Clay County, Indiana - The whole text, 1909 (part 15 of 21)

Daniel Dunlavy was born in England, of French parentage, being the lineal descendant of a French Huguenot family. Emigrating to America at the time of the Revolution, he fought with the colonists for independence and at the close of the war settled as a farmer near Frank¬ fort. He subsequently lived for awhile in Indiana, and then went to Lebanon, Ohio, where his death occurred at the venerable age of ninetytwo years. He married, in Kentucky, Jennie Ygkam, who was born in Germany and died at the age of sixty-eight years. Born at Frankfort, Kentucky, April 11, 1806, Anthony Dunlavy was there brought up on a farm. Subsequently coming to Indiana, he located near Richmond, being a pioneer of that section, and there purchased a tract of government land. Later he sold that, taking in exchange a partially cleared farm near Williams Creek, where he resided a number of years. Selling out, he then removed to Wayne county, where in a very short time his death occurred. He married Sarah Benefield, who was born near Frankfort, Kentucky. She survived him nearly fifty years, dying at the home of her daughter in Van Buren township in the eighty-first year of her age. She reared but two children. Both Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Casteel were members of the United Brethren church, joining it when young. Mrs. Casteel, now living near Harmony, is hale and hearty, retaining her mental and physical vigor to a remarkable degree.

Robert Marion Casteel was eight years old when he came with his parents to Clay county. In the district school^ he obtained a practical education, and on the home farm became familiar with the various branches of agriculture. After his marriage he settled on a farm in the southwestern part of section sixteen, and there resided until 1886, when he purchased the farm on which he now resides. Mr. Casteel owns two hundred acres of land, one hundred and sixty acres of which constitute the homestead property. Here he has erected a fine set of buildings .and

On May 11, 1875, Mr. Casteel married Eliza Ann Pell, a daughter of William F. and Nancy (McMillan) Pell. Their only child, Bertha, is the wife of Morton Herbert. In politics Mr. Casteel is a stanch Demo¬ crat, and takes an active interest in state and local affairs. Since 1905 he has served as a member of the township council, an office to which he was at first appointed but afterwards elected. He has also been a member of the County Council.

Anderson Webster. - A representative of one of the earlier families to settle in Clay county and a farmer of wide experience and much ability, Anderson Webster, of Dick Johnson township, is surely entitled to honor¬ able mention in a work of this kind, the lives of himself and his more immediate ancestors being closely associated with the development and growth of this part of Indiana. Tradition tells us that two brothers named Webster came to America a century or more before the Revolu¬ tion and that one of them, who settled in New England, numbered among his descendants Noah Webster, the lexicographer, John, the scientist, and Daniel, the statesman. The other brother located in Virginia, where succeeding generations occupied the homestead which he improved.

Anderson Webster was born November 18, ( 1852, in Dick Johnson township, a son of Joshua Webster. His grandfather, Charles Webster, was, doubtless, born in Franklin county, Virginia. About 1828, with two of his brothers, Daniel and Reuben, he migrated to Indiana and located first in Parke county, later settling in Clay county, from the unbroken wilderness clearing the homestead on which he spent his remaining days.

Born in Franklin county, Virginia, about 1812, Joshua Webster was sixteen or more years of age when he came with his parents to Clay county. The country at that time was in its primeval wildness, and the land was mostly owned by the government. Entering a tract in section fifteen, Dick Johnson township, he soon built the log house in which the birth of his son Anderson occurred. It was rude of construction, having one door and one window. Game of all kinds abounded, wild turkeys then being as plentiful as barnyard fowls are now. There were then no con¬ venient markets, the people living on wild game and the productions of the land, and the energetic women of the household carded, spun and wove and made all of the clothing worn by the members thereof. Little do the people of these later generations realize the trials and hardships endured, the great ambition required, and the physical endurance demanded to secure the homes established by the brave pioneers for them¬ selves and their descendants. How well they succeeded in their efforts the broad expanse of cultivated fields and the large and productive orchards now occupying the place formerly covered by a dense forest, the commodious and even elegant residences that have superseded the log cabin, and the long trains of palace cars that are used for transportation in place of the wagon drawn by oxen or horses, are a strong testimony. In this wonderful transformation Joshua Webster took an active part, and- on the farm which he cleared and improved lived until his death, in June, 1880, at the age of sixty-eight years. His wife, whose maiden name was Marv Kerr, was born in Kentucky, a daughter of James Kerr.

Kerr made a trip to Parke county, and in Raccoon township entered a tract of government land. Returning to Kentucky, he remained there four years. In 1821 he brought his family to Indiana, assumed posses¬ sion of the land he had previously taken up and became one of the original settlers of Parke county. A man of sterling integrity and ability, he soon became influential and prominent in public affairs, and served as a representative to the state legislature. Clearing and improving a good homestead, he resided in Raccoon township until his death, at the vener¬ able age of eighty-five years. During the time he witnessed many won¬ derful transformations in the face of the country roundabout, and in its growth and development was an important factor.

Mrs. Mary (Kerr) Webster survived her husband, and with the assistance of her sons continued the improvements already inaugurated on the home farm, among other things erecting a substantial frame house in place of the primitive log cabin. She died in 1887, aged sixty-eight years. She bore her husband ten children, of whom one, Susan, died in childhood, and nine grew to years of maturity, namely : Mary E. ; John K. ; Sarah; James E. ; Arminda; Anderson; Fernando; and George M. and Joanna, twins. George M., who was well educated and for a number of years was engaged in teaching, died at the age of forty-eight years, in August, 1907. This death was the first among his family of brothers and sisters since that of little Susan, sixty-five years before.

Anderson Webster attended school in his youthful days, and assisted in the work of the farm from his boyhood. He was endowed by nature with much mechanical ability, and for four years worked at the carpen¬ ter's trade. Ingenious and inventive, he put his talents to good use, making many articles of value in the household, and has now in his home a handsome bookcase which gives evidence of his. skill. In it there are forty different kinds of wood, thirty-nine of which were grown in Clay county. With the exception of the four years spent in carpentering, Mr. Webster has devoted his time and energies to the care of his farm, which is located in Dick Johnson township, and in his free and independent occupation has met with well-merited success.

At the age of twenty-two years he married Arminda McMillen, who was born in Dick Johnson township, of thrifty Scotch ancestry, being a daughter of Michael and Sarah McMillen, early settlers of Clay county. Mr. and Mrs. Webster have one daughter, Nellie. They have had four children, namely: Clarence C., who died aged three years; Pearley E., who died aged fifteen months; Minnie Ethel, who married Franklin Bell and died leaving olie child, Carl; and Nellie, mentioned above. In their religious beliefs, Mr. and Mrs. Webster are liberal, and Mrs. Webster is an active member of the Universalist church. In politics Mr. WTebster is a Republican.

William E. Graeser is one of the largest property owners of Clay county and is one of its best known and most prominent citizens. He has served four years as the deputy assessor of Sugar Ridge township, for five years as its assessor, has served as a town clerk and on the town board and at the present time is a member of the advisory board of his township. At the time of his father's death he came into possession of considerable money, which he has invested in three hundred acres of land in Harrison, Jackson and Sugar Ridge townships, also in real estate in Brazil and Center Point and in government bonds.

Mr. Graeser is of German birth, born in Heidelberg, Germany, July 15, 1848, a son of Otto and Elizabeth (Fries) Graeser, and a grandson of William and Annie (Rens) Graeser and of Christian Adam and Louisa (Hadeus) Fries. His father died in Germany January 24, 1901, and his mother a number of years previously, January 15, 1891. Their son Will¬ iam received a college education in his native land, and during sixteen months he served in the Franco-Prussian war. Coming to America in 1873, he went from New York to St. Louis, Missouri, thence to Illinois, and some time later, on the 4th of July, 1878, arrived in Center Point, where he was first employed as a gardner and farmer, and his home has ever since been in this city.

Mr. Graeser was married on the 27th of August, 1881, to Barbara Giltz, who was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, July 3, 1850, a daughter of Ehrenrich and Catherine (Schuler) Giltz. They were born in Wurtemburg, Germany, and coming to America were married in Ohio, and from there came to Jackson township, Clay county, Indiana, about 1855. The two children born to Mr. and Mrs. Graeser are Elizabeth and Will¬ iam O. The daughter, born June 3, 1884, married Emery E. Schaffer, of Center Point. The son was born July 28, 1887, and since January of 1907 has served as the deputy auditor of Clay county. He married Floy Williams, who was born in Ashboro, Clay county, a daughter of Fred and Sarah (Tribble) Williams. Mr. Graeser gives his political allegiance to the Democratic party, and is a member of the Lutheran church.

Simon Brown, one of the leading agriculturists of Sugar Ridge town¬ ship, was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, February 22, 1850, a son of Christian F. and Elizabeth (Sheir) Brown, who were born in Germany, the father in Wurtemberg. They came in their early lives to the United States, and were married in Ohio, after which they farmed in Tuscara¬ was, Greene and other counties of that state until finally, in 1864, they came to Clay county, Indiana, and bought prairie land in Jackson town¬ ship, remaining there until their deaths, the father dying on the 6th of June, 1876, and the mother on the 26th of July, 1897.

Simon Brown, the seventh born of their eight children, five sons and three daughters, was with his parents on the farm in his early life with the exception of one year which he spent in Shelby county, Illinois, and after his marriage he rented land in Jackson township for two years. He then located on the eighty acres in section 19, Sugar Ridge township, where he is now living, and which belonged to his wife. Only eighteen acres of land had been cleared, but he has since cleared the remainder and placed the entire farm under an excellent state of cultivation and is engaged in diversified farming and stock raising. In 1888 he added eighteen and three-fourths acres to the boundaries of the farm, and just ten years afterward, in 1898, he bought fifty-rfour acres, twenty-nine acres lying in section 20 and the remainder in section 19.

He was married on the 30th of January, 1876, to Mary J. Morgan, who was born in Posey township of Clay county May 13, 1856, a daughter of John M. and Elizabeth (Wright) Morgan, the former born in Henry county, Kentucky, and the latter in Jackson township, Clay county, Indiana. They have had three children, Ira A., Harry E., and one who died in infancy. Ira A., born January 11, 1878, is at home, and Harry E., born January 7, 1882, is employed on the Erie & Terre Haute Railroad and resides in Evansville, Indiana. Mr. Brown upholds the

John Frump. - On January 29, 1908, John Frump, of Bowling Green, Clay county, celebrated his eighty-sixth birthday in his spacious and beautiful country residence, which is almost literally the work of his hands, and, as such, is strikingly illustrative of his independent, sturdy, determined and unique character. Thirty-two years before he had burned the brick for the house on his own farm, cut the timber and had the lumber sawed which was to enter into the construction of his home, and to the minutest detail saw to it that the material was sound and the build¬ ing was honest. As it stands to-day, with its neat sandstone trimmings and its substantial appearance, an acre of velvet lawn, graceful shade trees and pretty flower beds for a frame, the homestead is a symbol of the industrious, solid, bright and mellow old gentleman, whose hard¬ working, venturesome and useful life has been crowned by the admira¬ tion and affection of his associates. At the age when many men are huddled in a corner, mumbling absently of the past, John Frump is actively alive to the present, tending his flowers with loving care, driving briskly over the country in his rounds of relatives and friends, or sitting at his desk and writing letters of friendship or business with the same clear-cut and bold hand which adorns the books of the county treasurer of more than forty years ago ; and this latter accomplished without glasses ! In alluding to this unusual retention of physical and mental strength a close friend gives the following gentle touch to his character: "As a memorist he is phenomenally endowed, his retentiveness so acute that he recites readily without reference or prompting, declamations committed in his schoolboy days more than seventy years ago. It is an unusual spectacle to see a man of eighty-six years repairing to the village or rural school house, in response to an invitation to recite for the entertainment and edification of the children, which Mr. Frump frequently does. When but ten or twelve years of age, when he began reading in the old English reader, -then the only reader in the public schools of the west, he com¬ mitted a somewhat lengthy composition entitled 'An Address to the Young/ which he delivers to schools and parties at this time with apparently as much avidity and delight as in the days of his youth. 'At no time/ says Mr. Frump, 'during the lapse of more than seventy years since I memorized this address have I ever been in any way embarrassed or at any loss to reproduce and declaim it word for word/ In his retire¬ ment from the activities of farm life Mr. Frump devotes his time to reading and floriculture, his flower gardens being the admiration and envy of all passers-by/'

This fine old pioneer of Clay county is a native of Highland county, Ohio, born near Hillsboro or^the 29th of January, 1822, just twenty years prior to the birth of William H. McKinley. His parents were John and Mary Ann (Crabb) Frump, natives respectively of Delaware and Ohio. In 1835, when he was but thirteen years of age, the family came to Clay county and located on -an eighty-acre farm in Posey township near the present site of Brazil. There the mother died in 1849, her husband sur¬ viving her until 1867, when he passed away at the age of seventy-six years. Both were buried in the Hill cemetery, Brazil. Eight children were born to them, of whom two sons and two daughters are living, John Frump being the eldest of the family.

When Mr. Frump came to Clay county seventy-three years ago the family located in a forest well stocked with deer, wild cats and wolves, and the father, with his assistance and the help of everyone to the limit of his capacity, commenced the erection of a log house and the clearing of the eighty acres which was to constitute the farm. Their supplies were hauled from the vicinity of Terre Haute. At the age of seventeen his father gave him his "freedom," but a search for work among the farmers of the neighborhood indicated that there were neither surplus labor nor funds in circulation, so with three other young men the fortune-seeker walked to a locality in Vigo county near Fort Harrison. They tramped along all day without anything to eat but frozen turnips, and at night- John Frump stopped with a farmer named David Sassene, who hired the grateful youth at ten dollars per month. Mr. Frump remained thus employed for about two years, but during this period (in the spring of 1842) made a trip to New Orleans with his employer, their mode of con¬ veyance being by a flat boat down the Ohio and Mississippi. Upon his return to Clay county he traded in stock, split rails and otherwise busied himself for about three years. In 1845 lle entered forty acres of land in Dick Johnson township, paying for it in stock at the rate of two dollars per acre. Later he purchased eighty acres in Van Buren township, for which he paid two horses and the remainder in cash - the latter being earned by splitting rails at twenty-five cents per hundred and cutting cordwood at twenty cents per cord. Having paid for his eighty acres, he added a "forty" through much the same process. As illustrating the advance in land values in about twenty years, it may be stated that in 1868 Mr. Frump sold forty acres of his farm at one hundred dollars per acre. In the same year he bought four hundred and forty acres in sec¬ tions 25, 30 and 36, Washington township, which comprised his present homestead of two hundred and eighty acres. About five acres of the farm he transformed into an orchard, which bears a variety of fruit, and in 1876 he erected his present residence of eleven rooms, constructed of home-made brick, with sandstone trimmings and pronounced the finest house of the kind in Washington township.

During the earlier years of his residence in Clay county Mr. Frump was an active Democrat and held many offices, both because of his popu¬ larity and real ability. He cast his first vote for James K. Polk in the fall of 1844 ; held the offices of constable and trustee of Van Buren township (the latter for ten years) and served as county treasurer of Clay county from September, 1865, to September, 1869. In all these offices he was a model of precision, faithfulness, honor and general efficiency. He is still a Democrat, but for many years has taken no active part in politics. His identification with the Christian church, on the other hand, is as earnest and steadfast as ever. At the organization of the church at Bowling Green, in the late 'sixties, he became an elder, and continued to hold the office for about seven years. He is now a member of the Washington township church at Bellair.

In March, 1848, Mr. Frump wedded Miss Betsy Jane Matthews, daughter of William and Susan (Storm) Matthews, of Parke county, Indiana. The father was a native of Tennessee and the mother of Ohio, and they were married in Parke county. Afterward they spent some time in western Illinois, and returned to Bowling Green, where they died and were buried. Mrs. Matthews spent her last days at the home of Mr. Frump. John Frump has become the father of five sons and six daugh- ters. Laura became the wife of M. B. Crist, of Morgan county, Indiana. Alice married Elias Kilmer, of Clay City, who was clerk of the circuit court at the time the county seat was removed to Brazil. After his death his widow married Joseph Lind, of Terre Haute, who died, the mother of three children. William M. Frump, another child, is now a resident of Bowling Green; M. B. Frump is of Washington township; Ben Franklin Frump, of Jasonville, Indiana; B. D. Frump, also of Washington town¬ ship ; Alma, wife of Bud Chapman, now deceased ; Rosilla F., deceased ; and Mary C., wife of John W. Knipe, who lives with her father. The venerable and revered mother of this family died September n, 1901, aged seventy-five years and five months. Mr. Frump has been blessed with thirty-nine grandchildren, of whom thirty-one are living, and with seventeen great-grandchildren, of whom thirteen are alive. These rising and honorable representatives of his own flesh and blood are the inspira¬ tion and the solace of his passing years, and in the younger generations he lives his earlier life anew. Thus his old age is lightened of its burdens, and is kept fresh and green.

William Francis Webster. - Prominent among the native-born citizens of Dick Johnson township is William Francis Webster, who is the worthy representative of a family that for four-score years has been actively identified with the agricultural prosperity and progress of Clay county, his grandfather, Daniel Webster, having located in this part of the state in 1829. Mr. Webster was born in this township January 4, 1863, a son of John Lewis Webster, of colonial ancestry. Tradition tells 11s that two brothers named Webster came to America a century or more before the Revolution, and that one of them, who settled in New Eng¬ land, numbered among his descendants Noah Webster, the lexicographer; John, the scientist; and Daniel, the statesman. The other brother located in Virginia, where succeeding generations occupied the homestead which he improved.

In 1829 Daniel Webster came from Virginia to Indiana, entered government land in Dick Johnson township, and on the farm which he reclaimed from the wilderness he and his wife, whose maiden name was Rhoda Arthur, spent the remainder of their lives.

A native of Virginia, John Lewis Webster was born October 9, 1823, in Franklin county. At the age of six years he came with the family to Dick Johnson township, and was here brought up. He remained beneath the parental roof-tree until attaining his majority, assisting his father in the pioneer labor of clearing and improving a homestead. For a number of years after he was engaged in the manufacture of shingles, subsequently, in 1867, going to Brazil, where for six years he was engaged in the lumber business. Going then to Indianapolis, he was there a real estate dealer and agent until 1879. Returning to Dick John¬ son township, he then bought land in section twelve, and after living there a few seasons sold and bought the farm now owned and occupied by William F. Webster, his son. Here he carried on general farming until his death, July 6, 1897. He married first Fanny Brenton, who bore him ten children. His second wife, the mother of the subject of this brief sketch, was before marriage Martha Malissa Deupree. She was born April 17, 1834, in Johnson county, Indiana, near Franklin, and as a young woman taught school a few terms. Her ancestors for a number of genera¬ tions resided in Virginia, where her father, Joseph W. Deupree, was born

December 22, 1809: her grandfather, Thomas Deupree, June 12, 1786; and her great-grandfather, William Deupree, July 7, 1759. The latter, who was of French Huguenot descent, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and a life-long resident of his native state, dying there June 16, 1854. His wife, whose maiden name was Amy Pettes, was born in August, 1761, in Virginia. Thomas Deupree, also a life-long resident of Virginia, died June 15, 1825. He married Martha Flatchitt, who was born March 15, l79°y and who survived him, after his death coming to Indiana to live with her children and dying in Johnson county December 20, 1865. Joseph W. Deupree settled in Johnson county, Indiana, in 1833, and from the heavily timbered tract of land which he bought hewed the farm on which he resided several years. Going then to Davis county, Iowa, he carried on farming until ready to retire from active pursuits, when he settled in Bloomfield, that county, where his death occurred January 21, 1878. He first married Sally Ann Nichel, who was born September 29, 1816, and died August 26, 1834, when her daughter Martha Malissa was an infant. He married second Mary J. McAlpine, by whom he had seven children. The wife of John Lewis Webster died February 18, 1895.

Having completed his early studies in the district schools of Brazil, William F. Webster attended the public schools of Indianapolis for awhile. He was but sixteen years old when his parents returned to Dick Johnson township, and he has been a resident of the township since that time and of the place he now owns since 1889. He has in his possession the parch¬ ment deed of his farm given by the government to Simon Archer, the original owner, and also has Mr. Archer's tax receipt, bearing the date 1828, Samuel Rigley, collector. As an agriculturist, Mr. Webster has met with excellent success, and has made improvements of much value. Very soon after moving on to the farm he erected a good frame house, which in 1904 he remodeled, putting in all modern equipments.

On August 4, 1887, Mr. Webster married Frances Alice Alma Har¬ desty, who was born in this township, a daughter of William Hardesty. Born in Kentucky, W'illiam Hardesty came when a young man to Indiana, and for awhile lived in Putnam county. Subsequently taking up his resi¬ dence in Dick Johnson township, he was here employed in tilling the soil until his death, in 1884. He married Charlotte Akers, whose father, Luke Akers, left his native place, Franklin county, Virginia, in 1828, and with his wife and two children came across the country with a pair of horses and a wagon to Indiana. Taking up land in Dick Johnson township, on section fifteen, he built from round logs a cabin in which the family lived for some time. Later he built a double house of hewed logs, and to this he subsequently put on a frame addition, and in it spent his remaining days, dying February 7, 1858, aged fifty-seven years. He married Jane Webster, a daughter of Daniel and Rhoda (Arthur) Webster, and she survived him, passing away March 16, 1872, aged seventy yeaijs. Mrs. Charlotte (Akers) Hardesty survived her husband many years, dying March 27, 1907. Mr. and Mrs. Webster are the parents of three chil¬ dren, namely: Edwin Arthur, born October 4, 1890; Marcus Harold, born September 3, 1895; and Virgil Milton, born December 27, 1899. In Mav, 1908, Mr. Webster received the Prohibition nomination for sheriff of Clay county.

synonym for enterprise and reliability. He whose name introduces this review is now successfully conducting the business under the old firm style of J. M. Gonter & Company. Born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, on the 30th of July, 1851, he is a son of Jacob M. and Mary (Sommers) Gonter. The paternal grandfather, Jacob Gonter, was a native of Penn¬ sylvania and removed to Tuscarawas county, Ohio, at a very early period in the development of that section of the state, casting in his lot with the pioneer settlers who were extending the frontier and reclaiming a wild region for the purposes of civilization. He cleared and developed a farm, devoting his life to general agricultural pursuits and while thus engaged shared in all of the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life. At an early day he traveled through the woods for ninety miles, blazing his way to Zanesville, Ohio, to get salt. There were still many evidences of Indian occupancy in that locality and it required a brave, determined and courageous spirit to face the conditions that existed and to undergo the hardships entailed by reason of the remoteness from centers of civili¬ zation where the necessaries and comforts of life could be easily secured. He bore his full share in the improvement of his locality and lived to the ripe old age of seventy-five years.

The father, Jacob M. Gonter, a native of Ohio, born in 1822, spent his younger years in the state of his nativity and followed carpentering and farming. In the spring of 1857 he removed to Indiana, settling in Brazil, where he became a contractor and farmer. He built the Clay Hotel for Dr. Lebo and also the residence now occupied by W. A. Knight. He also erected many other prominent buildings of the city and the sur¬ rounding district and was a leading representative of industrial interests in Brazil. His political allegiance was given to the Whig party and in early life he was a member of the Lutheran church but a change in his religious views led him to identify himself later with the Methodist Epis¬ copal church. At all times he was an earnest Christian man, actuated by stalwart devotion to whatever he believed to be right. His death occurred in 1894. He had long survived his first wife, the mother of our subject, who died in 1857. They were married in Ohio and unto them were born four children, of whom three are now living : Eliza, the widow of Martin Raididon ; Simon F. ; and Angie, the wife of Jesse A. Decker, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. For his second wife Mr. Gonter chose Rebecca Raididon and unto them were born two children: Mary, now the wife of Joseph H. Sampson ; and Edward S., who is living at Centerpoint, Indiana. For his third wife Mr. Gonter chose Mrs. Mary Moterman, who has also passed awav. In his early boyhood days Simon F. Gonter attended the public schools of Tuscarawas county, Ohio, but his educational privileges were very limited, for from the age of eleven years his entire time and attention were given to the work of the home farm and to carpentering, which trade he followed in connection with his father, save that in the winter months he had the opportunity of attend¬ ing school. In the school of experience, however, he learned many val¬ uable lessons, becoming a man of broad general knowledge and of prac¬ tical business ideas. In 1881 he engaged in the grocery business with his father and J. H. Sampson in the city of Brazil, and from the beginning the enterprise has been conducted under the firm style of S. F. Gonter & Company. They carry an extensive and well selected line of staple and fancy groceries and are justly accounted one of the representative firms of the city.

On the 10th of February, 1875, Mr. Gonter was married to Miss Margaret Eacret, who was born in Hendricks county, Ohio, October 2, 1848, a daughter of Harrison and Mary Ann (Reed) Eacret, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father spent his days in Marion, Hen¬ dricks and Hamilton counties of Ohio, devoting his time and energies to farming. His father was one of the early pioneers of Ohio and in pioneer times owned the land upon which the city of Indianapolis now stands, including the site of the capital. Harrison Eacret hunted deer on the present site of the city and in an early day was a postrider, carrying the mail as far west as Lafayette, Indiana. Unto him and his wife were born six children, of whom five are now living: John, a resident of Indian¬ apolis; Catherine, the wife of Phillip B. Stitt, living in Danville, Indiana; Mrs. Gonter; Foster; and Mary, the wife of William Privitt.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Gonter was blessed with four children : May, now the wife of Dr. H. H. Thacker, a practicing dentist of Brazil ; Carena, the wife of Charles Hutchinson, who is living in Brazil ; Grace, at home; and J. Frank, who died in his eighteenth year.

Mr. Gonter is not only well known as a merchant but has also been somewhat active in community affairs and for one term served as city councilman. His influence is always given on the side of improvement and progress and he is a valued supporter of the Republican party. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and to Centennial Lodge, No. 541, F. and A. M., Coal City Lodge, No. 522, I. O. O. F., and Brazil Lodge, No. 30, K. P. From early boyhood he has been a resident of this city and the fact that many of his stanchest friends are numbered among those who have known him from boyhood indicates that his has been an honorable career.

Lieutenant William Thomas Anderson. - Among the wellknown and highly esteemed residents of Dick Johnson township, Lieu¬ tenant William T. Anderson occupies an assured position. A veteran of the Civil war, he is distinguished not only for his own life and work, but for the honored ancestry from which he is descended, being a grand¬ son of Reverend Daniel Anderson, one of the first white settlers of Indiana.

Rev. Daniel Anderson, it is thought, was a native of Kentucky. A Methodist preacher and an old-time circuit rider, he located in Monroe county, Indiana, in 1813, and a few years later settled in Owen county. Entering a tract of government land, he superintended its clearing, in the meantime preaching the gospel every Sunday and often traveling many miles to meet his appointments. For forty-six years he was a , licensed preacher, his circuit, which covered Owen, Clay and other coun¬ ties, being very large. In the performance of his pious duties he had to - travel miles upon miles on horseback, oftentimes over almost impassable roads. There being no bridges, the streams had to be forded, his horse being his bridge at low water, and his boat at high water, for many a time the poor horse had to swim. For many years after he came here there were no church buildings in existence, and he held meetings in the log cabin homes, which were oftentimes so diminutive in size that the loom, tables and other pieces of furniture had to be removed to make room for the worshippers. On the farm which he cleared from the primeval forest he spent the remainder of his life, passing to the higher

Vincent Anderson, the Lieutenant's father, was born in Kentucky, July 26, 1813, and was named for his uncle, Vincent Anderson, who was killed in the war of 1812. But an infant when he was brought by his parents to this state, he received his education in the pioneer schools of Monroe and Owen counties, and early became familiar with the various branches of agriculture. In 1845 purchased a tract of land in Wash¬ ington township, where he resided six years. Selling out in 1851, he started with his wife and four children for Iowa, making an overland journey to Lucas county, where he entered government land about seven miles east of the county-seat and he built a log house. Iowa at that time was very sparsely settled, and there were no railways in the state. Four years later he sold out and moved to Chariton, where he was for awhile employed in teaming to Eddyville, a town twenty miles down the river. During his residence in Iowa, Mr. Anderson made three trips to Minne¬ sota, each time going with a drove of cattle. Returning in 1861 to Wash¬ ington township, Clay county, he was here employed in tilling the soil until 1864, when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-ninth In¬ diana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war. Receiving his honorable discharge, he returned to Clay county and after farming for a time in Staunton settled in Dick Johnson township, and was here a resident until his death, December 31, 1883. He married Mary Lyon, who was born in Kentucky, a daughter of Valentine and a Miss (Payne) Lyon. She survived him ten years, dying November 7, 1895. She reared seven of her children, namely : William Thomas, Lucretia, James F., Charles E., Anna Maria, George F. and Julia E.

An active lad of seven years when his parents made the removal to Iowa, William T. Anderson made the journey on horseback, driving stock. He assisted his father in his various enterprises in Iowa, and returned with the family to Clay county in 1861. In August of that year he enlisted in Company A, Forty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was with his regiment in nearly all of its marches, campaigns and battles, veteranizing in 1863. In March, 1864, however, he was detached and sent home to get recruits. In April, a month later, he went to Little Rock, Arkansas, to join his command, and found that the greater part of his regiment had been captured. With his remaining comrades he returned to Indianapolis to guard the prisoners of war there confined. In the meantime he had been promoted to the rank of first lieutenant, and in the absence of the captain had full charge of his company. In June, 1865, after serving bravely for three years and ten months, Lieutenant Ander¬ son was honorably discharged from the service. Returning home, he re¬ sumed his former occupation as a farmer at Bowling Green, remaining there until his marriage. He then settled on his present place in Dick Johnson township, and has since been engaged in general farming and stock-raising, in his operations meeting with satisfactory results.

On September 22, 1866, Lieutenant Anderson married Artemicia Shattuck, who was born in Vigo county, Indiana, June 30, 1842, and before her marriage was a school teacher. Her father, Benjamin Frank¬ lin Shattuck, was born in New York state June 4, 1813, a son of Dr. Eliphalet Shattuck. Coming from York state to Indiana at an early day, Dr. Shattuck was a pioneer of Vigo county. He located on the present site of Middletown at a time when that section of the county was mostly a wilderness, with only here and there an open space in which stood the cabin of the early settler. Establishing himself as a farmer-physician, he continued in active practice for many years, his ride extending many miles in either direction. Both he and his wife, Jane (Wiley) Shattuck, were held in high esteem in the community in which they spent the great¬ er part of their active lives.

Benjamin F. Shattuck was employed in agricultural pursuits in Vigo county until 1847, when he located in Clay county. He at first bought an estate on the National Road m Posey, township and embarked in mer¬ cantile pursuits, opening a grocery. At that time, and for years after, emigrants going west traveled with teams, many passing over the National Road, and with them he carried on a thriving trade, also building up an extensive local trade. About 1857 he purchased land in Brazil township, and there carried on a prosperous business in general farming, stock raising and trading, continuing it until his death, June 14, 1871. The farm which he improved is now in the heart of the city of Brazil, and one of its school buildings occupies what was his door yard. Four church edifices now stand on land once included in his estate, he having donated the site for the German church and for the Christian church. The maiden name of his first wife, mother of Mrs. Anderson, was Tirzah Snoddy. She was born in Kentucky, a daughter of Fergus and Elizabeth Snoddy, and died June 25, 1851, in Clay county. He married for his second wife Maria James, who was born November 20, 1830, and died January 27, 1888. Of the children born of the first marriage of Mr. Shattuck, six grew to years of maturity and four are now living, as follows: Artemicia, Volney, Mary E. and Tirzah. Elizabeth and Martha have passed to the higher life. By his second marriage five children were born, James Frank, William Scott, Anna, Leila and Charles M.

Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are the parents of four children, namely: Walter McDougal, Guy E., Lestia R. and Otis S. Walter married Elda Weaver, and they have one daughter, Doris. Guy married Maude Kess¬ ler, and they have four children, Grace, Minnie, Leo J. and Philip. Lestia is the wife of Wiley E. Parrish. Otis married Lizzie Kennedy, and they have two children, Ruth and Charlotte. Both Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are consistent and valued members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Orly E. Adams. - From the age of eleven years Orly E. Adams has depended entirely upon his own resources, and the success which he has achieved is attributable directly to his labor and diligence. He is now extensively engaged in the manufacture of fine harness, is also a dealer in trunks and bags and is vice president of the Brazil Electric Light Company. He is, however, not alone active in lines resulting in substan¬ tial benefit to himself but is also a citizen whose aid and co-operation can ever be counted upon .to further the best interests of Brazil and his county. His life record began in Parke county, Indiana, September 9, 1859, His parents being John and Minerva (Seybold) Adams. The father, who was born in Indiana in 1830, died in 1864 at the comparatively early age of thirty-four years. In his younger manhood he was a school teacher and later on turned his attention to farming, which business he was fol¬ lowing at the time of his demise. His political support was given to the Democracy and in the community where he lived he commanded the respect and good will of all who knew him. His wife, who was born in Parke county, Indiana, June 18, 1831, is now living in Terre Haute. She is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and also of the Rebekah Lodge of Odd Fellows and takes a great interest in these organizations, with which she has long been helpfully identified. In the family were five children, but only two are now living, the sister of our subject being Miss Martha Adams.

Orly E. Adams was but five years of age at the time of his father's death. In March, 1869, the mother removed with her children to Terre Haute, where the family home was established. During his boyhood he attended the public schools and when but a young lad sold newspapers in that city. He has been dependent entirely upon his own resources for a living from the age of eleven years. He spent one year in a printing office and when fifteen years of age he began working as a farm hand, being thus connected with agricultural interests until the 15th of March, 1882, when he came to Brazil and here began the manufacture of har¬ ness. He had a capital of one hundred and fifty dollars, which he had saved from his earnings. He had never served a regular apprenticeship at the trade but had learned it through observation and experience and has built up an excellent business in the manufacture of fine harness. He is also a dealer in trunks and bags, and this branch of his business is like¬ wise proving profitable. He was one of the men who took over the busi¬ ness on the re-organization of the Brazil Electric Light Company and is now its vice president. In business matters he shows sound judgment and enterprise and throughout his entire life his salient characteristics have been such as commend him to the confidence and trust of all with whom he has been associated.

Mr. Adams has been married twice. He first wedded Miss Julia Anderson, on the 26th of July, 1885. She was born in Bowling Green, Clay county, Indiana, November 14, 1859, a daughter of James Anderson. Her death occurred May 23, 1886, and for his second wife Mr. Adams chose Miss Mary A. Nees, whom he wedded November 23, 1893. She was born in Greencastle, Indiana, while her father, James M. Nees, was a native of Clay county, who throughout his active business career fol¬ lowed merchandising and farming. He died in the year 1901. By his second marriage Mr. Adams had three children: James S., Edwin 'L. and William H. H.

Mr. Adams is prominent in Masonry and has been identified with the order since 1885, when he became a member of Brazil Lodge No. 264, A. F. & A. M. He served as worshipful master for three years and for ten years as treasurer. He has taken the Royal Arch degrees, belonging to Brazil Chapter No. 59, R. A. M., and has also taken the degrees of cryptic and chivalric Masonry, belonging to Brazil Council No. 40, R. & S. M., and Brazil Commandery No. 47, K. T. His name is likewise on the membership rolls of the Knights of Pythias lodge of Brazil and the Elks Lodge No. 762. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party and he stands as a stalwart advocate of much that is beneficial to the city, giving active support to interests and measures that have for their object the welfare and improvement of this portion of the state.

Ira Holland. - On the roster of county officials appears the name of Ira Holland, who is capably filling the office of deputy circuit clerk. He was born at New Baltimore in Hamilton county, Ohio, January 16, 1870, and is a son of James E. and Margaret (McHenry) Holland. On his father's side he is of Irish lineage, and on the mother's side of Ger- man, the great-grandfather of our subject, Elliott Holland, being a native of Ireland. The father, a native of Washington county, Ohio, born December 24, 1839, is now living in Owen county, Indiana, while the mother was born in New Baltimore, Ohio, January 14, 1841. They were married in Hamilton county, Ohio. The father has devoted his entire life to farming and in the year 1871 he came to Indiana, settling first in Bartholomew county. He afterward removed to Brown county, Indiana, and subsequently to Johnson county, whence he made his way to western Missouri, taking up his abode in Jackson county in 1880. He traveled westward by wagon and spent several months in Missouri, returning, however, in the fall of 1880 to Clay county, Indiana, where he continued to reside until 1902. In that year he purchased a farm in Owen county, Indiana, where he is now living, giving supervision to his agricultural interests. For many years he was identified with the Odd Fellows society but is not in active connection with the order at the present time. His political allegiance is given to the Democracy. Unto James E. and Mar¬ garet Holland were born six children, of whom five are now living, namely: Ira; James E. ; Mary E., who is teaching school in Brazil; Charles L. ; and Amos N. The father was twice married, his first union being with Rebecca McHenry, a sister of his second wife, and by that marriage there was one son, Harvey.

Ira Holland acquired his education in the public schools of Indiana, being less than a year old when brought to this state by his father. When sixteen years of age he began teaching school and he made his home under the parental roof until about twenty years of age. He was a young man of eighteen years when he became a teacher in Dade county, Missouri, being influenced to go to that state by the fact that his friend, William* Travis, was engaged in teaching in a normal school at Greenfield, the county seat of Dade county, and that W. S. Zenor, a former resident of Clay county, was county superintendent of schools there and was instru¬ mental in securing the position for Mr. Holland. After spending two years in educational work in Missouri, Mr. Holland returned to Indiana and in the intervening years has largely devoted his time to official service. In 1890 he engaged as deputy recorder in Clay county, Indiana, and dur¬ ing the winter of 1891-2 resumed his work as a teacher, becoming prin¬ cipal of the schools of Saline City. He afterward again entered the recorder's office and was later in the county auditor's office until July 20, 1895, when he was appointed clerk of the Clay county circuit court, serv¬ ing out an unexpired term of sixteen months. He then acted as deputy in the office until the spring of 1900, when he was appointed deputy prosecuting attorney for Clay county. In the following October, how¬ ever, he resigned to become editor of the Democratic paper and was thus identified with newspaper interests until November, 1902, when he became deputy clerk in the office of the circuit court, iq which capacity he is now serving. His duties are discharged with the utmost promptness, accuracy and fidelity and his official record is most commendable. His political views are in accord with the principles of Democracy and he is recognized as one of the local leaders of his party.

On the 26th of December, 1894, Mr. Holland was united in marriage to Miss Loretta May Hulstone, who was born in Dade county, Missouri, February 15, 1870, a daughter of Christian and Nancy M. (Kirby) Hul¬ stone. Her father was born in Abingdon, Virginia, and the mother's birth occurred in Dade county, Missouri, August 29, 1839. The Kirbys were a prominent family of that state. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hulstone was celebrated in Dade county, where the family lived for many years. The father was a cabinet maker and carpenter by trade but later in life turned his attention to the milling business and his death was occa¬ sioned by an accident in his mill when his daughter, Mrs. Holland, was but seven years of age. He was a member of different societies and fra¬ ternal organizations and was a prominent and influential resident of the county in which he made his home. His political views were in accord with the principles of Democracy. He died in Missouri in 1877 and °f his family of ten children, six are yet living.

Mrs. Holland, who was the seventh in order of birth, has become the mother of two children, Loula M. and Christine V. Both Mr. and Mrs. Holland have many friends in Clay county, the hospitality of a large number of the best homes being cordially extended them. Mr. Holland has spent almost his entire life in this county and his worth as a citizen and official is widely acknowledged.

Henry Mohr. - Henry Mohr, well known as a representative and energetic commission merchant of Brazil, was born in Lafayette, Indiana, July 10, 1859, and is of German lineage. His parents, Henry and Mary (Worster) Mohr, were both natives of Germany but were married in Lafayette, Indiana. The father came to the United States as passenger on a sailing vessel in 1848, when a young man, landing at New York city. He lived for about two years in Cleveland, Ohio, and then came to Lafay¬ ette, Indiana. He was a brick mason by trade and for many years fol¬ lowed that pursuit. He died in 1870, at the age of forty-seven years, his death being occasioned by an accident. His wife died in May, 1896, at the age of sixty-seven years. Both were members of the Lutheran church and enjoyed the high esteem of many friends. Unto him and his wife were born four children, of whom two are now living: Mary, the wife of John Arom ; and Henry.

Henry Mohr attended a Lutheran school at Lafayette, Indiana, for seven years and after putting aside his text-books learned the cigar manu¬ facturer's trade at that place. He engaged in the business of manu¬ facturing cigars for some time, and in April, 1886, removed to Brazil, where he continued cigar manufacturing for two or three years. On the expiration of that period he turned his attention to the commission busi¬ ness, which he now follows, having the oldest house of the kind in Brazil. He makes a specialty of handling apples, potatoes, onions and cabbages, and has secured an extensive patronage and now conducts a successful annual business. He has worked earnestly and persistently to attain to his present creditable position in the commercial world, and as the years have gone by has derived substantial benefit from his labor.

On the 19th of March*, 1882, occurred the marriage of Mr. Mohr and Miss Josephine Swendenmann, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, October 13, 1859, her parents being Copley and Josephine Swendenmann, both of whom were natives of Germany. They were married, however, in Cin¬ cinnati, Ohio. The father was a druggist and learned the business in his native country, and at the time of his death was conducting a drug store at Canton, Illinois. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fel¬ lows, and his life was in harmony with the beneficent teachings of that society. His widow still survives, but of their thirteen children only two are now living, Copley and Mrs. Mohr. Mr. and Mrs. Mohr have become the parents of ten children, nine sons and one daughter: Walter, Arthur, Julian, Marshall, Frank, Adolph, Clarence, Lewis, Cecil and Josephine.

Mr. Mohr belongs to Brazil Lodge No. 264, A. F. & A. M. and to Elks lodge No. 262 of Brazil. His entire life has been spent in Indiana and he possesses the spirit of enterprise and determination which have been the leading factors in the rapid and substantial upbuilding of the middle west. Indolence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature, and realizing that unfaltering industry is the basis of all advancement he has so labored to achieve prosperity.

James Franklin Smith has led a most active and useful life. From the age of sixteen years his leisure hours have indeed been few and the success which he enjoys is the visible evidence of his life of well directed thrift and enterprise. He is now conducting a profitable transfer business in Brazil, is also interested in the Progressive Coal Company and is the owner of a farm in Clay county and half owner of another farm property in Vigo county.

Mr. Smith was born in Champaign county, Illinois, March 5, 1862, his parents being Madison and Eliza (Watson) Smith, both of whom were natives of Indiana, in which state they were reared and married. They became parents of five children, but only two are now living: James F., who was the second in order of birth; and Ella, the wife of H. D. Falls, a resident of Brazil. The father engaged in business as proprietor of a grocery and meat market, conducting his store up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1871 when his son James was but nine years of age. He died at Fithian, Vermilion county, Illinois, of the smallpox, and two of the children of the family, Flora and Albert, were also victims of the same disease. His political allegiance was given to the Democracy, and he was a man of many good traits of character. His widow still survives him and is now living in Brazil at the age of seventy-four years.

Following his father's death James F. Smith went to live with his maternal grandfather, James A. Watson, near Cloverland, this county. The mother returned to her father's home with her two sons and two daughters. The farm was situated in Vigo county a mile and a half northwest of Cloverland, and while spending his youth there Mr. Smith of this review attended school during the winter months, while in the summer seasons he worked on the farm with his grandfather. He was sixteen years of age when his grandfather died, and thus in the fall of 1878 the burden of caring for his mother and the younger children of the family devolved upon him. His previous training at farm labor now proved very valuable and the responsibilities which came to him developed his latent manhood and self-reliance. At that time he rented a farm in Vigo county west of Cloverland and there carried on general agricultural pursuits until twenty-four years of age, when in 1886 he removed to Brazil, thinking to enjoy better business opportunities in the city. Here he turned his attention to the livery business on South Meridian street, successfully conducting his stables until the 10th of January, 1891, when his barn was destroyed by fire. For twenty days he was out of business, which has been the longest time that he has ever been unassociated with business interests from the age of sixteen years. Following the fire he purchased the Henderson transfer business, which he has since conducted with good success, securing an extensive patronage in this line. As the years have passed by and he has prospered he has also become interested

On the 6th of September, 1886, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Smith and Miss Anna E. Jones, who was born in Vigo county, Indiana, December 28, 1866, a daughter of David J. and Mary A. (Stevens) Jones, both of whom were natives of Wales. They came to this country in early life and were married in Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Jones was a gamekeeper in his native country and after coming to America resided for a time at Columbus, Ohio, from whence he removed to Vigo county, In¬ diana, and where he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits, living upon one farm in that county for twenty-eight years. He was a lover of fine horses and engaged in breeding them. His political alle¬ giance was given to the Republican party and his religious faith was indi¬ cated by his membership in the Presbyterian church. He died in 1903, at the age of eighty-six years, while his wife passed away in 1905 at the age of eighty-four years, both dying at their home in Brazil, where for some time they had lived retired. Their family numbered four children, of whom two sons and a daughter are yet living, namely : Robert, Thomas and Anna. The last named became the wife of Mr. Smith and their children are five in number: Charles E., Aria, Beulah, Naoma and Charlotte C.

Mr. Smith has always given his political support to the Democracy since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He was county auditor for four years, elected in 1902, and at the expiration of his term retired from office as he had entered it - with the confidence and good will of all concerned. He was also vice president of the library board of Brazil for several years, and is interested in everything pertaining to the progress and welfare of his community. He belongs to Centennial Lodge, No. 541, A. F. & A. M., and both he and his wife are members of William Black Chapter, No. 80, O. E. S. He is also connected with Indianola Tribe, No. 61, I. O. R. M., has held all of the offices in this order and is a member of the Order of Indianola Haymakers, connected with both the local and state associations. He has held all of the different offices in both the state and national organizations. He has likewise been a member of the Teamsters' Union, has filled all of the offices in the local society and has been its representative to the national association. He belongs to Coal City Lodge, No. 522, I. O. O. F., in which he has passed all of the chairs, also serving several times as a delegate to the grand lodge of the state, while he is identified with Rebekah Lodge, No. 61. Mr. Smith's membership relations also extend to Crossdale Lodge, No. 30, K. P., and to Peoria Council, No. 64, of the Order of Pocahontas. He is in thorough sympathy with the beneficent principles of these organizations and is loyal to their teachings and tenets. He enjoys in high degree the confidence, good will and friendship of his brethren of these organizations and more¬ over is widely known as a reliable and enterprising business man, deserv¬ ing much credit for the success he has accomplished.

George A. Fletcher, filling the position of city engineer in Brazil, was born in Henry county, Indiana, October 26, 1863, his parents being Silas R. and Elizabeth (Labar) Fletcher. The father, whose birth oc¬ curred in Henry county, Indiana, December 5, 1829, died February 10, 1903. The mother, who was born in Vigo county, Indiana, died March 10, 1872, at the age of thirty-five years, ten months and twenty-one days.

They were married in Fayette county, Indiana, and unto them were born nine children, three sons and six daughters, of whom the sons and three daughters are yet living. The father followed farming throughout his entire life, being closely identified with agricultural interests in Indiana, and his last days were spent within three miles of his birthplace. In con¬ nection with the tilling of the soil he became one of the extensive breeders of fine draft horses and did much to improve the grade of stock raised in his part of the state. He was a prominent and influential man of his locality, and his opinions were largely received as authority upon matters relating to agriculture and the raising of live-stock. He never cared for public office nor sought to figure prominently in any public light. He was a member of the Society of Friends or Quakers and his life was in har¬ mony with the teachings of that sect, making him a most honorable, upright man.

George A. Fletcher remained upon his father's farm until sixteen years of age. His youth was largely a period of earnest, unremitting toil. He was early trained to the work of the farm, assisting in the cultivation of the fields from the time that he was old enough to handle the plow. He paid the expenses of his education with money earned by making shoes. After leaving home he worked at the carpenter's trade until twenty-four years of age, when he took up the trades of a jeweler and barber. He continued in business along those lines for two years, when he disposed of his barber shop and concentrated his entire attention upon his jewelry business, conducting a store from 1893 until 1897. During^ that time he was also postmaster at Carthage, Indiana, for two years, but resigned that position in order to engage in the jewelry business at Fairmount, Indiana. He had been a resident of the latter place for only about a year when he was elected city clerk and treasurer, being chosen to those offices in the spring of 1898. The following year he was re-elected and thus served for two terms, during which time he took up the study of civil engineering and followed that calling in and near Fairmount. He put in several miles of conduit sidewalks and was called to Brazil by W. W. Moore, then mayor of the city, through the influence of Lewis McNutt, who had inspected some of the work done by Mr. Fletcher in Fairmount, Indiana. Fie has been retained by the present mayor and aldermen as city engineer of Brazil, for which his training and experience well qualify him, and in the position has given eminent satisfaction. No trust reposed in him is ever betrayed in the slightest degree and his service is entirely satisfactory, winning him high encomiums.

Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Fletcher was married June 21, 1883, to Miss Letitia S. Johnson, who*was born in North Carolina April 7, 1861, a daughter of Evan and Elizabeth (Couch) Johnson. Her father, who was born in North Carolina, August 7, 1821, died in Rush county, Indiana, November 16, 1901, at the venerable age of eighty years. His wife, a native of Guilford county, North Carolina, was born Septem¬ ber 2, 1826, and her life record covered the intervening years to the 1st of March, 1903, when she passed away. They were married in North Carolina and became parents of nine children, of whom Mrs. Fletcher was the sixth in order of birth. Of their family two sons and four daugh¬ ters are yet living. The father was a gunsmith by trade and was a con¬ script gunmaker for the Confederate army during the Civil war. He was, however, a stanch Republican and remained as an advocate of that party throughout his entire life. In 1870 he came to Indiana, settling in

Henry county at Dunreith. The last thirteen years of his life were spent in Carthage, Rush county, Indiana, where he engaged in business, being a splendid mechanic.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher has been blessed with a son and daughter: Ralph S., who married Myrtle Carter, and Hazel C.. now the wife of Earl S. Harger. Mr. Fletcher is a member of Centennial Lodge, No. 541. A. F. & A. M., Brazil Lodge, No. 215, I. O. O. F., and in Jan¬ uary, 1888, lie- became a member of Carthage Lodge, No. 255. He is also a member of Tent No. 123, K. O. T. M., in Fairmount, and he and his wife are connected with the Rebekah Lodge in Fairmount. He likewise belongs to the Home Defenders. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party and, as every true American citizen should do, he feels an interest in the growth and success of the party which he believes embodies the highest principles of good government. He is recognized as a man of energy and activity, of stalwart purpose and honorable action - qualities which make him one of the respected and valued residents of this part of the state.

Wilson Hour. - Among the leading and representative agriculturists of Clay county, Wilson Houk, of Dick Johnson township, occupies a place of prominence and influence. His well cultivated and highly improved farm, with its modernly built residence and substantial farm buildings, has an air of comfort, thrift and prosperity that never fails to attract the attention and win the approval of the passing traveler. A son of Michael Houk, he was born May 21, 1837, in Butler county, Ohio.

Henry Houk, grandfather of Wilson Houk, was born in one of the eastern states of German parents. He lived during a part of his earlier life in Maryland, from there removing to Ohio and settling close to the line running between Butler and Warren counties. Taking up land in the town of Mason, he cleared and improved the homestead on which he lived several years. After the death of his wife, whose maiden name was Ford, he came to Indiana, and here made his home with his son Michael until called by death to the better world at the venerable age of eightyfive years.

One of a family of thirteen children, Michael Houk was born in Maryland, and when a young lad moved with his parents to Ohio. He was brought up to agricultural pursuits and early chose farming as his life work. In 1839, desirous of enlarging his opportunities, he came to Clay county, bringing with him his wife and three children and all of his worldly goods, the journey thfough the almost trackless woods being made with teams. Entering one hundred and twenty acres of land in what is now Dick Johnson township, on section ten, he began the establishment of a home, his first step in that direction being to clear a space in which to erect a log cabin, his first habitation in this county. He rived boards to cover th$ roof, and not having nails to hold them in place used weight poles, and put in a puncheon floor. The country hereabout was in its original wildness, game of all kinds was abundant, and the Indians far outnumbered the white settlers. Neither canals nor railways had then been thought of ; the roads were simply forest paths, and all transporta¬ tion was with teams. After a few years Terre Haute became the market¬ ing place for a wide territory, and the people from this section drew all their products to that city. Industrious and enterprising, Michael Houk cleared and improved a good homestead, and in 1856 erected a frame house, later adding other buildings, and here resided until his death, October 23, 1873. He married Amy Stitt, who was born in Pennsylvania November 24, 1809, and went with her parents to Ohio when a girl. Her father died while yet in the prime of life in Ohio. His widow, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Phillips, subsequently spent her last years with her children in Illinois, dying there at the advanced age of ninetyone years. Mrs. Michael Houk survived her husband, living until De¬ cember 14, 1886. She reared nine children, four sons and five daughters.

But two years old when he was brought by his parents to Dick John¬ son township, Wilson Houk has no recollection of any other home. As soon as old enough to wield an axe or hoe he began working with his father, and was thus employed until his marriage. Settling then on his present farm he and his bride, who was well trained in the domestic arts, began housekeeping in a small log cabin. At first they had no stove, neither had they the where-with-all to buy one, so for several months the good housewife did all of her cooking by the fireplace. Both labored industriously, and thrift indoors and out has borne its usual fruit, their farm to-day being one of the best in its improvements and appointments of any in the vicinity.

On August 11, 1861, Mr. Houk married Jennie Webster, who was born in this township February 12, 1846, of honored pioneer ancestry, her father, John Lewis Webster, and her grandfather, Daniel Webster, having been among the earlier settlers of this part of Clay county. Born, reared and married in Virginia, Daniel Webster came from there to Indiana in 1829, journeying with teams to Dick Johnson township. He was accom¬ panied by his wife and nine of his ten children, and also having in his party his brother Reuben. Taking up land on section fifteen, he improved a homestead on which both he and his wife, whose maiden name was Rhoda Arthur, spent their remaining years. For a number of years after coming to Clay county, John Lewis Webster was engaged in the lumber business at Brazil, and was also a manufacturer of shingles. Subsequently embarkjng in agricultural pursuits, he continued as a farmer until his death at the age of seventy-three years. He married Fanny Brenton, who was born in Clark county, Indiana, a daughter of John and Catherine (Bullock) Brenton, early settlers of Clark county and later pioneers of Dick Johnson township.

Mr. and Mrs. Houk are the parents of four children, namely: Marion, Oscar, Mary M. and Frances E. Marion married Edna Nicoson, and they have two children, Bertha Paulina and John M. Oscar married Mattie Easter, by whom he has four children, Otho Forest, Jennie Marie, Amy and William Wilson. Mary M., wife of Lee Slack, has two children, Jennie Frances and Mary Helen.

William Frizzle Pell. - For three score years William Frizzle Pell was closely identified with the agricultural interests of Van Buren township, and during his active career as a general farmer and stockraiser met with merited success. Beginning life here in the pioneer days, he labored with energy and determination in his efforts to clear and improve a homestead, and while thus working for himself and family contributed his full share toward the development and advancement of both town and county. A son of John Pell, he was born April 20, 1825, in Lewis county, Kentucky. His paternal grandfather, John Pell, Sr., was born in England and thence, accompanied by two of his three broth- ers, emigrated to America. He settled in Virginia, vvh^re as far as known he spent his remaining years, while one of his brothers became a resident of New York state.

John Pell was born in Virginia in 1797, and spent his earlier years in the Old Dominion. Subsequently removing to Lewis county, Ken¬ tucky, he purchased a tract of land which he operated with slave labor for a number of years. He came to Indiana in 1838, entered one thou¬ sand one hundred and thirty acres of land in Clay county (paying a dol¬ lar and a quarter an acre), and in the following year (1839) brought his family hither, making the journey with a pair of oxen and a onehorse wagon and bringing all of his household effects. Clay county was then a wilderness, with here and there a clearing, in one of which, in the southeast quarter of section 10, he erected a log house. Deer, turkeys and other wild animals were plentiful, and the settlers then lived upon the products of their land or the chase, while the busy housewise spun and wove the homespun in which she clothed the family. Energetic, industrious and capable, John Pell cleared large tracts of land, replaced the humble log cabin with a good frame house, erected a large hewn-log barn, on the puncheon floor of which, before the advent of threshing machines, he spread the grain to be threshed out with flails. Having acquired a competency, he retired from active business, living for awhile in Brazil, then in Harmony, but spending his last days at the home of his son, William Frizzle, passing away in the eighty-third year of his age. John Pell married, first, Rebecca Ales, who was born of German ances¬ tors. She died several years before his decease, in i860. Of their union eleven children were born, namely: Washington, William F., Nancy, Susan, Richard Dudley, Rebecca, Melcina, Louisa, Lucinda, John F. and Benjamin F. Pell. Mr. Pell married for his second wife Nellie Stallcop, who survived him.

Fourteen years of age when he came with his parents to Clay county, William Frizzle Pell assisted in clearing the homestead land, early becom¬ ing familiar with the various branches of agriculture. He subsequently spent two years as a farm laborer in Iowa, but not caring to settle there permanently returned to Clay county. Soon afterward he married, and at once began his career as an independent farmer on a tract of land given him by his father, who treated all of his sons alike by giving to each on his wedding day one hundred and sixty acres of land, while to each of his daughters he gave as a wedding gift eighty acres of land. On this heavily timbered land Mr. Pell built a house of hewn timber, plastered with mud, twenty feet square and one and a half stories in height. The walls were six inches thick, and the two porches of the house were fully as useful as ornamental. In this house Mr. and Mrs. Pell lived several years and in it six of their children were born. Subse¬ quently, buying an adjoining tract of eighty acres, Mr. Pell moved to that place, and having erected substantial buildings and made other improvements he afterward resided on it and built a modern and well improved country estate. He was so eminently successful that at the time of his death he owned three hundred and nineteen acres of valuable land.

On August 3, 1848, Mr. Pell married Nancy McMillin, who was born in North Carolina in May, 1832, daughter of Daniel McMillin. Mr. McMillin, who was a native of Scotland, came with his parents to Randolph county. North Carolina, when he was but three years of age, residing in that section of the country until 1831. As a young man he came to Clay county, Indiana, took up government land in section 10, cleared a small space and there erected a log cabin. An expert wood worker, he manufactured chairs, tables, spinning wheels and other articles of domestic use, and with the help of his sturdy sons improved a farm on which he spent his remaining days. His wife, whose maiden name was Ally Cole, was born in North Carolina. She survived him a number of years and spent her last days with her daughter, Mrs. Pell. Thirteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Pell, nine of whom reached maturity, namely: Alfred, of Carbon; George M., also of that place; Eliza A., wife of Robert Casteel ; Josephine, wife of David Marshall ; Daniel J., of Parke county; William H., of Carbon; Thomas Scott, of South Carbon; John Sherman, of Brazil ; and Franklin S., who died at the age of thirtyone years, leaving a widow. Michael S., Martin Luther and Elias died in infancy, and Cora died when but eight years of age. William F. Pell passed away in death on August 1, 1908.

Donald Bethume McCrimmon. - Although fifteen years have come and gone since Donald Bethume McCrimmon was called to his final rest, he is yet remembered in Brazil as one of its representative business men, who contributed in substantial measure to its growth and progress through the development of an important industrial concern. His busi¬ ness methods, too, constitute an example well worthy of emulation and he left to his family not only a good property but an honored name. He died January 28, 1893, at the age of fifty-three years, his birth having occurred September 17, 1839. He was a native of Scotland and a son of Malcolm and Catherine (Bethume) McCrimmon, both of whom were natives of the land of hills and heather. They were married in Scotland and unto them were born twelve children, of whom but two are now liv¬ ing, Mary and Anna.

Donald B. McCrimmon was the youngest of the family and spent the first nine years of his life in his native country, after which he accom¬ panied his parents on their emigration to the new world. The family home was established in Canada, where his boyhood days were passed and his early educational privileges were supplemented by a course of study in the Brockville Academy. He then engaged in teaching school in Canada and early in his business career was also employed as a lumber scaler in the woods of that country. Thinking to enjoy better business opportunities across the border, where competition is greater but where advancement is more quickly secured, he removed to St. Louis, Missouri, and obtained employment as bookkeeper for a railroad company where he remained for a number of years. On the expiration of that period he removed to Akron, Ohio, and was with the first railroad company which extended its line to that place. He was also with the first railroad com¬ pany which built a road through Urbana, Ohio, filling the position of bookkeeper. In 1866 he came to Brazil and was employed as bookkeeper bv the Otter Creek Coal Company for three years. He was afterward in the employ of B. F. Maston and in 1869, desirous of engaging in business on his own account, he purchased the interest of Mr. Springer in the firm of McBeth, Crawford & Springer, proprietors of the Brazil foundry and machine shops at Brazil, Indiana. At that time the building occupied by the company was an old wooden structure, which has since been replaced by a substantial brick building, well equipped for the purposes for which it is used. In those early years employment was given to from twentv- five to thirty men and they annually expended for labor from fifteen to twenty thousand dollars. The company manufactures engines, pumps and machinery and the business is today conducted under the firm style of Crawford & McCrimmon, Mrs. McCrimmon still retaining her interest in the business which was left to her by her husband. For twenty-four years, however, he was associated with the enterprise and his sound busi¬ ness judgment and sagacity proved a factor in its substantial growth and upbuilding. He was practical in all his methods and as the years passed the business increased to a gratifying extent.

On the 1 2th of October, 1876, occurred the marriage of Mr. Mc¬ Crimmon and Miss Marjory Stevenson, who was born in Scotland, May 11, 1856, a daughter of Hugh and Ann (King) Stevenson, both of whom were natives of Scotland. The father, who was born September 10, 1831, died in Brazil, Indiana, August 21, 1875. The mother, whose birth occurred November 28, 1833, is now living in Brazil and is enjoying excellent health for one of her years, making her home with her daugh¬ ter, Mrs. McCrimmon. She was married in Scotland, May 29, 1855, and bv her marriage became the mother of eight children, of whom six are yet living, namely: Mrs. McCrimmon; John and Elizabeth, twins, the latter the wife of E. M. Campbell; Thomas; Hugh; and Isabelle, the wife of Robert Glenn. It was in 1865 that Mr. Stevenson came to this coun¬ try with his family, settling first near Indianapolis, Indiana, where he carried on farming for seven years. In 1872 he removed to Brazil, Clav county, and carried on general agricultural pursuits near the city, also dividing his attention with the coal business. He was found to be thor¬ oughly trustworthy in his business relations, his entire life being in har¬ mony with his professions as a member of the Presbyterian church. His political views were in accord with the principles of the Republican party.

Mr. McCrimmon was also a stalwart Republican and was elected to represent the second ward in the city council in 1883. He belonged to Centennial Lodge, No. 541, A. F. and A. M., and attended the services of the Presbyterian church, to the support of which he contributed quite liberally, although he was not a member. He was widely known as a genial, social gentleman and one to whom the city owes much for his enterprise in furthering public improvement and progress. Wherever he went he won friends and the kindly regard in which he was uniformly held was an indication of his honorable manhood and his consideration for the rights and privileges of others. Mrs. McCrimmon is a member of the First Presbyterian church.

George B. Robinson. - Distinguished not only as the oldest living citizen of Clay county, but as a veteran of two wars, George B. Robinson is held in high esteem throughout the community in which he resides. Although his four score, ten, and more years of life have whitened his hairs, dimmed his eyes and shortened his steps, his mental faculties are strong and vigorous, and his conversation is replete with interest. He was born November 3, 1813, in Jefferson county, Kentucky, a son of James Robinson.

James Robinson, the descendant of a family that moved from Scot¬ land to the north of Ireland, was born in Ireland, and when a young man emigrated to the United States, locating first in Garrard county, Ken¬ tucky. Going from there to Jefferson county, Kentucky, he bought land near Louisville, and began the improvement of a farm. He subsequently dealt to some extent in land, buying three or four different farms, which, after adding some improvements, he sold. The last farm that he owned was situated on the Ohio river, about eight miles above Louisville. He was there employed in agricultural pursuits a number of years, being a prosperous farmer. He died at the age of seventy-four years, his death being the result of an accident. His wife, whose maiden name was Letitia Bloodsoe, was a daughter of Benjamin Bloodsoe, who spent his last years in Cumberland county, Kentucky. She died in middle life, leaving a large family of children, namely: Josephine, Martha, Eliza, William, Benjamin, James, George B., John, Fanny, Catherine and Henry.

Reared on a farm, George B. Robinson began as soon as old enough to assist his father in its care, early becoming familiar with the various branches of agriculture. When about sixteen years old he went to Louis¬ ville, where he learned the butcher's trade, and subsequently followed it for several years. In 1846 he enlisted in the Louisville Legion, and with his command went to the city of Mexico, where he was stationed six months. When peace was declared he marched with his regiment to - Vera Cruz, then crossed the gulf to New Orleans in'a sailing vessel and thence by steamer to Louisville. Resuming his trade, Mr. Robinson lived in Louisville until 1851, when he came to Indiana, locating in Bartholo¬ mew county. A few years later he made another start, going to Shelby county, Missouri, where he resided until the breaking out of the Civil war. He then returned to Indiana, and subsequently enlisted from Jen¬ nings county in Company E, Eighty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and August 13, 1862, was mustered into service. Going south, he was at the front in many engagements, at Atlanta, Georgia, being severely wounded. Being sent to the Coloners quarters, he partially recovered from his injuries, and went with his command to the sea. At Savannah he was granted a furlough, and a short time after his return home was honorably discharged on account of physical disability, his illness con¬ fining him to the house for two years, and never to this day has he fully recovered from the effects of his wound.

On leaving the army Mr. Robinson lived for two years in Nashville, Brown county, Indiana, after which he went back to Bartholomew county. While in the army he had bought a farm in Brown county, and in 1866 he traded that for another farm in the same county. Later Mr. Robinson traded the latter farm for one in Bartholomew county, near Ogilville, where he carried on general farming until 1881. Selling out in that year he lived for two years in Douglas county, Illinois, and from there came to Clay county, where he has since lived, having a most pleasant home in Middlebury.

Mr. Robinson has been twice married. He wedded first, in 1847, Margaret Goodlet, who was born in Washington county, Kentucky, a daughter of Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Thompson) Goodlet. She died about 1851, and Mr. Robinson married second, in 1852, Angeline Goodlet, a sister of his first wife. Ebenezer Goodlet, a son of James Goodlet, was a native of Kentucky, and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, at the age of forty-three years. His wife survived him and spent her last years with Mr. and Mrs. Robinson. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Robinson was blessed by the birth of six children, namely: William, who married Martha Dolton and has four children, Annie, Dolly, William and Nellie ; Theodore married Sylvia Cooprider ; Josephine married, and at her death left one child ; Adrenia is the wife of William Diel ; Albert married Carrie Grigsby, and they are the parents of three children, Georgie, Albert and McDonald ; and Ada, wife of Charles Grigsby, has nine children, Edgar, Clara, Emily, Eunice, Ollie, Flossie, Nellie, Harold and Ernest.

Henry F. Weber, one of the well known agriculturists of Sugar Ridge township, is a native son of the fatherland of Germany, born in Hanover May 20, 1865. His parents, Christian and Mary (Wellman) Weber, both died when he was small, and he was reared by relatives of his father. Ther#e were but two children in his parents' family, Henry and a sister, and both came to America to join relatives in Poland, In¬ diana, where Henry remained for two years. He went thence to McLean county, Illinois, but in two years returned to Clay county and bought eighty acres of land in section 36, Sugar Ridge township, all of which was covered with timber with the exception of ten acres. He cleared the remainder of the land and prepared it for purposes of cultivation, * and in the meantime has also planted one acre to an orchard of apple trees and has erected a pleasant and commodious residence, barns and other farm buildings. He has added to the boundaries of his farm at different times until it now contains one hundred and sixty-four acres of as fine and well improved land as lies in Clay county, and in addition to his general farming he raises the double standard Durham and Short¬ horn cattle, Poland China hogs and Percheron Norman and German Coach horses.

Mr. Weber was married on the 29th of January, 1887, to Dena W. Asherman, who was born in Poland, Indiana, June 4* 1865, a daughter of Henry and Caroline (Schroder) Asherman, \yho were born in Hesse- Castle, Germany. The mother died in 1869, when her daughter was but four years of age, and she lived with her brother until her marriage. Mr. Weber has membership relations with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, lodge No. 835 of Saline City, and he is an earnest and active member of the United Brethren church at Saline City, in which he is serving as a trustee and as the superintendent of the Sunday-school.

Isaac Miller. - The part of Indiana in which Clay county is included has been developed by some of the most active and enterprising men of this enterprising country and age, and. no portion of it has responded more readily to the persuasions of axe and plowshare than Harrison township. Numbered among the earnest workers that have so ablv assisted in transforming the original wilderness into a rich and fer¬ tile agricultural region is Isaac Miller, who has succeeded to the owner¬ ship of the homestead which liis father, Christian Miller, redeemed from the forest. He was born November 2, 1838, in Lehigh county, Pennsyl¬ vania, coming from honored patriotic stock, his great-grandfather on the paternal side having as a Revolutionary soldier fought at the battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775. Jacob Miller, grandfather of Isaac, was born in Carroll county, Pennsylvania, and spent his entire life in his native state, being employed as a tiller of the soil. His wife survived him and died at the home of her son-in-law in Summit county, Ohio, aged ninety-two years.

Born and reared in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, Christian Miller resided there until 1843. In that year, joining a colony of fifty people, all relatives, he journeyed westward to Ohio, camping and cooking by the wayside during the six weeks traveling. In this colony was Mr. Miller's widowed grandmother, her seven sons and her two daughters. Christian Miller located first in Medina county, but two years later joined the remainder of the colony in Summit county. He bought land in Copley township, and while he worked at his trade of a stone mason his sons improved a good farm, on which he and his family lived until i860. In September of that year he sold out and came to Indiana, locating near Lancaster, Owen county, where he resided two years. Coming then to Clay county, he bought land in Harrison township, and on the small patch which had been cleared built a log cabin for himself and family. He was successful in adding to the improvements of his property, and a few months later erected a larger house of hewn logs, in which he resided until his death, August 25, 1866. He married Elizabeth Mill, who was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, and died in Clay county, Indiana, June 5, 1892, aged seventy-three years. Her father, John Mill, was born, reared and married in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, but spent the later years of his life in Medina county, Ohio. Of the union of Christian and Elizabeth Miller nin£ children were born, namely: Isaac, the special sub¬ ject of this sketch; Esom, who died at the age of twelve years; Charles enlisted during the Civil war in Company K, Forty-first Indiana Volun¬ teer Cavalry, and was killed in battle at Triune, Tennessee, when but nineteen years old ; William ; Messiah died in childhood ; Jacob died when two years old ; Almira ; Susanna ; and Amanda.

But five years old when his parents removed to Ohio, Isaac Miller was there educated, attending school quite regularly during the winter terms until twenty years of age. In i860 he came with the family to Indiana, and on September 10, 1861, enlisted in Company K, Forty-first Indiana Volunteer Cavalry, which was attached to the Second Indiana Cavalry, and was sent south. He subsequently veteranized, and was with his regiment in all of its marches, campaigns and battles. At West Point, Georgia, he was captured by the Rebels, but after twenty-four hours of captivity he with two comrades escaped. Swimming the Chattahoochee river, they found themselves in a strange country, but knowing that they must go towards the northeast took the sun for a guide, and in ten days rejoined their companions, who had supposed them dead. At Selma, Alabama, while charging the breastworks of the enemy, Mr. Miller was wounded in the left foot, and for sometime was unable to wear a bctot, but he being mounted he kept with his command just the same. During the time that he was in the service, Mr. Miller was in Kentucky, Ten¬ nessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and the Carolinas, and took an active part in eleven general engagements, including the battles at Pittsburg Landing and Chickamauga, and those of Sherman on his march to Atlanta and on to the sea. With his regiment he was honorably discharged at Nashville, Tennessee, in July, 1865. Previous to enlisting, Mr. Miller had learned the trade of a stone mason under his father's instructions, and after his return home worked at it fpr awhile, at the same time doing more or less farming. Succeeding to the ownership of the old homestead in Harrison township on the death of his father, he has since resided here. He has made improvements of an excellent character, including the erection of a substantial set of frame buildings and the setting out of fruit and shade trees, greatly enhancing the value of the estate and adding to its attractiveness.

On April 20, 1866, Mr. Miller married Mary S. Cuning, who was born in Maryland December 15, 1839, but was reared in Darke county, Ohio, where her mother settled after the death of her husband. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are the parents of two children, namely: John A. and Mar¬ tha D. John A. married Melvina Bowman, and to them five children have been born, one of whom, Clarence, died at the age of nine years, and four are living, Harry, Raymond, Marie and Clara. Martha D., wife of John P. Backfisch, has three children, Edna M., Frederick and Floyd. Mrs. Miller is a consistent member of the German Baptist Brethren church.