USA > Indiana > Elkhart County > A twentieth century history and biographical record of Elkhart County, Indiana > Part 76
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87
HOMER A. JOHNSON.
Homer A. Johnson, a prominent farmer of Osolo township liv- ing on section 19, was born in this township July 26. 1852, his parents being Guy C. and Frances C. ( Hatch) Johnson. His paternal grand- father, Solomon Johnson, was a native of Vermont and became one of the pioneer settlers of Elkhart county, locating in Osolo township. There were few residents in this section of the state and he joined with the other frontier settlers in developing the county, planting the seeds of progress and improvement here. Throughout his entire business career he carried on agricultural pursuits. Guy C. Johnson, father of our subject, was born in Vermont and came to Elkhart county with his parents in the '305. Here he was reared amid the pioneer environ- ment and assisted in the arduous task of developing new land. His youth was largely a period of earnest toil, but he developed thereby the industry and enterprise which have proved such important ele-
692
HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY
ments in his later business career. At the time of his marriage he lo- cated in Osolo township and for many years successfully carried on general agricultural pursuits, but eventually retiring from active busi- ness life he took up his abode in the city of Elkhart about twelve years ago. There his remaining days were passed, his death occurring when he had reached the venerable ige of eighty years. In politics he was a Republican, believing firmly in the principles of the party as most conducive to good government. His wife was a native of the state of New York and lived to be about sixty-six years of age. Her father, Nathaniel Hatch, was one of the early settlers of Cass county, Michi- gan. To Mr. and Mrs. Guy C. Johnson were born two sons and two daughters but only two of the family are now living, the deceased sis- ter being Lora May, the wife of John Brumbaugh, and Laura is the wife of Kit Mckean of Elkhart.
Homer A. Johnson, the eldest of the family. is indebted to the public school system of Elkhart county for the early educational privi- leges he enjoyed. He afterward continued his studies in Notre Dame University at South Bend. He has always followed farming as a life work and is the owner of two hundred and six acres of rich and arable land on which he is carrying on general agricultural pursuits. He has good equipments upon the farm, using the latest improved machinery in the care of the fields, and he annually harvests good crops as a re- ward for the labor he bestows upon his place. He has resided contin- nously in this county with the exception of one year which he spent in Kansas.
Mr. Johnson was married in 1874 to Miss Clara Evans, a daugh- ter of Henry H. and Matilda ( Hicks) Evans. They have one daughter living, Geraldine C., who is a teacher and resides at home. She was educated in Elkhart Normal and Mennonite College, now of Goshen.
Mr. Johnson exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Republican party but has never sought or desired office. He has always taken a helpful interest in public affairs, how- ever. and in as far as possible has aided in furthering all movements for the general good. During a residence of more than a half cen- tury in the county he has witnessed many notable changes, for pio- neer conditions have been replaced by modern advancement and where once was seen wild and unimproved land fine farms are now found and the country is dotted here and there with schools and churches. Mr. Johnson has taken just pride in what has been accomplished and has long been classed with the public-spirited citizens of Osolo town- ship.
BENJAMIN ROW.
Benjamin Row, one of the old settlers of Elkhart county, is living within one and a half miles of the city of Elkhart and is classed with the prominent and representative farmers of Concord township, his
693
HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY
home being on section 11. He was born in Summit county, Ohio, January 9, 1837. His father, John Row, was a native of Union county, Pennsylvania, and remained there until a young man, when he removed to Summit county, Ohio. In that locality he was married to Miss Elizabeth Weyrick. also a native of Union county, Pennsylvania. They began their domestic life in Summit county, Ohio, where the father worked as a gunsmith, having previously learned the trade. He also carried on farming to a limited extent. In 1849 he removed to Elkhart county, Indiana, reaching his destination on the 220 of May and estab- lishing his home in Washington township, where he remained for a short time, when he located in Concord township. There he carried on general agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death, which occurred when he was about fifty-four years of age. Ile always gave his political allegiance to the Democracy and kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day.
Benjamin Row, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. John Row. was reared in Summit county, Ohio, until twelve years of age, when he came with his parents to Elkhart county, where he has now lived for fifty-six years. In his youth he aided in the arduous task of develop- ing a new farm and he continued to assist his father until the latter's death. In the meantime he was married on the 5th of August, 1860, to Miss Louisa M. Bickel, who was born in Summit county, Ohio, May 11, 184c, and was brought to Elkhart county by her parents when only one and a half years old, since which time she has lived in Concord township. She is a daughter of Andrew and Catherine Bickel, who were pioneer settlers of this part of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Row have become the parents of seven children: Lydia A., the wife of E. Collins; Willard A .; John H .; Cora, the wife of Bert Halsted ; Francis; Lucy, the wife of C. Stutsman; and Alice, the wife of Harley Hime- baugh. All were born in Concord township and were educated in the public schools there. The family home is one of the finest residences in the township, having been erected by Mr. Row in 1882. It is a fine brick building, containing thirteen rooms, is two stories in height. tastefully furnished and supplied with all modern conveniences. He also has large and substantial barns and all other outbuildings neces- sary for the shelter of grain, stock and farm machinery, and he uses the latest improved implements in carrying on the farm work. He has done everything in his power to make his farm one of the best in the county and feels a laudable pride in what he has accomplished, while his example is one that is well worthy of emulation. As his financial re- sources have increased he has invested in more land until he now owns four hundred and seventy four acres all in one body with the excep- tion of a tract of twenty-nine and a half acres in Jefferson township. which is timber land except two acres. His home is pleasantly and con- veniently located about one and a half miles from the city limits of Elkhart and he is now one of the most prosperous farmers of his
694
HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY
county. He has taken an active part in public affairs, has been a life- long Democrat, and does all in his power to promote the growth and insure the success of his party, vet he has never been an office seeker. content to do his duties as a private citizen. Few men in the county are more widely or favorably known than Benjamin Row because of the extent and importance of his business interests, his reliability in all trade transactions, his attention to the general good and his loyalty to family and friends.
ORLANDO CHURCH VERNON.
Orlando Church Vernon, present county recorder of Elkhart county, was born on a farm in Benton township, this county, September 1, 1859, and has spent practically all the years of his life in this county. A son of Eli and Sarah Jane Frances ( Butler) Vernon, his father, who was born in Zanesville, Ohio, came to this county when a young man, was married here, and taking up his residence in Benton town- ship has continued to make that his home to the present date. He has been a successful farmer, and a man whose character and opinions are held in esteem among all who know him. His six children, of whom the county recorder is the third, were all reared on the farm.
Beginning Ins cducation in the country schools, Mr. Vernon later attended the Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso, where, having shown proficiency in penmanship, he completed the course while attending this institution. Obtaining a teacher's license, he taught in the public schools three years, thereafter conducted an institute of pen- manship in Ligonier for two years and a similar school in Goshen two years. After this career in educational work he returned to Benton township and began farming, which he has continued more or less un- der his personal direction ever since. About 1890 he began the breed- ing of thoroughbred stock, and in this line of agricultural industry he has gained a reputation throughout this part of the state. His farm is located three miles south of Millersburg. In 1897 at the organi- zation of the Ohio Improved Chester Swine Breeders' Association, at Cleveland, Ohio, he was elected vice president and a trustee of this association. In 1903 he was elected by this breeding association as judge of the Ohio Improved Chesters at the International Live Stock Show at Chicago.
In 1902 Mr. Vernon accepted the nomination for county recorder on the Republican ticket, and, being successful at the polls, has since administered the affairs of that important county office. In fact the affairs of this office have never been in a better shape than during the present administration. Mr. Vernon has a very capable corps of assis- tants, and the uniform courtesy extended to everyone transacting busi- ness there has been of itself a pleasing factor and help in daily routine of affairs. Mr. Vernon is one of the well known men of Elkhart county
Orlando & Vernons
695
HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY
and has attained a place of influence among his fellow citizens, due to his personality and force of character.
Fraternally he is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias. He was married October 19, 1882, to Miss L. Elva Longacre, and they have four children, namely : Harry E., Mary Frances, Esther R. and Russell L.
CHARLES REPLOGLE.
Charles Replogle has throughout his business career been con- nected with the educational development of Elkhart county and is regarded as one of its most successful teachers. He resides in Osolo township, which was also his birthplace, his natal day being May 3. 1869. He is the fourth child of J. D. and Harriet M. - ( Wilson ) Re- plogle, and at the usual age he entered the public schools, where he continued his studies until he reached the age of eighteen years. He then began teaching, following that profession in the winter months. He also attended school, pursuing a teacher's preparatory course in the Indiana State Normal School at Valparaiso. He has followed the profession for seventeen years and he taught his first term in a school- house in district No. 3. where he is now teaching. By reading, study and investigation he has continually broadened his own knowledge and. moreover, he has the faculty of imparting clearly, concisely and readily to others the information that he has gained. He is also an excellent disciplinarian and upholds the high standard of education, so that he has done much to improve the public school system in the localities where his services have been engaged. With the exception of one year spent in Noble county, Indiana, he has taught continuously in this county.
On the 27th of November. 1893. Charles Replogle was united in marriage to Miss Orpha May Baker, a daughter of Aaron and Sarah ( Smith ) Baker and a native of Osolo township. They now have four children -- three sons and a daughter .-- Charles Elmer, Joseph Aaron, Gladys Ruth and Wayne Manon. Mr. Replogle belongs to the Knights of the Maccabees and politically is a Republican. He is a young man of genuine personal worth, exemplifying in his life the spirit of enter- prise and progress so characteristic of the age.
GEORGE A. SMITH.
George A. Smith, who is well known as a champion of temper- ance, morality and all that tends to the betterment of the human race. and who enjoys in full measure the respect of his fellow citizens, re- sides on section 22, Cleveland township. He was born in Stark county. Ohio about nine miles from Canton, October 5. 1832. His father. John Smith, was a native of Alsace, France, now a part of Germany, and coming to America he located in Canton in 1828, when it con-
696
HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY
tained but two houses and those were built of logs. Mr. Smith of this review now has in his possession the blade of the saw that was used to build the first house in that place
John Smith first worked by the day and later, when he had man- aged to save a small sum from his earnings, he purchased a little farn. In 1837 he came to Elkhart county with an ox team, being three weeks upon the road, it requiring one week to cross the Maumee swamp. He located on section 27, Cleveland township, and purchased land which had already been entered from the government, for which he paid five dollars per acre. He improved this farm in the midst of the forest and made the place his home until his death, which occurred in 1878, when he was in the seventy-eighth year of his age. His wife, whose maiden name was Ann Hassig, was also a native of Alsace, France. and they were married there. She lived to be eighty-seven years of age, departing this life in 1892. In their family were three sons and three daughters, all of whom reached adult age.
George A. Smith, the fourth member of the family and the sec- ond son, was only four years old when brought to Elkhart county and the days of his youth were passed in Cleveland township. His early education was obtained in a log schoolhouse in the home district and later he attended a seminary in New Berlin, Pennsylvania. After two and a half years devoted to study, in which he became well equipped for the practical and responsible duties of life, he returned to Elkhart county, and here, as a companion and helpmate for life's journey, he chose Miss Susan Ever, whom he wedded in December, 1862. She was born in Union county. Pennsylvania, and her death occurred in 1-882. The following year Mr. Smith was married to Miss Mary Kelley, a native of this county.
In 1862 Mr. Smith located on his present farm, then largely de- void of improvement, but at once he began to cultivate the land and add modern equipments, and the place to-day bears little resemblance to the farm which came into his possession more than forty years ago. He has erected a fine brick residence at a cost of five thousand dollars. and in the rear stand substantial and commodious barns and outbuild- ings. while the farm is divided into fields of convenient size by well kept fences, and the land itself is highly cultivated. The farm com- prises two hundred and eighty-four acres of valuable land and Mr. Smith is successfully engaged in general farming. He has also en- gaged in teaching school, having followed that profession for about eight terms. He has taken an active and helpful part in developing the county and promoting its progress along material, intellectual and moral lines. He served for several years as trustee of Cleveland town- ship, and during that time paid out of his own pocket about one thou- sand dollars.
By his first marriage Mr. Smith had four children : Albert, Wes- ley, Anna and Clara. and by the second marriage there is one son, Clif-
697
HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY
ton C., who is attending the home school, while all the others are mar- ried.
Mr. Smith is a stalwart Prohibitionist, having voted with that party for twenty years and thus giving expression to his views on the temperance question. He does all in his power to support the cause of temperance and inculcate its principles, and he is a member of the Evangelical church, in the work of which he takes an active and help- ful interest. His life has been one of unremitting industry, charac- terized by straightforward dealing, by public-spirited citizenship and by devotion to the ties of friendship and of family. He may well be classed with the leading men of the township in which he has so long made his home.
ELMER E. EVANS.
Elmer E. Evans, who is successfully carrying on general agricultural pursuits on section 27. Cleveland township, was born June 1, 1861, in the township which is yet his home. His father. Henry H. Evans, was a native of New York and came with his parents to Cleveland township when a youth of fourteen years. The paternal grandfather was Henry Mason Evans, one of the pioneer settlers of this part of the state. Emi- grating westward he located in Cleveland township. Elkhart county, and ertered land from the government. thus coming into possession of a tract that was wild and unimproved, but on which he soon turned the furrows and planted crops. His last days were spent in the city of Elkhart and he departed this life respected by all who knew him. Henry H. Evans was reared under the parental roof and as a companion and helpmate he chose Miss Margaret Matilda Hubbard. the wedding ceremony being performed in Cleveland township. The lady is a daughter of John Hubbard, who was one of the early residents of this part of the state, but died in Mich- igan. Mrs. Evans is still living, having reached the age of seventy years. and is classed with the worthy pioneer women of the county. By her marriage she became the mother of five children, three sons and two dlanghters. all of whom were born in Cleveland township and yet survive. namely: Lewis O., a resident of Colorado; Clara; Elsie, the wife of J. W. Longacre of Colorado; and Hervy Mason, who is living in Elkhart.
Elmer F. Fvans, the youngest of the family, was reared in the place of his nativity, no event of special importance occurring to vary the rou- tine of farm life in his youth. He was educated in the common schools and remained with his parents until twenty-six years of age, assisting in the work of the home farm, and gained the practical knowledge that has enabled hin to carefully direct his agricultural interests since he began farming on his own account. At the time of his marriage he brought his bride to the old homestead and he now owns part of the original farm ow ned by his grandfather, the place comprising one hundred and seven acres of rich and arable land. Here he carries on general agricultural
698
HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY
pursuits and he has upon his place good equipments, using the latest in- proved machinery in the cultivation of the fields.
In 1887 Mr. Fvans was united in marriage to Miss Frances J. Marks, a daughter of Josephus and Fannie ( Shepherd ) Marks. She was born and reared in Cleveland township, and her parents were early settlers of the locality. They now have one daughter, Fannie M., who is at home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Evans enjoy the warm regard of many friends in this part of the state and their own home is noted for its gracious hospitality. Mr. Evans votes with the Republican party, and his fellow townsmen. recognizing bis worth and ability, have frequently called him to public office. In local positions and as a citizen he has always been prompt and faithful in the discharge of his duties. Both he and his wife hold mem- bership in the Evangelical church. Salem church, in St. Joseph county.
JOSEPHUS C. MARKS.
Josephus C. Marks is the owner of a farm of two hundred and thir- teen and a half acres, on section 10, Cleveland township, all well improved and giving evidence, in its excellent condition, of the supervision of a painstaking, practical and progressive owner, who has prospered as the result of his persistency of purpose. He is a native of Berrien county, Michigan, his birthplace being the present site of Niles, his natal day June 10, 1834. His father was John Marks. His mother died when he was a small boy, and Josephus C. Marks was then reared by Jacob Smith from the age of three years, his home being on Beardsley's prairie, in Cass county, Michigan. There he remained until he had attamed his majority, working in the fields and meadows and through the winter seasons mastering the common branches of English learning taught in the public schools. When he reached the age of twenty-one years he started out in life on his own account, without capital or assistance from any one. He worked by the month as a farm hand and from his wages saved two hundred and twenty-five dollars. He continued at that salary for two years and then spent two years in working at the carpenter's trade. during which time his wages were raised from ten to fifteen dol- lars per month. Then abandoning the builder's trade, he turned his at- tention to farming on a small scale in St. Joseph county, Indiana, pur- chasing forty acres of land, which he cultivated for a year. In 1857 he came to Elkhart county and for seven years rented the farm in Cleveland township upon which he now resides. He then purchased the property and as the years have passed has developed a fine farm, rich and pro- ductive.
In 1850 MIr. Marks was married to Miss Fanny Shepherd, who was born in Cleveland township. this county. December 17. 1837. Her mother also died when the daughter was small and she was then taken to Lake county, Ohio, where she was reared by her grandparents, returning to the place of her nativity when she was about twenty-one years of age.
699
HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY
Mr. Marks brought his bride to the farm upon which he had lived for three years and which has now been his home for almost a half century. and here five children have been born to them : Emma, the wife of Lorin Burkett, of Wexford county, Michigan: Alice, the wife of George Ross, who is living in Colorado Springs, Colorado; Frances, the wife of Elmer E. Evans, who is represented on another page of this work; Clara. at home ; and Myrtle, the wife of Schuyler DeCamp, of Elkhart city. They gave to their children good educational advantages and Mrs. Evans and Mrs. DeCamp were successful teachers up to the time of their marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Marks also had two sons, Arthur L. and Elmer E., who died in childhood.
Mr. Marks has held local offices and is zealously and enthusiastically interested in public progress and improvement in his community. When one examines into his life to find the secret of his prosperity, it is seen that no outside aid or fortunate circumstances have been the source of his success, which has had its root in his unremitting diligence and thor- ough mastery of the work that has come to his hand. Thus as the years have gone by he has become the possessor of a valuable farm property and his example should serve as a source of inspiration and encourage- ment to others, showing what may be accomplished.
SOLOMON THORNTON.
Solomon Thornton is a retired farmer, who, after many years' active connection with agricultural pursuits, has been vouchsafed the rest which should always crown years of activity when supplemented by good business judgment and characterized by integrity and enterprise. He was born in Summit county, Ohio. November 8, 1839, and was the eighth child and fifth son in a family of ten children who reached mature years. The parents were Henry and Sarah ( Kreitzer) Thornton. both of whom were natives of Snyder county, Pennsylvania. They were reared and married there and afterward removed to Summit county. Ohio, which at that date, 1831. was a part of Stark county. They came to Elkhart in 1856, settling in Cleveland township, and Mr. Thornton devoted his time and energies to the cultivation and improvement of the farm throughout the remainder of his active business career. He died in 1879 at the age of eighty-three years, while his wife passed away at the age of seventy-nine years. They had altogether thirteen children. but three of the number passed away in childhood.
Solomon Thornton spent the days of his boyhood upon the old farm homestead in Summit county. Ohio, where he remained until sixteen years of age, when he came to Elkhart county. He has been a resident of Cleveland township for about forty-nine years and throughout the period of his manhood has followed agricultural pursuits. He was also for two years engaged in the manufacture of brick, but the tilling of the soil has claimed the greater part of his attention. For sixteen years he
700
HISTORY OF ELKHART COUNTY
followed farming, but he now lives retired in Elkhart, leaving the active management of the place to others. He has one hundred and fifty-eight acres of rich land well improved, his farm being now a valuable prop- erty, and the buildings thereon and the richly cultivated fields are evi- clences of his enterprise and carefully directed efforts.
In 1868 occurred the marriage of Mr. Thornton and Miss Susan Pontius, a daughter of David and Barbera ( Reber) Pontius. Mrs. Thornton was born in Summit county, Ohio, and at the time of their marriage the young couple located in Cleveland township about a mile west of their present home. There they lived for seven years, after which they took up their abode upon a farm north of their present place. continuing there for about six years. They have also lived on other farms in the county and spent one year in Elkhart, but for sixteen years have lived in Cleveland township. They have become the parents of three children who are yet living: Rosa May. Minnie Alice and Ida Pearl. Mr. Thornton has always been interested in community affairs and for a long period gave his political allegiance to the Republican party. He served as trustee of his township for a term of four years and his aid can always be counted upon to further any public move- ments. Nature seems to have intended that man should enjoy a period of rest in the evening of life. In his youth he is full of vigor and hope and in more mature years are added judgment and business understand- ing that come from experience as the years pass by. He is thus enabled to direct his labors to the best advantage, and if he but make the best of his opportunities he can, through the husbanding of his recources, win a competence that enables him to rest in later years. This Mr. Thornton has done and now he is living retired.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.