USA > Indiana > Cass County > History of Cass County, Indiana > Part 20
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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 number three are deceased-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 remains at home to assist his father in the per- formance of his farm 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 arena, but is a quiet supporter of the principles advocated by the Republican party. He cast his first vote for William Henry Harrison, and has supported that branch of the body politic, ever since.
He 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 successful 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. He is the fifth child in a family of twelve. In the Fall of 1815, his father emigrated with his family to Fayette County, Ind., where he rented a farm, which he conducted for five years. He then moved to Rush County, Ind., and entered eighty acres of land, upon which he resided until his death, which occurred in June, 1845.
Benjamin resided with his parents until 13 years of age. At that time 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, and purchased the farm upon which he now resides. The process of clearing then began, and through all the privations and hardships of pioneer life he kept a brave heart, and with untiring energy toiled on day after day, often working late into the night in his efforts to make a clearing and found a home. He built a hewed log house, which was then a matter of pride to himself and the neighbors, as it was the best house in the neighborhood, and far superior to the ordinary pioneer dwelling. Surrounded by the Indians, who were generally peaceable, 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 : Nancy, born December 27, 1836; Rosanna, January 16,
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
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 acted 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 denomination 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 cleared by his own labors. His farm is well improved and cultivated, 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 his children, form- ing an almost unbroken family circle. Long may he live to enjoy his well-earned reputation, and the fruits of the labors of his long and industrious 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, in which business young John was early trained, under the watchful care of his father, until 1841, when his father was removed by death, leaving John, at the early 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 bid fare- well to home, mother and friends, to seek a home farther west, locat- ing in Cass County, Ind. Here, also, he continued the pursuit of agriculture until the Fall of 1861, when the drum and fife (whose music is still familiar to his ear) was heard throughout the North, calling the friends of the Federal Union to organize and rally in her defense.
The loyal sons of Indiana responded nobly to that call, and early took steps to that music for the Union, 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 active service, his regiment (the Forty-sixth) re-enlisted at 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 memorable Red River expedition, under Gen. N. P. Banks, 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 one pint of corn meal or about the same amount of parched whole corn alternately, with no other shelter than an excavation in the earth and no other covering but the broad canopy of heaven. That prison embraced about four acres 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 relates thrilling narratives of escape from prison, of laborious efforts to reach the Federal lines and 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 a 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 visibly impaired ; and while yet in hospital, in the Summer of 1865-the war being over and the stars and stripes once more peacefully floating in all the States of the American Union, the prisoners all set at lib- erty-John Shafer joined his regiment at Louisville, Ky., where he found a Captain's commission awaiting him, having been, 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.
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Capt. Shafer married the widowed daughter of John 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 historic 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 March 29, 1858; Anna C. Shafer, born April 18, 1867; Alice M., born June 17, 1869; Eva L., born June 6, 1872, and John Q, born 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 live 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 pioneers of that State (then a Territory). The subject of our sketch remained with his parents until nearly 17 years of age, at which 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 by three children, named respectively William W., K. Robert and Harriet A., all of whom are still living at home. Soon after his marriage, he removed to Toledo, Ohio, where he remained until 1865. In that year, he returned to Indiana, and located in Cass County. He purchased the farm he now occupies, and improved it by the erection 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, he owns another farm one mile 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 the 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 toil 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 born 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 early 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 his 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 lament, 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 Joseph. 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 tracts of land to his original purchase, from time to time, and is now the proprietor of 240 acres of valuable land in this county, the larger portion of which is finely improved and cultivated.
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HISTORY OF CASS COUNTY.
He is a member of the German Baptist Church. Independent . in politics, he votes from principle, unbiased by party prejudices.
H. M. VOORHIS, MIAMI TOWNSHIP.
This gentleman was born in Lebanon, Warren County, Ohio, Jan- uary 1, 1816. He learned the carpenter's trade, and, at the age of 19, left home in company with his brother, to make 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 Gallahan, Esq., and now residing in Miami Township ; A. Lyman, living in the State of Kansas ; Manleus N., living in Florida; Per- cinia R., married to E. S. Brewington, Esq., of Logansport ; Albi- 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 home. 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 his farm by the erection of a fine residence and con. venient outbuildings. As a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church he has lived a consistent life, and is honored and respected by all who know him. He 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 returned to their home and resumed their farm duties.
Mr. Voorhis is a commendable example of what may be accomp- lished by perseverance and prudent management. He is now one of the wealthiest farmers of Cass County, and his success is due alone to his untiring energy and persistent labor.
W. C. GALLAHAN, MIAMI TOWNSHIP.
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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 age of 10 years, he 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 the 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 he enjoyed, however, and thereby laid a good foundation for an education which, aided by travel and experience, has developed into a fund 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. Gallahan is one of the early settlers of Cass County, and, since the year 1838, has been iden- tified with its interests. He has confined his attention to the pursuit of farming, and in that vocation has been very successful. He is a supporter of the Democratic party, but has never been an active politician.
As a member of the Christian Church, he has led a consistent life, and is well known as an upright, honest man.
SIMON WOLF, DEER CREEK TOWNSHIP.
Jacob 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 same year. He acquired his early education in that locality, and remained with his father until his marriage. In September, 1829, he married Miss Bar- bara Izor, a native of Erie County, Pennsylvania. She was born on the 25th day of May, 1809, and is now living near Camden, 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 decease. His son Simon was born on the 4th day of July, 1830. On the 25th day of July, 1854, he 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 that 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 upon the farm where he now resides. He is the father of twelve children, eight of whom are still living, named as follows: Josephine F., boro November 22, 1856; Caroline B., born June 8, 1859; Jennie M., born September 5, 1860; Edward C., born April 18, 1862; Frank L., born March 12, 1867; Victoria L., born August 16, 1872; Flora M., born February 26, 1875; and Amy P., born 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 wild state to its present advanced condition. In public improvements, he is ever ready to lend a helping hand, and where donations are required for the furtherance of such improvements, he is never less generous than his neighbors.
He is Secretary of the Banner Grange, in Deer Creek Towuship. 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.
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1874 William Dok 1875 W. H. Bring 1876 1877 1878
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