USA > Indiana > Whitley County > History of Whitley County, Indiana > Part 90
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the raising of live stock, all but four acres of the last purchase being in cultivation. Previous to buying his present place, Mr. Lawrence owned one hundred acres of land in Union and Jefferson townships, which he disposed of at a handsome figure, the pro- ceeds from this land enabling him to add a number of substantial improve- ments to the beautiful and attractive homestead on which he now lives. For some years Mr. Lawrence has devoted considerable attention to stock raising, which he finds far more profitable than the raising of grain for market, and he now feeds all of the products of his place to the cattle, especially the fine Jersey cows, of which he keeps quite a number. From the milk of these cows he manufactures butter quite extensively for the Fort Wayne mar- kets, where it commands a high price and for which there is always a much greater demand than he can possibly supply. He also takes pride in his horses, in the raising of which his success has been very gratify- ing, his favorite breed being the pure Nor- man stock, which for heavy work, as well as for general utility, excels all other kinds. The career of Mr. Lawrence. as a farmer and stock raiser presents a series of contin- ted successes and as already indicated he occupies a conspicuous place among the leading agriculturists of Whitley county, be- sides standing high as a citizen and liberal- minded man whose enterprising spirit has done much to advance the material interests of the community in which he resides. April II, 1878, he was united in marriage to Miss Alice VanMeter, who died February 7. 1879, shortly after presenting him with a
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son, who was named William E. and born January 31, 1878. March 18. 1886, Mr. Lawrence married Iantha B. Cassel, a rep- resentative of one of the old and well known families of Whitley county, her grandpar- ents moving to this state as early as 1838. Mrs. Lawrence's parents died when she was quite young and she grew to mature years in the home of her grandfather, who de- parted this life in 1876. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence: George Ray, whose birth occurred May 10. 1887. is now a student in the Columbia City high school; Pearl Keller, born October 18. 1888; Victor Lyman, born November II, 1890: Albert Lloyd, born May 27, 1895; Eva Alice, born July 10, 1897; Blanch Gertrude, whose birth occurred April 14. 1900, the fifth of the number being de- ceased. The religious faith of Mr. Law- rence is represented by the Lutheran creed, but his wife and children attend the Church of God, of which they are members. In pol- itics he is a Democrat.
EPHRAIM KYLER STRONG.
Ephraim Kyler Strong, of the Colum- bia City bar. is a native of Whitley county and the youngest in a family of nine chil- dren, whose parents were Ephraim and El- canor Strong, the former born in Chenango county, New York, in 1816. Ephraim Strong came to Whitley county, Indiana, in 1837 and in 1856 was here married to El- eanor Kyler, who preceded him by one year to the new Indiana country. They reared their family, prospered in material
things and it was here that the husband and father died in 1888, at the age of seventy- two. His widow. who has passed her eightieth birthday, was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, and for seventy years has resided within twelve miles of Columbia City. In his younger years Mr. Strong carried on farming and stock raising quite extensively, but from 1869 was engaged in merchandising, which seemed well suited to his temperament. For over half a century he took an active interest in the growth and development of the county, which he as- sisted in transforming from a wilderness. He was twice married and of his children the following survive: Aaron T., William E., Hively, Mrs. Sarah E. Baker, Mrs. Jen- nie E. Hammer, Mrs. Lois E. Gale and Ephraim K. David W., Angeline and Ma- tilda are deceased.
Ephraim K. Strong was born in Thorn- creek township October 10, 1865. He was graduated from the high school in 1884. after which he taught for one year and then began the study of law under the instruction of Hon. Joseph W. Adair, in whose office he continued during the ensuing two and one-half years. Meanwhile he served as deputy surveyor and city engineer. In 1887 he was admitted to the bar and immediately entered upon the practice of the profession to which his time and energies have since been devoted. He was associated with Judge Adair until the latter's election to the bench in 1889. Well grounded in the basic principles of jurisprudence and familiar with the great array of legal authorities, he has been quite successful in adapting this knowledge to the varied demands of a growing practice. Tact in the management
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of cases, marked ability in argument before juries, uniform consideration for the court and opposing counsel. have made him a powerful, thorough, courteous antagonist, whom to meet in trial is certain to call forth the best in those arrayed against him. Rec- ognizing the fact that success is only achieved through earnest and faithful effort, Mr. Stong lends all of his energies to cases in hand and by thorough mastery before trial, fortifying the strong points and pro- tecting the weak, and being quick to detect and expose the weak points of the opposi- tion, he fights tenaciously to a fin- ish. Mr. Strong is vitally interested in all that concerns the material prog- ress, intellectual advancement and mor- al good of the city in which he re- sides, and to further these ends he gives his influence and hearty support to every meas- ure that in any way tends to benefit the pub- lic and add to the fair fame of the commu- nity. He holds membership in the ancient and honorable order of Masonry, in which he has been exalted to a Knight Templar. as well as to the Scottish Rite. He is also identified with the Knights of the Maccabees and the Modern Woodmen of America, be- sides belonging to several literary and so- cial clubs. He is a Democrat and as such wields a wide influence throughout the state, being a judicious adviser in its councils and an active worker in the ranks, and to his efforts is largely due the success of the ticket in a number of local, state and national cam- paigns.
February 12, 1891, Mr. Strong was united in marriage with Miss Jessie Adair. the accomplished daughter of Judge Joseph W. and Margaret A. (Young) Adair. an in-
telligent and cultured lady, who presides with becoming grace over the home, and who since her girlhood has been popular and highly esteemed in the best society circles. Mrs. Strong is deeply interested in literary and social life, belongs to various clubs and societies and is noted as a most accomplished entertainer, her home being the rendezvous of a refined and select circle of friends. Mrs. Strong is a faithful member of the Evan- gelical Lutheran church and alive to all charitable work connected therewith. Mr. Strong is a genial, affable gentleman of pleasing address and attractive personality and possesses in a marked degree those qual- ities of mind and heart which win and re- tain warm friendships.
JOHN W. BRAND.
John W. Brand, the efficient and popu- lar treasurer of Whitley county, is a native of Clyde, Ohio, where he was born October 31. 1853. His parents, John and Mary Ann (Loudensleger) Brand, were of German and American birth respectively, the former hav- ing been brought to this country when about nine years old and grew to maturity in the Buckeye state, where his father John spent the remainder of his life, the widow later moving to Indiana, dying a number of years since near the city of Kokomo. In his younger days John Brand drove teams on the canal, being denied the privileges which the majority of lads enjoy. He attended school but little and was obliged to labor early and late; but possessing sound, prac- tical intelligence hie made the most of his op-
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portunities and when still young became a manufacturer of brick. He conducted this line in Ohio until 1858, when he removed to Columbia City, Indiana, where he en- gaged in brick making, which he carried on until 188.4. He then turned his attention to the manufacture of special furniture in partnership with his younger son, until his death in 1894. building up quite a large and profitable business. He was a public-spirit- ed man, did much to advance the material interests of his adopted city, stood high in business circles and enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all with whom he came in con- tact. He was an active member of the Ma- sonic fraternity and was identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in both of which organizations he filled positions of honor and trust. Mrs. Brand survived her husband about two years, dying in 1896, at the age of sixty-two. Their family consist- ed of eleven children : Catherine B. mar- ried J. W. Scott. a dentist and druggist of Ligonier, both now deceased: George F., who is a traveling salesman : Laura, wife of James E. McDonald, lives at Ligonier, where he husband is editor of the Ligonier Banner : Clara, wife of H. F. Keeney, lum- ber dealer of Columbia City: Alma, now Mrs. Harry Stansberry, lives in Ligonier: Charles C. is a merchant of Columbia City. where at one time he was associated with his father in the manufacture of furniture : Mande, wife of Simon Ulrich. a telegraph operator, lives in Chicago; and John W.
John W. Brand spent the years of his childhood and youth in Columbia City. in the public schools of which place he received his early education. Subsequently he at- tended Mt. Union Business College, Ohio.
and then held a clerkship in a clothing house for two years. He spent the ensuing three years as a salesman in a drug store. and in 1878 engaged in the drug trade at the town of Churubusco. He remained there thirteen years, and not only built up a large and lucrative business, but took an active inter- est in advancing material local improvements, serving eleven years on the school board and . in many ways making his influence felt as a public-spirited citizen. In 1891 he disposed of his interests in Churubusco and returned to Columbia City, where he has since con- ducted a large drug store. He has also been identified with various other lines of activity, besides taking a leading part in city and county affairs. For four years he served on the school board and as such labored to pro- mote the efficiency of the city's educational system. In 1897 Mr. Brand sold a half in- terest in his business to H. A. Ireland. Their establishment is stocked with the various lines of drugs and other articles, while the efficiency of the proprietors as skilled and careful pharmacists is generally recognized. Not only in the realm of business has Mr. Brand demonstrated his judgment and dis- crimination, but also in the domain of poli- tics, where he has long been recognized as a forceful factor and leader, whose efforts have contributed materially to the success of the Democratic party. to which he be- longs. In 1904 he was nominated for coun- ty treasurer and was elected by a strong ma- jority. He has discharged the duties of this important trust in an able, straightforward, businesslike manner, proving a capable cus- todian of the county's finances and a most courteous and obliging public servant. His official record is replete with the evidence
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of duty ably and faithfully performed and kirk) Maxwell, the father born in Ireland. among the people of the county, regardless of party ties, he is held in high esteem, his in- tegrity being beyond reproach, while in ev- ery relation of life he shows a due sense of responsibility, and as a consequence orders his course according to the highest princi- ples of ethics. He maintains liberal ideas, keeps informed on the questions and issues of the times and although firm in his convic- tions, which are invariably well fortified, and fearless in the expression of his opinions, he is always tolerant of the opinion of those from whom he differs. His fraternal rela- tions are with the Masonic and Maccabee orders, in both of which he is an active and influential member, striving by every legiti- mate means at his command to make the or- ganizations meet the high and noble ends for which they were designed.
In 1878 Mr. Brand was united in mar- riage with Miss Ella J. Yontz, of Millsport. Ohio, daughter of William and Sarah Yontz. the union resulting in the birth of five chil- dren : George F., Scott Clifton, Will Yontz. Elsie Merritt and Ora Belle, who died at four years of age.
JOHN H. MAXWELL.
John H. Maxwell is not only a represent- ative of the community in which he lives. but has also gained more than local promi- nence as one of the enterprising and suc- cessful farmers in a section of country where agriculture is the predominant business. He was born in Putnam county, Missouri, and is the son of George and Elizabeth (Van Bus-
the mother in Wayne county. Indiana. George Maxwell came to the United States at the age of twenty-two and during the en- suing eight years peddled various kinds of goods in the south and southwest, meeting with encouraging success in this line. While thus engaged he traveled over various parts of Missouri and being pleased with Putnam county and attracted by its advantages, he decided to make it his future home. He pur- chased from the government about eight hundred acres of prairie land, which he be- gan to improve. erecting the necessary build- ings and reducing a portion to cultivation. As population increased this land steadily advanced in value and in the course of a few years he became one of the largest farmers and wealthiest men in the county. He also rose to prominence as a public-spirited citi- zen, took a lively interest in promoting the welfare of the county, and at different times was elected to positions of honor and trust, holding for a number of years the office of township trustee, and serving at intervals as a member of the county court, correspond- ing to the board of commissioners in Indi- ana. In politics he is Republican and in religion he early became one of the leaders of Methodism in his community. George Maxwell was married in 1859. in Putnam county, Missouri, to Elizabeth VanBuskirk. of Indiana. whose parents, Benjamin and Elizabeth VanBuskirk, had gone to Mis- souri from Wayne county, Indiana, when she was but twelve years old. She bore him nine children: Ellen, wife of D. A. Williams, of Missouri: Thomas. a farmer and stock raiser of Putnam county. Missouri: John H .: Edward also lives in
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Missouri ; Melville, a physician and surgeon at Seymour, Iowa ; Andrew also lives in Mis- souri: Myrtle, now Mrs. J. D. Johnson, of Unionville, Missouri; Jessie, wife of Dr. Harvey Bowers, of Osgood, Missouri; Vic- tor .A. lives on the old homestead in Mis- souri with his father.
John H. Maxwell was born August 14. 1863. spent his boyhood and youth on the family homestead in Missouri and is indebt- ed to the district schools for his educational training. In 1885 he came to Whitley coun- ty, and settled on his present farm, three miles southwest of Columbia City. August 27. 1885. Mr. Maxwell married Miss Anna Eberhard, of this county, sister of Jacob Eberhard, whose former wife was a sister of Mr. Maxwell's stepmother. Her father was Henry Eberhard, a native of Ohio, and married Fanny Nolt, daughter of one of the county's largest landowners, having bought two thousand one hundred acres in a body. of which Mrs. Eberhard received one hun- dred and sixty-four acres though this home- stead was five miles south of Columbia City. Both are now deceased, he dying at fifty-six and she survived him about eighteen years, aged seventy-two. One-half of Mr. Max- well's farm was his wife's inheritance from her father's estate, the other half being pur- chased with his own capital. By a series of improvements, consisting of clearing, arti- ficial drainage, fencing, etc., he has enhanced the productiveness of the farm and brought it to an advanced state of cultivation, while the residence is a handsome and imposing structure, complete in all respects and lack- ing nothing in the way of conveniences, which include gas, bath, hot and cold water. the interior being finished throughout with
the finest of oak and sycamore. all of which was cut from Mr. Maxwell's own land. Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell's beautiful home has been brightened and made happy by the pres- ence of four children, whose names are as follows: Ellen, who is a favorite in social circles ; Alma, also popular with her friends ; Elmer and Fannie. Socially Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell are esteemed by all with whom they mingle and their home is a favorite resort for the best society. They are members of the Evangelical Lutheran church and Mr. Maxwell is a member of the chapter and council in the Masonic fraternity. He is a Republican, though not a political aspirant ..
DANIEL STILES.
Daniel Stiles, a retired farmer and repre- sentative citizen of Whitley county, resid- ing in Columbia City, is a native of Medina county, Ohio, and the son of John and Mary (Coolman) Stiles, the father a Canadian by birth and of Irish descent, the mother born in Pennsylvania, of German parentage. John Stiles was reared by an uncle, who brought him to the United States when a youth elev- en years of age, from which time until a young man he lived with this relation in Ohio and followed farming. He was en- abled while still young to purchase sixty acres of woodland in Medina county, which he improved by erecting a dwelling and out- buildings and reducing the greater part to cultivation. . Subsequently he disposed of this place and bought one hundred acres in the same county, one-half of which he im- proved and converted into a comfortable
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home, where he continued to live to the end of his days. He was three times married. and reared five children, but two of whom are living.
and Alice Jane, who married Jacob Over- dear, of Columbia City. In addition to their own family Mr. and Mrs. Stiles have reared three other children, one now being estab- lished for himself, one dying at eight years and one still with them.
Daniel Stiles was born December 19, 1833, and spent his early life in his native county and state. He attended such schools Mr. Stiles cast his first vote for John C. Fremont and has consistently supported the same principles for fifty years. He has at various times served his party as delegate to local conventions. Though not holding any religious affiliations, he has shaped his life in accordance with the highest ethical and moral principles, not using tobacco or liquor in any form for more than half a cen- tury, nor yielding to an indulgence in pro- fanity. as the country afforded until sixteen years of age and assisted with the labor of the farm until eighteen, when he started out to make his own way in the world. Having heard of the advantages which northern In- diana held out to young men he in company with an uncle. William Coolman, came to Whitley county. He returned to Ohio, mar- ried and bought and improved a small farm in Wyandotte county. This he sold and in 1863 purchased eighty acres in Jefferson township, Whitley county, Indiana. In May, 1864, he enlisted in the One Hundred and GEORGE W. SHROLL. Forty-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer In- fantry, serving in the Shenandoah Valley George W. Shroll was born in Bucyrus, Ohio, December 14, 1852, and is the son of Jacob and Margaret (Cunningham) Shroll. Jacob was also born in Ohio, where he lived until 1854, when he removed to De- Kalb county, Indiana, and purchased a small farm, to which he devoted the next ten years. when he changed his residence to the county of Lagrange, where he owned one hundred acres on which he made valuable improve- ments. However, in a short time he sold it and bought another farm in the same county, which became his home to the end of his life, which occurred August 23, 1893, in his seventy-ninth year. His wife died October 5, 1894, aged seventy- four years. To Jacob and Margaret Shroll were born six children: Elizabeth; Fran- until the expiration of his term. In 1866 he removed to his purchase in Jefferson township and began to clear out a farm from its original condition. He added another twenty acres and owned the farm for twenty- five years. In 1901 he bought an improved farm of one hundred and sixty-four acres. three miles south of Columbia City, for which he paid six thousand nine hundred dollars. Later he sold sixty-four acres of this to Orville D .. who operates the whole. He has besides residence and improved prop- erty in Columbia City, where he has lived for twenty years. On May 5, 1853, Mr. Stiles married Sarah Lewis, of New York, the union being blessed with three children : Mary, wife of John Rupert, a farmer of Huntington county, this state; Orville D. cis, a resident of Noble county ; Margaret ..
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a resident of DeKalb county; Mary Ann lives near Hicksville, Ohio; George W .; and John, of Lagrange county.
George W. Shroll was reared and edu- cated in DeKalb county, Indiana, and re- mained with his parents until his twenty- first year, meanwhile becoming thoroughly familiar with farm labor. On attaining his majority he took charge of the family home- stead, which he cultivated seventeen years, until the spring of 1894, when he came to Whitley county. In 1897 he bought his present farm of ninety acres one mile north of Columbia City. It is known as the John McClain homestead, the former owner be- ginning to improve it in the late forties and in 1853 erected the present residence and here lived and died in 1892. His old barn was remodeled by Mr. Shroll and August 9, 1906, it was destroyed by fire, but an- other thirty-six by fifty has risen in its place.
Mr. Shroll was married December 23. 1880, in LaGrange county, to Miss Mary J. McDonald, and their children are: Katura, wife of Gilbert Humbarger, living in Whit- ley county, whose only child. Mary A., is abundantly blessed with grandmothers, six of whom are living at the present time ; Or- ville, died November 12, 1905. at the age of twenty-one: Ernest and Harry died in in- fancy ; Nellie, a school girl. Mr. Shroll is a Democrat and member of the Order of Ben Hur.
GEORGE BAUER.
George Bauer has earned the reputation of being one of the most industrious and successful agriculturists in Thorncreek township. Mr. Bauer's place is just two
miles north of Columbia City in a country famous for its fertility. He was born on the farm which he now owns, February 2. 1872. His parents, Lewis and Elizabeth (Bishop) Bauer, were born in Germany. He was eleven years old when he arrived in this country with his mother, his father having died in the old country. Lewis Bauer settled in Huron county, Ohio, and the young im- migrant remained there until the Civil war broke out and then answering the call of his adopted country he volunteered for active service, joining the Fifty-fifth Regiment. Ohio Infantry. He served three years and was seriously injured by a horse during ma- neuvers. Later on he lost one eye by acci- dent. Late in 1865 Lewis Bauer returned to Ohio and married Elizabeth Bishop. The couple moved to Whitley county and began the battle of life on the site of the farm now owned by their son. The extent of the hold- ings at that time was eighty acres, all a dense forest. and Lewis Bauer began the strenuous work of clearing the wooded tract. Gener- ous labor and great industry soon accom- plished the work. He and his wife first oc- cupied a rude cabin but after a short period he built a comfortable house and having cleared up the land found himself in the pos- session of a promising farm. He and his wife remained there until the end of their days. Mrs. Bauer died in 1895 and her husband followed her to the last resting place in January, 1896. Both were faithful communicants of the Roman Catholic church, to which their son and his family also belong. In politics Lewis Bauer was a steadfast Republican and thoroughly in sympathy with the policies of his party.
There were four children born to Lewis Bauer and wife: Frank, who died when
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fourteen years of age; John, who died at it. He had previously worked five years for eleven; Peter, who died in infancy, and the Pennsylvania and was promoted to the position of regular engineer, in which serv- ice he remained for three years. He then purchased the eighty acres of land on which the Fries home now stands. They have now in all one hundred and forty acres. Mr. Fries died January 19, 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Bauer have six children: Leon A., Lo- retta M., Mary E., Francis V. and Louis J. (twins), and George Joseph. George. When George was growing up he got a good common school education, was industrious and steady, and took good care of his father and mother. In 1896 he was married to Miss Christina, daughter of Frank H. Fries, a well known and pros- perous farmer of Thorncreek township. Mr. Fries came from France in 1853, and after spending about a year in Pennsylvania moved to Whitley county. The parents of Frank Fries were Erasmus and Rosa Fries. who came to Whitley county in 1854 and settled on a piece of wild land which was JOHN WILSON ADAMS. practically in the middle of the wilderness. They had seven children: Erasmus, de- The record of the newspaper press of a county, if in the hands of men competent to make it fully discharge its duty of dis- seminating knowledge and directing public opinion, ought to be one of the brightest and most important pages in the county's history. One of the first and greatest things that stands to the credit of this Republic is that it unbridled the press and made it free. This was the wisest act in its history. It was the seed planted in good soil for its own perpetuity and for the happiness and welfare of the people. Free speech. free schools are necessary to free intelligence and freedom, and when the storms of discord arise and the angry waves of popular ignor- ance and passion beat and buffet the ship of state, then indeed is a free press the bea- con light over the troubled waters pointing the way to safety. ceased; Catherine, wife of Adam Ulrich, of Columbia City ; Joseph, who resides in Ma- rion, Indiana ; Frank, who lives on the farm near Columbia City; Susan and Rosanna (twins), the former deceased ; and John, de- ceased. Frank Fries has lived in Whitley county since his childhood and is familiar with every hill and vale in the locality. In 1870 he married Catherine Ulrich, daughter of Francis and Margaret Ulrich, who were early settlers of northern Indiana. Nine children were born to Frank H. Fries and wife. These were Anna, deceased: Chris- tina ; Frank, deceased ; Henry Edward, who lives on the farm; Rosa, who also lives on farm; Josephine and Clara (twins). the lat- ter deceased; Joseph Leo, who lives at home; and Catherine, wife of Frank Shilts, a well known farmer. When Frank Fries was married he was acting as a fireman and The press of Whitley county has a cred- itable record and the minds by which it has been directed have been clear. dignified and honorable. While it is not the province of engineer on the old Eel River Railroad. He helped in the construction of the road and fired one of the first engines that ran over
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