Clay County, Indiana - The whole text, 1909 (part 6 of 21)

One of a family of ten children that grew to maturity, Jacob Diel was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in 1805, and when seven years old was taken by his parents to Montgomery county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood and married. Coming in 1830 to Indiana, he lived for four years in Fayette county, and from 1834 until 1847 was engaged in farming in Wayne county, where he had purchased wild land. Remov¬ ing then to Clay county, he bought one hundred and sixty acres of tim¬ bered land in Jackson township, and soon the ringing strokes of his axe were heard as he leveled the giants of the forest in his endeavor to clear a space in which to erect a log cabin, lie split boards to cover the roof of the cabin, holding them in place with poles, and split puncheon for the floor. 1 1 is wife, who shared with him the privations of pioneer life, worked equally as hard, carding, spinning and weaving the homespun in which she clothed her family, making the garments herself. He cleared a fine homestead, replaced the original log cabin with a substantial house made of hewed logs, built a good barn, and was there employed in tilling the soil until 1872. doing to Jasper county, Illinois, in that year, he bought an improved farm of two hundred acres, which he subsequently divided among his children, after which he made his home with his son William in Sugar Ridge township. Clay county, until his death, at the age of ninety-one years and twenty-four days. He was a man of fine physique, stalwart and strong, weighing over two hundred pounds, and was very industrious and temperate in his habits. He married Sarah Kersclmcr, who was born in Pennsylvania, which was also the birthplace of her father, John Kersclmcr, who removed from there to Ohio in 1820, and spent his last years in Montgomery county. Mrs. Sarah (Kerschner) Diel died in jasper county, Illinois, aged seventy-two years. She reared nine children, namely: Emeline, David, Jacob, John, Daniel, Mary, Catherine, William and Lucinda. During the Civil war all of these sons enlisted in Company E, Fifty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and Daniel died in the service, all of the others returning home, marry¬ ing, and rearing families.

Fourteen years old when he came to Clay county with his parents, David Diel had previously obtained the rudiments of his education in the pioneer schools of Wayne county, each day walking three miles to reach the rude log school house. He subsequently attended school in Jackson township for a while, in the meantime having a practical drilling in the various branches of agriculture, and remained at home until his mar¬ riage, when he began life as a farmer on rented land. In September, 1864, Mr. Diel enlisted in Company E, Fifty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was with the regiment in all of its engagements until December 16, 1864, when, at the battle of Nashville, he was wounded and sent to the hospital. Recovering from his injury, he joined his regiment in Alabama in February, 1865, and continued with it till the close of the war, serving in the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina. ' Receiving his honorable discharge from the sendee June 14, 1865, Mr. Diel returned home, and during the ensuing six years was employed in a saw mill. He then resumed farming, and in 1881 pur¬ chased land in Perry township, where for twenty years he was prosper¬ ously employed in agricultural pursuits. In 1901 Mr. Diel removed to Brazil, and six years later, in September, 1907, traded his Brazil property for his present home estate in Clay City.

Mr. Diel married, in 1858, Catherine Latham, who was born in Cass township, Clay county, September 14, 1841, that being likewise the place of birth of her father, George W. Latham. Her grandfather, John Latham, moved from his native state. North Carolina, to Cass township, which then formed a part of Owen county, about 1818. He cleared and improved a farm from the wilderness, and after living there for a long time went with his son to Jackson township, where he lived until more than ninety years of age. His wife, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Lucas, died two years before he did. Reared on the home farm in Cass township, George W. Latham subsequently lived for a few years in Jackson township, after which he sold the farm that he there owned and returned to Cass township. Buying land, he cleared and improved a homestead, on which he was employed in tilling the soil until his death, at the age of seventy-four years. He was a man of prominence in the community, and for twenty years served as a justice of the peace. His wife, whose maiden name was Lucinda Wilkerson, was born in Cass township, a daughter of Robert and Catherine ( Moffit ) Wilkerson, the former of whom was born in Ireland, of Scotch ancestry, and was a pioneer settler of Cass township. George W. Latham's first wife died at the early age of twenty-nine years and he married for his second wife Rhoda Slack, who is still living, being now eighty-five years of age.

Six children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Diel, namely : Myra Ella, Sarah Lucinda, Rhoda Annis, Mary Elizabeth, Clarissa Catherine and Olive May. Myra Ella is the wife of Lawrence Louder mi lk, and has four children, Bessie, Myrtie, Ray and Hester. Sarah Lucinda, wife of Daniel Meyers, has eight children, Gertie, George, Mabel, William, Edith, Leora, Dewey and Bernice. Rhoda Annis, wife of Charlie Bennett, has three children, Grace Belle, Fred and Fredie. Mary Elizabeth mar¬ ried Leander Overton, and they have one child, Elsie. Clara Catherine married William Schiele, who died in 1898. She lived but two years longer, dying in May, 1900, and leaving one child, David William Schiele. Olive May is the wife of John Xevins. Three of the grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. Diel are married, Bessie Loudermilk having married William Beasley ; Myrtie Loudermilk is also married ; and Gertie Meyers married Frank Xyer and has two children, Janice and an infant.

L'lrich Schlattkr. - As proprietor and manager of a well-tilled farm in \Tan Buren township, Ulrich Schlatter is identified with the ad¬ vancement of the agricultural prosperity of Clay county. For many years he has been a resident of this vicinity, and is in all respects con¬ sidered a valuable citizen of the township, fulfilling his duties and obli¬ gations as such with commendable fidelity. A son of John George Schlatter, he was born October 31, 1857, in Owen county, Indiana, of honored German ancestry.

John George Schlatter was born, bred and educated in Wurtemberg, Germany. In early manhood, seeing but little opportunity for accumu¬ lating wealth in the Fatherland, he turned his face towards America, and after a sixty days' passage on a sailing vessel arrived in New York city, he and his brother Alartin being the only members of the family to cross the Atlantic. Proceeding westward to Ohio, he lived there until after his marriage, when he came to Owen county, Indiana, where for a time he was employed in farming on a tract of rented land. In 1871 he came to Clay county, and for a number of years lived in Harrison town¬ ship, from there removing to Harmony, where his death occurred at the age of seventy-two years. The maiden name of his wife was Magdalena Schepper. She was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, and died at her home in Indiana, aged three score and ten years. She reared a family of eight children, namely: William, Catherine, Mary, John, Ulrich, Barbara, Henry and Rosa.

Ulrich Schlatter attended school in both Owen and Clay counties, and when not occupied with his books helped his father on the farm. Beginning life as a miner at the age of seventeen, he followed mining almost continuously until 1907. Industrious, frugal and temperate, Mr. Schlatter harbored his resources, and ere long was enabled to buy a home in Harmony, where he was a resident for a number of years. He sub¬ sequently bought the farm he now owns, and which he has occupied since 1890. This farm, located in section twenty-three, Van Buren township, is well improved and is furnished with a good set of farm buildings.

On July 31, 1879, Mr. Schlatter married Louisa Wilson, who was born in Van Buren township, Clay county, a daughter of John and Eliza¬ beth (Von Cannon) Wilson. Her father came here from Ohio when a boy, his parents being pioneer settlers of this part of the state. He died when Mrs. Schlatter was but three years old, and her mother subse¬ quently married William Craig. Mr. and Mrs. Schlatter are the parents of eight children, namely : Oscar, Ervin, William, O'Dell, Iven, Rosa, Elzie, and Howard. Oscar married Jennie Reberger, daughter of Ben¬ jamin and Anna (Ford) Reberger, and they have one child, Mary E. Ervin married Eunice Frost, daughter of Samuel A. and Emma (Ward) Frost, and they have one child, Ulrich A. William married Selma Rojohn, daughter of Edgar Rojohn, and they have one child, William K. O'Dell is the wife of Burt Hughes. Politically Mr. Schlatter is a strong Prohibitionist, and upholds the principles of his party at the polls. Mr. and Mrs. Schlatter are liberal in their religious beliefs, and although belonging to no church organization accept all true Christians as brothers and sisters.

William F. Sonnefield. - Conspicuous among the successful farmers and extensive stock-growers of Clay county is William F. Sonnefield, who for many years has been actively identified with the agricultural progress and prosperity of Cass township, owning and occu¬ pying one of the most magnificent farming estates within its limits. A native of Clay county, he was born July 26, 1852, in Washington town¬ ship, a son of Frederick Sonnefield. He comes of thrifty German stock, his grandfather, William Sonnefield, having been born, bred and married in Germany.

Coming with his parents from the Fatherland in 1833, Frederick Sonnefield lived for a few years in Ohio, and then with his parents came across the country with teams to Owen county, Indiana. After his mar¬ riage he bought land in Washington township, and after living there a few years sold out and bought a farm in Cass township, where he con¬ tinued as a tiller of the soil the remainder of his life. On February 21, 1850, he married Minnie Frank. She was born in Germany, and came

The only son in a family of seven children, of whom but four are now living, William F. Sonnefield remained at home until his marriage, attending the district schools in his boyhood, and obtaining a practical knowledge of agriculture. Buying then a portion of the parental home¬ stead, he erected a good set of buildings, including a two-story, eight- .room house, barns, and other necessary outbuildings, and turned his attention to farming in earnest. Prosperity has followed his footsteps, smiling on his every effort. From time to time he has bought other land, owning now nearly the whole of the parental homestead, and having title to over nine hundred acres of improved land, all being located in Cass township. As a stock-raiser Mr. Sonnefield is particularly fortunate, his horses, cattle and hogs, all of the best grades, doing well under his wise management, and as a general farmer he stands second to none in the township.

On December 11, 1879, Mr. Sonnefield married Fredericka Kattman, who was born in Washington township, Indiana, August 4, 1852, a daughter of Christopher and Clara Margaret (Menke) Kattman, natives of Germany. Her grandparents, John G. and Catherine (Cullenbergh) Menke, came to the United States with their family, hoping in this country to find remunerative work for their children. Christopher Katt¬ man emigrated to this country about 1836, and for a few years thereafter worked as a stone mason and a stone cutter. In 1842 he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Washington township, where he cleared and improved a homestead. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sonnefield, namely: Clarence, born August 1, 1881, lives with his parents; Martha, born June 12, 1883, died in infancy; Walter, born December 21, 1885, died at the age of six years and six days; Mary E., born April 14, 1888, is at home; Henry A., born April 17, 1890, died in infancy; Roy Alvin, born May 21, 1891 ; and Lester, born September 12, 1895. Politically Mr. Sonnefield invariably casts his vote in favor of the Democratic party. Fraternally he is a member of Poland Lodge, No. 364, K. of P. Religiously, true to the faith in which he was reared, he belongs to the German Reformed church.

George W. Brown. - An enterprising and practical agriculturist in the early prime of life, George W. Brown is prosperously engaged in the prosecution of his independent calling on one of the most desirable home¬ steads in Harrison township. He is a stanch and true citizen, always using his influence to promote the best interests of the community in which he resides, and well deserves the esteem and favor in which he is held by all. . He was born December 28, 1861, in Hocking county, Ohio, a son of Louis Frederick and Catherine (Guyer) Brown, of whom a brief per¬ sonal history appears elsewhere in this volume.

A bright and active lad of five years when he came with his parents to Clay county, Mr. Brown has a vivid recollection of many of the inci¬ dents connected with the journey. He received his early education in the district school, and assisted his parents in the work of improving the farm, remaining with them until his marriage. Beginning then to farm on his own account, he rented land, and in its care and management met with such good results that in three and one-half years he was enabled to become a land owner. Buying, therefore, a farm in section twelve, Harrison township, he lived there until 1902. In that year, at the urgent solicitation of his father, Mr. Brown rented his own farm and returned to the old homestead, where he has since been actively employed in tilling the soil.

On January 11, 1885, Mr. Brown married Mary Ida Boardman. She was born in Putnamville, Putnam county, Indiana, June 28, 1865, a daughter of James M. Boardman. Her grandfather, James R. Boardman, removed from Kentucky, his native state, to Putnam county, Indiana, in pioneer days, locating first near Bainbridge, on land that he purchased from the government. Subsequently disposing of that, he bought a tract of land lying about six miles from (ireencastle, and there spent the remainder of his long and busy life, dying when upwards of eighty years of age. The maiden name of his second wife, grandmother of Mrs. Brown, was Louisa Allen, who was born in Kentucky and died in Putnam county, Indiana. James M. Boardman, Mrs. Brown's father, was born in Kentucky, and from his youth up has been engaged in agri¬ cultural pursuits. Until 0881 he resided in Putnam county, and from that time until 1885 was employed in general farming in Lewis township, Clay county. lie is now living near (ireencastle, busily engaged in his chosen calling. . He married Eliza J. Arnold, who was born in Kentucky, a daughter of Henry and Sally Ann ( Banta) Arnold, both of whom were born and reared in that state. Henry Arnold was an early settler of Putnam county, and was there killed by lightning when fifty-six years old. His wife, now ninety-one year* of age, still resides in that county. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have four children, namely: Roxie (lail, Lulu Catherine, Ola Beatrice and Bertha Alice. In his political affiliations Mr. Brown is a straightforward Democrat, never swerving from party alle¬ giance. Religiously both Mr. and Mrs. Brown arc consistent members of the Lhiited Brethren church.

Lkwis McXi tt. - One of the most extensive sales agents in the state, Lewis McNutt, of Brazil, also enjoys the distinction of being the largest individual seller of clay products in the United States. He repre¬ sents the Castalia Portland Cement Company, which manufactures the famous ''Tiger" brand of cement. As specific evidences of its purity and durability, it may be stated that the Big Four Railroad Company uses it almost exclusively in the construction of its platforms, as it so well with¬ stands the jarring of passing trains which usually cracks most cements; in Dayton, Ohio, two immense bridges, which are considered models of construction, are built entirely of "Tiger" brand cement; and Brazil pre¬ sents as specimens of its superiority ten miles of walks, the new Sour wine opera house, the Masonic Temple, the Water Gallery, a large con¬ crete sewer over one mile long, and the High School building. Mr. McNutt is also sales agent for the American Sewer Pipe Company, oper¬ ating thirty-eight plants in five states of the Union. He has handled some of the largest orders in this material in the United States, and during the last business year of the company he stood first in the list of sales. As will be seen from the record of his life which follows, his experience has especially adapted him to become eminent in this field, as his career covers a broad business training which has brought him into personal relations with thousands of people in different states.

Born in Owen county, Indiana, on the 26th of November, 1865, Mr. McNutt is a son of James A. and Catherine (Schemerhorn) McNutt, both being natives of Vermilion county, this state. Six children were born into the family, of whom four are living: Blair S. ; Lewis, of this review ; Eva E., wife of Hugh Stevenson; Mary, now Mrs. Julia Linderman, of Terre Haute, Indiana; Harriet; and Louise. Mr. McNutt has been engaged in business at Brazil for thirty-two years, or for nearly the entire period of his mature life. When only thirteen years of a*ge he engaged in selling newspapers ; clerked for D. W. Brattin for about six years ; then engaged in the boot and shoe and merchandise lines at Prairie City, Indiana, and in the fall of 1888 returned to Brazil and commenced a grocery business under the firm name of McNutt and Wolfe. After about two years he became sole proprietor of the establishment, and some two years later admitted Frank Casteel as his partner. A like period passed, he disposed of his interest in the business, and in 1894 com¬ menced his career in the development of the clay products business. The principal articles which he now handles are sewer pipe, building blocks, fire bricks and cement of the "Tiger'' brand, being at the present time, as stated, general sales agent for the Castalia Portland Cement Company and selling agent for the Amreican Sewer Pipe Company. In the ener¬ getic and judicious development of the business connected with these agencies he has become a very important figure in the western trade dealing with the specialties named. During the past season he handled about fifteen hundred cars of clay products alone.

Mr. McNutt has also done a good work in the uplifting of the civic standard of his home city. Although a Republican, he evinced an inde¬ pendence and liberality of sentiment in the city council during his service in 1904-5 which have constituted a worthy precedent. Through his initiative the fire and police departments were made non-partisan, the city taxes were reduced twenty-five cents on the hundred dollars, and the municipal indebtedness of thirty thousand dollars was cancelled. Mr. McNutt does not claim the distinction alone for the accomplishment of these measures, as the good work could not have been done without the united efforts of his colleagues. As a graceful proof that his salary as a councilman had no weight in the performance of his official duties he returned it to the city in the form of a fine drinking fountain, which he presented in 1906.

Mr. McNutt has been prominent in connection with fraternal affairs for many years, and is affiliated with the following orders: Centennial lodge No. 54, A. F. & A. M., and Brazil chapter No. 59, R. A. M. ; also Brazil lodge No. 762, B. P. O. E. In his religious faith he is a Presby¬ terian. Married on the 23rd of November, 1893, to Miss Nancy G. Clark, of Hoopeston, Illinois, he is the father of six children, of whom four are alive - James Walter, Nancy M., Lewis Clark and Albert H. Mrs. McNutt is the daughter of John M. and Charlotte (Griffith) Clark. Her father was a pioneer Illinois farmer and extensive land owner, during the later years of his life engaging in the merchandise and newspaper business. Of the nine children born to him, the following seven are living: Austin, Edward, Lee, Alvin, Albert; India, wife of Clinton Briggs, who is a resident of Nebraska, and Nancy G., now Mrs. Lewis McNutt.

The family homestead, Idylwilde, about four miles south of Brazil, is one of the finest country homes in this portion of the state. The farm and residence grounds comprise three hundred and thirty-six acres, and when purchased by Mr. McNutt a few years ago the place was neglected and unsightly. Under his skillful and tasteful transformation the property has been made both valuable and beautiful. The soil of the farm has been enriched, the fences placed in fine order, large barns constructed of cement, and the old farm house converted into a modern mansion, with hard wood floors,, huge and artistic fireplaces, a gas plant and all modern conveniences. The gas engine not only furnishes the house with water, but furnishes the power for grinding feed for the live stock and for other farm work. In his flower gardens he covers over two acres, and the designing, laying out of walks, etc., was the work of Mrs. McNutt. With handsome lawns, pretty flower gardens, winding driveways, rustic summer houses and an immense orchard as settings for this beautiful and luxurious country home, there is certainly nothing to be desired by the most fastidious. The farm proper is largely devoted to the raising of fine and blooded livestock, all of which is registered and either imported or from imported stock. He breeds Percheron Norman horses, Shropshire sheep and Hereford cattle, and their accommodations are superb. One of the large barns which he has recently erected, fifty by seventy-five feet, contains twenty box stalls for his fine horses, and the feeding pens throughout are constructed of cement floors. Mr. McNutt has also gone to some extent into the raising of chickens, and in this, as in everything else, the accommodations are not only of the most modern type, but arranged so as to add to the general attractiveness of the place. His chicken house has been well described as ''being as large and pretty as a seaside cottage."

Dora E. Latham. - Among the successful agriculturists of Clay county may be mentioned Dora E. Latham, whose well-kept farm lies in section thirty-one, Cass township, and who by his enterprise and energy in the direction of his chosen industry has given it a significance and value of which many have deemed it incapable. A son of the late David U. Latham, he was born October 16, 1874, on the section where he now resides, and where the larger part of his life has been spent. He comes of honored pioneer stock, his grandfather Latham, one of the early set¬ tlers of Clay county, having entered three hundred and seventy-four acres of government land along the Eel river, the whole of which is still in the possession of the Latham family, being owned by his descendants.

Born in Jackson township, Clay county, David U. Latham succeeded . to the occupation of his ancestors, and began life for himself by renting the old Risley farm on Eel river. Succeeding well as a farmer, he subse¬ quently bought one hundred and thirty acres in section thirty-one, Cass township, a part of the tract being cleared at the time of his purchase. There was a barn on the place, and he soon built a house and continued the improvement of a homestead, clearing all excepting about thirty acres, which he used as a pasture instead of cultivating it. Here he lived and labored until his death, September 19, 1895. He married Delana Mace, who was born in Cass township, a daughter of George Washington and Elizabeth (Wilkinson) Mace, and granddaughter of Isaac Mace, a pioneer of Clay county. On the paternal side she was of Irish descent. She is now living, making her home with her son Dora.

The fourth child in a family consisting of four boys and two girls, Dora E. Latham received his early education in the district schools, and as soon as old enough began making himself useful on the home farm. When ready to establish a home of his own he bought a farm of eighty acres in Jackson township, where he lived for two years. Disposing of that property, he resided for a while in Terre Haute, and then returned to the parental homestead, in which he had an interest, having not only his own share, but having purchased that of his sister. Air. Latham has now ninety-two acres of finely cultivated land, his farm with its substantial improvements being valuable, pleasant and especially attractive. His home being the highest point of the government survey in Clay county is known by the name of "Crown Point Farm." daughter of Marion and Jennie (Carithers) Jeffers, of Clay county. Two children have been born of their marriage, namely: Maude Bell, born November 11, 1896; and Alma Marie, born May 28, 1901. A stanch Democrat in politics, Mr. Latham takes an active interest in local affairs, and is now serving as township trustee. Fraternally he is a member of Poland Lodge, No. 364, K. of P. Religiously he belongs to the Baptist Church.

Clarence Elmer Latham. - Pleasantly located in section thirty, Cass township, Clarence E. Latham is devoting his time and attention to general farming and stock-raising, and in his chosen vocation is meeting with unbounded success. His farm is advantageously located, and his buildings, which are situated on a natural elevation of land, with their beautiful surroundings, make up a view which is very pleasant to the passing traveler. He was born March 4, 1877, 011 section thirty-one, Cass township, a son of David U. and Delana Ann (Mace) Latham. Further parental and ancestral history may be found elsewhere in this volume in connection with the sketch of his brother, Dora E. Latham. Fie is one of a family of six children, as follows: George W., of Posey township; Ludema, wife of W. C. Diel, of Dick Johnson township; Urias L., of Cass township; Dora E. ; Clarence E. ; and Louie B., wife of Newton Foreman, of Cass township.

Brought up on the home farm, Mr. Latham received a practical com¬ mon school education, and as a boy became familiar with, the many branches of agriculture. When he was seventeen years old his father died, and, the other children being married and away from home, he assumed the management of his mother's estate, living with her until about a year after his marriage. Becoming then the owner of the old homestead of his Grandfather Latham, inheriting forty acres and purchas¬ ing sixty acres, he at once took possession of the house which his grand¬ father built, and in which he spent his last years, and has since made this his home. He has made substantial improvements on the place, and is carrying on general farming and stock-growing with excellent results, making a specialty of raising cattle and hogs.

On November 29, 1899, Mr. Latham married Clara Estella Carrithers, who was born March 23, 1879, in Jackson tbwnship, a daughter of Theo¬ dore and Mollie (Kennedy) Carrithers, natives of Stockton, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Latham have two children living: Nora Cecil, born June 10, 1904, and John L., born July 21, 1908. In politics Mr. Latham is an earnest supporter of the principles of the Democratic party; fraternally he is a member of Poland Lodge, No. 364, K. of P. ; and he is prelate of the lodge. Religiously he is an adherent of the Baptist church.

Louis Frederick Brown, late of Harrison township, Clay county, was for many years well known throughout this vicinity as an enterpris¬ ing farmer, a trustworthy citizen, a kind neighbor and friend, and a loving husband and father; and his death, which occurred July 26, 1905, at the - homestead where he had so long resided, was a cause of general regret. He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, September 15. 1828, and was of thrifty German ancestry, his father, William Jacob Brown, having been born in Germany, and was the only member of his family to emigrate to America.

lie was a baker by trade, and while in his native country conducted that business and at the same time studied medicine. In 1828 he and his family embarked on a sailing vessel bound for Baltimore, and after a voyage of several weeks arrived at their point of destination. After residing in Baltimore a few years he removed to Zanesville, Ohio, where he engaged in the practice of his profession for some years. Locating then in Hocking county, Ohio, Dr. Brown purchased land about six miles southwest of Logan, and there resided as a farmer and physician until his death, at the age of seventy-five years. His first wife, whose maiden name was Catherine Bousch, died in Muskingum county, Ohio, leaving nine children, William II., Christopher F., John, Frederick, Jacob, Richey, Christina, Catherine and Louis Frederick, all of whom except the youngest were born in Germany. He married for his second wife Mrs. Catherine ( Reiser J Guyer, who survived him, came to Clav county, and died in 1884, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Brown. She bore him two children, Mary and Caroline.

Reared to agricultural pursuits, Louis F. Brown remained beneath the parental roof-tree until after his marriage. He subsequently bought a tract of land near the village of Hocking, in Ohio, and was there em¬ ployed in tilling the soil for about two years. Then renting a farm near Waterloo, he resided there until 1866, when he came overland with teams to Indiana, settling in Vigo county, where for two years he lived and labored on rented land. Coming from there to Harrison township in 1868, Mr. Brown here rented land for a number of years. Industrious and persevering, he saved money and in course of time bought a home¬ stead on sections ten and fifteen, of Harrison township, and at once began its improvement. He added to the small frame house which stood upon the place, and subsequently built a substantial frame barn, which later was struck bv lightning, and, with all its contents, including hay, grain and farm machinery, was completely destroyed. He then built another barn, and continued his operations as a general farmer most successfully, by his skill, thrift and good management acquiring a competency.

Mr. Brown married, in 1847, Annie Catherine Guyer, who was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, April 28, 1831, a daughter of John Guyer. Born and reared in the Fatherland, John Guyer there followed the trade of a weaver until 1832, when, accompanied by his wife and two children, he came to this country and settled in Morgan county, Ohio. There, in com¬ pany with his father-in-law, he bought a tract of land, and was engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, in February, 1837. Mr. Guyer married Annie Catherine Reiser, who was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, a daughter of John Reiser, who came to America when Mr. and Mrs.: Guyer did, and until his death was engaged in farming in Laurel town¬ ship, Hocking county, Ohio. Mrs. Guyer, mother of Mrs. Brown, sur¬ vived her husband, and, as above related, married for her second husband William Jacob Brown. Three of her children by her first marriage grew to maturity, namely : Annie Catherine, Christina and Elizabeth M. Mr. and Mrs. Brown reared eleven children, namely: Emmanuel, William Henry, Charles Henry, Christopher Frederick, Caroline, George W., Ben¬ jamin F., Thomas J., Louisa, Mary and Francis M.

Leverett Euc.exe Gardner. - Skillfully devoting his energies to the management of the homestead on which he was born, Leverett Eugene Gardner holds high rank among the prosperous agriculturists of Van

Buren township. He is a man of enterprise and keen foresight, possessing a good understanding of the best ways of conducting his business so as to secure profitable returns. His father, David Gardner, was born in Ames township, Athens county, Ohio, March 16, 1821, a son of Thomas Gardner, who was born and bred in New York city.

Thomas Gardner was left an orphan when young, and during the war of 1812 was employed in teaming for the government. Some years afterwards, accompanied by his wife and seven children, he migrated to Ohio and bought a large tract of land in Ames township. Clearing a farm, he superintended its management and did an extensive business as a dealer in live stock, driving cattle to' the New York city market. A man of strong physique, he lived to the good old age of ninety years. He mar¬ ried Margaret Smith, who was born in New York city of German parents, and died in Ames township, Ohio, at a very advanced age.

Reared to agricultural pursuits, David Gardner remained on the parental homestead until 1852, when he started for Indiana, coming by the river to Lawrenceburg, thence by rail to Clay county. Though this part of the state had been settled for several years, its improvement had been slow, and much of the land was still in its virgin wildness. Brazil was a small hamlet, with few habitations, and many of the near-by towns and villages were built under his observation. Buying a tract of timbered land in section fifteen, Van Buren township, he at once took possession of the log house which stood in the small clearing, and with an energetic spirit and a pioneer's axe began the improvement of a homestead. His faithful wife and helpmate was busily employed with her household duties, which included carding, spinning, weaving, dressmaking and tailoring. There being no convenient markets in those days, the people subsisted on the products of the land and the wild game, which was abundant, and not¬ withstanding the scarcity of money were well fed and well clothed. With the aid of his sons David Gardner cleared a fine farm, on which he resided until his death, July 28, 1900.

On May 16, 1844, David Gardner married Mary Allard, who was born in Deerfield township, Morgan county, Ohio, June 15, 1828, a daugh¬ ter of Reuben Libby Allard, and granddaughter of Shadrach Allard. Shadrach Allard was born in England, and with his brother Daniel and sister Polly came to America when young. Their father commanded an English merchant vessel, and lost his life when his ship with all of her crew was wrecked off the coast of Maine. Shadrach Allard settled first in New York state, but moved from there to Vermont, and subsequently went to Athens county, Ohio, where he spent his closing years. He mar¬ ried first Mary Libby, who died in New York state. He married second Hannah Woodbury, of Vermont.

Reuben Libby Allard was born in New York state, was brought up in Vermont, and subsequently moved to Ohio, locating first in Washington county. From there he moved to Morgan county, then to Athens county, and from there came to Clay county, Indiana. Purchasing land in section fifteen, lie began the improvement of a farm, but did not live long enough to make many improvements, dying at the age of fifty-five years. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Allen, was born either in Ohio or in the Shenandoah valley, Virginia, a daughter of Reuben and Mary Magda¬ lene (Bird) Allen. Reuben Allen was a Virginian by birth and breeding, and while living in his native state was a slave holder. Migrating to Washington county, Ohio, he located in Belpre township, where both he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. Of the five children born to David and Mary (Allard) Gardner four are living, namely: George Leander, Amanda Viola, Leverett Eugene and Cora Nevada.

Having acquired a practical education in the common schools, Lev¬ erett Eugene Gardner turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and succeeded his father in the management of the homestead property. Active and enterprising, he has made many improvements, rebuilding and adding to the house, and is carrying on general farming quite successfully.

Edward M. Cull in, a prosperous farmer of Washington township, Clay county, and a local leader of the Democracy, is a native of Bowling Green, that township, born on the 13th of April, 1861. His father, Thomas Cullin, was a native of Ireland, and at the death of his mother, when he was eighteen years of age, he came to America with his three sisters and one brother. Their first location was at Venice, Ohio, where Thomas learned the blacksmith's trade and assisted in the support of the family. Later he removed to Bowling Green and continued the same occupation, but in 1865 he abandoned his trade and commenced a remarkably suc¬ cessful career as a farmer. Eventually he was the owner of six hundred acres of valuable land. He walked into Bowling Green without a dollar in his pocket, and at his death was among the wealthiest men in the township. His widow, who was formerly Miss Mary A. Moss, is still alive, being the mother of five children - three sons and two daughters, of whom all are living except one daughter who died in infancy.

Edward M., who is the second child and the oldest son of the family, lived on the farm with his parents until he was twenty-two years of age, when (October 15, 1882) he married Belle Duffield. His wife was born November 16, 1863, at Bowling Green, Clay county, and is the daughter of Dr. James T. and Caroline (Markle) Duffield. Dr. Duffield, who was a native of Illinois, died in October, 1882. His widow was bom in Robroy, Indiana, and was the mother of four children, of whom Mrs. Cullin is the third. Mrs. Duffield herself died on the 2nd of January, 1888.

Edward M. Cullin was educated in the Bowling Green school, and when he married he rented a farm of his father, which he operated until the death of the latter. At the division of the estate he received one hundred and thirty-one acres, one hundred and one acres of which is located in sections 13 and 14, and the remainder in section 24. He en¬ larged and rebuilt the old farm house, erected a modern barn and other necessary buildings, and brought everything up to the present-day standard. He conducts a general farming business, and although he keeps a good breed of stock it is only raised for family use. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Edward M. Cullin are as follows: Cora R., now the wife of Ernest Drake, of Bowling Green; Nellie and Smith C., living at home; Ivan and Jennie C., deceased; Robert T., George S., Hazel A., Mary B. and Catherine I., also residing with their parents. Mr. Cullin is a Mason in high standing, being a member of Clay lodge No. 85, Bowling Green, and is also identified with the Sons of Veterans, having been appointed color bearer of the G. A. R. post No. 373 of that place. In politics he is a Democrat and served as a delegate to the congressional convention held at Rockville, Indiana, on the 26th of May, 1908.

tember 13, 1843, Sylvester Hobbs has a vivid recollection of life in pio¬ neer times, when the people dressed in homespun, lived on the produc¬ tions of their land, or on game found in forests, and Indians were still numerous, although friendly. As a boy he assisted his father in clearing a homestead, and has watched with gratification its gradual transforma¬ tion from a wilderness to a beautiful farm, yielding abundant harvests, being himself an important factor in its development.

Rev. Montgomery Hobbs, father of Sylvester, was born in Kentucky, from there coming to Washington township and entering from the gov¬ ernment three hundred and twenty acres of timber land. He cleared a part of the purchase, and in addition to farming was interested in reli¬ gious work, being for many years a preacher in the Baptist church. He died while yet in the prime of life. He married, in Kentucky, Nancy Phillips, who died on the home farm in Washington township in 1877. Further parental history may be found in connection with the sketch of Rochester K. S. Hobbs, a brother of Sylvester Hobbs.

Coming into possession of one hundred and twenty acres of the parental farm after the death of his mother, Sylvester Hobbs has now sixty acres of it under a good state of cultivation, the remainder of it being still covered with timber. He also owned until recently two hun¬ dred acres of land along the Eel river bottoms, but that tract he sold in April, 1906, and since that time he has not done active labor.

Mr. Hobbs married, April 25, 1895, Cassie Miller. She was born May 4, 1863, a daughter of William and Nancy (Penrod) Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs are the parents of two children, namely: Willard, born March 9, 1896; and Roy, born June 31, 1899. Mr. Hobbs is a solid Republican politically.

Colonel William Harrison Zimmerman, a brave soldier and officer of the Civil war, has also been among the most successful coal operators within the state of Indiana, being one of the founders and pro¬ moters of the block coal fields in the vicinity of Brazil. He has been retired from active business for a number of years, having fairly won his spurs both in business and war. Born at Centre Square, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, on the 14th of September, 1836, he is a son of Nathan and Mary (Shaw) Zimmerman, both parents being natives of Montgomery county. The father was an excellent millwright and spent his life engaged in the various branches of his trade in his native county. Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Zimmerman were the parents of five sons, all now deceased except the Colonel.

William H. Zimmerman was educated in the schools of Pennsylvania and Ohio, and although his father died when the boy was only fourteen years of age, the honor attaching to labor and frugality had already been firmly impressed upon him. The youth worked in the rolling mills and nail factory, attending school when he could. At one time he was a pupil at Poland, Ohio, having saved sufficient to enable him to pursue a course at the institution located there. At the outbreak of the Civil war, while residing at Poland, he raised Company E of the Twenty-third Ohio Infantry, which was the first regiment of the state to enlist for the three years' term of service. Of this company, which was officially designated as above upon its arrival at Camp Chase, Columbus, young Zimmerman was elected captain. The personnel of his regiment made it one of the most famous in the Union army. As it was the first to enter the full

Mthree years' service in Ohio, Governor Denison was especially anxious that itshould not only he finely equipped but officered by the best men at his command. It therefore numbered such men as Col. W. S. Rosecrans, who afterward became one of the great generals of the war, and still later a public man of national eminence ; Lieutenant Colonel Stanley Mathews, who after the war was associate justice of the United States supreme court; Major Rutherford 11. Haves, afterward president of the United States; and William McKinley, Jr., who enlisted as a private in Companv E, whose sterling worth Captain Zimmerman first recognized, he having taken young McKinley from the ranks and made him corporal of the company. No other regiment in the armies of the north had the distinction of furnishing two presidents of the United States, with other distinguished characters of American history. Colonel Zimmerman served his three years in Company E of the Twenty-third Regiment, except thirty days' furlough, in January, 1862, when he returned home and mar¬ ried his first wife. At the expiration of his three years term he was pro¬ moted to be Lieutenant Colonel of the One Hundred and Seventy-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He participated in all its skirmishes and battles. He was with Rosecrans in West Virginia and with McClellan during his Maryland campaigns, and his regiment opened the engagement at South Mountain, which was preliminary to the battle of Antietam. During this Maryland campaign the regiment was a part of the famous Ninth Corps under command of General Burnside, and at the battle of Antietam on September 17, 1862, which was the bloodiest battle of the war for the number engaged, the regiment participated in the capture of the "Stone Bridge'' across Antietam creek on the extreme left of McClel¬ land. He also participated in the battles of Lynchburg and Lexington. At Bluff ton Island, with two companies of men, he effected the capture of about one hundred of Morgan's historic raiders. His military career ended with the surrender of General Joseph E. Johnston, which prac¬ tically terminated the war. At that time his regiment was at Raleigh, North Carolina, and thence was sent to Cleveland, Ohio, where it was mustered out of the service in July, 1865.

In 1868 Colonel Zimmerman went to Indiana to prospect the coal fields in the vicinity of Brazil, finding them of such unusual value that, with Messrs. Niblock and Alexander, he energetically commenced their development. The firm of Niblock, Zimmerman and Alexander was among the pioneers in the establishment of this great industry in the state of Indiana. Colonel Zimmerman also organized the Otter Creek Coal Company, and has been among the heaviest prospectors and actual operators in the state. He retired from business with a large com¬ petency in 1904.

Colonel Zimmerman has always been an earnest supporter of the Republican party, and it is perhaps needless to add, was especially vigorous in the campaigns headed bv his old army comrades, Hayes and McKinley. He has been an honored member of the Grand Army of the Republic for many years, being identified with the General Canby post, and, as an Elk, belongs to Lodge No. 762. He was first united in marriage to Miss Fan¬ nie Hezlip, January 10, 1862. She was born in Eastbrook, Pennsylvania, January 7, 1838. and died on the 26th of March, 1868. On June 23, 1869, lie married Miss Maria A. Niblock, daughter of Rev. Isaiah and Rachel Niblock, natives of Butler county, Pennsylvania. By this union four children were born, three of whom survive. Arthur H. Zimmerman re- sides in Brazil and is largely interested in the development of clay prod¬ ucts in Clay and Parke counties. Nellie F. is now the wife of H. B. Harper, also of Brazil. W. Paul Zimmerman, the third child, is the secre¬ tary and treasurer of the Hall-Zimmerman Block Coal Company of Brazil, and is one of the members of the firm.

Jonathan Marion Fast. - One of the enterprising business factors of Brazil, Indiana, is a native of Ohio, born in Ashland county, May 16, 1839, son of George and Sarah (Brink) Fast, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania in 1807. The father died in Ashland county, Ohio, in 1889 on July 4. The mother died in the same county and state in 1878, aged seventy-two years. This worthy couple were the parents of eight children, five of whom still survive. They are as follows : William, living in Ohio; Jonathan M., of this memoir; Hannah, wife of Abraham Myers, residing in Ohio; Dellia, wife of James Tuttle, now a resident of Michi¬ gan; George, also resides in Michigan. The paternal grandparents, Chris¬ tian and Barbara Fast, were early settlers in Ohio, and George, father of Jonathan M., spent his life in Ohio, following farming for his livelihood. He owned a farm of one hundred and eighty-five acres. He was fond of good horses and kept many. He cleared up a farm from out the forest and became a well-to-do man. Politically, he was an old line Whig and later upon the formation of the Republican party, supported that, but never sought or held public office. He was a consistent member of the Christian church.

Christian Fast, the grandfather, was taken prisoner by the Indians when but sixteen years of age, but finally made his escape from them and while swimming the river and in mid-stream, he saw the Indians on the opposite shore, so he simply floated down stream - which was the Ohio - but was finally recaptured by the Indians. He was then adopted into an Indian family and held for eighteen months, but at the time over five hundred Indians started out to capture Fort Wheeling, he made good his escape. Subsequently, he married in Pennsylvania and removed to Ash¬ land county, Ohio, where he took up government land upon which tract he built a log cabin. He was among the early pioneers of Ohio, and many years later, a son of the Indian who had adopted him, found him in Ohio and made him an offer of all the land he could walk around in a day, if he would return to the tribe to which he belonged, but of course this seemingly liberal offer, made in good faith upon the Indian's part, was not accepted.

Jonathan M. Fast spent his youthful days in Ohio and in 1872 came to Indiana, locating at Brazil, where he engaged in the bakery and con¬ fectionery business, with William Shannon. This firm carried on an extensive and profitable business up to the date of the death of Mr. Shan¬ non, after which the widow retained her interest up to November 27, 1907, when Mr. Fast purchased her interest. The subject is now numbered among the oldest business men of Brazil and bears the good will and respect of the entire community in which he has traded for so many years. Politically, he is a staunch Republican. He has served the city as mem¬ ber of the council for six years and has always been interested in the welfare of his home city and county. Fie is a member of the Brazil Knights of Pythias, Lodge No. 30; also belongs to Lodge No. 762, Benev¬ olent and Protective Order of Elks.

V. Shannon, in Ashland county, Ohio, in which county she was born in 1845; S^1C died in September, 1905. Her parents were both natives of Ohio. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Fast were: Elza D., and William.

Jesse A. Decker. - The history of a community concerns itself not so much with the machinery of government as with the character of the citizens who are active in its business circles and constitute the essential basis of its political and legal status and its educational and moral prog¬ ress through their support of interests tending in the line of improvement. In this connection therefore mention should be made of Jesse A. Decker, for long years a successful merchant of Brazil, where he was engaged in dealing in groceries, provisions, meat, flour and feed from October, 1866, to January, 1908.

J. A. Decker was born January 7, 1841, near Pisgah, Butler county, Ohio. His father, Obadiah B. Decker, was born in Pennsylvania, January 2f 3, 1816, and having removed westward was married near Piqua, Ohio, to Miss Sarah Ann Austin, whose birth occurred in that state August 6, 1821. His death occurred April 9, 1885, while his wife died November 19, 18 83. They were parents of nine children, all sons, and seven grew to manhood. Frequently they with their father cast eight Republican votes. Five of the number are now living: Jesse A., William W., Elmon A., Andrew S. and Oba A. During the pioneer epoch in the history of Clay county Obadiah B. Decker brought his family to this locality, arriv¬ ing on the 1 6th of August, 1849, after two weeks of travel in a large cov¬ ered wagon, for this was before the era of railroad building. The father cut the date of their arrival upon a big beech tree which stood for a num¬ ber of years thereafter and gave witness of the day of their coming. Mr. Decker was a shoemaker by trade but in Indiana turned his attention to farming and also engaged in buying furs each winter. He was likewise well known as a coon hunter and throughout Clay and adjoining counties he was frequently seen taking a lot of furs on horseback to the nearest market. His son Jesse frequently made these trips with him and the father handled thousands of dollars' worth of furs each winter. The father had the assistance of his seven sons (there were no daughters in the family) in clearing up a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. They cut down and burned large oak trees just to get the land ready for farm¬ ing. Deer, turkeys and other kinds of wild game were plentiful and Mr. Decker of this review has seen wild deer within twenty feet of the cabin home in which the family lived. During the busiest season of the year the father frequently employed hired help and sometimes paid them in flour and meat at a rate of from fifty to seventy-five cents per day or at eight, ten or twelve dollars per month for the summer. They raised stock of all kinds and each spring and summer the boys of the family would have a great time picking wool, which was carded and spun into cloth from which their winter garments were made. Log rollings were very common in that locality from 1849 until i860 and the father would spend from five to fifteen days each spring in assisting his neighbors in that way. The wives of the helpers would at the same time have a quilting or wool picking and at night there would be a dance or party - festivities which were greatly enjoyed. Whiskey was always served in those days and Obadiah Decker raised rye and would take the grain to Williamstown, where he had whiskey manufactured. It sold from twenty-five to thirty-five cents per gallon in those days and was an unadulterated article. The experiences of pioneer life were utterly unlike the modes of living at the present time. If there was a death in the community the relatives would go to William West, a cabinet maker of the neighborhood, who manufactured cupboards, tables, bedsteads and chairs. Receiving an order for a coffin, he would have it ready for the burial the next day, working all night at times to complete his task, and sometimes the varnish was hardly dry at the time of the funeral. The funeral procession would be composed of farm wagons and people on horseback. Later a man of the community purchased a spring wagon with which to go to market and church and this was often borrowed to be used for hauling the corpse to the cemetery, the coffin placed in the wagon, with a white bedsheet spread over.

In those early days Mrs. Decker, the mother, rode to church on horseback. Services were held in a log schoolhouse, the only church at that time being at Cloverland, a representative of the Baptist denomina¬ tion. Educational privileges in the early '50s were very poor. The teach¬ ers were hired by the people of the district, paying so much for each scholar, and the school term covered December, January and February. The roads were often bad and the weather inclement and these conditions, combined with the amount of work to do on the farm, made it impossible for J. A. Decker and his brothers to attend school for more than about two months in the year.

After attaining his majority Mr. Decker left the farm and came to Brazil, where he attended a graded school taught by Professor Loveless, realizing the fact that his education was inadequate for the demands of the time in a growing and progressive country. There was probably not a frame schoolhouse in the county in the early '50s. One of the schoolhouses in which he pursued his studies was a low, squatty structure of round logs, with a big fireplace in one end in which could be burned a four-foot log. The seats were made of split logs, the flat side being dressed smooth, while legs were put in the round side to rest the slab upon and thus was constructed a bench for about a dozen pupils.

Another feature of pioneer life was less pleasant, for in the early days there were horse thieves, robbers and murderers who infested the country and it was an impossibility to arrest the culprits and secure their convic¬ tion according to law, for they were banded together and when one of them would get in trouble the others would stand by him until he was cleared. The good people, therefore, had to organize and eventually broke up the band. They formed a society known as the Regulators, of which Obadiah Decker became a member. As time went on the organiza¬ tion grew stronger and more determined to break up the band of outlaws, who were in command of one John A. Clark, who lived on a farm about two miles west of Cloverland in the house now occupied by Charles Hen¬ dricks. Not far distant lived other members of the band and it was arranged between them that when any of them saw an opportunity to trade horses or buy a cow from a family emigrating westward they would pay for the same in counterfeit money. The mover was left absolutely help¬ less, for the band would warn him to go on and keep quiet about the transaction or it would be the worse for him. On one occasion Clark, in a quarrel with a man in Cloverland, went to his wagon which was stand¬ ing near, secured the wagon hammer and knocked the man in the head, killing him on the spot, and yet he was not arrested for the crime ! The law abiding people realized that something must be done. They went to the homes of all whom they knew to be antagonistic to the band, routing them out at night with the intention of lynching the culprits but they escaped, although some were shot. At different times the law abiding citizens made a raid upon the bandits. On one occasion, following such a raid, the next morning twelve or fifteen of the bandits, mounted on horseback, rode through Cloverland, shouting that they were going to Deckers, Modesitts and Corbans and take them out and lynch them. They were all armed with revolvers, dirks and knives. They reached the Decker home about eight o'clock in the morning and to their surprise found about twenty-five men there who had been after them in the night and were holding counsel as to what to do next. The bandits, not making their real errand known, said they wanted to buy hogs. One Nathaniel Modesitt, a man of too much "grit" to quietly accept such an excuse, called out that he would lick any of the party in fair fight, saying, "You came here for trouble and not for hogs but his challenge was not accepted. The Regu¬ lators did not care to enter into an open fight, as they knew that some of their number would be killed or seriously wounded. Later the whole force of the Regulators was called out with the intention of capturing Clark. There were over two hundred men who proceeded to Clark's house in day time but they found him out, learning that he had gone to Terre Haute. Proceeding to the city, they asked of the authorities per¬ mission to find Clark and were told, "Get him if you can." They then proceeded to one of Clark's friends, who kept a den and was noted for stealing. They did not succeed in finding Clark but took his friend out east of the city across the canal bridge and, placing a rope around his neck, they pulled him up, then let him down, asking him to tell where Clark was. He did not have the information, however, but he confessed to stealing meat and other supplies. Clark's band was so well organized that they kept him out of sight and later the family removed to Illinois. At length the band of lawbreakers was broken up but occasionally a horse theft was committed for several years and lesser depredations were committed, so that the Regulators continued their organization until there was no further need of the society, the last call for their aid being made in 1862. There are still four members of the society living in Brazil : Lake Modesitt, San¬ ford Modesitt and William and Jesse Decker.

There were two men and their families who moved into a cabin near a war widow by the name of Peake, her husband having responded to the call to arms in 1861. In the fall of 1861 those two men came, strangers to the neighborhood, and settled in the cabin. No one knew anything about them and it seemed as though they got a living without working for it. Smokehouses were occasionally robbed of the meat and wheat and corn were also missed at different times. The two families found they were crowded in the little cabin and made known to the widow that they wished her to move away so they could have her cabin. She objected and one night she was taken out and all sorts of indignities heaped upon her. She brought suit against the men and while she was attending trial her house was burned to the ground. The neighbors then thought of the old-time law of the Regulators, called a meeting, organized and selected officers and plans were made to mete out justice to the two men. This was in the spring of 1862. About fifty members of the new society went to the cabin, knocked in the door with a fence rail and grabbed the two criminals (who had pistols under their pillows) before they were awrare of what was going on. Taking them a half mile into the woods, they gave them a severe beating and told them to take their families and go and not to stop on this side of the Wabash river. That was the last movement of the Regulators but it seemed to be the only way to maintain law and order in those days.

During the period of the rebellion the Deckers were true to the stars and stripes. As there were seven sons in the family, all possessing natural musical talent, they had a martial band of their own and attended the meet¬ ings to help create enthusiasm incident to organizing companies for the front. This they did from the spring of 1861 until August, 1862, when three of the brothers joined the Union army, including Jesse A. Decker.

Following the return from the war Mr. Decker was married August 13, 1865, to Miss Lestia A. Kelsey, who was born in Ohio. That fall Mr. Decker and Henry Moore rented an old-fashioned sawmill, Mr. Decker borrowing three hundred dollars in order to engage in the business of making lumber. He found at the end of ten months that the work was too hard for him, so he sold out to his partner, clearing, however, four hun¬ dred and twenty-five dollars on the transaction. Removing to Brazil, he bought out David Keeler, who was engaged in the ice cream business where now stands the First National bank. This was in October, 1866. After a time he developed his business into a grocery store and for fortyone years after gave his time and energies to that business, which had grown to extensive and profitable proportions.

In 1885 Mr. Decker was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 22d of April of that year. His father also passed away on the 9th of May while his mother had died on the 19th of November, 1883. By Mr. Decker's first marriage there were born three children : Budd E. ; Leuzetta, who died at the age of thirty-one years ; and Ira, who died at the age of eleven years. On the 19th of April, 1887, Mr. Decker was again married, his second union being with Miss Angie Gonter, who was born in Ohio. Mention of her family is made on another page of this work. By this marriage there is one son, Benjamin H., who is now studying electrical engineering at the University of Illinois. Mr. Decker's son, B. E., is now and has been engaged in the housefurnishing business in Brazil since 1889. It is managed along progressive lines and in strict accordance with a high standard of commercial ethics. J. A. Decker stands today as one of the prominent and honored pioneer settlers and few men have more intimate knowledge of the history of Clay county during the past sixty-seven years.

Rev. Joseph T. Bauer, pastor of St. Patrick's church, is one of the able representatives of the Catholic ministry in this section of Indiana. He was born at Evansville, this state, August 10, 1865, a son of Peter and Catherine Bauer, who were also natives of Evansville. He was afforded the advantage of instruction in Trinity school in his native city, being a student there between the ages of six and fourteen years. He further continued his education in the college and seminary of St. Minard in Spencer county, Indiana, from which he was graduated in 1889. In early life he had determined upon taking holy orders and when his 'col¬ legiate course was completed he was ordained to the priesthood on the 29th of May, 1889, and at once entered upon the active work of the min¬ istry. In that year he was assigned to the Catholic church at Rockville and did effective work for the cause which he advocated. In 1891 he was instrumental in erecting a neat and substantial priest's residence at that place. lie has also extended his usefulness by erecting church edifices at Fontanet in Vigo county, Indiana, at Rosedale, Coxville and Clinton. In September, 1897, he was assigned to pastoral service at Clinton, Ver¬ milion county, and not only was in charge of St. Patrick's church but also in charge of all of the missions except that of Fontanet, Vigo county. In 1906 he came to Brazil as pastor of the Annunciation church.

Father Bauer is a man of scholarly attainments, earnest and inde¬ fatigable in his work in behalf of the church, devout in his observance of its teachings and untiring in his labors to extend its influence. He is a stalwart champion of temperance and has done effective work to promote the temperance cause in the communities in which he has lived and labored. He came to Brazil in January, 1907, as successor to the Rev. Hypolite Pierrard, pastor of the Annunciation church. Since his arrival here he has succeeded in completing a fine three-story school building of brick and stone, the foundation having been laid before he came. This building cost something over twenty-two thousand dollars. He has made many friends outside of his church, for people of other denomina¬ tions recognize his zeal and earnestness and his influence for morality and righteousness. He is a student of humanity as well as theology,, and his deep interest in his fellowmen and his sympathy with all of the weak¬ nesses to which human nature is subject enables him to do great good. His attitude is never one of severe criticism but rather of helpfulness, that the errors may be forgotten and only the good, toward which one is striving, held in mind.

Charles J. Wilkinson. - Noteworthy in this biographical volume is Charles J. Wilkinson, a native-born citizen of Cass township, Clay county, one of its leading agriculturists, and the representative of a prominent pioneer family. His estate, known as "Fair View," is under a fine state of cultivation, and from its abundant harvests he receives a handsome annual income. A son of Urias Wilkinson, he was born Septemper 26, 1846, in Cass township, and was here brought up and edu¬ cated. His grandfather, Robert Wilkinson, was born in Donegal, Ireland, and his great-grandfather Wilkinson, the emigrant ancestor, was a sol¬ dier in the Revolutionary war.

Following the tide of emigration westward, Robert Wilkinson came to Indiana in very early times and entered land at Columbus when the Indians far outnumbered the white settlers. Subsequently selling out his possessions in that locality he lived for a short time in Attica, Indiana. From there he came to Clay county, and having entered a tract of tim¬ bered land in Cass township, cleared and improved the homestead on which he resided until his death in 1850. He married Catherine Moffitt, who was born in Virginia, of Scotch-Irish parentage. He was a man of eminent piety, and until the people were able to build a church edifice his house was always open for religious services, and at each service it was well filled, families coming from miles around to attend religious services. His wife was brought up a Quaker.

Urias Wilkinson was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, March 15, 1810, and died April 11, 1874. When young he came with his parents to Columbus, Indiana. Soon after his marriage he entered a large tract of land in Cass township, some three hundred or four hundred acres, and from time to time made extensive investments in real estate. He bought property in other states, becoming owner of more than fifteen hundred acres, five hundred and sixty of which were in Indiana, the remainder being in Illinois and Iowa. Residing in Cass township, he carried on farming, and in addition for five years, in partnership with Mr. Parker, had a store of general merchandise at Bowling Green. About 1845 he erected on his farm a five-room brick house, burning the bricks himself from which it was constructed. It is located on a natural elevation of land, and is still in a fine state of preservation and commands an extensive view of the country roundabout. There he spent the greater part of his married life, passing away April 11, 1874, aged sixty-four years.

In 1844, in Orange county, Indiana, Urias Wilkinson married Pene¬ lope Lindley, who was born at Paoli, that county, November 25, 1819, not far from French Lick Springs, a daughter of Thomas and Hannah (Steward) Lindley. Her Grandfather Lindley, a soldier in the Revo¬ lutionary army, was one of the earliest settlers of Orange county, where he entered land and improved a good farm, on which he carried on gen¬ eral fanning until his death, in 1848. Mrs. Penelope (Lindley) Wilkin¬ son survived her husband, passing away February 10, 1895, at the vener¬ able age of eighty-five years. She reared six children, namely: Charles J., the special subject of this sketch; Elizabeth, wife of L. P. Stone, of Terre Haute ; Ella, wife of N. V. Ringo, of Muncie ; Robert L., of Clark county, Illinois; Della Zena, wife of P. R. Jorris, of Spring Valley, Minnesota; and Myra A., wife of J. M. Ringo, of Posey township, Clay county.

After completing the course of study in the public schools, Charles J. Wilkinson attended Asbury University at Greencastle, Indiana, obtain¬ ing an excellent education. After his marriage he took charge of a farm in Harrison township, one that belonged to his father, remaining there until 1874. Returning then to the parental homestead, he resided with his mother until her death. He then bought out some of the heirs, and now owns about two hundred acres of the original homestead, it being situated in sections thirty-two and thirty-three, Cass township. He has made improvements of a substantial character on his place, and has his land in a highly productive state, yielding abundantly of the crops com¬ mon to this region.

Mr. Wilkinson has been twice married. He married first, September 26, 1871, Dora M. Hall. She was born in Greencastle, Indiana, a daugh¬ ter of William G. and Martha (Leach) Hall, natives of Rockbridge county, Virginia. She died November 15, 1885, leaving six children, namely: Guy W\, of Terre Haute; Ray L., of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Roy E., of Brazil, Indiana; Rex U., of Indianapolis; Ver II., also of Indianapolis; and Van Hall, of the same city. Mr. Wilkinson married second, September 16, 1896, Eflfie M. Walker, who was born in Worth¬ ington, Indiana, October 17, 1870, and was the sixth in a family of eight children, two sons and six daughters : Villa, wife of W. F. Hansford, a mechanic at Worthington ; Ida I., wife of Z. Dean, an agriculturist in Green county, Indiana; Josiah T., attorney at law in Terre Haute; M. Louise, wife of Charles Faber, a mechanic residing in Cherokee, Iowa; Ella M., wife of W. T. Thompson, an agriculturist of Greene county; Mrs. Wilkinson ; and two younger. Her father, James J. Walker, was a native of Coshocton, Ohio, and was an agriculturist. He received a com¬ mon school education and politically was an ardent Republican. He is now deceased. Her mother, Eliza E. (Taylor) Walker, was born in

Flemmingsburg, Kentucky, and received a good common school educa¬ tion. She was a devout member of the Missionary Baptist church. She is yet living, aged sixty-seven years, and a resident of Worthington, Indiana. Mrs. Wilkinson received her primary educational training in the common schools, then attended the Worthington High School and the Bloomfield High School, and then entered the Central Normal school at Danville, Indiana, with the class of 1892, and graduated in the teachers' course with the class of 1894. She then entered the teacher's profession in Greene county and taught successfully for four years. Fraternally she is a member of the Bowling Green Eastern Star Chapter No. 304, and of the Pythian Sisters, Lodge No. 319, at Poland, Indiana, and is its past chief. Religiously she is a member of the Missionary Baptist church, a Providence church near Worthington. Politically Mr. Wilkin¬ son is a steadfast Republican. Fraternally he is a member of Bowling Green Lodge, No. 85, A. F. & A. M., and of Poland Lodge, No. 364, K. of P. Religiously he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been a trustee since 1875.

Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson have two old relics in the way of parchment deeds, one executed November 1, 1830, under the hand of President Andrew Jackson, and the other dated May 25, 1841., under the hand of President John Tyler. Their neat pretty homestead is known as "Fair View."

Harmon H. Bullerdick. - Industriously engaged in agricultural pursuits, Harmon H. Bullerdick, of Cass township, Clay county, displays excellent judgment and much ability in the prosecution of his inde¬ pendent calling, and as a general farmer and stock-raiser is meeting with genuine success. A son of Henry Bullerdick, he was born October 31, 1858, in Owen county, Indiana, and was there reared and educated.

Henry and Ellen (Velman) Bullerdick, parents of Harmon H., came from Germany, their native land, to America in the same vessel, and after their arrival in Clay county, Indiana, were married. Beginning housekeeping on a rented farm near Poland, they lived there a number of seasons, and then bought land in Owen county, where he improved a good farm. Subsequently selling that place to his son-in-law, William Aldemiller, who still owns and occupies it, he bought a well-improved farm in Cass township, Clay county. Continuing his agricultural opera¬ tions, he met with good success, and afterwards bought twenty acres of bottom land and twenty-eight acres of land near his original farm in Owen county. He was born in June, 1829, and died on his home farm October 18, 1900. His widow, who was born June 31, 1831, now resides on the home place with her son Harmon.

The oldest member of the parental household now living, Harmon H. Bullerdick remained with his parents until nineteen years of age, and then started in life for himself on rented land. Successful in its man¬ agement, he saved some money while renting, and at the end of twro years bought one hundred acres of land, forty acres lying in Putnam county and sixty acres just across the line in Clay county. Taking up his residence on the sixty-acre tract, Mr. Bullerdick improved a good farm, and there resided until 1901. Returning then to the old home farm, he bought out all of the heirs with the exception of the sixty-six acres belonging to his mother, and now has title to seventy-four acres of that estate, to fourteen acres in the same township, and to forty acres in Put- nam county. He resides in section twenty-two, and is here carrying on general farming, including the raising of horses, cattle and hogs. He is an exceedingly skilful agriculturist, cultivating his land with good results, and is in all respects a valuable citizen of his community, fulfilling his obligations as such with fidelity.

On March 3, 1881, Mr. Bullerdick married Mary C. Rubeck, who was born in Owen county, Indiana. Her father, George Rubeck, a native of Germany, married Elizabeth Aldemiller, who was born in Maryland. Nine children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Bullerdick, namely: Albert, born December 20, 1881, lives at home; Elzo, born June 4, 1883, died November 19, 1906; Clara E., born in 1885, died in infancy; Della A., born November 27, 1886; Ada Ella, born December 2, 1888; Perry Ervin, born May 7, 1891 ; Elmer Merrill, who died in 1893, aged but eleven months; George Willard, born February 21, 1897; and Ralph Raymond, born November 3, 1902. In his political affiliations Mr. Bul¬ lerdick is an ardent supporter of the principles of the Democratic party. Fraternally he is a member of Poland Lodge, No. 364, K. of P. Re¬ ligiously, true to the faith of his ancestors, he belongs to the German Reformed church.

Milton Bedford Phillips. - Among the many enterprising men actively engaged in farming pursuits in Clay county is Milton B. Phil¬ lips, who, through his good business methods and excellent judgment, is meeting with success in his chosen calling. A native of Indiana, he was born October 22, 1847, *n Martinsville, Morgan county, a son of John Casey Phillips. His paternal great-grandfather, William Phillips, Sr., was a soldier in the Revolutionary army, belonging to a Virginia fegiment.

William Phillips, Jr., Mr. Phillips' grandfather, was born, reared and married in Virginia. In the early part of the nineteenth century he moved with his wife to North Carolina, and after living there a few years emigrated to Kentucky, settling, in 1820, near Lexington, where lie engaged in the pioneer labor of clearing and improving a farm. In 1835 he came with his family to Indiana, making the removal with a six-horse team and bringing with him all of his transportable household goods. Locating in Shelby county, just across the line from Edinburg, he purchased a tract of partly improved land through which the Blue river ran, and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death at an advanced age, being upwards of ninety years. His wife, whose maiden name was Munroe, was born in Virginia and died on the old homestead in Shelby county. Their family consisted of six children, four sons and two daughters.

Born in North Carolina, John Casey Phillips was but a boy w-hen he accompanied his parents to Kentucky. There he assisted as soon as old enough in the pioneer labor of clearing a farm, and at the age of twenty-one years came with the family to Indiana, wffiere he helped im¬ prove the Shelby county homestead, remaining at home until his mar¬ riage. Locating then with his bride in Morgan county, he bought a tract of land, a few acres of wffiich had been cleared and further improved by the erection of a set of log buildings. After clearing quite a space he sold out at an advance, and during the ensuing five years was employed in mercantile business at Martinsville. Coming with his family to Clay county in 1861, he located in Perry township, buying land on wffiich stood a small frame house, while a few acres had been cleared and culti¬ vated. Here he continued as a farmer until his death, at the age of sixty-one years. lie married Harriet Price, who was born in Kentucky, which was also the birthplace of her father, Judge John C. Price, a soldier of the war of 1812 and a man of much prominence in public affairs. After the death of her husband she removed to Terre Haute, where she died at the age of sixty-five years. She reared a large family, twelve children growing to years of maturity, six sons and six daughters.

Coming with his parents to Clay county when thirteen years old, Milton B. Phillips continued the studies which he had begun in his native county, attending school a part of each year until 1865, sixty days constituting a school year and the male teacher receiving a dollar a day salary. In February of that year he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Forty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with his command joining the Army of the Tennessee, and subsequently serving at Nash¬ ville, Tennessee, and at Decatur, Alabama, until after the close of the war. Receiving his honorable discharge in July, 1865, Mr. Phillips returned home and resumed farming. Coming to Knightsville in 1867, he was employed about the works here for a number of years. Going to Vigo county in 1873, he was there employed in tilling the soil for four years. Returning then to Clay county Mr. Phillips continued his agri¬ cultural labors, renting land for four vears. Successful in his operations, he subsequently bought his present farm, adjoining Knightsville, and has since carried on general farming with most satisfactory results.

Mr. Phillips married, in 1872, Sarah Males, who was born in Martinsville, Indiana, a daughter of Enoch and Nancy (Stafford) Males, and granddaughter of Benjamin Stafford, who came to Indiana with his parents from Ohio when a lad. Mr. Stafford was a man of much force of character, a stanch Methodist in his religious beliefs, and was an ardent abolitionist. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips have three children, namely: Howard, Edgar and Ena. Fraternally Mr. Phillips is a member of General Canby Post No. 2, G. A. R.

Isaac All. - Numbered among the industrious, practical and pros¬ perous agriculturists of Lewis township is Isaac All, who is devoting his time to general farming and stock-raising. A son of Benjamin All, he was born November 11, 1864, in Vigo county, Indiana, coming from thrifty Scotch ancestry. His great-grandparents on the parental side were born, bred and married in Scotland. Emigrating from there to America with their family, they settled in Taylor county, where the great-grandfather worked as a millwright.

Grayson All, grandfather of Isaac, was born in Scotland, but was brought up in Kentucky. Learning the trade of a millwright from his father, he followed it first in Kentucky. Subsequently migrating to Indiana, he located in Vigo county, where he followed his trade for many years, building a mill first in Prairieton and later in several other places in that county. He made his home, however, in Linton township, and there died at the venerable age of eighty-two years.

Benjamin All was born and reared in Bullitt county, Kentucky. After coming to Indiana he carried on an extensive business as a dealer in horses, mules and live stock, buying and shipping them, and was also a veterinary. He bought land in Prairieton, where he improved a good farm on which he made his home until his death, in 1882, in the seventy- seventh year of his age. He married Isabella Norman, who was born in Kentucky, a daughter of James Norman. She was of Irish descent, her grandfather, Solomon Norman, having been born, reared and married in Ireland. Coming from there to the United States, he settled in Kentucky, it is thought in Bullitt county, and spent his last years in that state. James Norman was born in Kentucky, where he spent his earlier years. Migrating from there to Indiana, he became a pioneer of Linton town¬ ship, Vigo county. He bought one hundred and sixty acres of land on Sand Prairie, and one hundred and sixty acres of timber on Goose Pond marsh. Improving the land, he engaged extensively in farming and stockraising, taking especial pride in his fine herd of high grade cattle. He lived to a good old age, dying on his homestead at the age of eighty-six years. His wife, whose maiden name was Polly Beard, was born in Ken¬ tucky, a daughter of Stephen Beard, who owned a large farm in Bullitt county, and there bred noted race horses. She survived him and passed away at the remarkable age of ninety-six years. Mrs. Benjamin All sur¬ vived her husband more than twenty years, passing away on the home farm March 14, 1903. She reared eight children, namely: Grayson, James William, Benjamin F., Joseph, John, Martha J., Hezekiah and Isaac.

Educated in the district schools, Isaac All was well drilled in the many branches of agriculture while young, and on the death of his father succeeded to the ownership of the parental homestead. As a general farmer he was quite successful, and in addition to that line of industry he dealt extensively in stock, remaining on the home farm until 1895. Re¬ moving then to Terre Haute, Mr. All resided there three years. Coming in 1898 to Lewis township, he settled upon the homestead of his fatherin-law, and has since had entire charge of its one hundred and seventy acres of land. The buildings are located in a natural grove of about thirty acres, a most picturesque and secluded spot, the home and its en¬ vironments being most attractive.

On August 12, 1883, Mr. All married Perline Holston, who was born on the Holston homestead, in section ten, Lewis township, January 2, i860. Their union has been blessed by the birth of five children, namely: Nora Ellen, Gertie Alberta, George Curtis, Lulu Myrtle and Zula Alice. Politically Mr. All is identified with the Democratic party.

Henry Scherb. - Posey township of Clay county numbers among her native sons as well as her prominent agriculturists and stock raisers Henry Scherb, whose natal day was the 2d of August, i860, and his entire life has been spent within its borders. He is now farming the old Scherb homestead here, which was the home of his father during many years of his life, and the farm contains one hundred and twenty acres of rich and fertile land.

George Scherb, the father, was one of the pioneer farmers of Posey township, but was born November 13, 1808, in the fatherland of Ger¬ many, in Bavaria. Coming to America in 1843, he located first in Ohio, but after remaining in that state for one year he went to Hendricks county, Indiana, where he was married, October 14, 1844, to Anna Marga¬ ret Fleischman, also of German birth, born October 20, 1819, and was reared in. her native land. In 1844 Mr. and Mrs. Scherb came to Clay county, Indiana, and bought the place which has since become known as the Scherb homestead. At the time of purchase this land was heavily cov- ered with timber, but lie succeeded in clearing most of the tract and at the time of his death, January u, 1892, owned a well improved and val¬ uable estate of two hundred acres, besides the land he had already ad¬ vanced to his children. The mother died December 31, 1907, at the ripe old age of eighty-eight years. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Scherb in Posey township, four sons and three daughters, and llenrv was the youngest born. In politics Father Scherb gave his allegiance to the Republican party. The family are members of the Evangelical church.

Michael T. Busk irk is a retired farmer in comfortable circum¬ stances residing on a well improved homestead in section 13, Washington township, Clay county. His father, Michael Buskirk, was a Virginian, and his mother, before marriage known as Elizabeth Bilderback, was born in Kentucky. They were wedded in the latter state, and soon afterward removed to Monroe county, Indiana, where their son, Michael T., was born on the 21st of March, 1832. His father first entered land in that county about 1818, and died July 16, 1856, aged seventy-three years, his widow surviving him until May 19, 1871, and when eighty-four years old passed also to the future life. They were the parents of eleven children, Michael T., the youngest, being the only survivor. #

When the family removed from Monroe to White county, in 1851, Air. Buskirk was nineteen years of age. There he resided until the death of his father five years later, when he removed to a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in White county which he had purchased some time previously. At that time he also owned eighty acres in Benton county, Indiana. He resided on the farm in White county for about fifteen years, when he sold that property and bought one hundred and ten acres in Washington township, Brown county. After another period of faithful husbandry covering six years he returned to Monroe county for a resi¬ dence of two years, and then rented a tract of land in Marion county, Missouri. In 1879 he located on the farm of eighty acres which he had purchased in sections 13 and 24, Washington township, Clay county, and this has since been his homestead and the center of his labors and affec¬ tion.

Mr. Buskirk has been a life-long Republican, and at times quite active in politics and public affairs. He has served for two years and a half as supervisor, one year for White county and a year and a half for Brown county. He has long been a member of the United Brethren church, and is identified with Bowling Green Post No. 373, G. A. R. Ilis eligibility to membership in the latter is based on the fact that on March 18, 1865. he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Fiftyfifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and although that command was as¬ signed to the Army of the Potomac it had no active service and was hon¬ orably disbanded in August of the same year. On the 14th of August, 1881, Air. Buskirk married Miss Julia A. Zenor, a native of Washington township, Clav county, born on the 13th of April, 1841, daughter of David and Elizabeth Zenor, also natives of the county named. Their child, Elizabeth J., is now the wife of W. C. Duncan, of Columbus, Indiana, who holds the office of State Statistical Reporter. Air. Buskirk retired from active agricultural labors about eight years ago, and, with his good wife, is enjoying a substantial harvest from his long-continued and well-directed sowings.