USA > Indiana > Clinton County > History of Clinton County, Indiana : With historical sketches of representative citizens and genealogical records of many of the old families, Volume II > Part 51
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Mr. Cassel was married in 1869 to Barbara Blount, who was born in Tipton county, Indiana, a daughter of Silas and Barbara ( Miller) Blount. who came to this state from Ohio. Mrs. Cassel was liberally educated and has proven to be a most faithful helpmeet. To this union five children have been bor. : Georgia C., married to Dale Smith ; Miller Young, living in Day- ton, Indiana ; Kate, the wife of F. S. Krebs, of Frankfort. Indiana : Beulah, single ; and Myrtle, of Lafayette, a stenographer, also single.
Politically. Mr. Cassel is a Republican. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Post 390. He and his wife are members of the Christ- jan church.
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CLINTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
Mr Cassel wa engaged in the banking business in Monon, Indiana, for a number of years. His son, Miller Young Cassel, was also engaged in the banking business in Clark's ITill and Lafayette. He has been very successful in a business way and is one of the substantial men of Rossville.
SAMUEL KUUNS.
Most of the early pioneers of Clinton county, having blazed the path of civilization to this part of the state, have finished their labors and passed from the scene, leaving the country in the possession of their descendants and others who came at a later period and builded on the foundation which they laid so broad and deep. But here and there one of the former class remains to tell us of those interesting days on the frontier. One of this number is Samuel Kuhns, a venerable farmer of Ross township, where he has spent over three score and ten years of his long life, during which period he has noted wonderful changes and has taken part in many of them. Ilis career here began in the early formative period, and he therefore has helped to develop and advertise to the world the wonderful resources of a county that now occupies a proud position among the most progressive and enlightened sections of the great Hoosier commonwealth.
Mr. Kuhns, whose valuable farm lies two and one-half miles south of Rossville, came to Clinton county in 1839. seventy-four years ago. He was born in Echigh county, Penn., near Allentown, January 23. 1831. He is a son of Henry Kuhns, who was born in the same community in 1784. He was a carpenter by trade and was regarded as an excellent mechanic in his day. His father emigrated from Germany, located in Lehigh county, Penn., and there spent the rest of his life. There Henry Kahns grew to manhood and married Catherine Zimmerman, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1789. In 1839 they broug' their family overland in wagons to Clinton county, Ind .. and bought a farm in Ross township. The trip required thirty-one days. They found a state through which no railroad had been built and which was yet little improved in many counties. The elder Kuhns bought one hundred and sixty acres of good land in Ross township and became a thrifty farmer. His family consisted of twelve children, seven of whom grew to maturity : Charles, Catherine. David, Jonas, Lucy A., Caroline, Samuel, and five who died in infancy.
(55)
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CLINTON COUNTY, INDIAN.A.
Henry Kulins, the father, died in 1866 at the advanced age of eighty two years. The mother lived to be sixty-nine years old. They were men- bers of the Lutheran church, in which he was an elder.
Samuel Kuhns grew up on the home farm and received his education in the district schools. He learned the carpenter's trade under his father and the two worked together at this for some time. He finally purchased sixty- eight acres of land, to which he later added, until he now owns a valuable farm of one hundred and seventy-four acres, which he has placed under a fine state of cultivation and improvement. He has a comfortable seven-roomed house and a large barn and keeps a good grade of livestock.
Mr Kuhns was married in 1861 to Susan Ruch, who was born in Lehigh county. Penn. She came to Clinton county in 1852. She is a daughter of Peter and Lucy Ruch, and a sister of Joseph Ruch, whose sketch appears on another page of this book. Her great grandfather was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.
Eight children have been born to our subject and wife, seven of whom are living at this writing: Peter J., the oldest; Lucy, the wife of John Crouse, of Ross township: George H., living on the home farm : Albert D., owns a good farm in Carroll county ; Sarah C., the wife of Charles S. Miller of Ross township: Mary Etta, single: Ada Alice the wife of Calvin Gable, living in this county and Maria, who died at the age of twenty-eight years.
Samuel Kuhns is a member of the Lutheran church and has been an elder in the same for a number of years; his wife also belongs to this church. They are a fine old couple noted for their piety, hospitality and neighborliness.
PETER J. KUHNS.
The Kuhns family has long been noted for its thrift and courage and no better farmers are to be found in Clinton county. for they believe in doing well whatever they undertake, so we find their fields clean of weeds, sprouts and unnecessary trees, the same fields being well fenced, well tilled and in every way strictly up-to-date, also their farming machinery is properly kept. housed in good shelters, and their barns keep out the cold and rain from their stock in winter. Their homes are models for cleanliness and wholesomeness.
Among the best known of the present generation of this highly respected family is Peter J. Kuhns, of Ross township. He was born on the old Kuhns
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CLINTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
homestead in the above named township and county, May 9, 1801. at the beginning of the fierce struggle between the North and South in the greatest civil war of history. He is a son of Samuel and Susan (Ruch ) Kuhns, a complete sketch of whom appears on another page of this volume.
Peter J. Kuhns was reared on the home farm and educated in the rural schools, and he remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age. He worked for his father and others at farm work, saved his money and thereby got a start in life and was finally able to purchase the excellent farm of one hundred and forty acres in Ross township where he now lives. He has brought it up to a high state of improvement and cultivation. He remodeled the house, now having a conveniently arranged ten roomed dwelling. 7- well as a good barn and other outbuildings. He carries on general farming and stock raising successfully.
Mr. Kuhns was married in 1890 to Martha J. Michael, a daughter of Jacob Michael, a native of Virginia and a soldier in the Civil war, having cast his fortunes with the Confederate army. His wife was Louise (Granger) Michael, a native of Germany. They are both deceased. The father devoted his life to farming. Politically he was a Democrat, and he belonged to the Lutheran church. His family consisted of three children, namely : George, Harrison and Martha J.
Two sons and five daughters have been born to Peter J. Kuhns and wife : Mabel G., Lena Irene and Hazel L., all graduates of the high school at Ross- ville: Russell S. now a student in the high school: Lucile also attending the high school at Rossville; Frederick J. and Thelma G.
Mr. Kuhns is a Republican in politics. He and his family are all Lutherans and are workers in the church and Sunday school.
STEPHEN A. BRYAN.
One of the most prosperous general farmers, stock raisers and feeders of Ross township is Stephen A. Bryan, of an old Clinton county family. He is a man who has thrown the force of his sterling individuality into his voca- tion and into his efforts to assist in advancing the general public weal. and his efforts have not failed of appreciation by his neighbors and many friends. His name will ever be inseparably linked with that of the community so long honored by his citizenship, whose interests has never had a more zealous
CLINTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
promoter He is one of those man la no means numerous, who, not caring to be selfish and self-centered desites to exert an influence as they travel the rugged steps to the end that the wall may be made brighter and better by their presence, if on's in a minor decise in their immediate vicinities.
Mr. Bryan was born in Madison township, a few miles north of Mul- berry. December 13. 1850. He is a son of John Bryan, a native of Butler county, O. His father came from Pensylvania where this family settled in a very early day. They are of Scotch-Irish ancestry. John Bryan grew up in his native community and received his education in the old-time schools. and upon reaching manhood he married Elizabeth Leitenguth, a daughter of Peter Leibenguth, one of the well known early settlers of Madison township. Clinton county. The mother of our subject died in 1866. Four children were born to John Bryan and wife: Peter, Stephen .A., L. D. Voorhees, liv- ing in Mulberry, this county, and Mrs. Letitia Loveless, of Clarks 11ill. Ind. John Bryan married for his second wife Caroline Elliott who died leaving three children, Maud. Ibelle and Bessie, the last named being deceased. John Bryan spent his life engaged in farming. Politically he was a Democrat, and he belonged to the Lutheran church.
Stephen A. Bryan was reared on the home farm and he received his edu- cation in the common schools. Ile was young when his mother died and he was reared mostly in the home of an uncle, Isaac Bryan. On September 5. 1888 he married Eunice B. Hamilton, daughter of Francis J. Hamilton, a well known Clinton county citizen. He was born in Butler county, O .. September 21, 1839, and in 1842 he was brought to Clinton county, by his parents and here he spent the rest of his life. He was a son of John Hamil- ton. Upon reaching maturity he married Emma Duke, who was born in Butler county, O. To John Hamilton and wife only one child was born, Francis J., mentioned above. The latter was reared on his father's farm and received a common school education. He took up farming in early life and was successful. John Hamilton's death occurred at the age of seventy-seven years. Ile and his wife were members of the Baptist church. She died at the advanced age of eighty-six years. He was one of the most extensive farmers in the township. Francis J. Hamilton married Mary Bell, a daugh- ter of James Bell. She was one of a family of eight children, five of whom are still living. Mr. Bell died at the age of seventy-seven years in Frankfort. He was a member of the United Presbyterian church, as was his wife. His wife lived to be eighty-six years old. Three children were born to Francis J. Hamilton and wife : James A., of Frankfort ; Mrs. Eunice B. Bryant, wife
CLINTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
of our subject : and John who died at the age of twenty-four years. Francis J. Hamilton was an earnest Christian, and he was an eller in his church for thirty years. Mrs. Bryan grew to womanhood in her native community and received a good public school education, also attended college at Otter- bein. O. Two children have been born to our subject and wife: Laura MI., who was educated in the Western College at Oxford, O. ; and Mary Zelene, non attending college at Jacksonville, Ill.
Stephen A. Bryan began farming when a young man and this has con- tinued to be his life work. He has prospered with the advancing years until he is today one of the most substantial agricultorists and stock men of Ross township, and owns one of the largest and most valuable farms in the town- ship, comprising three hundred and fifty acres, of well improved and well cultivated land. He carries on general farming and stock raising on a large scale. He built in 190; one of the most modern and attractive rural homes in the county at a cost of over six thousand dollars. Mr. Bryan planned the house himself and it is pronounced by all who have examined it a model of up-to-date architecture. It has a large basement in which a furnace has been installed, bath room, hot and cold water and is, in fact, modernly appointed throughout. He also has a large barn and many other convenient outbuild- ings, including a substantial barn for cattle feeding. He feeds about one hundred and fifty head annually and large droves of hogs also. He is an excellent judge of all kinds of livestock, not only cattle and hogs, but horses as well, and keeps some fine ones. TTe and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church, in which he is a deacon. His wife is interested in choir and Sunday school work.
SAMUEL MI. BAILOR.
The life of Samuel M. Bailor, one of the venerable native born citizens of Madison township. Clinton county, has been such as to preserve the high standard maintained by his father, who was one of the early settlers of this section of the Hoosier state. The lives of both these men have been signally noble, upright and useful, with no shadow of wrong in word, thought or deed. Such was the type of men who laid the foundation and aided in the develop- ment of this state, and to them will ever be paid a tribute of reverence and gratitude by those who have profited by their well-directed endeavors and appreciated the lessons of their lives.
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CLINTON COUNTY, INDIAN.A.
Samuel M. Bailor was born in Madison township. Clinton county, Ind., June 7, 1838. Ile is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth ( Brand) Bailoor. The former was born in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania. December 31, 1805. and there he resided until 1829, when he removed with his parents to Butler county, O., where he was married October 27, 1835. In 1837 he brought his wife to Clinton county, locating in Ross township, where be purchased a farm, twenty acres of which had been partly improved, the larger trees bring left. On the place there was a small log cabin which the family occupied until 18.12. He had purchased one hundred and sixty acres before he moved here, which by hard work was developed into a good farm. In 1833 Jacob Bailor and six other men visited this county on Horseback and entered eighty veres of land six miles north of Frankfort. Ilere he prospered through close applica- tion and good management and accumulated a large and valuable estate, leav- ing each of his children eighty acres, and he also left two hundred acres in Tippecanoe county for the benefit of his grandchildren. His death occurred February 1, 1884. His wife was born in Pennsylvania in 1809. June IS, and moved to Maryland, near Hagerstown, with her parents when a small child, and a few years later they came on to Butler county, O. Her death occurred August 23, 1877. The Bailors and Brands are of German origin. The Bailors came to America, some of them prior to the Revolutionary war, others during the struggle. Three of them were Hessian soldiers and fought for the British, but afterwards were taken prisoners and finally enlisted for service in the American army, in which they served until the close of the war.
Samuel M. Bailor was married January 8, 1865 to Sarah A. McCoy, whose mother died when she was three years old. Her father was born in the state of Maine, March 23, 1814, and from there he moved with his par- ents to Miami county, O., when he was about seven years old. He settled on a farm in the woods, and there he grew to manhood and continued to live there several years after his marriage. He then moved to Howard county, this state, where the death of the mother occurred. A few years later the father married a widow, whose maiden name was Rachael Henderson. She had first married John McCain, who died a few years after their marriage. Mrs. Sarah A. Bailor was born in Miami county, Ohio, June 6. 1844.
Ten children were born to Samuel M. Bailor and wife: Mary Elizabeth. still at home: Samuel M., Jr., lives in Lake county, Michigan, married to Anna Peter, has seven children : Sarah Ellen, wife of Aaron Erdel, of Wash- ington township, this county, has three children ; Jacob C .. (deceased). mar-
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CLINTON COUNTY, INDLIN.A.
ried to Rosa Lapealle, she and a child living in Crawfordsville; Lydia Ann, wife of John T. Buck, of Madison township, has five children; Rev. George W., a Methodist minister, pastor of a church at Forest, Ind. married to Fanny Mink, has two children: Albert P., single, living at home; Alma A., was a successful teacher and trained nurse, now the wife of Wood Unger, of Sedalia: Charles O., who also taught successfully for some time, now at home, married to May Rutan; Wilbur Grant, living in North Dakota, married Eva Emmert, has three children. Albert P. and Charles ( .. who are on the home place, operate a large dairy, keeping twenty cows of Holstein breed. and they have forty head of graded Ilolstein cattle on the farm, which is regarded as one of the best dairy farms in Clinton county. The Bailor residence, which is a large brick, is one of the most attractive and substantial rural homes in the township; the farm is well improved in every way and is as productive as it ever was, having been very carefully cultivated. It has a large bank barn and many good outbuildings, everything denoting prosperity and good management. Our subject and wife have been married forty-nine years, and have been mutually happy and helpful. The family belongs to the Methodist church at Mulberry, in which our subject has served as trustee. Politically he is a Republican and was at one time candidate for county commissioner. He has always taken much interest in local public affairs and has done much to promote the general good of the county.
MOSES LECKLITNER.
The history of Clinton county reveals the handiwork of many a great and noble soul who wrought heroically and unselfishly. The smiling fields and splendid homes there, the high-grade institutions and happy prospering people speak volumes for someone's steadfastness of purpose, strength of arm, cour- age of heart and activity of brain; but Time, that grim obliterator, before whose destroying fingers even the stubborn granite must, in the end, succumb, is ever at his work of disintegration. Beneath his blighting touch even mem- ory fails, and too often a life of glorious achievement is forgotten in a day. ,Lest we forget, then, this tribute to the Lecklitner family is penned. Pioneer's, brave, courageous, industrious, public-spirited, kindly, generous men ; it is the desire of the biographer, as it must be of all their neighbors, that their deeds be recorded for the benefit of those who follow after.
CLINTON COUNTY, INDIAN 1.
One of the best known members of this old family is Moves Lecklitner, a leading farmer of Madison township. He was born on the farm he now owns, October 20, 18.10. During his residence here of seventy-three years he has noted wondrous changes in every way, and one may pass a very inter esting hour listening to his vivid reminiscences of the early days. He is a son of David Leeklitner, a native of Lehigh county, Penn., in which state the latter's father was also born. He was of German parentage, the first Lecklit- ner having come to the United States in a very carly day and located in Lehigh county, Pen .. where David Lecklitner grew to manhood and mar- ried Magdalena Wehr. also a native of that state, and of German ancestry. In 1828 the parents of our subject left their native state and came to Butler county. O., locating near Oxford where they lived three years. Then they came overland in a wagon to Clinton county, Ind., bringing with them their three children. Sallie, who married John Martz, is now deceased: Polly. who married Job Martz, is deceased as is also Mr. Martz; and Paul who went to Washington county, la., where he took up government land and there spent the rest of his life. The following children were born to David Leck- litner and wife after they came to Clinton county: Maria (deceased ). mar- ried Samuel Miller and lived in Washington county, la., being among the early settlers there: David, Jr. ( deceased ), lived in Ross township, Clinton county : Lydia Wehr, living in Washington county, Ta. ; Moses, of this sketch ; Carrie, died in Madison township, this county ; and Rebecca, married to Allen Glick, now living in Madison township.
The father of the above named children came to Clinton county, with the early pioneers, in 1831, developing the excellent farm where our subject now resides. He built a log cabin, cleared gradually the heavy timber and in due course of time was very comfortably established. He prospered and bought much land in Washington county, la., and was successful in all his undertakings, becoming one of the most substantial men of the township. ITis death occurred at the age of seventy-seven years. He was honored and respected by all who knew him. His wife died about the same age. They were active in the work of the Reformed church and did much toward its early growth here. They were charitable, neighborly, hospitable and helped all who came to them in need.
Moses Lecklitner grew up on the home farm and worked hard when a boy. Ile received his education in the early schools of his neighborhood, in the old log school house. When twenty-three years old he married Maria
was a daughter of Josh GAD. She was born in & p na het de ah or-
was a faithle a. merci . the work of the church.
Four children were Contar Mie Leckihe, and wir Ral, a well known office and rat Money than hip: Row , o dy Nia. living in Tippet mos comty. The, da wife of Wayne Pour
Moses Lecklingt has devoted his life to farming and as the gener of two hundred and fy enty-f ures which he has kept well in around and well
He also want one Indien inty-cigle antes in Tipp cine card has kept the buildings carefully remodeled and has been very successful tha general farmer and stock vaiser. He also owns a valuable house and lot in Mulberry, near the Reformed church, of which he is a member, and in which he was formerly an elder. Politically he is a Democrat, and, like his honored father before him. is regarded as a most excellent citizen in every respect.
JOSEPH S. D. BROWN.
No more up-to-date farmer could be found within the boundaries of Ross township. Clinton county than Joseph S. D. Brown, a man who has achieved the position in the community which he enjoys through his industry. neighborliness and honest dealings with those with whom he comes into con- tact. He has spent a half century on his fine farm here, and has accumulated a competency sufficient to retire to the city, but he prefers to remain active and live amid rural scenes, remaining the rest of his life in his own beautiful country home.
Mr. Brown was born in Lehigh county, Penn., near Allentown. April 17, 1851, on a farm. He is a son of Solomon Brown, a native of the same county and a son of David Brown, also a Pennsylvanian. The family is of German descent, and have always been noted for their thrift and courage. Solomon Brown married Elizabeth Woodring who was born in Lehigh county. Penn., also of an old family.
The Brown family left their ancestral hills in the Keystone state in 1864 and came west to Clinton county and bought a farm here. The old log house
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CLINTON COUNTY, INDIANA.
in which they lived the first few years still stands. In fact, there were two log cabins. The father went to work with a will, cleared and improved his land into a good eighty acre farm, and here he spent the rest of his life, being an influential man in his neighborhood. Ile reached the advanced age of ninety years. He was a man of splendid constitution and well suited for the life of a frontiersman. His wife died at the age of sixty-eight years. ITe had a large family of fourteen children, seven of whom are still living: Susan, Lovina, Sarah, living in Pennsylvania : Joseph S. D., subject of this sketch ; Mary, Emma and Catherine.
The parents of the above named children were members of the Reformed church.
Joseph S. D. Brown was reared on the home farm where he worked when a young man and he received a common school education. He was married in 1874 to Isabella Hannah Shaw, who was born in Clinton county and here she was reared and educated. She is a daughter of John F. Shaw who was born in 1836, his death occurring in 1884. The mother died in 1865.
Five children have been born to our subject and wife: Eliza Amanda, wife of Harry Snyder, of Ross township; James O. owner of a forty-seven acre farm in Washington township; Laura C. married to Ellis Jacoby. of Washington township; Harriet E. the wife of Albert Thrush, of Tippecanoe county ; and William S., living on the home farm, married to Flora Knappen- berger, has three children, Nelson Joseph, Dorothy and Alberta.
Mr. Brown has devoted his life successfully to general farming, and is now owner of a finely improved place of one hundred and sixty acres, on which stand a commodious twelve-roomed house, a large barn and con- venient sheds.
Politically he is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church.
PHAON KUHNS.
Clinton county, Indiana owes a debt of gratitude to the old Keystone state which it can never repay, for in going over the personal biographies of the residents of the county we note that the majority of our carly settlers have come from Pennsylvania, many of them of the thrifty Dutch and German strains. It is useless to comment upon the industry, frugality and steady habits of these peoples, for such characteristics are well know to all. There-
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