Biography o f Orlando Elliott, pages 803/804/805. History of DeKalb County, Indiana; B. F. Bowen & Company, Inc., Indianapolis, 19814. Orlando Elliott It is with marked satisfaction that the biographer adverts to the life of one who has attained success in any vocation requiring definiteness of purpose and determined action. Such a life, whether it be one of calm, consecutive endeavor or of sudden meteoric accomplishments, must abound in both lesson and incentive and prove a guide to young men whose fortunes and destinies are still matters for the future to determine. Th subject of this sketch is distinctively one of the representative agriculturists of DeKalb county. For a number of years he directed his efforts toward the goal of success and by patient continuance in well doing succeeded at last in overcoming the many obstacles by which his pathway was beset, and is today considered one of the foremost farmers of the county. Orlando Elliott was born on November 12, 1859, in Coshocton county, Ohio and is the son of Nathan and Jane (Ling) Elliott. Nathan Elliott, who was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, followed farming pursuits throughout his active life, and when the subject of this sketch was about five years of age, or in 1864, the family came to DeKalb county, where the father bought eighty acres of land in Fairfield township in 1867 and moved on the same. However, he sold this farm and bought one hundred and twenty aces known as the Barker farm, near Summit, and lived there until about 1898, when he sold this tract to John Conrad and moved to Jackson county, this state, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land to which he moved: but resides there only a few weeks, when, in the spring of 1901, his death occurred. He was one of the first settlers of DeKalb county, the journey from Ohio having been made by wagon to the locality, the mother and children coming by train. Jane (Ling) Elliott was also born in Coshocton county, Ohio, and her death occurred on the Barker farm near Summit in 1880. She was a hard-working woman, a true helpmate to her husband, and her loss was keenly, felt by him and the surviving children. They became the parents of ten children, namely: Mary, deceased; Orlando, the immediate subject of this sketch; Mrs. Nancy D. Rufner; Emma, deceased; Mrs. Zora Meek; John, deceased; James; Jesse; Cora, deceased; and Jennie who died in infancy. Orlando Elliott was reared under the parental roof and secured a good, practical education in the common schools of his home neighborhood. He was reared to the life of a farmer, and followed this vocation practically all of his active years. At one time he owned forty acres of land east of Summit which he traded for this present farm of eighty acres in 1895, and eventually he bought twenty acres additional off of John Gramling farm adjoining his own tract. The latter purchased included a barn which Mr. Elliott moved to his present farm and remodeled it. Mr. Elliott is progressive in his agricultural methods, giving proper attention to every detail of his work, and has maintained his farm at the highest standard of agricultural excellence, the buildings being kept in good repair, the soil well-drained and tiled, and the fences in good shape, so that the whole estate presents a pleasing aspect to the passer-by. The residence which was on the farm when he bought it is a large brick structure, well-arranged, and provided with modern conveniences, and it is considered one of the best homes in that section of the township. On March 7, 1881, Orlando Elliott was united in marriage with Eliza A. Gramling, daughter of John and Mageline (Fretz) Gramling. John Gramling was born in Pennsylvania, but in his youth moved from that state to Stark county, Ohio, thence to DeKalb county by wagon and canal boat, coming here when quite young. He was reared to the life of a farmer, and also gave some attention to the vocation of carpentering, at which he was an expert. He owned forty acres of land near Summit, to which he gave intelligent direction, and was numbered among the enterprising and influential citizens of his locality. He is now deceased. His wife, whose maiden name was Mageline Fretz, was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and came to DeKalb county in 1854 when about twelve years of age. She is still living. To Mrs. and Mrs. Elliott have been born twelve children, namely: Carl, deceased; Mrs. Mary Mageline Lemmon; Mrs. Elsie Greer, deceased; Mrs. Lulu Zonker; John, deceased; Walter, deceased; Mrs. Blanche Gonser, Jesse, Jennie, Mildred, Clarence and Edna. Politically, Mr. Elliott is an active supporter of the Republican party, and has been prominent in local affairs, having ever given his support to every movement looking to the advancement of the welfare of the community in general. Religiously, he is an earnest member of the Christian church, to which he gives a liberal support, while in all things relating to the moral, social or educational advancement of the community, he is an active figure. Mr. Elliott is descended from sterling old stock, his father having evidenced patriotism of the highest order when on November 14, 1863, he enlisted at Camp Chase, in Company A, Sixty-ninth battalion Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He was commissioned as second lieutenant, February 6, 1864, and served under General Grant until his muster out on the 13th of September, 1864, he having enlisted forty-one days service. Submitted by: Arlene Goodwin Auburn, Indiana Agoodwin@ctlnet.com