USA > Indiana > Cass County > History of Cass County, Indiana > Part 19
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John was born in Lebanon, Penn., on the 20th day of October, 1822. His opportunities for acquiring an education were very lim- ited, as he was compelled to labor on the farm, for the support of the family.
When 21 years of age, he went to Dayton, O., where he spent two years, learning the carpenter trade. After acquiring a good knowledge of the art, he went to work for himself, and followed the trade several years. In consequence of an accident, by which his finger was severed from his hand, in a planing machine, he abandoned that trade and purchased a mill, in Dayton, and remained engaged in that enterprise several years, with financial success.
On the 6th day of May, 1847, he was united in marriage to Miss Susan Derrickson, in the city of Dayton, Ohio. In the year 1855, he sold his mill property and removed to El Dorado, Preble County, Ohio, where he purchased an interest in a steam grist-mill, and, at the end of the year, again sold out, and removed to Indiana. After prospecting in several localities, he finally purchased land on the section where he now resides-about nine miles east of Logans- port. The property, at that time, consisted of a saw-mill and a log house. Beyond this, scarcely any improvements had been made. .
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He immediately moved his family to the farm, and began making improvements ; and by the year 1864, he had completed and put in operation a fine flouring-mill, which has been a source of profit to himself and a great convenience to the residents of that locality. He is the father of nine children, named respectively Marcellus, Elvira, Nathaniel, Ellena, William F., Sarah E., Angeline, Mary E. and Albert. Of this number, four are deceased-Marcellus, Ellena, Angeline and Albert.
Elvira married Mr. Samuel Helvie, and is now living in this county. Nathaniel is married, and resides in Cass County. William F., Sarah E. and Mary E., are still at home with their parents.
Mr. Costenborder is a man of great energy and industry ; believ- ing idleness a crime, he has d voted all his life to active, manual labor, and, while this principle has been valuable as a precept to his children, it has redounded to his own finiancial advantage. He is a man of decided opinion and great strength of character ; self-reliant, open and fearless in the expression of what he believes to be the right ; a warm friend, and a zealous partitan. His political views are in conformity with the principles of the Republican party. He united with the Christian Church many years ago, and of that society he and his estimable wife are still active and consistent members. We present in this volume a fine view of the farm, residence and mill of Mr. C., accompanied with portraits of himself and wife.
JOHN WILLIAMS, MIAMI TOWNSHIP.
The gentleman whose name appears above, was born in Bethle- hem, Clark County, Ohio, on the 17th day of October, 1817. At the age of 14 years, he came with his parents to Cass County, Ind., and located in the township where he now resides. He remained with his parents until 21 years of age, when he married Miss Sarah A. Patton, on the 29th day of November, 1838, and began farm- ing on his own account. In this branch of industry he has been very successful, and has been engaged therein many years. His mar- ried life has been blessed by nine children, named as follows: Eliza- beth, now married to Mr. Allen W. Boyer, of Tipton Township ; Nathaniel R., deceased ; Nancy A., married to John M. Hoover, Esq .; Sarah J., deceased; Stephen C., now living near the home farm ; Addis L., on home farm ; and Peter C., now living near Waverly, Ind .; Harriet C. and Jessie B., living at home.
Mr. Williams engaged in the retail boot and shoe trade in Logans- port, and remained in that branch of business several years with finan- cial profit, but finding commercial pursuits unsuited to his taste, he disposed of his stock and resumed farming. He then accepted a con- tract for grading a portion of the Wabash Railway, and performed his part in forming the great chain uniting the East and the West.
He is now in the 61st year of his age, but his vigorous constitu- tion has not been greatly impaired by years; and in spirit, he is still young. He is the possessor of 320 acres of valuable land in this county, the larger portion of which is finely improved and cultivated. He now resides in the town of Waverly, having retired from active business.
ARNET SHIELDS, NOBLE TOWNSHIP.
Joshua Shields, the father of the gentleman for whom this biog- raphy is prepared, was born in Knox County, Tenn. He grew to manhood in that county, and married Miss Rhoda Tipton, a native of the same county and State, and, we may add here, a sister of Gen. John Tipton, who, the citizens of Cass County are aware, was the agent appointed by Government for the Miami and Pottawatomie In- dians, and stationed at Logansport, and who so bravely distinguished himself at the battle of Tippecanoe.
Joshua Shields, in the year 1808, when Indiana was an almost unbroken wilderness, and when the savage Indian was yet master of the forests, resolved to take leave of his native place and found a home there, where nothing but danger awaited the daring adventurer. He crossed the Ohio River in the above mentioned year, with his faithful wife and little son, and in a short time settled in Harrison County, where he made his home for a period of twenty-one years. By this time (1829), that section of the State was becoming rapidly settled, and the Indians were becoming more peaceful. Mr. Shields decided to push farther north, and as a result of that move became one of the earliest pioneers of Cass County. He was with Gen. Har- rison when he defeated the Indians at Tippecanoe, and in this engage- ment received a severe wound in his arm from a musket ball.
He returned home from the field of battle to the more quiet and congenial pursuits of farming, at which he continued until his death, which occurred January 22, 1852. His faithful wife was not living
to mourn his loss, she having died on the 7th day of July, 1837. Previous to her demise, she selected a spot of ground where she re- quested them to bury her, and expressed the wish that they would make that place their burial ground. It is scarcely necessary to add that the wish of the living mother has been complied with so far as possible. Five children were born to this departed couple ; their names are John T., Nancy, Thomas, Arnet and Jane, and of this number only Arnet lives, to cherish their memory as only a son and brother can. It is he for whom we record these few remembrances of kind and affectionate parents and the brothers and sisters of his childhood ; and of him we will speak more directly hereafter.
He was born in Harrison County, Ind., January 28, 1816. In that year Indiana became a State, and true to his nativity, he has ever since remained one of her faithful citizens. In the 21st year of his age, he married Miss Jane Irvin, a native of the " Hoosier State,' born December 10, 1818. They were united in the holy bonds on the 11th day of November, 1837, and lived happily together until May 3, 1872, when death entered the family circle, and the beloved wife and mother was taken from their midst. She left to mourn her decease nine children, whose names are as follows : John T., Rhoda, Joshua, Matilda T., Robert, Isabelle, Rebecca, Edwin and George W. Of this number three are deceased : Rhoda, Joshua and Edwin. George W. and Isabelle remain at home with their father. The re- maining children are married and happily situated in life. John T. and Joshua both gave their services in support of the Union during the late war. The former enlisted in the Forty-sixth Indiana Volun- teer Infantry ; the latter enlisted in the Seventy-third Indiana, aud yielded his life on the field of battle, at Stone River, a sacrifice to his country, about two months after joining his regiment.
Mr. Arnet Shields is truly one of the veteran pioneers of Cass County. He has seen the county, year by year, gradually progress from its infancy to its present estate. He is one who has " put his shoulder to the wheel," and the dense forests have passed away, and waving fields of grain succeeded them.
He lives on the Pleasant Grove road, about one and three-quar- ters miles from the city of Logansport. A view of the old homestead, together with portraits of himself and wife, will be seen in this vol- ume. Mr. Shields is now 62 years of age, in the enjoyment of a vig- orous constitution, and can, at this time, follow the plow from early morn until night, with apparently as little inconvenience as in his younger days. He was a Whig during the existence of that good old party, and the organization of the Republican party he has been constantly identified with it.
ISRAEL WATTS, NOBLE TOWNSHIP.
The subject of this biographical sketch is the son of John Watts, who was born in Virginia in the year 1775. When quite young, John moved with his parents to Butler County, Ohio. They subse- quently removed to Wayne County, Indiana, where they remained until the year 1830. In that year they came to Cass County, and resided here until their death.
John Watts and Miss Rhoda Sutton were married in Butler County, Ohio, about the year 1797. In 1830, he came to Cass County and purchased the farm upon which his son, William P., now resides. He was among the earliest settlers of his township, and at the time of his arrival, little effort had been made to improve the land. He erected a temporary home, in which he resided six week- during which time, he built a very comfortable log house. He lived an honorable and useful life, and died in the year 1844, lamented by all his neighbors. His wife died in the year 1823, and of a large family of children, only three survive; they are Israel, William P. and Rhoda, the latter living in Dakota Territory.
Israel Watts was born in Wayne County, Indiana, May 31, 1814. In 1830, he came with his parents to Cass County, and has been one of her esteemed citizens ever since. He attended the district school, where he acquired a good ordinary education ; and out of school hours, improved his time by working on his father's farm, acquainting him- self with the details of that useful occupation. Throughout his life, he has been engaged in this pursuit, and by careful attention and pru- dent management, has accumulated a good portion of this world's goods.
He married Miss Sarah Dawson in the year 1834, and by his marriage is the the father of seven children, named as follows : Martha, John H., William D., Rhoda, Joseph J., Isaac N. and Lavina J. Of this number, three are deceased, viz. : Martha, Joseph J., and Lavina J. His wife died on the 10th day of May, 1856. He was
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again married to Miss Elizabeth Hitchens, who died on the 20th day of October, 1863. Two children ( Bertram and Mabel) blessed this union-the latter deceased.
On the 14th day of June, 1864, he was a third time united in marriage-Miss Maria Sizor becoming his bride. His third wife is the daughter of John and Mary Sizor, who emigrated from Virginia to Cass County in 1830, and were among the early settlers of this county. By this marriage, Mr. Watts is the father of four children, all living. Their names are Andrew M., Sonora D., Clarence A. and Mary Philippine.
For a period of forty-eight years, he has been identified with the interests of Cass County, and, in his declining years, enjoys the con- fidence and respect of all who know him.
Although 64 years of age, he enjoys a vigorous constitution, and we wish him many added years of usefulness among his family and friends, ere he shall be called to " that bourne from which no traveler ever returns."
JAMES A. LEWIS, JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
This gentleman is of southern ancestry. His grandfather, Isaiah Lewis, was a native of North Carolina, whence he removed to the State of Kentucky, at a very early day in the history of that State. He was engaged in Indian trading, and remained, thus employed, for a number of years. His son, Peter Lewis, was the father of the gentleman for whom this biography is prepared. Peter removed from Kentucky and settled in Lawrence County, Illinois, where he accepted the contract of carrying the U. S. mail on horseback, from Vincennes to St. Louis.
James A. Lewis was born in Lawrence County, Ill., November 16, 1820. Before he reached the age of 1 year, he was left an orphan by the death of his father. His mother subsequently married Mr. John Buchanan.
After the death of his father, James was taken by his grandfather, with whom he removed to Vigo County, Ind. He remained with his grandfather, superintending the farm for him, until the death of the latter in 1836.
After his grandfather's death, James continued to operate the farm for his grandmother, until the year 1840. In that year, he married Miss Jeannette C. Tritt, who was born in West Virginia, on the 11th day of April, 1822, and moved with her parents to a point near Terre Haute, Ind., where she continued to reside until her mar- riage with Mr. Lewis.
One year after the date of his marriage, Mr. Lewis moved with his wife to Miami County, Ind., and located in a very wild and uncultivated region. He located his home in Pipe Creek Township, at a time when but few settlers had ventured so far. He remained there two years, when he crossed the line to Cass County, and entered land in Tipton Township, at $1.25 per acre. In the year 1865, he sold out, and moved to Vermilion Co., Ill.
Nine years later, he returned to Cass County. He decided to make this location permanent, and immediately took measures for the improvement of his farm. Since that time, he has been prominently connected with the interests of his township and the county in gen- eral. His excellent wife still lives, to share his lot in life with him, and cheer him in his daily toil.
They are the parents of four children, named respectively Will- iam R., Nancy M., Sarah R. and Alice A.
Mr. Lewis is a wide-awake, energetic farmer, and his tastefully arranged home, and well-cultivated fields, are convincing proofs of this fact.
JOHN HOOVER, ADAMS TOWNSHIP.
Jacob Hoover, the father of the gentleman for whom this biogra- phy is prepared, was a native of North Carolina, from which State he removed to Preble County, O., where he married Miss Catharine Knutt, a native of that county. He lived the life of a farmer, and trained his children to follow that occupation
His son, John, was born in Preble County, O., on the 18th day November, 1808. He remained at home until 21 years of age, when he married Miss Rachel Maudlin, a native of Preble County, who, at that time, was residing with her parents, in Wayne County, Ind. Five months after his marriage, he moved with his young wife to Cass County and purchased eighty acres of wild, uncultivated land. This was the first sale of land recorded in this county.
In a region very sparsely settled, he began life as a pioneer farmer in the " Hoosier State." Soon a little cabin was erected, which, for many years, was his home. By unremitting toil and careful manage-
ment, he accumulated some means, which he applied to increasing his possessions in real estate, until he became the proprietor of nearly 800 acres of valuable land.
Ten children were born to him during his residence in this county. Their names are Martha, born May 12, 1833; Mary J., June 12, 1836; Noah B., August 21, 1838; Sarah E., Oct. 6, 1840 ; John M., Jan. 3, 1843; Leah C., Dec. 26, 1844; Maria H., July 30, 1847; Riley C., Aug. 21, 1849 ; George W., June 7, 1852, and Emma T., Feb. 22, 1858. Of this number all are now living, except Martha and George W.
As a member of the Christian Church, he lived a consistent life, which closed on the 30th day of October, 1872. A residence of forty-two years in this county served to endear him to all his neighbors, and his death was lamented by a large circle of friends. The rail- road station near which he resided was named Hoover's Station, in honor of him.
His wife still survives him, and, for one of her advanced years, enjoys a remarkable degree of health.
Of a family of ten children, only two remain at home, they are Emma and Riley C .- the latter married and operating the farm.
DANIEL FOGLESONG, HARBISON TOWNSHIP.
George Fogleson, the father of the gentleman whose name appears above, was born in the State of Maryland, in the year 1801. When 5 years of age, he moved with his parents to Montgomery County, Ohio, where he married Miss Mary Overlesse, a native of Kentucky. One year after their marriage, they removed to Rush County, Indiana, where they remained fourteen years. They after- ward removed to Cass County, where they remained until their death. Their children were: Abraham, Daniel, Levi, John, Lydia, George, Mary J., Sarah A., Rebecca, Amanda and Leonard. Of this num- ber, Abraham, Levi, Lydia, Mary J., Amanda and Leonard are deceased. Daniel, the second son, learned the art of farming in childhood, and has been engaged in that occupation thoughout his life. In 1844, he married Miss Sarah J. Remley, who remained his constant companion, until the year 1873, when she was removed from the embrace of her earthly friend to the better life above. She left surviving her, a family of seven children, whose names are as follows: Mary C., John P., Mahuldah J., Sydney A., Sarah J., Martha A. and Daniel S.
On the 29th day of September, 1874, Mr. Foglesong was a second time united in marriage, Miss Sarah J. Growl becoming his bride. Two children, Harvey and Flora, have been added to the family since this second marriage. Mr. Foglesong is pleasantly located on Section 2, Harrison Township, where he owns and operates a fine farm. He is industrious and honest, and is universally recognized as a worthy citi- zen; and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens found a forcible expression in his election to the office of County Commis- sioner, which position he occupied one term. He is an adherent to the principles of the Democratic party, and has always supported that ticket. He is one among those who entered this county at a time when but little effort had been made to disturb the original possessors of the soil, the savage and the wild beast. He has witnessed its growth year by year, and, as he bore his part in its early struggle against the hardships incident to a new country, he also shares and enjoys the prosperity by which this county has been characterized in later years. He has been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, for a period of thirty-six years, during which time he has ever been a zealous supporter of the good cause.
SAMUEL GRABLE, BETHLEHEM TOWNSHIP.
Jonathan Grable, the father of the gentleman whose name appears above, was a native of Washington County, Penn. He was married in that county, and from thence removed to Summit County, Ohio, where he resided until his decease. He was the father of ten chil- dren, all of whom are now deceased, save four-Samuel, John, Abra- ham and Benjamin-who now reside in this county. His son Samuel was born in Washington County, Penn., in the year 1801. He improved his opportunities for acquiring an education in his younger days by regular attendance at the district school, employing his time during the Summer by assisting his father on the farm. He remained with his parents until 23 years of age, at which time he married- Miss Hannah Conrad, a native of Summit County, Ohio, in January, 1824. He continued to reside in that county until the year 1845. In that year, he came, with his wife and children, to Cass County. Three months after his arrival, he purchased the site of his present home, which then consisted of forty acres of land. To his original
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purchase he has added, from time to time, and now possesses 320 acres of valuable land. He is the father of nine children, named as follows : David, Catharine, Bucyrus, Jonathan, Salome, Phoebe Ann, John H., Mary F. and Samuel Mac, all of whom are now living in this county, except John H., who lost his life in the service of his country, during the late civil war, at the battle of Lookout Mountain, Tenn.
Mr. Grable is a staunch Republican, and was an ardent supporter of Henry Clay during his canvass for the Presidency.
During a long and useful life, he has been an energetic worker ; and in his declining years, although he has retired from active labor, he still takes daily exercise in the woods, hunting such game as may be found.
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 help-mate. He is a survivor of the pioneer community of this country, and, during his residence here, 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 born 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 decease. They were the parents of nine children, named respectively Henry, William, John, 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- ber, 1823, he married Miss Mary Custer, a native of Washington County, Penn. Seven children crowned the happiness of this mar- riage. Their names were Ella, Andrew, Samuel, Hannah, Stephen, George, John H. and Mary A.
Andrew died on the desert, beyond Salt Lake City, on bis way to California. Henry died in infancy.
In October, 1845, Mr. Conrad met with a sad bereavement in the death of his wife. Four years later (November 14, 1849), be married Mrs. Catharine Garver, daughter of Peter Onslott, Esq., a citizen of Miami County, Indiana. One daughter, Mariah, has been added to the family since this union. During his residence in Wash- ington County, Penn., Mr. Conrad was engaged in purchasing cattle, and driving them overland to the Eastern markets. This enterprise proved to be a financial advantage to him, and he continued to follow it until the year 1840, at which time" he came to this county, and located on the farm where he now resides.
Although possessed of only a common school education, he has gained much by travel and experience. This, aided by his natural keen perception, makes him the possessor of a rich store of knowledge.
He was a member of the military company which escorted the Marquis de Lafayette into the city of Washington on the occasion of his visit to America.
He also witnessed the funeral obsequies of Presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, in the city of Baltimore. He was greatly impressed by the occasion, and pronounces it one of the memorable events of his life.
It was also his privilege to witness the laying of the first stone for the first railroad in the United States, near the city of Baltimore. To Gen. Carroll (last survivor of the signers of the Declaration of Inde- pendence) was awarded the honor of placing the stone in position. The occasion was attended with much ceremony, and pertinent addresses were made by prominent citizens of Baltimore and other cities. Cheer after cheer arose from the assembled multitude, in view of this founda- tion for the great railroad system, which now spans the continent from sea to sea, and which has so materially aided the development of the boundless resources of our country. Mr. Conrad accompanied the first excursion over this road. The route 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 crudity of the affair was overlooked, or unknown by those who participated therein ; for to them it heralded a new era in the economy of the country.
To Mr. Conrad was awarded the honor of commanding a battilion of " Jackson Reserve " volunteers, who 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 capacity, acted 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 him.
WILLIAM JAMESON, HARRISON TOWNSHIP.
Wm. Jameson was born in Wayne County, Ohio, February 13, 1817. His father John Jamison, was a native of Washington County, 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 he 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 his early education in his native State, Ohio, and in that State took his first lessons in the science of agriculture. He learned to follow the plow at a very early age, and throughout his life has been constantly engaged in the occu- pation followed by his father, the ever honorable pursuit of farming. On the 31st day of October, 1838, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ewry, who was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, May 22, 1820. She subsequently removed with her parents to Rich- land County, Ohio, where her marriage with Mr. Jamison took place.
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