Clark County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1909 (part 9 of 15)

Mr. Scott recei\'ed such education as the schools (^f the neighborhood afforded, but, not stopping with this, he has broadaied his outlook on the affairs of life until he is a recognized authority on all such topics as are of general interest to the citizens of any community. He has long been officially connected with the township schools, having at all times taken a deep interest in its educational affairs, and he has always stood for progress. At the present time he is a member of the County Council, and is regarded as an in\'aluable counsellor in the disposition of the perplexing problems which so often confront that bodv.

Mr. Scott was married to Anna Belle Adams, daughter of William and Charlotte Adams, sketch of whom will be found on another page of this work. ]\Irs. Scott's paternal grandfather. Col. Martin Adams, was a man of considerable note in the early days of the ^Middle ^^'est. \Mien sixteen years of age he was sent to the frontier as a scout and guardsman against the Indian foes. Many tribes were hostile and treacherous and a high degree of skill and courage were necessan." to successfully combat the foe on their own ground. According to the customs of the times, made necessary by circumstances, he dressed in buckskin trousers which, when once put on, were worn for something like six months. In the case of Col. Martin Adams, he wore his buckskin trousers as long as his growth would permit, hence when longer wear became impossible, on account of size, he submitted to the odd operation of having his trousers cut from his body.

Mr. and Mrs. Scott have become the parents of three children : Addie, born on the 25th day of August, 1880, became the wife of Carl C. Canter, who is connected with the management of the Jeffersonville Reformatory. She died December 3, 1908, leaving two children, Frances ]\Iarie and Ruth Estella ; Lottie May was born on the 2d day of January, 1888, and William Martin first saw the light on January 3, 1898.

Mr. Scott affiliates with the Democratic party, but takes his stand on the principles of justice and fairness, believing with Rutherford B. Hayes that "He serves his party best who sen-es his country best." He and his wife are loyal supporters of the Methodist church, and are well known for their charitable spirit.

Henry Hanka

Mr. Hanka is entitled to rank among the successful self-made men of \^'ood township, Clark county, who, by energy and enterprise, have wrought wiselv and well not only to make a comfortable home and surroundings for themselves but also to make this one of the leading localities in the state.

Henry Hanka was born in Floyd county, Indiana. ]May 5, 1869, the son of Benjamin and Caroline (Stumbler) Hanka. The former was born in FrankJin county. Indiana, and he came to Floyd county when about sixteen years old, where he has since resided. He has been a cooper by trade, but he has followed farming for many years and is still living on a farm in Floyd county, being known as one of the pioneer berry growers of Floyd county, in fact, he was one of the first growers of small fruit in this part of the state. Caroline Stumbler was born about 1838. in Floyd county, the daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (^Martin) Stumbler. She died about 1880. Henry Hanka had eight brothers and one sister, only five of whom are living.

The subject received his education in the common schools of Floyd county. He has been a farmer and fruit grower all his life, having started life for himself when he was married. ^lay 17. 1904. to Elnora Martel. of New Albany, daughter of Conrad, and Alary (Steller) Martel. Her parent? live in New Albany, their family consisting of seven children, five girls and two boys. Mr. Martel is a shoemaker by trade.

Mr. Hanka devotes considerable time and attention to the growing of vegetables and all kinds of garden truck, besides fruit growing and general farming, and he makes a great success of all these lines, always finding a ready market for what he produces. He has a beautiful home five miles from Borden. He has been living in Clark county for several years. He is a bright young German, well known in this community, known as one of the extensive truck and berry growers. He has always been a Democrat and is a Catholic in his religious belief, belonging to St. John's church, in Wood township.

Benjamin Hanka, father of the subject, was born April 15, 1842, in Franklin county, Indiana, the son of Joseph Hanka, who was born in Germany, and who came to the United States when a young man. He married Elizabeth Burman, who was also a native of Germany. Joseph Hanka was about forty years old when he died, in Franklin county. His wife died in Louisville, Kentucky, at the age of fifty-seven years. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Hanka: Joseph, who died at the age of two years; John, Henry, of this review; Jacob, Elizabeth died when twelve years old, Benjamin, Jr., Antone, Frank was five years old at his death, Adam and Lara.

Benjamin Hanka was the originator of strawberry culture in this section of the country. He started in the strawberry business here about twentysix or twenty-seven years ago. He came to Floyd count}' about forty-one years ago and has resided in this locality ever since. He is a Demorat, a Catholic and a well known and highly respected man in the county as are all the Hankas.

Matthias Fischer

Among the highly honored veterans of the war between the states and the prosperous farmers of Wood township, Clark county, the subject of this sketch deserves to be enrolled.

Matthias Fischer was born October 28, 1837, at Oberstedten, by Frankfort-on-the-Main, near Homburstch, Forderha, Germany, the son of Matthias F. and Elizabeth (Rocke) Fischer, the former having been bom in 1800 in the same place as the subject. He was a miller in the Fatherland before coming to the United States in 1853, having brought his family with him by way of New York, direct to Clark county, Indiana. He bought land in Wood township, where he farmed until his death, October 5, 1871. He went back to Germany twice on business after coming to the United States. He often told of his first trip to this country, which was made in an old-fashioned sailing vessel, which took sixty-four days to make the trip. He was a hard working man and made all the improvements on the two hundred acres of land which he secured in this township. He devoted his life in this country to farming and stock raising, exclusively. He was the only member of his family wdio e\^er came to America. He was a well known man in Clark county and had a good business. He transported most of his farm products to Louisville where he found a ready market. He was a well educated man. a Democrat and a member of the Reformed Lutheran church. His parents died when he was very young.

Matthias Fischer went to Louisville, Kentucky, soon after he arrived in America and learned the cooper's trade, at which he worked until 1862. He had received a fairly good education in Germany, but never attended school in this country. He espoused the cause of the National government during the dark days of the Civil war and enlisted in 1862. in the Twelfth Iiidiana Battery, Heavy Artillery, and served faithfully until the close cf the war. He was in the 1)attles of Huntsville, Alabama, and was at Fort Negley for about nine months. His next engagement was at Chickamauga, then Missionary Ridge and later tlie battle of Nashville. He lost his hearing in one ear from the concussion of the heavy guns and he gets a pension from the g-overnment which he so ably served.

Mr. Fischer was married after his return from the army, in 1863, on November 23d, to Helen Hooilman, who was born June 3, 1843, the daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Dietz) Hooffman. Mrs. Fischer was born in Niederdorfelten, Germany, and she came to the United States in 1865. Her parents died when she was young.

Following are the names of the brothers and sisters of the subject: Christian, born October 10. 1825, died February 5. 1894; Elizabeth, born November 29, 1827; Louis, born February 22. 1832, died August 24 1905', John E., born December 22, 1834, died February 12, 1900: Frederick, born October 4, 1835, (lied August 2^, 1863: Henry lives in Wood township; Phillip is deceased; ]\Iarv, born in 1839, li\-es in Ohio; Eliza, born in 1838. lives in Shelby county, Kentucky.

lo.ur children have been burn to Mr. and Mrs. Matthias l^"ischer. as follows: Elizabeth, liorn August 14, 1866, married Lemuel Fordyce. who is deceased ; she is living in Wood township. Her children are George and Augusta. Augusta, the second child, was born Januaiy 18, 1869, married Christopher Miller, and they have two sons, Edwin and Lawrence, and they are living in Harrison covmty, Indiana. George M.. who was born January 14, 1873, is married and has these chilch"en. Nehie, Jacolj, Glen. Bertha and Leno. Emma, born January 7. 1879, married Nicolas Miller; they also live in Harrison county and are the parents of one child, named Lillian. George M, married Jennie Fordyce. They live in Wood township.

iMr. Fischer went to farming after his marriage on sixty-five acres of land, in Wood township, section 8, and he developed a good farm, being a diligent worker and a careful manager. He has made a success of his agricultural and stock raising pursuits and is now living retired in Borden, having ceased active business operations five years ago. In his political relations he supports the principles of the Republican party. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He belongs to IMitchell Post, No. 424, Grand Army of the Ixepulilic, of Borden. His is a fine nld German familv.

Abraham Fry

]\Ir. Fry has Imig Ijeen considered one of the leading pioneer agriculturists of Clark county, his farm being a model in every respect and under his management it has been developed from the rudely improved virgin ground to a most highly pr('ducti\e place, wliich has from year' to year yielded a splendid income, so that our subject has laid up a competency for his old age.

Abraham Fry was born in Utica township, Clark county, Indiana, in 1833, the date of his birth falling on Septem]>er 17th. ha\'ing" been reared near where he now resides, for, unlike many of his early contemporaries who left their parental roof-tree early in life to seek precarious fortunes in other states, Mr. Fr}' decided to remain at h<ime. His father, John Fry, a native of Kentucky, was a man of influence and high integrity. The mother of the subject, known as Sarah Swartz in her maidenhood, was reared in Utica township, where she attended school and where she married John Fry in about 1822, and became the mother of twelve children, fi\'e sons and seven daughters, of whom Abraham is the third living child.

Aliraham Fry spent his boyhood days working on his father's farm and attending the public schools, where he applied himself in such a manner as to gain a good education, which has later in life Ijeen suj^plemented by home reading. Not being in position to leave his home and business to take part in the great Civil war, but feelins: that it was necessary to do what he could in assisting to suppress the rebellion, Mr. Fry hired a substitute who went to the front in his stead. He began farming on his father's place, having purchased his present farm about 1856, therefore it has received his care and attention for over a half century, during which time it has been carefully managed so that the soil is as productive today as when he first assumed control of it, and as the years passed by the place assumed a more pleasing aspect as to improvements in a general way. It consists of one hundred and ninety-eight acres, worth two hundred dollars per acre. On it stand many substantial and convenient buildings, including a very fine and nicely furnished residence, which ranks well with the best of farm houses in the county.

Air. Fry has been twice married, his first marriage having been solemnized with Sarah E. Parks, and to this union two children were born, one of whom, Floyd J., is now living in 1908. His second marriage was with Margaret A. Mann, in i860, to whom the following children have been born: Horace, deceased; Mrs. Emma P. Johnson, Frank A., Mrs. Cora B. Graham, ]Mrs. Ethel M. Jacobs, Walter T., Mrs. A. Redding, Harry J. and Mrs. Grace M. Richardson.

Mr. Fry is a Democrat in his political beliefs, being well grounded in the principles of his party, and while he has never sought the emoluments of public office he has ever been ready to assist in placing the ablest men possible in the local offices where the public weal is to be considered. In his religious relations he is a faithful member of the Methodist church, having long taken a delight in this denomination. Fraternally Mr. Fry is a Mason, being a member of the Knights Templar, and judging from his daily walk one would conclude very readily that he believes in carrying out the sublime doctrines of this worthy order and the creed of his church as well, for, being a representative of one of the oldest and best families of Clark county he has ever sought to be worthy to bear their honored name.

James K. Gibson

One of the well known farmers of Wood township, Clark county, Indiana, is James K. Gibson, who was born here November 15, 1846, and it has been Mr. Gibson's good fortune to be able to spend his life on the old homestead where he still resides. He is the son of James and Hannah (Peck) Gibson, the former having been born in Carr township, this county, in 1817. The parents of the subject's father came from North Carolina. They were living in Clark county at the time of the Pigeon Roost massacre, when the whole settlement went to Fort Clark, in this county, for protection. Grandfather Gibson was an Indian fighter himself. He often repaired to an old blockhouse not far from where the subject now lives. James K. Gibson's grandparents were of Scotch-Irish descent. Grandfather Bnrrell Gibson and one brother, William, came to America together, the former coming to Clark county, Indiana, being among the first white settlers.

man of influence in his communit}-, many <it his sterling quahties having been inherited from his father and transmitted in turn to the subject of this sketch. James Gibson took a prominent part in pohtical affairs and held several township offices, and he was Constable for se\'eral years. He had no chance to get an education in those early days, but he was a strong man mentally as well as physically. Both the subject's father and grandfather entered land in Clark C(junty, and the land where James K. now lives was entered bv his uncle, the government giving him the deed for land signed by President John Ouincy Adams. James K. Cibson has the deed to his father's land, which is signed by President Franklin Pierce. James Gibson was one of eleven children. His wife. Hannah Peck, was born in \\^ood township, this county, in 1822, the daughter of Rufus and Naomia (Alexander) Peck, the former a native of Rhode Island, and the latter of Connecticut. She was one of a family of four children. Her parents died when they were young.

James K. Gibson received what education he could in the old log subscription schools, the school-room being equipped with log benches, hewn from trees from the surrounding forests. Mr. Gibson has been a farmer all his life, having assisted his father in his youth to improve the farm and clear the land, and he has continued to make improvements on the same until his place now ranks with any in the township. It is located in section i, southwest quarter, two miles from the village of Borden. He is a hard working man and his labors have been amply repaid by Mother Nature for he is in easy circumstances and has a good home and pleasant surroundings.

Mr. Gibson was united in marriage in 1885 to Indiana Goss, daughter of John Goss. She was born in Wood township, this county, June 4, 1852. One child has blessed this union, John L. Gibson, whose date of birth is April 23, 1886. He married Myrnie Rose, of Wood township. He is a school teacher of more than ordinai^y ability and he and his wife are highly respected people.

In his political relations Mr. Gibson is a supporter of the Democratic party. He was at one time Supervisor of Wood township and made a most excellent official, according to his neighbors. He is at this writing a member of the Advisory Board of the township. Mr. Gibson belongs to the Christian church.

There is little doubt that a life of activity, especially if lived near the great heart of Mothern Nature in the woods and fields is conducive of longevity. In his own person the subject of this sketch, who has now passed into the silent land exemplified it. From youth his life was one of great activity as a huntsman and pioneer farmer in Clark county and he was a vigorous and very active man even clown to his last years, and his father reached nearh- the centurA' milestone. There can be no donbt that it is the sluggard, not the toiler, who dies early in life.

George Jackson, Sr., was born in Clark county, Indiana, May 4. 1828, the son of Zephaniah and Fannie Jackson. The subject's parents were amongthe very first pioneers of Clark county. Their children were as follows : Katie, Mary Ann, William, Thomas. John, Henry, Harrison, Zephaniah, Jeremiah and George, the subject of this biographical memoir.

George Jackson was a woodsman, as already intimated, a great hunter of deer, wild turkey and all kinds of wild game. He was also a tan-bark maker. During his youth in this county the land was all timbered, and all the heavy work was then done with ox teams. He was educated in the subscription schools, which he attended for a few months during the winter, but never had an opportunity to attend free scliools. He was a member of the ^lethodist church and was a Republican, but never sought political preferment. He married Matilda Starr, in Clark ciamty. but the date is not known, George and two brothers having married three Starr sisters. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gefirge Jackson, namely: William Riley, who li\-es in Wood township, married Anna Spurgeon and they are the parents of eleven children; John T., who is now deceased, married Liza Jane Goss, who lives in \^'ood township, the mother of eight children: Caroline, who married Perry Spurgeon, is the mother of seven children and lives in Clark county ; Lewis A. is living at home ; Emeline, who married Samuel Pixley, is the mother of five children and is living in Jeffersonville: George W. : Amanda, who married John Ross, lives in Clark coimty, became the mother of four children, all now deceased. Matilda Starr, wife of the subject, is the daughter of John and Nancy (Bailey) Starr, natives of Kentucky, and early pioneers of Clark county. The wife of the subject was one year old when she was brought to Clark county by her parents. She remembers the early condition of the country in his girlhood days, how wild it was, and also tells of the exciting life of her father, who was among other things, an Indian fighter. She is still living in 1909, aged seventy-six years. George Jackson died April 11. 1903. He was a man of many sterling ciualities and was widely and fa\-orab!y known in this locality.

George W. Jackson. Jr.. was born ]\Iarch 4. 1863. in Wood township, Clark county, and he was educated in the common schools of this district, assisting with the work on the place in the meantime until he reached maturity, when he was married to Linnie Spurgeon, who was born in ^^'ashington county, Indiana, August 4, 1870. Five children have been born to this union, namelv: Grace, born June 30, 1891. died when fourteen months old: Everett, born November 24, 1892: Ethel, born June 6. T894: Marshall, born July 29, 1896, died I\Iay 16, 1899: Goldie, born May 18, 1905.

George \\'. Jackson. Jr., has l:)een in poor health for several years and although he is a skilled carpenter and plasterer by trade, he is at present unable to work on account of ill health. He has been engaged for some time in the growing of small fruits and the mercantile business. He has a nice little general store and has a fair trade, the store being located on his place on the Salem road, about five miles from Borden. He keeps a good stock of carefully selected goods and he is known to be honest in all his dealings with his fellow men. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he supports the Republican party. He has a nice family and he is ver\- proud of his father's record as a hunter, and he seems in every way to be a worthy descendant of such a man of mettle.

\\'illiam R. Jackson, who married Anna Spurgeon, is a farmer of \\'ood township. His wife is the daughter of Archie and ^lary Spurgeon. who were among the pioneers of Clark ccimty. and both deceased. W. R. Jackson and wife are the parents of eight children, who grew to maturity Ferris. Icy. wife of Andrew Taylor ; Calvin, deceased ; Martie. Cephus. Archie. Raj-mond and Eleanor. Mr. Jackson is a Republican in politics and he and h.is wife are members of the !\Iethr:dist church.

David O. Blankenbaker

Thus far the career of David O. Blankenljaker has been one of great activity and signal usefulness and he bears an unsullied reputation in both business and social circles. He was born in ^^'ashington county, Indiana, January ID, 1862. the son of Samuel Blankenbaker. His mother was known in her maidenhood as Xancy Jane Terrell. Samuel Blankenbaker was boni in 1840 and died January 20. 1904. Nancy Jane Terrell was born in 1835 and died at an advanced age. The subject's grandparents were among the first white settlers in ^^'ashington county, having settled in Harrison townsliip in that county upon their arrival from Kentucky, Samuel Blankenbaker was a farmer in \\"ashington county, having been born and reared there. He died in Clark county about thirty years ago. He was a Republican but took no part in politics. He was a member of the Methodist church. His people came from Kentucky as far back as known. The subject's mother was the daughter of Thaddeus Terrell, who was one of the early pioneers of Clark county, where he was well known as a dealer in horses, being regarded as a ver\- shrewd man. He was also an extensive tobacco raiser.

David O. Blankenbaker is one of seven children, four boys and three girls. He married Emma E. Thompson, who was born August 18. 1863. the daughter of Solomon and Esther (Want) Thompson, a well known family in their community. Solomon Thompson was born in 1827 and died January 5. 1905.

Esther Want died Xovember 24, 1873. She was born in 1829. Her maternal grandparents were from Germany while her father's people were Hoosiers as far as known. Seven children have been born to the subject and wife, as follows: Newton Samuel, born December 10, 1885, died June 7, 1906; Alfonso Solomon, born January i. 1887, married Dora Lee Masters, and they live in Illinois; George E. was born January 10, 1889, and is living at home; Benjamin F., born November i, 1895, is living at home; John B., born November i, 1897, is also living at home; Herman C., born August 17, 1899, is living at home; Iva E., born December 14, 1903; Lilly B., born July 7, 1904.

David O. Blankenbaker has lived in Clark county for the past thirty years, during whicli time he has been a very active man, engaged principally in agricultural pursuits. He was a farmer and fruit grower up to eight years ago, when he went into the mercantile business on the Blue River road, about three and one-half miles from Borden. He has a neat little store well stocked with a good quality of goods and he has built up an extensive trade with the surrounding community. He is regarded by all who know his as industrious and honest in his dealings with his fellow men. In politics he is a Republican and he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, where he is a familiar figure in the gatherings of that congregation. He is a well informed man, havnig been educated in the common schools of Clark county and he has since read a great deal at home. He has a host of friends in this community and no enemies, for his life has been led along safe and honorable lines.

Henry Packwood

Henry Packwood is one of the old and representative farmers of Clark county. He has persevered in the pursuit of a persistent purpose and gained a satisfactory reward. He was born in Clark county, Indiana, February 26, 1836, the son of Samuel and Phoebe (Heaton) Packwood, the former born March 5, 1808, in Patrick county, Virginia, who came to Clark county, Indiana, with his father, William Packwood. Samuel Packwood was a farmer, a Democrat, and he died in Wood township in 1896. The Packwoods were among the first settlers in this part of the county. Samuel Packwood entered land in sections 32 and 33, which was wild and heavily timbered at that time, but he cleared the land and made extensive improvements on it. The village of Salem at that time was larger than New Albany and most of the trading in this locality was done there. Phoebe Heaton was born in Pennsylvania in 1812 and died in 1904. She first came to Washington county, Indiana, and then to Clark county when quite young. She and Samuel Packwood were married in Clark county June 14, 1832. Ten children were bom to them, namely: John, born December i, 1834, died about 1886. in Texas; Henry, of this review; Emily and Ellen (twins), were born October 11, 1838, and Emily died when ten years old; William, who was born in 1840, died at the age of twenty-one years; Samuel, born in 1844, lives in Lawrence county, Indiana; Thomas was born March 10, 1846, and died when forty-two years of age; Jesse, bom in 1849, ^^ves at Borden; Elizabeth, born in 1851, lives in Wood township; James, born in 1857, lives in Wood township.

Henry Packwood received only a limited education in the subscription schools of the early days. He can remember when there was plenty of game and wild animals in this township, the country being very wild when he was a boy. He has no military' record, but three of his brothers were soldiers in the Civil war. He built the first frame school-house in Wood township. He started in life for himself when he was married to Katherine Warman, when he was about twenty-three years old. She was the daughter of Abraham and Mary Warman. Her people were among the early settlers in this part of the county, having come from Kentucky. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Packwood, namely: Laura, born October 19, 1863, lives at home: Ellen, born May 26, 1867. died in 1888. Mr. Packwood's second wife was Rebecca Nicholson, the daughter of Joseph and Mary Nicholson. Rebecca was born in 1839 and she passed to her rest in W'ood township in 1900. Two children were born to the subject by his second marriage, Joseph E.. bom September 4, 1875, married Bertha Gorman; they live in Wood township and are the parents of one child. Charles H., the second child, was born September 8, 1877, lives with the subject.

Henry Packwood has been a farmer and a small fruit grower most all his life. He has lived to see the township cleared of its wilderness and he is a well preserved old man, although he has been a hard worker all his life. He has made all the improvements on the place where he now lives, in Wood township, section 27. He has developed a valuable farm. Mr. Packwood served eighteen years as Trustee of his township in a most praiseworthy manner. He also served six years as County Commissioner. He is a Democrat. He and his family are members of the Church of Christ, and no family in the township bear a better reputation for honor, industry and hospitality than his.

George W. Bell

The gentleman whose name appears above is one of the honored residents of Wood township, Clark county, being a native born of Clark county, where he was elected to spend his entire life, believing that greater advantages were to be had here than elsewhere, and the success he has achieved through

George W. Bell was born in Wood township April 20, 1838, the son of Elias and Jemina (McKinley) Bell, the former having been born in 1808. in Pennsylvania, who came to Clark county in 1812, settling in Wood township. Elias Bell was the son of Thomas and Rachael (Dunbar) Bell. Grandfather Bell entered part of the land where George W. now lives and where Elias Bell lived until his death, in i860. He was an extensive stock raiser and dealer. He was a very religious man and was a deacon in Pleasant Ridge church, which he helped establish, which is located about one mile from where George W. Bell lives. This church was established in about 1847 or 1848. It was first an old log house. Hiram Green was among the first men to preach there. Elias Bell, Joe Nicholson and Jerry ^McKinley were the first trustees of this church. Elias Bell was one of the best known and most influential men of this community in his day. Jemina McKinley was born about 1810 in Kentucky and she died in Wood township, Clark county, in 1888. Nine children were born to them, our subject being the only survivor.

George W. Bell helped to clear off a great deal of the land on his father's farm when he was young, the country being heavily timbered. He received a limited education in the subscription schools, having never attended the free schools.

Air. Bell was married to Fanny McCutchen January 5, 1864. She was born December 11, 1842, in Floyd county, to which county her people came from Kentucky in the early days, having the Indians for neighbors. She was the mother of five children, namely: Charles H., born October 3, 1866, lives in Wood township; William J., born January 21, 1868, married Lulu Brown; they live in Wood township and are the parents of three children ; Elias J., the third child, was born December i, 1871, married Lilly Morris: they have three children and make their home with the subject. Ida, the fourth child, who was born January 13, 1873, married Gilbert Gillispie, lives in Indianapolis, and is the mother of three children; George T., who was born June 10, 1879, married Carrie Scott, and they are living in Floyd county.

]\Ir. Bell has been a farmer all his life on the same place, which he has greatly improved and made it yield abundant crops. He has a pleasant and comfortable home, four miles south of Borden, on the Greenville road, his land being located in section 22.

Mrs. Bell passed to her rest October 21, 1894. The subject has been Assessor of Wood township for five years, giving entire satisfaction to his constituents in this capacity. He has also held some other minor offices in the township. He is a Democrat and a member of the Christian church at Pleasant Ridge. He is known as a man of honesty, industry and force of character, and he has many friends in this county.

Baird S History Of Clark Co., Ind. 7Ii

One of the progressive and well known agriculturists of Wood township, Clark county, is the gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph, who has spent more than a half centur\% his entire life, in fact, in this locality, consequently everybody here not only knows but respects him, for his life has been one of integrity as well as of industry.

Joseph Nicholson was born in Wood township, March 14, 1S41, on the same place where he now lives, the son of Joseph M. and ]\Iary (Graves) Nicholson, the former a native of Randolph county, North Carolina, where he was born in 1795, from which state he came to Crawford county, Indiana, in 1816, settling among the pioneers in October of that year. He lived in Orange county for a while and then came to Clark county, in 1832, settling on the place where the subject now lives, in section 21, being a prominent farmer and tobacco raiser for those early days, and later launched in tlie dairy business. He was a Democrat and was Trustee of the township for one term. He was reared a Quaker, but he became a member of the Christian church. He marketed all his tobacco in Louisville. He also found a market in New Albany, where he sold his dairy products. He died in ]\Iarch, 1876. He made several trips to New Orleans to sell stock. He was the son of Zachariah and Mary ( Har\'ey) Nicholson, who settled in Crawford county, Indiana, in 1816. ^lary Graves was the daughter of Benjamin and ^lary ( Fincher) Graves. ^lary Graves was born in 1800, in Randolph county. North Carolina. The subject is the youngest of thirteen children. He assisted with the farm work when a boy and attended the subscription schools of sixty day terms, receiving only a limited education.

yir. Nicholson likes to tell of the days of his boyhood and recount the stories told by his father of the first settlers, there being many deer and bear when he first came here.

When about twenty-three years old Joseph Nicholson was united in marriage with Mary Goss. who was born in Clark county, her parents being pioneers of Wood township. Mary was born in November, 1841, the daughter of John and Mary ( McKinley) Goss. John Goss was born in 1816 in Clark county. Nancy McKinley was born about 1820.

Mr. Nicholson was a hard worker in his vouth, the country being wild and covered with brush he did much in assisting to clear the land. When five years old he made a trip to North Carolina and back with his parents in a wagon. It took fifteen days each way to make the trip.

Mr. Nicholson lives five and one-half miles from Borden, in section 21. He has an excellent farm which he has spent his life in improving until it is today quite productive and well kept. He has a comfortable home with beautiful surroundings, which stands back from the road for some distance. He is a good manager and his fields vield bounteouslv under his skillful care.

Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Nicholson, namely : John W. is single and living at home; Leanora is single and living at home; Charles A., bom April 3, 1876, died in 1900.

Mr. Nicholson has been a farmer all his life and has devoted much attention to stock raising, always keeping a good variety of excellent stock, mostly hogs and Jersey cattle. This family has borne an excellent reputation since the first members settled here upwards of a hundred years ago.

John Bernard Koetter

Among the sterling Germans who have done so much for the upbuilding of Clark county, establishing good homes and taking an interest in public affairs, lending what assistance they could in the promotion of movements looking to the general good, the subject of this sketch, who is now deceased, must be mentioned for he was long an honored resident of this locality,

John Bernard Koetter was born in Prussia, January 16, 1826, about twenty miles from the Rhine river. He came to the United States in 1845, locating in Cincinnati, where he remained seven years and where he married, in 1852. to Bernadina Bergman. She was born June 5. 1827, in Oldenberg, Germany, and she came to the United States in 1850. locating in Cincinnati. He followed cabinet-making while he lived in Cincinnati. He left that city and came to Clark county to engage in farming in Wood township, in section 22. The land was pretty well settled up when he came here. He hauled all his produce to New Albany and Louisville, where he found a market. He was one of Wood township's best known men. but he was not a public man. He stayed close at home and was a money maker. He was a Democrat, but never an office seeker. It was 1852 when he came to this county. He died in September, 1894, while living in Wood township. He was a strict Catholic. His wife makes her home with William F., her son. She is a fine old lady, and in comparatively good health for one of her advanced years. She has an excellent memoiy. The wife of the subject was the daughter of John and Elizabeth ( Rosemeier) Bergman. Her father died in Germany when about sixty years old. and her mother died in Cincinnati when seventy-six years old.

Seven children have been born to the subject and wife, as follows: Henrietta, age fifty-five, married Bernard Schmidt ; Anna, age fifty-three, married Herman Voor. and they have six children, three living and three dead ; they live in Louisville; John Bernard. Jr.. died at the age of twenty-three years, in 1881 ; Joseph L. who married Ida Vanolman. died in 1900, at the age of thirt)'- eight vears; John H.. who is forty-fdur years old. married Barbara Engel. lives in Wood township and they have five children living and three dead ; William

Baird'S History Of Clark Co., Ind

F., who is forty-one years old, married Katie Verst, daughter of Henrv Yerst, who h'ves in Floyd county. Her mother was Caroline (Tennis) Verst, who has been deceased for twenty-five years, ^^'illiam F. and wife have four children, namely: ]\Iary B., born May i6, 1900; Joseph B., born May 21. 1903; Edward John, born May 29, 1905 ; Anna Roseline, born July 26, 1908.

William F. Koetter has a well improved farm in ^^'ood township and one of the finest homes in the township, much of which he has made himself, being a man of thrift and good judgment. His farm is located in section 14, four and one-half miles from Borden. He is like his father in a business way. He keeps good stock. He is well known in this locality and is a man of excellent business principles and is honest and straightforward in his dealings.

Among the sterling class of German citizens who have done so much toward the upbuilding of the great Hoosier state, none in Clark county deserve special mention more than Benjamin Schmidt, who is one of her best agriculturists and honored citizens, having been born in Prussia, April 4, 1845, the son of Harmon and IMary (Krier) Schmidt, his father having been a farmer in the old country. The subject's grandfather and grandmother on his father's side of the house lived to advanced ages, reaching nearly ninety years. Harmon Schmidt lived to be between seventy and eighty years of age and his mother died at the age of seventy-three. They were Cathohcs. They never came to America. However, two brothers and one sister of Benjamin came to this countn,-. One of them, Henry Schmidt, lives in Covington, Kentucky ; the subject's sister, Theresa, who married Frank Vinker, lives in Covington, Kentucky. Benjamin is the third of five children. His brothers and sisters that came to this country are all li\'ing. They represent a typical and substantial old German family.

Benjamin Schmidt came to the United States in 1865. first locating in Covington, Kentucky, later coming to Clark county. Indiana. He has been living on his present place for a period of thirty-one years. He is a carpenter by trade, but he quit carpentering about fifteen years ago and has since devoted his attention almost exclusively to his farm, which is located four miles south of Borden, in section 11. He has a good farm, which he has made equal to any in the community through hard work and careful management until it produces excellent crops and yields a good income. He has cleared a great deal of the land and his fields show that a man of industry and sound judgment has had their management in hand. He has a substantial dwelling and a convenient barn. He keeps stock and poultry of various kinds.

r^Ir. Sclimitit was married in 1873 to Henrietta Koetter, daughter of Barney and Dina Koetter. Her father was Ixjrn in Germany in the Rhine river country. Her parents were among the first settlers of Clark county. She was born in Cincinnati, August 15, 1853, and came to Clark county, Indiana, when four years old. Being the oldest of the family she had to stay at home and assist with the household duties and therefore did not receive much education. The subject was educated principally in Germany. To Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Schmidt the following children have been bom: Benjamin. Jr.. horn on July 6, 1875, married Lizzie Lightheart; they are the parents of three children and are living in Floyd county. Joseph, the second child, was born August 4, 1878, married Agnes Gill; they have two children ;md are living in Floyd county, this state. Henry, the third child of the subject, was born January 17, 1881, and died at the age of seventeen years ; Dina and Frances (twins), were born June 30, 1883. The former married Jacob Engel ; they live in Kansas City and are the parents of two children. Frances, who married Theodore Verst, lives in Floyd county, and they are the parents of two children. Herman, who was born December 14, 1886, is single; John, who was born March 2j, 1888, is also single; Phillip, who was born January 4, 1890, is single: Rosa, who was born July 17, 1892, is living at home. The subject's wife has two brothers and one sister.

In his political relations Mr. Schmidt supports the Democratic ticket, having always been affiliated with this party, but he has never s;_xight public office. He and his family are faithful Catholics and belong to St. John's church of Wood township They all bear good reputations.

Toxathan Wade

This venerable agriculturist is one of the sterling characters of Clark county who have come down to the present from the pioneer era, and no man has done more in his community for the upbuilding of the same than has Mr. Wade.

Jonathan Wade was born in Wood township, Clark county, December 18, 1832, on the place where he now lives, the son of Lindsey and Margaret (Carlisle) Wade, the former a native of Randolph county. North Carolina, where he was born in November, about 1812. He was brought to Clark county, Indiana, by his mother when about three years old, settling in the wilds, with Indians and wild beasts as neighbors. Lindsey Wade was the son of James and Belle Wade. He w'as a farmer and stock dealer until his death, in 1887. He was a well known man in this county. He was a Democrat, but never would accept public office. The country was very wild in

Lindsey Wade's time. Land liere was taken up about 1819. It was all timber. The land where Lindsey Wade lived when the subject was born was first settled by a family named Clark. The father of the subject dealt extensively in horses. The subject's mother was brought to this county by an uncle. James Jc3hnson, from Pennsyh'ania. Her parents died when she was an infant. The mother and father of Jonathan Wade were born in the same month and the same year, only (.)ne day's difference. The mother died in 1S95. To Mr. and AL's. Linsey Wade six children were born, only three of whom are living; besides Jonathan his brother, Heury, is living in Floyd county, and his sister. Elizabeth, who married a Ah'. Stolzer, is living in Xew Alljany.

Jonathan's education was limited, but he attended the old time subscription schools, taught in log houses, and he educated himself, after he was married, by night study. He started in life for himself when he married, ^lay 9, 1854, Elizabeth Nicholson, who was born June 6, 1832, in Wood township, Clark county, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Graves) Nicholson. Mary Graves was born December 29, 1799, in Randolph county, North Carolina. Joseph Nicholson was born January 30, 1794, in North Carolina. Their parents were from England. Joseph and Mary Nicholson came to Clark county, Indiana, about 1817. Joseph Nicholson died in March, 1876, and his wife passed away in April, 1888. Mrs. Joseph Nicholson brought cotton seed from North Carolina, which she planted here and used the cotton she grew from it to spin a bed cover that the subject's wife still owns. The cotton was picked by Mrs. Nicholson and carded by hand.

The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan \\'ade : Lindsey, born ^lay 31, 1855, married Rebecca Clark, who lives in Wood township, and they are the parents of four children ; Mary, born February 28, 1857, married James Keas, and her second marriage was with J. B. LaDue. Alary had one child by her first husband and two by her second. She lives in Kansas. Richard H., the subject's third child, was born July 15, 1859, and married Nora Schreiber. They live in Michigan and are the parents of five children living and two deceased. Margaret R., the subject's fourth child, was bom January 19, 186 1, and died when two years and eight months old; Carrie, born November 28, 1864, married Frank Rush, living in California, and they are the parents of one child ; Henrietta, born in April in 1866 or 1867, is married and is living in Peru, Indiana; Eliza, born February 5, 1869, married W'ill Schleicher, living in Wood township, this county, and they are the parents of one child living and three died in infancy; Omega, born March 26, 1 87 1, married Jacob Smith, living in New Albany, and they are the parents of four children; Sarah, born August 30, 1873, married Robert H. Clark, living in Louisville, Kentucky, and they are the parents of two children ; Byron J., born July 5. 1877, married Alinnie Hunt. They live with the subject of this sketch and are the parents of three children.

Jonathan ^^'ade has spent his hfe in Wood township farming and stock raising which he has made a success. He has ahvays been a great lover of horses and some good ones are to be found on his place at all times. He is regarded as a good farmer in ever)- sense of the word. He is a loyal Democrat, and has been Trustee and has held several other township offices. He and his wife are members of the Christian church. The subject has been an elder and a deacon in the same for many years. He has a beautiful and comfortable home in section 23. six miles from Borden. They are fine people of the old-fashioned type. They still use the old-time fire-place and burn wood in it.

Johx W. Hunt

The Hunt family has been known in this section of Indiana from early pioneer days and it has always borne an excellent reputation and its members have done their full share in the development of Clark and the adjoining county of Floyd, and John \\'. Hunt is a worthy descendant of his well known ancestors. He was born May 30, 1865, in Floyd county, Indiana, the son of William and Sarah (Smith) Hunt. They are still living in Floyd county, their ages in 1909 being about seventy-one and sixtv'-eight, respectively. William Hunt has been a farmer all his life. He was born June 26, 1836, in Floyd county, the son of James Hunt, who was born March 3. 1791. He w'as a farmer and blacksmith by trade. He married Massa Fitzpatrick. They were both natives of Virginia. The latter was born June 11, 1800, and died in 1881. James Hunt died March 7, 1853. The father of William Hunt came to Clark county in 1836. He was one of the early settlers of Floyd county. The subject's father entered government land in Floyd county. William Hunt married Sarah Smith in i860. She was born June 23, 1842. the daughter of Reuben and Elizabeth (Shaver) Smith. She was born in Floyd county, but her people were natives of Kentucky, being early settlers in Floyd county. William Hunt had three brothers and four sisters. In politics he was a Democrat. He received his education in the old log school-houses, having never attended the free schools.

The following are the names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. William Hunt : Elizabeth, who married Robert ^Nleeks, is the mother of one child and lives in New Albany; John W., of this review; Norris, who married Katie Cochran, is the mother of three children and lives in Floyd county : Jacob C. is a school teacher and makes his home with the father of the subject, in Floyd county; Ella married John Stone and she is the mother of one child, making her home in New Albany : Minnie, who married Byron \\'ade, is the mother of three children and is living in Clark county; Charles is living with the parents of these children, in Flovd countv.

John W. Hunt started in life for himself when about sixteen years old, having attended the Floyd county public schools for a few years prior to that time. He has always been a farmer. He has become a fruit grower on quite a large scale. He has an excellent farm, which is kept well improved and everything shows careful management. He has made most of the improvements on his place. He has a comfortable and nicely kept house upon one of the highest knobs in this locality. He deseiwes a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished for he has done it all unaided, having started life in a small way when merelv a boy, but he has the qualities that always make for success when rightly applied.

;Mr. Hunt was united in marriage with Emma E. Fenwick, daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Jenkins) Fenwick, well known people of Floyd county. Mrs. Hunt is one of six children. Her father is still living, but her mother has joined the great majority in the silent land.

John W. Hunt lived all his life in Floyd county up to about eighteen vears ago, when he came to Clark county, locating in section 13, where his present splendid home is located. He and his wife are the parents of three children, namely: William T., born December 26, 1891 ; John Albert, born March 10, 1894: Clara, born February 12. 1897.

Mr. Hunt has always been a Democrat, and he is prominent in politics in this part of the county. He is at this writing ably serving his community as Township Trustee, the first office he has ever tried to secure. He is regarded by all who know him as a man of honest principles.

Joseph Rosenberger

Joseph Rosenberger is of the second generation of Germans in this countrv, having been born in Harrison county, Indiana, January 20, 1849, the son of John Adam and Anna M. Rosenberger, the former having been born November 30, 1800, in Germany, who came to the United States when thirty-seven years old, he and his bride having come here to get married and they immediately settled in Harrison county, Indiana. He was a blacksmith by trade but always followed farming in this country. They were Catholics in their religious life. Joseph, who is the seventh of ten children, was three years old when his parents came to Wood township, Clark county. They settled on the place where the subject now lives. John Adam Rosenberger died on this place October 5, 1890. The country roundabout was very wild when they came here, mostly all in timber, which necessitated the clearing off of all their land. There was much wild game and animals here then. The farm of the subject once lay in the great peach belt, but principally small fruits are raised on it now.

The mother of our subject was born in the same part of Germany that her husband came from, her birth having occurred in i8i i. She came to America with her husband, as already indicated, and she passed to her rest Maixh 30, 1 89 1.

Joseph Rosenberger's education was obtained principally in the subscription schools, taught in log houses of the early days. He has been a hard work-, ing farmer all his life and he has prospered by reason of his close application to his work and his careful management, having always worked on the old home place, where his father settled. His farm is under a high state of cultivation, well fenced and carefully kept in every respect and it yields abundant crops. He is quite a grower of small fruits on the "knobs." He has a very comfortable home in section 14, four miles from Borden.

Mr. Rosenberger was united in marriage in 1873, to Frances Huber, who was born November i, 1852, in \\'ood township, the daughter of Ignatius Huber, who was born in 1824, in Baden, Germany. He was three years old when he came to the United States, and he devoted his life to farming. Mrs. Rosenberarer's mother's name in her maidenhood was Anna Marv Ast, who was born in Bairn, Germany, about 1824, and died in 1894. Her father died in 1885. The subject's wife is the second child of a family of seven children. The following children have been born to Mr. and ]\Irs. Joseph Rosenberger: John \\'illiam, the oldest child, married Rosa Youcom. and they are the parents of three children and live in \^'ood township ; Anna Mary, born September 9, 1877, is single; Mary Elizabeth, born September 5. 1879, married Herman Faska, to whom three children have been born, and they are living in Floyd county; Phillomina, born September 15, 1881, died in infancy, September 3, 1882; Mary Katherine, born July 17. 1885, died October 4. 1886; Clara F., born October 22, 1887, is still a member of the home circle; Mary Rosina, born September 24, 1890, lives at home; John Edward, born June 9, 1894.

Persistance and courage in the face of difficulties are necessary factors to success, and energy and determination must lend their aid if one would succeed in the face of competition and gain prosperity in this age of feverish activitv, when all are striving for the same goal. Realizing this fact our sub- ject early in life determined upon a career which has brought ultimate success early and won for him the esteem of a wide circle of acquaintances in Clark county.

Claude Burton McBride first saw the light of day March 19, 1883, three miles north of Jeffersonville. He is the son of Isaac and Emma (Hale) Mc- Bride, the former the son of John McBride, also natives of Clark county, in fact, this county has been the home of the INIcBrides for manv generations and few families have been more closely identified with its growth than this one, for we find that one, Isaac ]\IcBride, the subject's great-grandfather, came to this county in the early pioneer days from Pennsylvania, locating near Henrvville. He was a very active Presbyterian and did a most commendable work religiously in the early settlement here. He had a brother who distinguished himself as a scout in Gen. George Rogers Clark's expedition against Fort Vincennes. John grandfather of our subject, was one of the few men of that day who was interested in a county public school system and rode to Charlestown on horseback to cast his vote in favor of the project at the time the election for Clark county was held at that place for the establishment of free public schools in Indiana.

Emma Hale was the daughter of Isaac Hale, who came to Clark county from the New England states and worked on the Ohio river as a deck hand for some time, later turning his attention to farming and was cjuite successful, developing an excellent farm by hard work and good management for he was poor when a boy and was compelled to help support a widowed mother.

Claude Burton McBride grew up on the old Hale homestead, where he was born, assisting with the work about the place, attending the McBride school in the meantime, later taking a course in Borden College, where he made a very commendable record, fitting himself for a teacher, which line of work he had long desired to follow, consequently soon after completing his education in the local schools he began teaching, and so constant was his progress that in September, 1908, he was appointed to the responsible position of principal of the Ohio Falls school, which place he filled with much credit to himself, and the entire satisfaction to both pupil and patron, giving every evidence of a well educated instructor and possessing the many other pre-requisites for this line of work, and showing that a future in the same awaited him with signal results.

Mr. ]\IcBride in his fraternal relations is a member of Tabor Lodge. Xo. 92, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, also Hope Lodge, Knights of Pythias : and Jefterson Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, in all of which he takes an abiding interest. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, having adhered to the faith of a long line of ancestors. Politically he is a Democrat and takes an active part in local affairs. He is a prepossessing, gentlemanlv young man and is popular in his community.

Clark cuunty, Indiana, has been and is signally favijred in the class of the professional men that have added to its prestige in all lines and in this connection Dr. O. Robert Hauss demands representation, and stands admittedly in the front rank of her medical practitioners, being known also as a public-spiriteil man of high ideals and unswerving integrity, so that he naturally has won the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

Doctor Hauss was born September 22, 1864, in Liberty, Union county, Indiana, the son of Carl Frederick and Anna Marie Hauss, who emigrated to America from Germany in 1852. They were people of honor and sterling worth, and reared their children in a wholesome atmosphere, there being nine in number, of whom our subject was the youngest in order of birth. He received his early education in the public schools of Brownsville and Liberty, and selecting medicine as his life work matriculated in the Eclectic Medical Institute in 1885, and graduated with honors three years later. In addition to this he took a two years" clinical course of instructions in the Cincinnati Hospital, and a special private course under the late Professor jMcDemiott, an eminent oculist and aurist, at that time a member of the faculty of the Pulte-Homeopathic ^Medical College. Thus being so well prepared for his chosen field of endeavor it is no wonder that eminent success should attend his efforts, and that he has taken first rank amon.g the medical men in the southern part of Indiana, a locality long noted for the high order of its medical talent. The doctor located in Sellersburg immediately after graduation, succeeding his brother, Dr. A. P. Hauss, who removed to New Albany. His success was instantaneous and his practice soon extended over a wide range of country. To meet the demands of his surgical work the doctor established a private hospital in 1898. Although a building of nine rooms and well euipped, it is inadequate and a much larger building is under consideration.

An interesting chapter in the life record of Doctor Hauss is that bearing on his domestic relations, which dates from October 10, 1888, when he was united in the bonds of wedlock with Frances E. Hall, a representative of a well known family at Brownsville, Indiana. This imion has resulted in the birth of five children, four of whom sur^-ive, namely : Robert, who is at present fourteen years of age; Frances, twelve; Mildred, ten, and Russell, eight.

Doctor Hauss has for many years been prominently connected with the Indiana Eclectic Medical Association and was president of this organization in 1905. He is also a member of the National Eclectic Medical Association, and is a special contributor to some of the leading publications of the Eclectic School of Medicine.

During 1898 he was made a member of the board of trustees of Moore's Hill College and has served in this capacity to the present time. He receiv»d the degree of Master of Arts from this institution in 1901. He is an official member of the Methodist Episcopal church, a Mason, and a member of the Eastern Star and a state director of the Indiana Children's Society. He is justly proud of being an honorary member of Jeffersonville Post. No. 86, Department of Indiana Grand Army of the Republic. In all of the above organizations and associations. Doctor Hauss takes an abiding and active interest and he makes his influence felt in all of them. In temperament the doctor is artistic and appreciates the beautiful in music, nature and art. He is proficient ill music and devotes as much attention to it as his many exacting duties will permit. He is congenial, affable and public spirited, and his attractive home is always a place of hospitality and good cheer, where numerous friends of the doctor and his estimable wife frequently gather.

Peter P. Renn

Among the stury German element who have done so much toward the development of Clark county, none deserve more credit than the Renn family for members of the same have labored here since the days of the wilderness, the first member of the family to migrate hither being Peter Renn, Sr., who was one of the first settlers of this part of the county, in the vicinity of Sellersburg, there being only three or four settlers in Carr township when he located here in the midst of the heavily timbered land, which he set about at once to clear and make a home. Indians still roamed the forest depths and much wild game could be found. New Albany and Louisville were the only trading" points then, and oxen were used principally in farm work. His son, Peter Renn, father of our subject, assisted in clearing the land, engaging in general farming. He was also one of the first store keepers in St. Joe, becoming known as one of the leading Germans in the county. He was born in Germany and came to the United States in about 1838, having hailed from the famous Rhine country. The voyage to America consumed thirty-seven days. He was married in the Fatherland before coming to the United States. He was educated in that country. He was a devout Cathc^lic and one of the men who started the movement to build the St. Joseph Hill Catholic church ; although interested in worthy movements for the general good, he was not a public man. His death occurred in Clark county, in 1893.

The mother of our subject was known in her maidenhood as Mary Smith, also a native of Germany, where she was birn in 181 1, and she passed away at the age of fifty-six years. Two children were born to the parents of the subject while living in Germany and three while they were residents of the United States, Peter P., of this review, having been born in McKeesport,

Pennsylvania. December 17. 1840, and he came to Clark county with his parents when one year old. It fell to his lot to assist in improving the farm here, consequently he had little chance to attend school, however, he got what education he could in the common schools. He began life for himself in 1S62, when he began farming of his own accord, and he has devoted his attention since that time exclusively to agricultural pursuits, now owning the old Prather farm, in section 128. Although this is one of the oldest famis in this localitv, it is still a ver}- valuable one, owing to the systematic management of the subject, and it produces excellent crops from year to year. Mr. Renn has a beautiful home surrounded by attractive lawns, trees, etc., at St. Joe.

The married life of Mr. Renn dates from February 2, 1862, when he was united in the bonds of wedlock with Barbara Schafer, daughter of Jacob and Magdalene Schafer. She was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1842. Her people were also early pioneers in Clark county, Indiana. Mrs. Renn passed to her rest in 1899, after becoming the mother of the following children : Peter, deceased; Matthew M., who is chief engineer at the Louisville & Nashville shops in Louisville, Kentucky ; Joseph, who is a member of the priesthood ; Jacob, Benjamin, George, Annie, John F. and Francis X.

Peter P. Renn is a member of the Catholic church at St. Jce. His life is exemplary in ever}- respect and he has ever supp irted those measures which are calculated to uplift and benefit humanity, and his life work has been a success, owing to hard work and good haljits. In politics he is a Democrat.

David S. Cook

There are few industries more important, especially in connection with the building trades than the manufacture of cement, whose expansion in this country is of recent origin and has been on a gigantic scale. The men who have developed it deserve especial credit as part of the force behind the wonderful growth of the United States, as the work requires expert knowledge and all the qualities which make men valuable in the mechanical arts. In this line it is no more than his just due to say that David S. Cook has made a record that is creditable to himself and achieved results of great value to his employers as well as the community where he has lived so long and to which he has devoted his energies and best abilities. He is of Scotch origin, his parents, \\'illiam and ^Margaret Cook, having been natives of the land made famous by Burns and Scott. They married in Scotland, emigrated to America in 1852 and after spending a few years in New York removed to Chillicothe, Ohio. They made their home in this historic city until some time after the Civil war. when thev located in Louisville. Kentucky, for permanent abode.

David S. Cook, son of this worthy couple, was bom during their residence at ChilHcothe, Febniary 9, 1857, and received his education in the 'public schools of Louisville. \\"hen fourteen years old he secured employment with the Louisville Cement Compan}' and here he obtained his first experience in the line of business which was destined to prove his life work. During the ten or twelve years following his apprenticeship, he was connected with various plants and by taking advantage of his opportunities to learn, advanced rapidly in knowledge concerning every feature of cement manufacture. In the fall of 1883 he temporarily abandoned his chosen calling and spent two years as a locomotive engineer on the Texas & St. Louis Railroad. He soon longed for his old occupation, however, and in the fall of 1885 returned to Indiana to accept a position as superintendent of the Speed Cement jNIill located ten miles north of Louisville, on the Pennsylvania Railroad, at Speed Station. \Mien Mr. Cook took charge of this mill the capacity was about three hundred barrels of natural hydraulic cement per day, but largely through his instrumentality and energetic supervision, this plant has been made the largest of its kind in the United States, ^^'hen it was found that Portland cement could be manufactured in this country, he immediately began experimenting on the new material and in 1905 entered upon the erection of the Speed Portland cement plant at Speeds. This mill, strictly modern and up-to-date, is at the present time manufacturing two thousand barrels per flay and this product has gained wide notoriety throughout the central states as the celebrated Speed brand of Portland cement. Air. Cook is a fine sample of the American mechanic, to whom the great Republic owes so much of its rapid progress and prosperity. He is entirely self-educated, owing little or nothing to schools, but much to home study, systematically and wisely directed. Beginning in poverty, at the very bottom of the ladder, with no reliance but his own brains, hands and character, he has gained all his promotions by merit and ability. L'nassuming in manner, quiet and courteous in demeanor, he has the facility of making friends and thus enjoys the loyal co-operation of the large force of men who work under his direction.

In 1879 Mr. Cook was married to Ruth, daughter of Samuel Hinton, a native of Indiana, and from this union resulted four children : Hany W., David, Jesse and Scott, The eldest, who gave promise of future usefulness, died in 1902 while in his senior year at Purdue University. David L. and Jesse C. are both students at Purdue L'niversity and by their application to their tasks and their general bearing give assurance of eventually becoming useful men. Mr. Cook is domestic in his tastes, proud of his boys and fond of his family, to which he devotes most of his leisure and in whose company he finds his chief enjoyment. As a citizen he is interested in progress and entertains high ideals concerning those things which most benefit a community. His hig-hest ambition is to aid in elevating the moral tone and advancing ecUicatiDiial movements of all kinds. As a result cif this his name is always mentioned in connection with all kinds of gatherings of social importance in Silver Creek tuwnship, where he has made his residence for many years.

About the year 1838 the Tattle family left their home at Rochester, New York, and came to Clark county, settling in the vicinity of Memphis. About the same time the Meloys came in from the northwestern part of Pennsylvania and found a location near Charlestown. ^\'illiam H. ]\Ieloy and Emily C. Tuttle, children of these respective families, were each about two years old when their parents remo\-ed to this section, grew up as neighbors and on reaching maturity were married. Shortly afterward they went to Marshall county, Indiana, and established a home near Plymouth, but in January. 1870, returned to the neighborhood of Memphis and spent the next four years in that part of Clark county. In 1874 they removed to Lexington, the old county seat of Scott county, and remained in that section until 1884.

John Morton Meloy, son of this couple, was born near Plymouth, Indiana, August 30, 1862, and was a little over seven years old when his parents returned to Clark county. His primary education was obtained during the residence in Scott county, where there were good public schools and a normal in summer. In the spring of 1884 he went to Illinois and worked on a farm until October, when he entered the Central Normal School at Danville, Indiana, and spent a year and a half in that institution. He then taught a few years in the Clark county schools and in January, 1889, became a student in the Kentucky School of Medicine at Louisville, from which he was graduated with the class of June, 1890. The following fall he took a course of instruction at the Louisville University and on January 6, 1891, began the practice at Sellersburg. With the exception of about four months. Doctor Meloy has been secretary of the Sellersburg Board of Health ever since the town government was organized over eighteen years ago. During President's McKinley's administration he was appointed a member of the Pension Board of Examining Surgeons, and has held this position continuously for twelve years. During this period he has held membership of the Sellersburg School Board and been one of the active spirits in forwarding the cause of education. He is medical examiner for a large number of life insurance companies and local surgeon for the Louisville & Northern Railway and Lighting Company. He is a member of Buckner Lodge, No. 631, Free and Accepted ^lasons, Sellersburg Lodge, No. 702, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Knights of Pythias and Camp No. 3269, Modern Woodmen. Doctor Meloy is popular, both as a

In October, 1889. Doctor JNIeloy was united in marriage with Ella O., daughter of Jacob C. Nichols, former citizen of Charlestown and brother of the late Doctor Nichols, of Sellersburg. Their children are as follows : Helen J., Hazel F., Mollis A.. Hnrtense E., Lorene M. and Hugh O., all born in Sellersburg except Helen J., whose place of birth was on a farm in Union township.

Proximity and easy access caused the Indiana Territory to gain many recruits in pioneer times from the older state of Kentucky. Men by thousands crossed the river to enter the new and fertile lands lying north and thus it came about that Southern Indiana was extensively settled by families which had tarried awhile in "the daughter of Virginia," but became restless and eventually pressed their fortunes across the border. It was in an early day in the history of Clark county when the Reynolds family found a location in Union township and joined their confreres in helping to subdue the wilderness. At that time all was wild, the primeval forests covering all the land that stretched from the Ohio river hundreds of miles toward the Great Lakes. The story of the conquest of this region has often been told and the stirring incidents formed the most fascinating features of the historj' of Indiana. Every newcomer added his mite to the general movement and shares the glory which prosperity has been willing to accord to that great army of conquest known as "early pioneers." The original Reynolds family left a son by the name of James Madison Reynolds, who married Catherine Smith, who came with her parents from England when she was a small child. To their union we are indebted for the popular physician and politician who constitutes the subject of this sketch.

James Madison Reynolds, Jr., was born on his father's homestead, in Union township, Clark county, Indiana, February 22, 1855. His early experiences were those of a farm boy, with its hardships, its struggles and endless work which, though trying at the time was always afterwards recognized as an excellent training for life. He learnetl the valuable lesson of self-discipline, learned also that work was honorable as well as beneficial and laid the foundations which enabled him to become a useful man in after life. The common schools of those days were not all that might be desired, but such as they were }'oung Reynolds availed himself of them andobtaineda fair education in the fundamental "three R"s." He was an ambitious boy, however, and by no means content to stop with the acc|uisitions of the district schools. By graduation from the high schools at Salem he was qualified to enter the profession of teaching and spent in this occupation several years, which proved valuable as an educator, besides giving him funds for future expenses. His ambition, formed at an early age, was to become a physician, and even while teaching he was preparing himself for this noble calling. In 1874 he entered the Louisville University, and two years later was the proud possessor of a degree, granted by the Medical College of Ohio at Cincinnati. Locating at Memphis he entered immediately into practice, but in 1884 attended the Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York, from which he was graduated in the spring of 1885. Returning to Memphis he resumed practice and has continued the same up to the present time. He has been successful and is recognized as one of the leading physicians of his part of the county. Li 1890 Doctor Reynolds was appointed a member of the Board of Pension Exanimers, at Charlestown, and sers'ed in this capacity for four years. Meantime he had been elected Township Trustee and devoted four years of his time to the duties of that office. In 1894 Doctor Reynolds was nominated as a candidate for Joint Representative from the counties of Clark, Scott and Jennings, on the Republican ticket. This district had usually been overwhelmingly Democratic, but it was a year of Republican tidal waves all over the country and Doctor Reynolds got the benefit of being sent to Legislature by a substantial majority. In 1900 he was again elected Trustee of Union township, and, owing to Legislative extension of the term served five years. In this important office he gave satisfaction, transacting its duties in such a way as to disarm criticism.

In 1874 Doctor Reynolds married Matilda A., daughter of Eden Coombs, Sr. He has long been a member of the Christian church and for fifteen years has served as one of its trustees. As a physician he keeps abreast of the times, holding membership in the Clark County Medical Society and the Indiana and the American Medical Associations. His fraternal relations are confined to membership in the order of the Modern Woodmen of America.

Joseph C. Morgan

The subject of this sketch is deserving of mention in this work, if for no other reason, because of the valiant service of three years he rendered his country during the internecine strife of the early sixties. Joseph C. Morgan was born in Laporte county, Indiana, November 20, 1S43, ^^^^ ^O" ^f Luther L. and Betsy (Hough) Morgan, the former having been born March I. 1809, in the old Nutmeg state (Connecticut), having come to the state of Indiana about 1836, following the carpenter's trade here for a period of about seven years, when he went to Michigan and engaged in farming, also worked at his trade there. dyinsJ- in that state in April. 1862. Betsy Hmigh. motlier of tlie subject, was born in 1S06 in Otsego countv. New York. Her wedding with Mr. Morgan occurred in ^tlichigan in Alarch, 1835, and to this union four children were born, three boys and one girl, all deceased except Joseph C, of this review. Mrs. Luther L. Morgan passed awav Septemljer 16, 1881.

Joseph C. Alorgan received his early education in the common schools of jMichigan, assisting with the work at home in the meantime, never leaving his parental roof-tree until the breaking out of the war between the states, when his patriotism prompted him to enlist in the Union army, on August 7, 1862, in Company H, Xineteenth ^Michigan Infantrv, and he was on detached service most of his enlistment of three years. He was a clerk in the cjuarter-master's department part of the time, and later he was sent to Chicago, where he did guard duty. An older brother enlisted in the same regiment with Joseph C, and was killed in 1863 at the battle of Spring Hill, Tennessee.

Upon being mustered out at the close of the war Mr. Murgan returned to Michigan and engaged in fanning. On May 20. 1873, he was united in marriage, in the city of Grand Rapids, to Cornelia Doty, who was bom in 1854, in New York. After becoming the mother of one child, Mrs. Bertha McGee, now living in Battle Creek, Michigan, the subject's first wife passed to her rest in 1876, and Air. Morgan was again married, his last wife being Louisa Devoe, whom he married in Nebraska in the year 1883. They li\'ed in Nebraska for about twelve years, this union resulting in the birth of four children, an cfjual number of boys and girls, namely: Adelle, burn January 11, 1885; Ray, born Aug-ust 22, 1886; Ellis, born in 1888; Beda. b<irn in 1889. Air. Morgan's second wife was called to her rest in 1906.

Mr. Alorgan's life work has been successful for he has always been a hard worker. He learned the carpenter's trade when young and worked at it most of the time he spent in the W'est. But he has devoted his time to farming since coming toi Clark county, this state, some eight years agii. He lives on a farm in section 67, located on the interurban line, two miles from Sellersburg. He has built a very comfortable house and made many other substantial improvements on the place since coming here until it now ranks with the best farms of this township and he is reaping from year to year, excellent resultsfrom his toil.

Air. Alorgan took a great deal of interest in political affairs while living in Alichigan, but since his removal to Clark county he has not been active in political matters. He is a member of the Alethodist Episcopal church, and he has gained the respect of all whom he has met since casting his lot in this county.

Although a large number of foreign born citizens have located in Clark county, no class has done nearly so much in the general development of the same as has the Germans, who are among our best residents, being law-abiding. loyal and industrious. Belonging to this class is the gentleman whose life record is here briefly outlined.

Ferdinand Enders was born in Bavaria, Germany, in the year 1846, the son of August and Marthalene (Hedcer) Enders. spending their lives in the Fatherland, in fact, our subject was the only member of this family who ever came to the United States, he having made the trip in 1865. after receiving a common school training in his home country. He located in the city of Baltimore, Maryland, where he remained for a period of two years, then came to Clark county, Indiana, believing that greater opportunities were to be found in the Middle West than in the more effete East.

Although a proficient veterinary surgeon, having been trained in this work before leaving Germany, he never practiced it here. His father was also a veterinary surgeon, having practiced the same in the service of the German go\-ernment.

Mr. Enders says that Clark county was somewhat wild and undeveloped when he came here. He has spent his entire life since his advent in Clark county working in the cement mills, the first mill for the manufacture of cement having been established here about forty-one j'cars ago. He has thoroughly mastered this work and is one of the best authorities in this line that could be found in this country, and he has been eminently successful in the same. He is very ably serving as assistant superintendent of the Belknaps Cement Mills.

Ferdinand Enders was united in marriage in the year 1867. to Barbara Ehringer, who was born in Sellersburg. Indiana. I^Iarch. 1848. the daughter of John and Barbara (Popp) Ehringer. Mrs. Enders' father was an early pioneer in Clark county, having served for a period of three years in the German navy before coming to the Uuited States, having during that time visited the major portion of the civilized world and much wild country.

To Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand Enders the following children have been born : Mary, who is at this writing forty-one years old, married Christopher L. Apple, living at Hamburg. Indiana, and they are the parents of nine children ; Fred, thirty-eight years old, married Frances Capps. being the parents of two children and living at Hamburg; Annie, thirty-four years old, married \\'illiam Ried; they are the parents of five children and live at Belkrjaps; John, who was born in 1876, married Susan Stroble. and they live in Louisville, Kentucky, and are the parents of one child; Edith, who was born August 7, 1879, married James Talkington ; they are the parents of two children and live in Vansville, Indiana: Margru-ite, horn in 1882, married Horace Warfort, and they are living- in Cleveland, Ohio; Ferdinand, horn in 1886, married Teresa Liefelt; the_v live in Silver Creek township, this count)', and are the parents of one child: George, born in i88g, is living at home; one son of the subject is deceased, George T., who was born in 1873 and died when fifteen months old. Mr. Enders is quite a musician and plays a number of instruments in a manner that has delighted hundreds, and his pleasant home is often the gathering place for the many friends of the family who are entertained by Mr. Enders' playing. In politics he is a Democrat and has served his township as Trustee, also has held several other township offices, and is one of the most influential men in the township. He is a member of the Catholic church at St. Toe.

Porter C. Buttorff

Few of the captains of industry have achieved or deserved greater success than this energetic and progressive citizen of Jeffersonville. He belongs to the class who possess an intuiti\e msight into the problems underlying manufacturing on a large scale, and this, connected with a capacity for organizing, initiating new methods and utilizing the latest im]}rovements while applying all the economics, ha\'e made Mr. Fkittorff notable among the prosperous business men of the state. He has a natural capacity for large affairs, combined with unruft'led ])atience in working out details, which are prime factors in achieving results in any line of manufacturing. Porter C. Buttorff was born at Xaslnille, Tennessee, April 12, 1866, his parents being Henry \\. and IMary E. ( Nokes) Buttorff. Alter the usual course in the public schools of Nashville, young Buttorff decided to fit himself for the world of practical business, by obtaming an education tliat would qualify him best for a calling where profit is the sure result of skill. With this end in view he became a student at the celebrated Technical Institute at Worcester, Massachusetts, with a determination to become proficient in mechanical engineering. By close application and diligence, he accomplished his object and when he left the school walls he knew how to do something and to do it well. He spent two years in New York City, and being a close observer, learned much from what he saw and heard in that busy mart of finance and commerce. Returning to Nashville, he took charge of a blasting furnace and spent two years to great advantage in studying the processes of making iron. He next became junior member of the Phillips & Buttorff Manufacturing Company, at Nashville. makers of stoves, tinware, general wholesale hardware and house furnishings, in which lines they were both manufacturers and jobbers. Although his enterprises took him elsewhere Mr. Buttorff still remains a member of this prosperous concern at the Tennessee capital.

It was in the spring of 1901 that ^Ir. Buttorff transferred his activities to Southern Indiana, which was destined to be the scene of his future operations and his permanent home. He had been called to take up the responsible task of managing and superintending the complicated work of the Indiana Manufacturing Company and the Indiana Chain Works, in both of which he became a heavy stockholder. These establishments employ about five hundred men at the Indiana Reformatory, the first making cast-iron, stoves and hollowware, and the other manufacturing chains of all kinds. November 25, 1899, Mr. Buttorff was married to Cornelia Johnson, of Nashville, and they have two sons, Henry and Gordon. He holds fraternal relations with Clark Lodge, No. 40, Free and Accepted Masons, and the family enjoy an extensive acquaintance in the highest social circles of Jeffersonville and Louisville. They live in a beautiful home on the banks of the Ohio, enjoying a fine view up and down the great river, the residence being roomy, handsomely furnished and supplied with every modern convenience. ]\Ir. Bottorff's financial success has net spoiled him in the least. He is affable and approachable, of pleasing personality and popular with all who meet him, either socially or in business.

Aiaj. George Dallas Hand

Of the many soldiers furnished by the Keystone state to the army of the Union during the deadly struggles of the Civil war, none served more gallantly than the subject of this sketch. He belonged to an old and influential family from which he inherited patriotism and all those social courtesies of distinguished gentlemen of the old school. Dr. George Chew Hand, who was prominent as a physician in Philadelphia, was married in early manhood to Susan Taylor, an accomplished lady of the same city, and by this union there was a son, christened George Dallas, in honor of one of the country's foremost statesmen. George Dallas Hand was born at Allentown, Pennsylvania, and received a liberal education as he grew up. Through the influence of political friends his father secured him an appointment as cadet at the Annapolis Naval Academy, where he graduated with honors previous to the Civil war. He entered civil life but was not so engaged very long when the firing on Fort Sumpter electrified the country, and started a blaze that was only extinguished by the complete submission of the seceding states. Hastening to offer his services he was made captain of a company of the Lochiel Cavalry, recruited in Pennsylvania, but later was promoted to the rank of major of artillery in command at Fort Delaware, Pennsylvania.

In 1862 Major Hand married Mildred Cosby Lyon, a scion of one of the best known families of Jeffersonville, and a lady of many admirable qualities.

Her parents were Sidney S. and Honora Vincent L^-on, widely known in the social circles of the Falls Cities. Blanche Vincent Hand, the fruit of this union, married A. H. Simmons, of Louisville. ]\Iajor Hand died November 5, 1892. and since then his widow has resided with her sister in Jeffersonville. The latter, formerly Blanche Lyon, was married May 23, 1859, to William Wallace Caldwell, who afterwards became prominent both in military and civil life. He was born at Portsmouth. Ohio, August 3, 1834. a son of James Gordon and Sarah (Leonard) Caldwell, and was brought to Jeffersonville by his parents when still a boy. L'nusuallv ]3recoci(jus and ambitious he was appointed postmaster of Jeffersonville when twenty-one years of age. At the breaking out of the Civil war he raised Company D, of which he was elected captain and which became a part of the Twenty-third Indiana Infantry and kept them six weeks at his own expense. Later he recruited the Eighty-first Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, of wdiich he was appointed colonel by Governor Morton and for a time w^as acting brigadier-general. After the war he resided for a while at Lafayette, but later returned to Jeffersonville, and finally located at Indianapolis, where he was general agent for a number of fire insurance companies. After a retention of this place for ten years he removed to Chicago, and continued in the same line of employment there for nearly twenty years. Colonel Caldwell died in Chicago, November 2, 1891. By his marriage with Blanche Lyon he had three children, of whom Mildred D. died in Chicago at the age of seventeen years. William Lyon Caldwell, the only son, is a resident of Indianapolis. Jessie Caldwell, the surviving daughter, married M. J. Ries, (jf East London, South Africa, and is now residing with her husband in that remote country.

Joseph J. Hawes

A strong and courageous character that meets all life's duties and dangers with fortitude is Joseph J. Hawes, well known throughout Clark county as a popular official and in business circles as a successful manufacturer and merchant. This section was decidedly wild if not "woolly," when his grandfather, old Jason Hawes, left his home in New York and floated down the Ohio in 1824. Landing at Utica, he moved on to Washington county, but in a few years returned south and settled near Memphis. About the same time a family by the name of AIcGuire moved in from Alabama, and a friendship sprang up between the children of the two households, which resulted in the marriage of Isaac Hawes and Elizabeth McGuire. The former was born in New York, in 1809, was about fifteen years old when his parents reached Clark county. After his marriage he operated a saw mill at Memphis for twenty-two years

Joseph J. Hawes was born on his father's homestead, near Memphis, Indiana, in 1838. When about seventeen years of age he quit school to become a brakeman on the old New Albany & Salem Railroad, but after a year and a half in this work he went with the Louisville & Nashville Railroad in January, 1S59, in a similar capacity. About the beginning of 1861 he was promoted to the position of conductor on that road and continued in that line until 1879. He still has the "tra\-eling letters" used in those days instead of passes, as souvenirs of his railroad experience. After leaving the road he located on a farm and began manufacturing barrels and lumber at Blue Lick, but in 1887 removed his plant to Memphis. Here he branched out with several additions to his original enterprise, consisting of a saw mill, stave factory and planing mill, besides a creamery which he erected in 1890. He also conducted an extensive general merchandise business, employed the best men he could get for assistants and keeping his own accounts. He was postmaster at Blue Lick until 1887, and held the same office at Memphis until Cleveland's second term. Li 1884 he was elected Trustee of Union township on the Republican ticket and was re-nominated in 1886. Though the Democrats held no convention they placed Mr. Hawes" name on their ticket, realizing the uselessness of opposing one who had given such satisfaction in office. In 1880 Mr. Hawes made the race for Sheriff and though unsuccessful, ran four hundred and eighty-four votes ahead of his ticket in a strongly Democratic county. In 1894 he was re-nominated and elected and two 3'ears later was re-elected without canvassing or asking for the office. When his term expired, August 22, 1899, none of his official acts were questioned nor was the slightest explanation needed as to his manner of fulfilling the duties imposed upon him by the people. About that time he completed the building of his flouring mill at Memphis.