Clay County, Indiana - The whole text, 1909 (part 3 of 21)

Jeptha Turner, father, was born in Wayne County, Indiana, October 29, 180 (>. and died April 16, 1885. On January 14, 1830, he married Miss Martha Gaar, born in Wayne county, September 25, 1810, and died September 15, 1890. They were the parents of the following children: Larkin G. ; Levi P. : Abram W. ; Sarah Jane, wife of John Endsley ; Eliza Ann; M. V. B. ; John Milton; Martha Ellen, who died aged twentyeight years of age; Jesse D. Jeptha Turner, the father, was reared in Wavne county, Indiana, and followed farm life. He was a member of the Baptist church and in politics a Democrat. His parents were John and Mary ( Holman) Turner, the former being a native of Kentucky who came to Indiana at a very early day and became a pioneer in 4hat state. He was the first sheriff of Wayne county and spent his life on the farm.

John M. Turner remained with his parents until twenty-two years of age, then went to Brazil as the manager of a woolen mill, which he followed three years, then engaged in merchandising business with Will¬ iam II. Shannon. In 1879 he was made deputy county treasurer under Leason B. Pruner, and in 1881 he was appointed deputy county auditor under James T. Casteel, where he continued between five and six years, after which he embarked in the hardware business. In 1900 he engaged in the insurance and real estate business which he still conducts. Being a prudent, painstaking man, he does thoroughly whatever he undertakes. He has for years been active in civic society work. He became a member of Brazil Lodge, No. 264, A. F. and A. M., and was one of the organizers and a charter member of Centennial Lodge, No. 541, A. F. and A. M. He is also a member of Lodge No. 30 of the Knights of Pythias order, which he joined in 1875, and has held all the offices in the same. He belongs to Ben Hur Court, No. 8, and is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, Brazil Lodge, No. 762. Politically, Mr. Turner is a supporter of the Democratic party. He was united in marriage, November 14, 1877, to Anna E. Dickson, born in Illinois, July 14, 1862. The children born of this union are: Clarence M., who married Marv McCurdy ; Irma A. ; Sarah H., wife of H. S. Rector ; Beulah E. ; Gaar N. ; Martha Mae ; Paul Dudley.

Concerning Mrs. Turner's people it may be said that she is the daugh¬ ter of John and Ruth Dickson. Her father located in Bowling Green in 1863, but in 1866 moved to Brazil. He was married in 1840 and resided in Indiana, except eight years in Illinois. Mrs. Dickson died May 28, 1882, of heart disease, aged fifty-one years. She was a native of Ohio, but moved with the family to Indiana in 1834. She was the mother of eight children, five of whom survived her.

Oliver Griffith. - As a native-born citizen of Clay county, a soldier in the Civil war, and for many years one of the most industrious and thrifty farmers of Lewis township, where he is now residing, Oliver Griffith well merits representation in a work of this character. He was born February 11, 1832, in Harrison township, in the rude log cabin built by his father in the midst of a dense forest. His father, Bartlett Griffith, was born in Tennessee, and his grandfather, Joseph Griffith, was, it is thought, a native of North Carolina.

After living a few years in Tennessee, Joseph Griffith followed the march of civilization westward and northward to Clay county, Indiana, and as one of the original householders of Harrison township bought from the government a tract of timbered land in section 12. He was a gunsmith by trade, skilled in the use of tools, and had the reputation of making the best rifle to be obtained in these parts. He followed his trade in connection with farming, and here spent the remainder of his three score and ten years of earthly life. His wife, Melinda Griffith, died a number of years before he did.

Coming with his parents from Tennessee to Indiana, Bartlett Griffith assisted his father in clearing a homestead, using axe and hoe with dex¬ terity. On one occasion, when returning from a horseback trip to Kentuck v, he broke a water sprout from an apple tree, and on arriving home stuck it in the ground, very near the house, and it grew and proved to be an excellent winter fruit. Several trees grew from that one, and on these and the parent tree an abundance of fine fruit has been produced. Arriv¬ ing at manhood, he bought eighty acres of land adjoining the parental homestead on the west, cleared an opening in the woods, erected a house of round logs, with a stick and clay chimney, and rived boards to cover the roof. His wife had no stove, but did all of her cooking by the fire¬ place. He cleared quite a tract of the land, and continued there, engaged in tilling the soil until his second marriage, when he came to Lewis town¬ ship to live on his wife's farm, and here, two years later, in 1855, died.

He married first Patience Dalton, who spent her entire life in Harrison township, dying in 1840. He married second Mrs. Susan Neal, who sur¬ vived him a number of years. His children were ail by his first marriage, and of them six grew to years of maturity, namely: Joseph, Elizabeth, Oliver, William, Sampson and Henry. During the Civil war William enlisted first in Company A, Forty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and later in Company F, One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Indiana Volun¬ teer Infantry, served until the close of the war, and died soon after receiv¬ ing his honorable discharge from the army. Sampson served in Com¬ pany B, Twenty-sixth Indiana V olunteer Infantry, was captured at Tyler, Texas, and remained a prisoner eleven months and seven days. Henry served in the same company, and died while in the army.

Born and reared in pioneer days, Oliver Griffith well remembers the hardships and privations endured by the early settlers of this part of the country, and the strenuous labor that he, as a boy, performed while assist¬ ing his father to clear a homestead. For many years after his birth there were no railways in the state, and no convenient markets. Indeed ! Why should there be? There was very little to sell, the people being what might be termed home livers ; that is, they produced almost everything they ate or wore. Com bread and wiki meats were the principal articles of food, and the father raised, pulled, broke and hackled the flax which the mother carded spun and wove into the homespun from which she fashioned garments for the whole family. Sugar was made from the sap of the maple tree, and the head of the household was oftentimes his own cobbler. Mr. Griffith says that he was quite a lad before he had a pair of shoes, and that his first ones were made for him by his grand¬ father, who tanned the leather himself. In order to pay for these shoes, Oliver pumped the bellows for his grandfather, who was a blacksmith as well as farmer and cobbler, a whole spring, summer and fall. Those shoes, so hardly earned, were worn when the ground was covered with snow, at other times being carefully wrapped up and put away, to be given, when he outgrew them, to a younger brother. In going hunting in cold weather, he used to warm a board to take along, and when the dog started a rabbit he would place the board on the ground, and keep his bare feet on it while waiting.

From early boyhood Oliver Griffith worked with his father, and for weeks at a time would split rails that sold at twenty-five cents a hundred, that being one of the ways the brave pioneers had of securing ready money. Occasionally his father would take one or two hogs, some furs, venison and honey to Terre Haute, trade them for coffee, salt, needles, thread, and such other small articles as must.be had, taking two days to make the trip. During the winter of 1848 Oliver lived with William Edmundson, and worked for his board and attended school for three months, getting up at four o'clock in the morning to do his chores, and afterwards walking five miles to the school, which was the only one t,hat he ever attended, having obtained his education by good reading and observation. He is an intelligent reader, keeping abreast of the times in regard to current events, and for many years has kept a daily record of things of importance and interest. Growing to manhood, he was for a number of years employed in farming by the month or year. I11 1856 he worked for Christopher Trinkle, receiving at the end of the year, in addition to his board, fifty dollars in cash and two suits of clothes. A part of the next year he worked for Joseph Liston, and then returned to

Mr. Trinkle and farmed on shares, his share of the crop in the fall amounting to twentv-one dollars. The result was so discouraging that he returned to Mr. Liston, with whom he remained until after the breaking out of the Civil war.

On October 29, 1861, Mr. Griffith enlisted in Company A, Fortythird Indiana Volunteer Infantry; was with his regiment in Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas and Kansas, and took part in several engagements, the more important being the battles at Fort Pillow, Memphis and Island No. 10. In February, 1863, on account of physical disability, he was honorably discharged, and after his return home was unable to work for more than six months. Going in the fall of that year to Knox county, Indiana, Mr. Griffith was there married, December 6, 1863, to Sarah Chambers, who was born in that county, April 18, 1831, a daughter of John and Mary (Hollingsworth) Chambers. The young couple remained on the farm of Mr. Chambers for two years, and then settled in Lewis township. In 1866 Mr. Griffith bought the farm which he now owns and occupies, ten of its eighty acres being cleared at the time of purchase, while on it was a log cabin, with an addition built of poles, the whole rgof being covered with boards rived by hand. This cabin was the home of Mr. and Mrs. Griffith for two or more years, and in it two of their children were born. By dint of per¬ sistent toil, he cleared the timber from the remainder of the land, and after a few years built a nice hewed log house, one and one-half stories in height, and that in time gave wav to the commodious frame house in which the family now live. Successful in all of his undertakings, Mr. Griffith wisely invested his money in more land, and has now one hun dred and thirty-seven and one-half acres of land in his farm, which, in regard to its improvements and appointments, ranks well with any in the community, his house, substantial barn and outbuildings being well adapted to the purposes for which they are used. Mrs. Griffith died in 1889, and Mr. Griffith now lives, retired from active labor, on the home farm, which is managed by his youngest son.

Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Griffith, namely: John Franklin and Richard Harland, now living ; and Thomas and Claude, who died in infancy. John Franklin Griffith, the oldest son, is a minister, and now has charge of the Missionary Baptist church at Spencer, Owen county. He married Effie Trinkle, and they have two children, Flossie and Edith. Richard Harland, who lives on the home farm, married Viola Strahla, and they have three children living, Sarah Margaret. Will¬ iam Oliver and Courtney Lee, one child, Orris Graeme, dying at the age of twenty months. Mr. Griffith is a member of the Missionary Baptist church, to which his wife also belonged.

William C. Prince, the present sheriff of Clay county, Indiana, is a native of Ohio, born in Portsmouth, Scioto county, September 9, 1862, son of Henry and Phebe Prince. His father was born in Darmstadt, Ger¬ many, and died, at the age of fifty-nine years, in 1878. The mother was a native of Wittenburg, Germany, and died, at the age of seventy-seven years and nine months, in 1904. They were united in marriage in Penn¬ sylvania and the union was blessed with eight children, three of whom are now living, their names being as follows: Emma, wife of John Rauch, residing at Terre Haute, Indiana ; William C, of this notice ; and Phebe, wife of Joseph Davern, living at Terre Haute. The father came to

America when but ten years of age, making the voyage across the ocean alone, in a sailing ship. His youthful days were mostly spent in Pitts¬ burg, Pennsylvania, where he worked in a blast furnace and iron mines. Though far from home and native land, at the time of the Civil war in this his adopted country, he enlisted as a member of Company A. Thirtyfourth Ohio Volunteer Regiment, for the term of three years, or the war. He was stricken with paralysis at Pomeroy, Ohio, and this prevented fur¬ ther service in the army. He was a devout member of the German Lutheran church and voted the Democratic ticket.

When thirteen years of age, William C. Prince, the subject, began the real work of life in a rolling mill at Portsmouth, Ohio, receiving thirty-five cents a day. He continued in one mill up to July 3, 1878, He commenced work as a "pull-up boy," but later worked at shearing, when he received seventy cents a day. July 5. 1878, he went to Terre Haute, Indiana, where he worked in the old Wabash rolling mill, remain¬ ing in that plant until 1884. There his work was that of roughing on an eight-inch mill, for which he received three dollars and a half a day, and sometimes as high as four dollars. He next went to Brazil and was employed by the Central Steel Company until June 12, 1898, when he was elected city marshall, taking that office the first Monday in Septem¬ ber of that year. He performed the duties of that office up to September 7, 1902. From that time until November, 1906, he was employed in a coal mine, and left that position to take the office of sheriff of Clay county, to which he had recently been elected and which he still holds.

Be it said to his credit, that the subject of this memoir was a dutiful son to his widowed mother, who was left with three children, which she supported as best she could until William C. was able to earn wages, though small at first they were. He gave her all he could and support himself, and in later years, when fortune had smiled on him more truly, did he care for his mother in her declining years.

Mr. Prince is interested in fraternal societies as a member of Brazil Lodge, No. 264, A. F. and A. M. ; Brazil Chapter, No. 59, Royal Arch Masons; Brazil Council, No. 40, R. & S. M. He is also a member of Brazil Lodge, No. 215, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; is a Past Grand and delegate to the State Grand Lodge. He holds membership in the Iron City Encampment, No. 118, and Canton No. 47, and has been a delegate to the State Encampment. He is a member of Indianola Tribe, No. 61, of the Order of Red Men, and belongs to Indianola Hay-makers, No. 61V2, and the United Mine Workers of America - Billtown Local No. 20ir. Politically, Mr. Prince affiliates with the Democratic party.

He was united in marriage November 27, 1889, to Forest Stough, born in Van Buren township. Clay county, Indiana, August 30, 1865, a daughter of Jesse G. and Catherine M. (Reynolds) Stough; Her father was born in Crawford county, Ohio, September 17, 1840, and died* September 2, 1902. The mother was born in Putnam county, Indiana, August 3, 1848, and is now living with her son-in-law, Mr. Prince. Tesse G. Stough and wife were the parents of four children, three of whom still survive, and are as follows: Mrs. Prince, Edward, Charles H. and Mary E., who was the wife of Charles Gilmore, and she died at the age of thirtv years. M r. Stough was a carpenter and contractor in Brazil for the last twenty-two years. He supported the general principles of the Democratic party, and in church connection was identified with the Presbyterian denomination.

John Henry Bence. - As secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Clay City Lumber Company, John Henry Bence occupies a note¬ worthy position among the leading business men of this section of Clay county. He is a native and to the manner born, his birth having occurred September 30, 1863, in Harrison township, Clay county. His father, Onesimus Oliver Bence, and his grandfather, Philip Bence, were both born and bred in Jefferson county, Kentucky.

An agriculturist, Philip Bence was engaged in his chosen occupation in Jefferson county, Kentucky, during his earlier life, owning one hun¬ dred acres of land, which he managed with slave labor. In 1853 he dis¬ posed of all of his Kentucky property, came to Indiana, and purchased a farm lying about five miles southwest of Greencastle, Putnam county, where he spent the remainder of his seventy years of earthly life. He married twice, by his first marriage having five children - Fountain R., Onesimus Oliver, Telitha E., Matilda and Jeptha D. - and by his second union having four : John A., Louisa, Lydia and George W.

Born October 28, 1825, on a farm lying about nine miles from Louis¬ ville, Kentucky, Onesimus O. Bence was brought up and educated in his native state, and with his parents came to Indiana in 1853. He subse¬ quently married and came with his bride to Clay county, locating in Harrison township. He bought a tract of land in section eleven, town¬ ship ten, range seven, Harrison township, and in the log cabin standing upon his property, one that had been erected for a schoolhouse, he estab¬ lished his household. Two years later he built a good frame house, into which the family moved. At that time there were no railroads in this part of the country, all of the surplus products of the farm having to be hauled to Terre Haute or Greencastle. He improved the major part of his farm before 1867, and, having suffered a paralytic stroke, from the effects of which he never fully recovered, he moved to Bowling Green. In 1884 he returned to his farm and there remained until released by death, at the age of sixty-six years. Onesimus O. Bence married, in 1856, Sarah M. Slade, who was born in Harrison county, Kentucky, not very far from Cynthiana, September 10, 1833, a daughter of James Slade, a native of the same county. Her grandfather, William Slade, presumably an Ohio man by birth, was of English and Scotch ancestry. He improved a large farm in Harrison county, Kentucky, where he spent the greater part of his active career. At one time he owned many slaves, but he freed them all. The maiden name of his wife was Melvina Clem¬ ons. Their son, James Slade, taught school in his younger days, but was afterwards engaged in agricultural and mercantile pursuits, spending his life in his native county. He married Eleanor Orr, a daughter of James and Catherine (Williams) Orr. She came to Indiana after the death of her husband, subsequently making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Onesimus O. Bence. Mrs. Bence now lives with her son, John Henry, from \Vhom she has never been separated any length of time. In 1901 she went to Benson county, North Dakota, took up a homestead, to which she received a title on the seventieth anniversary of her birth, the deed bearing the signature of President Roosevelt. She has but two childrn. John Henry and Laura K. The daughter married Joseph M. Zenor, of Terre Haute, and they have four children, May, Mark, Bertha and Howard.

teaching at the age of seventeen years, and taught school nine winter terms. He was afterwards successfully employed in farming until 1896, when he accepted a position as clerk in a shoe store at Clay City, a position that he retained four years, when he embarked in the shoe busi¬ ness on his own account, continuing another four years. Since that time Mr. Bence has been actively associated with the lumber business, and when the Clay City Lumber Company was organized in 1905 became offi¬ cially connected with it in his present capacity of secretary, treasurer and general manager.

In 1901 Mr. Bence married Janie May Belle Robertson. She was born April 15, 1873, in Jackson township. Clay county, Indiana, a daughter of Ethan A. and Elizabeth (Witty) Robertson. Mr. and Mrs. Bence have one child, Sarah Elizabeth. Politically Mr. Bence is a Repub¬ lican, and is now serving as clerk and treasurer of the village of Clay City. Fraternally he belongs to Clav City Lodge, No. 562, A. F. & A. M., and to Clay City Lodge, No. 131, K. of P. Religiously he assists in sup¬ porting the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mrs. Bence is a valued member.

Davis Taylor Cromwell. - Conspicuous among the active and thriv¬ ing business men of Clay City is Davis Taylor Cromwell, a well-known and prosperous farmer, merchant and real estate dealer. A native of Clay county, Indiana, he was born August 18, 1846, in Washington township, a son of the late Owen Doyle Cromwell. He comes from distinguished ancestry, being a lineal descendant of Oliver Cromwell, the Protector.

Oliver Cromwell had two sons, Richard and Henry. The latter removed to Ireland, where his son Thomas I reton, the next in line of descent, was born. Thomas I. Cromwell emigrated from Ireland to Amer¬ ica and settled in Maryland, where his children were born and reared. One of his sons, William Lewis, migrated from Maryland to Kentucky when a young man, and there spent the remainder of his days. His son, Nicholas G. Cromwell, the grandfather of Davis Taylor Cromwell, of whom we write, was born, reared and educated in Kentucky. Coming from there to Indiana in 1825, he became one of the first settlers of Clay county. Taking up government land, he cleared and improved a good farm, which he subsequently occupied until his death. He was a man of strong individuality, prominent and influential in public affairs, and for two terms served as associate circuit judge of Clay county.

Born in Kentucky, Owen Doyle Cromwell was a lad of but nine years when he came with his parents to this county. Reared among pio¬ neer scenes, he began as soon as able to assist his father in the arduous task of hewing a farm from the dense forest, remaining beneath the parental roof-tree until his marriage. He then settled on a farm belonging to his father-in-law. Mr. Risley, and met with such good success in its management that he subsequently bought the place, and was there em¬ ployed in general farming until his death, which occurred December 9, 1877. He married, in 1837, Huldah (Parsons) Risley, a daughter of Sam¬ uel and Polly (Thomas) Risley. She was born in Knox county, Indiana, March 24, 1817, and died in Clay county January 1, 1892. She reared ten children, namely: Samuel T., Polly Ann, Nicholas M., Ann M., Sarah C., David Taylor, Drusilla E., Huldah A., John J. and James C. One child, Charles O., the ninth in order of birth, died at the age of five years. On the maternal side of Mrs. Cromwell we find that David

Risley was of English descent and was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He was the father of Judge Samuel Risley, who was associate judge of Clay county for one term, and he was a soldier in the War of 1812, and was under the command of General William H. Harrison at the battle of Tippecanoe, Indiana. Judge Samuel Risley was the father of Huldah Parsons Risley, the mother of Davis Taylor Cromwell, and her maternal grandfather was David Thomas, whose early progenitors were of Welsh birth. David Thomas was the first white settler of Clav county, and he was a son of Elisha Thomas, who was also a soldier in the Revolutionary war.

A diligent scholar, fond of books from his youth up, Davis Taylor Cromwell acquired a practical education in the public schools, and at the age of twenty years embarked upon a professional career, for four¬ teen terms, being employed as a teacher, serving first in Cass township, and later in Washington, Jackson and Harrison townships. Then taking upon himself the responsibilities of a married man he turned his attention to both the teacher's profession and agricultural pursuits, and in 1884 started a ne\V business, becoming interested in mercantile pursuits. Since that time he has been either a farmer, merchant or real estate dealer, in his undertakings being reasonably prosperous. He was admitted to the Indiana State Bar, under Judge Samuel M. McGregor, of the thirteenth judicial district, January 9, 1889. In 1907 Mr. Cromwell was appointed as superintendent of the John J. Baker gravel roads in the vicinity of Clay City, and he faithfully tried to fulfill every detail of the contract or specifications.

On October 11, 1874, Mr. Cromwell married Rebecca A. Notter, who was bom in Jackson township, Indiana, September 18, 1857, a daughter of David and Matilda (Murbarger) Notter. Mr. and Mrs. Cromwell have seven children living, namely: May, born May 6, 1877; Elmina, born November 21, 1878; Robert Ingersoll, born Septem¬ ber 11, 1880; Beecher, born June 12, 1883; Victor Hugo, born April

9, 1899. Eunice, the oldest child, born August 31, 1875, died September 4, 1880, and Odena, born May 17, 1891, died October 7, 1894. Fra¬ ternally Mr. Cromwell is a member and past noble grand of Martz Lodge, No. 360, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and both he and Mrs. Cromwell belong to Mutual Love Lodge, No. 221, Daughters of Rebekah. He was a charter member of Clay City Lodge, No. 13 1, Knights of Pythias, also the father and originator of Odon Lodge, No. 272, of Daviess county, Indiana. He was also a charter member of the Good Citizens League, of which he is now one of the vice presidents.

Frank J. Wehrle, of the well known and extensive dry goods and boot and shoe business of Brazil, Indiana, is a native of Newark, Ohio, where he was born September 3, 1849, son of Sebastian and Annie (Woolinsnider) Wehrle. The parents were both born in Germany and married in Newark, Ohio. Sebastian Wehrle came to this country in 1832 and settled in the northern part of Ohio. By trade he was a shoemaker. He spent the latter years of his life in Ohio, except a few years which he spent in Brazil, Indiana, being in business with his two sons - Frank J. and George S. They were manufacturers of boots and shoes. He retired from business in 1873 and died the next year. He was a member of the Roman Catholic church and in politics a Democrat. His wife died in Frazil, Indiana, in 1890, aged seventy-nine years, while lie died aged sixty-four years. They were the parents of eleven children, five of whom still survive: Flizabeth. widow of Joseph H. \Y. Sowar; George; Frank J. ; Henry ; Catherine, wife of Abram \Y. Turner.

I7 rank J. Wehrlc learned the boot and shoe trade with his father as an instructor. They came to Frazil in 1870 and continued in the manu¬ facturing business until 1873-4, when FYank J. opened a store on his own account, doing a retail business. In 1900 he took for partner Joseph S. C. Sowar, operating under the firm name of the Wehrle & Sowar Company. They added dry goods and millinery, thus increasing the scope of their already well established trade. Mr. W ehrle is now one of the oldest merchants in Frazil. He supports the Democratic party and has held the office of city councilman for two years. In his church faith and profession he is of the Catholic church, lie is identified with the order of Knights of Columbus and Fenevolcnt Protective Order of Elks, Frazil Lodge. No. 762.

John II. Huckriede. - Recognized throughout the community in which he resides as a capable and enterprising farmer, John 11. Ilttckriede, living on section twenty-seven, Cass township, is actively identified with the development and advancement of the agricultural resources of this part of Clay county, and in company with his brother, Fred W. Huckriede, of whom a brief sketch may be found on another page of this vol¬ ume, is carrying on general farming most successfully. A son of the late Henry Huckriede, he was born in Jackson township, Owen county, Indi¬ ana, January 31, 1864, and was there brought up and educated.

A native of Prussia, Germany, Henry Huckriede emigrated to this country when twenty-eight years of age, and in i860 settled in Owen county, this state. Puying a tract of land near Poland, he followed the occupation to which he was reared, and was there employed as a tiller of the soil until his death in 1893. He married Catherine Altemiller, who was born near Hagerstown, Maryland, a daughter of Herman H. Altemillcr, a native of Germany. They became the parents of seven children, four daughters and three sons, the eldest of whom, a daughter, died in childhood.

Leaving home at the age of twenty-one years, John H. Huckriede began farming on his own account, and subsequently, in company with his brother, Fred W. Huckriede, bought land in Cass township. Clay county, where he has since devoted his time and energies to the improve¬ ment of his property. The excellent condition of the farm belonging to these brothers bears visible evidence of the good business management of its proprietors, showing that they have made good use of their talents and means.

An active adherent of the Democratic party, Mr. Huckriede was township trustee from 1900 until 1905, rendering appreciated service to his fellow-townsmen. Fraternally he is a member of Poland Lodge, No. 364, K. of P. Religiously he belongs to the German Reformed church.

John F. Oliver. - John E. Oliver, who is prominently known in Posey township as a farmer and stock raiser, was born on the homestead on which he now resides November 16, i860. His father, Montgomery Oliver, for many years a farmer in Posey township, was born on Long Island, New York, December 26, 1811, and going from there to Butler county, Ohio, he was employed in running a canal boat and in shipping cord wood from Cincinnati and in pork packing, lie made a fortune in these ventures, but later lost all in the pork business. Among his prop¬ erty was a valuable farm south of Hamilton, Ohio, and selling this he came to Indiana and located on the farm which is now the home of his son, John E., purchasing two hundred acres then in the dense woods. Building a little log cabin in which to establish his family, he began the arduous and difficult task of clearing his land and preparing it for pur¬ poses of cultivation, and in time bought another tract of forty acres in Posey township. He followed farming throughout the remainder of his life, and achieved success in the calling.

In Butler county, Ohio, October 8, 1840, Montgomery Oliver wedded Katherine Harr, who was born east of Hamilton in that state, on the Miami bottoms, January 5, 1825, and was reared there. Her father, Joseph Harr, was one of the pioneer farmers of Butler county, and he died there on the 5th of January, 1855. His daughter Katherine died in this township October 17, 1903, after becoming the mother of eight chil¬ dren, four sons and four daughters, of whom John K. was the youngest born. In order of birth they are as follows: Joseph, who was born in Ohio January 20, 1842, served three years in the Civil war and died at his home in 1884; Nancy Jane, born in Ohio February 18, 1844, cliecl in that state; Centrilla Maria, born in Ohio February 8, 1846; Albert, born in Ohio December 9, 1848; Montgomery, born in that state June 8, 1851 ; Mary, born December 8, 1855, in Ohio ; Katherine, born in Posey town¬ ship November 26, 1857 ; and John Emanuel, born in this township November 16, i860. Mr. Oliver, the father, was a life-long and active Republican, and he died November 15, i860, and was buried on the following day.

# From the district schools of Posey township John E. Oliver entered the state normal and the city schools of Terre Haute, and after the com¬ pletion of his educational training returned to his home and bought one hundred and seventy acres of the homestead farm, in which he has made all of the improvements and has placed his land under an excellent state of cultivation. Throughout the years of his maturity he has voted with the Republican party, taking an active part in the work of its local coun¬ cils, and fraternally he is a member of the Masonic order, lodge No. 264 at Brazil.

Mrs. Oliver bore the maiden name of Flora West and was born in McLean county, Illinois. During her girlhood days she came with her parents, George West and family, to Posey township, where they were farming people. Three daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Oliver, namely: Maude, born on the 13th of November, 1885; Nellie, born May 18, 1887; and Josephine, born January 9, 1890. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Major Roswell S. Hill is justly accorded a place among the promi¬ nent and representative citizens not only of Brazil, but of Indiana, for he belongs to that class of men whose enterprising spirit is used not alone for their own benefit. Throughout the entire period of the Civil war he was a loyal defender of the Union and has been equally faithful in days of peace to the interests of citizenship. Twice has he been called to serve his state as its treasurer and has won high encomiums from his fellowmen by reason of the fidelity and ability which he manifests in the dis- charge of his duties. A native of Clay county. Major Hill was born in Posey township, at what was known as Van Buren Stage Station, a mile west of where the city of Brazil now stands. His natal day was August 29, 1843. His parents. Abel S. and Almira (Usher) Hill, were both natives of Brookfield, Madison county. New York, born in 1808 and 1811 respectively. In the year 1834 Abel S. Hill came to Indiana, driving across the country with Highland horses by way of the Cleveland route. He settled at Terre Haute and, in Indiana as in New York, became a prominent and influential resident of his community. He had served as deputy sheriff in the Empire state and after coming to Indiana was township -trustee. He and two others were the only supporters of the Whig party in Dick Johnson township, Clay county. He died in the year 1882, after long, active and helpful connection with the interests of his adopted state. His wife, who passed away in 1881, was a consistent and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Her brother, Hon. John P. Usher, was attorney general of Indiana in 1861 and became a member of President Lincoln's cabinet before his term as attorney general expired, being appointed secretary of the interior January 8, 1863. He was reappointed in 1865 and served under President Johnson until the 5th of May of that year, when he resigned.

Major Hill was the fifth in order of birth in a family of eight chil¬ dren but only two are now living. His eldest sister is Sarah J. Hill. His brother, younger than himself, was Nathaniel Usher Hill, late of Bloomington, Indiana. He was prominent in the political circles of the state and for two terms filled the office of state treasurer. He died May 8, 1908.

Major Hill spent his boyhood days under the parental roof and when sixteen years of age entered the military school at Clinton, Indiana. He there remained for six months, after which he returned to the farm, t^e was not yet eighteen years of age, when, in response to the country's call for aid, he enlisted as a member of Company F, Tenth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers for three months. The smoke from Fort Sumter's guns had hardly cleared away when he joined the boys in blue, being mustered in at Indianapolis April 21, 1861. He became drill master of his company at Camp Morton, Indianapolis, and was also in the postoffice at the camp until July of that year. He then joined his regiment, which had been sent to the front. At Clarksburg, West Virginia, he was first under fire at the battle occurring on the nth of July at Rich Mountain. Following the expiration of his three months' term of enlistment he was mustered out of service at Indianapolis, August 5, 1861. He became a recruiting officer at Camp Morton, on the 1st of October of the same year, having re-enlisted as a member of Company G, Second Indiana Cavalry, under Captain I. S. Leabo. He had as a recruiting officer enlisted sixtyfive in the company and with his troops was mustered in October 4, 1861, for three years, or during the war. Mr. Hill was commissioned second lieutenant and spent some time with his men at Camp Bridgeland on Fall creek, where he drilled his company. Later in the autumn they marched to New Albany, Indiana, across the Ohio river and arrived at Louis¬ ville, Kentucky, on Christmas day. They spent the winter at Camp Wickliff near Green river and in March, 1862, crossed the stream to Bowling Green, Kentucky, and proceeded on their way to Nashville, Tennessee. They participated in the first battle of Shiloh and in the engagements at Perry ville and at Gallatin, being at the last named place until July 1862.

They were also in the battle of Harts ville, Tennessee, December 7. 1862, and at that point Major Samuel Hill, elder brother of Major Ross Hill, of the regiment was captured. The battle of Stone River followed on the 1st of January, 1863, and later the regiment to which Major Hill belonged was at Triune. Tennessee, and at Shelby ville, Tennessee. The summer of 1863 was spent in guarding trains and keeping the Confed¬ erates from the Tennessee river. On the 20th and 21st of September, the battle of Chickamauga was fought - one of the most hotly contested engagements of the war, and the following winter was spent in eastern Tennessee, during which time many skirmishes occurred.

On the 1st of April, 1864, Major Hill re-enlisted for the remainder of the war at Cleveland, Tennessee, and on the 9th of May of that year joined General Sherman in the Atlanta campaign. He participated in the battles of Buzzard's Roost and Resaca, and before the fall of Atlanta Mc¬ Cook's division to which he was attached lost about five hundred men. The regiment was then in October ordered to Indianapolis, where all were to be mustered out with the exception of those who had re-enlisted Octo¬ ber 4, 1864. At that time Mr. Hill received his commission as captain, assisted in reorganizing the regiment and was mustered in as senior cap¬ tain. In the winter of 1863 the division of the army to which he was attached succeeded in driving General Bragg out of Kentucky. After the battle of Nashville the cavalry corps rendezvoused near Waterloo Land¬ ing and on the 22d of March, 1865, started on Wilson's raid through Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia, participating in the battles of Plantersville, Selma, Columbia and West Point, Georgia. In the last named engagement Captain Hill was shot through the right leg on the 16th of April, 1865. As he lay on the ground he ordered his men to charge, for the military spirit was strong within him and his patriotism longed for victory, even while he was suffering. His wound was so serious that the leg had to be amputated below the knee. He had formerly been wounded in the right leg at Rosswell's cotton factory on the 2d of April. 1865, and two weeks later suffered its loss. In amputating the leg the bullet of April 2d was found. By order of Colonel O. S. Lagrange, command¬ ing the Second Brigade, he was cared for at the mayor's home at West Point. Georgia, and in* ten days after he had sustained his injury he joined his command at Macon, Georgia. In a brief time, however, he was sent home with Major General Upton. When he had spent four weeks in the north he returned to Edgefield, Tennessee, where he was mustered out with the rank of major, July 22, 1865. His was a splendid military record characterized by the utmost loyalty and faithfulness in the per¬ formance of the duties that devolved upon him as he followed the old flag to victory in the south.

Soon after his return home from the war Major Hill was married, on the 12th of September, 1865, to Miss Mary Eaglesfield, who was born in Putnamville. Putnam county, Indiana, February 1, 1846. They trav¬ eled life's journey together for thirty-six years and were then separated by the death of Mrs. Hill on the nth of November, 1901. In their family were seven children. Margaret, Catherine, Roswell S., Jr., Calc S., Marv L.. Helen B. and Myra M.

Since his return from the war Major Hill has largely devoted his attention to merchandising and farming. On the 3d of October, 1872, he was elected treasurer of Clay county. Still higher political honors awaited him, in his election to the state treasureship on the 3d of October. 1880, and thus for two years he was the custodian of the state funds. Since the organization of the party he has been a stalwart champion of Repub¬ lican principles and has long been recognized as one of its leaders in the state. He maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in General Canby's Post, No. 2, G. A. R. His course in public office has ever been above suspicion. The interest of the county and state have always been first with him and he has placed the gen¬ eral good before partisanship and the welfare of his constituents before personal matters. He commands the respect of all who know him through¬ out the state, but at home, in the city of his residence where he is best known, he inspires personal friendships of unusual strength and all who know him have the highest admiration for his excellent record as a soldier and public officer and also for his good qualities of heart and mind.

Major Samuel Hill, elder brother of Major R. S. Hill, at the break¬ ing out of the war of 1861 was a member of the Fourth United States Cavalry and had crossed the plains with Albert Sidney Johnson to Salt Lake City to put down the Mormon Insurrection, fie was appointed major of the Second Indiana Cavalry by Governor Morton on the recom¬ mendation of his uncle, John P. Usher, Secretary of the Interior.

Major Samuel Hill was noted for his fine drill and discipline, and always drilled the officers of his regiment. He was wounded and cap¬ tured at Hartsville, Tennessee. December 7, 1862. He came home to recuperate from his wound, and after one month at his home he reported for duty at Louisville, Kentucky. Being still unable for field duty, he was assigned for court martial duty. The enemy appearing in numbers in the vicinity of Louisville and he being an experienced officer was sent out on a reconnaissance, from which he caught a severe cold, which aggra¬ vated his old wounds, from which he died in March, 1863, at Lebanon, Kentucky. Major Samuel Hill, like all of his family, was loyal to his country and his friends. His body was brought to his old home and laid in the old Hill cemetery on West Main Street, Brazil, Indiana.

Joseph T. Adams. - A soldier during the Civil war and for many years after a successful and popular school teacher. Joseph T. Adams, of Perry township, is now extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits, hav¬ ing a well-kept and finely managed farm. He is numbered among the best men of his community, socially and financially, and is especially valued as a large-hearted, public-spirited citizen, whose enterprise and forethought have contributed greatly to the comfort and happiness of the people about him. A son of Samuel C. Adams, he was born July 16, 1841. in Adams township, Parke county, of Scotch-Irish ancestry, his great-grandfather, Samuel Adams, having been born in Ireland, of Scotch lineage, and came to America in the early part of the eighteenth century.

James Adams, grandfather of Joseph T., lived near Harrodsburg, Kentucky, until 1814. Migrating that year to the territory of Indiana, he resided for two years near Vincennes. Pushing on then to the interior, he entered two hundred and forty acres of land in what is now Rac¬ coon township, Parke county. In 1816, his corn not maturing for bread, he went to Vincennes, seventy miles distant, to mill, buying the corn at that place. Improving his land, he was there employed in tilling the soil the remainder of his life, passing away at the advanced age of eightyone years. He was a man of much force of character, very prominent in public affairs, and Adams township in Parke county was named in his honor.

Samuel C. Adams, father of Joseph T., was horn in 1801 on a Ken¬ tucky plantation about four miles from Harrodsburg, Mercer county. But thirteen years old when he came with the family to Indiana, he helped to clear and improve the parental homestead in Parke county, living at home until after attaining his majority. He subsequently married, bought land lying about seven miles north of Rockville and began the improve¬ ment of a homestead. During the panic of 1837 he lost everything and returned empty-handed to Adams township, Parke county. Subsequently buying a tract of wild land in that locality, he was exceedingly fortunate in improving it, and in course of time paid all of his debts. Coming to Clay county in 1852, he purchased a tract of land in Sugar Ridge township and lived there until his death, February 29. 1868. During his busy life he witnessed many of the important changes that took place in the face of the country, seeing it transformed from a dense wilderness to a land of riches filled with thriving cities, populous villages and magnificent farms, all telling of wealth and prosperity. When he moved from Vin¬ cennes to Parke county in 1816, a boy fifteen years old, there were but three buildings in Terre Haute, and those were small log cabins located on the bank of the river. He married Nancy McGinnis, who was born in Loudoun county, Virginia, a daughter of James and Temperance (Irving) McGinnis, who came from Virginia, their native state, to Indi¬ ana in 1820, becoming pioneers of Parke county. Eight children were born of their union, namely: Elizabeth J.; James W. : Andrew W.. who died at the age of seven years ; John W. ; Margaret A. ; Martha E. ; Mary B. ; and Joseph T.

Receiving some educational advantages when young, Joseph T. Adams began teaching school when eighteen years old, and continued in that vocation until after the breaking out of the Civil war. In October, 1861, he enlisted in Company G, Forty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, went south with his comrades, and during the entire period of his enlist¬ ment was in active service. lie took part in many important engage¬ ments, among the more notable being those at Island No. 10, New Madrid, siege of Fort Pillow and capture of Memphis, Saint Charles, Helena, Lit¬ tle Rock, Little Missouri, and Jenkins Ferry. At the expiration of his term of enlistment, Mr. Adams was honorably discharged, and on being mustered out returned home. Resuming his profession, he taught school for a number of years, being very successful in his educational work and in the meantime making his home in Sugar Ridge township. Locating in Perry township in 1895, Mr. Adams bought the farm where he now resides. It is pleasantly located in section one, and contains two hun¬ dred and five acres of rich and fertile land, with a good set of farm build¬ ings, and in its management he is meeting with most satisfactory pecuni¬ ary results.

Mr. Adams married, in 1868, Nancy A. Williams. She was born in Perry township, a daughter of John and Sarah (Neal) Williams. In August, 1872, after four short years of happy married life, she died, leaving two children, Samuel C. and Mary E. Mary E. married Emanuel Miller, of Brazil, of whom a brief sketch appears elsewhere in this vol¬ ume. Samuel C. conducts the home farm, managing it with skill and ability. He was born August 23, 1869, and was brought up and edu¬ cated in Sugar Ridge township. On September 1, 1895, he married Nel¬ lie B. Gantz, who was born in Ashboro, Indiana, a daughter of Dr. Rich¬ ard and Elizabeth (Knoll) Gantz. Five children have been born of their

Elisha F. C(x>i»rii>er. - Among the best-known and most highly esteemed residents of Clay City is Elisha F. Cooprider, a representative of one of the earliest families to make a permanent settlement in Clav county. A native of Harrison township, he was born October 29, 1833, and is the only surviving son of John and Elizabeth (Fleshman) Cooprider. of whom a sketch may be found elsewhere in this biographical work.

Horn and bred in pioneer times. Elisha F. Cooprider obtained his early education in the rude log schoolhouse, with plain slab benches for seats, while on a board placed against one side of the wall the pupils took turns in writing. Light was admitted through a piece of glass inserted in place of one log, and the children sitting on the front benches were nearly roasted by the intense heat from the fireplace, while those in the rear of the room almost perished from the cold. In the days of his youth the country roundabout was in its pristine wildness, and deer, turkeys and other game was abundant. He was a hunter of some note, and relates that on his last hunting expedition he and his brother started a lot of deer on the present site of Clay City, and before night had killed six of them. Learning the carpenter's trade, Mr. Cooprider, with his brother, Wash¬ ington, erected the first frame house built on the present site of the vil¬ lage of Middlebury. He remained an inmate of the parental household until his marriage, after which he lived for a number of years on the home estate. Mr. Cooprider then purchased a#part of the Storm home¬ stead, had it surveyed and platted, and made an addition to Clay City, He continued in his chosen occupation, that of a farmer, until 1897, when he rented his property and removed to Missouri. Purchasing a farm in Bates county, he carried on general farming there for six years, when he sold out and returned to Clay City, where he has since resided.

Mr. Cooprider married, February 6, 1859, Christina Storm, who was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, a daughter of George Storm and granddaughter of John Storm. John Storm was born at Crab Orchard, Kentucky, of German ancestors. His mother died when he was a small boy, and his father married again. Not liking his step-mother he ran away from home, going to Pennsylvania, where lie resided several years. From there he moved with his wife and children to Ohio, settling in Mill Creek. Coshocton county, where he entered eighty acres of government land, from which he cleared and improved a farm. When he located there the country in that vicinity was but a dense forest, and the near¬ est neighbor was seven miles away. Deer, turkeys, bears and wild hogs were plentiful, and Indians roamed at will through the wilderness. He spent the remainder of his life on the homestead which he improved, in the meantime seeing the country well settled, having taken an active part in developing and advancing its agricultural resources. The maiden name of his wife was Bettie Slonaker, and she proved herself a true and constant helpmate to him.

George Storm, Mrs. Cooprider 's father, was born in Pennsylvania, and when a boy went with his parents to Ohio, assisting in driving the stock during the overland trip. He grew to manhood in Coshocton county, and after his marriage bought a tract of land near Bedford, and was there employed as a tiller of the soil for a number of seasons. Sell- ing his Ohio property in 1856, he started across the country for Indiana and after journeying for twelve days arrived in Clay county. He sub¬ sequently located in section thirty, Harrison township, where he bought a tract of land now included within the limits of Clay City, and was there engaged in farming until his death, in 1867. He married Barbara Miller, who was born in Westmoreland county. Pennsylvania, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Smith) Miller. She survived him many years, passing away August 1, 1891. When the railroad was built in Clay City she platted a part of her farm, making forty-eight lots, which extended on both sides of Main street as far south as Seventh street. The place was first called Markland. but there being already a town of that name it was subsequently changed to Clay City, its present name. Mr. and Mrs. George Storm reared eleven children, namely : John. Adam, Eliza¬ beth, Mary, George, Jacob, Lucinda, Christina, Andrew Jackson, Sarah and Ananias.

Religiously Mr. and Mrs. Cooprider are faithful members of the Baptist church, and politically Mr. Cooprider has been a stanch Democrat since casting his first presidential vote, in 1856, for Stephen A. Douglas.

Dr. Frederick C. Dilley, a native of Clay county, Indiana, was born November 5, 1876, son of James N. and Percilla J. (Councilman) Dilley. The father was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, in 1839, and died in Brazil, Indiana, in 1901. He married Miss Councilman, a native of Mercer county, Pennsylvania, born in 1849. She died April, 1907. They were united in marriage in their native county and their only child was Frederick C. Cpon coming to Indiana they settled, in 1869, at Knightsville, Clay county. Soon after Mr. Dilley arrived in Indiana he engaged in the drug trade, continuing for twelve or fourteen years, at the end of which period he returned to Rochester, Pennsylvania, where he fol¬ lowed the same line of business. After two years he believed he could better his interests by again taking up his abode in Indiana, so returned and located at Brazil, in which place he continued as a prosperous drug¬ gist until the date of his death in 1901. He bore well his part in put¬ ting down the rebellion. August 8, 1861, he enlisted as a member of Company A, Forty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served three years as a private, being mustered out with an honorable discharge. He was appointed sergeant of his company, and received his final discharge, at Cincinnati, Ohio, January 21, 1865, on certificate of disability. While doing picket duty, July 9, 1864, along the Chattahoochee river, Georgia, he was wounded. During his military services he participated in the engagements at the battle of Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga. Mis¬ sionary Ridge and Resaca. His death was occasioned by his exposure, while in the army, in connection with other complaints. Politically, Mr. Dilley was a supporter of the Republican party, and held with credit to himself and his neighbors, the offices of school director and school treas¬ urer for a number of years. He was an honored member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Brazil Lodge, No. 264, A. F. & A. M., of which lodge he was a past master, having served a number of years and was ever an active, bright Mason. He was also a member of Brazil Lodge No. 30 of the order of Knights of Pythias. In his church connection he was identified with the Methodist Episcopal church.

Frederick C., son of James N. and Percilla J. Dilley, was educated in the high schools of Brazil and later chose medicine for his profession and studied under Doctor Joseph Eastman, of Indianapolis, Indiana. He graduated from Central College of Physicians and Surgeons at Indianapo¬ lis, with the class of 1898, since which date he has been actively engaged in the practice of his profession at Brazil, where he has won an enviable reputation as a medical practitioner and a skilful surgeon. In his politi¬ cal affiliations, Dr. Dilley is a Republican. He is a worthy member of the Indiana State Medical Society and American Medical Association, and in 1908 he was elected president of the Fifth Councilor District of the Indiana State Medical Association. In civic societies he is numbered among the active members of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, Brazil Lodge, No. 762, of which he is now the exalted ruler. He is also a member of the Brazil Lodge, No. 38 Knights of Pythias order; and the Home Defenders of America. At this date (summer of 1908) he is secretary of the Brazil city board of health, in which position he is prov¬ ing himself highly efficient.

Of his domestic relations it may be stated that Dr. Dilley was married March 14, 1900, to May E.' Leavitt, a native of Clay county, Indiana, daughter of William and Margaret (Lewis) Leavitt, both natives of Ohio and now residing in Brazil, Indiana. Dr. Dilley \s wife is the fourth child in a family of six children now living.

Kinney Thomas, superintendent of the county farm of Clav county, Indiana, which is located near Center Point, in Washington township, has been all his life a resident of that locality, engaged in agricultural pursuits during most of his mature life. He was born in Washington township on the 3rd of October, 1866, and received his education at the Center Point schools. His parents are Lewis S. and Mary A. (Lucas) Thomas, the mother being born in Montgomery county, Indiana, on the 4th of May, 1837, and the father on the old Thomas farm in section 13 of Washington township, January 5, 1839. They are now living in Vigo county, Indiana, the parents of four children, of whom Kinney T. is the oldest.

Mr. Thomas lived on the farm in Washington township with his parents until he was sixteen years of age, when he began work on his own responsibility as a farm hand. He was thus employed for about five years, split staves for another two years and then married and rented a farm of ninety acres. After operating this for some two years he rented a farm of about one hundred and sixty acres of W. B. Ringo in Cass township, and made that his homestead for four years and a half. On March 1, 1896, Mr. Thomas purchased one hundred and five acres in Sugar Ridge township, and two years afterward bought forty acres adjoining it. In October, 1902, he sold that farm and a year after bought one hundred and sixty acres in sections 22 and 27, Perry township, where he resided until June, 1907, when he was appointed by the com¬ missioners of Clay county as superintendent of the County Infirmary or Poor Farm, assuming the functions of his office September 1st of that year. He has long been active as a Republican. After selling his farm in Sugar Ridge township Mr. Thomas rented it and worked the land in connection with his Perry township farm. He had no specialty, but was a general farmer and stock raiser. His experience and training, therefore, have specially adapted him for the responsibilities of his pres¬ ent office.

Of The University Of Iluno'S

Cora M. Murbarger, a native of Clay county, Indiana, born on the 4th of July, 1871, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Latham) Murbarger. Her parents were both natives of Indiana, and they had four children, two of whom died in infancy. Two daughters are living, of whom Mrs. Thomas is the youngest. She herself is the mother of seven children - Herbert, Mary Esther, Edsil H., Ona D., Marie, Norma M. and Goldie Fern Thomas, all living with their parents. Mr. Thomas is a popular and efficient official, and is also widely known among the faternities, being a member of the Masonic lodge at Riley ; of the Clear Creek lodge No. 449, at Corey, and the Knights of Pythias lodge No. 209, at Center Point.

William Henry McCullough, a retired farmer now residing in Brazil, was born in Putnam county, Indiana, July 28, 1843, son °f West and Matilda (Mills) McCullough. West McCullough was a native of Bullsgap, Tennessee, born in 1818 and died in 1876. His wife was born in North Carolina and died September, 1855, aged thirty- four years. They were united in marriage in Putnam county near Webster Mills and were the parents of eight children, as follows: Levina, William Henry, Newton A., Vincent, Marion, John T., Millard and Franklin. After the death of Mr. McCullough's first wife he married Rachel J. Paul at Railsville, Putnam county, by which union ten children were born, seven of whom still survive, as follows: Albert, Perry, Martha Jane, Lee, Nelson, Riley and Eliza. West McCullough came to Indiana in 1828 with his parents who located in Putnam county. They returned to Tennessee, however, and spent one year and then returned, making the journey by wagon. He grew to manhood in Putnam county and entered government land, first building a log cabin in which his son, William Henry, was born. Later he erected a large, two story house which now stands in good state of preservation. This farm contained about seven hundred acres and at Mr. McCullough's death he was one of the prominent men of his county.- Politically, he was a Jackson Democrat.

William Henry McCullough spent his youthful days at home driving an ox team, much of his time at hauling logs which was the chief busi¬ ness of those times in this section of the state. He was industrious and saved his earnings, so that he became a tax-payer in the county, before he had reached his majority. Since 1865, he has lived in Clay county. He was among the "boys in blue" who enlisted to suppress the Rebellion, being a member of Company B, One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Indiana volunteer regiment. He entered the service March 27, 1865, and was dis¬ charged August 4, the same year, on account of illness and the termination of the war. He came home and located in Cass township, Clay county, where he purchased a farm and remained there until 1880. In the early '70s he bought in Harrison township. In 1884 he took charge of the County Farm and remained its superintendent up to 1897, then moved to Posev township where he resided until 1899 and then moved to Brazil. While residing in Clay county, he was in charge of the Orphans' Home for one year. He was also in charge of the farm department of the Feeble-minded Institute at Fort Wavne for eighteen months. Since mov¬ ing to Brazil he has held the office of justice of the peace. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and in politics a Democrat.

Mr. McCullough was married November 15, 1868, to Hannah Heath, born in Ohio, April 21, 1847, and died February 27, 1887; she was the daughter of John and Effie (Shaffer) Heath. The father was a native of Vermont and the mother was born in Ohio. John Heath and wife were the parents of eight children, five of whom still live: Calvin, deceased; Peter, deceased; Hannah, Mrs. McCullough, deceased; Jemima, Susan ; James ; Ella ; Delila, living. The father came to Indiana at an early day and located in ( Even county, where he taught school winters and farmed in the summer. He held the office of county commissioner: was a Democrat and belonged to the Presbyterian church. Mr. and Mrs. Mc¬ Cullough were the parents of three children, one of whom is now living - Annie M., wife of Everett Elkin, residing in Oklahoma, and they have two children - William L. and Hannah Maria.

After the death of his first wife, Mr. McCullough married Maria Dunahey, the date of their marriage being October 14, 1890. She was born in Pennsylvania, November 4, 1844, daughter of John and Agnes (Davis) Dunahey. Her father was born in Pennsylvania and died in the Union army, he being a member of an Ohio regiment and met death at Portsmouth, Ohio. Airs. McCullough's mother was a native of Pennsyl¬ vania, and died when her daughter, Mrs. McCullough, was but nine years of age. Mr. and Mrs. John Dunahev were the parents of ten children: Jane, Sarah, John, George, and Maria. Five others are deceased.

Thomas Joseph Keegan. - Dependent upon his own resources from early manhood, whatever success in life Thomas Joseph Keegan has enjoyed has come to him as the direct reward of his own labors. He is now well known in Brazil and this part of Indiana as a contractor in railroad, gravel road and street work and receives a liberal patronage. A life of well directed activity has also gained for him the respect of his fellow-men, making him one of the worthy and representative citizens of the county. He was born in Owen county, Indiana, March 6, 1856, his parents being John and Mary (McNamara) Keegan. As the name indicates, the family is of Irish lineage. The father was born in county Roscommon, Ireland, in 1825, and there resided through the period of his boyhood and youth, after which he wedded Miss Mary McNamara, whose birth occurred in county Roscommon August 18, 1830. They came to America as passengers on a sailing vessel, leaving Ireland in November,

1851. From the Crescent City they made their wav northward to Indiana, settling near New Albany, where Mr. Keegan engaged in teaching school for several years. He next removed to a point between Gosport and Quincy, Indiana, and was section foreman of a railroad. Later he took up his abode in Monroe county, this state, where he had purchased a farm to which he now gave his time and energies. During the period of the Civil war he was agent at the depot in Louisville, Kentucky, for the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, although his family continued to live on the Monroe county farm. At the close of hostilities between the north and the south he returned to his farm in Indiana and from 1868 until 1875 was engaged in railroad construction. His labors were then termin¬ ated by death, and his remains were interred in the cemetery at Alontezuma. His life was a useful, active and honorable one and he left to his family the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. He lived in har¬ mony with 'his professions as a communicant of the Roman Catholic church and gave his political allegiance to the Democracy. His wife, long surviving him, passed away in Brazil, Indiana, Alarch 16, 1906. They were parents of three sons and five daughters, of whom six are now living: Alary, the wife of James AIcGuire, a resident of Brazil; Thomas

J., of this review; Rosa, the wife of James Carroll, also of Brazil; Catha¬ rine, the wife of Thomas Finn, who makes his home in Indianapolis; Frank, who is engaged in the business of railroad contracting as a partner of his brother, Thomas J. ; and Theresa, the wife of Thomas Reynolds, of Terre Haute.

Reared upon the homestead farm in Monroe county until twelve years of age, Thomas J. Keegan then began working as water boy, car¬ rying water for the men employed on the construction of the railroad. 1 le afterward drove teams in that connection until about nineteen years of age, when he lost his father. He afterward became a contractor in rail¬ road building on the G. & M. Railroad in Illinois and on the Illinois & Indiana Railroad between Coal City and Johnstown. In 1879 he became a resident of Carbon, Clay county, Indiana, where he engaged in mining for about three years, when he again took up the work of contracting and continued in that line until 1896, also doing gravel road work. In the year mentioned he was elected county recorder of Clay county for a four years' term and in the office discharged his duties with ability, promptness and fidelity. Upon his retirement in 1900 he joined his brother in a partnership and they have since been engaged in the con¬ tracting business as builders of railroads, gravel roads and streets. They are thus occupied at the present time and are receiving a good patron¬ age which makes their business a profitable one.

On the 10th of January, 1893, Mr. Keegan was married to Miss Margaret McKillop, who was born in Glasgow, Scotland, July 19, 1864, a daughter of John and Mary ( McCallester) McKillop, both of whom were natives of Ireland, born in county Antrim. They were married in Belfast and unto them were bom ten children, of whom three are now living: Daniel who is a resident of Fontanet. Indiana; James, who is living in Jonesville, this state ; and Mrs. Keegan. The father came to this country first when a young man, after having traveled nearly all over the world. He had spent some time in Calcutta and visited many points of interest. He returned to America in 1881 and located in Litchfield, Illinois, where he had purchased a home. The following year he sent for his family to join him and they spent about four years in Litchfield, after which they removed to Carlxrn, Clay county, Indiana, where Mr. McKillop resided until within a short time of his death. He then went to Caseyville, Indiana, which place is today known as Dimond. He died at the age of seventy two years, while his wife passed away at the age of sixty-nine. They were both communicants of the Roman Catholic church and Mr. McKillop was a Democrat in his political views.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Keegan have been born eight children, Mary, Catherine, John, Thomas, Margaret, James, Rose and Frank, but the daughter, Rose, died in infancy. The parents are members of the Roman Catholic church, in the faith of which they reared their family. Mr. Keegan belongs to the Young Men's Institute, to the Ancient Order of Hibernians and to the Catholic Knights and Ladies of America, while his political support is given to the Democratic party. Starting out in life for himself at the age of twelve years he has since worked earnestly and diligently to acquire success, and has been both the architect and builder of his own fortunes.

John Zurcher, who for many years has been an industrious and useful citizen of Washington township. Clay county, has a pretty home in section 35. He was born in Holmes county, Ohio, September 30, 1856.

being: a son of Peter and Annie ( Steiner) Zurclicr. the father a native of Switzerland, and the mother of Ohio, of Herman ancestry. They were married in the Buckeye stale, and about five years later moved to Har¬ rison township. Clay county, Indiana, where the husband bought the farm upon which his widow now resides. Mr. Zurcher died in 1886. Nine children were born to their union, of whom three sons and two daughters are still alive.

John Zurcher received his education in the country schools of Har¬ rison township and at the German school connected with the Reformed Lutheran church known as Butro Chapel. To this denomination the fam¬ ily has been stanchly attached for many generations. Mr. Zurcher lived on the farm with his parents until October 4, 1883, when he married Rachel Moyer, who died in September, 1888, leaving two children - Allie K. and William H., both living with their grandfather, Henry Moyer, in Clay City. On October 6, 1891, Mr. Zurcher married Nancy E. Hud¬ son, born in Washington township, Clay county, on the 20th of January, 1864, daughter of Jacob and Margaret J. (Luther) Hudson, of the town¬ ship named. To this union was born one child, Mary F. Zurcher, now seven years of age.

Upon leaving his parents Mr. Zurcher conducted a rented farm for a time, but his principal work was that of operating a thresher. He has also owned and operated a saw mill to advantage. At his second mar¬ riage he built a four-room house on land given to his wife by her father, and Mr. Zurcher also owns an interest in his father's homestead. The family home is located on a tract of five acres in section 35, Washington township. Mr. Zurcher is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being a member of Bowling Green lodge No. 513. In politics he is a Democrat, and, as stated, is strongly rooted in the faith of the Reformed Lutheran church.

Nathan Andrew Harris. - Among the -substantial and enterprising business men of Clay county is Nathan A. Harris, who for the past quarter of a century has conducted a store of general merchandise at Howesville. He is a man of sterling qualities, and has accumulated his property by downright hard labor and the exercise of the good judgment and sound sense with which nature generously endowed him. A son of Jesse Harris, Jr., he was born July 16, 1851, in Morrow county, Ohio. His paternal grandfather, Jesse Harris, Sr., migrated from Virginia, his native state, to Ohio, becoming an early settler of that state. In 1851, still following the march of civilization westward, he removed with his family to Illinois, making the overland journey with teams. Locating in Iroquois county, he bought prairie land from the government, and on the farm which he improved spent the remainder of his life.

Born, bred and educated in Ohio, Jesse Harris, Jr., was there engaged in agricultural pursuits during his comparatively short life, his death having occurred in 1851, while he was yet in manhood's prime. His wife, whose maiden name was Jane Hall, was born in Knox county, Ohio, and spent her last years in Middleburv, Indiana. After the death of Mr. Harris, she married for her second husband John Aukl. By her first mar¬ riage she reared three children, namely : Sarah M., Hester Ellen, and Nathan Andrew.

live with Beverly Chase, of Morrow county. Ohio, and from that time was self supporting. Beginning to learn the trade of a harness maker at the age of fourteen, he subsequently served an apprenticeship of three years after which he worked as a journeyman for a year. Seeking a favorable location, Mr. Harris then came to Clay county, and soon after established himself in business on his own account at Middleburv, where for a few years he was engaged in the manufacture of harnesses and other leather goods. He has since been actively employed in business in Clay county, for the last twenty-five years having been a general merchant at Howesville, where he has built up an extensive and remunerative trade.

Mr. Harris has been twice married. He married first, in 1871, Ellen J. Rogerson. who was born in Kentucky, a daughter of Charles and Mrs. (Bryant) Rogerson. She died July 11, 1894, leaving three children, namely: Charles L., who married Nannie, Calvert ; Mamie J., now the wife of Oscar Briley, has one child, Otis M. ; and Joseph Blaine, who married Jennie Terhune. Mr. Harris married second, in 1895, Lucv C. Rogerson, a half-sister of his first wife, and of this union two children have been born, Nathan McKinley and Jesse Theodore. Mr. and Mrs. Harris are esteemed members of the Presbyterian church, and are held in high respect throughout the community.

Samuel Rizlky. - Prominent among the earlier settlers of Clay county was Samuel Rizley, who in his day was one of the most widely known and most highly esteemed residents of this part of the state. A man of strong individuality, possessing excellent judgment and much business ability, he became influential in the management of public affairs, and served in various positions of trust and responsibility. In addition to carrying on farming successfully he did much of the surveying in the county, in that capacity becoming thoroughly acquainted with the sur¬ rounding country. He was born in Virginia September 19, 1792, and after spending a few years of his childhood in Bullitt county, Kentucky, came with his parents to Indiana in 1804. His parents were among the original settlers of Knox county, Indiana, locating there in 1804, as before stated, and there spending the remainder of their lives. His father was David Rizley, a soldier in the Revolutionary war.

After completing his early education in the district schools, Samuel Rizley worked at surveying with his father, becoming a competent sur¬ veyor. Upon the declaration of war in 1812 he enlisted and served as a soldier for thirteen months, during which time he assisted in building Fort Harrison. While serving in the army Mr. Rizley crossed the part of the territory now included within the limits of Clay county, and noticed while passing along a beautiful spring of clear, cool water lying in what is now called Cass township. In 1819, still remembering the spot, he entered from the government the tract of land in which that spring was located. Clearing a small spot, he erected a cabin of round logs, which was the first home of his family in Clay county. His property was then in Owen county, and while occupying that log cabin he served as county commissioner of Owen county. When Putnam county was afterwards organized it embraced Cass township, and he subsequently served as county commissioner for Putnam county. Clay county was afterwards organized, and Cass township became a part of it. Mr. Rizley was soon after made one of the board of county commissioners for Clay county, thus, without changing his place of residence, he served three counties in that capacity. He was also tax collector, was the first school teacher in

Clay county, and for one term was associate circuit judge. He was prominent as well in religious circles, and from the time of the organiza¬ tion of the Predestinarian Baptist church until his death, February 3, 1868, served as deacon.

Besides being a successful farmer, Mr. Rizley was a natural mechanic. Fie manufactured gun powder, farming implements - such as the pioneers used - as well as water and milk pails, barrels, tubs, keelers, churns, piggins, etc., also chairs, tables, spinning wheels, looms, warping bars, flaxbreaks, etc., and he erected the first whip-saw, which stood three miles west of the present village of Poland, Cass township, and one of the first hand grist mills.

Mr. Rizley was twice married. He married first, in Knox county, Indiana, February 4. 1816, Polly Thomas, who was born in Maryland, August 10, 1794, and died in Clay county, Indiana, June 17, 1851. Her father, David Thomas, was born May 23, 1767, in Maryland, and remove* l from there to Indiana in territorial days, settling first in Knox county. In 1816 he moved with his family to Owen county, and in 1818 located in what is now Washington township, Clay county, and was the original settler of the Eel River valley. Improving a farm near the present site of Bowling Green, he resided there until his death, January 28, 1858, aged eighty-five years. His wife, Huldah (Parsons) Thomas, died July 7, 1851. Of the union of Mr. Rizley with Polly Thomas nine children were born, namely : Huldah ; Sarah ; Polly ; Eliza, who was the first white child born in Clay county; Susan; Elizabeth A.; Drusilla ; Naomi; and Ellen. Mr. Rizley married for his second wife Mrs. Lucretia (Witty) Barnett, and to them three children were born, namely: Mary, Candace and Alice.

' Fred William Huckriede. - Widely known as a prosperous agri¬ culturist of Cass township. Clay county, Fred W. Huckriede has been very successful in the work to which he has given his attention since his boyhood, his energy, sound sense and good judgment bringing forth satis¬ factory results. A son of the late Henry H. and Catherine (Altemiller) Huckriede, he was born May 16, 1868, in Owen county, Indiana, of substantial German ancestry.

For two years after attaining his majority he was engaged in farming on his father's estate, and then bought sixtv-five acres in section twentytwo and section twenty-seven, Cass township. Clearing off the timber, Mr. Huckriede built a six-room cottage on section twenty-seven, and has since resided there. After the death of his father, he and his brother, John, bought the interest of the remaining heirs in the home farm, and have since managed it in partnership, carrying on general farming most profitably.

On March 27, 1890, Mr. Huckriede married Mary E. Kortepeter, who was born in Marion county, Indiana, April 23, 1866, a daughter of Frederick and Mary (Kattman) Kortepeter, natives of Germany. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Huckriede, namely: Oscar F., who died at the age of two and one-half years, in 1896; and Mary A., born October 31, 1897. Fraternally Mr. Huckriede is a member of Poland Lodge, No. 364, K. of P., and he and his wife also belong to lodge No. 319, Pythian Sisters; and he is a member of Bowling Green Lodge, No. 85, A. F. & A. M. Politically he is a Democrat, and for one year served on the township advisory board.

William H. Phillips. - Posey township. Clay county, has been the home of William H. Phillips since he was fourteen years of age, and he has been identified with its agricultural life throughout his entire busi¬ ness career. He has never moved from the place on which his father first located on coming to Clay county, and his homestead numbers ninetythree acres of rich and well improved land, on which he has made all of the improvements, even to the carpenter and brick work on his buildings. He has performed the hard and laborious work of clearing and grubbing about eighty acres of his land, and the farm stands as a monument to his industry and excellent business ability.

Horn in Warren county, Ohio, May 9, 1833, William H. Phillips is a son of Isaac Phillips, whose name is enrolled among the pioneers of Clay county. He was born and reared in Pennsylvania, but when a young man he went to Ohio, and from there in 1847 emigrated with his family to the then frontier of Clay county, Indiana. He at once bought one hundred and eighty acres of what has 'since become known as the Phillips farm in Posey township, and the first home of the family was a little log cabin. With the advancing years he succeeded in clearing about one hundred and fifty acres of his farm, and he remained there until his life's labors were ended in death at- the advanced age of eighty-three years. He was born in the year 1797. Lydia Davis became his wife in Ohio, where she was born and reared, and they became the parents of nine children, seven sons and two daughters, of whom William H. was the fourth born. The father gave a life-long support to the Democratic party.

In 1866 William H. Phillips was united in marriage to Bridget E. Crow, who came from her native land of Ireland to the United States when a little lady of twelve years, and was reared in Cincinnati. Of the five children born of this union, two are now deceased, and all were born on the Phillips homestead farm. Mr. Phillips favors Republican prin¬ ciples but votes independent of party ties.

John P. Hoffman. - In an early period in the development of this section of Clay county the Hoffmans established their home here, and the representatives of this family are substantial citizens, honored sons of Germany, and have taken an active and helpful part in the progress and welfare of the community. Conrad Hoffman, during many years a promi¬ nent farmer in Posey township, was born in Germany, December 30, 1825, and when about twenty-seven years of age he left the fatherland for the United States, making his way at once to Indiana and establishing his home in Posey township. The nucleus of his later large estate was one hundred acres in the woods, on which he erected a log cabin and began at once the hard task of clearing his land and preparing it for cultivation. He was married here to Eva M. Eulgard, who was born in Germany, May 19. 1822. and was reared and educated in her native land. They became the parents of five children, as follows : George C., Anna, Kath¬ erine. John P. and Barbara, all of whom were born on the Hoffman home¬ stead in Posey township. Mr. Hoffman, the father, gave his political allegiance to the Democracy, and was a member of the Lutheran church, passing awav in its faith when he had reached the age of sixty-one years. Through his long identification with the business interests of this communitv he became well and favorably known and was honored for his main* sterling characteristics.

ship. June 20, 1861, and on the 12th of October, 1882, he was married to Eva Romas, who was born in Posey township but reared in Perry township, her father, Michael Romas, having been one of the early settlers of the former community. The four children of Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman - Anna, Effie. Edna and Dora - were also born on the Hoffman home¬ stead, which makes three generations of this family who have had their nativity on this farm. Mr. Hoffman now owns one hundred and sixtysix acres of this valuable old place, and in addition has eighty acres else¬ where in the township and one hundred and ten acres in Perry township. His politics are Democratic and he is quite an active worker in the party cause. He is a member of the Lutheran church.

Jacob H. Stough. - Jacob H. Stougli has been an active factor in the affairs of this community for many years, but he is now living retired from active labor with the exception of superintending Cottage Hill cemetery, which is located on the' ©Id family homestead. He was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, November 13, 1845, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Frick) Stough, natives of Pennsylvania, and a grandson of John Frick, of German parentage. Joseph Stough was a farmer in Pennsylvania, but in 1851 moved to Tuscarawas county, Ohio, and lived there until the spring of 1856. He then traveled with team and wagon to Lancaster, Owen county, Indiana, and in September of 1856 came to Clay county, Indiana, and purchased in Posey township two tracts of improved land, consisting of ninetv-two and eighty acres each. He lived on this place until his death. He was born in 1807 and died in January, 1893, while Mrs. Stough was born in 1810 and died in 1884.

There were three sons and three daughters in their family that attained to years of maturity, and Jacob H. Stough was the fourth born. He received his educational training in select and high schools in Brazil, and in 1872 became identified with the ice business here, which he sold in 1893. He has served as the superintendent of Cottage Hill cemetery since 1876, and from July 1, 1893, until September, 1897, was the assistant post¬ master of Brazil. During one year he was also the proprietor of a music and book store in this city, and was substitute mailing clerk of Brazil for years, serving both as assistant postmaster and mailing clerk during Cleveland's second term of office. Mr. Stough inherited part of the home farm of his father in Posey township, Clay county, in connection with two brothers, John and Joseph, and the land was worked by two of the brothers until 1898, when they rented the farm, and Mr. Jacob H. Stough has since lived retired, save to superintend the cemetery.

He married, September 12, 1881, Minnie F. Curl, born in Paris, Illinois, in August, 1859. a daughter of Jeremiah and Sarah Curl, natives of Ohio. The four children of this union are Grace May, Ralph A., Lester W. and Helen Marie. Mr. Stough is a Mason, belonging to the blue lodge, chapter and council.

Melbourne C. Lanning, present treasurer of Clay county, Indiana, was born in Pearson township, Vigo county, Indiana, May 22. 1868, son of Ewing and felizabeth (Pierson) Lanning. The father was born in Clay county, Indiana. July 14, 1838, and died March 20, 1892. The mother was born in Sullivan county, Indiana, December 29, 1841, and died August, 1879. This worthy couple were married in Sullivan county and were the parents of six children, two of whom still survive: Mel- bourne C., of this notice, and Ewing W. Lanning. The father spent his active life in Clay county, Indiana, on his farm, which contained one hundred and thirty-four acres. Eighty acres of this farm he had to clear up from out the dense forest. He was a very energetic and thorough¬ going man in whom all could put the utmost confidence. Politically he was a life-long and active Democrat, but never cared to hold office. He was an active member of Lodge No. 29, A. F. and A. AL, and belonged to the Baptist church.

Melbourne C. Lanning, son of pioneer Ewing Lanning, whose history has just been narrated, remained at home with his parents until twenty years of age and the following year commenced teaching school and con¬ tinued ten years in Clay county, Indiana, teaching winters and farming during the farming months. In November, 1906, he was elected county treasurer of Clay county, taking the office on January 1, 1908. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias order, Lewis Lodge, No. 51 1, at Lewis, Vigo county; also belongs to Shabbona Tribe of Red Men, No. 370, at Lewis; Brazil Lodge, No. 762, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is a firm supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, and does his full share toward maintaining a good form of local and national government.

He was united in marriage, April 12, 1893, t° Constance McCullough, born in Brazil, Indiana, October 16, 1871, the daughter of Dr. Francis B. and Mary (Johnston) McCullough. The father was born in Kentucky, October 3, 1832, and died January 18, 1903. His wife was born in Put¬ nam county, Indiana, January 13, 1838, and died April 13, 1902. They were married in Indiana and were parents to the following children : There were five - four sons and one daughter - all deceased but Charles J. and Mrs. Lanning. The father came to Indiana when about one year of age, the family located in Clay county, where he was a pioneer doctor and continued the practice of his profession up to within about ten years of his death. Mr. and Airs. Lanning are the parents of one son, Laurance Melbourne Lanning.

Rev. Alfred Siiidler. - A man of exceptionally fine principles, honest, industrious and persevering, Rev. Alfred Shidler bravely served his country during the Civil war as a soldier in the Union army, was after¬ wards an active and tireless worker for many years in his Alaster's vine¬ yard, and is now successfully employed in tilling the soil, owning and occupying a fine farm in Lewis township. A son of Daniel Shidler, he was born June 30, 1847, in Berlin, or near that city, in Holmes county, Ohio. His grandfather, Isaac Shidler, whose parents were Germans, was a native, it is thought, of Pennsylvania. From there he migrated to Holmes county, Ohio, at an early period of its settlement, improved a farm lying about three miles northwest of Berlin, and there resided until his death, at a ripe old age.

A young man when his parents removed to Ohio, Daniel Shidler there learned the blacksmith's trade, serving an apprenticeship of three years with John Korns. He subsequently opened a smithy at Berlin, and three years later established himself at a point three miles east of that place. Coming from there to Indiana in 1858, he spent a year in Jennings county, and then located in Clay county. Buying land about one and a half miles east of Middlebury, in Harrison township, he there followed his trade and superintended the management of his farm until 1880, when he went to Kansas, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying a short time later at the home of his son Henry, in Cherokee county. He was twice married. His first wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Lowry, was born in Holmes county, Ohio, of Scotch-! rish ancestors, and at her death, in early womanhood, left four children: John, Henry, Alfred and Isaac. His second wife. Mary (Culler) Shidler, bore him six children: George, W illiam, Elizabeth, Clara. Oliver, and an infant.