History of Cass County, Indiana : From the earliest time to the present, Part 86

Author: Helm, Thomas B., 1822-1889, ed; Brant and Fuller, Chicago (Ill.), pub
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Brant and Fuller
Number of Pages: 984


USA > Indiana > Cass County > History of Cass County, Indiana : From the earliest time to the present > Part 86


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THOMAS P. CASTLE. one of the pioneers of this county, and at present a resident of Noble Township, was born in Warren County, Ohio, June 15, 1820. He was the fifth son born to George V. and Catharine ( Horine ) Castle, both natives of Maryland, the


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former of Irish descent and the latter of Dutch descent, their re- spective births occurring in about 1782 and 1789. His father served in the war of 1812, and died in Warren County, Ohio, at the age of sixty-five. His mother died in Harrison Township, this county, at the advanced age of eighty-nine. He had six brothers and six sisters, whose names were John T., Priscilla, George B., Noah, Mahala, Isaac P., Rebecca, Elizabeth, Mary, James M., Hul- dah and Peter, of whom Priscilla, Rebecca, Mahala, Isaac P. and James M. are dead. In the fall of 1837 he came to Montgomery County, this State, with his brother-in-law. Here he remained two years, when he came to Harrison Township, this county. He lived here on a farm until the fall of 1880, when he purchased property in Logansport. After spending eighteen months in the city he re- moved to a farm in Section 2, Noble Township, where he has ever since resided. November 9, 1847, he was married to Mary Tucker, a native of Tippecanoe County, Ind., born, of Dutch descent, Sep- tember 15, 1827. She was the daughter of Mitchner and Barbara (Hunsinger) Tucker, both natives of Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Castle have had six children, as follows: Peter, Albert, Barbara Jane, Priscilla, Melvin and Emma Olive, of whom Albert and Barbara Jane are dead. Mr. and Mrs. Castle are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Castle formerly was a Democrat, but since 1862 he has firmly supported the principles of the Republican par- ty. He is an influential citizen and is highly respected where he is known.


WILLIAM COTNER, one of the pioneers of Cass County, was born in Darke County, Ohio, May 27, 1816. He was the oldest child in a family of thirteen children born to Eli and Nackey (Mullen- nix) Cotner, both natives of North Carolina. The former born, of German descent, to Daniel and Mary (Coble) Cotner, in January, 1795; immigrated with his parents to Montgomery County, Ohio, when ten years of age; removed to Darke County, Ohio, about 1815; immigrated to this State in 1827, and located upon a farm near Del- phi, Carroll County, and finally came to this county in the fall of 1831, and located upon a farm in Section 18, Noble Township, where he spent the balance of his life, his death occurring June 17, 1857. The latter was born, of German and Welsh descent, to Jona- than and Mary (Summey) Mullennix, about 1798; came with her parents to Montgomery County, Ohio; afterward moved to Darke County, Ohio, where, in 1815, her marriage occurred with Eli Cot- ner; she came with her husband, first to Carroll County, and finally to this county, and died upon the old home place, in Noble Town- ship, in August, 1853. He had ten brothers and two sisters, whose names were John, Henry, Peter, Cornelius, Eli, Daniel, Easton, George, Mary, David, Sarah and Samuel, all of whom grew up to maturity and were married; six still survive. Those dead are John,


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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY


Cornelius, Eli. Daniel and George. He was fifteen years of age when his parents came to this county. In 1535 be purchased and moved to a farm in Section 6, Noble Township, which Has ever since been his home. He has always been engaged in farming and the raising of stock. Kezia Ballon, a native of this State, horn. of English descent. October 1, 151%, Incame his wife January 27. 153%. She was the daughter of Joseph and Suman Pearson , Bal- lou. Mrs. Kezia Cotner died March 25. 1552 July 17. 1-53. he married Hannah Veal, a native of Rush County, this State, born. of English descent, September 10, 1535. She was the daughter of Andrew und Dosha | Kindle ) Veal, the former a native of New Jer- sey aud the latter a native of Rush County, this State. Mrs. Han- nah Cotner had tive brothers and six sisters, their names bring Mary, Simeon, Samuel T., Levina, Sarah. Harrison, Cyntha, Marin. Dosha und Andrew ( twins ) and William: of whom Levina. Harri- son. Maria and Andrew are dead. By his first wife Mr. Cotner had seven children: Susan, born August 7. 1-39. died in infancy : Eli. horn December 15, 1540, died November 24. 1563: Isabell, born January 2. 1542: Andrew, born March 25. 1544; Nackey. boru November 20, 1517: Margaret, boru January 7. 1-49. died March 13. 1879: Rebecca, born March 25, 1952. died October 2. 1552. By his last wife he has had two children; Emmet and Emma ( twins ). born April 17. 1900, the former of whom died September 22. 1-60. Mr. and Mrs. Cotner belong to the Christian Church. In politics Mr. Cotner is a Democrat, and he firmly supports the principles of his party. He owns 300 acres of good land, most of which is highly improved, with good fences and buildings. He has a comfortable home and is in easy circumstances. He is an enterprising and in- elustrious farmer, an influential citizen, and enjoys the respect of the entire community in which he resides.


MRS. SARAH A. COTNER, whose maiden name was Sarah Sturgeon, was born in Miami County, Ohio, October 29, 1-33. She was the second daughter born to William and Susana ( Overlease) Sturgeon, natives of Ohio and Kentucky, respectively. She had three brothers and two sisters, whose names were Martha J. Abra- ham, George, John and Susana, of whom George is dead. In Octo- ber, 1534, she came with her parents to this county. and located on a farm in Jefferson Township. When she was thirteen years old her parents moved to a farm in Washington Township. April 19. 1555, she was married to Daniel Cotner, with whom she settled upon A farm in Section 7. Noble Township, where she has ever since re- sided. Her marriage with Mr. Cotner resulted in the birth of five children, as follows: William E., born April 5. Is56. Armilda A .. born February 10, 1560; Lucy, horn May 24. 1565: Eva, born Sept- ember 14. 1575 (died when one year old), and an infant son, born September 19. 1873 ( lived but three weeks ). Mrs. Cotner is a mem-


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ber of the Christian Church. She lost her husband March 26, 1877, since which she has been a widow; she is comfortably located upon a good farm, seven miles northwest of Logansport.


ANDREW COTNER was born in the township in which he re. sides March 25, 1844. He was the second son born to William and Kezia (Ballou) Cotner, the former a native of Ohio. He has al- ways resided in Noble Township and been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He located where he now lives, in Section 5, Noble Town- ship, in 1868. December 22, 1867, he was married to Susan Stur- geon, a native of Washington Township, this county, born March 8, 1846. She was the daughter of William and Susan Stur- geon, both natives of Ohio. Politically Mr. Cotner is a stanch Democrat. He owns a farm of 155 acres of good land, most of which is in a state of cultivation. He is an industrious farmer and good citizen. In the spring of 1886 he was elected to the office of township trustee, overcoming an opposing majority of twenty-seven votes which indicates his standing in the township.


HON. THOMAS DILLARD, one of the oldest settlers of this county, was born in Fayette County, this State, February 14, 1815 -just one month and seven days after the battle of New Orleans, which closed the war of 1812, and a little over a year before Indiana was admitted as a State. He is, therefore, older than the State in which he resides. He was one of ten children born to George and Rachael (Kitle) Dillard, the former, a native of Virginia, of English descent, and the latter a native of South Carolina, of English and German descent. " He had five brothers and four sisters, whose names were Mary, Simbright, Saralı, Jacob, Jackson and Washing- ington (twins), George, Nancy and Rachel J., all of whom are liv- ing, except Mary, Simbright and Washington, their deaths occur- ring at the ages of thirty-one, four, and one and one-half years, re- spectively. He remained at home with his parents in his native county until he was seventeen years of age, when he hired to a Mr. Helm, for whom he worked by the year for three years. In Sep- tember, 1836, he came to this county in company with Judge H. L. Thomas, who at that time was a young married man about thirty- one years old, and at present a resident of Galveston, this county, and Thomas B. Helm, at that time a mere lad, and at present an old and respected citizen of Logansport, and one of the compilers of the present volume. The three stopped in Clinton Township. Mr. Helm with his uncle, H. H. Helm; Mr. Thomas, upon his farm, and our subject went into the employ of Mr. Thomas, for whom he worked three years and three months. When he came to this county he was twenty-one years old, six feet and two inches in height, and weighed 196 pounds. He had an excellent constitution and was blessed with a good share of bodily strength. He thought nothing of swinging to his shoulder four bushels of wheat-a thing


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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.


which, of necessity, ho frequently did. In February, 1840, he located upon a farm of his own, in Section 4. Clinton Township, where he resided seven years. In 1547, he removed to another furin, about a half-mile distant. Here he remained about three yours. In October, 1549, he moved to a farm in Miami County, where he resided twenty years. He then sold his farm to Jonathan Isler, and immigrated to Kansas. Here he farmed in Leavenworth County for ten years, when he returned to this county and located upon a farm in Section 31. Noble Township, where he has ever since resided. Mary Shideler, a untive of Preble County, Ohio, of Ger- man descent, born March 15, 1521, became his wife December S. 1-39. Mrs. Dillard was the daughter of George and Elizabeth ( Neff ) Shideler, natives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, respectively. Mr. Dillard has been the father of three children two of whom are living. Their names were Rachel J., born September 26, 1840, died December 7, 1971: Elizabeth, born Muy 22, Isit, and May A., born April 20. 1>49. Mr. Dillard lost his wife February 22, 1556. He is now in his seventy-second year, living with his twodaughters and two granddaughters, upon a farm of 100 acres of good land, most of which is in a high state of cultivation. While a resident of Miami County he held the office of justice of the peace in Pipe Creek Township one term; he also held the office of town- ship trustee in the same township one term. In Ist4 he was elected to the office of county commissioner of Miami County. This office he held one term. In 1572, while a resident of Kansas, he was elected to the State Legislature, serving one term. While a member of this body he distinguished himself in a speech made in favor of the election of Hon. John J. Ingalls to the Senate of the United States, and he had the pleasure of helping to elect this dis- tinguished senator for the first time to the office be has held with marked credit to himself and profit to the country. In all the offices he ever has held. Mr. Dillard has acquitted himself in a man- ner becoming an honest, faithful worker, conscientious in the dis- charge of his duty. He was solicited several times after his term in the Kansas Legislature expired, for the renomination, but he always declined. In politics Mr. Dillard formerly affiliated with the Whig party, having cast his first presidential vote for Henry Clay. Ile joined the ranks of the Republican party in support of John C. Fremont, in 1556, and has firmly supported the principles of this party ever since. He is now past his threescore years and ten, and though he feels the results of many years of hard work and several severe physical tests, he is now enjoying very good health.


MRS. SARAH A. DRITT, of Noble Townships, was born in Stark County, Ohio, December 25, 1530. She was the fifth child horn to Samuel and Sarah ( Weaver ) Shilling, both of whom were natives of Cumberland County, Penn., of German descent. Her


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father had four brothers and two sisters, whose names were Adam, John, Peter, Jacob, Catharine and Margaret. Her mother had one brother whose name was David. She herself had five brothers and three sisters, their names being John, Isaac, Samuel, Henry, Simon K., Catharine A., Emily and Rebecca E., of whom Catharine A. and Rebecca E. are dead. She came with her parents to this county in 1849. They settled upon a farm in Clay Township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. In 1860 she came with her hus- band to her present home, which is in Section 1, Noble Township. March 1, 1860, she was married to Daniel Dritt, a native of Penn- sylvania, born, of Dutch descent, January 29, 1826, and oldest son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Fishel) Dritt, both natives of Pennsyl- vania. Her husband had two brothers and four sisters whose names were Henry, Jacob, Sarah, Elizabeth, Catharine aud Amanda, all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Dritt have had seven children: Emma J., born September 16, 1860, married to Henry Fiscel in January, 1880, by whom she has two children (Daniel and Nora A.); Jacob S., born June 17, 1862; Sarah E., born January 10, 1864, died March 10, 1864; William H., born February 24, 1865; Retta A., born August 21, 1867; Ivia M., born May 28, 1870, and John A., born in 1872, both of whom died in infancy. Mrs. Dritt formerly belonged to the Methodist Episcopal Church, but now is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Logansport. Mr. Dritt had formerly been married to Sarah Tam, a son of whom, Zachariah, was born March 18, 1856. Mrs. Dritt lost her husband July 9, 1881, since which time she has been a widow. She is now living with three of her children upon 160 acres of good land, most of which is in a high state of cultivation.


SAMUEL FORLOW, an old and highly respected citizen of Noble Township, was born in Pennsylvania, September 28, 1814. He was the third son born to John and Catharine ( Wald- smith) Forlow, the former of whom was born to John and Barbara (Segendoller) Forlow, in Pennsylvania, and the latter was born to John and Susana (Hassler) Waldsmith, also in Pennsylvania. He had four brothers and five sisters, whose names were Benjamin, John, Jacob, William, Catharine, Elizabeth, Susana, Hannah and Magdalene, of whom Benjamin, William, Elizabeth, Hannah and Magdalene are living. When he was seventeen years old he came with his parents to Butler County, Ohio. Owing to the poor ad- vantages for schooling during his early life, his education was quite limited. In the fall of 1851 he moved to Defiance County, Ohio, where he lived on a farm until April, 1852, when he came to this State, and settled on a farm in Carroll County, where he re- mained until August, 1865, when he came to this county, and located where he now lives, Section 22, Noble Township. August 8, 1840, he was married to Maria Zinn, a native of Pennsylvania,


HISTORY OF CASS KOL NTI


born February 25. 1-13, and daughter of Jacob and Catharine ( Kumlery Zinn, natives of Pennsylvania. To them one child, James, was born, May 14. I'll James was married. November 11. 11:0 10 Mrs. Kate Ronburger, a native of Wetzel County. W. Vn. bor Mes 4. 1-12 She was the daughter of Martin V. and Sarah Clovis Carney who were natives of the States of New York and Pennsylvania, respectively. April 11. 1563, the Kate Carney, the wife of Janes) was married to Heury W. Benburger, who died June 9. 1965, leaving one child. Clem V., born February 17. 1864. Our salget is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He held the office of township trustee in Solde Township one term. Politically he is a Democrat. He owns 336 neres of good land, well improved. He is an influential citizen, and enjoys the respect of all who know


WILLIAM FUNSTON, one of the substantinl citizens of Nobile Township, was born in Clark County, Ohio, January 27. 1-29. He wis the third son born to Frederick and Inlia Stafford /Funston, the former of whom was a native of Scotland, born, of Scotch descent, in 1500; immigrated to America at eleven years of age. And Joested in Clark County, Ohio, where he lived upon a farm until his death, which occurred in November, Is 10; and the latter a untive of Giles County. Va., born. of Scotch descent. in 1507: immigrated with her parents to Miami County, Ohio, in IS15. where. in 1923. her marriage occurred with Fre lerick Funston. with wh an she went to Clark County, Ohio, where they lived until the death of the latter. She afterward lived a widow until 1552. when she was married to Giles Thomas, an old and highly respected citizen of this county, with whom she came out here, where the remaine I until her death, which occurred September 13. 152. He hnd three brothers and three sisters, whose unmes were Paul. James, Edward H., Sarah A .. Eliza J. and Mary E., of whom Paul. Sarah A and Mary E. are dead. His boyhood and youth were spent in his native county, where he worked upon his father's farm and attended the common school, receiving an ordinary common schond education. At the age of twenty-three he moved to Miami ('outy. Ohio, where he purchased a farin which he lived upon until March, Ist5, when he immigrated to this State and located upwoon n farm in Sections Il and 14. Noble Township, where he has ever since resided. Reberen A. Black, a untive of Clark County. Ohio, of Scotch descent, barn March 11. 1529, beenme his wife March 1>. 1952. She was the daughter of Andrew C and Provy (Standerford ) Black, the former a native of Giles County, Va., born July 27. 1502. immigrated with his parents to Clark County, Ohio. in 1\13, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1>71; nud the Intter a native of Bourbon County, Ky., born January :. 1306; immigrated with her parents to Champaign County, Ohio,


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when one year old, where her marriage with Andrew C. Black occurred October 20, 1825; went with her husband to Clark County, Ohio, where she at present resides. Mr. and Mrs. Funston have had four children, whose names were Irvin, born May 1, 1853; Laura, born October 15, 1855, died when about six weeks old; Albert C., born May 25, 1857, and Laura Alice, born January 28, 1860. Mr. and Mrs. Funston have been faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church over forty years. He affiliated with the Whig party until 1856, when he became a Republican, and has firmly supported his party's principles ever since. He owns 105 acres of choice land, most of which is in a high state of culti- vation. The beautiful location of his farm, together with its improvements, make it one of the most desirable places in Cass County. He is an industrious and influential citizen, and has the universal respect of the community in which he resides. He also owns an eighty acre farm in Harrison Township.


JACOB R. GOTSHELL, one of the enterprising citizens of Noble Township, is a native of Union County Penn., born of Ger- man descent, June 6, 1836. He was the fourth son born to Peter and Ann (Woodling) Gotshell, both natives of Pennsylvania, the former born in 1802 and the latter born in 1804. He had five brothers and two sisters, their names being William, John, Henry, Elizabeth, Franklin, Charles, Eliza and Alvah, all of whom are liv- ing except William and Charles. The former died at the age of five and the latter at the age of two years. In the spring of 1837 his parents immigrated to this State, and located upon a farm in Vigo County. In the spring of 1845, they removed to this county. and located upon a farm in Section 21, Noble Township. Here they spent the rest of their lives, respective deaths occurring in 1857 and 1883. His boyhood and youth were spent at home with his parents. At the age of twenty-one he began farming for himself. In 1864 he located upon a farm in the south part of Section 21, Noble Township. In the fall of 1872 he removed to a farm in the northern part of the same section where he has ever since re- sided. Sarah J. Tucker, a native of Harrison Township, this county, born, of English descent, July 15, 1844, became his wife August 7, 1862. She was the daughter of Mitchner and Rebecca (Cain) Tucker, the former a native of Ohio and the latter a native of Indiana. Her father was born in 1802, and died in this county in 1870; her mother was born in 1808, and died in this county, also, in 1878. Mrs. Gotshell had two sisters, their names being Barbara and Rebecca, the latter of whom is dead. She also had four half- brothers and five half-sisters, named respectively, Abraham, Mary, John, Joshua and Sarah (twins), Elizabeth, Maria, Martha and Al- bert. of whom John, Sarah. Joshua, Maria and Albert are dead. Mr. and Mrs. Gotshell have had five children, four of whom are living.


HISTORY OF CARS COUNTY


Their names are Alvah D., born August 14. 1563, died August 31. 1564; Metta M., born February 27, 1565; Edda D., born April 15, 1866; Capitola IL, born August 25, 1565, and Harry M., born June 19, 1572. During the summer of 1>55 Mr. and Mrs. Gotshell made A visit to Pennsylvania, where the former was born, returning in three weeks. In politics Mr. Gotshell is a Republican. He is a substantial farmer aml an influential citizen.


SOLOMON HORNEY, one of the pioneers of this county, was born in Wayne County. this State, December 23, 1516. He was the third son born to John and Mary ( Caldwell ) Horney, the for- mer a native of Guilford County, N. C., of English descent, and the latter also a native of North Carolina. He had three brothers and one sister, their names being James, Jeffrey, Jonathan and Esther, all of whom are dead. His early life, until he was sixteen, was spent at home with his parents, a part of which time he worked on a farm, and the balance of the time he lived in Richmond, Ind. During this time he attended school and received a fair knowledge of the common branches. In June, 1530, he came to this county, and at first located in Logansport, where he worked at the carpenter's trade three years. He then began working in a saw-mill, in Noble Township, which was owned by his brother James. This received his attention ten years. He then located upon a farm in Section 13, Noble Township. where he has ever since resided. Politically Mr. Horney is an ar- dent Republican. He formerly affiliated with the Whig party. His first presidential vote was cast for Gen. Harrison. He is now in his seventieth year, and enjoying good health. He is an honest and respected citizen.


JACOB KUNS (deceased) was born in Huntingdon County. Penn., October 16, 1797. He was the second son born to George and Elizabeth (Cripe) Kuns. He had five brothers and four sis- ters, their names being John, George, Jacob, David, Joseph, Polly. Betsey, Esther and Susan, all of whom are dead except Betsey. When he was five years old his parents immigrated to Ohio. In the fall of 1827 our subject came to this State and located in Carroll County. Here he farmed until 1553, when he came to this county. In 1855 he located upon a farm in Noble Township. In 1572 he settled upon a farm in Section 21, same township, where his death occurred April 1, 1556, aged eighty-eight years, five months and fifteen days. October 4, 1519, he was married to Mrs. Nancy Trox- ell, a native of Pennsylvania, born August 21, 1796. She was the daughter of John Deel. She died in Noble Township January 10. 1873. This marriage resulted in the birth of eight children: John. horn October 12, 1820; George, horn April 3, 1822; Elizabeth, born January 14, 1524, died in Is45; Nancy, born April 29, 1526, died October 11, 1827; Jacob, born July 4, 1525; Susannah, born March 25, 1830, died March 27, 1563; Mary, born March 27. 1532, and


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Washington, born December 24, 1833. Mr. Kuns was a Democrat in politics, and a member of the Masonic lodge. In addition to his agricultural pursuits, he traded and dealt in live-stock quite exten- sively, utilizing to that end his two large farms situated in Carroll and Cass Counties, respectively.


MRS. MARY KUNS was born in Eel Township, this county, April 12, 1838. She was the second daughter born to Henry and Mary (Klinksick) Whipperman, both natives of Germany, of Ger- man descent. When yet a child her father moved to a farm in Clin- ton Township. Here she lived until she reached her seventeenth year, when, October 4, 1855, she was married to Jacob Kuns, a na- tive of Carroll County, this State, born, of German descent, July 4, 1828. He was the third son born to Jacob and Nancy (Deel) Kuns. Mr. and Mrs. Kuns have had but one child-Horace J .- born April 29, 1858. Mr. Kuns is a Democrat in politics. They own 83} acres of good land, with good improvements in the way of fences and buildings. They are living in a fine two-story brick house, which was erected at a cost of about $3,000.


WASHINGTON KUNS, who was born in Carroll County, Ind., December 24, 1833, is the youngest child born to Jacob and Nancy (Deel) Kuns. At the age of twenty-two he removed with his father from Carroll County to Cass County, Ind., and in the fall of 1855 located in Galveston, where he engaged in merchandising. A year later he returned to his father's farm in Noble Township, where he took charge of the home farm, in addition to which he was engaged in manufacturing interests in Logansport, and also dealt in live- stock to some extent. In the spring of 1869 he immigrated to Polk County, Iowa, where he was for three years engaged in stock-rais- ing. After spending one year in the stave business in Arkansas he returned to Cass County, where he was employed in the capacity of a yard clerk for Messenger & Bevan, lumber dealers. In the spring of 1876 he removed to Monticello, Ind., where he engaged for nearly two years with Harbolt & Messenger, undertakers and lum- bermen. He was then employed as bridge carpenter on the Pan Handle Railroad for a short time, and in the spring of 1879 lo- cated upon a farm in Section 33, Bethlehem Township, where he has ever since resided. Sarah J. Lowman, a native of Indiana, born June 10, 1834, became his wife August 29, 1854. She is the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Williams) Lowman, natives of Ohio. Mrs. Kuns died in Iowa August 14, 1871. January 2, 1876, Katie Hennick became his wife. She is a native of Pulaski County, Ind., born December 4, 1853, a daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Huddleston) Hennick, natives of Ohio. Mr. Kuns is a Mason, and politically a stanch Democrat, he having held the posi- tion of committeeman for his party in Noble Township for ten years; also held the same position three years in Bethlehem Town-




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