USA > Indiana > Kosciusko County > Progressive men and women of Kosciusko County, Indiana : to which is appended a comprehensive compendium of national biography > Part 63
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81
WILLIAM BALSLEY.
It is a pleasure to investigate the career of a successful, self-made man. Peculiar honor attaches to that individual who, be- ginning the great struggle of life alone and unaided. gradually overcomes unfavorable environment, removes one by one the ob- stacles from the pathway of success and by the master strokes of his own force and vi- tality succeeds in forging his way to front and winning for himself a competency and a position of esteem and influence among his fellow men. Such is the record of the popular citizen of Prairie township to a brief synopsis of whose life and character
the reader's attention is herewith respect- fully invited. William Balsley is a native of Kosciusko county and a son of one of the many substantial men that Ohio has given to the Hoosier state. His father, John Bals- ley, was born in Ohio of German paremtage, and his mother, Nancy N. Davis, also a na- tive of Ohio, was of Irish lineage. These parents were married in Morrow county, Ohio, and were among the original pioneers of northern Indiana, moving to this county as long ago as 1834 and settling in what is now Prairie township. Two years later John Balsley entered two hundred acres of land in sections 4 and 5 and after obtaining patents from the government began clear- ing his land and otherwise improving it. He was a true type of the strong. deter- mined pioneer whom no obstacle could dis- hearten nor any hardships discourage. He developed a good farm, accumulated a sufficiency of this world's goods to make his latter years comfortable, and died in 1871 at the age of seventy years. His wife, to whom he was largely indebted for the suc- cess which he attained, reached the age of seventy-six years when she was called to the other life in 1893. They were an estima- ble couple, highly respected in the commim- ity and lived consistent Christian lives, for many years having been zealous members of the Baptist church. It is a fact worthy of note that the large majority of the pio- neers were men of strong political convic- tions, a rule to which John Balsley was no exception. In early life he was an ardent Whig, but when that old historic party ceased to exist he became equally zealous as a Republican and so continued to the end of his days. Mr. and Mrs. Balsley had four children : George W., deceased: Mary,
500
COMPENDIUM OF BIOGRAPHIY.
wife of Joseph Jackson, of Edgar county, Illinois: William, of this review, and one that died in infancy.
William Balsley was born on the home farm in Prairie township April 6, 1846, and to the present time has spent his life within the geographic limits of Kosciusko county. In his childhood and youth he at- tended the common schools and until eight- een years old remained on the farm, attend- ing to such duties as fell to his lot and prov- ing a dutiful son and valuable assistant. At the above age he bought forty acres of the farm where he now lives, going in debt for the land without the promise of any assist- ance other than that which two strong arms and a vigorous physical constitution backed by a determined will, provided. He built a log house on his place and, addressing him- seli to the task of clearing off the timber, soon saw the forest monarchs fall under his lusty strokes and it was not long until a goodly number of acres were ready for the plow. He continued to prosecute his labors alone about four years when, thinking that more effective service could be accomplished with the aid of a companion 'to take care of his home and keep his domestic affairs in order, he married, on the 5th day of De- cember. 1865, Miss Margaret J. Lyons, whose parents came to Kosciusko county from Ohio about the year 1863. Mrs. Bals- ley has received a good education and for some time prior to her marriage was a teach- er in the public schools of this township.
Mr. and Mrs. Balsley began housekeep- ing in the little log cabin he had formerly built and for a number of years thereafter lived lives of contentment, bending all their energies to improve their condition and add to their possessions. By hard work and suc-
cessful management Mr. Balsley gradually succeeded in his undertakings, and in due time increased his original purchase until he found himself the fortunate possessor of one hundred acres of land, the greater part of which he has highly improved. His present beautiful dwelling, one of the best buildings of the kind in the township, was erected in 1809 and stands on the spot formerly occu- .pied by the little log house in which the good wife set up her first domestic establishment. Mr. Balsley's residence is modern in every detail, contains nine large and commodious rooms and was constructed after plans pre- pared entirely by Mrs. Balsley, whose good judgment is manifest throughout the entire structure. The house is a model of comfort and utility, supplied with water from a large and well-built cistern, and the inr- nishing is in harmony with the interior de- signs and architectural beauty of the edifice. Surrounding the house are shade trees, every feature of the building and premises bespeaking a spirit of thrift and good taste which makes the place one of the most beautiful and comfortable rural homes in Prairie township.
As stated in a preceding paragraph. Mr. Balsley went in debt for his land and when he and his wife began housekeeping he was compelled to borrow money with which to purchase the few articles of furniture and household utensils necessary to begin life with any degree of convenience and comfort. Since then his course has been steadily on- ward and upward and today he owns one of the most attractive and valuable farms in the county and a dwelling costing, including his own labor, nearly two thousand dollars. Mr. Balsley has been a man of resources and his judgment and tact in the manage-
501
COMPENDIUM OF BIOGRAPHY.
ment of his agricultural interests and busi- nes transactions have enabled him to over- come obstacles which would have discour- aged a man of less energy and will power and win for himself a high standing in the community where he lives. By no means an old man, being in fact in the very period of life, he has already acquired sufficient means to enable him to turn his interests over to his son and retire from the active duties of the farm.
Personally Mr. Balsley is a warm and true friend. Fearlessness is one of his marked characteristics and he shuns not to do what he considers his whole duty, re- gardless of the consequences. Above all, he has been a man of unquestioned integrity and unblemished honor, and he will do noth- ing which could lower himself in his own esteem or in that of others; his standard is
high and he has always endeavored to live so that his example might safely be imitated by the young men of the rising generation. Ever ready to contribute of his means and influence to all objects, whether material. charitable or religious, he is considered one of the most enterprising and progressive men of the community and in a large sense he is and always has been a true benefactor of his fellow men.
Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Balsley, two of whom, John and William, are deceased. Charles, the surviv- ing son, was born on the 2d day of June, 1878. He is a well educated young man and possesses musical talent of a high order. being an accomplished violinist and also an organist and pianist of rare ability. For several years he was leader of the Prairie Township Band and as such did much to promote the efficiency and skill of its dif-
ferent members, making the society one of the leading and most popular musical organ- izations of the kind in the coumy of Kos- ciusko. He married Miss Ada Maloy, of this county, and recently took charge of his father's farm, which he will manage from this time forward.
William Balsley is a Republican in his political views and since old enough to ex- ercise the rights of citizenship has been a firm adherent of his party and a zealous worker in its ranks. He is usually chosen to represent his precinct and township in conventions, but has never aspired to of- fice, the only public position he ever held being that of supervisor. In matters relig- ious he has well defined views. While not connected with any church, his purse has been at the command of religious and beney- olent objects, especially to the local organ- ization of the Church of God, of which his wife is an earnest and consistent member. Mr. and Mrs. Balsley are among the oldest people of Prairie township in point of con- secutive residence and none in this part ci the county are more widely and favorably known.
HANS SWANSON.
Among the substantial men whose labor and influence gave impetus to the agricult- ural interests and general material improve- ments of Kosciusko county in years gone by and who today occupies a high place in the esteem of the community in which he lives is the worthy gentleman whose name introduces this article. Connected as he was for a period of years with one of the most important railroad companies in the
502
COMPENDIUM OF BIOGRAPHY.
west and prominently identified with the material growth of Kosciusko and Marshall counties, he has been a forceful factor in the industrial circles and a leading citizen in all that concerns the public good.
1 1
Hans Swanson is an American by adop- tion, but the country has no more loyal sup- porter nor have its laws and institutions a more ardent admirer. He is of Scandi- navian birth and hails from far-off Nor- way, having been born in Christiania, the capital of that country, in the month of March, 1851. His people for generations were natives of the Northland and from the most reliable information obtainable appear always to have obtained their livelihood as tillers of the soil. His father, a farmer by occupation, did not own real estate of his own, but cultivated land as a renter, as do many of the respectable middle class Swedes and Norwegians. He provided well for his family, but was not able to furnish any of his children with much of a start in life owing to the conditions which the landlords exacted from their tenants.
From the age of seven until his four- teenth year young Swanson attended the public schools of his native country and made rapid progress in his studies. When eighteen years of age he severed the ties which bound him to his home and started out to make his own living as a farm laborer, receiving for his services from six to twelve cents per day. Having read much about America and heard from some of his countrymen who had gone thither favorable reports of the great country be- yond the waters, he determined to seek his fortune there as soon as he coukl save money sufficient to pay his passage. Find- ing it next to impossible to lay by enough
from his seanty earnings to purchase a ticket to the United States, he finally applied to a friend for a loan. The money borrowed. with what he already had saved, enabled him to carry out his desire of long standing, and in April, 1869, he looked for the last time upon the romantic scenes of his childhood. Taking passage on a vessel for New York. he reached that port in due time and found himself a stranger in a strange land, where manners and customs radically differed from any he had hitherto known. From New York he made his way westward as far as Marshall county, Indiana, stopping at the town of Bourbon, where he secured employ- ment as a wood chopper with the Pennsyl- vania Railroad Company.
Mr. Swanson remained at the above place until 1871, when he changed his abode to Atwood, Kosciusko county, meantime be- coming a section hand on the road, in which capacity he continued until promoted fore- man of a section in 1879. While working as a common hand his wages were but a dollar per day, yet from this meager sum he managed to lay by little by little until at the end of seven years he found himself the possessor of three hundred dollars in cash. With this money he made the first payment on a piece of land valued at twenty-one hun- dred dollars, going in debt to the amount of eighteen hundred dollars, a step which few would have ventured to make. Renting the farm to a good tenant, he remained with the railroad as section foreman at increased wages, continuing thus for four years, dur- ing which time his earnings, with what he received from the proceeds of the place. were sufficient to cancel the indebtedness on the land.
A fine farm free of incumbrance marked
503
COMPENDIUM OF BIOGRAPHY.
new era in the life of Mr. Swanson and From that time forward his progress as an agriculturist was steady and substantial. He brought to the farm the same energy and Mtermination that marked his course on the road and by thrift and economy, supple- mented by the best kind of management, soon succeeded in increasing his estate, pur- chasing additional land from time to time until he now has three hundred and fifty acres, conservatively estimated to be worth at least fifteen thousand dollars. He also as an aspirant for official honors. He is an enthusiastic member of the Pythian frater- nity, having passed all the chairs in his lodge and at the present time holds the of- fice of vice chancellor. For eight years he was master of exchequer, the duties of which important position be discharged in an able and praiseworthy nummer. He is also a charter member of the American Or- der of Gieaners, in which he carries a lib- eral insurance, his wife belonging to the same society. Religiously they are both owns much valuable personal property, not- , identified with the United Brethren church
ably fine live stock, good farming imple- ments, besides a handsome surplus of ready capital, which with his other possessions as- sures a future free from the cares by which so many people in old age are beset.
Mr. Swanson was married September 8. 1878, to Miss Carrie Johnson and is the fa- ther of four sons. The oldest is Scott, who carried Mary Guy and lives on one of his father's farms. Harry, the second in order of birth, is his father's able assistant on the home place. Charles and Walter, who are also at home, are promising young boys, educated and standing high in the es- icem of the people of the community. Mr. Swanson is a warm friend of education and gave his children the best school privileges obtainable. Scott is a graduate of the At- wood public school, and the other sons are well advanced in their studies.
1
i
Mr. Swanson's political views are de- cidadly Republican and for some years he has been an active worker in the party, be- lieving firmly in the correctness of its prin- ciples and the dignity of its mission. Hle has been a delegate to a number of conven- tions, county and township, but would never permit his name to come before these bodies
of Atwood, of which Mr. Swanson has been trustee for a number of years. He is active in the Sunday-school, besides being first and foremost in all good work of the con- gregation ; in fact, he is and for years has. been one of the pillars of the church, ready at all times to contribute to its financial sup- port, and has never failed in his allegiance to his vows as an humble and devout dis- ciple of the Nazarene.
Mr. Swanson has long been a prominent factor in advocating and working for public improvements. He stands for progress in all the term implies and in this respect has set an example which should be followed by those who are at all interested in the ma- terial prosperity of the township and county. During the twenty-three years of his con- nection with the Pennsylvania railroad as section foreman he had the unbounded con- fidence of his superiors. In the inspection of that part of the road between Fort Wayne and Plymouth in 1891 his section was pro nounced second to but one on the division, a fact which speaks well for his efficiency as a manager of men and for his faithfulness in making his employers' interests his own. Mr. Swanson is strictly a temperate man
1
1
504
COMPENDIUM OF BIOGRAPHY.
never having indulged in any kind of intox- icants nor used tobacco in any of its forms. Ilis correct habits and temperate manner of living have brought him superb health. in which respect his family has also been great- ly blessed. Although a foreigner by birth and entertaining fond memories of his na- tive land, he is firm in his allegiance to the country of his adoption, which he believes to be the greatest and best domain upon which the sun has ever shone. He is a great admirer of its laws and institutions, and if necessary would prove his loyalty as a citizen by laying down his life in its de- fense.
In many respects the career of Mr. Swanson is peculiarly instructive and com- mendable. It is a complete triumph over apparently insurmountable obstacles by a young man with absolutely no means at his command except his hands and inflexible integrity. Hle came to the new world, as already stated, a stranger with nothing at his command but a determination to make the best of his opportunities, and how well he has succeeded in this laudable endeavor is demonstrated by the fortune he has ac- quired in material things and the high posi- tion in the world which he has reached. He is one of the most popular men of his com- munity, genial, companionable, ever ready to do a favor or make a sacrifice whereby his fellow man may be benefited or the country profited.
Like her husband, Mrs. Swanson is also a native of Norway. As wife and mother she has diligently and earnestly watched over and reared her family, instilling into the minds of her offspring correct prin- ciples and sparing no pains to foster noble,
manly habits. She embraced religion in her youth and throughout her life has mani- fested a pure, noble Christian character.
CHARLES M. MILLER.
While Virginia has been aptly termed the "Mother of Presidents," she has also given to the country many of its most en- terprising and successful people in minor capacities and thousands in the humble sphere of private citizenship trace their an- cestry back to the Old Dominion. This is true of the gentleman whose brief life his- tory is set forth in the following lines. Just when the original progenitor of the Miller family became a resident of Virginia is not known, but it is supposed to have been at a time antedating the colonial struggle for in- dependence. A number of years ago there was born in that state one William Miller, who, when in young manhood, went to Ohio. thence in a later day moved to Miami coun- ty, Indiana, and settled near the town of Chili. He was twice married, the first time in Ohio, which union resulted in the birth of children as follows: John. James, William and Milton. All were soldiers in the Civil war, the last named being killed while bat- tling for the Union. Mr. Miller married his second wife, Catherine Palmer, after coming to Indiana and she bore him children, namely: Samnel. Charles MI .. of this review, Ulysses S. G., Eliza J., Mary Etta. Dora, Belle. Bertha and Emma G., all living but Mary Etta.
By occupation William Miller was a farmer. He purchased a fine tract of land
505
COMPENDIUM OF BIOGRAPHY.
near Chili and continued to cultivate the same until 1864, at which time he disposed vi his interests in Miami county and moved a. the county of Kosciusko. On coming to ! the latter he bought one hundred acres in Harrison township, to which he subsequent-
1 A made additions until he was the owner of four hundred and twenty acres, the greater part of which under his successful manage- ment became highly improved. He was a prosperous man and an enterprising citizen, although quiet in his ways and a great lover vi his home and family. All who knew him honored him for his many sterling qual- ities of manhood and the communities in which he lived never knew a more upright or praiseworthy citizen. When a young man he became identified with the Baptist church and as a member of that large and progressive body he did much to disseminate its tenets, and donated liberally to the High- and congregation, which met for worship in a building erected on his farm. Mr. Mil- ler was a deeply pious man and for many years was a pillar in the local church in which he held the office of deacon. His life was fraught with good works in the service of God and humanity and he died a tri- umphant Christian death in November, 1899. Mrs. Miller is a fit companion for a Boble husband and, highly respected for her lovable Christian character, is still living in Kosciusko county.
Charles M. Miller is one of Indiana's native sons and is proud of the common- wealth which gave him birth. He was born in Chili, Miami county, on the 12th day of January, 1862, and when two years old was brought by his parents to the county of which he is now an honored resident. It was his good fortune to grow to the years
of maturity amid the quiet and peaceful scenes of rural life, and on the farm he first learned the lessons of self-reliance which have been of such value to him in his subsequent career. When old enough he entered the common schools, where he proved an apt and diligent pupil, becoming at an early age master of the branches con- stituting the prescribed course. In his nine- teenth year he obtained a teacher's license and taught his first term in the winter of 1881-2 in the township of Etna. Mr. Miller developed much more than average ability and tact as an instructor and his services were in great demand during the years he devoted to educational work. He continued to teach in the schools of Kosciusko county until 1896, meanwhile making a record which brought him prominently to the notice of the public by reason of his ability in imparting instruction and in the matter of discipline, where so many teachers fail.
In 1881 Mr. Miller chose for a life com- panion Miss Sarah C. Huffer, daughter of Daniel and Sarah ( Bullenbaugh ) Huffer, natives of Pennsylvania and of German lineage. . Mrs. Miller was born in Prairie township October 27, 1861. attended the district schools and received as good an ed- ucation as they were capable of imparting. After his marriage Mr. Miller farmed as a renter for several years, .meanwhile devot- ing the winter season to school work. Sub- sequently he purchased a farm in the town- ship of Prairie and continued to cultivate the same until 1891, when he abandoned agri- cultural pursuits and engaged in the general mercantile business at Atwood.
During the past twelve years Mr. Miller has carried on merchandising quite success- fully and has become one of the potential
506
COMPENDIUM OF BIOGRAPHY.
factors in the public affairs of his town and . of the board of church trustees, while his township. Like the majority of his fellow efforts in behalf of the congregation and the good work he has done to promote its ci- ficiency have nobly seconded the pastor's labors in bringing souls into the kingdom of the Most High. Mr. Miller is a charter member of Atwood Lodge, No. 326, K. of P., in which he passed all the chairs. Ile is also connected with the order of Glean- ers, an insurance and benevolent society, holding at this time the highest office within the power of the organization to bestow, that of chief gleaner. citizens of Prairie, he is a Republican in his political affiliations and for some years past 1 has been an active party worker, represent- ing his township in conventions and using his influence untiringly to promote the suc- cess of the ticket during campaigns. In 1900 he was nominated and elected trustee of Prairie township, the duties of which office he has discharged to the present time in a manner eminently satisfactory to the public. He has made a number of valuable improvements in the matter of highways. etc .. and having been a teacher for many years, thus realizing the needs of the schools and appreciating the value of a higher or- der of professional excellence on the part of the teachers, he has devoted much attention to the subject of education within his juris- diction. It has been his aim to employ only such teachers as are intellectually and pro- fessionally qualified for the work of instruct- ing the young and favorable results of his endeavors in this regard are already plainly apparent.
Mr. Miller was reared by religious par- ents and their wholesome influence had naich to do in shaping his life and mould- ing his character. He is a man of pro- nounced religious views and, with his wife. subscribes to the creed of the United Breth- ren church. For six successive years he has served as superintendent of the Sunday- school and is the present incumbent of the office. His training in the secular schools peculiarly fitted him for this responsible po- sition and the Sunday school of which he now has charge is one of the best disciplined and most thorough in its work of any in the town of Atwood. He is also a member
Personally Mr. Miller is a gentleman of quiet demeanor, unassuming in his rela- tions with his fellow men, but nevertheless popular with all classes and most highly re- spected by those who know him best. He has read and thought much. possesses a broad mind well stored with valuable knowl- edge, and it is but just to say that he is characterized by much broader views and wider . culture than the majority of men. Well posted in the general and political his- tory of the country and keeping in touch with the times on current events, he is a loyal citizen and a true type of intelligent and symetrically developed manhood.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.