The Closser Family Records and Genealogy of Laporte Indiana.

Old Steel Engraving of Farm Residence of Jerome B. Closser

Map of Scipio Township Showing Property of Jerome B. Closser and others

History of Scipio Township written in 1870

The record of the Jerome B. Closser Family as recorded in 1870. From an examination of old papers and records, it has been found that the original name was spelled Glosser, but in some unaccountable way has been changed to Closser, by the American branch of the family.

First Generation

Nicholas Glosser (or Closser) was born in Germany, about 1751, and at the age of two years, he, with his parents, emigrated to America, where they arrived previous to the Revolution, and settled in Virginia, within four miles of Harper's Ferry. While Washington's army was encamped at the Ferry, Mr. Closser fed them until his crop of 700 acres of corn was consumed, and did not receive any compensation from the Government.

Although an alien, his sympathies were with the patriots, and he rejoiced at the final triumph of their arms.

In 1802 he moved to Washington County, Pennsylvania; thence, in 1814, to Butler County, Ohio, and in 1830 to Wayne County, Indiana, where he resided about 12 years.

He first married Mary Hafer, and subsequently the widow Smith, and had a family of seventeen children, whose names are as follows: John, Catherine C., Nicholas and Polly (twins), Daniel, Henry and Rebecca (twins), William and Hetta (twins), pair of twins nameless, Jacob, Charles, two names not remembered, Abraham and Nancy. The last is the only one living.

Mr. Closser was small in stature, but of great mental and physical vigor, even to his latest day. He met a sudden death in 1835 or '36. While riding out with his wife his horse took fright and ran away. He was thrown out and killed, at the age of 84.

Second Generation

It is not our purpose to trace the posterity of all the families of the above seventeen children, but of Daniel only.

Daniel Closser was born June 25, 1786. Married January 1, 1811, Huldah McFarland, and had ten children, viz: Nicholas W., Daniel Mcf., John, Sarah A., Abigail, Andrew F., Mary A., Huldah J., Nancy M. and Eda M.

Third Generation

I. Nicholas W. was born January 12, 1812; married March 14, 1833, to Rebecca Parker, daughter of Willaim Parker, a millwright, and formerly of Pennsylvania. Her father died in Illinois.

They had six children -- Daniel P., Elizabeth H., Jerome B., Sylvanus M., Joseph A., and Emily R.

Nicholas W. Was born in Washington County, Pa., His first recollection is of moving to Warren County, Ohio when he was about three years of age. He subsequently moved with his parents to Butler County, where he lived until he was 11 years of age, and thence to Indianapolis, Indiana, where they arrived january 8, 1821, and engaged in farming. During his minority he aided his father in clearing four large farms.

He was a pupil in the first Sabbath School organized in Marion County, and has ever since identified himself with the Sabbath School interest.

In 1828 he was converted, and united with the M.E. Church, near Indianapolis. Subsequently, upon a more careful examination of the Scriptures, he became dissatisfied with his church relationship, and in 1840 he united with the Baptist Church, at Door Villiage, with with church he still retains his membership. He was elected deacon in 1842.

April 13, 1834, he went to Laporte County, Indiana, and July following he left Indianapolis with his family, moving with ox teams, and was twenty-one days in making the journey to Door Prairie. Here he engaged in farming and in the lumber business -- having erected two saw-mills -- one propelled by water and the other by steam. He also engaged extensively in the purchase of real estate, but has now retired from farming, and resides in the City of Laporte.