Biographical sketch extracted from:

Biographical and historical record of Adams and Wells counties, Indiana. Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1887. pp. 986-989.

MICHAEL C. BLUE, farmer, was born in Miami County, Ohio, April 16, 1836, son of Uriah and Rachel (Moore) Blue, who were among the earliest settlers of the Miami Valley. In March, 1840, Uriah Blue emigrated to this county with his family, and settled upon the northwest quarter of section 15, Lancaster Township. He entered this land in 1836. The patent is now in possession of our subject, and bears the signature of President Van Buren. They had four children when they came to the county: Mary, Lucinda, Michael C. and James. Their household goods were transported with teams, and a few cows were driven through. No improvements had been made upon the land, and the family pitched their tent beside a great log. During the night a violent snow storm came up, which almost covered both tent and wagons. Wolves howled on every side, and their snapping teeth, added to their dismal howls, drove the dog inside. Their first introduction to Wells County was anything but pleasant. Word was received by the neighbors who lived down the river that a new family had arrived, and in three or four days a number of them put in an appearance. They helped cut the logs, raise and cover the new cabin, and made the family as comfortable as possible. All were strangers, and Mr. Blue does not remember any of their names, as he was then only four years old. There was not a mouthful of feed for the cattle, and during the spring they became very poor and a part of them perished before the snow was gone. To add to their vexations, the horses strayed away and returned to Miami County. Uriah went after them and was fortunate enough to recover them. The father was a cooper by trade, and was rather an unsuccessful farmer. He finally cleared forty acres, but his chief delight consisted in hunting. He was very successful, and the larder was well supplied with wild meats. Hundreds of deer fell victims to his unerring aim, and the products of the chase maintained his family almost exclusively. Upon his arrival he had $5 in money, $4 of which was expended for four bushels of corn. Being the only cooper in the neighborhood, he made all the barrels, well-buckets and crout-tubs that were used for miles around. There were no schools in the neighborhood, and our subject was fifteen years old before he could read his first spelling-book, which was purchased with money from the sale of wild blackberries. Sallie Baldwin taught a "select" school at her home, and Michael was one of her first pupils. He early learned the mysteries of the chase, and he also became an expert hunter and trapper. In speaking of his school-boy costume, Mr. Blue says, “My pantaloons were made of dressed buckskin; vest and cap of fawn skin, tanned with the hair on, while moccasins of deer skin ornamented my feet.” His father did not favor education in any sense, but Michael was delighted with books. He made barrels until money enough was earned to buy Ray’s Third Arithmetic, and he frequently stole out to the woods, where most of his problems were mentally solved. At an early day they had neither lamps nor candles, and Michael would stretch himself on the floor in front of the fire, and with a pile of shavings, lighting one by one, pursued his studies. His persistency brought its reward, and when twentyfive years of age he attended one term at the Murray Academy, and later at Roanoke College. His proficiency entitled him to a certificate, and he taught school in Jackson Township, Huntington County, and later he taught eight terms in this county. While at Roanoke he studied Robinson’s Principles of Surveying, and in 1867 was elected surveyor of this county. He has always been accounted very accurate in that profession, and has been on almost every section of land in the county. His commission bears the signature of Governor Oliver P. Morton and Lieutenant Governor Conrad Baker. From the age of twenty-one until his term of auditor expired, Mr. Blue was kept continuously in office, first as constable, then assessor, notary public, surveyor, auditor, and now holds a notary’s commission-—perhaps does as much business in this line as any other man in the county. In 1870 he was the choice of the Democracy of this county for auditor, was elected and gave the highest satisfaction as an official. Ill-health caused him to seek the country as soon as his term expired, and he has since paid special attention to farming. The eighty acre tract upon which he resides was purchased with the products of his trapping while at home with his parents. At the time he was elected surveyor the office was unsolicited by him; but Joseph Meredith came out to his cabin, a log house, 12 x 14, and found our subject at home; told him they must make a canvass of the county, as election day was close at hand. The house was small, and Michael disliked to ask his guest so step outside while he changed his clothes, so taking his clothes under his arm he retired to the cornfield near by, and soon returned transformed into a candidate for public favor. Borrowing a horse from Iven Richey, he started with Meredith, and taking in Rockford and Bluffton, returned to his home the same day, and was elected by a handsome majority. His marriage with Miss Rhoda A. Richey was celebrated May 1, 1866. Their children are: George Clement, Capolis Laird, Lola Z., Fred P. and Don I. After locating in this county, Mr. Blue’s parents had five children: Kate, who became the wife of John McDowell; Uriah, a resident of Missouri; Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Kunkle; John, deceased, and Melissa, wife of John Kunkle. The death of the father occurred in 1867, and that of his wife, Rachel, in 1877. Mr. Blue surveyed the village of Tocsin in 1882, gave it its name, and applied for a postoffice. His addition adjoins the village on the west, and his farm is in close proximity to the village. The energy and enterprise of Mr. Blue has made him a wealthy man, and his children are given a liberal education. Inured to hardships from boyhood, he yet is one of the most industrious of men. A handsome residence will soon grace his broad acres, and will overlook the thrifty village he has been so largely instrumental in making.