, his first wife's sister and his uncle's widow, who bore him two children. After establishing for himself a good record, he died July 11, 1881, from dyspepsia, at the age of eighty-three. His wife survives him at the age of ninety-six, and is living, hale and hearty, with her step-son, W. E. Barber.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

E. L. BARBER was born in Genesee County, N. Y., August 28, 1831, and came with his parents to this county at the age of eight. Being not overstrong, his early days were spent in catching small game and keeping depredatory birds and animals away from the crops on his father's farm. After a visit to a step-sister for a couple of years, he went to Miami County, Ohio, to live with Dr. E. H. Sutton, as a student of medicine, and worked for his board, and did odd jobs to supply himself with clothing. Here be stopped three years, and the last winter taught school. In the spring, he passed some time in the dissecting-room, and then attended a private school at Fort Wayne the rest of the summer. On his return home, he taught geography from outline maps; then made a trip to New York, taught geography again on his return, and then took a third interest in a dry goods store in Larwill. In 1852, he organized a company and started overland for California, and there remained seven years, engaged in mining most of the time. In 1859, he returned home to take care of a brother very low with consumption. The following spring, he began selling goods from a wagon, and in 1861 started as a general dealer in the town then known as Huntsville. He did business for some time in Etna, and then sold his store-building and removed his stock to present place, where he is continuing the same trade. During his residence in Larwill, he served as Postmaster seven years. He was married, in 1868, to Rachel Jameson, and became the father of five children-one daughter and three sons of whom are now living.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

JAMES BAYMAN was born in Miami County, Ohio, in 1811, and was the son of John and Mary Bayman, both natives of Virginia, and of French descent. When the subject was three years old his mother died, and a few years later his mother was married to David Whitman, of Darke County, Ohio, in which county our subject spent his boyhood in working on a farm. In the fall of 1836, he married Hannah Hole, daughter of William and Elizabeth Hole, natives of Virginia. The same year, he entered eighty acres in Wells County, and the following year moved upon it, brought it out of the woods transformed to a perfect farm, and in 1852 sold and removed to this township; located on wild land, which he thoroughly improved, increased to 320 acres, gave a portion of it to his sons, and now has a comfortable home of 117 acres. He is the father of eleven children, of whom six sons and three daughters are now living. His son Alexander was with Gen. Sherman in his famous march to the sea, having enlisted, in the fall of 1862, in Company K, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. His second son enlisted February 11, 1865, and was out till the close of the war.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

S. BENTON was born in Pasquotank County, N. C., in 1822, and at the age of eight years was brought by his parents to Wayne County, this State. He was married in August, 1843, to Anna Guard, and the October following moved to Etna Township, this county now, but then a part of Noble County. His forest farm consisted of eighty acres, and he had $50 in cash with which to start life in a new country without roads or home markets. He stopped with Mr. James Long until he had time to erect a cabin, into which he moved the thirteenth day after his arrival. It had a paper window, but no door nor fireplace. Nevertheless, by industry, he has created for himself a comfortable home, and therein has reared his family. He has vivid recollections of the Indians of that day, and of the plenitude of deer, turkeys and other game. His nearest market was Fort Wayne, and to that point he carried his produce and bought his groceries, and the trip took from three to four days. By trapping and wild animals, he was enabled to pay his taxes through the sale of their pelts. His energy was rewarded subsequently by his fellow citizens calling upon him to fill several minor offices of the township, including that of Viewer of Roads. He has been twice married, and is the father of eight children, six of whom are still living. His first wife died in 1873, at the age of fifty- two. August 20, 1875, he married Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, widow of Henry Smith, and they are the parents of six children. Mr. Benton is a Freemason, and an honored citizen of Larwill, at which place he now resides.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

D. J. BOWMAN, hardware merchant, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, in 1833, and is the son of David and Margaret Bowman, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. He was reared on a farm, and came with his parents to Washington Township, Noble Co., Ind., in 1846. He assisted his parents in clearing from the forest a farm, and at the age of twenty started for himself, making a purchase for $200, on one year's time, of some wild land, which, through hard work and saving habits, he succeeded in paying for. In 1858, he married Miss Helen E. Jones, daughter of Eli Jones, and then sold his farm and bought eighty acres in Section 32, Etna Township, this county, which he redeemed from the forest and converted into a pleasant home. He worked for a number of years at the carpenter's trade, and in August, 1862, enlisted in Company K, Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was honorably discharged in June, 1865, having been under Gen. Sherman's command nearly the whole time. He is quite active as a politician, and has filled the position of Township Assessor one term. He and his wife have one child, and are members of the Baptist Church, he also being a member of Masonic Lodge, No. 377. Subject moved to Pierceton in 1871 or 1872, served a few years as clerk in a hardware store, then eighteen months in a dry goods store, and in 1881 came to Larwill, and started his present large hardware establishment.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

ALEXANDER BUNTAIN, deceased, when but an infant child accompanied his parents from Virginia - his native State - to Highland County, Ohio. He was born in 1813, and resided in Ohio until about the year 1841, when he came to this township and began improving land, owned by his father. He married, in September, 1841, Miss Mary T. Buck, and shortly afterward settled on the farm he had cleared, and for many years lived happily. At his death, which occurred in September, 1870, the community mourned the loss of an old and valued citizen. Mr. Buntain served in the capacity of Township Trustee two terms, and was the father of six children, all of whom are living but one. Mrs. Buntain is the daughter of John and Catharine Buck, who came from Madison County, Ohio, to this township, and located in 1839, on the farm now owned by Henry Bailey. Mrs. Buntain is yet living on the homestead farm.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

JOHN BUNTAIN, deceased, was born in Highland County, Ohio, in 1817, and was a son of John and Elizabeth Buntain, natives of Virginia, of Irish descent. The subject was reared on a farm, and in 1842 came to this township, and began improving some land previously purchased by his father. He built a cabin, and in 1843 married Lydia A. Trimble, daughter of Abner and Mary Trimble, natives of Madison County, Ohio. Here they experienced the vicissitudes of pioneer life, and reared their family, four children having resulted from their union, three boys and one girl. Mr. Buntain was a highly respected and industrious man, owning a well-improved farm of 160 acres at the time of his death, which occurred in October, 1878 . Mrs. Buntain came to this county with her mother three years prior to her marriage with Mr. Buntain. Their eldest son John R. enlisted in 1864 in Company G, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was in the battles of Resaca and Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Franklin, Tenn., Nashville, and Gum Swamp, N. C. He was honorably discharged in September, 1865.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

JOHN BURNS was born in Utica, N. Y., January 18, 1814, the son of Abraham and Hannah Burns, natives of New York and Vermont. He was taken while yet a child by his parents to Monroe County, N. Y., then to Oakland County, Mich., where, from fourteen years upward, was reared to the use of the ax, maul and wedge. When twenty-one, he started out for himself, working by the job, and in the winter of 1835 erected for himself a cabin on a small forest farm. August 28, 1836, he married Mary E. Letson, born in Orleans County, N. Y., September 29, 1820, and removed with her parents, William and Lavina (Howe) Letson, to Oakland County, Mich., in 1835. The spring following his marriage, he sold his farm, and came to this township and entered land on Section 29. In 1837, he moved in, having but 25 cents in his pocket, which soon went for postage on a letter from home. He went through all the privations of pioneer life, but has cleared his land and reared a family of eleven children, nine of whom are still living. He assisted in laying out the main roads in the township, and was on the first jury impaneled in the county. His wife became a member of the M. E. Church in 1844, and died in that faith in September, 1875, aged fifty-five years. Our subject also joined the same church with wife, and at the same time.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

S. B. CLEVENGER was born in Warren County, Ohio, December 18, 1818, and was one of ten children born to Samuel and Sarah (Bunnel) Clevenger, who were natives of New York and of English and French extraction. They moved to Butler County, Ohio, when our subject was but a child, and thence to Crawfordsville, Ind., in 1833, and three years later our subject went to Cincinnati to learn stone-cutting; after three years, he went to Eaton, Ohio, where he worked twenty-two years; thence to Wabash County, Ind., where he engaged in farming till 1868, when he came to Larwill and began in the hardware trade, which he continued till two years ago, when he retired from business. He was married, in 1844, to Susan A. Halderman, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Halderman, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania, and of German descent, and to this union were born four sons and two daughters. His eldest son, John H., at the age of eighteen, enlisted, in the fall of 1862, at Wabash, in Company D, Indiana Volunteer Infantry. At the age of four, our subject gave his parents a pledge that he would never touch a drop of liquor or taste an onion, and this vow has never been violated. His recollections of the privations suffered by the pioneers of the State are very vivid, and his reminiscences of its early history copious and entertaining. He has been a prosperous business man and a conscientious one, and he and wife are members of the Universalist Church.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

D. B. CLUGSTON, merchant, was born in New York in 1832, and is the son of Asher and Catharine (Rittenhouse) Clugston, natives of New Jersey, and of Scotch and German descent. They came to Larwill, this township, in 1865, and about six months later Mr. Clugston died of consumption, aged sixty-three. Mrs. C. is yet enjoying good health at the age of seventy-one, and is residing with her son, our subject, in Larwill. D. B. Clugston went to school till he was thirteen years old, and then entered a dry goods store, where he remained three years, and then returned to his father's farm in Delaware County, Ohio, on which his parents had located about 1845, and were then living, and there remained until twenty-four years of age. He then took a trip to the West, seeking a future home, but returned eastwardly and settled in Larwill in 1857, and entered upon mercantile pursuits - for the first five years in company with E. L. McLallen, now of Columbia City. At present, he is at the head of three mercantile establishments - at South Whitley, Columbia City and at Larwill and carries a stock valued at $50,000 or over, although he began with quite limited means. In 1858, he married Miss Margaret McLallen, daughter of Henry McLallen, and to this union were born three sons and three daughters. He is an advanced Mason, being a Knight Templar, and never fails to assist in the advancement of laudable enterprises for the advancement of home industries.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

S. J. COMPTON was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, July 5, 1835, the son of Andrew and Mary A. Compton, natives of New Jersey and Ohio respectively, and of English descent. They came to this township in the fall of 1837, entered 320 acres, and reared a family of ten children, five sons and five daughters. The father died in October, 1852, but the mother is still living on the homestead farm, in good health, at seventy-five years of age. At the age of seventeen our subject began life on his own account as farmer. October, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Forty-fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, was mustered in as Sergeant, and was honorably discharged January, 1864, as Second Lieutenant. He participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga and others. In 1858, he married Rachael Bishop, daughter of Robert and Phoebe Bishop, natives of Indiana and Ohio respectively, and of English extraction, and to this union were born four children, of whom two daughters are living. Through industry and energy he has built himself a fine home. He is a Freemason, and in politics a Republican.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

A. L. COMPTON was born in this township June 16, 1843, the son of Andrew and Mary A. Compton, natives of New Jersey and Massachusetts. They came to this township in the fall of 1837, and located in the forest on Section 21, which they have converted into a delightful home of 332 acres. The father died in 1852, aged forty-four years, and the mother is still living on the old homestead at the advanced age of seventy-five years. Their children were ten in number. Our subject was but nine years old at his father's death, and until a grown man he remained with his mother, going to school in winter and working on the farm in summer. In 1872, he married Ellen Griffith, the daughter of John and Margaret Griffith, and to their union have been born one son and two daughters. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and by industry and economy has secured for himself a tidy and productive farm of 129 acres.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

JOSEPH W. COMPTON was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, in May, 1843, the son of C. H. and Jemima Compton, natives of New York and Virginia and of English descent. In the sixth year of his age our subject was brought by his parents to this township, where from the woods they have cleared up a pleasant home of eighty acres. In his eighteenth year our subject enlisted in Company E, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, going out as a private; early in 1863, he was promoted to Sergeant, and the year following to Fourth Sergeant. He took part in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Stone River, etc. At Shiloh he was slightly wounded, and in going from Chattanooga to Athens, Tenn., had his arm broken by the cars running off the track. He was honorably discharged September 14, 1865, as a veteran. In 1871, he purchased his present home of eighty acres, which he has brought to a fine state of cultivation. He was married, March 29, 1867, to Elvena Croy, daughter of Daniel and Ann Croy, and to him have been born one son and three daughters. He is a Republican in politics and is a member of the Masonic order.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

JESSEE CORDILL was born in Monroe County, Tenn., July 13, 1822, son of John and Esther (Beck) Cordill, natives respectively of Virginia and North Carolina. At the age of six, he was taken by his parents to Alabama, thence to Wayne County, Ind., and then to Cleveland Township, this county, in 1838, where they settled in the forest. Our subject remained with his parents until 1849, when he started in life with $350. April, 1850, he married Sarah Norris, born in Muskingum County, Ohio, September, 1829, daughter of William Norris, who came to this township in September, 1843. To their union five children were born, of whom two sons and one daughter are still living. Soon after the marriage he purchased 120 acres of land in Richland, on which he has ever since resided. He now owns 160 acres, with good improvements. Their first log cabin was replaced by a good frame house in 1856, and in May, 1877, it and contents were destroyed by fire, and on its site now stands a substantial, brick mansion, erected at a cost of $2,000. Our subject's first vote was cast for James K. Polk, but he now votes for principles and not for party. He passed through all the vicissitudes of pioneer life, and what he now has was gained through honest industry and commendable prudence.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

DANIEL CROY was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, December, 1822, the son of Jacob and Catherine Croy, and there lived until of age. He started in life empty-handed, and worked at jobs and by the month for nine years, and then began farming. He entered eighty acres of his present farm in this township in 1845, and in 1850, with his family, moved in. He built a round-log cabin, which was his first habitation in the township, but by industry has succeeded in bringing out of the wilderness a pleasant home of 160 acres, with good improvements and excellent cultivation. He was married, in 1837, to Ann Warburton, and began housekeeping with home-made furniture, such as stools for chairs and a packing-box for a table, but these things have been replaced by the furniture of the present day. He became the father of eleven children, of whom only one son and four daughters are now living. His two eldest sons enlisted in the winter of 1861 and 1862 in the Forty-fourth and Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and after being out about a year, both died of fever contracted in the army, and are now at rest in the home cemetery.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

JOSEPH ESSIG was born in Medina County, Ohio, September 23, 1836, son of George and Catharine Essig, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent, and came to this county with his parents when but seven years old, and with them settled on a farm, which he assisted in clearing. In 1856, he married Sarah A. Stamm, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1838, and by this union became the father of eleven children, of whom three sons and six daughters are still living. He followed farming until the spring of 1867, and then began lumbering in this township; eight years later, he sold out and purchased a flouring mill, which he is still operating. In politics, he is a Democrat, and has served as Trustee, and filled several minor offices in the township, and is a member of the I. O. O. F. He came here without capital, but his industry and enterprise have realized for him a comfortable fortune. His father, after building up a substantial home from the forest, and rearing a family of twelve children, died in 1866, aged seventy-three years, his wife following him in 1872, aged seventy-four.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

J. B. FIRESTONE, M. D., was born March 30, 1828, in Wayne County, Ohio, son of John and Rachael Firestone, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, and of German descent. He was reared on a farm, but had an opportunity of attending school, and, at the age of nineteen, began reading medicine at Congress with Prof. L. Firestone, now of Wooster University; he then attended lectures at Cleveland Medical College, concluded his course at the Wooster (Ohio) University, graduating in 1874. He began practice in 1850 at Cannonsburg, Ohio, and, in 1855, moved to Columbia City, this county; thence he came to Larwill in about 1859, and has secured a practice extending through a circuit of ten miles. Dr. Firestone has been an active Democrat, and, in 1858, was called to the State Legislature, in which he served two sessions to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. In 1876, he was nominated for State Senator, jointly for Whitley and Kosciusko, and in this Republican district was defeated by only twenty-six votes. The Doctor stands very high in the Masonic fraternity, having attained the 32d degree-next to the highest conferred by the rites. In 1848, he was married to Sarah A. Orr, and four children were the result of the union. Mrs. Firestone died in 1855, and in 1856 the Doctor took his second partner, Rebecca McHenry, of Van Wert, Ohio, by whom he has had one child.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

PRICE GOODRICH was born in Hartford, Conn., December 17, 1799, the son of Bela and Sally (Church) Goodrich, both natives of Connecticut. He was brought at eight years of age to Franklin County, Ohio, by his parents, with whom he remained, assisting on their farm, till nineteen years old, when he went as an apprentice at brick-laying and plastering, which trade he followed a number of years North and South; then returned home, and, February 2, 1831, married Julia A. Black, daughter of Isaac and Mehitable (Brown) Black, who bore him seven children, six of whom are yet living. In 1838, he quit his trade and settled on the farm he now occupies, which he has converted from a wilderness to one of the pleasant homes in the township. In 1842, he resumed his trade and went to work in Fort Wayne for a season, and after that, employed himself in his own neighborhood at the same business till age warned him to cease in 1875, since when he has been living in retirement on his farm. He was Inspector at the first election held in Troy Township, at which there were but thirteen votes polled, and has always been a leader in movements for home progress. He has served as Probate Judge, County Commissioner and Township Trustee. He was licensed as an exhorter in the M. E. Church in 1841, and officiated nine years, and then as local preacher for twenty-five years, and was then ordained as minister of the Gospel in the Free Methodist Church. He and wife have been active members in this society since 1828 and 1819 respectively.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

JAMES GRANT was born in Seneca County, N. Y., May 10, 1806, the son of Abraham and Sarah Grant, natives of New Jersey. The parents moved to Canada in 1809, but returned to New York, Genesee County, shortly after, where three of the sons went into the war of 1812, two returning and one, Thomas, being killed in the battle of Black Rock. In 1818, they removed to Ontario County, N. Y., and thence to Dearborn County, Ind., where our subject resided till twenty-two years old, when he began roaming and working for six years. In 1833, he married Eliza Beard, a native of Maryland, but a resident of Seneca County, Ohio, and continued working as carpenter and shipbuilder till the fall of 1839, when he brought his family to this (then Troy) township, locating on land he had entered in 1837. In 1851, he erected the first steam saw-mill the county ever had, and ran it successfully for sixteen years. He became the father of eleven children, nine of whom are yet living. Three times he has been elected Justice of the Peace in his township, served as Trustee under the old law, and filled various minor offices. His first vote was cast for Gen. Jackson for President, and he has ever since adhered to the Democratic party. He has retained a garden spot of 40 acres of his farm, and now lives in retirement, enjoying the harvest of his early enterprise and industry.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

DAVID HAYDEN (deceased) was born in Fayette County, Penn., January 5, 1807. He was the son of John and Hannah Hayden, who in 1815 moved with their family to Hamilton County, Ohio, and thence to Franklin. In 1830, he married Alma Cole, who was born in Lewis County, N. Y., August 5, 1810, and was the daughter of Daniel and Ruth Cole, natives of Connecticut and of English and Welsh extraction. After farming awhile in Franklin County, he moved to this State March 9, 1836, and located on Section 6, this township, his neighbors at that time being ten miles distant. At the organization of the township, our subject was present, and it was through his recommendation that it received its name. From out the then wilderness, he succeeded in bringing to a high state of cultivation a farm of 320 acres. He was an active worker in politics and an energetic promoter of home industries up to the day of his death, which occurred October 22, 1878, through which event his venerable partner and six children (five sons and one daughter) lost a kind and loving husband and father. In 1881, the widow and daughter removed to Larwill, where they now reside. The privations suffered by subject and wife during their early days in the forest were too numerous to be detailed here, but before the second summer the demand for game was larger than the supply, and it was only by refusing to divide with the Indians what little meal could be procured that, on one occasion, the family were saved from starvation.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

JOHN JONES was born in Cumberland County, Penn., in 1810, and is the oldest of seven children born to Joseph and Barbara Jones, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Welsh and German extraction. His educational advantages were very limited, and the death of his father threw the responsibility of providing for the wants of the family upon him, which he cheerfully assumed. The mother and children removed to Muskingum County, Ohio, in 1828, where he made a home for them, and where his mother died in 1867. He came to Richland Township in 1852, located on a farm of 160 acres, built a cabin, and set to work to redeem a home from the wilderness, which in time, by energy and application, was accomplished. Mr. Jones was married in 1832, to Sarah L. Barber, a native of New York, and of their eight children, five are yet living. Mrs. Jones passed away in 1868; since that time Mr. Jones has found a home with his children. Mr. Jones is a strong Republican and has always felt a warm interests in political events, and is a public spirited enterprising citizen; he has acted in an official capacity in the M. E. Church for over thirty-five years, and it was through his influence the first church and Sunday school was established in this vicinity, and despite his years is still and active worker, and in the enjoyment of health. Our subject's eldest son, John B. Jones, enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Forty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered into service at Camp Carrington, near Indianapolis, November 3, 1864, and rated Corporal. While on duty near Nashville, Corporal Jones sickened and died March 9, 1865; his remains were brought home, and now rest in Richland Cemetery.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

DAVID KERR, was born in Beaver County, Penn., in 1814, son of David and Rachael Kerr, natives of the same State, and of Scotch descent. Our subject came with his parents to Richland County, Ohio, in 1822, and there went to school, subsequently "teaching himself to become a teacher," which pursuit he engaged in for two winters. He started in life at the age of sixteen, working at jobs and learning the carpenter's trade. During Jackson's term as President, he entered forty acres of land in Richland County, paying for it by cutting wood at 20 cents per cord, and splitting rails at 40 cents per hundred. This land he cleared and increased by adding eighty acres adjoining. In the spring of 1858, he came to this township, purchased land and moved on it the October following, and now has an excellently improved farm of 120 acres. His first vote was cast for Harrison, for President, but as a rule has kept aloof from politics. He was first married March 7, 1838, to Rosanna Bremer, of Ohio, who became the mother of ten children, five of whom are now living. The second marriage was in 1867, August 27, to Mrs. R. T. Speelman, of Crestline, Ohio, daughter of Allen and Mary R. Talbott, and mother, by her first husband, of five children, three now living. Subject's eldest son, James M., served during the late war in Company I, Indiana Volunteer Cavalry, attached to Gen. Thomas' command, and received two flesh wounds, not, however, of a serious character. Our subject is a member of the Society of Friends, and he now lives retired upon the accumulations of his industry and perseverance.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

A. H. KING was born in Jefferson County, N. Y., in January, 1815, the son of Luther and Lucinda King, both natives of Massachusetts. When seven years of age, subject removed with his parents to Medina County, Ohio, where he went to school, worked on the home farm and remained until 1842, when he was united in marriage to Mary A. Dimick, and began farming on his own account. In 1851, he removed with his family to this township, and located the farm of 149 acres where he now lives. It was then in a state of nature, but his industry has redeemed it. Mrs. King died in 1855, the mother of four children. January, 1857, our subject married Sarah Taylor, daughter of Edward Taylor, who has borne him one child. His son Homer, in 1861, enlisted in Company E, Seventeenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for three years, but returned after being out eighteen months and re-enlisted in the regular service for three years. His son, Alonzo, enlisted in the fall of 1861, in Company E, Forty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and after being out a short time was discharged on account of disability; but, on recovering, re-enlisted, serving four or more years, and in 1867, enlisted in the regular army for three years and came through without a scratch. Our subject cast his first vote with the Whig party in 1836, but, when the Republican party was formed, followed its standard.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

DANIEL KIRKPATRICK, M. D., was born in Wayne County, Ohio, in 1836, son of Daniel and Mary (Johnson) Kirkpatrick, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio. He moved with the family to Wells County, Ind., in 1853. He was reared on a farm, going to school at intervals till he began the study of medicine, in 1856, at Ossian, with Dr. Metts; he also followed teaching. He attended medical courses, first, at Columbus; secondly, at Rush Medical College, Chicago; thirdly, at Cincinnati, and graduated at Rush College, Chicago, in 1860. He soon after located at Larwill, where he has won for himself a lucrative practice and secured a comfortable home, though for the first few years his limited means for paying his way made times rather anything than pleasant. He has always stood aloof from politics, preferring to devote his time to the study and practice of his profession and the promotion of social interests. He was married, in 1858, to Miss S. A. Allen, daughter of Stephen Allen, and to their union were born four children - Lida, Charles, Loroeffie and Lizzie. Both he and wife are active church members.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

WILLIAM H. LANCASTER was born in Wayne County, Ind., September 22, 1824, and was left an orphan at the age of nine years. His boyhood days were passed on an uncle's farm and in going to school. When he reached his majority, he turned his attention to carpentering and followed that trade a few years, and then chose the occupation of farming and stock-raising. March 2, 1848, he married Mary A. Scarce, daughter of David and Rebecca (Edwards) Scarce, both natives of this State, and in 1849 moved to this township and located on his present farm, which was then in a state of nature; and the log cabin he then erected has been replaced by a modern structure and the wooded land turned into cultivated fields. Beginning with $300, he has increased his possessions to 810 acres in this vicinity and one-quarter section in Kansas. He was never an active politician, yet has served two terms as Township Trustee. His first political proclivities led him to join the old Whig party, but after the formation of the Republican organization he became one of its strongest supporters. The subject's parents were Rex and Phariba (Henby) Lancaster, both natives of North Carolina and of English extraction. His own children number six - five sons and one daughter.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township

MARCUS NORRIS was born in Coshocton County, Ohio, in 1820, and was there reared on a farm, receiving a common-school education. When twenty-one years old, he visited De Kalb and a number of other counties, then returned home, and, in 1843, came to this township, stopped one year on his father's farm, and the following spring located on the farm he still occupies, which he redeemed from the wilderness, and has now a well-improved farm of 160 acres. He found his wheat market at Fort Wayne, making a three days' trip, selling at 46 cents per bushel, and bringing back a supply of salt, boots, clothing, etc. He has been thrice married - first, in 1843, to Elmira Oder; second, in 1847, to Martha Webb; third, in 1849, to his present wife, Maria Webb, daughter of George Hower. He is the father of eight children, five of whom are living. Our subject is the son of William and Margaret Norris, natives respectively of Virginia and England and of Dutch and Irish extraction, and who came to this township in 1843. He has been an active member of the Baptist Church for thirty years.

"Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana. Historical and Biographical" by Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard
Published by F.A. Battey & Co. in 1882
Richland Township