Clay County, Indiana - The whole text, 1909 (part 17 of 21)

John Robison, senior partner of the firm of John Robison & Son, wholesale commission dealers in vegetables, fruits, etc., at Brazil, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, August 3, 1845. His parents were John and Mary (Baker) Robison. The father, a native of Maryland, was born in 1805, and was engaged in teaming over the mountains in the early days prior to railroad transportation. He followed that business until about forty-five years of age, hauling goods between Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and Baltimore, Maryland. Later he turned his attention to farming, which he followed in Ohio, and in 1854 he drove across the country from Ohio to Indiana, at which time he established his home in Dick Johnson township, Clay county. There he also secured a tract of land and continued to engage in agricultural pursuits. He was likewise connected with the manufacture of pottery for a number of years and was thus a factor in industrial circles. The honors and emoluments of office had no attrac¬ tion for him but he exercised his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Whig party until its dissolution and afterward of the Republican party. Both he and his wife were consistent and faithful members of the Christian church. Mrs. Robison was born in Ohio and died at the age of seventy-three years in Clay county, Indiana. Mr. Robi¬ son afterward went to Kansas, where he passed away at the. age of eightytwo years. They were the parents of ten children, namely: Joseph B., Sarah, Pearson, Matilda Jane, Amos, Thomas, William, John, Mary E. and Esther Ann, all of whom are living with the exception of Sarah and Amos. The family has a most creditable military record. Pearson joined the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, and after serving for nine months was discharged by reason of the close of the war. Thomas and William enlisted at the three months' call in 1861, but were not accepted as more troops had offered their services than were needed. In April of the same year they joined the state troops in the Sixteenth Regiment, and in June, 1861, this command was transferred to the United States troops, with which they served their full term. Amos also enlisted in the same regiment and afterward Amos and William both re-enlisted, joining the Second Indiana Cavalry. Amos died in Georgia in 1864, while defending the stars and stripes, thus giving his life as a sacrifice on the altar of his country. William became one of General McCook's scouts and was taken prisoner on Sherman's raid. He was then incarcerated for nine months and with the exception of one month the entire time was spent at Andersonville. Thomas enlisted four differ¬ ent times during the war, while John Robison of this review was a member of Company B, One Hundred and Thirty-third Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, joining the army on the 5th of May, 1864, and receiving hon¬ orable discharge therefrom on the 5th of September following.

John Robison of this review was but nine years of age when brought to Indiana with his parents. He was reared upon the home farm and continued under the parental roof up to the time of his marriage, which important event in his life occurred on the 9th of October, 1871. The lady of his choice was Miss Elmira Smith, who passed away nine years later, her death occurring in 1880. She was a native of Marion county, Indiana, and a daughter of Jackson and Hattie Ann (Darby) Smith. There were three children born of that marriage, of whom two are now living. Andrew J., the elder, is in business with his father, under the firm style of John Robison & Son. He married Martha Hewett, and they have two daughters, Mildred and Irene. Olive Blanch Robison became the wife of Harry Race and they have one son. In 1881 Mr. Robison was again married, his second union being with Elizabeth Stough, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Stough, who were pioneer residents of this locality. Unto Mr. Robison's second marriage there have been born four children : Alpheus, who died at the age of thir¬ teen years ; Edith, Ruth and William, who are still under the parental roof.

At the time of his first marriage Mr. Robison turned his attention to farming and was also engaged in public work. In 1881 he became con¬ nected with the business of market gardening and also established a whole¬ sale butchering business, carrying on those interests in connection with the cultivation of his farm. In 1890 he disposed of his butchering business but continued the work of market gardening until 1898, when, associated with his son Andrew, he engaged in the wholesale and commission busi¬ ness as dealers in vegetables, fruits, butter, eggs and poultry. They are conducting a profitable business, having now a liberal patronage and their trade is constantly growing. Mr. Robison giv<?s almost his entire atten¬ tion to his business interests and yet is never remiss in the duties of citizen¬ ship. He votes with the Republican party, but has never sought or cared for office. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian church and are loyal to its teachings.

John Jenkins, one of the successful farmers whose fine farm-home is situated in Sugar Ridge township, Clay county, Indiana, is a native of Putnam county, this state, born March 15, 1846, a son of John and Eliza¬ beth (Mace) Jenkins, natives of Tennessee. They married and moved to Putnam county, Indiana, about 1835, and there rented a farm, living there until 1859, when they moved to Washington township, Clay county, and purchased eighty acres of land. Some years later they sold this and bought in Illinois, but almost immediately traded for a farm in Jackson township, Clay county, Indiana. After farming there several years, they sold and purchased eighty acres in section 19, Sugar Ridge township. This farm he subsequently divided between his four sons and bought forty acres in section 28 of the same township, where the father died in 1894, his wife having died in 1878, leaving nine children to survive her, while two had previously died.

The family of children left motherless were five sons and four daugh¬ ters, the subject of this sketch being the fourth child. He made his home with his parents and worked on the farm until he enlisted in company D, One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Indiana Regiment of Infantry, the date of his enlistment being March, 1865. He was taken ill in Indianapolis and sent to the hospital, where he remained until discharged at the close of the Civil war. After coming home he continued to farm on the home place until his marriage in August, 1869, to Catherine Englehart, daughter of George and Catherine Englehart, of Jackson township, Clay county, Indiana. She died*in January, 1874, leaving three children: Elizabeth, wife of Albert Albright, of Terre Haute ; Florence, wife of W. Snow, of Sugar Ridge township; and Oma, who died aged nineteen in 1893. On August 9, 1875, Mr. Jenkins married Mrs. Adaline Fisher, widow of Will¬ iam Fisher, of Clay county, and the daughter of Zebeline and Hannah (Moore) loweall, natives of Clay county, residing near Stanton. Mrs. Fisher had one son, Charles J. Fisher, now of Jasonville, Indiana.

At the time of his marriage Mr. Jenkins lived on and owned twenty acres of his father's old place, where he now resides ; later he purchased twenty acres more each of two brothers, making at present sixty acres. When he acquired title to this, land it was mostly virgin timber land, which he has cleared up and finely improved. He follows diversified farming, finding it more profitable and certain, as well as better for the land.

Mr. Jenkins is the father of seven children, three sons and four daugh¬ ters ; the sons and one of his daughters are living, as follows : Lewis, of Hoosierville, Clay county ; Edward, at home ; Elmer, at home ; and Anice, at home.

Thomas A. Thompson. - The development of a city depends not upon its machinery of government or the men who fill its offices, but upon those who are the promoters of its industrial and commercial activity, in which connection Thomas A. Thompson is worthy of more than passing notice in this volume. He has for a long period been connected with com¬ mercial circles in Brazil and is now partner in one of the leading grocery establishments of the city. He was born here October 27, 1871, and his life history is well known to his fellow townsmen, who admire him for what he has accomplished and for the honorable business methods he has followed in all of his trade relations. His parents, James and Mary A. (Spoor) Thoirfpson, were both natives of England, but coming to America in early life were married in Hancock county, Kentucky. The father crossed the Atlantic on a sailing ship, and making his way into the interior of the country, settled in the Blue Grass state, where he became a mining superintendent. He afterward removed to Newburg, Indiana, there resid¬ ing from 1868 to 1870, when he came to Brazil. Here he accepted the superintendency of the Maston coal mine, but afterward removed to Hoosierville, Indiana, where he became superintendent of the mines of Woodruff & Company, and also of the Ashley mines. His entire life was thus devoted to the development of the natural resources of the localities in which he lived, but at length he retired with a competence which he had won through his well directed labors, supplemented by his judicious and careful expenditure. He passed away November 9, 1897, and was sur¬ vived for several years by his wife, who was born in England in 1825, and died November 20th, 1904. Their marriage was celebrated on the 30th of March, 1855, and unto them were born six children, but only two are now living, the elder being Ellen, the wife of Allen W. Bolin, a resident of Brazil. The father was an exemplary member of Brazil lodge, No. 215, I. O. O. F. He was also a consistent and faithful member of the Presby¬ terian church, and after becoming a naturalized American citizen he gave unfaltering allegiance to the Republican party.

Thomas A. Thompson largely acquired his education in the public schools of Hoosierville, Clay county, following the removal of his parents to that place. He remained at home until twenty-two years of age, when he was placed in charge of the mine supply store of VV. R. Risher & Company, at Hoosierville. He continued in that capacity for about four years, and in 1894 came to Brazil, where he established a meat market, conducting the business successfully until May, 1900, when he began dealing in staple and fancy groceries as a partner of William Collier. He is thus associated with the business interests of the city at the present time and is also a stockholder in the Brazil Clay Company and in the Citizens' National Bank.

On the 9th of July, 1893, Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Naomi Simonson, whose birth occurred near Brazil in Clay county October 31, 1873, a daughter of Isaac and Eliza (Berry) Simonson. Her paternal grandfather was Aaron Simonson, a native of Ohio, who came with his family to Clay county during an early epoch in its development and settlement. His son, Isaac Simonson, was born in the Buckeye state, but was brought to Clay county during his early boyhood and was here reared amid the wild scenes and environments of frontier life. He soon became familiar with the arduous task of developing a new farm, and the occupation to which he was reared he has made his life work. He still resides in Jackson township, this county, and devotes his energies to general agricultural pursuits. He was married to Eliza Berry, a native of this county, who died at the age of twenty-three years, leaving three children, John W., Etta and Mrs. Thompson, the latter being but eleven months old at the time of her mother's death. Mr. Simonson was afterward again married, his second union being with Amanda Ellen Busby. Unto them were born six chil¬ dren, of whom five survive, namely : Myrtle, Rebecca, Margaret, Frank, and Bailey. Mr. Simonson is well known in this county, where he has so long resided, his memory forming a connecting link between the prim¬ itive past and the progressive present, with all of its evidences of modern civilization. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and has shaped his life in accordance with its teachings. His political allegiance is given to the Republican party, for he believes that its platform contains the best elements of good government.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson has been blessed with two children, Isaac Carl and Hubert Q. The parents are both well known in Brazil and the county, and enjoy the warm regard of a circle of friends which is constantly increasing as the circle of their acquaintances broadens. Mr. Thompson is very prominent in the Masonic fraternity, holding membership in Brazil lodge, No. 264, A. F. & A. M. He was twice Master of the lodge and is now a Past Master, and while he was serving in its chief office there were received more members in the lodge than in any lodge of the state outside of Indianapolis in the year 1903. Forty-seven members took the Master Mason's degree and the growth of the organization was attributable in large measure to the untiring efforts and zeal of Mr. Thompson, who was the youngest worshipful Master that has ever filled the position in Brazil lodge. He was acting grand junior warden at the laying of the corner stone of the Brazil library and also at the laying of the corner stone of the courthouse in Greencastle, Putnam county, Indiana. He has taken the degrees of capitular Masonry in Brazil chapter, No. 59, R. A. M., and belongs to

Brazil commandery, No. 47, K. T. He is also identified with Brazil lodge, No. 215, I. O. O. F., and with the Modern Woodmen camp No. 3418. His political endorsement is given to the Republican party, but he is not active in its ranks as one who seeks or desires office. His interest is that of a public-spirited citizen who desires the welfare of the com¬ munity and labors for its advancement in political as well as other lines.

Edward Franklin Straucii, the well known farmer and stock raiser of Washington township, was born within the limits of the town¬ ship where he has attained a substantial station, on the 27th of March, 1870. He is a son of John and Mary (Knippe) Strauch, his father being a native of Germany and his mother of Union county, Indiana. On the paternal side his grandparents were John and Mary (Mann) Strauch, and on the maternal, George and Margaret Knippe, all born in Germany, as were their ancestors for many generations. The father came with his parents to the United States, in 1839, and until his death at Jeffersonville, Indiana, in 1878, the grandfather was identified with the ministry of the German M. E. church. John Strauch, the father, settled down in Wash¬ ington township, bought timber land, and also became an extensive dealer in horses. After also amassing quite a property in agricultural lands and becoming quite prominent as a Republican and a man of affairs, he died on his Washington township homestead on the 2nd of February, 1892. He was the first Republican sheriff of Clay county, and an honorable, useful citizen. His worthy widow, who was born in November, 1836, has resided with her son, Edward F., since the death of her husband.

Edward F. Strauch, the fourth in a family of two sons and five daughters, has continuously resided on the old family homestead with the exception of two years after his father's death, when he was engaged in farming in Douglas county, Illinois, and two winters in Terre Haute, where he was employed in a dairy. He has had charge of the home farm, with fifty-one acres adjoining which he has purchased, and the entire property has been brought to a high standard of productiveness and at¬ tractiveness. He produces the general crops, and raises Pole Angus cattle, coach horses and Poland China hogs, as well as turkeys and chick¬ ens. Married December 22, 1897, to Miss Clara M. Kattman, he has become the father of the following: John Robert, born August 12, 1901 ; Ross William, born July 18, 1904, and Leona May, born December 7, 1907. His wife is a daughter of John G. and Sarah (Schroer) Kattman, and is of German parentage.

Samuel M. Stigler, who makes his home in Brazil while superin¬ tending business interests elsewhere, is a well known dealer in stock and also derives a substantial income from a farm of about two hundred acres which he superintends. He is likewise one of the stockholders in the Citizens' National Bank of Brazil. There has never been anything indefi¬ nite in his business plans. On the contrary they have been well defined and carefully executed, and in this lies the secret of his success.

Mr. Stigler is one of Clay county's native sons, his birth having occurred in Cass township August 21, 1863. His parents were David and Lavina (McCullough) Stigler, both representatives of old families of this state. The father was born in Cass township, Clay county, in 1835, while the mother's birth occurred in Putnam county, on the nth of November, 1841. They were married at her father's home in the county of her nativity. Mr. Stigler was a tanner by trade and also engaged in farming and dealing in stock. In fact, he was one of the prominent and representative business men of the community, and at the time of his death was the owner of five hundred acres of rich, productive and valuable land. He also bought and sold cattle on quite an extensive scale, having at times one hundred head upon his place, while at his death he had sixtyfive head on his farm. He never cared for public office, preferring to concentrate his time and energies upon his business affairs, yet he gave stalwart support to the Democracy and ever kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day. Unto him and his wife were born six children, of whom five are now living: Samuel AI., Sarah M., West, Mack and David. The father died August 14, 1881, and the mother, who still survives, is yet living on the old homestead.

The ancestry of the family can be traced still farther back. The paternal grandfather, Samuel Stigler, was a native of Virginia and came to Indiana at a very early day, making the journey across the country with a one-horse wagon. He first entered government land in Cass town¬ ship, Clay county, where he built a log cabin in the wilderness and began life in true pioneer style. He married Miss Sarah Phegley, and they were well known and worthy pioneer people. For many years Samuel Stigler was identified with farming interests, and eighty acres of the land which he entered from the government at a very early day is now in possession of his grandson, Samuel M. Stigler.

In taking up the personal history of Mr. Stigler of this review we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known. He worked upon the home farm through the period of Jiis youth and attended school until eighteen years of age, when he lost his father. As he was the oldest child he then took charge of the old home farm, which he operated until twenty-three years of age, when in order to better equip himself for life's practical and responsible duties he attended a commercial college in Terre Haute in the winter of 1886-87. In June of the latter year he engaged in the drug and grocery business at Asherville, Indiana. He continued in this business until 1891, when he re¬ sumed farming in Jackson township, successfully carrying on the work of the fields for seven years. In 1898 he was elected county auditor for four years and removed to Brazil where he has since made his home. He conducted the office in most capable manner, discharging his duties with promptness and fidelity. He carefully supervises his business affairs and his sound judgment and persistency of purpose have brought him gratifying success. His investments have ever been judiciously made, bringing him well earned success.

Mr. Stigler was married December 16, 1888, to Miss Clara A. Carrithers, who was born in Jackson township, Clay county, Indiana, Novem¬ ber 11, 1863, and died March 21, 1898, so that their married life covered less than a decade. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James T. Carrithers. Her father was a farmer of Jackson township, Clay county, In¬ diana, and died in December, 1897. His early political support was given to the Whig party. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stigler were born three children, Roy C., Madge A. and Harold, but the last named died in infancy.

Mr. Stigler in his fraternal relations is a Mason, belonging to Brazil lodge. No. 264, A. F. & A. M. ; Brazil chapter. No. 59, R. A. M. ; Brazil commandery, No. 47, K. T. ; and William Black chapter, No. 80, O. E. S. His political allegiance is given to the Democracy. His record as a business man and as an official has been so honorable that he has gained the confidence and good will of all with whom he has been brought in contact. His courtesy is unfailing and his integrity is above question, and without ostentation or any desire for praise he has labored most earnestly for the welfare of his native county, for the name of Stigler has figured prominently and honorably throughout almost the entire period of its history.

William Collier, associated with Thomas Thompson as owner of one of the leading grocery stores of Brazil, was born in Manchester, Lancastershire, England, September i, 1864. He is the second in order of birth in a family of five children whose parents were Henry and Jane (Snowden) Collier. The father's birth occurred in Manchester April 29, 1834, and his life record covered the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten, for he passed away in Brazil on the 8th of May, 1904. His wife was born in Yorkshire, England, in October, 1835, and died in Sep¬ tember, 1877. They were married in Yorkshire, and while still in his native country the father learned and followed the brick mason's trade and was also a coal miner. In the year 1866 he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, for the reports which he had heard concerning business opportunities in this country were favorable and he hoped to thereby improve his financial condition. Landing in New York in 1866, he made his way to Hancock county, Kentucky, where he resided for about a year, when lie removed to Perry county, Indiana. In 1872 he took up his abode in Martin county, Indiana, and also lived for brief periods in Davies and Sullivan counties. In June, 1875, he arrived in Brazil, where he gave his attention to mining. He belonged to Zenith lodge of the Knights of Honor and lived a quiet and unobtrusive, yet honorable life that won him the respect of those with whom he was associated. His children were: Alice, the wife of James Skene; William, of this review; Sarah, the wife of Joseph Lenhart, who is mentioned on another page in this volume; and James H., who wedded Jessie Sharp and resides in Muncie, Indiana.

William Collier was little more than two years of age when brought to the United States by his parents. He was largely reared in Indiana and is indebted to its public-school system for the educational privileges which he enjoyed. His opportunities of life were somewhat limited, owing to the necessity of his providing for his own support at an early age. When a youth of thirteen he engaged in working in and around the mines and was thus employed for eleven years. On the expiration of that period he entered the employ of Shannon & Fast, grocers, with whom he continued for nine years, his long service standing in incontro¬ vertible proof of his fidelity, trustworthiness and his capability. He was next in the employ of the firm of Kruzan & Company for about two years, when as the result of his economy and diligence he acquired capital sufficient to enable him to engage in business on his own account. There¬ fore, in May, 1900, he formed a partnership with Thomas A. Thompson and they opened a grocery store, dealing in staple and fancy groceries. They have a well appointed establishment, carrying a first class line of goods, and by reason of their honorable dealing, fair prices and earnest desire to please their customers they have secured a profitable and grow¬ ing trade. Mr. Collier is also a stockholder in the Brazil Clay Company and in the Citizens National Bank.

On the 27th of November, 18 87, occurred the marriage of Mr. Col¬ lier and Miss Margaret Ferguson, who was born in Scotland March 23, 1865, and is a daughter of Adam and Gene (Gemmel) Ferguson. Her father was born in the north of Ireland, October 30, 1840, while the mother's birth occurred in Scotland, August 12, 1842. They were mar¬ ried in the land of hills and heather, and in 1874 made the long voyage across the briny deep to the new world. Mr. Ferguson devoted his entire life to mining. He died October 16, 1891, while his wife passed away April 9, 1892. They had six children, five daughters and a son, and those still living are: Margaret, now Mrs. Collier; Mary; Nessie, the wife of Henry Boucher; William, living in Terre Haute; and Ruth, the wife of Richard Alley, a resident of Clay county.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Collier has been blessed with three daugh¬ ters, Ethel, Nellie J. and Margaret. Mr. Collier belongs to Brazil lodge, No. 264, A. F. & A. M., and also affiliates with the Modern Woodmen camp No. 3418 and with Clay lodge No. 169, of the Knights & Ladies of Honor. He and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and are highly esteemed for many good qualities, while their home is justly noted for the warm hearted and attractive hospitality which is extended to their many friends.

Homer T. Zenor, deputy sheriff of Clay county, was born in Cass township, this county, December 7, 1879. His parents were Milan and Amanda (Cromwell) Zenor, both of whom were natives of Cass town¬ ship, the father born April 18, 1849, and the mother on the 20th of Au¬ gust, 1846. Milan Zenor was the son of a pioneer farmer, Joseph Zenor, who located in Cass township at a very early period in the development and settlement of this part of the state. He was a native of Pennsylvania, and removing westward, aided in reclaiming the wild region of Clay county for the uses of civilization. The great-grandfather of Homer T. Zenor in the maternal line was Samuel Risley, the first school teacher in Clay county, and also one of the first clerks of the county court. His daughter Eliza was the first white child born in this county. His daugh¬ ter, Susan Risley, became the wife of William L. Cromwell, the maternal grandfather of our subject. Both were born in Indiana and Mr. Cromwell devoted his life to farming. He served his country in the Civil war for three years as a member of Company B, Seventy-first Regiment of In¬ diana Volunteers, and later this company became a part of the Sixth Indiana Cavalry. He was mustered out with the latter command. Both he and his wife died in Missouri while on a visit there, there being only a brief period between the time of their demise, and both passed away at the age of seventy years. However, they made their home in Indiana until they were called to the home beyond. Thus' in both the maternal and paternal lines Mr. Zenor of this review is a representative of two of the old and honored pioneer families. His father spent his entire life in Cass township except for a period of about six or seven years, when he was living in Sugar Ridge and Perry townships. He was called to a number of local offices, the duties of which he discharged with prompt¬ ness and fidelity, and his record as a citizen and as a business man was entirely above reproach. He was a firm believer in the teachings of the Baptist church and gave his political allegiance to the Democracy. He died May 22, 1905, and thus passed away one of the worthy pioneer set¬ tlers whose labors have been a beneficial element in the upbuilding of this part of the state. His widow still survives and is now living in Cory, this county. They were married in Cass township, and unto them were born six children, five of whom survive: Walter; Cora, the wife of George P. Rushlin ; Homer T., of this review ; Susie B. ; and Mary E.

Homer T. Zenor spent his boyhood days under the parental roof, and during the summer months largely assisted in the work of the farm. He had little opportunity to attend school, for the session was continued only through two or three months in the winter season, but he studied when he could and at the age of eighteen had qualified himself for teach¬ ing and was employed as teacher in the school of Sugar Ridge township. He taught for five years in all in that township and also for a year in Iowa. In the spring of 1904 he returned to Indiana from Iowa and en¬ gaged in business as an electrical engineer with the Terre Haute Elec¬ trical Company at Terre Haute, but on account of his father's ill health he gave up the position and took charge of the old homestead, devoting his time and energies to farming for a year. On the expiration of that period he removed to Cory, where he engaged in the livery and stock business, continuing therein until January, 1907, when he was appointed deputy sheriff of Clay county, which position he is now capably filling, discharging his duties in a prompt, fearless and efficient manner.

On the 10th of April, 1907, Mr. Zenor was married to Miss Dora C. Kohberger, who was born in Sugar Ridge township September* 6, 1880, and is a daughter of August and Margaret (Bireley) Kohberger. Her father was born in Germany and came to Indiana in the latter '60s. He was a cabinet maker by trade, having mastered that business in the fatherland, but following his arrival in America he has given his attention to farming and mining. He has filled some of the township offices and is well known in his community as a public-spirited and progressive citi¬ zen. His political faith is that of the Democratic party. His wife was born in Owen county, Indiana, and by their marriage they have become the parents of nine children, of whom six are living, namely: Mrs. Zenor, Elizabeth, William, Emma, Harry and Robert.

Mr. Zenor is a member of Lockport lodge, No. 390, A. F. & A. M., at Riley, Indiana. He also belongs to Terre Haute lodge, No. 51, I. O. O. F., and Cory encampment, No. 326, at Cory, Indiana. He is also connected with Rebekah lodge, No. 320, at Terre Haute, while his wife is a member of Silver Leaf lodge, No. 604, of the Rebekah degree at Brazil. She is also a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a most estimable lady. Both Mr. and Mrs. Zenor have many friends in the community where they have long resided, and Mr. Zenor is well known as a stalwart advocate of the Democracy and an earnest worker in the local ranks of the party. He served as deputy assessor of Perry township for one term and then did not again hold public office until called to his present position as deputy sheriff, in which connection he is winning high encomiums by reason of his efficiency and faithfulness.

Solomon Tucker. - Noted as the descendant of two prominent pioneer families of Clay county, as a gallant soldier in the Civil war, as a skilful and successful agriculturist, and as an honored and highly respected resident of Perry township, Solomon Tucker well merits repre¬ sentation in a work of this character. A son of John Tucker, he was born October 28, 1838, in Jackson township, Clay county, Indiana. His grandfather, General Nathaniel Tucker, was, as far as known, a life-long resident of Montgomery county, North Carolina, where he spent his clos¬ ing years of life. He was an officer in the war of 1812, holding a gen¬ eral's commission. A natural mechanic, he was both a locksmith and a gunsmith, operating a number of shops, and was also an extensive land¬ holder, owning five farms, a part of which he conducted with slave labor.

Born in Montgomery county, North Carolina, June 21, 1810, John Tucker there learned the trade of a blacksmith. About 1830 he came with a small party, which included his father-in-law, Stephen Lowdermilk, to Indiana, making an overland trip, and in the wagon drawn by six horses brought his family and all of his worldly goods. Locating in Jackson township, Clay county, he bought eighty acres of land, which was still in its primeval wildness. He then built a log cabin of the typical pioneer style, with a stick and clay chimney, a roof covered with rived boards, and no door, a quilt being used in its place. Soon after coming here he bought a cow and calf, paying for them by manual work. Wild animals of all kinds were numerous and destructive, and one night while he was away wolves came and tried to get his calf, but his wife went out and scared the beasts away. Selling out at the end of a few years, Mr. John Tucker bought another tract of timbered land in the same township, and having cleared a part of the land planted the first orchard in that part of the county. Subsequently selling that land, he rented land in Jackson township for a few years, and then in Riley township, Vigo county, where he lived until 1842. He subsequently rented land in Perry township, Clay county, then went back to Riley township, where for some time he was a renter. Locating in Perry township in 1851, he bought a tract of canal land in section nineteen, paying two dollars and a half an acre for it. Clearing a space in the dense growth of timber, he built a house of poles, and a few years later erected a good two-story hewed log house, which he subsequently weatherboarded. Devoting his time to clearing the land and tilling the soil, he afterwards lived there until his death, October 5, i860.

The maiden name of the wife of John Tucker was Elizabeth Lowdermilk. She was born in Randolph county, North Carolina, March 30, 1813, a daughter of Stephen Lowdermilk, a native of North Carolina and a pioneer of Jackson township, Indiana. Mr. Lowdermilk improved a farm from wild land that he bought on locating in Jackson township, and there spent the remainder of his life. He was a man of much ability and intelli¬ gence, and was very prominent in public affairs, as justice of the peace serving satisfactorily for thirty years, during which time his decisions were never appealed from. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Graves, died at a good old age. John Tucker and his wife reared a large family of children, namely: Nathaniel, Polly Ann, Hedge, Solomon, Guilford, Stephen, Annanias, Evan and Martha Ann.

Solomon Tucker was reared in pioneer days, and during his life has been an interested witness of the various changes that have here taken place, watching with delight the rapid transformation of the heavily tim¬ bered land into a rich and productive agricultural country, and aiding by every means within his power its growth and advancement. He began attending school at the age of thirteen years, in Simpson's Chapel in Riley township. As a boy and a youth he helped his father to clear and improve a homestead, and when seventeen years old he, with Samuel Butt, chopped wood for fifty cents a cord. With the money that he thus earned he bought enough lumber to finish the hewed log house that his father built.

On September 5, 1861, responding to his country's call, Mr. Tucker enlisted in Company H, Thirty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, was mustered in as corporal, and with the exception of the thirty-six days that he was held as prisoner by the enemy, and the four weeks that he was confined in the hospital, he was with his regiment, taking part in all of its marches, campaigns and battles, and with his comrades being honor¬ ably discharged September 15, 1864. At the battle of Stone river he with nine hundred brave soldiers was captured and taken to Libby prison, where he was confined sixteen days. He was then transferred to City Point, from there being taken to Annapolis, and thence to Indianapolis, where he was exchanged, after which he joined his command at Cripple Creek, Tennessee. The more important engagements in which he partici¬ pated were those at Fort Donelson, where after being twice wounded he was taken to the Marine Hospital at Evansville, and confined there for four weeks; at Shiloh, where he had command of the headquarters of General Crufts ; the siege of Corinth ; the battles at Iuka, Perrysville and Chickamauga ; the various engagements during the march to Atlanta, and the siege of that city. Very soon after the capture of Atlanta Mr. Tuck¬ er's term of enlistment expired, and he returned home. During his life as a soldier he did service in Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and Virginia. He kept a diary giving minute details of each day's proceedings, and from it we find that he marched with his comrades eighteen thousand, five hundred and sixty-five miles.

After his return to Jackson township Mr. Tucker was engaged in farming on his Grandfather Lowdermilk's estate for a year, after which he worked as a cabinet maker for a year and a half. The following three years he had charge of his grandfather's farm, moved then to Ashboro, Indiana, where he followed cabinet making for eighteen months, and thence to William Stoop's farm, as a renter, for three years. He then bought eighty acres in section thirty, Perry township, on which he soon built a hewed log house, shaving the shingles to cover the roof. He im¬ proved a large part of the land, living there ten years. Then selling, he bought his present fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres in sections thirty-one and thirty-two. With characteristic enterprise and industry he has labored hard, and in addition to clearing and improving the land, has it under a high state of cultivation, and has erected a substantial set of frame buildings.

On March 29, 1865, Mr. Tucker married Maria Jane Stoops, who was born in Perry township October 12, 1844, a daughter of William Stoops and granddaughter of Moses Brown Stoops. The place of birth of the latter is not known, but he was for a number of years a resident of Ohio, from there coming in pioneer times to Perry township, Clay county. Indiana, where he spent the last years of his life. The maiden name of his wife was Rebecca Porter. Coming from Clermont county, Ohio, where he was born and bred, William Stoops settled in Perry township, Indiana, becoming one of its earlier householders. From land that he bought in the northwest quarter of section thirty-three he improved a good farm and was there busily employed in agricultural pursuits until his death, at the age of sixty-six years. He married Mary Laycock, who was born in Clermont county, Ohio, a daughter of Reuben and Sarah (Jordan) Laycock. She died at the age of fifty-three years, leaving seven children, as follows: Francis Marion, Moses Brown, Maria J., William Newton, John R., Marv Melissa and Martha Belle. The union of Mr.

and Mrs. Tucker has been blessed by the birth of fourteen children, namely: Mary E., Evan A., Ennis, Melissa Belle, Ross, Ora A., Vinnie, James Howard, Nola, John R., Solomon L., Effie J., who are living, and two deceased, Zelma and Freddie Garfield. Mary E., the wife of Perry Ewart, has four children, Alfred P., Lulu May, Mary L. and Lois Vivian. Evan A. married Willie Corn, and they have three children, Ovie E., Oakley and William. Ennis married Susanna Staggs, and they have three children, Rov, Grace and Ray. Melissa B., wife of Charles Myers, has six children, Mary J., Ross L., Roy Austin, Rela M., Claretta and Zora Sophronia. Ross married Iva Guard, and they are the parents of six children, Edith, Jacob, Sarah J., Lucy Ann, Ernest and Velma F. Ora A. married Mary Cade, and they have one child, Ethel Blanche. Vinnie, wife of Carl Rector, has two children, Ancil D. and Veva. Nola, wife of George Kaufman, has one child, Clarence O. John R. married Arminta Gresham, and they have two children, Mildred and Eva. The estate of Mr. and Mrs. Tucker is known as "The Lilly Dale Farm." Mr. Tucker is a stalwart Republican.

William Daly. - The spirit of undaunted enterprise and of un¬ wearied diligence has characterized William Daly in his business career and prompted his rise from a humble financial position to one of affluence. He is now conducting a large and growing business as a merchant tailor of Brazil and is meeting with gratifying success in the undertaking. One of Indiana's native sons, he was born at Vevay, Switzerland county, January 30, 1858, and is of Irish lineage. His parents, William and Elizabeth (Kelley) Daly, were both natives of the Emerald isle, the former born .in Limerick and the latter in county Monaghan. They came to America in early life, however, and were married in New York city. William Daly, Sr., crossed the ocean in one of the old time sailing ships and landing in the eastern metropolis he there worked at the tailor's trade, which he had previously learned in his native land. Event¬ ually, however, he made his way westward to Vevay, Indiana, where he engaged in business for some time, while subsequently he took up his abode at Bardstown, Kentucky, where he also opened and conducted a merchant tailor establishment. His next removal took him to Louisville, Kentucky, where he was engaged in the merchant tailoring business until in the early '6os, when he returned to Vevay, Indiana. After spending two years in that city he removed to Indianapolis, where he conducted business for about four years. In 1878 he removed to Brazil and accepted the position of cutter with Solomon Gundelfinger. This was his last business association, for eventually he retired from active life and was traveling in Arkansas, when at the age of eighty years he passed away at Pine Bluff, that state. He was a member of the Roman Catholic church and his political views were in accord with the principles of the Democratic party. His wife died in Muncie, Indiana, at the age of sixty-four years. Their family numbered seven children, of whom four are now living, as follows : Annie, the wife of John L. McCleary, a resident of Michigan ; John L., who makes his home in Brazil ; William, of this review ; and Joseph M., a resident of Terre Haute, Indiana.

William Daly, whose name introduces this record, learned the mer¬ chant tailor's trade with his father in his boyhood days. His education was largely acquired in the common schools of Louisville, Kentucky, and after putting aside his text-books he worked with his father in Indian- apolis and in Anderson, Indiana. In 1878 he became a resident of Brazil and accepted the position of head cutter with Samuel Seigle, his expert workmanship well qualifying him for this important position. For fif¬ teen years he remained with Mr. Seigle, and his labors were an element in the success of his employer. In the meantime, by the careful hus¬ banding of his resources, he secured capital sufficient to enable him to engage in business on his own account and he opened a merchant tailor¬ ing establishment, since continuing in the trade as one of its most promi¬ nent representatives in this part of the state. In the intervening years, covering two decades, he has made but one move and is now conducting business in the store to which he removed in 1899, at No. 108 West Main street. A liberal patronage is accorded him in recognition of his ability, the excellent line of goods which he carries, his reasonable prices and his earnest desire to please his patrons. His establishment has long since become a profitable one and he is justly accounted one of the leading and successful business men of Brazil.

On the 19th of June, 1882, Mr. Daly was married to Miss Elizabeth Shaw, who was born in Russellville, Ohio. Her death occurred on the 24th of December, 1904. By her marriage she became the mother of five children, but only one, Arthur Daly, is now living. For his second wife Mr. Daly chose Anna L. Guthrie, whom he wedded in March, 1905, and who is a native of Gosport, Indiana.

Mr. Daly is prominent in fraternal circles, being an honored and exemplary member of Brazil lodge, No. 264, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a past master. He also belongs to Brazil chapter, No. 59, R. A. M., and has taken the degrees of chivalric Masonry in Brazil comniandery, No. 47, K. T., of which he is a past eminent commander. In community affairs he is deeply and helpfully interested and his co-operation is regarded as a valuable asset in promoting matters of public moment.

Frederick W. Schromyer, for thirty years a shoe merchant of Brazil, his business record bei^g alike creditable to himself and to the city, was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, November 12, 1840, and is the younger of the two sons of Herman Henry and Catherine (March) Schromyer, both of whom were natives of Mechlenburg, in the province of Prussia, Germany. They came to America in 1834 and established their home in Maryland. The father was a tailor by trade and he con¬ tinued his residence in Hagerstown until his death, which occurred, however, in 1842, when he was but thirty-four years of age. His wife long survived him and died at the advanced age of seventy-nine years. Mr. Schromyer was a member of the German Reformed church and a man of many good qualities. The elder son of that marriage was Henry Schromyer. Following the death of her first husband Mrs. Schromyer became the wife of John Rodenburger, and unto them were born seven children.

Frederick W. Schromyer was only two years of age at the time of his father's demise. His boyhood days were spent in his mother's home to the age of seventeen years, when he became an apprentice at the shoe¬ maker's trade in Poland, Indiana, and received his board and twenty dollars for a year's work. Having thoroughly acquainted himself with the business he then removed to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he worked at his trade for some time. He was then induced by a friend, E. W. Bridges, of Bowling Green, Indiana, to remove to that city and embark in business for himself. He erected a shop in Bowling Green and con¬ ducted shoemaking there until 1874, when he was elected treasurer of Clay county for a term of two years. So capable and satisfactory were his services that in 1876 he was re-elected, thus continuing in the office for four years. Upon his retirement in 1878 he opened a boot and shoe store in Brazil, and has continued in business to the present time, being one of the enterprising, alert and wide-awake merchants of the city. He carries a well selected line of goods of varying prices to meet the tastes of the general public and has long enjoyed a liberal patronage, which is indicative of the confidence reposed in his commercial integrity by his fellow townsmen.

On the 17th of November, 1861, Mr. Schromyer was married to Miss Josephine Tapy, a native of Union county, Indiana, born February 5, 1839. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Tapy, were both natives of Prussia, Germany, and were married in that country. They bade adieu to the fatherland in the '30s and crossed the Atlantic to the new world, settling first in Union county, Indiana, among its pioneer residents. Mr. Tapy was one of the first farmers upon the frontier of that locality and aided in planting the seeds of early civilization and progress there. Later, in the '40s, he came to Clay county, settling about two and a half miles northeast of Bowling Green, where he spent his remaining days. His Christian faith was indicated by his membership in the German Reformed church, and his political belief was manifest in the stalwart support which he gave to the Democratic party at the polls. Unto him and his wife were born five children, four sons and a daughter, but Mrs. Schromyer is the only one now living. Unto our subject and his wife have been born six children, five of whom still survive: Alice Julia, the widow of J. M. Wehrly, a resident of Brazil ; Anna, the wife of L. S. Beckley, who resides in California; Frederick, a merchant at Clay City; Orley, a travel¬ ing salesman, who resides in Brazil; and Ross, who resides in New York city, where he is a vocalist of some note.

Mr. Schromyer is a Mason, having been initiated into the order in Clay lodge, No. 85, A. F. & A. M., at Bowling Green. He was promi¬ nent in that association, and for seven years served as its treasurer. On his removal to Brazil he demitted and placed his membership in Brazil lodge, No. 264, A. F. & A. M. He is also a member of Brazil lodge. No. 30, K. P., and the Knights & Ladies of Security. While in limited financial circumstances in early life, he has gained a place among the men of affluence in his adopted city and is now enabled to enjoy many of the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. He and his wife have recently returned from a trip to California, Washington, Montana and other western districts, 'during which time they visited their daughter Anna, now living in the Golden state. They are widely and favorably known in Brazil, where their many good qualities have gained them a circle of friends that is constantly increasing. Their home is justly noted for its warm-hearted hospitality, which is always attractive because of its sincerity.

Dr. James A. Rawley is a successful member of the medical fra¬ ternity of Brazil, enjoying a large and growing patronage. He was born in Van Buren township, Clay county, Indiana, May 11, 1870, and is a son of John and Nancy (Torr) Rawley, of whom mention is made on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of Judge John M.

Rawley. Liberal educational advantages were afforded Dr. Rawley, who attended the Northern Indiana College at Valparaiso and also the Central Normal College at Danville, Indiana, from which he was graduated on the 9th of September, 1894. His professional course was pursued in the Illinois Medical College of Chicago and was completed bv graduation in 1904. On the 1st of October of that year he located for practice in Brazil, Indiana. Here he soon demonstrated his ability to cope with the intricate and complex problems which continually confront the physician. That he is capable in administering remedial agencies is evidenced from the excellent results which attend his efforts, and the public has given him endorsement in a liberal patronage, while the profession entertain for him the most thorough respect because of his close conformity to a high standard of professional ethics.

Dr. Rawley w^as married on the 21st of January, 1894, the lady of his choice being Miss Elizabeth Dickson, who wras born in Greencastle, Indiana, September 30, 1869, and is a daughter of William and Susan Dickson, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. Her father is now living in Marion county, Indiana, at the age of seventy-nine years, but the mother died when sixty years of age. William Dickson is a graduate of the old Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia and removing west¬ ward, located in Putnam county, Indiana, where he engaged in active practice at the time of the outbreak of the Civil war. Putting aside all personal considerations he offered his services to the government and became a surgeon of an Indiana Regiment, with which he served for four years, rendering valuable aid to his country in his care of the sick and wounded. After the war was over he returned to Putnam county, where he continued in practice until 1871. In that year he removed to Knightsville, Clay county, and remained an active and valued member of the profession until 1890, when he retired and has since enjoyed a well merited rest. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Dickson were born eight children, of wrhom six are now living, Mrs. Rawley being the youngest. She has become the mother of two children, but the son, James Alfred, died at the age of six and a half years. Margaret, the younger, is still with her parents and is the light and life of the household.

Dr. Rawley is prominent in fraternal circles, belonging to Knights¬ ville lodge, No. 409, A. F. & A. M. ; Brazil chapter, No. 59, R. A. M. ; Knightsville chapter of the Eastern Star; Rawley Temple, No. 205, of Rathbone Sisters, at Knightsville; Brazil lodge, No. 30, K. P. ; the Modern Woodmen camp, No. 3418, at Brazil; Zenith lodge, No. 169, of the Knights and Ladies of Honor; the Knights and Ladies of Security, No. 366; and Brazil lodge, No. 762, B. P. O. E. He is thoroughly in sympathy with the beneficent spirit of these different organizations and has ample opportunity to bring this into play in his practice. In pro¬ fessional lines he is connected with the Clay County Medical Society, the Indiana State .Medical Society and the American Medical Association. He thus keeps in touch with the advanced thought of the profession and personally has carried his investigations far and wide into the researches of scientific knowledge to promote his efficiency and render his professional aid of greater value to his fellowmen.

Albert Chambers. - Holding an assured position among the suc¬ cessful agriculturists of Lewis township is Albert Chambers, whose birth occurred in this particular part of Clay county September 9, 1854. The son of Benjamin F. Chambers, a pioneer of Clay county, and the grand¬ son of Samuel Chambers, one of the very early settlers of Knox county, Indiana, he can almost be considered a pioneer himself, having watched the development of his native township and county from their infancy. During the past half century he has seen small hamlets transformed into prosperous cities, while thriving villages and populous townships are now filling the places once occupied, even in his boyhood days, by dense forests.

Coming from sturdy Scotch-Irish ancestry, Samuel Chambers was born and reared in Pennsylvania. A young man of push and energy, anxious to establish a home for himself and family, he came as a pioneer to Knox county, Indiana, and after living there a number of years settled in Clay county, buying a tract of wild land in sections five and six, Lewis township. This part of the country was then a comparative wilderness, bears, deer, wolves and other wild beasts alone disputing the rights of the Indians to its sole possession. Cutting down the progeny of the forest, the giant beech and maple trees, he improved a homestead, and on the land that he had cleared raised large fields of wheat and corn. He died at a ripe old age, before his death seeing the township well settled by an enterprising and intelligent class of people. To him and his wife eleven children were born and reared, namely: John, William, Mar¬ shall, Benjamin F., Rice, Samuel S., Thomas, Letha, Emmett, Margaret and Sarah.

Born in Knox county, Indiana, Benjamin F. Chambers was brought up on a farm, and after attaining man's estate continued in the pursuit of agriculture. Buying a tract of land in section thirteen, Lewis township, he built the hewed log house in which his children were born. Devoting his time to clearing and improving the land, he was there employed in tilling the soil until his death in 1857, while yet in the prime of life. His wife, whose maiden name was Martha Creviston, was born in Kentucky, a daughter of Samuel Creviston. She survived him many years, retain¬ ing her residence on the homestead, where she reared her five children, James, John, Louisa, Albert and Flora.

Spending his early life on the home farm, Albert Chambers assisted his mother in its care when not in school, remaining a member of the household until his marriage. The following five years he lived on the farm of his father-in-law, Henry Crist. Buying then his present farm in section seven, Mr. Chambers has made improvements of great value, and in his free and independent occupation has met with a signal success.

Mr. Chambers married, in 1876, Ellen Crist, a native of Lewis town¬ ship. Her father, Henry Crist, was born in Clark county, Indiana, a son of Nicholas and Nancy (Biggs) Crist, who moved from Kentucky to Indiana, locating first in Vigo county, but afterwards coming to Lewis township. He married Lucinda Liston, a daughter of Joseph and' Nancy (Thomas) Liston. She died several years ago, but he is still living, a venerable man of eighty-six years, in Lewis township. Mr. and Mrs. Chambers have three children, namely : Blanco is the wife of Walter H. Woodrow, of Terre Haute; Henry Beecher; and Marv Esther. Relig¬ iously both Mr. and Mrs. Chambers are members of the Missionary Baptist church.

M. D., of Howesville, a man widely known not only on account of his professional work but for his great interest in agriculture, more especially for that branch of it relating to the raising of fine stock and thoroughbred horses. As his name implies, he is of French origin, his great-grandfather on the paternal side, Elder Gastineau, having come to this country from France with Lafayette, and with him fought in the Revolutionary war. After the close of the great struggle he remained in this country, settling in Virginia, where he spent the remainder of his life, passing away at the remarkable age of one hundred and four years.

Henry Gastineau, M. D., was born September 6, 1846, in Greene county, Indiana, near Owensburg, a son of Charles Gastineau and grand¬ son of George Gastineau. Born, it is supposed, in Virginia, George Gastineau migrated to Kentucky when a young man, and having pur¬ chased land in Pulaski county cleared a large plantation, which he operated for a number of years, the work being done by slaves. On this plantation, which was located near Somerset, he resided until his death, at the vener¬ able age of ninety-eight years. The maiden name of his wife was Marv Roper.

Reared to agricultural pursuits, Charles Gastineau remained in Pulaski county, Kentucky, his place of birth, until 1842. Following then in the footsteps of his ancestors, he migrated westward, coming with his family to Greene county, Indiana, which had seemingly many inducements to offer the pioneer. Settling in Jackson township, he bought a tract of heavily timbered land, and in the small clearing that he made soon built the humble log cabin in which his son Henry was subsequently born. He improved the land and added to it by purchase until he had a valuable estate of four hundred acres. He carried on general farming and stockraising with signal success, and dealt extensively in horses. He was well known and highly respected throughout this part of the state, and until his death, at the age of four score and four years, was actively interested in things pertaining to the welfare of town or county. His wife, whose maiden name was Cerelda Morrow, was born in Kentucky and died in Jackson township, Indiana, when but sixty-five years old. She was a daughter of Adam and Hannah (Boone) Morrow, and a descendant of Daniel Boone, the noted backwoodsman.

Having completed his early education in the district schools, Henry Gastineau went, in 1865, to Mills county, Iowa, where for seven years he was employed in mercantile pursuits. Returning to Indiana in 1872, he conducted a store of general merchandise in Owensburg for two years. Turning then his attention to the study of medicine, for which he had a natural talent and liking, he attended the Miami Medical College at Cin¬ cinnati for two years, after which he attended lectures at the Indianapolis Medical College, from which he was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1895. During the ensuing seven years Dr. Gastineau was engaged in the practice of his profession at Worthington, after which he was for four years clerk of Greene county. His health becoming impaired, the Doctor determined to try life in the open for a few years, and with that object in view was engaged in farming and stock-raising in Greene county until 1895. In that year, having recovered his former vigor, he settled in Howesville, where he has since been actively engaged as a physician, his skill and success as a practitioner having placed him among the leading men of the medical fraternity of Clay county. Soon after coming to

Howesville the Doctor purchased a farm adjoining the village, and he and his son are carrying on farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of thoroughbred Kentucky horses, of the Hambletonian strain.

Dr. Gastineau married Melcenia Short, who was born in Lawrence county, Indiana, where her father, Senteney Short, was a pioneer settler. The Doctor and Mrs. Gastineau have two children, namely: Senteney and Leonora. Senteney Gastineau married Lesta Wright, and they have two children, Henry and Louise.

Joseph Crooks. - Although born in the little rock-ribbed country of Wales, Joseph Crooks has been a resident of the United States from the age of five years, and since January, 1868, has made his home in Brazil, where he is now living retired. He was born in Blonavon, Wales, August 3, 1844, and his parents, Richard and Harriet (Morgan) Crooks, were also natives of that country. Both are now deceased, the mother dying but recently, March 19, 1908. Richard Crooks was a miner and in the year 1849 made the voyage to America on a sailing vessel, which dropped anchor in the New York harbor. He then located at Johnstown, Penn¬ sylvania, where he engaged in mining. On the 5th of December, 1868, his son Joseph came to Indiana and the following year the father made his way to this state, following mining near Brazil. Thus throughout his entire business career he continued in that line of activity, in which he embarked in his early manhood. He died at the age of fifty-three years and six months in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was an active, sincere and consistent member. There were four chil¬ dren in the family, of whom three are living: Joseph, of this review; Mary, who is the widow of David Thomas; and Richard J., living in Brazil.

As stated, Joseph Crooks was but five years of age when brought to the United States by his parents and in the schools of Johnstown, Penn¬ sylvania, he mastered the common branches of English learning. The year 1868 witnessed his arrival in Indiana, and for some years he engaged in mining. He then established a meat market, which he conducted for about two years, from 1878 until 1880, and in the latter year he opened a drug store in Harmony, this county. Afterward he removed to Marion, Indiana, and was in the drug business for about a year and a half. In 1891 he returned to Brazil, where he carried on business successfully for about twelve years, or until July, 1903, when he retired. His well directed labor, his business enterprise and capacity and his thorough, trustworthy methods have secured him a patronage which gained him place among the men of affluence of the city.

It was on the 5th of December, 1869, that Mr. Crooks led to the mar¬ riage altar Miss Elizabeth K. Llewellyn, who was born in Ohio October 29, 1849, while her parents, Thomas J. and Elizabeth (Lewis) Llewellyn, were both natives of Wales. They have now departed this life. The father was superintendent of mines in Ohio, and following his removal to Indiana accepted a position as mine superintendent at Harmony. Both he and his wife died in Brazil in the faith of the Presbyterian church, of which they had long been devoted members. Their family numbered ten children, of whom five are now living: Margaret, Watkins J., Jeannette, Elizabeth J. and Hannah.

age of thirty-three years; Stella E., the wife of Albert E. Holliday; Bernice B., the wife of J. Hubert Cooper; and two who have passed away.

Mr. Crooks is interested in all matters pertaining to the welfare and upbuilding of his adopted city and is now serving for the second term as a member of the school board, with which he has been contin¬ uously connected since June, 1902, and of which he is now the secre¬ tary. He is an exemplary member of Brazil lodge, No. 264, A. F. & A. M., and was the first man initiated into the Harmony lodge in 1872. He was a member of the city council from 1894 to 1898. He holds mem¬ bership with the Methodist Episcopal church and gives strong endorse¬ ment to the Republican party at the polls. His activity in business has not only contributed to his individual success, but has also been a factor in the development of the city, and he has been conspicuous among his associates not only for his prosperity but for his probity, fairness and honorable methods.

William Tapy. - Occupying a noteworthy position among enter¬ prising and respected citizens of Bowling Green is William Tapy, who has spent the larger portion of his business life in Clay county, and has been conspicuously identified with the best interests of both town and county, generously using his influence to promote the public welfare. Like many others of our most industrious and thrifty citizens he was born across the sea, his birth having occurred, in 1842, in Prussia, Germany. His father, John Tapy, died in the fatherland in 1851, leaving his widow, Eugene (Foderlade) Tapy, with a family of young children to bring up.

Living with his mother until eighteen years of age, William Tapy received a substantial education in his native country. In i860, wishing to test the truth of the glowing accounts that he had heard of America's prosperity, he came to the United States, settling in Poland, Clay county, Indiana, where he learned the trade of a cabinet maker. He subsequently followed his trade for a short time in Brazil, Indiana, from there coming about 1862 to Bowling Green, which has since been his abiding place. In addition to his work as a cabinet maker he is the leading furnishing undertaker of this part of the county, and on account of his efficiency in that line his services are sought throughout the community.

Mr. Tapy married Mary Marsh, who was born in Ohio, a daughter of Thomas and Kate (Gilbreath) Marsh, and of their union two children have been born, Katie E. and one who died in infancy. An active and valued member of the Democratic party, Mr. Tapy has rendered his fellow-townsmen excellent service both as town clerk and as town treas¬ urer, filling these offices with ability and fidelity for four years. He is an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he was secretary for ten years, and religiously belongs to the Christian church.

Farmer J. James. - When the tocsin of war sounded men from all stations of life flocked to the standard of the country, coming from the workshops, the fields, the offices and the counting rooms, all actuated by the common purpose of upholding the Union. Forty-seven years have come and gone since the outbreak of hostilities, and the ranks of the vet¬ erans are fast becoming thin as one bv one they answer to the last roll call. Among those who did valued service on southern battlefields and are still active factors in the affairs of life is numbered Farmer J. James, of Brazil. He was born in Crawfordsville, Indiana, July 17, 1838, and is a representative of one of the old pioneer families of the state. His parents were William and Nancy (Doyle) James. The father was born in Kentucky in 1803 and died at the age of seventy years, passing away at Wills Point, Texas, in 1873. He had for ten years survived his wife, who was born in Shelbyville, Kentucky, January 1, 1800, and died in Bushnell, Illinois, in 1863. They were married in Crawfordsville, Indiana, and their children were two in number, the elder being Rebecca, now the wife of James H. Wilson, a resident of Peoria, Illinois. The father served his country in the Mexican war as a soldier of the Seventh Indiana Regiment and after the cessation of hostilities located at Wills Point, Texas. He had at one time eighteen thousand acres of land in Van Zandt and Kauf¬ man counties of that state, and was extensively engaged in the stock business. There he lived until the outbreak of the Civil war, when he became conscript agent for the Confederacy in the state of Texas. He had a wide acquaintance throughout that state and was most highly respected. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity in Dallas and gave his political allegiance to the Democracy.

Farmer J. James, whose name introduces this record, spent his boy¬ hood days in Illinois, and at Bushnell, that state, enlisted in September, 1861, joining the Sixteenth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers for three months. On the expiration of that term he was mustered out at Quincy but, not content to resume the pursuits of civil life while the preservation of the Union was an uncertain fact, he again enrolled as a member of the Union army, becoming a member of Company G, Eleventh Illinois Cav¬ alry, for three years or during the war. He continued at the front until mustered out July 17, 1865, and was detailed at Shiloh to act as body guard for General McPherson. He was on many a hotly contested battlefield and never was his loyalty or his courage called into question.

Having been honorably discharged when the war was over and the country no longer needed his military aid, Mr. James returned to the north and engaged in mining coal in Clay county, Indiana. He was married on the 20th of January, 1867, to Mrs. Carrie Doyle, the widow of James Doyle. She was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, and died in the year 1904. She was a school teacher, and in the early '50s came to Clay county, teaching school for twenty-seven years at Staunton. She became recognized as one of the ablest educators in this part of the state, and for some time served as county school examiner. She issued a teacher's cer¬ tificate to William Travis and to many others who have done good work in connection with the public schools. Not only was her labor effective and far-reaching in the line of mental development but was also effective as a force in moral progress. She was state secretary of the Sunday School Union for a number of years and was secretary of the county Sunday School Union for ten years. Her church membership was with the Methodist Episcopal church, and throughout her life she was an earnest, devoted Christian woman, whose work was of great benefit to humanity. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, belong¬ ing to chapter No. 80, and was a delegate to the first state convention at Greencastle and drew up the by-laws for the organization.

Following his marriage Mr. James continued mining, which pursuit he followed for twenty years, and in 1894 he retired from active business and has since lived in the enjoyment of well earned rest in Brazil. He has been prominent in the affairs of the city and has an official record over which there falls no shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, having served for about twenty-five years as justice of the peace in Brazil and Clay counties, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial and winning him "golden opinions from all sorts of people." In 1867 he became a member of Brazil Lodge, No. 264, A. F. and A. M., and has since been an exemplary Mason, devoted to the teachings and tenets of the craft. For eight years he served as master of Staunton Lodge and is also a member of Brazil Chapter, Xo. 59, R. A. M., Brazil Council, Xo. 40, R. and S. M., and General Canby Post, Xo. 2, G. A. R. He likewise belongs to William Black Chapter, Xo. 80, O. E. S-, of which his wife was one of the organizers and a most active member. Mr. James gives his political allegiance to the Republican party, which he has stanchly supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has always regarded it as the party of reform, progress and improvement, and it was the party of the Union at the time of the Civil war. In all matters of citizenship Mr. James has been as loyal and as patriotic as when he followed the stars and stripes upon the battlefields of the south.

David Keller. - Among those active and prosperous men of Lewis township who have accumulated a competency through their own exer¬ tions and economy is David Keller, a well-known and prosperous agri¬ culturist, owning and occupying a valuable farm on the rich Eel river bottoms. A son of Henry Keller, Jr., he was born Xovember 18, 1855, in Owen county, Indiana, about six miles north of Spencer. His grandfather, Henry Keller, Sr., came from Tennessee to Indiana in pioneer days, becoming one of the firsf settlers of Putnam county. Establishing a tan yard near Greencastle, he conducted it a number of years, and then removed to a place near Santa Fe, Owen county, where he followed the trade of a tanner during the remainder of his active life, residing there until his death.

Born, it is thought, in Putnam county, Indiana, Henry Keller, Jr., as a boy and youth assisted his father in the tan yard, but did not choose to follow the tanner's trade, agriculture being more congenial to his tastes. He therefore entered government land near Santa Fe, and after improving a part of it sold out and bought another tract of timber, that he also improved in part and sold, and subsequently bought, partly improved, and also sold several farms in Owen county. About 1883 he came to Clay county, rented a farm in Harrison township, and was there employed in tilling the soil until his death, three or four years later. The maiden name of his wife was Elizabeth M innick. She was born in Virginia, and died in Clay county, Indiana, in 1907, at the age of seventy-five years. With her parents, David and Seely Minnick, she came to Owen county, Indiana, where her father took up govern¬ ment land in what is now the town of Cataract. There, during seed time and harvest, he worked on the land, while in the winter seasons he devoted his time to his trade of a cooper. He was a man of great physical and mental* vigor, and lived to the remarkable age of ninetyeight years. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Keller* Jr., eight of whom grew to years of maturity, namely: Zachariah T., Alfred, David, Ellen, Daniel, Arloff, Mary and Minnie.

to Clay county he entered the employ of his uncle James Keller, a farmer, with whom he remained for some time. After working for seven years Mr. Keller rented land and began farming for himself. His labors were crowned with success, and in 1885, with the money that he had saved, he bought twenty acres of his present home farm. The land was then in its pristine wildness, being covered with timber and brush. Improving the land and erecting good buildings, he has subsequently purchased other land, having now in his home estate one hundred and forty -eight acres of rich and productive land, the greater part being bottom land, his house, however, being situated in a beautiful natural grove, an ideal location for a home.

On November 28, 1880, Mr. Keller married Laura Stout. A daughter of John Stout, she was born in Lewis township, Clay county, Indiana, October 5, 1862. Her grandfather, Peter Stout, was a pioneer settler of Lewis township, and on the homestead that he redeemed from the wilderness spent his declining years. His wife, whose maiden name was Jane Graveston, survived him many years and married for her second husband John Lanning. John Stout followed farming in Lewis township during his active life, which was but brief, his death occurring while he was yet in manhood's prime. He married Rachel Jessup, a daughter of Silas and Nancy Jessup, and she, too, died at a compara¬ tively early age, passing away at the age of forty-five years. She was a life-long resident of Lewis township. Mr. and Mrs. Keller are the parehts of five children, namely: Leora, Estea, Woody, Russell, Ertice and David Herschel. Religiously Mrs. Keller and her two daughters are faithful members of the United Brethren church. Politically Mr. Keller is a stanch adherent of the Democratic party, and in 1896 was elected a county commissioner. He and his son Woody also .belong to the United Brethren church.

Martin Hyland. - Among those who assisted in transforming Clay county and its vicinity from its primitive state to one of the fore¬ most sections of the state is numbered Martin Hyland, for many years one of the most prominent farmers of Perry township. He was born in county Mayo, Ireland, in 1814, a son of James and a Miss (McMannus) Hyland, who spent their lives in their native land of Ireland. The son, however, left his home and native land and coming to the United States located in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1848, where he worked at his trade of blacksmithing, and soon afterward went from there to Greggsville, Virginia, to work at his trade for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Company. After some years there he was transferred from place to place on the company's line until finally, on November 19, 1856, he landed in Perry township, Clay county, Indiana. He had been induced to remain in Virginia until after the election in order to vote for Buchanan for the presidency, and after his arrival in this county he bought timber land in section 26, also becoming the owner of fifty-six acres in Sugar Ridge township and eighty acres near Saline, and these, with his sixty-nine acres in Perry township, made him a large and val¬ uable farm. He became the owner of his land in Sugar Ridge town¬ ship in 1856, and to his credit it may be said that there was never a debt on his farm. He cleared all of his land and experienced all the trials and hardships known only to the frontiersman, his busy and useful life being ended on the 13th of June, 1888.

Mr. Hyland married, December 29, 1851, in Greggsville, Virginia, Helen Mullarkey, who was born in county Mayo, Ireland, November 8, 1833, a daughter of Owen and Mary (Mulkene) Mullarkey, also of that country. Their daughter came to the United States with relatives in November, 1851, and located first in Greggsville, Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Hyland became the parents of the following children: James, whose home is in Omaha, Nebraska; Maria, of Terre Haute; Annie C., wife of Charles W. Lamb, of Terre Haute; Martin, also of that city; John T., of Washington, D. C. ; Agnes, at home; Jennie F., also at home; Robert E., of Indianapolis, Indiana; Clara, who became the wife of Elsworth Miller and died May 13, 1907; Simon, who died December 2i, 1902; and Isadore and Ansalom. who died in infancy. Mr. Hyland gave his political allegiance to the Democracy, and was a member of the Catholic church, as is also Mrs. Hyland.

William Spears. - At the early age of seven years - at a time when most boys have hardly begun their education as public-school students - William Spears began to provide for his own support. He is truly a self-made man and deserves great credit for what he has accomplished, for it has been through his diligence and unwearied indus¬ try that he has worked his way upward, occupying now the responsible position of assistant superintendent with the Crawford Coal Company and also with the Indiana Block Coal Company. He was born in Dundivan, Scotland, February 16, 1843, his parents being Andrew and Ann (Kilpatrick) Spears. The father's birth occurred at Toll Cross, Scot¬ land, February 28, 1817, and he died at the age of fifty-six years in Akron, Ohio. His wife was born near Glasgow, Scotland, July 28, 1818, and died at Middlebury, Ohio, when fifty-four years of age. Their family numbered ten children, of whom nine are living: William, James, George, Esther, Robert, Agnes, Catharine, John and Annie. The father was a miner in Scotland and came to America in 1865, settling at Sharon, Mercer county, Pennsylvania, where he followed mining for about two years. He then removed to the vicinity of Akron, Ohio, where he continued in the same department of business activity up to the time of his death. He was a man of Christian faith and principles, and in his political views was a stalwart Republican.

William Spears, whose name introduces this review, crossed the Atlantic to the United States in January, 1864, when twenty years of age. His youth was a period of earnest, unremitting toil. He was employed in the rolling mills of his native country between the ages of seven and nine years and afterward worked in the coal and iron mines until twelve years of age. He then worked in the mills for about a year and then again returned to the mines, where he continued until seventeen years of age. He became a contractor in the mining business, being perhaps the youngest contractor in that line in his native country. He so continued for about a year and a half and then again followed mining until 1864, when, attracted by the opportunities of the new world, he came to the United States, settling first at Frostburg, Mary¬ land. There he worked at mining for about eight months, when he removed to Sharon, Pennsylvania, where he resided for about nine months. On the expiration of that period he became a resident of Galesburg, Illinois, where he followed mining for a short time, after which he returned to Sharon, Pennsylvania, living there until his removal to Akron, Ohio. His next place of residence was at West Middlesex, Pennsylvania, where he worked for W. W. Risher for fourteen months. He then came to Brazil with Mr. Risher in January, 1873, and acted as mine manager until Mr. Risher sold out to the Brazil Block Coal Com¬ pany. Mr. Spears was retained bv that company as manager for eight years, during which period the company sank eleven shafts and bought ten mines. On severing his connection with that corporation he engaged as manager for the Crawford Coal Company, which at that time had but one mine but at the present time has five mines. He is now the assistant superintendent and is also assistant superintendent for the Indiana Block Coal Company. He is regarded as an expert in coal mining and his long experience, study and investigation give him superior knowledge in this direction.

On the 28th of March, 1872, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Spears and Miss Maggie Walker, who was born near the town of Ayr, in Scotland, while her parents, Allen and Mary (Love) Walker, were also natives of the land of hills and heather. Her father was a miner of Scotland, who on crossing the Atlantic settled near Melburn, Canada, where he lived for about four years. He then removed to Ohio, locating near Akron, and subsequently came to Indiana. After spending several years in this state he returned to Ohio, where he resided until his demise. Both he and his wife were consistent members of the Christian church and his political endorsement was given to the Republican party. Their family numbered nine children, of whom eight- are living: Mrs. Spears, Mary, John, Charles, Allen, James, Mina and Priscilla.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Spears have been born five children, as follows: Mary, a bookkeeper in the employ of the Central Telephone Company; Andrew A., who is a practicing dentist in Brazil, Indiana ; Annie, who died in infancy ; Almeda, who follows dressmaking ; and Margaret, who is engaged in teaching in the Brazil schools.

The parents are consistent and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church, co-operating in many of the church activities. Mr. Spears belongs to Brazil lodge, No. 264, A. F. & A. M., while both he and his wife are connected with William Black chapter, No. 80, O. E. S. He likewise belongs to Brazil lodge, No. 215, I. O. O. F., and Iron City encampment, No. 118, while in the subordinate lodge he has filled all of the offices. Both he and his wife are identified with Mayflower lodge, No. 61, of the Order of the Rebekah, in which Mrs. Spears has filled all of the chairs and they are likewise connected with the Knights and Ladies of Honor, in which Mrs. Spears has held all of the offices and has been representative to the grand lodge, while Mr. Spears is vice protector. He has no use for either tobacco nor intoxicants, and has led a clean, upright life, following those teachings which make for honorable man¬ hood and for worthy citizenship. He early learned the value of industry, economy and integrity in the business world and those qualities have characterized his entire career.

John H. Coats. - An energetic, practical man, of sound judgment and good business talents, John H. Coats is widely known to the traveling public as proprietor of one of the leading hotels and livery stables of Center Point, Indiana. A son of the late Steward Coats, he was born December 3, 1854, in Patricksburg, Owen county.

Steward Coats was born in Pennsylvania, and there grew to man¬ hood. He was three times married, and by each wife had children. He married for his third wife, in Owen county, Indiana, Hannah Harris, a native of Kentucky, and they became the parents of eight children, of whom John H., the special subject of this sketch, was the fourth child in order of birth. He died in 1900, surviving his third wife by many years, her death having occurred in 1884.

Beginning the battle of life for himself at the age of seventeen years, John H. Coats was for seven years engaged in logging. Embarking then in the livery business, he was first located for a short time at Patricksburg; then in Spencer, Owen county, for a year; the following two and one-half years was in Clay City; and then for awhile was again in Patricksburg. Turning then his attention to agricultural pursuits, Mr. Coats carried on general farming in Clay county for fourteen years. Locating then at Bowling Green, he conducted a livery there for more than two years, after which he spent two years on his farm in Posey township. On February 1, 1900, Mr. Coats traded his farm for the hotel and livery business at Center Point, where he has since been profitably employed, keeping a firstclass hotel and having in his livery barn about eight horses.

On February 2, 1879, Mr. Coats married Catherine Royer. She was born in Patricksburg, Indiana, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Miller) Royer. Ten children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Coats, namely: Moyne, wife of Robert Perry, of Center Point; Beulah, of Fontanet, Indiana ; Gail, at home ; Anna, a teacher living at home ; Roy ; Guy ; Wayne, who died at the age of two and one-half years ; Olga ; Ruth ; and Marjorie Imogene. Politically Mr. Coats supports the principles of the Democratic party, and fraternally he belongs to the Modern Wood¬ men of America of Brazil, Indiana.

John Boucher, the engineer at the city water works of Brazil, was born in Clay county, Indiana, September 11, 1869, a son of one of the pioneers of the county, James Boucher. The last named was born in county Clare, Ireland, November 9, 1836, a son of James and Mary (Flonery) Boucher, both of whom were also born on the Emerald Isle and came to America on a sailing ship. Landing at Quebec, they made their way to Detroit, Michigan, from whence they went to Indianapolis, Indiana, and after some time there came to Clay county and spent their last days here. Of their seven children two are now living, Annie and Kate.

James Boucher was about seventeen years of age when he came to Indiana and to Clay county, his parents both dying near Staunton, this state. He spent his active life as a railroad man, principally in the build¬ ing of tracks for the Vandalia Railroad Company, for which he helped to build the tracks from Indianapolis to Terre Haute. In 1898, while employed with the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Company, he received an injury from which he never fully recovered, and his death occurred at his home on West Church street when he was seventy-two years old, December 29, 1907. On the 18th of January, 1864, in Terre Haute, he married Matilda West, who was born in Staunton, Clay county, Indiana, February 18, 1840, and she is now living in Brazil. She is a daughter of Alfred and Elizabeth (Archer) West, both of whom were born in Ohio, the father August 17, 1800, and he died April 7, 1882, and the mother was born October 9, 1802, and died in May, 1873. They became the parents of ten children, but only three are now living - Elizabeth ; Matilda, who became the wife of Mr. Boucher; and Alfred, living in Staunton. Mr. West, the father, was one of the pioneers of Indiana. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Boucher, and the seven now living are : Elizabeth, wife of Edward Hutchinson ; Henry, who married Nessie Ferguson, and they have one daughter; John, the subject of this review; Alfred M. and Alice M., twins; Matilda J., the wife of Albert Scott; and Mary, wife of John Brown. James Boucher gave his political allegiance to the Democratic party, and was a member of the Catholic church. In his life time he was one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Brazil. He was a quiet man, a kind and generous husband and father, a generous neighbor, and was possessed of the many virtues necessary in the really good citizen.

John Boucher attended the public schools, and at the age of fourteen started to learn the baker's trade under the instructions of W. Shannon, with whom he remained during two summers, attending school in the winter months. During a short time he also worked in a rolling mill, and he then began work as fireman for the Chicago & Indiana Coal Rail¬ road Company, now the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Company, with whom he remained for seven years. For some time after leaving this company he was the engineer on a street roller, for two years was the engineer for the Brazil Brewing Company, operated a steam shovel for the Vandalia Railroad Company, and in November, 1904, assumed charge of the Brazil Water Works as engineer, his present position.

Mr. Boucher married, July 18, 1899, Katherine Richie, who was born in Knightsville, Clay county, Indiana, the daughter of Andrew and Louisa (Grant) Richie, both of whom were born in Germany. Three of their children are living - Mary, Mrs. Boucher and Garfield. Mr. Richie is a merchant in Brazil, and he is a member of the Catholic church and the Republican party. Mr. and Mrs. Boucher have had three chil¬ dren, James, Margaret and John, but one son died in infancy. Mr. Boucher supports the principles of the Democratic party, and he is also a member of the Catholic church.