USA > Indiana > Cass County > History of Cass County Indiana : From its earliest settlement to the present time with biographical sketches and reference to biographies previously compiled, Volume II > Part 41
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
WILLIAM J. GRANT. A striking example of the success to be attained through the medium of well-applied industry, intelligent effort and a life of integrity and probity, is found in the career of William J. Grant; of Clinton township, who has retired from active pursuits after many years spent in tilling the soil. Left an orphan at a tender age, his boyhood was filled with hard work, of the most unceasing char- acter, and the succeeding years were ones in which many obstacles were met and overcome, but he ever kept his face toward his cherished goal, with the result that today he is in possession of a handsome com- petency and holds an undisputed position among the citizens of his locality. Mr. Grant was born in Canada, April 6, 1851, and is a son of George and Hannah Grant.
Mr. Grant was ten years of age when he came to the United States with a party of immigrants who located in White county, Indiana, and there he was reared to manhood. His educational advantages were decidedly limited, but he was a keen and intelligent youth and made the most of his opportunities, which supplemented by years of observa- tion and study have given a wide fund of general information. He began working on a farm in White county at the age of fourteen years, and on November 11, 1874, was married to Miss Sarah Davis, who was born in White county, March 18, 1859, a daughter of Noah and Mary (Steele) Davis, the former a native of Connersville, Fayette county, Indiana, and the latter of White county. Mr. Davis located in White county when a lad, when that section was covered with a dense woods, and there spent the rest of his life in farming. On August 1, 1879, Mr. and Mrs. Grant came to Cass county, locating first for about one year in Logansport, where he was engaged in work- ing by the day. Succeeding this he also worked at day laboring in Clinton township for some time, but subsequently started operations on his own account on a rented farm, on which he continued to reside until 1897, and at that time purchased what is now known at Maple Ridge Farm, his present property, a tract of seventy-six acres. Here he made numerous improvements, his buildings including a beautiful country home, in which he and his wife are now living retired, enjoying the fruits of their early labors. Mr. and Mrs. Grant have had three children, namely: Ira J., who married Jennie Beal, of Remington, Indiana, where they now reside; Asa E., a farmer of Tipton township, who married Bessie Thomas; and Alice M., deceased, who was the wife of Ira Bonta.
The members of the Grant family are affiliated with the Church of God, and Mr. Grant's fraternal connection is with Eel River Lodge No. 417, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has Democratic inclina- tions in political matters, and while he has never been an office seeker,
.
1024
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
has served in the capacity of township supervisor. Mr. Grant deservedly bears the honored title of self-made man. Everywhere and at all times he remembers that he has worked hard and faithfully, but the struggles of earlier years are forgotten in the peace and contentment that a life of industry brings, and now, in his latter years he may look back over an honorable career, unblemished by the stain of questionable dealing.
HARRY E. AMOSS. The owner of a well-cultivated farm of fifty-six acres, Harry. E. Amoss is now serving as trustee of Clinton township, and is one of the leading and influential citizens of Cass county. Mr. Amoss has always been a farmer, having been reared to those pursuits and adopted them as a vocation when he embarked upon a business career of his own, and the success which has rewarded his efforts is but the result of the understanding of his own capabilities and the selec- tion of a business to which he was especially suited. Mr. Amoss was born on a farm in Clinton township, Cass county, Indiana, November 8, 1862, and is a son of William and Mary A. (Rea) Amoss.
The grandparents of Mr. Amoss, John and Matilda (Cohen) Amoss, were early settlers of Clinton township, and the Cohens were large landholders in this vicinity. William Amoss was born in Virginia (now West Virginia), and came to Cass county, Indiana, as a single man. Here he was married to Mary A. Rea, whose people were from Virginia, and whose members had contributed to the soldiers from their state that fought in the War of the Rebellion. Mr. Amoss was a farmer by occupation, and continued to be so engaged until his death, which occurred August 16, 1912. He and his wife were the parents of six children, of whom four still survive, namely: Addie, single, who lives on a part of the old homestead place; Walter, who is a miner and resides in Wyoming; Arthur, who lives on the old home farm; and Harry E.
Harry E. Amoss was educated in the public schools of Clinton township, and at the age of seventeen years began to give his whole atten- tion to farming. He continued under the parental roof, assisting his father and brothers, until his marriage. November 12, 1890, to Miss Lizzie Sherman, who was born in Clinton township, Cass county, Feb- ruary 29, 1864, and educated in the public schools here. One child has come to this union: Rea, born October 20, 1891. who is a graduate of the township schools and of the Logansport high school, and is now assisting his father to cultivate the home farm. Mr. Amoss is accounted one of the practical and progressive agriculturists of the community. He uses the latest improved machinery in the development of his farm, studies the best methods for producing the various cereals adapted to this climate, practices rotation of crops, and above all brings to his work that unflagging industry which spells for the greatest degree of success. His life has been one of well-directed effort, and with his success has come that content that is known only by those whose con- sciences are clear of any questionable methods, and who have been the architects of their own fortunes.
Fraternally, Mr. Amoss is connected with the Independent Order of Red Men, and I. O. O. F. in which he has held high office. His political belief is that of the Republican party, and on that ticket was
1025
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
elected to the office of trustee of Clinton township, a position which he still fills with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his fellow-citizens. He has given to his official duties the same faithful services that have characterized his private affairs, and has aided all movements for the public good, being a member of the building com- mittee of the high school at Clymers. Faithful in his friendships, he enjoys the warm regard of all with whom he has been brought into contact.
WILLARD BRIGGS. Two miles west of Clymer, in Clinton township, Cass county, is situated the well-cultivated eighty-acre farm belonging to Willard Briggs, former trustee of Clinton township, and a citizen who has spent his entire career within the limits of the county. Mr. Briggs has devoted all of his active years to the cultivation of the soil, and it would be difficult to find one who is better versed in agricultural conditions in this part of the county, while his standing as a public- spirited citizen is equally high. Mr. Briggs was born in Clinton town- ship, Cass county, Indiana, March 19, 1867, and is a son of Duncan L. and Sarah J. (Gerton) Briggs.
Duncan L. Briggs was born in the State of New York, and was an infant of two years when taken by his parents to Ohio. There he em- barked upon his own career at the age of sixteen years as a boatman on the Erie Canal and Lake Erie, following this kind of employment until he had reached his thirty-third year. When he was thirty-four years of age, Mr. Briggs was married, and at that time turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, in which he was engaged in Cass county during the remainder of his life, his death occurring January 20, 1912, and that of his wife December 25, 1910. They were the parents of two children : Willard; and Elizabeth, the latter of whom, now deceased, was the wife of John Patterson.
Like other farmers' sons of his day and locality, Willard Briggs gave part of his boyhood to the work of the home farm. During the winter terms he added to his fund of literary knowledge, but the sum- mers were all devoted to following the plow or other farm labor, and he thus built up his constitution and became thoroughly familiar with every detail of farm work. Mr. Briggs was given better advantages than many of his youthful companions, however, for a time being a student at the old college at Logansport, as well as at the Danville normal school, and when he had completed his education was well fitted to fill whatever position he might be called upon to occupy. He chose farming as his life work, and has had no reason to regret his selection, for through industry, perseverance and intelligent effort, he has gained a competence and made a place for himself among the substantial men of his community. At this time he is farming eighty acres of highly cultivated land, located two miles west of Clymers, on which may be found all the improvements and conveniences which mark the home of the progressive and enterprising farmer of today.
On September 2, 1891, Mr. Briggs was united in marriage with Miss Laura Patterson, and of their children, three survive, namely: Mabel, a graduate of the Logansport high school, who is now engaged in teach- ing school; Clarence, who is in his second year in the Logansport high
1026
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
school; and Harold, a student in the district schools. Mr. Briggs is a popular member of the Knights of Pythias, Apollo Lodge No. 62, of Logansport, and the Modern Woodmen of America. His political belief is that of the new Progressive party.
OLIVER REED. Clinton township shows some of the best regulated farms in Cass county, made so by the thrift, industry and energetic labor of their owners, who have realized the advantages of using modern machinery and methods in their farm work. One of the valuable prop- erties of this township is the farm of Oliver Reed, a tract of 160 acres lying in sections 32 and 33, which has been cultivated into a state of high fertility through Mr. Reed's knowledge of agricultural work and his willingness to adopt modern methods and appliances to take the place of the cruder implements and hit-or-miss manner of farming of former years. Mr. Reed is a native of Clinton township, and was born August 12, 1849, a son of Michael and Sarah (Tittle) Reed. His father was born at Reading, Pennsylvania, in 1820, and his mother near Dayton, Ohio, and they were the parents of eight children, of whom six are living at this time: William D., a farmer of Cass county; Oliver, of this review ; Sarah, the wife of John D. Tyner, of Logansport; Clara M., who is single and lives in Logansport; Dr. John H., a well-known physician of that city, and Jacob A., who also resides in Logansport.
Oliver Reed was reared in Clinton township, and as a youth entered the district schools, which he attended until he was eighteen years of age. At that time he entered the Logansport high school, and for three years continued his studies therein during the winter months, while his summers were devoted to farm work. On completing his education, Mr. Reed chose farming as his life occupation, and after his marriage, in 1875, rented his father's farm, which he continued to operate for twelve years, then purchasing his present property. He has added to his original purchase from time to time, making improve- ments as his finances and inclinations allowed, and his 160-acre tract is now one of the best in the township, highly cultivated, well drained and tiled and improved with excellent buildings, substantial in character and of a handsome architectural style. Politically, Mr. Reed is a Democrat, but he has never taken a great deal of interest in public matters, beyond the manner in which they affect his township. He is superintendent of the Logansport and Western Turnpike, a position which he has held for some years, and in which he has served with fidelity. He and his wife are members of the English Lutheran church, and both are public-spirited and deeply interested in all that promises to be of benefit to the community in which they are such important factors. In addition to his farming operations, which are extensive, Mr. Reed devotes a great deal of attention to raising graded stock, and his cattle find a ready market at the large shipping points.
On April 22, 1875, Mr. Reed was married to Miss Mary Whalon, of Germantown, Ohio, who was born and reared there, and educated in the common and normal schools, and for some years was engaged in teaching in Ohio. Five children have been born to this union: Ethel M., educated in the district and high schools, single, and living with her parents ; Charles E., a graduate of the State University at Bloomington,
1
"ERCELDENE LODGE," RESIDENCE OF MR. AND MRS. JOHN W. CLARY
1027
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
Indiana, class of 1912, where he received the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and now a student in the Chicago Scientific School, under the super- vision of Dr. Taylor; and Homer L., a graduate of the Logansport high school, and now a student in Purdue University. Two children are dead, Omer Leroy, who died aged 12 years, and Oliver O., who died in infancy.
JOHN W. CLARY. In the vicinity of Lucerne, in Harrison township, there is probably no more productive an estate nor more attractive rural home than that occupied by John W. Clary and family. Mr. Clary rep- resents one of the old families of Cass county, and was himself born in a log cabin, and was a product of the early conditions in this county. He lived here when much of the land was covered by forest, and before any of the modern facilities had been instituted. A railroad came when he was grown and married, and since that time every decade has wit- nessed a remarkable improvement in all conditions and facilities of industry and living.
John W. Clary was born in district number one, Harrison town- ship, in a log house on the seventh of September, 1844. His father was Isaac Clary, and the early honors of the family in this county are given more detail on other pages of this history. On February 1, 1871, John W. Clary was united in marriage, in Fulton county, with Miss Lavina Marsh, a daughter of David and Anna (Hall) Marsh. Mrs. Clary's father was born in Ohio, and then he came to Fulton county, Indiana. The family was founded here by her grandfather, who was a soldier in the War of 1812, and later had come to Indiana from Ohio. He bought land at $1.25 an acre and did much for the early development of the country. Mrs. Clary's father died about 1889. Mrs. Clary has two parchment deeds in her possession dated June 30, 1837, and executed during the administration of President Van Buren.
Mr. and Mrs. Clary are the parents of seven children, whose names follow: Cora Elsie, the wife of Isaac Emery; Jane Frances, who mar- ried Walter Ingram; David Newton, who died at the age of twelve years; William H., born April 14, 1880; Edith, born September 6, 1890; Della May, who died at the age of two years and five months, and Verdie, who died at the age of fourteen months.
In 1886, Mr. Clary moved to his present farm in Harrison town- ship. A small frame house was the habitation which he and his family occupied, and several years later he was enabled with the fruits of his labor and management to erect a comfortable home and other build- ings, which give this estate the appearance of being one of the best homes in Cass county. When he first took possession, all the land was cleared but forty acres, and since then he has succeeded in clearing up nearly all of the estate, so that his farm of two hundred and twenty acres is all suitable for cultivation and for the profits of agriculture.
From 1872 to 1876, Mr. Clary was a resident of Fulton county, this state, and during that time served as supervisor of his township for about six years. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian church.
"Erceldene Lodge," the beautiful country seat of Mr. and Mrs.
1028
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
John W. Clary, was erected in 1911. It is one of the most modern country residences in Cass county, built of brick, with wide concrete verandas, and finished in hard woods in the most artistic manner, beau- tifully and comfortably furnished, and lighted from cellar to garret with a modern acetylene plant. It is so large and well arranged that the host and hostess can entertain a large coterie of friends and it is well known as the abode of cordiality and friendly greeting.
Mrs. Clary is a gracious hostess and it is a pleasure to know her, she being of a most pleasing personality and entertaining her friends with a royal welcome.
SAMUEL H. SMITH. From poor and obscure boyhood to a position of prominence among the agriculturists of his section and the owner- ship of two fine farms, the career of Samuel H. Smith, of Clinton town- ship, has been replete with triumph over obstacles, pluck, determina- tion and industrious effort, all conducing to well-earned success. Mr. Smith was born in Newton county, Indiana, February 24, 1870, and is a son of James II. and Rebecca E. (McClain) Smith.
James H. Smith was born and reared in Clinton township, Cass county, Indiana, but as a young man went to Iroquois, Iroquois county, Illinois, and subsequently to Gardner, Grundy county, Illinois, being engaged in merchandising and spending in all about ten years in the Prairie State. At the end of that period he returned to Indiana, and his last years were spent on the homestead, where his death occurred. During the Civil war he fought for three years and four months in the ranks of the Union army, as a member of Company D, Forty-sixth Regi- ment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was wounded in the battle of Champion Hill. In his later years he was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Smith married Rebecca E. McClain, who was born in Indiana, a daughter of Dr. Joseph McClain, a physician, who came from Virginia. Three sons and three daughters were born to this union, Samuel H. being the only child now living in Cass county.
The boyhood of Samuel H. Smith was passed on his father's farm, and his education was limited to a short attendance at the district school of his locality, and whatever he could pick up himself. Being a keen observer, however, and a man of much native intelligence, he has gained a wide and comprehensive knowledge of general subjects and is known as an exceedingly well informed man. At the age of fourteen years he began to take an active part in farming, and through industry, energy and thrift has accumulated 10114 acres in Clinton township, as well as a tract of 192 acres lying north of Logansport. He has always engaged in general farming, in addition to which he has carried on extensive dairying and for some years has been known as a breeder of registered cattle. The same industry and energetic spirit that characterized his young manhood have marked his sub- sequent career, and he is known as one of his community's most pro- gressive agriculturists, one who is ready at all times to adopt modern methods, and with the ability to make the most of them. The old Smith homestead, on which he resides with his family, has been con- verted into one of the most valuable farms in Clinton township, through intelligent treatment of the soil and the installing of numerous improve-
.
1029
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
ments, and the buildings thereon are of substantial character and architectural beauty. Mr. Smith's political belief is that of the Repub- lican party, although he has not interested himself to any great extent in public matters, while his fraternal connection is with the Independent Order of Foresters. With his wife and children, he attends the Metho- dist Episcopal church.
On September 5, 1894, Mr. Smith was married at Anderson, Indiana, to Miss Rose Snell, who was born September 16, 1867, at Anderson. Mrs. Smith was educated in the public schools, and the death of her parents made it necessary that she become self-supporting, she being a clerk in a general store at Anderson for several years. She and her husband have two children : Reba, seventeen years of age, who has been educated in the common and high schools; and Jesse, who is now attend- ing the country schools and assisting his father in the work of the home farm.
JAMES W. LITTLE. One of the old and honored residents of Clinton township, Cass county, who has spent more than seventy-three years in this section and is still connected actively with agricultural pursuits, although he has reached an age when most men would consider that they had earned a rest, is James W. Little, the owner of 300 acres of land, a model, progressive citizen, able agriculturist and revered veteran of the Civil war. Mr. Little was born on the farm on which he now resides, July 7, 1840, and is a son of Alexander and Ann (Bowen) Little.
Alexander Little was born in August, 1802, in County Armagh, Ire- land, from whence he came to the United States as a young man, and first settled in Franklin county, Pennsylvania. In 1834 he came over- land to Cass county, Indiana, and entered land on which he erected a small log cabin, but after several years returned to Pennsylvania and married Ann Bowen, of Franklin county. After their marriage, in May, 1838, they started for the new land in the wilds of Indiana, making the entire journey of 640 miles in a wagon, the trip consuming some six weeks, and finally reached their destination and began their life in the little log cabin home in the woods along the Wabash river. There Alex- ander Little passed away in November, 1864, an honest, reliable, straight- forward man, whose life was one of unceasing industry and persistent effort. While a resident of Pennsylvania he served as captain in a mili- tary organization known as the Dragoons. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, and his father was an elder in that faith in Franklin county for upwards of twenty years. Alexander and Ann (Bowen) Little became the parents of twelve children, of whom six grew to maturity, and four are still living today, namely : James W. ; Amanda, the wife of Dr. Sterrett, of California; Sarah, the wife of Samuel Milli- gan, of Waveland, Indiana, and Mrs. Anna Stoutmeyer, of Onargo. Illinois.
James W. Little was reared on the farm on which he now lives, and received his education in the common schools, eventually securing a teacher's license and becoming an educator in the district schools. He was thus engaged at the outbreak of the Civil war, and in May, 1862, enlisted in Company B, Fifty-fifth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer In- fantry. After some six months of service Mr. Little received his hon-
1030
HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY
orable discharge, on account of wounds sustained during the battle of Richmond, and at this time he is receiving a pension from a grateful government. Mr. Little was known as a brave, cheerful and faithful soldier, one who gave the best of himself to the discharge of his duty, and to whom orders were as a sacred trust. He left the service with an excellent record and returned to the duties of peace, again becoming a district school teacher.
In 1866 Mr. Little was married to Miss Mary Barnes, who was born in Carroll county, Indiana, December 17, 1844, and educated in the distriet schools. Five children have been born to this union, of whom one died in infancy, the others being: Flora, single and residing at home with her parents; Dr. John A., who is enjoying an excellent medical practice in Logansport ; Emma J., the wife of J. R. Colter, of Washington, Iowa, and Samuel H., who is single, resides at home and assists his father in the work of the homestead place.
The members of the Little family are identified with the Associate Presbyterian church, in which Mr. Little is one of the elders. He is a strictly temperate man, having never used tobacco or spirituons liquors, and has been enthusiastic in his support of all movements tending to ad- vanee religion, education, morality and good citizenship. His farm of 296 aeres has been brought to a high state of cultivation through in- telligent treatment of the soil, and is considered one of the valuable tracts of this section. For many years Mr. Little was an adherent of Republican policies and principles, but in the campaign of 1912 his pro- gressive ideas caused him to cast his fortunes with the young so-called Bull Moose party.
JOIIN A. LITTLE, M. D. This most accomplished gentleman, learned in his profession, a versatile devotee of science, a publie-spirited eitizen, as well as active and energetie in the business life of Logansport, has been in practice in this city for fifteen years, and has attained to an eminent place among medical practitioners. Like many of the success- ful professional men of the city, Dr. Little is a product of the farm, hav- ing been born on his father's estate in Clinton township, Cass county, Indiana, November 5, 1868, a son of James W. and Mary (Barnes) Little, and grandson of Alexander and Anna (Bowen) Little.
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.