Mr. Chase was born August 5, 1846, in the township of Bedford, Calhoun County, this State, two miles from Battle Creek. His honored father, Daniel S. Chase, was born in Charleston, N.Y., and his grandfather, Benjamin Chase, was from Rhode Island and at an early time removed to Chase Hill on Holland Patent, forty miles from Buffalo, where he made his home for many years. They belonged to the old Rhode Island Chase family and our subject is in the eighth generation from Aquilla Chase of Colonial fame.

     Daniel S. Chase was a natural mechanic and early took up the trades of carpenter and millwright. He was a man of progressive ideas and easily developed his carpenter work, so as to undertake the business of contractor and builder, and at the time of his death was the owner of both a sawmill and a gristmill. Numerous mills have been favored by his work, as he put in Stanton wheels, both horizontal and upright, in many places. He moved to Baltimore, Barry County, this State, in 1854 and bought a tract of land in the township of Baltimore, where he put up a sawmill on Cedar Creek. In 1859 he erected a gristmill, which he had in operation at the time of his death, October 20,1859.

     The lady who became the wife of Daniel S. Chase bore the maiden name of Lucy Y. Hicks, and was the daughter of William Hicks, of Battle Creek who came to that place in 1835. Her three children are, our subject, Franklin M., now in Boyne City, and Mrs. Francelia M., wife of Alexander Edmunds of Baltimore Township, Barry County. Our subject left home soon after his father's death and lived with Mr. Hicks of Calhoun County, but the mother remained at the old home until 1863 when she went to Johnstown, Barry County and in the year of 1866 she removed to Olivet. Her son John resided with her in that village until 1874, receiving his education and being graduated at the college there during that year, receiving the degree of A. B. Later he took a post-graduate course and afterward entered the law department of the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and earned the additional degrees of A. M. and L. L. B. After this he was for a time in Detroit and in Battle Creek.

     While in Battle Creek, Mr. Chase met with an accident from an unruly horse and had his knee badly injured, which caused him to be laid up for two years. When he was able to be about again he took up his trade of carpenter and came to Lansing in 1882. Here he followed his trade until 1887, when he was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace. He was a candidate on the Republican ticket, and although the wards were Democratic he had a large majority of votes against two other candidates and could have had the re-election, but refused to consider it. Since the expiration of his office, he has been engaged in the (618) law practice. Mr. Chase. was married in 1879 to Miss Abbie M. Dunsmore, daughter of Philo Dunsmore, who was an old settler of Ypsilanti, Washtenaw county. This lady was born October 20, 1857 and now has three children--Theron P., Lois and Walter R.

     Mr. Chase has been a member of the Masonic order since 1871, having joined it at Olivet, and serving as Senior Deacon in 1872. The following year he was elected Worshipful Master by a special
dispensation from the floor and from a change in the Grand Lodge by-laws in regard to elections in subordinate lodges. He held the office a year and a half, attending the Grand Lodge twice. He joined Lansing Lodge, No. 33, in 1885 by demit, and he has here been for two years Senior Deacon, Secretary for one year and last year served as Worshipful Master. He was re-elected to that office but declined, accepting instead the Secretaryship. During the year when he was Master the lodge conferred seventy-six degrees and had fourteen degrees left over for the following year, thus bringing it in range with the most important ones in the State and it now stands fifth in rank for active work.

     ALONZO C. FULLER. The name at the head of this sketch which is honored and dignified by having been that of one of the most brilliant men in recent history in America, is also that of the proprietor and owner of the farm on section 23, Williamstown Township, Ingham County. He was here born January 25, 1848, and has since been a resident of this place with the exception of about six years spent in Shiawassee County. He remained at home until about thirty years of age, renting the farm of his father for a part of the time.

     Our subject is a son of George B. Fuller, a native of Dutchess County, N.Y., who, when a young man, learned the carpenter's trade and when twenty-one years of age he came to Michigan stopping first near Ann Arbor. While there he lost his heart to a maiden of the district whose name was, Miss Deborah Bunker, daughter of William Bunker, a native of New York and an early settler near Ann Arbor. Soon after their marriage they came to Jackson and settled on a farm where they resided for some time. The following, children came to them during that period of their history: Orlando, Dorman, Jochroe, Rebecca and George. The eldest son is now deceased. Dorman is a resident of Lansing and a builder and contractor. The other children are all deceased.

     In 1842 George H. Fuller came to Ingham County and settled on three hundred and twenty acres of land, a part of which our subject, his son, now resides on. He broke and cleared this tract and there realized the hardship of pioneer life. After coming to Ingham County the following children were born: George F., Alonzo C., Warren and Mary. He was a member of the State Militia and took a very prominent stand in the early affairs of the county. Mrs. Deborah (Bunker) Fuller died in 1873, at the age of sixty-three years, her decease occurring in Williamston village where they had resided about one year. Our subject's father later married Catherine Gratton, who now resides at Williamston. Mr. Fuller returned to the farm and resided about two years, but his last days were spent in the village. His death was accidental and occurred while unloading wheat in Williamston. He passed away, December 24, 1883. His natal day was August 11, 1811.

     On the death of our subject's father he of whom we write, left a farm which he had purchased in Shiawassee County, and which comprised one hundred twenty-seven acres, which he owns at the present time, and came to his father's farm. By purchase he came into possession of one-third of one hundred twenty acres upon which he now resides. Having a home and all the conditions of domestic happiness excepting a wife, our subject entered into the marital relation March 15, 1876. His marriage took place in the city of Lansing and he was united to Miss Lucy C. Larrabee, a daughter of WiIliam L. Larrabee, a native of New York, who moved to Pennsylvania when a boy and was about eighteen years of age when he came to Washtenaw County, Mich. After reaching manhood (619) Mr. Larrabee was married to Eliza Mulholand. The following children were the result of this union: The three youngest died in infancy, those surviving are William C., Jenny I., Lucy C., Esther P. and Silas M. In 1865 Mr. Larrabee came to Ingham County and settled on a farm in Williamston Township where he resided until his death, which took place in 1886.

     The domestic relations of our subject have been very happy, his devotion to the farm work out of doors has been seconded by his wife's perfect housekeeping within. They are the parents of four children - Jenny M., Lucy M., Nelson A., and Edwin E. Socially Mr. Fuller belongs to the Royal Arcanum. He is a Mason, being a member of a lodge at Williamston. He is also a member of the Farmers' Alliance. Politically he is a Democrat and was appointed to fill the term of Charles E. Paddock as Supervisor in 1888 and has since been elected to the same office three years in succession. Our subject had only the advantages to be gained at a common school and in the academy at Lansing.

     DANIEL HERRICK. The owner of the farm on section 24, Leroy Township, Ingham County, is one of the prominent and influential citizens of this district. His career has been identified for many years with the growth of the agricultural district wherein he lives. He was born in Steuben County, N.Y., November 30, 1830, and is a son of Rufus and Lucinda (Sherwood) Herrick. His father was a native of New York State and his mother of Massachusetts. He was the second son of the family in order of birth and when about seven years of age his parents brought him with them on emigrating to Michigan.

     The mode of traveling was at the time of our subject's advent into the State very different from now. They traveled to Buffalo, N.Y., with an ox-team. They then loaded their household goods upon a vessel and came to Detroit by way of the lakes. Thence they resumed their ox-teams and proceeded to Washtenaw County, this State, the family locating in Salem Township, that county. Shortly after their settlement here they sustained an irreparable loss in the death of the father. Thus the widow was left with six little children in a new country where life was by no means easy. As can be imagined the young people had to shift for themselves as best they could and when a mere lad our subject began working out for two shillings a day. As he grew older his services grew more valuable and he was able to assist his mother in supporting the family. His school advantages were very limited, but he has so keenly appreciated educational advantages that he has been one of the most ardent promoters of the upbuilding of educational institutions in this district.

     Mr. Herrick's marriage was solemnized October 6, 1853, the bride being Mary J. Roberts, daughter of E. C. Roberts, of Washtenaw County, a pioneer of the aforesaid county. The young wife encouraged her husband so that it was not long until they had acquired a home of their own that was comfortable and cozy, if it could not boast the elegancies of fashionable life. Eight children were born to our subject and his wife, and of these four are still living. They are Dwelly, Fred E., Edna B. and Adda. The eldest son is now a professor of music in the new State of Washington, as is also the youngest daughter. They are all accomplished young people and are greatly respected wherever they are found.

     In 1853 Mr. Herrick came to Ingham County from Washtenaw County, settling first in a log house on his present farm of one hundred and eighty-one acres. It was at the time very wild and the work of reducing it to its present finely productive state has not been small. The experience of our subject does not differ greatly from that of other pioneers in the State, in that he can recall many an instance of adventure, and even of tragedy, that would make the eyes of the present generation grow round with astonishment or fear. In the early days his home was a frequent stopping place for the Indians who were constant in begging a night's lodging or a meal. Mr. Herrick has served as School Director of his district for a number of years and has always taken an active interest in both church and school matters. His life (620) has been characterized by strict adherence to Christian principles. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and have been so connected for years. Our subject is Steward of that body and has filled other offices. Although one of the older men who still engage in active farming, Mr. Herrick does not allow himself to be left in the rear in the progress of his calling. His farm is not only well kept up but he owns some of the finest agricultural implements that are the latest pattern in design. He and his wife in the meridian of their career enjoy to the full the blessings and advantages that are granted them in return for
their early years of labor.

 
    MRS. SALLY ANN OAKLEY. Among the prominent women of White Oak Township we are pleased to present the name of the lady of property who resides on section 33, a lady who is notable alike in her home and in social and church circles, and to whom is universally granted the esteem and respect of those who know her. Mrs. Oakley is a native of New York where she was born in 1811, and she has therefore rounded out fourscore years of a happy life.

     Richard Oakley, the husband of our subject, was born in 1801, in the Empire State, their wedding day being October 25, 1835. The maiden name of Mrs. Oakley was Sally Ann Garrett. Two years after marriage this excellent couple started for Michigan to take possession of the farm which Mr. Oakley had purchased the previous year. Here upon the same section where the widow now makes her home they began life in the new West and reared their family.

     The children of Mrs. Oakley are as follows: Minerva, born August 13, 1837, now Mrs. Thomas Turner, and the mother of two children; William, W., born July 19. 1839, who married Jane Van Buren and has four children; Richard S., whose birth took place September 25, 1841, and who married, first, Cornelia Osman, who died without leaving children, and the second, Sarah Riggs, who has one child, and James G., whose birth took place June 1, 1843 and who married Addie Hedgeland. To James and Addie Oakley was one child born, Mary Hedgeland, and who is now married to Mr. John Clemmens. The next son, Andrew Jackson by name was born September 5, 1845, and has now passed from earth. George Washington born November 27, 1847, married Maria Hall and has two children, Eddie and Ella May. Mary Jane born February 17,1850, is married to Wesley Hayner; Daniel Potter, born April 5, 1852, is united with Mary Waffel, by whom he has had three children, two sons and a daughter. The youngest son, Jonathan Oakley, born March 25, 1855, is now deceased.

     Mrs. Oakley is having a fine business and general farming carried on her estate which is her property during life, and she puts the work in the hands of her sons. The farm is well stocked and they are carrying it on with efficiency and success. The father was a radical Democrat and the sons adhere to the same political doctrine. The Methodist Church is the religious body with which they are in sympathy, and they are earnestly interested in Sunday-school work. Mr. Oakley departed this life at his home in this township July 19, 1877.

     SETH P. HARRIS, a representative citizen of section 18, Locke Township, Ingham County, is a native of Genesee County, N.Y., and was born May 10, 1842. His parents were Daniel and Eliza (Sage) Harris, natives of Connecticut and Massachusetts respectively. The boy was brought up on the farm and became a farmer, which calling he has pursued through life. He received a fair education in his youth and he has been an extensive reader, in which way he has enlarged and enlivened his understanding of men and books.

     Our subject was married February 29, 1871, to Mary J. Wilson, whose mother, Sarah Wilson, was a native of New York, and her father, Robert, was (621) an Englishman. By this marriage two children were born, Sarah F. and John. Mr. Harris first came to Michigan in 1869 and returned to New York to secure his bride, whom he brought to his new home in 1871. Here they settled in the wild woods of Locke Township and for eight years did genuine pioneer work and suffered from that plague of pioneer life, the ague. They own some eighty acres of land and he is now considered one of the leading farmers of the county.

     The Democratic party embodies the political principles which Mr. Harris endorses and his helping hand is always ready to forward any enterprise which shall build up the social, industrial and financial interests of the county. It is now his third year as a school officer and several years ago he was elected Justice of the peace but declined to qualify.

     Mrs. Harris was born November 17,1843, in Essex County, N.Y. When her father first emigrated to America he located in Canada for a short time and then removed to New York, where he died. She has one brother, Charles D. Wilson, who resides in New York. Her father was a Quaker in his religious life and her mother a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In the social circles of Locke Township Mr. and Mrs. Harris fill a large and important place and are depended upon to lead their neighbors in matters of mutual importance and interest.

     GEORGE B. VAN ATTA, lives on a fine farm of five hundred and thirteen acres in Meridian Township, Ingham County, this State. He was born in Northfield Township, Washtenaw County, July 3, 1835. His parents were Aaron B. and Cynthia (Banghart) Van Atta, who were natives of New Jersey. They were married about 1829 and in 1832 they moved to Michigan arriving in Detroit in due course of time they started for their new home in Washtenaw County. It is probable that Mr. Van Atta located this land in 1827. At any rate there was not even a trail leading to the place and they had to find heir way there by means of it pocket compass.

     The land which the elder Mr. Van Atta had located was situated nine miles northeast of Ann Arbor, which was at that time only a small village, he country around being a dense wilderness. Only a very few settlers had arrived in the county previous to that time. His nearest neighbor on the south was six miles distant. Aaron Van Atta was a public-spirited man and interested in the progress of the county. In politics he was in earnest Democrat and was one of the first Sheriff's of Washtenaw County. He was a successful farmer, commencing with a quarter section of land, he improved it and added to it from time to time until his death which occurred in 1877, and at which time he owned a valuable farm of three hundred and twenty acres. Aaron B. Van Atta's first wife died in 1837, leaving three children--William, who died in his ninth year; Margaretta, who was born in 1833 and married to Hiram Smith of Pine Lake; and George B., the subject of this sketch. About four years after the death of his first wife, Mr. Van Atta was again married, his wife being Elinor Dowers, a native of New York. Seven children were born to this marriage, four of whom still survive.

     George B. Van Atta remained at home attending the public school and helping with the farm until he was about twenty years old; he also spent one term in the Ypsilanti State Normal School. When about twenty years of age he removed to the township of Locke and bought one hundred and fifty-acres of land, becoming indebted for it to the extent of $900. April 13, 1856, our subject was married to Elizabeth Smith, a daughter of James and Elizabeth Smith of Bath Township, Clinton County, this State, They were natives of New York and came to Michigan in in early day, settling in Washtenaw County. They soon removed to Clinton County, however, and were among the earliest settlers there. Mr. Smith died February 6, 1856, his wife, surviving him until the following autumn.

     Mrs. Van Atta was one of fourteen children born to these old pioneers and at the present date (1891) there are (622) eight representatives of the family living. She was born in Washtenaw County, November 12, 1836. The original of this sketch remained on his farm in Locke Township until the fall of 1858, when he exchanged eighty acres of it for eighty acres of the land now occupied by him. There was at that time only thirty acres partially cleared when he bought it. He added, however, to this from time to time until he owned at one time eight hundred and forty acres lying in one tract.

     Eight children have blest the union of our subject and his wife. They are Cynthia A., Carrie J., Rose E., George M., Theoren A., Octavia B., Bertha C. and Fernando E. The eldest daughter was born April 18, 1857. She was married to Edward Elliot of Williamston Township. They have five children whose names are, Bertha, Maude, Orlo, Ray and Mary. Mrs. Elliott was educated in the High Schools of Ingham County. Carrie, who was born September 30, 1859, married Ernest Banghart of Lansing; she is the mother of three children--Arthur, George and Fred. Mrs. Banghart was also educated in the High Schools of the county. Rose E. born December 18, 1861, took a three years' collegiate course in Hillsdale College, during which she made a specialty of music; George M., born September 21, 1863, took a course in both Hillsdale College and the Michigan State Agricultural College; he is now in a wholesale and retail hardware establishment in Bucoda, Wash.; Theoren A. born January 23, 1866, took a course in Poucher's Business College in Ionia; he is now a farmer in Newton County, Mo.; Octavia B. was born April 20, 1870, and is at home; Bertha C. was born March 3, 1872, and is now a student at Hillsdale College; Fernando E. was born October 19, 1878, and is still at home. Mr. Van Atta has always kept a good grade of stock, a portion of his farm being especially adapted to this line of agricultural business.

     Both our subject and his wife are members of the Free-Will Baptist Church of Bath, with which they have been connected for thirty five years. Their commodious brick house was built in 1879 and is convenient and attractive. The attendant farm buildings are also substantial and capacious. In politics our subject has always been a Democrat but never an aspirant for political honors. The family have a host of warm friends in Ingham County and are universally esteemed by all who enjoy the pleasure of their acquaintance. The grandmother of our subject on his father's side was a native of Holland.

     HARRISON O. CALL. The gentleman whom Uncle Sam has seen fit and proper to place at the head of postal affairs in the city of Mason, Ingham County, Mich., is he whose name is at the head of this sketch. Besides being personally a man whose integrity, intelligence and fitness for the office render him eligible to such a position, he has the additional advantage of having served the country in its hour of need; and during the late Rebellion hazarded his life in the chances of war. This, in a wise, is a sort of obligation that is recognized, even before an other, when it is in union with fitness and capability.

     Postmaster Call was born in Springport, Cayuga County, N.Y., April 17, 1842. He is a son of Orlando B. and Caroline C. (Crandall) Call, the father being a native of Colerain, Mass., and the mother, of Providence, R.I. On the paternal side our subject is of Scotch descent and on the maternal, of English, thus uniting two stanch and sturdy temperaments, that are blended, modified and beautified by their residence and adoption into America. Our subject's parents came to this State in 1858, the father being a Baptist minister who had early acquired land here, so that our subject was reared on a farm.

      As a boy the gentleman of whom we are writing received all the advantages that were to be obtained in a country school and the additional one of being a member of a family whose head was a gentleman and a scholar. At the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion young Call was in the Union School at Corunna. He enlisted in Company A, of the Twentieth Michigan Infantry, August 9,1862, and was the greater part of his service in the Army of the Potomac. For six months he was detailed to (623) duty as a scout in Kentucky and Tennessee, during which time he had many interesting and exciting adventures. He took part in the battle of Fredericksburg, was also at Horseshoe Bend and at Green River Ford. He also experienced the horrors of war in the battles of the Wilderness and at Spottsylvania, where he with his regiment was engaged in a hand to hand encounter with a rebel brigade. At the latter place he was captured, escaped and was retaken three successive times in one day. At North Anna River he received a slight wound in the knee from a minie ball, but was not enough wounded to incapacitate him for service. While scouting he was with Lieuts. M. A. Hogan, Thomas Campbell, of the Eighth Michigan Infantry, Capt. Thomas Keaton, Maj. McBeth, of Kentucky, and William Bramlette, a son of Gov. Bramlette, of Kentucky. These parties were also scouts and with them he did good service. At one time, with Capt. Hogan, he penetrated the enemy's lines a distance of ten miles and captured five rebel soldiers, and brought them to camp as trophies of their valor. He was honorably discharged May 30, 1865. Mr. Call is proud of the distinction that he was one with thirty others who opened the way in the Confederate lines and took the first artillery into Petersburg, his regiment with the First Michigan Sharpshooters and the Second Michigan Infantry, being the first to raise their colors in that city.

     As may be inferred from the fact that our subject left school to enlist in the war, his education was not completed and he was more than ever dissatisfied with his attainments after having associated with intelligent and brainy men during the war, and learning as much of the country as he did, so, after returning home, he entered the public school at Lansing, this State, with the determination to acquire a complete education. Our subject was married October 20, 1867, to Miss Eunie E. Lamb, of Bowling Green, Ohio, where she was born October 27, 1851, and was a daughter of Dr. William G. and Pamelia (Chapman) Lamb, both natives of Ohio.

     After his marriage our subject devoted his attention during the summers to farming and the winters were spent in teaching. He was thus employed for several years. In 1873 he removed to Mason and was as soon after elected Justice of the Peace, in which office he served for two years. He then resigned and was appointed Under Sheriff, in which capacity he officiated for four years, during which time he did the principal work of the Sheriff. His ability being recognized, he was elected Sheriff, served two years and then retired to his farm in Alaiedon Township, Ingham County, Mich. During this time many demands were made upon his strength, and his health suffered in consequence, and for a year after the expiration of his term as Sheriff he traveled in northern Michigan for rest and recreation. He was also interested in some land in which he had invested in Charlevoix County.

     The first break in the domestic life occurred October 24, 1876, at which time his wife died, leaving him three children: Carrie P., born August 25, 1868; Edith E., September 30, 1870; and Harry W., July 29, 1876. Our subject was again married February 15, 1881, to Miss Isabel Lindsay, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Donnon) Lindsay. Mrs. Call is a native of Lenawee County, Mich., being there born June 17. 1855. By this marriage there is one child, whose advent into the world was made January 6, 1884.

     The original of our sketch is one of a large family, in which were eleven children. He is the sixth in order of birth, and besides himself three of his brothers served during the war. They are --John M. who lost his life in the second battle of Bull Run. His leg was shattered by a shell, and two amputations being necessary, he did not survive the suffering of a second. He left two children, one of whom is still living and whose name is Eva M. She married William AImy, of Hornellsville, N.Y. Henry, who served two terms during the war, was three times wounded and discharged on account of wounds, but afterward was accepted as a sharpshooter, again receiving a wound, which is an honorable decoration, testamentary of his bravery and loyalty; he now lives in London, Tenn., and is the recipient of a pension. Augustus T., who served two years in the First Michigan Sharpshooters, was shot through the body, his lung being penetrated by the ball. He is now Postmaster (624) at Lake View, Montcalm County, Mich., and is the recipient of a pension of $16 per month. The war record of Postmaster Call is distinguished for his readiness to undertake extra duty, as he never lost an opportunity to volunteer where there was a dangerous or arduous task to be undertaken. He was the first one of the three who volunteered to remove the abattis in front of the enemy's works at Petersburg, and at that time he was put in command of all who went out to do such duty. The place was one of such danger that it was considered sure death to those who undertook it.

     In his religious relation our subject is a member of the Baptist Church and has ever been ready to uphold and support Gospel work. He is a Trustee in the body of which he is a member. Socially there are many calls upon him, and he is in constant requisition when a speech is to be made before a political or social assemblage. He is associated with the Knights of Pythias and is a Master Mason. He is of course a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, being regarded with affectionate admiration by his comrades. In this body he is a Past Commander.

     EGBERT TOMS. We herewith present the sketch of a prominent and wealthy farmer and stock-raiser, whose home is upon section 7, Locke Township. He is a native of Genesee County, N.Y., and was born on the 31st of March, 1825. His parents, Samuel and Celesta (Eldridge) Toms, were natives respectively of Saratoga and Washington Counties, N.Y. Scotch stock is said to have originated the family on the father's side and the mother's ancestors were Irish. Egbert Toms is the oldest son in a family of four and was reared to manhood in his native county where from early boyhood he engaged in farming. But few educational advantages were offered him in his youth and he has found it necessary to supplement by a systematic course of reading the schooling which he then received.

     Egbert Toms and Sophronia Kennedy were married February 7, 1855.This lady is a native of Wyoming County, N.Y., and is now the mother of six children: Samuel, Clara, Zida, Germain, Ulysses G. and Charles M. In the spring of 1865 Mr. Toms with his family, emigrated to Ingham County, Mich., and settled upon the farm in Locke Township which is now his. He has taken an interest in forwarding the educational affairs of the citizens of the county. His excellent and amiable wife is an earnest member of the Baptist Church and they are both ever active in promoting movements which will elevate society.

     The interest which Mr. Toms maintains in the agricultural community and his devotion to the cause of the laboring man have brought him into connection with the Patrons of Industry. The beautiful farm of three hundred and twenty acres speaks forth the praises of the man whose systematic hand and thorough industry have brought it to its present prosperous and prolific condition. This estate which is one of the finest in this section of country, is represented by a view on another page of the ALBUM.

     JOHN W. STELZER. The prominent farmer whom we now present to our readers was born April 2, 1839, in Bavaria, Germany, of which country his parents, Wolfgang and Margaret (Kreial) Stelzer were also natives. The grandfather who likewise bore the name of Wolfgang, was a farmer and the father of three sons and four daughters.

Image of John W. Stelzer's Residence

     His son Wolfgang was the only one of the family that ever came to the United States and he migrated in 1854 with his family of seven children namely: Margaret, John W., Adam, John B., Elizabeth, James and Henry. He settled on section 13, Cohoctah Township, where he cultivated one hundred and sixty acres of land, and this was his home until his death, December 7, 1876. He was sixty-seven years old at the time of his demise, and his good wife survived him for seven years dying April 14, 1883. They were both members of the Lutheran Church, and possessed of unostentatious Christian characters.

     (627) Our subject received his education in both the German and the English languages and thus attained a thorough grounding in the elements. When nineteen years old he began work for himself and labored by the month for three years. During the last of this period he received the yearly wages of $100 from Dr. Allen, and by careful economy was enabled to purchase eighty acres of timber land, situated where he now resides on section 13. This he at once began to clear and put in condition for cultivation. He now owns five hundred and ninety acres and has cleared in all about three hundred acres. Upon this farm he has placed a good house and excellent barns. He has not only kept himself clear from debt but has accumulated means aside from his real estate, in which he has had some assistance from his father's estate, from which he received $1,800, so that he is now the heaviest tax payer in the township.

     It was in May, 1863 that Mr. Stelzer was united in marriage with Margaret Thumser, daughter of Nicholas and Margaret (Rank) Thumser, who came to the United States in the fall of 1853 and settled on a farm in Cohoctah Township. Their daughter is a native of Bavaria, as is her husband, and in their union they have found harmony and prosperity. The four children who have been granted to them are: Augusta, Matilda, Fred J., and John B. Augusta is now the wife of John Sleider and has established a home of her own. The Lutheran and the Evangelical Churches are the religious bodies with which our subject and his wife are respectively connected, and in their church work they find a broad field of influence. The attention of the reader is invited to a view of the pleasant homestead of Mr. Stelzer, found elsewhere in this volume.