Samuel S Speicher, son of Johannes Spycher "John Speicher Sr" & his wife Elizabeth Krebs "Kreps" Speicher both born Switzerland

Married Mary Elizabeth Keppler Speicher

Samuel was born 21 Sep 1834 Holmes Co,OH & died 4 Nov 1895 Urbana, Wabash Co,IN

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Samuel S. Speicher, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of the LaGro Township, was born in Holmes County, Ohio, September 20, 1835. He is the oldest son of the late John Speicher, a native of Switzerland. John Speicher, his father, was born in 1808, emigrated to America in 1829; remaining, first in Ohio twenty-two years. The family came to Wabash County in 1851, locating in the northwest part of La Gro Township. He was an active, public-spirited, successful citizen during his lifetime; was largely instrumental in erecting the beautiful structure known as the Evangelical Church of Urbana. This religious edifice occupies a commanding position near the old homestead.

The old gentleman died February 11, 1879. Mrs. John Speicher nee Elizabeth Kreps is still living, vigorous in mind and body. Mr. and Mrs. John Speicher reared a family of eleven sons and four daughters. All of them are living, and are widely known, substantial and well-to-do citizens of Wabash County. Samuel S., during his youth, was liberally educated in the German language, which, with self-culture in later years, has well fitted him for any position he may choose. Having, early in life, learned the trade of carpenter, he pursued that vocation nearly twenty years, achieving an enviable reputation as a successful builder and contractor. He is the patentee of Speicher's Champion Broadcast Hand Seed Sower, and is the manager of an extensive factory, recently constructed at North Manchester, for the manufacture of these seeders, which are fast growing into popular favor.

Mr. Samuel S. Speicher was united in matrimony, August 23, 1866, with Miss Elizabeth Keppler, a native of Wabash County. To this marriage were born three children, viz., E. Daniel, September 20, 1867; Mary Rosa, May 23, 1869 (died in infancy); Matilda Priscilla, February 15, 1879. In 1866, Mr. Speicher bought a piece of uncleared land, adjoining the home farm on the east. Immediately after assuming the responsibility of married life, he sought to locate upon this land. To do so, however, he first penetrated those green woods, selected a sightly spot, and out of the heavy growth of forest trees, with his own ax, cleared a space for their future abode. He then erected a residence, modern in its style, and with a view to being both comfortable and convenient! This residence he still occupies but how changed the surroundings! Busy here has been the hand of industry; strong the arm of energy; untiring the spirt of perseverance, and successful the genius of enterprise.

The mighty forest has been subdued, and in its stead we find a well-fenced, well-drained and well-tilled fields. Many acres of orcharding, thrifty and of choice selection, have been transplanted. Evergreens and other shrubs decorate the yard. Fine, large herds of sheep and cattle graze upon his pastures. In his various labors in agriculture, he is assisted by a supply of improved machinery, and not least in his improvements we may name the large, elegant barn, which he built in 1868, indeed, aggregating, a commendable result in a little less than eighteen years. Mr. Speicher is an affable, cultured gentleman and a prosperous farmer, now owning 240 acres of fine land in a body. Himself and Mrs. Speicher hold fellowship at the Evangelical Church.

Source: 1884 History of Wabash County, Indiana page 371.
Submitter: Linda Thompson

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Samuel Speicher.

Wabash, Ind., Nov. 5. - Special Telegram. -

Samuel Speicher, one of the leading farmers of Wabash County, dropped dead of heart disease in a barn on his farm near Urbana last night at 9 o'clock and his body was found an hour later. He had apparently been in excellent health, and death was wholly unexpected, coming just as he had returned from a trip from Urbana. He was 60 years of age.

Daily Inter Ocean; Chicago, Illinois.
November 6, 1895; Page Eight.
--dm wms (#47395868)