USA > Indiana > Steuben County > History of Steuben County, Indiana, together withbiographies of representative citizens > Part 75
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51
CHAPTER XXII.
- OTSEGO TOWNSHIP.
GEOGRAPHY .- DESCRIPTION .- LAKES. -- FIRST LAND ENTRIES .-- FIRST SETTLERS. - FIRST SCHOOL-HOUSE .- FIRST BIRTH AND DEATH. - "ENTERPRISE, " OR HAMILTON. - POPULATION OF THE TOWNSHIP .-- AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS. - PROPERTY AND TAXATION .- POLITICS. -PRESIDENTIAL VOTE, 1840-'84 .- BIOGRAPHICAL.
Otsego Township is bounded on the north by Scott, on the east by Richland, on the south by the county of De Kalb, and on the west by Steuben. It is six miles north and south, and nearly that distance east and west, and therefore contains a little less than thirty-six sections, or nearly 23,000 acres. Nearly 1,000 acres are covered by water. Fish Lake is a large body of water, covering parts of sections 21, 22, 27, 28 and 33. Fish Lake is intimately connected with the early history of bothı Steuben and De Kalb counties. Besides it there are Ball's Lake, on sections 31 and 32; Mud Spring Lake on 30; Johnson's and Round lakes on 16.
The first entry of land made in this township was by John Fee, who, on the 28th of January, 1835, entered the east half of the southwest quarter of section 32. The second entry was made July 11, of the same year, by Elias O. Rose, who selected the sonth- west quarter of the southeast quarter of section 34. Gideon Ball entered several tracts in September, and the Jackmans their land in November.
The first settler in the township was John Fee, who came March 13, 1835, and he built the first house in the township the same spring, where he lived until his death, April 2, 1873. The next settlers were James Clark and wife, who came in June, 1836. James Johnson came in August of the same year. From then un- til 1840 the following named persons settled in Otsego: James W. Jefferds, Henry R. Williams, A. Murray, William C. Herrick, John Salisbury, J. H. Miner, Benedict Corey, J. Corey, Henry Coy, P. Clark, D. Robinson, George Swope, A. Gates, Edward C. Johnson, John Avery, George Quick, William Gilmore, C. Burch,
(806)
807
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY.
Gideon Ball, Samuel Tuttle, Richard Jackman, John Haughey, John Lawrence, Nicanor Munson, S. P. Gambia, C. Frink, Theo- philus Jackson and Henry Jackman.
The first school-house was put up on section 16, and the first teacher was Amos Stantcliff. The first birth and also the first death occurred Oct. 25, 1835.
HAMILTON.
In 1836 Nicanor Munson entered a tract of land including the water-power made by the outlet of Fish Lake, in all several hun- dred acres. The plat of Hamilton village is on this entry. Mr. Munson sold out soon after to Dr. Tuttle, agent of a company of Eastern capitalists styled "Steuben City Company." A town was platted called Enterprise, and lots were offered for sale. The company commenced improving the power here soon after. Sydney P. Gambia located here in 1837, built a house, store and stocked it, also built an ashery. The first frame house is said to have been built by Alfred Dunham. Dr. Tuttle resided here for a time, acting as agent for the company. He was succeeded by Mr. Gam- bia, who built for the company a grist-mill, and some years later bought the water-power of the company, and a large portion of their lands. The grist-mill, after several years of operation, was torn down. A saw-mill was erected in the early days on the site of the present flouring-mill.
The old pioneer road from Lima, Ind., to Fort Defiance, Ohio, passed through Hamilton.
Abram F. Beecher was an early trader here, locating, it is be- lieved, in 1839. He came from Jefferson County, N. Y., was one of the early settlers of Richland Township, and died in De Kalb County in 1854. Mr. Gambia remained here an active busi- ness man until 1854. He now lives in Wabasha, Minn. In 1841 Sydney and Oscar Gambia were succeeded in trade by B. B. Long. A washout occurred in the dam. Mr. Gambia and a Mr. Water- man, at midnight, went out on the dam. The flood was at its height, and overturned a tree which, in falling, killed Mr. Water- man, and seriously injured Mr. Gambia.
Reuben Lint kept hotel and liquor in the pioneer days. It is claimed by Mrs. John Fee that the first building ever erected where Hamilton now stands was a log house built by John Quicksill, a New York man. She cooked the dinner for the help and carried it herself to them. The growth of the village (which was called
808
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY.
Hamilton not very long after the Steuben City Company sold to Gambia) did not equal the fond anticipations of its projectors; far from it. Still it attained considerable prominence in the new county. It is claimed that the first postoffice established in Steu- ben County was located here, and Oscar Gambia was the first Post- master.
The village history in full cannot be gathered. The business men of its pioneer days died or left for other fields; others came and went, and none of the early business men are left. Dr. Tuttle was the first physician. Dr. Fink, an early physician, died here. Dr. La Due practiced here. He erected the building still known as the La Due property, and opened a dry-goods store. He died about the commencement of the war. Dr. Emerson, Dr. Roe, Dr. Govis, Dr. Teal and Dr. Taylor are remembered as having been at different times resident physicians. Abner F. Pinchin was an attorney here from 1852 until he went into the army. He now lives in Butler.
In 1859 John Fee, who bought of Sydney Gambia, built on the site of the old saw mill a flouring-mill. The present business men of Hamilton are: Andrew Sewell, proprietor of Hamilton florring- mill; John Sewell, resident owner of a grist-mill, one and a half miles from the village ; John W. Thomas, general merchandise ; Francis Klinkle, general merchandise ; Dr. N. E. Brown, drug store ; G. R. Farnham, hardware and general store; Dr. J. F. Cameron, hotel; Sweet & Kimball, steam saw-mill; Dr. Schofield, saloon ; T. A. Beecher, tin shop ; John B. Zeigler, harness shop; H. A. Stont, shoe shop; Frank Farley, blacksmith; Joseph Wiler. blacksmith; O. P. Brown, barber and confectioner. The medical fraternity is represented by Drs. N. E. Brown and J. F. Cameron.
Hamilton has one of the finest school buildings in Steuben County. It is a two-story brick building with belfry and bell, and was built in 1878, under the trusteeship of Clay Lemmon. Its cost was $2,800; cost of furniture, $400. An efficient corps of teachers is employed. Attendance averages nearly 100. The school is graded, having primary, intermediate and grammar departments. Prof. Charles Segur has charge of the grammar, Thomas French of the intermediate, and Miss Effie Hoose of the primary depart- ments. Under the trusteeship of B. F. Griffith, the people of Hamilton and Otsego Township are justly proud of this school.
The Methodist denomination have the only church in Hamilton, a very substantial structure. Services are held regularly. The
809
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY.
church is owned by the Methodist Episcopal Society, but was built by aid from all classes, and is occasionally used for services by other denominations. A flourishing Sunday-school is an adjunct of the religious work here.
Baron Steuben Post, No. 387, G. A. R., was mustered Dec. 13, 1884. The members at present, with their respective offices, are as follows: Lewis Griffith (C.), George H. Cosper (S. V. C.), Har- mon B. Kelley (J. V. C.), Hiram Sweet (Adj.), Luman H. Beard (Q. M.), John Were (O. G.), R. A. Chapple (O. D.), William Rench (S. M.), Charles Culbertson (Q. M. S.), Levi Stoy (Chap.) Fred D. Oberlin (Surg.), Charles Wright, Alfred Bender, Godfrey Ladison and Frank Griffith.
The population of Otsego Township in 1870 was 1,318; and in 1880 it was 1,347, an increase of twenty-nine. The density of population is therefore thirty-eight per square mile.
The following leading crop statistics are for the last census year, 1880: Acres of wheat sown, 2,963; average yield per acre, 19 bushels; total crop, 56,587 bushels; acres of corn, 2,196; average yield per acre, 31 bushels; total crop, 68,076 bushels; acres of oats, 848; average yield per acre, 30; total crop, 25,440 bushels; acres in meadow, 887; average yield of hay per acre, one and one-fourth tons; total crop, 1,109 tons; acres of potatoes, 124; average yield per acre, 82 bushels; total crop, 10,168 bushels.
In 1884 the number of acres of land assessed was 21,281.94; value of same, $208,925; value of improvements, $61,180; value of personal property, $57,605; total valuation, $327,710; number of polls, 209; number of dogs, 95; total taxes levied, $7,094.82. As property is assessed on a basis of one-third, the above valuation indicates an actual wealth of $983,130.
In politics, Otsego was Democratic until the organization of the Republican party, since when it has uniformly given its pluralities to the latter party. The smallest plurality ever given in a presi- dential year was fourteen given for Lewis Cass in 1848: and the larg- est was 125, given for Abraham Lincoln in 1864. The following statement of the presidential vote in this township since 1840, shows the political complexion of the township at each presiden- - tial election, and also gives an idea of the growth in population:
14
1840-Martin Van Buren. .18 16
1849-Lewis Cass. .36
William H. Harrison .2
Zachary Taylor. 22
1844-James K. Polk. 40
15
26
James G. Birney . .2
Martin Van Buren. 18 Henry Clay. 25
1852-Franklin Pierce
.64
Winfield Scott. .38
-
810
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY.
1856-John C. Fremont. 123
54
-
1872-Ulysses S. Grant. . 132
67
James Buchanan. 69
Horace Greeley .. 65
1860 -- Abraham Lincoln. 160
99 1876-Rutherford B. Hayes .. . 200 83 Stephen A. Douglas .61
Samuel J. Tilden. . 117
John Bell .. .I
1880-James A. Garfie d. 201 93
Winfield S. Hancock. .108
1864 -- Abraham Lincoln. 177
125
George B. Mcclellan .. .. 52
James B. Weaver 3
1868-Ulysses S. Grant. 176
80
Grover Cleveland. 107
Horatio Seymour. 96
Benjamin F. Butler 2
BIOGRAPHICAL.
David W. Aldrich was born in Vermont, March 29, 1817, a son of Simeon and Penelope Aldrich, who were early settlers of DeKalb County, Ind., locating there in 1838, and remaining there till death. He was reared a farmer, living with his parents till manhood. He was married Feb. 14, 1838, to Mary Jackman, a native of Richland County, Ohio, born Sept. 16, 1818, daughter of Robert and Phebe (Vail) Jackman. After a residence of eighteen years in DeKalb County they moved to the homestead of her father in Steuben County to care for her mother, and after the death of Mrs. Jackman returned to DeKalb County and lived fourteen years; then moved to Otsego Township, Steuben County, where Mr. Aldrich died Sept. 27, 1881. He was a member of the Baptist church, and Mrs. Aldrich is a member of the Disciples church. To them were born six children-Christiana died in in- fancy; Mrs. Nancy Cox, Mrs. Lydia Baker, Mrs. Phebe Wrench, Mrs. Aurelia Vanzile, and Olive, deceased, wife of James Campbell. Mrs. Aldrich owns a farm in Otsego Township, but has for some time made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Jacob Baker.
Christopher Baker was born in Loudoun County, Va., April 18, 1836, a son of Samuel and Sarah Baker. He remained with his parents, coming with them to Steuben County, in 1850, till twenty- one years of age and then commenced improving the land he now owns and occupies on section 25, Otsego Township. His farm contains 115 acres, and he also owns forty acres on section 35. He was married Aug. 28, 1859, to Rosamond A. Walkins, a native of the State of New York, born Jan. 13, 1839, a daughter of one of Richland Township's early settlers. To them were born three children, but one of whom is living-Adelia. Samuel M. died in his third year, and Frank J. in infancy. Mrs. Baker died Feb. 13, 1876. May 24, 1877, Mr. Baker married Amy Fox, who was born in Morrow County, Ohio, April 5, 1849, a daughter of George and Emeline Fox, natives of New Jersey, who settled in
1884-James G. Blaine. 198
91
t
811
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY.
Richland Township in 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have had two children; but one is living-Leora E. The eldest, Leno C., died aged four months. In politics Mr. Baker is a Republican. He an his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and among the most prominent citizens of the county.
Jacob Baker, son of Samuel and Sarah Baker, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, Dec. 12, 1837, and when thirteen years of age, in 1850, came to Steuben County, Ind., with his parents, they locating in Otsego Township. He remained with his parents till manhood, receiving a good common-school education. He was reared a farmer, an avocation he has followed successfully for him- self since attaining his majority. After his marriage he settled on the farm he now owns on section 24, Otsego Township, where he has 120 acres of choice land, all well improved, with a fine residence and good farm buildings. He has always taken an interest in the public affairs of the county, and has assisted both by his means and time in furthering all enter- prises of benefit to the community. He was married Oct. 23, 1859, to Lydia Aldrich, a native of De Kalb County, born Oct. 19, 1843, daughter of David and Mary Aldrich. To them have been born three children; the first two die d in infancy; Phebe Elizabeth, born Jan. 14, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he cast his first and last vote for the Republican principles.
John S. Baker was born in Loudoun County, Va., Jan. 27, 1831, and came to Steuben County with his parents in 1850. His educa- tion was received in the common schools. He has made agricult- ure the work of his life, and in the winters of 1854 and 1855 taught school, the first term at Richland Center and the last at No. 6, this township. He was married March 4, 1855, to Selinda E. Keyes, a native of Knox County, Ohio, born May 1, 1837, daughter of Tolman and Mary Keyes. Three children were born to them-Samuel E. died in infancy; Sarah E., wife of G. W. Goudy; William H. died in infancy. Mrs. Baker died June 11, 1863. Dec. 20, 1863, Mr. Baker married Catherine B. Sanxter, a native of England, born March 3, 1846, daughter of Christopher and Rebecca Sanxter. To them have been born three children- Charles E., Mary P. and Cora R. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal church, and for the past twenty years he has been an official member; for the past eight years Re- cording Steward. In politics Mr. Baker is a prominent member
812
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY.
of the Democratic party in Steuben County and has several times been the party's candidate for township and county offices. He has twice been a candidate for County Commissioner. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are among the most respected and influential citizens of Steuben County.
Nathaniel Baker, son of Samuel and Sarah Baker, was born in Wayne County, Ohio, Sept. 18, 1842, and was eight years of age when his parents moved to Steuben County. He remained with his parents till twenty-six years of age, working on the farm and attending in his youth the public schools, completing his education at the Orland Academy. When twenty years of age he decided to enter the ministry and from that time he studied to prepare him- self for his work. When twenty-seven years of age he entered the Northern Indiana Conference of the Methodist Episcopal church and gave his time wholly to the work of the ministry till 1882. In this time he traveled over 24,000 miles, driving one horse over 18,- 000 miles. He averaged over three lectures and sermons a week, or about 2,000 in all. His health failing in 1882 he gave up the active work of the ministry and has since then devoted his atten- tion to agricultural pursuits. Reared a farmer, he is conversant with all the details of country life and is making a success of the vocation. He resides on section 24, Otsego Township, where he owns eighty acres of choice land, mostly under cultivation. He is a good citizen, taking an active interest in all enterprises of pub- lic benefit. In politics he votes the Republican ticket at National elections and the Prohibition ticket at local elections. He was mar- ried Nov. 8, 1881, to Elma Armstrong, who was born in Wyandotte County, Ohio, May 28, 1858, daughter of W. K. and Martha C. Armstrong, now of Tipton County, Ind. To them has been born one child-Ernest Clyde.
Samuel Baker and his family settled in this township in the spring of 1850. He had considerable means and bought 640 acres of land which soon began to yield bountiful harvests as a reward for the labor bestowed upon it. Some years prior to his death he gave to Jolin, Jacob, Nathaniel, Samuel, Jr., Thomas and Eliza- beth each eighty acres and to Christopher seventy-five acres, still retaining a home for himself. He was born in Franklin County, Pa., June 19, 1801. His parents, John and Sarah (Stoner) Baker, were natives of the same State but in 1820 moved to Loudoun County, Va., where he was married Nov. 5, 1829, to Sarah Shriver, who was born in that county March 1, 1802. All that a
813
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY.
wife should be she was the rest of his life to him. A willing toiler in converting the wilderness to a state of productiveness; a helper in all good work; kind and indulgent as a parent, carefully train- ing her children and fitting them for the duties of life, she has her reward in the love and esteem now extended to her by children and friends and the consciousness of having spent her life in use- fulness and doing what she could to make her husband's home a happy one. In 1836 Mr. Baker, in company with his parents, moved to Wayne County, Ohio, where his father died in 1847 and his mother in 1854. He remained in Wayne County till his re- moval to this township. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Baker- John W., Elizabeth, Sarah, Christopher, Jacob, Thomas, Margaret, Nathaniel, Samuel, Jr., and Daniel. Sarah, Margaret and Daniel are deceased. Of the others all save Elizabeth, who lives on the homestead with her mother, are married and comfort- ably situated. Samuel Baker passed to the better life April 11, 1884, and his funeral services were conducted by Rev. J. C. Am- brose. His death cast a gloom over the entire community and the large attendance at his funeral showed the esteem and confidence in which he was held. He was for over half a century a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in all things was a faithful servant of his heavenly Master.
Elijah Beard was born in the State of New Hampshire, Feb. 17, 1794, a son of Elijah Beard, who was a native of Scotland. Elijah Beard, Jr., and Lucy Horn were married in Stamstead, Canada East, in 1817. She was a native of Norwich, Conn., born in 1802. They lived in Canada a few years and there their three eldest children were born-Franklin, Charles B. and Jane. They subsequently moved to Vermont where three children, Phoebe, Elijah (who died in infancy) and Heman, were born. In 1832 they moved to Niagara County, N. Y., and remained a year, and while there Luman was born. In 1834 they moved to Huron County, Ohio, and five children, Mary, Harrison, Henry, Harriet and Al- bert, were born to them there. In 1849 they moved to Steuben County, Ind., and settled in Otsego Township, owning eighty acres on section 12. Some years before his death he sold his farm and afterward made his home with his children. He was very fond of out-door life and spent much of his time in his latter days in fish- ing. From early life he was a member of the Baptist church. He was a good man and was respected by all who knew him. He died at the residence of his son Franklin, Feb. 17, 1875, aged eighty-
814
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY.
two years. His widow died at the residence of her daughter Har- riet, Oct. 8, 1881. Of their children, Franklin is in Otsego Town- ship; Charles B. is in Huron County, Ohio; Jane is the wife of Annaniah Gifford, of Scott Township; Phoebe was married three times and when she died was the wife of Samuel Langley; Heman is in Toledo, Ohio; Luman of this township; Mary is deceased, and was the wife of H. Foster, of Gilead, Mich .; Harrison lives in Charlotte, Mich .; Henry lives in Angola; Harriet is the wife of Henry Hanna, of Scott Township; Albert is in Iowa.
Franklin Beard, eldest son of Elijah andLucy (Horn) Beard, was born in Stamstead, Canada East, June 25, 1820. When twenty years of age he bought a year's time of his father and learned the cooper's trade at which he worked with more or less regularity for the next forty-three years, always in the winter season, much of the time having a shop and employing others. In the spring of 1854 he came to Steuben County and bought 160 acres of land on sec- tion 11, Otsego Township, where he has since lived. To this he has since added thirty acres and also owns a fine farm two miles east of his residence. He has been a successful farmer, and has spent his surplus accumulations in improving and beautifying his home. He was married in Ohio, May 24, 1846, to Janett Breck- enridge, a native of Huron County, born Feb. 26, 1827. To them were born six children-Giles R., of this township; Jane, wife of George Bennett; Alma died in 1854, in infancy; George M., of Auburn, Ind .; Sylva, at home, and an infant, deceased. Mrs. Beard died June 22, 1863. April 3, 1864, Mr. Beard married Helen M. Rust, a native of Cattaraugus County, N. Y., born Jan. 24, 1835, daughter of David Rust, who died in that county in July, 1838, aged forty-four years. Her mother makes her house her home and is now aged eighty-five years. Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Beard but one is living-Frank, a promising young man, a teacher in the public schools. Freddie died at the age of six months; Luella J., aged nine years; Howard, aged thirteen months, and Jessie, aged four months. In politics Mr. Beard is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Luman H. Beard, son of Elijah and Lucy (Horn) Beard, was born in Niagara County, N. Y., Jan. 3, 1834. He remained with his parents till manhood, receiving a common-school education. He was married Nov. 21, 1858, to Jane W. Rummel, a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, born Feb. 12, 1835, a daughter of Henry
815
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY.
and Elizabeth Rummel. Oct. 28, 1861, Mr. Beard enlisted in Company K, Sixty-eighth Ohio Infantry; participated in the battle of Fort Donnelson. He was in the hospital the greater part of the time doing duty when able. In 1863 he was transferred to the invalid corps, and in 1863-'4 was on duty in Evansville, Ind. He Was discharged in October, 1864, and after his return home bought eighty acres of land on section 34, his present home, which he has improved and now has one of the best farms in the township. To Mr. and Mrs. Beard have been born six children-Talma died in infancy; Henry R. was married in 1884 to Ida May Noragan; Charles L. died Feb. 9, 1884, aged twenty years; Benjamin F., David A. and Minnie J. are at home. They with their son Benja- min F. are members of the Christian church. Charles was also a member of the church and a very estimable young man. 'Mr. Beard is an upright, honorable, citizen, and one of the leading farmers of the township. He is a member of Baron Steuben Post, No. 387, G. A. R., of which he is Quartermaster.
William Bland was born in Licking County, Ohio, Nov. 10, 1819, a son of John and Nancy Bland, natives of Virginia, who moved to Ohio after their marriage. The mother died Feb. 8, 1853, and the father in 1870. He was reared a farmer, remaining with his parents till twenty-eight years of age. He was married March 30, 1848, to Rhoda Spiller, a native of Fairfield County, Ohio, born June 12, 1828. Four children were born to them- George McD., of this township; Mary E., wife of Benjamin Nara- gon, of De Kalb County; Nancy J., deceased, wife of Marion Dally; Rhoda Ann, second wife of Marion Dally. Mrs. Bland died April 16, 1860, in Wyandotte County, Ohio, where they had lived about six years. Sept. 16, 1860, Mr. Bland married Louisa Spiller, a sister of his first wife, born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Dec. 12, 1832. She died Jan. 17, 1862, leaving one child, John Martin. The following spring Mr. Bland returned to Seneca Connty, where he was married May 28, 1863, to Mary Ann Harmon, born in that county March 10, 1834. To them have been born three children -Emma, William H. and Thomas H. Mr. Bland began to work at the carpenter's trade when twenty-two years of age and followed it eighteen years, and since that time has engaged in agricultural pursuits. He came to Steuben County, Ind., in the fall of 1864 and settled on section 10, Otsego Township, on land he bought the previous spring, when on a visit to the county. There were but ten acres cleared at that time, but of the eighty acres he owns
G
816
HISTORY OF STEUBEN COUNTY.
he has now sixty-five cleared and under cultivation. In politics Mr. Bland has always been a Democrat.
Samuel S. Brooks, son of George and Elizabeth (Smith) Brooks, was born in Ontario County, N. Y., May 2, 1833. George Brooks was born in Derbyshire, England, in 1783, and there married Eliza- beth Smi th, and in 1830 they came to the United States and lived in Ontario County, N. Y., seven years. Then moved to Steuben County, Ind., and settled in York Township. He was a poor man, having but $7 when he reached thiscountry, but their strong hands and brave hearts coupled with an abundance of energy soon overcame poverty and made for their family a good home. At first forty acres and then forty more were bought and reduced to a state of cultivation. The father died in 1854, and the mother in 1874, at the home of her son Robert in Michigan. Their family consisted of nine children. One died on the ocean. Ann is the wife of Orman Sisson, of Lagrange County. Martha and her husband, James Brunk, died in Williams County, Ohio. William and Thomas live in York Township, and George at Pleasant Lake. Henry en- listed in the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry and died while in the service in Tennessee. Samuel S. is the subject of this sketch. Robert lives in Branch County, Mich. Frank, the first white child born in York Township, enlisted in Company A, Forty-fourth Indiana Infantry, and died at Fort Wayne. Samuel Brooks was four years of age when his parents moved to Indiana and was reared on a frontier farm. He was married Nov. 16, 1867, to Elizabeth Cooper, a native of Bucks County, Pa., born July 25, 1829. To them have been born two children-George William and Annie Laura. For one year after their marriage they lived in Michigan and then returned to this county and lived near Metz, on the Cooper farm, two years. April 4, 1871, they moved to their present home on section 17, Otsego Township. The farm contains 131 acres of finely improved land. Their residence is a large and handsome building, and everything betokens thrift and opulence. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks are among the prominent and in- fluential citizens of the county, but their greatest happiness is found in their home and in ministering to the comfort and needs of their family.
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