USA > Indiana > Cass County > Combination atlas map of Cass County, Indiana > Part 20
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On the 6th day of October, 1876, he was called upon to part with the faithful wife, who, through many years, had been his con- stant companion and belp-mate. Ho is a survivor of the pioneer community of this country, and, during his residence bere, has proven himself worthy of the confidence aud esteem reposed in him by all who know him.
DAVID H. CONRAD, BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP.
David H. Conrad was horn in Washington County, Penn., May 9, 1800. His parents, John and Hannah Conrad, were natives of the same county, and resided there until the date of their decense. They were the parents of nino children, named respectively Henry, William, Jobn, Catharine, David H., Daniel, Hannah, Phoebe and Joshua ; the latter died at the age of two years.
David remained with his parents until 23 years of age. In Octo- her, 1823, he married Miss Mary Custer, a native of Washington County, Penn. Seven children erowned the happiness of this mar- riage. Their names were Ella, Andrew, Samuel, Hannah, Stephen, Oeorge, John H. and Mary A.
Andrew died on the desert, heyond Salt Lake City, on his way to California. Henry died in infancy.
In October, 1845, Mr. Conrad met with a sad hercavement in the death of his wife. Four years later (November 14, 1849), lie married Mrs. Catbarine Oarver, daughter of Peter Onslott, Esq., a citizen of Miami County, Indiana. Ono daughter, Mariah, las heen added to the family since this union. During his residence in Washı- ington County, Penn., Mr. Conrad was engaged in purchasing cattle, and driving them overland to the Enstern markets. This enterprise proved to be a financial advantage to him, and he continued to follow it until the year 1840, at which timo be came to this county, and located on thic farm where he now resides.
Altbough possessed of only a common school education, he has gained much hy travel and experience. This, aided by his natural keen perception, makes him the possessor of a rich store of knowledge.
He was a momher of the military company which escorted thio Marquis de Lafayette into the city of Wasbington on the occasion of his visit to America.
He also witnessed the funeral ohsequies of Presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, in the city of Baltimore. He was greatly impressed hy tbe occasion, and pronounces it ono of the memorable events of his lifc.
It was also bis privilege to witness the laying of the first stone for the first railroad in the United States, near the city of Baltimore. To Cen. Carroll (last survivor of the signers of the Declaration of Inde- pendence) was awarded the honor of placing the stone in position. Tho occasion was attended witb much ceremony, and pertinent addresses were made by prominent citizens of Baltimoro and otber oities. Cheer after cheer arose from the assembled multitude, in view of this founda- tion for tho great railroad system, wbicb now spans the continent from sea to sea, and which has so materially aided the development of tho boundless resources of our country. Mr. Conrad accompanied the first excursion over this road. The routo was from Baltimore to Ellicott's Mills, a distance of ten miles. Every car was crowded to its utmost capacity; but; the motive power was not the mighty agent, steam, which now propels our railway coaches from city to city with almost lightning speed, but was furnished by horses attached to the cars. It was a new experience, a new mode of travel, and the orudity of the affair was overlooked, or unknown by those who participated tberein ; for to tbem it beralded a new era in the economy of the country.
To Mr. Conrad was awarded the honor of commanding a battilion of " Jackson Reserve " volunteers, wbo escorted Gen. Jackson through Washington County, Penn., while en route from home, after the expiration of his second Presidential term. He was commissioned by Gov. Wolfe of Pennsylvania, to act as Major of the battalion in Washington County, and in that copacity, seted for a term of seven years. He was an ardent admirer and supporter of Gen. Jackson, and has always supported the principles advocated by him.
He is one of Cass County's early pioneers, and for many years has been permanently associated with its interests. He is a liberal, benevolent man, and a good neighbor, and, in his declining years, en- joys the love and confidence of all who know bim.
WILLIAM JAMESON, HARRISON TOWNSHIP.
Wm. Jameson was born in Wayne County, Ohio, February 13, 1817. His father John Jamison, was a nativo of Washington Connty, Pennsylvania. He married Miss Amy Tilton, a native of the same county, and from thence removed to Wayne County, Ohio, where he remained until 1852. In that year be came with his family to Cass County, where he purchased a farm, upon which he and wife resided until their death. Their son William received hisearly education in his native State, Ohio, and in that Stato took his first lessons in the science of agriculture. He learned to follow the plow at a very carly age, and throughout his life has been constantly engaged in the occu- pation followed by his father, the ever honorsble pursuit of farming. On the 31st day of October, 1838, he was united in marriage to Misa Mary Ewry, who was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, May 22, 1820. She subsequently removed with her parents to Rieh- land County, Ohio, where her marriage with Mr. Jamison took place.
In the year 1852, Mr. Jamison came, with his wife and children, to Cass County and located upon the farm where he now resides. Eight children have blessed their married life; their names are John, Thomas, Elmer, Milton, Jane, Martin, Alice and Harry. Of this
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number three are deccased-John, Elmer and Milton. During the war of the rebellion, John and Thomas responded to their country's call for volunteers, and served nobly until the close of the war. The former entered Ann Arbor College, at Ann Arbor, Michigan, after his return from the war, but died before the end of the course, with his life work unfinished. The surviving children are all married, except Harry, who remsins at home to assist his father in the per- formance of his firm duties and lighten his burden in his declining years.
At the age of 60 years we find Mr. Jamison in the full posses- sion of all his faculties, and in the enjoyment of a vigorous constitu- tion.
He has never been prominent in the political arens, but is a quiet supporter of the principles advocated by the Republican party. He cust his first vote for William Henry Harrison, and has supported that branch of the body politie, ever since.
Ile is an honest and industrious farmer, and his long residence in this county has secured him many friends.
He owns and operates a fine farm, located on Section 25, Harrison Township, with the latest improved implements for the snecessful prosecution of his lifelong occupation. We are pleased to present our readers with a view of his residence, in this volume.
.
BENJAMIN PORTER, CLINTON TOWNSHIP.
Benjamin Porter, the son of Robert and Margaret Porter, was born in Bath County, Va., on the 15th day of November, 1812. Hc is the fifth child in a family of twelve. In the Fall of 1815, his futber emigrated with his family to Fayette County, Ind., where he rented a farm, which he conducted for five years. He then moved to Rosh County, Ind., and entered eighty acres of land, upon which be resided until his death, which occurred in June, 1845.
Benjamin resided with his parents until 13 years of ago. At that tique he went to reside with his aunt in Warren County, Ohio. He remained there four years and then returned to his home in Rush County, Ind. In the Spring of 1831, he removed to Cass County, und purchased the farm upon which he now resides. The process of clearing then began, and through all the privations and bardsbips of pioneer life he kept a hrave beart, and with untiring energy toiled on day after day, often working late into the night in bis efforts to make u clearing and found a home. He built a hewed log bouse, which was then a matter of pride to himself and the neighbors, as it was the hest house in the neighborhood, and far superior to the ordinary pioneer dwelling. Surrounded by the Indians, who were generally peaccable, he began life as a pioneer farmer. Five years after his arrival ( February, 1836), he was united in marriage with Miss Cla- rissa Justice. This union was blessed by eight children, named as follows : Naney, horn December 27, 1836; Rosanna, January 16, 1839 ; Alpheus, June 7, 1842 ; Celista, November 1, 1844; Saman- tha C., August 19, 1847 ; Washington, June 5, 1852 ; J. Franklin, September 19, 1855, and Margaret Alice, January 12, 1860-all of whom have grown to maturity.
During the existence of the Whig party, Mr. Porter acted and voted with them, and upon the organization of the Republican party he adopted that code of principles, and has since neted with that party. He has been an active member and zealous supporter of the Christian Church since 1840; and his estimable wife has been a member of that deuomination for a still longer period, having united with the church previous to her marriage.
Mr. Porter is pleasantly located on the farm in Clinton Township where he first settled, and which he eleared by his own labors. His farin is well improved and cultivateil, and is one of the finest in this county.
With the exception of one daughter, who is married and living in Minnesota, he is still blessed with the society of all bis children, form- ing an ahnost unbroken family cirele. Long may he live to enjoy his well-earned reputation, and the fruits of the labors of his long and indostrious life-an example worthy of imitation.
CAPT. JOHN SHAFER, CLINTON TOWNSHIP, .
was born in Butler County, Ohio, December 13, 1833, to Peter and Catherine Shafer, farmers. In 1836, when the subject of this sketch was but 3 years of age, Peter, with his family, removed to Auglaize County, same State, where he continued his former pursuit of farm- ing, iu which business young John was carly trained, under the watchful care of his father, until 1841, when his father was removed by death, leaving John, at the carly age of 8 years, without the care and counsel of father. John continued to render what assistance he could at that early age upon the farm until 1858, when he hid fare- well to home, mother and friends, to scek a home farther west, locat- ing iu Cass County, Ind. Here, also, he continued the pursuit of agriculturo until the Fall of 1861, when the drum and fife (whose music is still familiar to his ear) was heard throughont the North, calling the friends of the Federal Union to organize and rally in ber defense.
The loyal sons of Indiana responded nobly to that eall, and early took steps to that music for the Uniou, among whom John Shafer was found upon the muster roll of Company F, Forty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, that served in the Western army under Gen. Grant, during his campaign on the Mississippi ; and after nearly three years of netive service, his regimeut (the Forty-sixth) re-enlisted It New Orleans and immediately embarked across the Gulf of Mex- ico and landed on Texas soil, where his regiment remained three months, after which time they re-embarked for New Orleans, where they joined that weworable Red River expedition, under Gen. N. P. Buuks, where his regiment, in common with that part of the Federal army, suffered extreme hardships and endurance. At the battle of Mansfield, he (Shafer), with many others, was taken prisoner and confined at Fort Tyler, Texas, where he remained 414 days, during which time the prisoners' daily rations consisted of oue pint of eorn
meal or sbout the same amount of parched whole corn adternately, with no otber sbelter than an excavation in the earth and no other covering but the broad canopy of heaven. That prison embraced sbout four aeres of land, inclosed by a stockade, and contained, at that time, about 4,000 prisoners. Mr. Shafer, in common with all Union soldiers who were so unfortunate as to become prisoners of war to the rebels, suffered severely from exposure, from cold, from hunger and from sickness, and relstes thrilling narratives of escape from prison, of laborious efforts to reach the Federal lines snd of the great kindness received at the hands of their only friends in that country-the negroes-who not only cared for and fed them to the extent of their limited means, but never, in s single instance, betrayed a Union soldier.
Mr. Shafer suffered from sickness while in prison and hospital to such an extent that his unusually strong constitution became visihly impaired; and while yet in hospital, in the Summer of 1865-the war being over and the stars and stripes once more pescefully floating in all the States of the American Union, the prisoners all set at lib- erty-John Shafer joined his regimeut at Louisville, Ky., where he found a Captain's commission awaiting him, having heen, from time to time, promoted from the ranks to the rank of Captain.
In due time, his regiment was mustered out of the military service, and Capt. Shafer, once more a private citizen, returned to Clinton Township, Cass Co., Ind., and engaged again in the peaceful and honorable occupation of farming.
Capt. Shafer married the widowed daughter of Jobn and Ann Myers, Mrs. Mary Kinsey, January 25, 1866, and settled upon the farm of 186 acres, where he now resides, adding improvements which, to-day, constitutes it one of the pleasantest homes in Cass County, Ind. (a view of which may be seen in this historie work), surrounded by an interesting young family of four children by his marriage, together with a son of his wife by her former husband, all of whom were born in the following named order: Lee W. Kinsey, born Marcb 29, 1858; Anna C. Shafer, born April 18, 1867 ; Alice M., born June 17, 1869; Eva L., horn June 6, 1872, and John Q., horn Sept. 27, 1874.
Capt. John Shafer is now 45 years of age, and, with the exception of the visible effects of exposure and endurance in army life, is remark- ably well preserved, and enjoys a happy home and family, as well as the esteem and confidence of his fellow men.
May he livo the full allotted time to man-" three score years and ten "-and enjoy the respect due a faithful soldier and an honorable citizen.
R. E. DEAN, MIAMI TOWNSHIP.
R. E. Dean was born in Monroe County, Michigan, on the 5th day of June, 1833. His parents emigrated to that county from Ontario County, New York, in the year 1832, and were among the early pioncers of that State (then a Territory). The subject of our sketch remained with his parents until nearly 17 years of age, at wbich time he determined to seek his fortune on life's highway. He engaged his services to a farmer, and, by this means, obtained the necessary funds to assist him in his travels. He came to Indiana, and located, temporarily, in Carroll County, where he mar- ried Miss Rosila L. Hulce, on the 13th day of October, 1853. This union was blessed hy three children, named respectively William W., K. Robert and Harriet A., all of whom are still living at home. Soon after his marriage, ho removed to Toledo, Obio, where he remained until 1865. In that year, he returned to Indiana, and located in Cass County. He purchased tho farm he now occupies, and improved it by the erectiou of a new and commodious residence, with a fine barn and convenient out-buildings, making it one of the finest farms in the county. In addition to this, be owns another farm one milo south of his home. He is a gentleman well known and universally respected throughout the county. Politically he is a supporter of the Democratic party, though he has never figured as a politician and is not a bigoted partisan.
He is an active member of the Masonic Fraternity ; is thoroughly conversant with tho details of the science of agriculture, and, by close attention thereto, has earned the reputation of being one of the most successful farmers of Cass County. By paitent toif and economy, he has accumulated a competence in worldly effects and enjoys the pros- perity acquired by years of industry.
ABRAHAM HYRE, MIAMI TOWNSHIP.
The subject of this sketch was horn in Madison Township, Mont- gomery County, Ohio, on the 20th day of March, 1821, and is the ninth child in a family of twelve. His father was a native of South Carolina, whence he removed to Ohio, and was among the carly set- tlers of Montgomery County.
At the age of 15, Abraham entered upon an apprenticeship in the carpenter's trade, and was thus engaged for a period of three years. At the end of that time, being considered a competent mechanic, he launched bis bark on the sea of life, determined to make his own way. He worked at his trade, in connection with some milling operations, for a period of ten years. In August, 1846, he married Miss Annie Garver, whose untimely death he was called to lawent, in January, 1847. This union was blessed by one child, Annie, who is now the wife of Charles H. Granger, Esq., of Sullivan County, Indiana.
Two years after the death of his wife, Mr. Hyre was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Emerick. By this marriage he is the father of eleven children, named respectively William, Mary, Silas M., Saul, Sarah, John A., Lydia E., Martha J., Harriet S., Minnie E. and Joseph. Of this number, five are deceased, as follows: William Mary, Lydia E., Martha J. and Josepb. Sanl is still living at home; the remaining children are married and happily settled in life.
Mr. Hyre is one of the early settlers of Cass County, and has been associated with its interests many years. He has added several
traets of land to his original purchase, from timo to timo, and is now the proprietor of 210 aeres of valuable land in this county, the larger portion of which is finely improved and cultivated.
He is a member of the German Baptist Church. Independent in polities, he votes from principle, unbiased by party prejudices.
11. M. VOORHIS, MIAMI TOWNSHIP.
This gentleman was born in Lebanon, Warren County, Obio, Jan- uary 1, 1816. Me learued the carpenter's trade, aud, at the age of 19, left bome in company with his brother, to mako his living at that trade. He worked in Piqua, Ohio, one year, and from that place went to Lockland, Ohio, where he continued to work at his trade.
On the 1st day of January, 1838, he married Miss Louisa A. Bennett. Fourteen children blessed this union, and of this number nine grew to maturity. Their names are : Mary F., married to Nathan Gullahan, Esq., and now residing in Miami Township ; A. Lyman, living in the Stote of Kansas ; Manleus N., living in Florida; f'er- cinia R., married to E. S. Brewington, Esq., of Logansport ; Alhi- nus H., living at home ; Laura A., married to M. A. Neff, Esq., of Peru, Ind .; Wilson H., living at home, and Edward W., also at bome. Leonidas L., William F., Benton S., Maria L. and Charles are deceased. Olive M. is still living at home. In June, 1848, Mr. Voorhis moved his family to the farm which he now occupies. He is the proprietor of 160 acres of finely improved land, and has added to the beauty of bis farin by the orection of a fine resideuco and con. venient outbuildings. As a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church he has lived a consistent life, and is houored and respected by all who know bim. Ho is a staunch supporter of the principles adopted and advocated by the Republican party. During the late civil war, three of his sons served in the Union army until peace was finally restored between the hostile sections, when they returoed to their home and resumed their farm duties.
Mr. Voorhis is a commendable example of what may be aceoup- lished by perseverance and prudent management. He is now one of the wealthiest farmers of Cass County, and his success is duo alone to his untiring energy and persistent lahor.
W. C. GALLAIIAN, MIAMI TOWNSHIP.
Mr. Gallahan was born in Miami Township, Montgomery County, Ohio, on the 30th day of June, 1830. At the age of 9 years, he moved with his parents to Miami County, Ohio. His father died the following year, and thus at the tender ago of 10 years, ho was left to rely in a great measure upon his own resources, and from that time until he was 23 years of age, he was the main support of tbe family. The responsibility thus placed upon him qualified him for the duties of later years ; but the advantages of school education, so essential in the formation of the youthful character, were almost strangers to him. He improved the limited opportunities which ho enjoyed, however, and thereby laid a good foundation for an education which, aided by travel and experience, has developed into a find of practical knowledge.
On the 25th day of November, 1852, he married Miss Martha J. Arnout. Seven children blessed this union, and of this number six are still living, as follows: May R., Mary Elizabeth, John E., Schuyler C., Dickey C. and Jesse G. Mr. Callahan is one of the early settlers of Cass County, and, since the year 1838, has been iden- tified with its interests. He bas confined his attention to the pursuit of farmiug, and in that vocation has been very successful, ffe is a supporter of the Democratic party, but has never heen an activo politician.
As a member of the Christian Church, he has led a consistent life, and is well known as an upright, houest man.
SIMON WOLF, DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP.
Jacoh Wolf, the father of Simon Wolf, was born in Frederick County, Maryland, on the 10th day of October, 1807, and came with his parents to Montgomery County, Ohio, in the smne year. Ifc acquired his early education in that locality, and remained with his father until his marriage. In September, 1829, he married Mixs Bar- bara Izor, a native of Erie County, Pennsylvania. Sho was born on the 25th day of May, 1809, and is now living near Catoden, Carroll County, Indiana.
In 1836, Jacob Wolf moved from Ohio, and settled in Carroll County, Indiana. He there entered 160 acres of land, which he cleared, and upon that tract he continued to reside until his deeenso. His son Simon was born on the 4th day of July, 1830. On the 25th day of July, 1854, be married Miss Mary A. Wagner, who came with her parents, John and Jane Wagner, from Perry County, Pennsyl- vania, to Carroll County, Indiana, in the year 1852. They located upon a farm in thst county, where the father died on the 15th day of June, 1856.
Immediately after his marriage, Mr. Wolf removed with his young wife, to Cass County, and located npon the farm where he now resides. He is the father of twelve children, eight of whom are still living, named as follows: Josephioe F., born November 22, 1856; Caroline B., born June 8, 1859; Jennie M., born September 5, 1860; Edward C., horn April 18, 1862; Frank L., born March 12, 1867; Victoria L., horn August 16, 1872; Flora M., born February 26, 1875 ; and Amy P., horn March 29, 1877. Those deceased are Charles S., Mary F., William A. and Dora M.
Mr. Wolf is one of the early settlers of Cass County, and has performed his part in elevating it from its former wad state to its present advanced condition. In publie improvements, he is ever ready to lend a helping hand, and where donations are required for the furtherance of soch improvements, he is never less generous than his neighhors.
He is Secretary of the Banner Crange, in Deer Creek Township. Honest and upright in all his dealings with his fellow man, he has won the highest regard of all with whom he has been associated.
1.3
DENNIS UHL COUNTY COMMISSIONER LOGANSPORT
How L. M. Radin
W. P. LOUTHAIN SHERIFF CASS CO.
W.T.S. MANLY TREASURER OF CASS CO.
GEO. RENBARGER ESQ. COUNTY COMMISSIONER JEFFERSON TP.
14
G
FATHER FRANCIS LAWLER
€
PARSONAGE, AND ST VINCENT DEPAUL CHURCH. CORNER 9TH & SPENCER STS. LOGANSPORT IND.
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NAMES OF COUNTY OFFICERS, FROM THE ORGANIZATION OF CASS COUNTY, IN 1829, UP TO THE PRESENT TIME (1878). COMPILED BY THOMAS B. HELM.
COMMISSIONERS.
DATE
CIRCUIT JODOE.
Associate Judge.
Associste Judge.
PROBATE JUDOE.
CLERK.
AUDITOR.
RECORDEE.
TREASUREA.
SHERIFF.
Prosecuting Attorney.
SURVEYOR.
CORONER.
FIRST DISTRICT.
SECOND DISTRICT.
THIRD DISTRICT.
1829 Bethuel F. Morris Hiram Todd ... John Smith .... Jobn Scott.
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=
=
=
=
John B. Duret ... =
Cyrus Taber. Jordan Vigus ..
Wm. Scott W. W. Wick Jas. H. Kintner .. E. A. Hanagan ..
C. Carter. =
H. B. McKeen ... Chancey Carter ... Moses Thorpe .... =
James Siuith. =
1831
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
= John B. Chapman
John W. Miller
=
Dauiel Neff.
1833 Gust. A. Everts ...
=
. Chauncey Carter ..
&
=
...
=
...
=
=
=
=
De Hart Booth.
=
=
Alexander Smith
1837 Chas. W. Ewing ..
=
=
..
=
=
:
=
=
=
Wm. L. Ross.
.. Lucien P. Ferry .. 16
=
.. Levin Turner.
Robert Edwards ..
=
Wm. Dixon.
1843
=
=
=
=
=
=
Thomas Jones.
Abijah Van Ness Wm. Z. Stuart ... C. Carter.
Harry Barker ...
Wm. Mecks
.. Richard Tyner.
1846
=
Jas. Horney ..
=
=
=
=
=
=
Geo. B. Walkor ..
=
1848
Robert F. Groves
...
William Lytle .....
4
=
=
=
A. B. Knowlton ..
1851
=
:
=
=
John F. Dodds ...
Edwd. B. Strong
...
Nathan Julian ...
.. Blair Buchanan.
1852 Robert H. Milroy
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