Notes for GEORGE W. PIPER: The gentleman whose name opens this article has long occupied an eminent and enviable standing in the county where he has so long made his home. He has filled with marked credit public affairs of trust, and now possess to an unusually large degree the confidence and respect of t he people with whom he has so long been associated. This standing has not been acquired by hi m because of the influence of wealth or original social position of the aid of influential friends, but has been honestly earned and richly merited by his own inherent worth, by the possession of those traits of character which have always formed expression in a life devoted t o the welfare of his own home circle, and to the progress and advancement of the community with which he has been so closely connected.

George W. Piper is a native of the Buckey state, having been born on the 19th of December, 18 28, in Clark county, Ohio. His parents were John R. and Jane (Prickett) Piper, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Ohio. John R. Piper, when yet a child, was taken by hi s parents to Ohio, and by his marriage with Jane Prickett became the father of six children , as follows: Rachael K. and William, both deceased; George, the subject; John J. is now a resident of Washington; and David and Catherine are both deceased.

George W. Piper's early educational advantages were somewhat limited. He attended the public schools of his native state until about the age of twelve years, at which time he accompanied his mother upon her removed to Indiana, settling in Washington township, Noble county. Fro m that time until he was thirty years old he remained with his mother, faithfully looking after her interest. About this time he hired out for a time, but in 1851, because of the death o f his brother, he returned home and again took up the operation of the old farm. He continued at this occupation here until about 1868, when he moved onto the place of his present residence. He became the owner of five hundred and fifty acres of fine agricultural property, but sold a good deal of this to his children, his present real estate consisting of three hundred and eighteen acres. This was all accumulated by his own unremitting toil and indefatigable efforts, and he took a just pride in the results of his earlier labors.

On the 24th of October, 1858, the marriage of George W. Piper took place, Miss Samantha Shelpman being the lady of his choice. She was born July 21, 1830, near Marysville, Ohio, a daughter of William Shelpmand, later of York township, Noble county, Indiana. The latter was the father of four children-Samantha, Emily J., Adaline and Hannah. George W. and Samantha (Shelpma n) became the parents of eight children, brief mention of whom is as follows: John J. was born January 29, 1860, married Mary Buffenbarger, and they have three children, Goldie M., Mari e and Zelta; Charles E., born October 3, 1862, married Viola A. Brenninger, and to this unio n were born three children, Rap, Chester (deceased) and Jennie; William H., born January 21 , 1865, married Cora Fahl, and they became the parents of five children, Bennie G., Esther, Carroll, Laura and Clarence; Elma J., born July 22, 1870, died September 1, 1899; Addie, born July 22, 1870, became the wife of H. D. Miller, and they have one child, George A., and she is a professional dressmaker and he is a principal of the high school at Topeka, Indiana; Phineas, born January 26, 1873, married Ocia O. Smith and they have one child, Smith; Dora was born April 15, 1876; and Nettie D. was born October 28, 1882.

Mr. Piper has followed agricultural pursuits all his life, though not exclusively. He has also paid considerable attention to the breeding and raising of sheep and cattle, the latter stock being his specialty at the present time. That he has made a success of his calling is abundantly evinced by the well-kept appearance of his farm and the abundant harvests he gathers.

Politically Mr. Piper has been a staunch and active worker in the ranks of the Republican party ever since its organization, and has been honored by his fellow citizens with several offices of honor and trust. He was elected a trustee of Washington township, and that his service was efficient and thoroughly satisfactory to his constituents is attested by the fact that for nine consecutive years he was retained in that office. He was also elected a member o f the board of county commissioners, serving in that capacity at the time the present court-house was being erected. It was at a time when there was especial call for watchfulness and attention to the interests of the people of the county, and Mr. Piper acquitted himself of his onerous duties in a manner that earned him the commendation of all, irrespective of party.

Religiously the family are all active and consistent members of the Free Baptist church at Co ld Springs, Whitley county, Indiana. Socially the members of this family are accounted worth y members of the best people in their community, and by their courteous manners, genial dispositions and careful regard for the ethics of life have endeared themselves to a wide circle o f friends.

Source of information: Alvord's History of Noble County, Indiana By Samuel E. Alvord A comprehensive compendium of local biography--memoirs of representative men and women of th e county, whose works of merit have made their names imperishable. Published in 1902 by B. F. Bowen, Publisher, Logansport, Indiana

OBITUARY George W. Piper, one of the good men of the county, formerly county commissioner, and one o f the best known citizens of the southern part of the county, died at his home in Washington township last Thursday after a long and painful illness. He was afflicted with cancer for a number of years, and for nearly two weeks prior to his death was unable to eat anything . He gradually succumbed to the ravages of the disease and at last sank into that dreamless sleep. His funeral occurred on Sunday and was attended by many prominent citizens throughout t he county, who realized that in the death of Mr. Piper a true citizen had gone. He was honest , conscientious, patriotic, and possessed a high and noble purpose, loyal to home and country , and the world is certainly better for his having lived. He leaves many relatives and friend s to mourn.

GEORGE PIPER AGED SEVENTY SEVEN YEARS Geo. W. Piper died at his home in Washington township, Noble county, Ind., September 14, 1906, after many months of affliction with malignant cancerous affection. He was born in Clark county, Ohio, Dec. 19, 1825, and was aged 77 years, 8 months and 25 days.

In 1842, his widowed mother and her six children came to Indiana and settled in Washington township, Noble county, on the farm which has been in the family possession ever since. On Oct . 24, 1858, he was united in marriage to Samantha Shelpman, and to this union were born eight children, four boys and four girls, Elma, the oldest daughter, preceded her father to th e spirit world.

In the days when Mr. Piper came to this country, the country was new and the settlements were far apart and the roads wound through the forests. Mr. Piper was a sturdy youth and aside from a few months spent in the rural schools in the winter, he devoted himself assiduously to the task of clearing up the farm and endured all the hardships incident to developing a new country. The splendid farm which his mother secured he finally procured as his own, which with several adjoining farms that he purchased and improved to a high degree of perfection shows how well he did his work, and made a great success in his chosen vocation, as one of the leading farmers of the country. Such men of such sterling qualities are usually sought out by their fellow men as fitted for places of public trust, especially when they have qualities of honesty and integrity and fair dealing, all of which Mr. Piper enjoyed to a high degree. It was remarked by one who knew him well, that it was doubtful if a man, woman or child in all his large acquaintance could be found who would not fully trust him and trust his word to the utmost. Accordingly his neighbors kept him busy much of the time looking after estates as administrator all of which he managed in an equitable and satisfactory manner.

The people of his township often elected him to serve in its offices. The people of the count ry also recognizing his splendid business ability, chose him in one of the most important periods of its history as county commissioner and the excellent management and economical plans in the erection of the new court house is largely due to the credit of Mr. Piper. He was know n and often counseled by the leading business men of the country.

In early life he was converted and was a devoted and active member of the Free Baptist church at Ormas for several years. The experience of religion he always clung to and was always ready to encourage and assist any religious enterprise through his life. During his long sickness he showed the most perfect resignation, never complaining and always cheerful and pleasant to his devoted companion and children whom he so tenderly loved and cherished. He fully trusted in God and often spoke of his bright hope for the future. Truly a noble man has fallen.

He leaves to mourn his loss, his devoted companion, four sons, John, Charles, William and Phineas Piper, all of Washington township; three daughters, Mrs. Dora Shew of Kendallville, Mrs . Addie Miller of Nashville, Ill., and Miss Delle Piper at home, and one brother, Dr. Piper , of Spokane, Wash., eleven grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.

The funeral was held at the residence, the service was conducted by a former Pastor, Rev. J . W. Randal, assisted by Rev. Page. The high esteem in which he and his family are held was shown by the vast concourse of people in attendance, there being several from all of the adjoining towns, Ligonier, Columbia City, Albion, Kendallville, Cromwell and other places. The interment was in the Metz Cemetery.

'We, the wife and children of Mr. Geo. W. Piper, hereby express our heartfelt thanks to the m any neighbors and friends who so nobly assisted during the long sickness of our husband and father.

Served in the Civil War - Union, Indiana, 12th Regiment, Indiana Infantry, Private