USA > Indiana > Steuben County > History of Steuben County, Indiana, together withbiographies of representative citizens > Part 78
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John Lininger was born in Stark County, Ohio, Feb. 7, 1824, the fourth of nine children of Samuel and Catherine Lininger, who moved to Hancock County, Ohio, in 1839. He was married Aug. 26, 1849, to Elizabeth Dotts, a native of Stark County, Ohio. The winter following their marriage they lived in Noble County, Ind., and the next spring moved to Steuben County, and settled on eighty acres of heavily timbered land on section 5, Otsego Township, where he built a log cabin and commenced to make a farm. Having a large supply of energy and good management, he soon bettered his condition and his log cabin gave place to one of the finest houses in the township. He now owns 120 acres in the homestead and forty acres in Pleasant Township. His wife died March 2, 1864. Of the eight children born to them but three are living-Sarah C., wife of Charles Rozell; Francis M. and John A. April 23, 1865, Mr. Lininger married Mrs. Amelia (Tay- lor) Cleveland, widow of Frederick Cleveland. Four children have been born to them-Sylvia A., Elmer (died in infancy), Luella and Alnetta. In 1862 Mr. Lininger, filled with patriotism, enlisted in the Twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry, but his health becoming im- paired he was discharged a few months later. He has been a
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member of the Republican party since its organization. He is a member of Angola Lodge, No. 180, I. O. O. F.
Jonas Markley was born in Crawford County, Ohio, July 15, 1850, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Stough) Markley, also natives of Ohio. His grandfather, Horatio Markley, was a native of Ash- land County, Ohio, a son of the pioneer, Joseph Markley. His father died in 1857 and his mother afterward married Peter Rutan and lived in Crawford County. Her father, John Stough, was of Holland descent, and tradition says his Grandfather Stough was of royal parentage. The wife of Horatio Markley was a daugh- ter of Adam Link, who was born in Washington County, Md., Nov. 14, 1761. Of him more than passing mention must be made. He entered the war at the age of sixteen years and served five years. While away from home his father, Jacob Link, was killed in his own house by the Indians. A part of the time during his service he was a companion of Poe, the scout, whose fame is his- torical. At the age of twenty-eight years he married Elizabeth Link, a distant relative. He was by disposition a rover, and rug- ged hunter, who liked nothing better than the haunts of the wil- derness, and his early life saw many changes of residence. He was a man of iron constitution, no deprivation or hardship affect- ing him. At the age of sixty years he walked from Pennsylvania to his home in Ohio, a distance of 141 miles, in three days. He was always a poor man, never caring to accumulate property. He was a hard worker, nevertheless, and cleared quite a farm after he was seventy years of age. He was careless of what he ate or drank, either in quality or quantity, or how often. A great lover of whisky, but would divide his last dram with a friend. He often said to himself, "Whatever may be said of me, no man could ever call me a coward." As years grew upon him in his lonely condition, he went to live with his son-in-law, Horatio Markley. He was often remonstrated with by Mr. Markley about the use of whisky. Mr. Markley was an inveterate smoker, and one day the old man said to him, "Well, you quit smoking and I will quit drinking whisky." Mr. Markley could not undertake this, but soon after was prostrated by sickness and upon his re- covery said to Mr. Link, "Now I have quit, will you stand to your word?" The old gentleman said " Yes" and did, although then past ninety years of age. This change from a life-long slav- ish habit prostrated him and all thought he must die. All knew the remedy, but no, the old hero was adamant, and from that day 53
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never a drop of liquor passed his lips. He was a Democrat from the days of Jefferson, but his last vote was the Republican ticket. He died at Sulphur Springs, Crawford Co., Ohio, Aug. 15, 1864, aged 102 years nine months and one day, it is believed and claimed the last of the heroes of the war for American independence. To return to the subject of our sketch. ' Jonas Markley was about seven years of age when his father died, and life's responsibilities- were his almost from that time. The four years following he lived with his uncle, John Stough, and afterward worked by the month at farm work, until about eighteen years of age. Then worked at brick and tile making abont nine years. While a resident of Ohio he came to Indiana for his bride. He was married Dec. 26, 1875, in Otsego Township, Steuben County, to Marcella Souder, a native of Hardin County, Ohio, born Dec. 27, 1856, a daughter of Amos and Elizabeth Souder, who came from Wyandotte County, Ohio, in November, 1869, and settled in Otsego Township. The first two years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Markley lived in Wyan- dotte County, Ohio, and then came to this county and bought forty acres of land on section 11, Otsego Township, where they lived three years, and then sold the farm and bought the one where they now live on the same section. Mr. Markley is a self- made man, the only assistance he ever had being $700 from his Grandfather Markley's estate. He is a Republican in politics and a radical temperance advocate. He is one of Otsego's most hon- ored citizens having the respect of all who know him. He has two children-Marshall J. and Jennie M.
Christopher Petre was born in Germany, Jan. 8, 1820, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth Petre. His father was born in one of the German provinces conquered by Napoleon I., and served eight years in the army under him. He participated in the campaign against Russia and witnessed the burning of Moscow, and was one of the remnant of that grand army that escaped the perils of that mid-winter retreat. He was instrumental in saving the life of Joseph Bonaparte, King of Spain, at the destruction of the bridge, but the downfall of the empire followed too soon for him to receive his promised reward. Jacob Petre was among the bravest of the devoted followers of that greatest General of modern history, and idolized him to the day of his death. When Christopher Petre was ten years of age his parents embarked from Havre de Gras for the United States, and when in mid-ocean his father died. Within a year after landing in New York his mother married
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Adam Zimmer, and thus was enabled to keep her family together. She had six children, three of whom are now living -- Christopher, Jacob, Jr., and Mrs. Rachel Ketre. Two years after their mar- riage they moved to Lehigh County, Pa., thence to Mahoning County, Ohio, and in 1837 .to Portage County, Ohio. In 1854 they came to Steuben County, Ind., and settled in Otsego Town- ship, where Mr. Zimmer died in April, 1862, aged seventy-three years, and Mrs. Zimmer in June, 1864, aged sixty-four years. Christopher Petre came to Steuben County in 1854 and settled in York Township, and in 1857 bought the 140 acres of land on sec- tion 3, Otsego Township, which is still his home. He was married in Ohio, March 16, 1842, to Hannah Harper, who was born April 22, 1820, and died Feb. 17, 1856, leaving three children -- Marga- retta is the wife of George Harmon, of Henry County, Mo .; Henry is a physician of Oregon; Henrietta died at the age of five years. Henry was a member of the Fourth Michigan Infantry and served three years. He was wounded at the battle of the Wilderness and for fifteen years carried two rebel bullets in his body, when one was extracted; the other is lodged in his left shoulder. Oct. 19, 1856, Mr. Petre married Rowena Trowbridge, and to them have been born ten children, seven of whom are living-Melvin, Jacob, Christopher, Jr., Elmer, Fred, Lina, wife of Joseph Layman, and Mary. Mrs. Petre died March 2, 1872, and Mr. Petre subse- quently married Mrs. Sarah Rhodes, a native of New York State, born Oct. 25, 1824. Mr. Petre has been a Democrat from the days of James K. Polk. Economy and industry have been rewarded and he has a competency for his old age. He is happy in the prosper- ity of his children, who are all thrifty and are well established in life.
Robert G. Renner was born in Lewisville, Pa., July 25, 1840, a son of John and Julia Renner, who settled on section 31, Otsego Township, in 1844, where they still reside. Of their six children, four were born in Pennsylvania and two in Stenben County, viz .: James W., of California; David H., Robert G., Mrs. Margaret Crain, John P. and Mrs. Rosa Crain. He remained at home till after the breaking ont of the Rebellion, and in October, 1862, en- listed in Company B, Twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry, and served till July 31, 1863. Returning to the home of his parents he re- mained with them till his marriage, May 1, 1864, to Loueasy C. Greenamyer, who was born in Salem, Ohio, in October, 1847, a daughter of Samnel and Caroline Greenamyer, who settled in
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Butler, De Kalb Co., Ind., in 1849. The father died Nov. 30, 1878, and the mother Feb. 11, 1875. Six months after their mar- riage they settled on sections 29 and 30, Otsego Township, their residence being on section 29. The farm contains 106 acres of choice land, and his farm buildings are comfortable and commo- dious. In 1882 Mr. Renner moved to the village of Hamilton that his children might have better educational advantages. He has five children-William S., Samuel W., John F., Effie I. and Charles W. In 1884 Mr. Renner, in company with Washington Foley, bought the La Dne property, of fifty-three acres. He also owns thirty-seven acres in another tract adjoining the village of Hamilton. Mr. and Mrs. Renner are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a radical Prohibitionist. He is one of Otsego's prominent business men and a popular and re- spected citizen.
Henry Rummel was born in Cumberland, Pa., June 3, 1802, a son of Henry and Elizabeth Rummel, natives of Pennsylvania, who moved to Columbiana County, Ohio, in 1800, where they both died. He was married March 17, 1825, to Elizabeth Pirkey, also a native of Pennsylvania, born March 17, 1806. In 1844 they moved to Steuben County, Ind., and settled in Richland Township, where the wife died Aug. 3, 1875. Mr. Rummel is living on the homestead, his widowed daughter, Mrs. Caroline Willard, keeping house for him. She has been twice married. Her first husband, Henry Jackman, to whom she was married Sept. 12, 1863, died Aug. 7, 1868, leaving one daughter-Isabella. May 25, 1876, she married Joseph Willard. He died Feb. 18, 1880, leaving two chil- dren -- Mary and Henry. Six sons of Mr. Rummel were in the war of the Rebellion-George, Henry, Jacob, Alexander, Alfred and David. The last died while in the service. Mr. Rummel was for- merly a Democrat in politics, but now affiliates with the Repub- lican party. He is an active member of the Disciples church, as was also his wife.
George Rummel was born in Salem Township, Columbiana Co., Ohio, June 7, 1827, and was seventeen years of age when his parents, Henry and Elizabeth Rummel, settled in Richland Town- ship, Steuben County. He remained with his parents till of age, assisting his father on the farm. He was married Oct. 14, 1855, to Cynthia Burch, a native of Otsego Township, born Feb. 7, 1839, the third of eight children of Chester and Polly (Davis) Burch, who settled on section 10 in 1836. For eighteen months after his mar-
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riage Mr. Rummel lived on his farm on section 34, Otsego Town- ship, and then lived a year on his father-in-law's farm. He then moved to the farm on section 3, where he has since lived and where he owns 141 acres of valuable land. He also owns forty acres of the homestead of Chester Burch. Of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Rummel, seven are living-Stella, wife of Charles Segur; Alma, wife of George Middaugh; George W., of Kansas; Mary, Cyrus M., William and Shirley, at home. The second child, Nathan, died in infancy. July 29, 1862, Mr. Rummel enlisted in Company H, Seventy-fourth Indiana Infantry. His first engage- ment was at Perryville; subsequently was in several minor engage- ments, and at the hotly contested battle of Chickamauga; was under continued fire sixty four days in the Atlanta campaign; at the battle of Peach Tree Creek and later at Jonesboro. At the latter battle he won historical fame and a Sergeant's commission by his gallantry, being the first man to cross the enemy's breast- works. He was with Sherman to the sea and through the Atlan- tic States to Washington, participating in the grand review of the army. He was honorably discharged June 9, 1865. His record since the war as a citizen and neighbor has been marked with the same integrity that won for him respect as a soldier.
Christopher Sanxter was born in Cambridgeshire, England, and there married his wife Rebecca, who was also a native of that county. Nov. 5, 1851, they embarked in a sail vessel for the United States. Encountering severe storms their vessel was little better than a wreck, and it was the 27th of February, 1852, when they reached New York. They first settled in Medina County, Ohio, and in the fall of 1857 moved to Steuben County, Ind., where the mother died June 5, 1883. She, as is her husband, was a con- sistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. She was a kind mother, and a true neighbor when her services were needed in times of sickness and distress. Her funeral services were conducted by her pastor, Rev. A. C. Gruber. Of their six children two were born in England and four in this country-Arthur and Mrs. Cathe- rine Baker, of this township; Frederick, William, Mrs. Mary D. Swift and Ella. Mr. Sanxter is still a resident of this county.
Andrew Sewell was born in Harrison County, Ohio, Ang. 20, 1823, a son of Abner and Mary Sewell, his father a native of Mary- and, and his mother of Ohio. When he was a child his parents moved to Tucarawas County, Ohio, where he was reared, and there married, Dec. 12, 1844, Priscilla Crago, a native of Harrison
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County, born March 6, 1827. They moved to Defiance County, Ohio, where he followed farming till 1868, when he located in Steu- ben County, Ind., buying the mill property of Samuel Husselman. This property he has greatly improved, expending in the past two years about $4,000. He has a good custom trade, which is con-
stantly increasing. He is one of the best citizens of the village of Hamilton, and has by his upright dealing won the confidence and esteem of the business circles. Mrs. Sewell died May 22, 1860. Their family consisted of ten children-Mrs. Mary Ann Steitsmith (deceased), Abner, Mrs. Sarah E. Weir, Isaac N., Mrs. Melvina Sweet, Nancy, Rebecca (died aged three years), Solomon (died aged nineteen years), James H. and Mrs. Priscilla Kepler. Jan. 31, 1861, Mr. Sewell married Sarah M. Crago, a sister of his first wife, a native of Harrison County, Ohio, born May 5, 1835. To them have been born ten children-Rosa, Green B., Andrew F. (died aged thirteen years), Julia C. (died aged four years), Charles (died aged thirteen years), Lillie May, Asa M., Bertha, Albert E. and Edwin L. (died in infancy). Mr. and Mrs. Sewell are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he is a Democrat.
Lewis P. Sisson was born in Wayne County, N. Y., Oet. 10, 1817. When he was nine years old his parents, Sanford and Fla- via (West) Sisson, moved to Huron County, Ohio, where his father died. His mother died many years later at the residence of her son Sanford, in Michigan. Of a family of fourteen children five are living-Lewis P .; Arnold, Augustus and Mrs. Emeline Fowler, in Michigan, and Lucius P., in Huron County, Ohio. Lewis P. celebrated his twenty-first birthday by logging, wages, 50 cents, and with that capital started in life on his own account. He worked the next four years by the day, month, or job, generally at chop- ping and clearing land. He has chopped the timber from 170 acres of land. He was married on his twenty-fifth birthday to Mary F. Gifford, who was born in Tompkins County, N. Y., May 1, 1816. She died May 23, 1879. Their only child, Effie A., born July 18, 1849, married John Cole, and died Oct. 18, 1871. March 30, 1880, Mr. Sisson married Mrs. Catherine (Smith) Strauss, daughter of Dr. Robert Smith, and widow of Rev. H. F. Adolph Strauss, to whom she was married Aug. 20, 1863. Mr. Strauss was born in Germany, April 13, 1819. He was a minister of the Lutheran church, located in Union County, Ill. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Strauss. Robert Adolph died in September, 1865, aged ten and a half months; Joseph N. died in December, 1871,
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aged five years and four months. Frederic M. lives with his mother. Mary A., a daughter of Mr. Strauss by a former marriage, married Oliver Scotten, and lives in Huntington County, Ind. Mr. Strauss died Feb. S, 1868. Mr. and Mrs. Sisson reside on a farm of the latter on section 2, Otsego Township. The farm he owns and where he resided till recently is on section 35, Scott Township, and was bought in 1849, when he first settled in the county. Three brothers of Mr. Sisson-Foster, Augustus and Henry-were soldiers in the war for the Union. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mrs. Sisson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. In politics he was originally a Whig but since its organization has affiliated with the Republican party.
Isaac Slaybaugh was born in Stark County, Ohio, Oct. 29, 1840. In October, 1848, his parents, Leonard and Hannah Slaybaugh, moved to Steuben County, Ind., and settled on 120 acres of almost unbroken land, where the father died May 12, 1873, and the mother Sept. 5, 1880. The family consisted of fourteen children, eleven of whoin are living-Mrs. Sidney Barber, Franklin, Mrs. Har_ riet Rummel, Mrs. Susan Clining, Isaac, Jacob, William, Mrs. Hannah Larimer, Mrs. Mary Johnson, George and James. Bar- bara died at the age of seventeen years and two died in infancy. The old homestead has been divided and sold. Isaac Slaybaugh lived at home till twenty-two years of age when, Oct. 9, 1862, he was married to Elizabeth Thresher, a native of Delaware County, Ohio, daughter of David and Sarah Thresher, residents of Steuben Township, where they settled in 1851. The spring after his mar. riage Mr. Slaybaugh bought sixty acres of land in Steuben Town- ship, living there eight years. He then sold his farm and lived on his father's place a year, and in October, 1872, bought the farm on section 12, Otsego Township, where he now lives. He owns ninety acres of choice land, mostly under cultivation, and his buildings are all commodious and in good repair. To Mr. and Mrs. Slaybaugh have been born nine children, eight of whom are living-Adelaide Z., L. Sherman, Sarah H., Carrie A., Mary N., Charles D., Anna A. and Cora E. The next to the youngest child died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Slaybaugh are members of the Baptist church.
Lewis Cass Smith, son of Dr. Robert and Eliza (Pomeroy) Smith, was born in this township, Sept. 6, 1847. He was named for the old patriot and statesman, with whom his father had been ac- quainted in the early Territorial days of Michigan. His life has all been spent on the homestead, where his parents settled in 1842.
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He was married July 2, 1871, to Elizabeth Bennett, who was born in this township July 24, 1852, a daughter of Abram and Maria Bennett, natives of New York, who in 1843 moved to Seneca County, Ohio, and in 1849 to Steuben County, Ind. Her father was a member of the Seventy-fourth Indiana Infantry, and died Jan. 17, 1863, while in the service of his country. Her mother afterward married Walter Vaughn and resides in De Kalb County, Ind. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born five children, four of whom are living-Amy, Benjamin F., Leslie and Asa. Robert died Jan. 28, 1885, aged two and a half years.
Hiram Sweet was born in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., July 1, 1841,a son of Thomas J. and Ormanda Sweet. In 1845 his parents moved to Defiance County, Ohio, where the mother died in De- cember, 1840. Hiram is the fifth of eight children, five of whom are living, the others being-Mrs. Alvira Crocker, Harry, Mrs. Fanny Price and Mrs. Delana Manning. His father afterward married Rebecca Bisby, who died several years ago. His father is now making his house his home and is in the eighty-second year of his age. Of the four children born to his second marriage, three are living-Mrs. Marian Divert, Cyrille and Anna. Hiram : Sweet was taken a short time after his mother's death by family friends, by whom he was reared. Ang. 25, 1861, he enlisted in defense of the Union in Company E, Twenty-first Ohio Infantry, which was assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. His first gen- eral engagement was at Stone River, then Chickamauga, Mission Ridge and the Atlanta campaign. About this time he was taken sick and after his recovery joined the regiment at Wilmington, N. C. He re-enlisted as a veteran and served four years lacking one month; was discharged July 24, 1865. Returning to Defiance he engaged in the manufacture of lumber, cider and jelly, at Farmer, till February, 1873, when he sold out and came to Steuben County, locating at Hamilton. The same year he built a steam saw-mill of twenty-five horse-power, where he has successfully carried on his business of manufacturing. In 1882 he bought 120 acres of land on sections 27, 28 and 34, Otsego Township, which he has im- proved, erecting a fine residence and other farm buildings, and now has one of the pleasantest homes in the township. Since his residence in the county he has, by his upright dealings, won the confidence and esteem of the community and has made many friends. He was married March 6, 1870, to Melvina Sewell, who was born in September, 1851, daughter of Andrew and Priscilla
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Sewell. To them have been born three children-Ora O., Laura B. and Glenn O. Mr. and Mrs. Sweet are members of the Meth- odist Episcopal church. He is a member of Baron Steuben Post, No. 387, G. A. R. In politics he is a Republican.
George W. Swift, one of the pioneers of Steuben County, set- tled in Otsego Township in 1836. He was born in the old Bay State in May, 1804, a son of Ephraim Swift, who died while a sol- dier in the war of 1812. When he was about fourteen years of age he went to Broome County, N. Y., and lived with his maternal grandfather, Solomon Bodfitch, till manhood. He was married in 1826 to Lucretia Gates, a native of Broome County, born in 1807. When they came to this county they had three children-Edward, who died aged thirteen years; Oscar F., and Alice D., now widow of John Cowan. The children born here were-Adolphus, of York Township; David K., on the old homestead; Susan L., wife of Peter Zimmer, and Josephine, who died in childhood. Mr. Swift was one of the honored and trusted men of the township, and is well remembered by all the old pioneers for his many good quali- ties. He served the township many terms faithfully as Trustee and in other positions. He was an active member of the Baptist church and was one of the Deacons. He died after a life of use- fulness in 1868, his wife surviving him six years.
John W. Thomas, merchant and Postmaster, Hamilton, Ind., was born in Wayne County, Ohio, March 1, 1830, a son of Rev. Jonathan and Elizabeth (Beacom) Thomas. He was reared by his grandfather, Michael Thomas, and given a good education. At the early age of fifteen years he began teaching in connection with attending school. When twenty years of age he left school and went to California by the overland route and the winter following went to Portland, Ore., then a small village in the woods, and taught the only school there at a salary of $75 a month. In the spring of 1851 he returned to California and located at Yreka, a mining village, and remained two years, teaching a select school in the winters of 1853 and 1855. In the winter of 1855 he was elected Assessor of Siskiyou County and served two years, and in 1857 was a mining overseer and Deputy Sheriff. In the winter of 1858-'9 he returned home and in the spring of 1860 became estab- lished with his brother-in-law, John Holt, in the mercantile busi- ness at Richland Center. The following fall he sold his interest and engaged in farming. He was married Sept. 2, 1860, to Juliet Benedict, who died Sept. 2, 1861, leaving an infant daughter fif-
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teen days old, which died six months later. Mr. Thomas then left his farm and taking his youngest sister, Henrietta, went to Hills- dale College, intending to complete the course. After passing through the junior year he was obliged to leave school, and in the winter of 1863 and summer of 1864 taught at Angola. He then sold his farm and for six years was engaged in business at Metz. In the meantime he served as Trustee of Richland Township five years. In 1872 he moved to Edon, Ohio, where he engaged in gen- eral merchandising, and also conducted a steam saw and grist-mill. He continued in business seven years when reverses in business overtook him and he lost all his property, save his residence. In 1880 he moved to Newville, De Kalb Co., Ind., and engaged in the manufacture of lumber, and in 1882 came to Hamilton and again engaged in the mercantile business, where by his genial and accommodating manner he has built up a large trade which is con- stantly increasing. He is a prominent and devoted member of the Odd Fellows' order. He was a charter member of Yreka Lodge, No. 180, and of the encampment, and held all the higher offices in each; was also a charter member of the encampment at Angola, holding all the higher offices and representing both the lodge and encampment in the grand lodge of the State; was a charter mem- ber of the Mt. Pleasant lodge at Metz and also passed all the chairs of the Florence Lodge in Williams County, Ohio. He was an active man in public affairs while in California. He enlisted in the Rougue River Indian war in 1856, under Captain J. P. Goodale, and participated in several skirmishes and two general engage- ments, serving under General Jo Lane, United States Senator. He was one of a force of twenty men under Lieutenant Ely, who dis- covered a large force of Indians at Dry Creek. Sending two of the men to inform General Lane the eighteen held the Indians, numbering about 250, at bay four and a half hours before rein- forcements came. Fifty-two Indians were killed, and of the eight- een gallant men nine were killed and two died of wounds, Mr. Thomas and one other being the only two who were uninjured. The Indians were followed, although with great loss to the troops, and the next day were captured, thus ending the war. In the days of vigilant committees Mr. Thomas was active in upholding law and order. He was married the second time in 1866 to Phobe Everhart, who was born in Morrow County, Ohio, in 1842, daugh- ter of James Everhart, of Richland Township. To them have been born four children-Zoe, Thaddeus W., Frank P. and Jona-
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