Clay County, Indiana - The whole text, 1909 (part 8 of 21)

Gkorue W. Oswalt. - The somewhat hackneyed but altogether ex¬ pressive title of a self-made man is well merited by George W. Oswalt, who, starting out in life at an early age dependent entirely upon his own resources, has achieved a fair measure of success and is now a prosper¬ ous grocer of Brazil. He was born in Jackson township, Clay county, Indiana, August 14, 1857, his parents being Henry and Nancy (Rummcll ) Oswalt. The father was born in Pennsylvania and died in the thirty-seventh year of his age. He was a son of a Pennsylvania farmer, who came to Clay county, Indiana, at an early period in its development. In fact few white settlers had established homes within its borders and he entered land from the government, securing a claim in Jackson town¬ ship, where he spent the remained of his days. Henry Oswalt, father of our subject, was reared to manhood amid the wild scenes and environ¬ ments of pioneer life upon the old homestead in Jackson township. There he was early trained to the work of the farm and assisted in the arduous task of clearing and developing new land. He also operated a shingle mill and got out timber and ties for railroad building. He led a most active, useful and busy life and in addition to his other interests he conducted a store about a mile and a half east of Harmony for two years. He was thirty-six years of age, when, in response to his country's call for aid, he offered his services to the government and was enrolled in 1862 as one of the boys in blue of Company I, Sixteenth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers. He was mustered into the service at Indianapolis, Indiana, and for a brief time was stationed at Camp Morton there, but the regiment left for the front without being drilled in camp. They had their first engagement at Bayour Hill, Kentucky, where Mr. Oswalt sustained a saber wound and was taken prisoner. Having been ex¬ changed, he was senf to Camp Morton, Indianapolis, but he grew worse, his wound not healing properly, and he only lived twelve hours after having been sent home, thus giving his life as a sacrifice on the altar of his country. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, took an active part in its work and served as one of its class leaders. His political allegiance was given to the Democracy. In early manhood he had wedded Nancy A. Rummell, a native of Ohio, who, long surviving her husband, passed away in Clay county, Indiana, at the age of sixtyone years. They had been married in Clay county and unto them were born seven children, of whom only two are now living, th£ younger being Arraminta.

George W. Oswalt, having lost his father when but five years of age, began to aid in the support of his widowed mother when a very young lad and his youth was largely a period of unremitting toil. This naturally limited his educational and other advantages but he learned many valuable lessons in the school of experience, knowing that strong, stalwart and honorable purpose constitute a safe basis upon which to build prosperity. He was sixteen years of age when he engaged at work in the mines, following that business for about fourteen years. In that period his proficiency and skill gradually increased, so that at length he became superintendent of the Wheeler Coal Company at Newburg, In¬ diana. There he remained for four years and during that time had saved from his wages the sum of seventeen hundred dollars but the bank in which he had deposited failed and he only got twenty-two per cent of his money. He then, with his old employer, H. Wheeler, leased the mining property and operated it for about eighteen months. On the expiration of that period he entered the employ of Charles F. Fisher, a grocer of Brazil, with whom he continued until 1900, when he bought out Mr. Fisher and has since conducted the store. He carries a large and carefully selected line of staple and fancy groceries and his earnest desire to please his patrons, combined with his known integrity in busi¬ ness transactions, has secured to him a large trade and gratifying profit.

On the 22d of September, 1890, Mr. Oswalt was married to Miss Sarah Evans, who was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1872, a daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Telpher) Evans. Her father, who was a native of Wales, died in Brazil, while the mother, whose birth occurred in Glasgow, Scotland, is now living in Brazil. Mr. Evans was head rollman in the iron and steel mills. He learned the business in his native country and on crossing the Atlantic to America located in the east. Subsequently he removed westward to Indiana and afterward lived at Bay View, Michigan, and later at Chicago, Illinois. On leaving that city he came to Brazil early in the '8os and was here engaged as head rollman by the Central Iron & Steel Company. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Evans were born these children: Maggie, the wife of Henry Newtson, a resident of Indianapolis; Mrs. Amy Davies; Mrs. Oswalt; Eliza; and Bell. Jennie is deceased.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Oswalt have been born two children, but the elder, Mabel, died at the age of ten years. The younger, Vincent Evan is at home. Fraternally Mr. Oswalt is connected with Coal City Lodge, No. 522, I. O. O. F., with the Improved Order of Red Men, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights & Ladies of Security, and in these orders is highly esteemed as one whose loyalty to their teachings and tenets is above question. By perseverance, determination and hon¬ orable effort he has overthrown the obstacles which have barred his path to success and reached the goal of prosperity. The difficulties which he had to encounter in his own early business career have made him ever ready to extend a helping hand to those who try to aid themselves..

I11 citizenship he has ever been actuated by fidelity to his country and her welfare and in Brazil has given tangible evidence of his interest in her upbuilding.

IIaryey E. Hicks is a representative of one of the old and promi¬ nent pioneer families of Indiana, his ancestors having come here at an early period in its development, and he is also well known as a repre¬ sentative of the legal interests of the state. His birth occurred in Tahlequah, in the Indian Territory, December 27, 1879. His father, Homer Hicks, was a native of Clay county, Indiana, born on a farm near Center Point, January 4, 1847. The grandparents were Uriah and Clarice Hicks, who removed from Randolph county, North Carolina, to this state in 1820, settling first in Jackson county. The state had been admitted to the Union only four years before and there were great quanti¬ ties of wild, unsettled land, for in many districts the seeds of civiliza¬ tion had not yet been planted. About 1822 Uriah Hicks and his family came to Clay county. He was born in Swansboro, Onslow county, North Carolina, and was of Welsh parentage but during his boyhood days his parents removed to Randolph county, North Carolina, where he resided until his removal westward in 1820. While in the south he married Clarice Prestnell, and they became the parents of twelve children: Sarah, who died in infancy; Mary, who became the wife of Nathan Gibbons, and is now deceased ; Wealthy, who became the wife of William Ealy and lives in Urbana, Illinois; Nancy, who married William Butt and is residing in Jackson township, this county; Eliza, the wife of Thompson. Zenor, living near Prairie City, Indiana; Clara, the deceased wife of John Gibbons; Emma, who married Henry H. Williams and lives near Center Point, Indiana ; Harrison and Hamilton, who died unmarried ; Harvey, who wedded Rebecca Loveall and lives at Center Point; and Hardy Hicks, who married Sarah Morgan and now makes his home in Center Point.

Homer Hicks, the other member of the family, was reared to farm life upon the old family homestead and after attending the common schools of the neighborhood in which he resided, he spent two terms at Westfield, Illinois, and completed a course of study by graduation at Merom, Indiana.

In early life he turned his attention to the profession of teaching, which he followed for a long period and was a most capable educator, imparting clearly, accurately and concisely to others the knowledge that he had acquired. He held to high standards of education and did every¬ thing in his power to promote the public-school interests of the county. He was at one time elected county surveyor and for two years discharged the duties of the office, while during the succeeding two years he acted as deputy and did much of the work pertaining to the office.

On the 13th of May, 1876, Homer Hicks was united in marriage to Miss Sylvia Bogle, who died in June, 1880. Immediately after their marriage in 1876 they removed to the Indian Territory and Mr. Hicks was made principal of the Indian Seminary at Tahlequah. His work was very successful there among the red race, for he possessed much adaptability, tact and keen discrimination in his professional labors. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hicks were born three children, one of whom passed away prior to his demise. The other two children are: Uriah H., who

Harvey E. Hicks was less than three years of age when left an orphan, for he lost his mother when but five months old. He then went to live with his grandparents, John and Elizabeth (Adamson) Bogle, ^vith whom he remained until 1893, when he came to Brazil and resided with his uncle, Jerome Bogle, until 1902. Here he pursued his education as a public-school student and later he attended the Northern Indiana Law School at Valparaiso, also spending one year as a student in the Indianapolis Law School. He next entered the law office of James A. McNutt, of Brazil, with whom he continued his reading for eighteen months, when in January, 1901, he was admitted to the bar and entered upon practice. On account of ill health, however, he temporarily gave up the practice of law in 1904.

On the 2d of June, 1903, Mr. Hicks was married to Miss Maud E. King, who was born in Montezuma, Parke county, Indiana, March 13, 1882. She is a daughter of Charles H. and Mattie E. (Myers) King. Her father, who was a native of Zanesville, Ohio, died at the age of fifty years, while her mother, who was born in Parke county, Indiana, is now living in this city. Unto Mr. and Mrs. King were born two children: Mrs. Hicks; and Sophronia, a teacher in the grammar schools of Brazil. The father was a railroad and gravel road contractor and did quite an extensive business in that line.

Mr. and Mrs. Hicks are now well known in Brazil, where they have an extensive circle of warm friends, to whom they extend the cordial hospitality of their own home. In politics Mr. Hicks is a Republican.

William Dickey. - Occupying a good position among the worthy and respected citizens of Clay City is William Dickey, who during his many years of residence in this place has been more or less actively identified with the interests of town and county. A son of John E. Dickey, he was born November 23, i860, in Marion township, Owen county, where his grandfather, Emanuel Dickey, was a pioneer settler.

Emanuel Dickey was born in Pennsylvania, of German ancestors on both sides of the house. Removing when a young man to Ohio, he lived for a number of years in Tuscarawas county, where he was a tiller of the soil. Again turning his face westward, he came in 1851 to Indiana, driving across the country with his family and bringing all of his house¬ hold effects. Locating in Marion township, Owen county, he paid eighty-two dollars for forty acres of land, built a log house, cleared a good farm, and there lived and labored until his death, at the age of seventy-four years. He married Mary Magdaline Mishler, a daughter of David Mishler, who moved from Pennsylvania, his native state, to Tus¬ carawas county, Ohio, in pioneer times. She survived her husband but a few months, passing away at a good old age.

One of a family of eleven children, John E. Dickey was born April 4, 1844, on a farm situated two miles from Shanesville, Ohio, and there lived until coming with his parents to Indiana. Choosing the free and independent life of a farmer, he settled in Marion township after his marriage, buying forty acres of land, a small portion of which was then cleared, but was not otherwise improved. Erecting a set of log buildings, he placed the greater part of his land under cultivation, remaining on it until 1864. Trading then his farm for a saw mill and a grist mill at

I lausertown, lie operated both plants for eleven years. He then sold out both mills, and from that time until November, 1907, when he came to Clay City to live with his son William, was engaged in farming in Marion township, his early home. He married Amanda R. Stewart, who was born in Marion township, Owen county, in May, 1842, and died August 9, 1881, in the same township. Of the ten children born the mill he learned the trade of a sawyer. In 1886, searching for more lucrative employment, he went to Vermilion county, Illinois, but his stay in that locality was limited to two years. Returning in 1888 to Indiana, he, with the exception of a few months as sawyer in a steam saw mill, has been a resident of this place.

On April 29, 1883, Mr. Dickey married Marilda A. Seldomridge, who was born in Alpha, Greene county, Ohio, August 22, 1862, that being also the birthplace of her father, George W. Seldomridge. Her grandfather, Michael Seldomridge, was a pioneer settler of that county, and was. it is supposed, of German origin. George W. Seldomridge enlisted in an Ohio regiment, in 1862, and served until the close of the Civil war, taking part in many important engagements, including among others the battle of Gettysburg. He is a carpenter by trade, and is now following it in Clinton, Indiana, where he has resided for a number of years. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary A. Ankney, was born in Greene county, Ohio, a daughter of John and Marilda (Schindledecker) Ankney, farmers living about three miles east of Alpha. John Ankney, Sr., great-grandfather of Mrs. Dickey, was a pioneer settler of Greene county, and was for many years prosperously engaged in farming on the homestead which he cleared not very far from Alpha. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dickey, of whom George G., the youngest, died at the age of two years. The other child, Orville E., married Sophia Newport, and they have one child, Wade Lavere. Although taking no especially active part in political affairs, Mr. Dickey served for five years as a member of the board of trustees of Clay City. Religiously Mrs. Dickey is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, towards the support of which her husband contributes liberally.

John C. Frump, who is conducting prosperous farming operations in section 36, Washington township, Clay county, was born north of Harmony, Van Buren township, on the 27th of January, 1861. He is a son of John and Betsey J. (Matthews) Frump, and his father is still living at the age of eighty-six, bright mentally and possessed of com¬ parative physical vigor. In view of his prominent and remarkable preservation, a detailed review of his life is published elsewhere in this history. John C. Frump received his education at the Bowling Green school, and lived on the farm with his parents until December 9, 1884. He then married Miss Lizzie B. Orman, daughter of Jacob and Mar¬ garet (Lowcer) Orman, of Owen county, Indiana, and of German de¬ scent. At his marriage Mr. Frump rented land of his father, and after farming thereon for several years removed to Harrison township, where he resided as a hard working and prosperous farmer for some seven years. Returning to Washington township he located on the home farm belonging to his father, upon which he still lives.

Mr. Frump has become the father of seven children, as follows: Minola M., wife of Daniel Funk, of Harrison township; Edna R., and Charles W., living at home ; John Ray, deceased ; Olive May, George W. and Hazel A., who also reside with their parents. Mr. Frump is a member of the Church of Christ at Bellair, and in politics is a Democrat.

Albert O. Cromwell. - The substantial and trustworthy citizens of Perry township, Clay county, have no better representative than Albert O. Cromwell, a man of talent, culture and strong individuality, who for the past fifteen years has devoted his time and attention almost exclusively to agricultural pursuits. A son of Oliver and Elizabeth (Wheeler) Cromwell, he was born November 18, 1851, in Posey town¬ ship, Clay county, of honored pioneer ancestry, both his grandfathers, Nicholas Cromwell and David H. Wheeler, having been among the earlier settlers of this part of Indiana.

Born and bred in Vermont, David H. Wheeler migrated when young to Clermont county, Ohio, where he met and married Rachel Lindsay, an Ohio girl. Soon after their marriage they came to Indiana, settling in Perry township, where he took up prairie land from the government and at once began its improvement, .his first work being to drain it and clear from it the heavy swamp grass. Deer and wild game of all kinds were plentiful and furnished a large part of the subsistence of the pio¬ neers of those days. Laboring industriously and intelligently, he suc¬ ceeded in bringing his farm to a high state of culture, and it is to-day as rich and productive an estate as can be found in Clay county. On that farm his daughter Elizabeth, then a widow, married Oliver Crom¬ well, who was a widower.

Oliver Cromwell was born in Kentucky, in 1811, and died in Work¬ ington, Greene county, Indiana, in 1891. After his marriage with Mrs. Elizabeth Ann (Wheeler) Walker he moved to the farm that he owned in Posey township, and resided there until 1867. Locating in that year in Ashboro, he built a grist mill and a saw mill, and operated both suc¬ cessfully for fifteen years. His wife died January 24, 1884, and for two years he lived with his children. Marrying then for his third wife Mrs. Natty Herron, he resided in Perry township until his death. By his first marriage Oliver Cromwell had three daughters. By his mar¬ riage with Elizabeth (Wheeler) Walker he had three sons and four daughters, of whom two' sons only are living, namely: William, of Ash¬ boro, Indiana; and Albert O., the subject of this sketch. He was a man of prominence in the community, active in public affairs, and once rep¬ resented his district in the state legislature. He was a well informed man, and had a better knowledge, mayhap, of the contents of the Bible than any other man in Clay county.

At the age of fifteen years Albert O. Cromwell moved with the family to Ashboro, where, until becoming of age, he assisted his father in running the grist and .saw mills. Entering then upon a professional career, Mr. Cromwell taught school for nine years in Perry township, having among his scholars, during the first term thirteen children from one family, a fact worthy of notice in these days. He afterwards taught

On September i, 1882, Mr. Cromwell married Emma Fields, who was born in Owen county, Indiana, a daughter of Samuel and Susan (McAlister) Fields, natives of Ohio and pioneers of Owen county. Sub¬ sequently, after living for a year in Perry township, he rented a farm and taught school during the winter terms for awhile. He then moved to the homestead belonging to his wife's parents, who had moved to the city. Two years later her father died, and she came into possession of one hundred acres of the Fields homestead, lying in sections nine and seventeen. On that farm Mr. Cromwell erected a house, and there he has since devoted his energies to general farming, having lived there since 1894. On March 3, 1895, Mrs. Emma (Fields) Cromwell died in Salida, Colorado, where she went for the benefit of her health. Mr. Cromwell married for his second wife, in November, 1896, Emma Jef¬ fers, who was born in Perry township, a daughter of Reece and Amanda (Fagan) Jeffers. By his first marriage Mr. Cromwell had nine chil¬ dren, as follows: Fred, chief of the fire department in Linton, Indiana; Charles, living on the home farm, married Grace Stoneburner; Albert A., of Terre Haute; George H., of Linton, Indiana; Rue L., living at home; Fay died at the age of seven years; and Susan died when but two years old. Two others are also deceased, Guy at the age of one year, and Lizzie at age of two years. Mr. Cromwell is a stalwart Republican. He is a member of Clear Creek I. O. O. F. lodge 449, and he is a mem¬ ber of the Encampment and Rebekah lodge 155. He aided in erect¬ ing the hall and he is the trustee of the lodge, and he has been a dele¬ gate to the Grand Lodge at Indianapolis. He has in his possession two old deeds, one executed under the hand and seal of President Martin Van Buren and dated August 1, 1839, this being the ninth deed of the kind found in Clay county. It is a valuable relic. The other bears the signature and seal of John Tyler, and is dated August 10, 1841. The farm of Mr. Cromwell is known as "Locust Farm."

Isaiah S. Easter, well known in the business circles of Brazil as proprietor of a grocery and meat market, his location being at No. 501 North Forest avenue, where he erected and owns a good business block, was born in Dick Johnson township, Clay county, Indiana, January 6, i860. His parents were Isaiah and Elmira (Nixon) Easter. The father's birth occurred in Highland county, Ohio, January 17, 1837, while the mother was a native of Putnam county, Indiana, born in 1839. They were married at her father's home in Clay county, Indiana, Mr. Easter having come to this state with his parents, Daniel and Martha Easter, in 1838. They cast in their lot with the pioneer settlers of Clay county, where they remained for a short time, Mr. Easter entering a claim of government land, which was situated in the wilderness. He then returned to Ohio but soon afterward again came to this county, taking up his abode upon the claim, where he spent his remaining days.

Isaiah Easter, Sr., was reared to manhood upon the old home¬ stead farm in Clay county and assisted in clearing it from the wilder¬ ness. He made shingles by hand and by horse power and followed farming, following the primitive methods of pioneer days but keeping abreast with the progress in agricultural lines as time went on. He cleared nearly one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he had in his possession at the time of his death, and on which he had made good im¬ provements, transforming it from a wilderness into one of the fine farms of his locality. His life was one of untiring industry and enterprise and his children have reason to be proud of his memory because of what he accomplished and because of the honorable, straightforward methods he followed in his business and in all his relations with his fellowmen. He died in 1870 and was survived for about seven years by his widow, who passed away in 1877. They were consistent and faithful members of the Christian church, took an active part in its work and Mr. Easter served as one of its deacons. He voted with the Democratic party but the honors and emoluments of office had no attraction for him, as he preferred to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. In the family were ten children, of whom four are now living: Isaiah S., of this review; Alta, the wife of Tapley Brown; Isaac; and Mattie, the wife of Oscar Houk.

In his early boyhood days Isaiah S. Easter worked upon the home farm and attended the district schools, acquiring thereby a fair English education. He lost his father when ten years of age but lived upon the old homestead until his mother died in 1877. He then went to Knightsville, Indiana, and resided with his uncle, Jefferson Nixon, at which time he turned his attention to mining and farming. He also operated a threshing machine.

When twenty-one years of age, Air. Easter was married on the 27th of March, 1881, to Miss Rosa Alice Farris, who was born in Owen county, Indiana, near Spencer, March 12, 1861, her parents being Philip and Margaret (Galloway) Farris, both of whom were natives of Ten¬ nessee. Her father died in Texas at the age of sixty-nine years, while the mother passed away in Middlebury, Clay county, Indiana, at the age of fifty years. They were married in this state and their family numbered eight children, of whom five survive, namely: Mary, the wife of Francis Powell; John S. ; Oliver T. ; Mrs. Easter; and Bell, the wife of John W. Davis. Air. Farris, the father of Airs. Easter, came to Indiana when a young man and located in Owen county, where he spent a number of years as a farmer. He then removed to Aliddletown, Owen county, where he engaged in merchandising, opening a store in Stockton. He afterward carried on business in Aliddleburg and later opened the first store in Clay City, Indiana. Thus for a number of years he was identified with mercantile interests but at length he retired from business and spent his last days in Texas. He was a member of the Missionary Baptist church and his political views were in accord with the principles of Democracy.

At the time of his marriage Mr. Easter purchased a home in Knightsville, where he lived for about two years. He then returned to the old homestead, upon which he resided for about three years, and later he spent a short time in Kansas. Again coming to Indiana, he settled in Brazil and was first identified with the business interests of this city as a salesman in a grocery store. He also engaged in mining and in 1901, when his well directed industry and careful expenditure had brought him sufficient capital he embarked in business as proprietor of a meat market. Some time afterward he extended the scope of his business by establishing a grocery department at No. 21 1 East Main street, where he carried on business until 1907, when he removed to his present location at No. 501 North Forest avenue. Here he has erected a good store building, which he now occupies. He has a neatly arranged store, carries a large and well selected line of staple and fancy groceries and choice meats and is conducting a business which is now proving gratifying and profitable.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Easter was blessed with seven children but only three are now living, Ross Lee, Bessie and Donald. Mr. Easter belongs to the Modern Woodmen Camp, No. 3418; to the Improved Order of Red Men, No. 61 ; and to the Knights and Ladies of Security, No. 366. He has never cared to participate in public affairs as an office holder but gives his co-operation to various movements that have been beneficial measures in the city. He belongs to the Christian church and his religious belief is manifest in his business dealings and in other re¬ lations of life. He started out for himself when a young man in his teens and has since been dependent upon his own resources. He pos¬ sessed the enterprising spirit of the west which has been the dominant factor in producing the wonderful development of this section of the country. Brooking no obstacles that honest effort can overcome, he has steadily worked his way upward until he is now numbered among the leading merchants of Brazil.

Alpiiaris E. RuNDiiLL, M. D. - Many people regard the practice of medicine as the most important work to which a man can direct his energies. It is one of grave responsibility, and the faithful physician is often called upon to make large sacrifices of time and money for the interest of his fellowmen. Dr. Rundell, for some years a practitioner at Center Point, held to high ideals in his professional career and was greatly esteemed for his personal traits of character as well as his pro¬ fessional ability. His life record began in Lexington, Richland county, Ohio, on the 10th of March, 1850, and was terminated in Brazil on the 28th of December, 1900, when he was called to his final rest. His parents were W. W. and Harriet Rundell, natives of New York and Ohio respectively. The family comes of German-English origin and in 1856 the parents removed from the Buckeye state to Indiana, estab¬ lishing their home in Owen county. The father was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church and became a member of the Indiana con¬ ference. He labored effectively and untiringly for the upbuilding of the cause in his adopted state and was a man of considerable influence, his words of truth and wisdom sinking deep into the hearts of many and in course of time bringing forth rich fruit in upright lives. He con¬ tinued active in the ministry up to the time of his death, which occurred in Gentryville, Indiana.

Dr. Rundell, whose name introduces this record, was but six years of age when brought to Indiana by his parents and here he attended school to the age of fifteen years, spending three years in the high school at Boonville, Indiana. Determining to follow a professional career, he decided to make the practice of medicine his life work and when twenty-one years of age was enrolled as a student in Evansville Medical College, from which he was graduated on the 27th of February, 1874. He located for practice when twenty-three years of age at New Albany in southern Indiana. He practiced for a year at Elizabeth, Har¬ rison county, this state, and in 1875, removed to Center Point, Clay county, Indiana, where he remained in active practice until February, 1900. In the meantime he had always been a close and discriminating student of the science of medicine and to still further perfect himself in his chosen calling he entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, from which he was graduated in 1884. He then returned to Center Point, where he continued in practice about sixteen years, when he gave up his professional duties and came to Brazil, where he died on the 28th of December, of the same year.

In 1885 Dr. Rundell was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Harris, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Richard and Jane (Mc- Neece) Harris, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania and were married in Harrisburg, that state. Their family numbered six children, of whom three are living: Robert, of Crawfordsville, Indiana; Sarah, the wife of L. Kennedy, a resident of Center Point, Clay county, Indiana; and Mrs. Rundell. The father was a farmer of Ohio and came to In¬ diana in the early '40s, locating near Crawfordsville, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits. He belonged to the Methodist Epis¬ copal church throughout his entire life and was an earnest, consistent Christian man, who followed closely the teachings of his denomination. His political allegiance was given to the Whig party until its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the new Republican party and continued one of its faithful followers until his demise.

Dr. and Mrs. Rundell became the parents of one son, Harry Brazil. Fraternally the Doctor was connected with Center Point Lodge, A. F. and A. M., with the Knights of Pythias and with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and when death claimed him he received the honors of the Masonic burial, the interment being made at Center Point. He was prominent as a representative of the craft and was sent as a delegate to the grand lodge. His religious faith was that of the Methodist Epis¬ copal church, to the teachings of which he was most loyal and faithful. Although the last few months of his life were passed in Brazil and he was well known in that city and throughout the county, his remains were taken back to his old home at Center Point for burial. At his death the Clay County Medical Society, of which he was a member, passed the following resolutions: "Resolved, That in the death of our brother, Dr. A. E. Rundell, the society has lost one of its most faithful and valued members, he having been one of the original promoters of the society.

"Resolved, that in his demise the community and county has lost a noble and public-spirited citizen, who had ever at heart the good name and welfard of all his fellowmen and neighbors.

"Resolved, That while we mourn his departure from our councils, we shall ever emulate the good example he has set in his never failing cheerfulness of manner, his courteous treatment of all classes of people, his candor, his strict integrity and observances of medical ethics through¬ out his thirty years' practice, and especially his genial patience and for¬ titude as shown in his last long and painful illness.

"Resolved, That we extend our sincerest sympathy to his bereaved family in this their hour of saddest affliction, and hereby order that these lines of condolence be published and made to appear in our record of society proceedings. J. D. Sourwine, F. Nussel, G. W. Finley, com¬ mittee."

Such in brief was the life record of Dr. Rundell. He held to high ideals in his profession, was loyal in citizenship and devoted to his friends but the best traits of his character were reserved for his own fireside, where he was a most devoted husband and father. His daily manner, his ready sympathy and his kindliness in the sickroom made him the loved family physician in many a household at Center Point and the surrounding district and caused the news of his death to be received with deepest regret by all with whom he had been associated.

Samuel Arbuckle. - Few men are more widely known in the enterprising city of Brazil than Samuel Arbuckle, who is proprietor of a grocery store here and whose life record proves the fact that the road to success is open to all ; that ambition and energy constitute the factors that lead one on to prominence in the business world.

Mr. Arbuckle was born in Jennings county, Indiana, February n, 1850, his parents being William F. and Mary A. (Wells) Arbuckle, who were likewise natives of this state. The father, who was born in 1819, passed away on the 23d of December, 1874, while the mother died at the comparatively early age of thirty-five years. William F. Arbuckle followed the occupation of farming in Indiana until 1865, when he removed to Illinois, settling in Clark county, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his life. He was an earnest Christian man, holding membership with the United Brethren church and his political allegiance was given to the Republican party. His influence was always found on the side of right, justice and prog¬ ress and he commanded the respect of all with whom he came in con¬ tact. The family numbered five children and of the three living Samuel is the youngest. The others are: John A., now a resident of Hendricks county, Indiana; and Charita A., the wife of Isaac M. Layton, Labette county, Kansas.

Samuel Arbuckle spent the days of his boyhood upon his father's farm, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors connected with the tilling of the soil and the care of the crops. After leaving home he engaged in teaming in Brazil and Clay county, devoting twenty-three years or more to that business, during which time he gradually acquired a comfortable competence and in May, 1897, he invested a portion of his capital in a stock of groceries and opened a store which he has since carried on. In this he has been quite prosperous, having built up a large trade, while his fair and honorable dealings and the neat and tasteful arrangement of his store insured a continuance of a liberal patronage.

On the 31st of August, 1871, Mr. Arbuckle was united in marriage to Miss Rachel A. Woods, who was born in Highland county, Ohio, January 25, 1854, a daughter of Charles and Hannah (Easter) Woods. Her father was born in Pennsylvania, January 22, 1802, and in the early '40s removed westward to Ohio, where he engaged in farming and also dealt in timber. There he remained until 1865, when he removed to Clay county, Indiana, settling in Van Buren township, where he carried on general agricultural pursuits up to the time of his death. He passed away at the age of seventy-five years and the community mourned the loss of a citizen who had long been respected in the community. His wife was born in Highland county, Ohio, September 16, 1820, and sur¬ viving her husband, passed away in Brazil, September 14, 1903, at the advanced age of eighty-three years. They were married in her native county in 1850. Mrs. "Woods had learned the trade of weaving when a girl under the direction of her father and became an expert in that line. She was a very active, energetic woman, who carefully controlled the interests of her own household, while her many good qualities of heart and mind won her the love and esteem of all who knew her. She was for many years a devoted member of the Christian church and she was of that type of noble women of whom it might truthfully be said : "Her children rise up and call her blessed." By her marriage she became the mother of three sons and three daughters: Isaac; Mrs. Arbuckle; Lavisa J.; Charles B., who died at the age of forty-five years; Florence E.; and Lewis M.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Arbuckle have been born four children : Ruth E., now the wife of John Flack; Perry M., who married Tillie Schultz; Hannah E., the wife of Joseph Yant; and Samuel M., who Is living in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Mr. Arbuckle has never been an aspirant for public office but on the contrary has preferred to do his public duty as a private citizen and in many ways has contributed to the welfare and interest of the com¬ munity with which he is identified. He holds membership in the Chris¬ tian church and takes a helpful interest in all of its activities. He has served as the treasurer and also as steward and trustee of the church. He belongs to Clay City Lodge, No. 522, I. O. O. F., while he and his wife are connected with Mayflower Lodge, No. 604, of the Order of Rebekahs. He holds membership with the Improved Order of Red Men and his wife is past-chief of Peoria Council, Pocahontas, No. 64. She has also been a member of the Woman's Relief Corps of Brazil for the past eleven years and shares with her husband in every good work in which he is interested. In fact, they are both well known for their kindly spirit, their active benevolence and their general helpfulness, and wherever known are held in highest esteem.

James A. McCullough. - Prominent among the leading citizens of Clay City, Indiana, is James A. McCullough, a trustee of Harrison township and an active and influential member of the Democratic party. He was born, May 7, 1858, in Washington township, Putnam county, In¬ diana, and there grew to man's estate. He is a son of Wesley and Rachel J. (Paul) McCullough, of whom further notice may be found in connection with the sketch of W. H. McCullough, which appears else¬ where in this volume.

In the days of his boyhood and youth James A. McCullough assisted his father in clearing and improving a homestead, watching with grati¬ fication its gradual development from a wilderness to a rich and fertile farm, yielding bountiful harvests. Continuing in the occupation to which he was reared, he was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Putnam county until 1885, when he located in Clay county. In 1891 Mr. Mc¬ Cullough embarked in mercantile business at Eel River Station, where for eleven years he dealt in general merchandise and grain. Coming from there to Clay City in 1903, he conducted a livery and feed stable until elected to his present position of township trustee. In this office, for which he is well fitted, he is rendering excellent service, winning the approval of all concerned.

In 1884 Mr. McCullough married Melville Mace, who was born in Clay county, Indiana, a daughter of Henry J. and Harriet (Stigler) Mace. Mr. and Mrs. McCullough are the parents of four children, namely: Maud, Mern, May and Earl. Fraternally Mr. McCullough is a member of Clay City Lodge, No. 562, F. and A. M., of Clay City, Ind.

Joseph \Y. Coltharp. - One of the valuable and attractive home¬ steads of Jackson township is the property of Joseph W. Coltharp, who has been identified with the farming and stock raising interests of this county for a number of years. He located on his present farm in the fall following his marriage, purchasing at that time eighty acres, and with the passing years he has cleared and improved his land. During the winter months he follows coal mining.

Mr. Coltharp was born in Putnam county, Indiana, August 18, 1868, a son of Preston Coltharp, whose genealogy appears on other pages of this history. He obtained his educational training in the district schools of Jackson township, and on the 7th of April, 1895, was married to Viola Vickrov, who was born in Jackson township, Clay county, Indi¬ ana, and they have three children, - Otis, Mary and William, - all born on their father's present homestead. Mr. Coltharp gives his political alle¬ giance to the Democracy, and is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity.

William T. Vickroy, the father of Mrs. Coltharp, is a retired farmer and stock raiser of Jackson township, and was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, May 3, 1841, a son of James Ross Vickroy, who was born, reared and married in that commonwealth, wedding Elizabeth Sliger, who was also born and reared in that state. In their family were eleven children, six sons and five daughters, of whom William T. is the fifth child and second son. Mr. Vickroy, the father, supported the principles of the Democratic party throughout his mature years, and was a soldier of the Civil war. His death occurred in Pennsylvania.

William T. Vickroy came to Clay county, Indiana, in 1866, and bought eighty acres of land in Jackson township, a part of which he cleared and improved, and for a time he also lived in Harmony, engaged in the mercantile business and at the carpenter's trade, following the latter occupation for many years. During six years he farmed in Coles and Cumberland counties, Illinois, and then, returning to Clay county, he located on the farm which he now owns, renting the land during the first seven years. The homestead contains eighty acres of fertile and well improved land.

He married, on the 26th of December, 1869, Mary Addison, who was born in Muskingum county, Ohio, August 31, 1837, a daughter of Jacob and Angelesa (Thomson) Addison, natives, respectively, of Dela¬ ware and Virginia. Mrs. Vickroy is the eldest daughter and second child of their three children. Her father was a farmer in Muskingum county, Ohio, for a number of years, and after his death, which occurred when she was young, her mother married John Elmore, by whom she had six children, four sons and two daughters. Mr. Elmore came with his family to Clay county, Indiana, in 1861, purchasing a farm of eighty acres in Jackson township, and he spent the remainder of his life here. Five daughters have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Vickroy: Cora Ellen, deceased; Viola, who became the wife of William Coltharp; Molly and Minnie, both also deceased; and Welmenta, the wife of Walter Maurer. Mr. Vickroy affiliates with the Democracy and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

August Henry Schroer, a prominent farmer and live stock raiser of Washington township, Clay county, was born in the township named, on the 31st of July, 1854, and is a son of Henry T. and Margaret Ann

(Fraza) Schroer. The parents were natives of Westcaple, Teclenburg, Prussia, the father born February 19, 1812, and the mother, March 8, 1817. Henry T. Schroer came to the United States in the fall of 1833, arriving at St. Louis, where he first resided, on the 4th of August of that year. His future wife became a resident of the city October 11, 1837, and on the 19th of September, 1839, the Rev. Mr. Wall united them in marriage. For about three years following his arrival in St. Louis, Henry T. Schroer was employed in a saloon, but after his mar¬ riage he removed to Washington township and bought eighty acres of timber land and commenced the founding of a homestead. He cleared the tract and placed the land under cultivation, but after residing thereon with his family for thirteen years bought a farm of four hundred acres in section 10 of the same township, forty acres of which lay in the rich Eel river bottom. The last place lie purchased was timber land entirely, which he also improved, thoroughly cultivating the land and erecting new buildings, spacious and convenient for the operations of the farm. The father died on the 7th of September, 1889, and his wife on the 1st of March, 1895. Eight children were born to them, three of whom died in infancy, and all were born in Washington township. Fred, the eldest of the family, died in Terre Haute, Indiana, on the 1st of January, 1905, at the age of sixty-three years. Sarah married John D. Kattman, while Herman and August, the third and fourth of the family, are farm¬ ers of Washington township, and Mary C. became Mrs. Ford Kord, also of that township.

August H. Schroer attended the district schools of Washington town¬ ship, and resided with his parents on the home farm as long as they lived. As a step toward independence he first purchased twenty-five acres on Eel river bottom, and fifteen acres south of Bowling Green, and after the death of his parents he purchased from the other heirs the home¬ stead and one hundred and fifty-five acres of the family estate. He has since developed his property so as to continually elevate it in value and attractiveness, and has devoted it both to general farming purposes and the raising of live stock - horses, cattle and hogs. He has also been deeply interested in the work of the German Reformed church, his promi¬ nent connection with it being somewhat indicated by his service of two years as deacon and six years as trustee.

Mr. Schroer's marriage to Miss Sophia Kettler occurred on the 26th of February, 1881, his wife being a native of Cincinnati, Ohio daughter of John and Mary Kettler, who were both born in Germany. Their child, Laura Anna, born January 3, 1882, married Scott Burford, of Rockville, Indiana. The wife and mother died on the 26th of February, 1883, and on January 3, 1889, Mr. Schroer contracted a second marriage with Mary Jane Albright. She was born in Jackson township, January 1, 1867, a daughter of William and Catherine (Wilds) Albright, the father being a native of North Carolina, and the mother of Greene county, Indiana. The children of the second union are: Dora Louisa, born October 12, 1889; Dennis Alvin, August 30, 1891; Elmer Everett, July 24, 1893; Zella Ruth, August 28, 1895; Laurine Rodel, October 14, 1897; Francis Elbert, July 19, 1902; and Annis Mearl, January 4, 1906.

John Triplett. - A self-made man in every sense implied by the term, winning success in life by persevering industry, keen foresight and excellent management, John Triplett is closely identified with the agri- cultural interests of Clay county, owning and occupying a well improved farm in Van Buren township. A son of French Lewis Triplett, he was born October 3, 1832, at Virginia Ridge, near Roseville, Muskingum county, Ohio. His grandfather, Thomas Triplett, was born near Hatch¬ ers Mill, Loudoun county, Virginia, being, according to tradition, the descendant of one of two brothers, John and Thomas Triplett, French Huguenots who came to America in colonial days to escape religious persecution. He had two sisters, Mary Ann and Sarah, and. two broth¬ ers, Greenbury and Frederick, who emigrated to Kentucky, becoming pioneers of Breckenridge county, where many of their descendants are still living. The grandfather, a life-long farmer in his native county, married Phebe Luncford, a daughter of Rolla Luncford, also a life-long resident of Loudoun county. She survived her husband many years, and came to Indiana to spend the closing days of her life, dying at the home of her son, near Brazil, in 1857, at the advanced age of ninety years. She reared eleven children, namely : Burr, Sabra, Nancy, Mahala, Eliza¬ beth, Sanford, Delilah, French L., Maria, Leroy and Jane.

French Lewis Triplett, born December 12, 1806, was a young boy when his father died, and but sixteen. years old when his mother migrated with her family to Ohio, making the removal with teams, a mode of travel necessarily slow and at times dangerous, and settled in Muskingum county. Selecting farming as his life occupation, he subsequently bought his father-in-law's homestead of two hundred acres located in what is now Clay township, residing there until 1856. Selling out in that year, he came to Clay county, Indiana, and purchased a partly improved farm situated two miles from Brazil, in Van Buren township. After living there a while he sold his land to a coal company and bought a farm in Dick Johnson township. A few years later he sold that farm and moved to Brazil, where he spent the remainder of his life, passing away March 2, 1887, in the eighty-first year of his age. He married Sarah Baird, who was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of John Baird, who was born in the same state, of German stock. Mr. Baird moved with his family to Ohio, locating in Muskingum county as a pioneer. Securing a tract of timbered land at the head of Brush Creek, he with the assist¬ ance of his sons cleared a farm, and while still owning that he bought another ranch near Zanesville, on which he resided a number of years. Having in the meantime acquired a competency, he sold that land and moved to the city of Zanesville, where he lived retired from active busi¬ ness cares until his death, at the age of seventy-six years. His wife, whose maiden njme was Margaret Baumgartner, was born in Pennsyl¬ vania, of German ancestors, and died at a good old age in Zanesville. Mrs. Sarah (Baird) Triplett died on the home farm in Dick Johnson township when sixty-four years old. She bore her husband eleven chil¬ dren, as follows: John, the special subject of this sketch; Thomas; Deli¬ lah; Martha; Greenbury; Burr; Bushrod; Lucinda; Elizabeth; William; and Minerva A. Three of the sons, Thomas, Burr, and Bushrod, served as soldiers in the Civil war.

Attending the subscription schools of early days, at a time when from sixty to seventy-two days, according to the money raised, consti¬ tuted a school year, John Triplett obtained a practical common school education. Subsequently assisting his father in clearing and improving the land, he remained at home until after attaining his majority. In June, 1854, beginning life on his own account, he started on a westward trip, going by rail first to Chicago and then to Rock Island, where he took a Mississippi steamer to Burlington, Iowa. Going then by rail ten miles, which was as far as the railroads had been extended west of the Mississippi, he took a stage at the railway terminus and proceeded to Jefferson City, Missouri, where he found work in the harvest fields. Going from there to Oskaloosa, he worked there for a time, and then went to Wayne county, Iowa, where he entered a quarter section of government land. Locating then in Davis county, Iowa, he engaged in teaming until March, 1855, when he went on foot to Keokuk, where he embarked as a deck passenger on a steamer for St. Louis. There he took cabin passage on a Pittsburg boat, and returned to Ohio to resume farm work. In the ensuing fall Mr. Triplett rented a piece of land, bought a pair of oxen, and put in a crop of wheat, which he harvested the following year. On the 21st of September, 1856, Mr. Triplett married, and on the 1st of October started with his bride for Iowa, while en route stopping in Clay county, this state, to visit his parents. Continuing his journey westward, he located in Davis county, Iowa, where he farmed on rented land until September, 1858, when on account of the ill health of his wife he sold his crops and stock and returned to his old home, near Roseville, Ohio.

Renting land there, Mr. Triplett began farming, but the late frosts so injured his crops that he became discouraged, and in June of that year again started west, being at that time a hundred and forty-four dollars in debt. Coming across the country with his wife and child, he settled near Brazil, this county, renting a small place just west of the village, and engaged in farming and hauling coal, stone, shingles and lumber, the shingles being mostly rived by hand. He received a dollar and a half .a day for himself and team, and in a year's time he had paid his indebted¬ ness and was square with the world. Borrowing money, then, Mr. Trip¬ lett bought eighty acres of land in Van Buren township. A small por¬ tion of this was cleared, and in the hewn log house, with its earth aftd stick chimney, he lived a few years, in the meantime engaging in the coal business, hauling coal from his own land to Brazil, Donaldsonville and Harmony.

On Christmas day, 1865, Mr. Triplett bought one hundred and sixty acres of land adjoining Harmony on the north and platted a part of it as an addition to the town. A small part of the land had been cleared, and it was further improved by a two-story hewn log house and a small stable which the former proprietor had erected. Taking possession of the place in March, 1866, he set to work in earnest to clear the remainder of the timber from the land, and for eight years was there prosperously employed in general farming and stock raising and dealing. Leasing the property in 1874 to the Watson Coal Company, he still resided on the place until February 13, 1880, although during the tinle he sold the land, retaining, however, his interest in the coal beds. In February, 1880, having sold a part of his farming implements and stock, he bought two hundred and ten acres of land adjoining the town of Humboldt, Richard¬ son county, Nebraska, and there engaged in tilling the soil. In the fol¬ lowing June, Mr. Triplett rented that land and moved to Savannah, Mis¬ souri, where he rented a home. In October of that year he bought a farm of ninety acres lying one mile from the village, moved on to it, harvested the fruit, and lived there until the next spring. Selling then at an advance, he rented a place of twenty acres, lived on it till June, then purchased a tract of twenty-five acres adjoining Savannah, on which he resided a year. During the time he bought three hundred and seventy acres of land two and one-half miles from Savannah, and resided there two years. Selling out then at a profit, he spent a short time in Savan¬ nah, from there going to Springfield, Missouri. Buying then one hundred and sixty acres of land in Taney county, Missouri, he embarked in sheep raising, and also dealt in real estate in Springfield. Two years later he sold the sheep ranch, returned to Savannah, invested in suburban prop¬ erty, and remained there about a year. Returning with his family to Clay county, Mr. Triplett lived for seven years in Brazil, during which time he operated coal mines in Vigo county. In April, 1893, having purchased two hundred acres of bottom land on Eel river, four and onehalf miles northwest of Clay City, he for two years lived in the vicinity of that city. In April, 1895, Mr. Triplett bought the place which he now owns and occupies, it being advantageously located on the National Road between Harmony and Brazil. He has made substantial improve¬ ments, having rebuilt and added to the house and set out fruit, shade and ornamental trees, greatly enhancing the value of the estate.

On September 21, 1856, Mr. Triplett married Hester A. Underwood, who was born November 28, 1838, near Roseville, Muskingum county, Ohio, a daughter of William Brinkley and Elizabeth (Dorr) Underwood. Mrs. Triplett passed to the higher life on April 12, 1904. Ten children were born of their union, six of whom are now living, namely: Laura A., born April 11, 1858; William B., February 19, i860; French L., Novem¬ ber 21, 1863; Sadie, April 22, 1867; Luelle, March 23, 1869; and Minnie, March 13, 1871. Warren, born November 14, 1865, died January 26, 1880; George W., born March 17, 1873, died October 22, 1894; and Alvin, born June 22, 1877, died November 19, 1900. Fraternally Mr. Triplett is a member of Clay Lodge, No. 368, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Politically he is active in Republican ranks and served as the first Repub¬ lican trustee of Van Buren township.

Benjamin Adkins. - Prominent among the older residents of Har¬ rison township is Benjamin Adkins, a man of venerable years, who has the distinction of having served his country in two wars. He is an honored representative of the early pioneers of Clay county, and a true type of the energetic, hardy and progressive men who have so ably assisted in the development of this fertile and productive agricultural region. A man of splendid physique, with mental faculties seemingly unimpaired, he bears with ease and dignity his burden of years, on his pleasant home¬ stead enjoying the comforts of life. He was born January 29, 1830, in Pulaski county, Kentucky, about seven miles east of Somerset, in the same county that the birth of his father, William Adkins, occurred on September 2, 1802. Roland Adkins, great-grandfather of Benjamin, was born in Wales, came with his family to America about 1775, settled in Virginia, and' while serving as a soldier in the colonial army was killed during one of the battles of the Revolutionary war. He had eleven sons, one of whom, James, was born on the Atlantic ocean while the family were en route to America.

James Adkins grew to manhood in Virginia, was there married, and subsequently, in 1801, removed to Kentucky, becoming one of the early settlers of Pulaski county. He was a preacher in the Missionary Baptist church and very successful in his religious work, carrying the glad tidings of the gospel into remote places. He bought land near Somer- set, and on the homestead that he improved spent the remainder of his life, passing away in the seventy-seventh year of his age. When he located there the country roundabout was in its pristine wildness, deer, bear, wolves and game of all kinds being plentiful. Fond of the chase, he was a famous hunter, and during his lifetime killed over four hundred deer and more than twenty bears. He married Chloe Hargis, a native of Virginia. She came to Indiana after his death and died in Green county in the eightieth year of her age. She was the mother of twentyone children, sixteen of whom grew to years of maturity.

Born and bred in Kentucky, William Adkins lived there until 1830, when, with his wife and six children, he came overland with teams to Indiana, settling in Monroe county, where he lived about nine years. Coming from there to Clay county in the fall of 1839, he purchased a tract of land in what is now Harrison township. Ten acres of it was then cleared and the remainder was covered with the virgin timber. The log cabin which stood in the opening became the first home of the family in this county. Having cleared almost the entire forty acres of his pur¬ chase, he sold at an advantage, bought land near by and here continued his residence until 1852. Selling out in that year, he migrated to Iowa, becoming one of the original settlers of Marshall county, locating there before there were any railways west of the Mississippi river. Buying a tract of government land, he commenced farming, selling his surplus productions in Des Moines, which at that time was the nearest market. Meeting with success in his operations, he lived there many years, during which time he witnessed with gratification the development of Iowa into a well settled and wealthy state. Disposing of his Iowa farm in 1895, he moved to Missouri, and spent his last days in Cabool, Texas county, dying at the advanced age of ninety-three years. He married Polly Stogsdill, who was born in Virginia in 1803, a daughter of Benjamin and Sarah (Herron) Stogsdill, both natives of England. She died in 1838, in Monroe county, Indiana. Of her ten children, six grew to years of maturity, namely: Solomon, Eveline, Logan, Galathea, Benjamin and Mary.

A boy of nine years when he came with his parents to Clay county, Benjamin Adkins saw it when it was in its primitive condition, almost the entire section roundabout being a dense wilderness, with here and there an opening that had been made by the axe of the brave pioneer. Deer, turkeys and other kinds of wild game abounded and furnished a large part of subsistence of the few inhabitants. There were no rail¬ roads in this part of the country, and Bowling Green, the county-seat, was the largest town and the only postoffice in the county. There was but one store and no postoffice in Harrison township. In 1847 Mr. Adkins returned to Pulaski county to visit his grandfather, and while there enlisted in Company H, Fourth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry. Going with his command to the City of Mexico, he subsequently fought with valor in several engagements, including the memorable one at Cerro Gordo. After the signing of the treaty of peace in 1848 Mr. Adkins marched wTith his regiment to Vera Cruz, a distance of four hundred and eighty-six miles, then proceeded by sailing vessel to New Orleans, and from there going up the Mississippi in a steamer to Louisville, where he and his comrades were honorably discharged from service.

township ten, range six (Harrison township), and has since resided here. In February, 1865, he again offered his services to his country, enlisting in Company B, One Hundred and Forty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which was ordered to Decatur, Alabama, where he served until after the close of the war, being honorably discharged in September, 1865. Indus¬ trious, thrifty and an excellent manager, Mr. Adkins was successful as a farmer, improving a valuable homestead for himself and assisting in advancing the agricultural prosperity of this vicinity.

On November 3, 1853, Mr. Adkins married for his first wife Mary Fiscus, who was born in Owen county, Indiana, March 22, 1830, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth Fiscus. She died November 9, 1876, while yet in the prime of life. Mr. Adkins married, second, April 8, 1880, Mrs. Mary M. (Snellinbeger) Owen, widow of Evan Owen and daughter of George and Elizabeth (Neff) Snellinbeger. Her parents, natives of Virginia, were pioneers of Indiana, locating first in Owen county and later in Clay county. Mr. Adkins' second wife died November 30, 1904, and the only child born of their union died at the age of two years. By his first marriage Mr. Adkins had eight children, namely: William Henry, Re¬ becca E., Sarah J., Perry A., Margaret E., Rachel M., Nancy A. and James B. William Henry married Amanda Sidel, and they have nine children: Rose, Mary, Curtis, Pearl, Harry, Flora and three others. Rebecca E., who has two children, Simon P. and Stella, the wife of Benjamin Cox. Sarah J. married Joseph S. PTiller, and they are the parents of nine children: Freddie, Edie and seven others. Nancy, wife of Samuel Miller, has fourteen children: Bernetta, Grace, Emma E., Benjamin, Harley, George, Faustina, Maud, Fred and five who are deceased. Perry died at the age of twenty-six years; Margaret died in infancy; Rachel lived to the age of five years; James B. died when eighteen years old. Since the death of Mrs. Adkins in 1904 Simon P. Adkins, Mr. Adkins' grandson, has lived on the homestead, caring for the place and for Mr. Adkins, making his home comfortable and pleasant. Simon P. Adkins married Anna Davis and they are the parents of four children, namely: Edith M., Edgar A., James B. and Kenneth G. Mr. Adkins has about thirty great-grandchildren, all living, as far as he knows. He has one of the old parchment deeds signed and executed by President Zachariah Taylor, which is a valuable heirloom in Clay county. He has as a curiosity a little Mexican coin which he brought from the City of Mexico, June 1, 1848, and there is possibly not another coin of this kind in the county of Clay. In 1849 Mr. Adkins was converted by Rev. William Sparks of the Missionary Baptist church, was baptized by Rev. James Beaman, and has since lived a consistent Christian life, being now the oldest member of Good Hope church, to which both of his wives belonged. For many years Mr. Adkins was an uncompromising Democrat, but now he is an ardent Prohibitionist.

Michael Comer. - A resident of Brazil for almost a third of a cen¬ tury, Michael Comer was identified with mining operations here for twenty years or more, but is now living retired. His life of well directed labor, thrift and careful expenditure at length brought him the capital sufficient to enable him to live retired without further recourse to active business pursuits in order to provide for the necessities and comforts of life. He was born in County Galway, Ireland, in 1832, a son of

Michael Comer was reared on the Emerald Isle to the age of twelve years, and he crossed the Atlantic to America in 1844 as passenger on a sailing vessel which at length dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. From the eastern metropolis he made his way to Pottsville, Pennsyl¬ vania, and was there engaged in mining coal until the fall of 1876, when he removed westward to Brazil, where he has since made his home. Here he also engaged in mining coal until May, 1896, when with a substantial competence acquired from his labors he retired to private life, and he has since enjoyed a well earned rest.

On the 19th of August, i860, Mr. Comer was married at Newcastle, Lawrence county, Pennsylvania, to Miss Mary McGurty, who was born in County Cavan, Ireland, in 1835, a daughter of Peter and Ellen (Flana¬ gan) McGurty, both of whom were natives of Ireland. The father died in Champaign county, Illinois, in the ninetieth year of his age, while the mother passed away in Montreal, Canada. They had made the long voyage across the briny deep to Quebec by a sailing ship and located in Montreal, where they remained until the death of Mrs. McGurty, after which Mr. McGurty removed with his family to Newcastle, Lawrence county, Pennsylvania. He continued to reside there until 1864, when he removed to Champaign, Illinois, where he spent his last days. In his family were five daughters and a son, of whom three are now living: Mrs. Comer; Ellen, who has been a sister of a Catholic order for fiftythree years and is located in Montreal, Canada; and Ann, who is also connected with a Catholic order and is living in London, Canada. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Comer have been born two sons and five daughters, but two of the family have passed away. Those still living are John, Ellen, Margaret, Mary and Sarah, all of whom are married and have gone to homes of their own.

Mr. Comer was reared in the faith of the Roman Catholic church, of which he is now a communicant. He usually votes with the Repub¬ lican party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. He has reached the seventy-sixth milestone on life's journey, and from early boyhood his career has been one of unfaltering activity and persistency of purpose. His life has indeed been well spent, and his faithfulness, reliability and integrity in business have been the crowning points of his career and have won him a gratifying measure of prosperity.

Remy Jalbert is now living retired after long and close connec¬ tion with commercial interests in Brazil. Those who know aught of his history are familiar with the story of his unfaltering diligence, strong determination and resolute purpose - qualities which characterized his entire business career and gained him the measure of success which now classes him with the substantial residents of his adopted city. A native of Belgium, he was born in Brussels, October 3, 1848, and is the only child of John and Caroline Jalbert, both of whom were ajso natives of Brussels, but died during the early childhood of their son Remy. However, they left him sufficient means to afford him an education, which was obtained in the schools at Brussels. He was placed under the guardianship of his aunt and uncle, with whom he made his home until his marriage. Immediately after his marriage he engaged in the con- fectionery business, which he followed for two years previous to his coming to America in 1873. He is a man of scholarly attainments, speaking five different languages.

Ere his removal to the new world, however, he was married on the 4th of October, 1871, to Miss Marceline De Camp, who was born in Mons, Belgium, November 29, 1844. Her parents were T. P. and Floren¬ tine De Camp, who were also natives of Mons, and in whose family were four children, a son and three daughters, all of whom have now passed away with the exception of Mrs. Jalbert.

Ere coming to the United States, Mr. and Mrs. Jalbert had become the parents of one child. Crossing the Atlantic, they continued their way into the interior of the country and settled in Brazil, Indiana. This removal was made because of reading and hearing of America. After carefully studying the English language and learning it sufficiently, he opened a confectionery and grocery business, and for twenty-five years conducted his store, enjoying a good trade, which made his business a large and profitable one. He further extended his efforts by establishing a branch store at Perth. He was also agent for several steamship lines and issued drafts on foreign countries. His careful management and keen discrimination were seen in the success of his business, and as the years passed he gained the competence that now enables him to live retired.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jalbert have been born eleven children, of whom four sons and two daughters are yet living: Adele, the wife of George Bayer; Remv, who is now foreman in a machine shop in St. Louis, Mis¬ souri; Achille, a merchant of Perth, Indiana; Eugene, who is conducting a drug store at Terre Haute; Virgil, who is also conducting a drug store at Terre Haute ; and Anna, who is an accomplished musician.

In politics Mr. Jalbert is a Republican, but the honors and emolu¬ ments of office have had no attraction for him, as he has preferred to con¬ centrate his energies upon his business affairs, in which he has met with signal success. Fraternally he is connected with the Red Men and is interested in the order and its object. During the long period of his resi¬ dence in Brazil he has gained the esteem and confidence of all who know him, and his life record should serve as a source of inspiration to others, for it shows what may be accomplished when one has the will to dare and to do.

David Royer. - The substantial and well-to-do citizens of Harrison township have no better or more worthy representative than David Rover, who has contributed his full share towards the advancement and growth of its agricultural prosperity, and is now living retired from active pur¬ suits in Clay City, enjoying not only the comforts but the luxuries of life. He is a man of solid worth, possessing in a high degree those traits that command respect in the business world and gain the esteem of one's neighbors and associates. A son of Samuel Royer, he was born February 23, 1835, in Tuscarawas county, Ohio.

Samuel Royer was born in Pennsylvania, Somerset county, but in early life moved to Ohio, and for several years lived in Tuscarawas county. In 1838, accompanied by his wife and their three children, he came to Indiana, the trip hither being made with teams. Locating in Owen county, he was a pioneer of Marion township. There he bought a tract of land that was still in its virgin wildness, and almost immediately built a house of round logs, riving clapboards to cover the roof, sawing each board that he used with a whip-saw, and by hand splitting the puncheon for the floor. His furniture was very primitive in style and construc¬ tion, he having made his first table by splitting it out of a large black walnut log. Settlers were few in number and far between, but the forests were filled with an abundance of wild game of all kinds, forming for a while the chief subsistence of the inhabitants. He raised flax and kept sheep, himself raising the material which his good wife carded, spun and wove into the homespun in which she dressed her family. For years after he settled in that locality there were no railroads, neither any con¬ venient markets, Gosport, twenty-eight miles away, being the first estab¬ lished, and Terre Haute being the next, and to these places he used to draw dressed hogs, which he sold at two and one-half cents per pound. Clearing quite a tract of his land, he lived there until about two years prior to his death, which occurred when he was but fifty-two years old, when he sold out, and moved to a place near by. His wife, whose maiden name was Julia Ann Brixel, survived him many years and carefully reared her children. She died at the age of eighty-four years at Middlebury, Indiana. She was the mother of the following named children: Crystal, David, Hattie, Daniel, Barbara, Polly, Eliza and Samuel. Daniel served as a member of the Forty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry during the Civil war, and died in service at Helena, Arkansas.

Three years old when he was brought by his parents to Indiana, David Royer has no clear recollection of any other home. His only schooling was obtained in the old log schoolhouse, at a time when thp teachers were paid by subscription. Reared to habits of industry, econ¬ omy and thrift, he began as a boy to assist in the pioneer work of clearing the land and tilling the soil, thus early obtaining a practical knowledge of agriculture in its various branches. Choosing for his life occupation that of a farmer, he began his independent career at the age of twentyfour years on rented land, and there carried on general farming about three years. In June, 1862, Mr. Royer enlisted in Company G, Fiftyninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was with his regiment in all of its battles, marches and campaigns until the close of the war, with the excep¬ tion of about a month, just after the siege of Vicksburg. At that time he was taken prisoner, sent to Richmond, and after eighteen days of captivity was exchanged. Being then granted a furlough of ten days, he made a visit to the home people, after which he joined his command at Memphis, Tennessee. While in the army Mr. Royer did service in the states of Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas, at the close marching to Washington and with his regiment participating in the Grand Review, after which, in June, 1865, he received his honorable discharge.

Returning then to Indiana, Mr. Royer soon purchased, in section six- 9 teen, Harrison township, the farm w'hich he still owns, it being the origi¬ nal homestead of the late Philip Burkhart. A log house and stable had been erected and a few acres cleared. An energetic, wide-awake man, he set to work with a will to improve his estate. He put a large part of it under cultivation, erected a good set of frame buildings, and resided there, a contented and happy farmer, until 1905. Removing then to Clay City, he has since lived there, retiring from the activities of business, esteemed and respected by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

On January 14, 1859, Mr. Rover married Elizabeth Burkhart, who was born July 20, 1835, in Coshocton county, Ohio, a daughter of Philip Burkhart, Jr., and granddaughter of Philip Burkhart, Sr. Her grand¬ father, a native of Pennsylvania, removed with his family from that state to Ohio, becoming a pioneer of Coshocton county, and having bought wild land, improved a farm, and there spent the remainder of his life. Born in Pennsylvania, Philip Burkhart, Jr., was brought up, edu¬ cated and married in Coshocton county, Ohio, living there until 1849. In that year, bringing with him his wife and eight children and all of their worldly possessions, he came across the country to" Indiana, traversing the entire distance with teams, camping and cooking by the way, being three weeks in making the trip. Buying a tract of heavily timbered land in section sixteen, Harrison township, he began its im¬ provement by building a log house and barn. There were at that time neither railways nor canals in this part of the country, and the farms were but small clearings in the wilderness, not much like the broad expanse of highly-cultivated, grain-bearing acres that we now see through¬ out the agricultural regions of the state. On the homestead which he improved he lived until his death, in 1859. The maiden name of his wife was Mary Ragle. She was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, a daughter of George and Marilla Ragle, and died in Harrison township, Indiana, in 1885. She reared nine children, namely : Mary, Elizabeth, Jacob, Emanuel, Abbv, Venable, Maggie, George and Rhoda. Jacob and Eman¬ uel both served during the Civil war in the Forty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry and both died while in service in Arkansas.

Nine children were born of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Royer, namely: Anderson, Quillar, Otis, Newton, Phemie, Norie, Maggie, Net¬ tie and Samuel. Anderson married Martha Moyer, by whom he has three children, Franci, Otis and Pearl. Quillar, who married Frances Moyer, has seven children, Earl, Carl, Omie, John, Ruth, Titus and Marie. Otis married Ella Baumgardener and they have one son, Raymond. Newton married Lizzie Young. Phemie, wife of Perry Church, has four children, Ernest, Ralph, Ruby and Wallace. Norie, wife of Harry Freed, has four children, Paul, Emerson, Helen and Mildred. Maggie died at the age of twenty-four years. Nettie is the wife of Paul Patton. Samuel married Maud McCullough. Religiously, Mr. and Mrs. Royer are members of the United Brethren church, in which their son Newton is a preacher, and to which all of their children belong.

Cyrus Winfield Mace, a resident farmer of Sugar Ridge town¬ ship, is a representative of two of the oldest pioneer families of Clay county, both his paternal and maternal grandfathers, Isaac Mace and Samuel Stigler, natives respectively of Tennessee and Kentucky, coming here in an early day in its history and securing government land in Cass township. They spent the remainder of their lives there, and from that early day until the present the name has been prominently associated with the agricultural interests of Clay county. Robert and Louisa (Stig¬ ler) Mace, their children and the parents of Cyrus Winfield, were bom and spent their lives here, the former having been drowned at Carpenter's Mills in 1878, and the wife and mother had died a few years previously, in 1875.

Cass township, Clay county, Indiana, January 29, 1858. He attended the district schools of the neighborhood and remained at home with his parents until his marriage, moving then to a rented farm in Cass town¬ ship. He remained there three years, after which he spent a few years in Putnam county, Indiana, and from there went to Owen county, this state, and worked in a sawmill for nine years. From Owen county he moved to Center Point, in Clay county, and erected and conducted a sawmill there until August, 1907. The mill was then moved to near Hoosierville, where Mr. Mace and his son-in-law, C. O. Rentschler, and son Robert, bought tracts of timber land and conducted the mill. Mr. Mace subsequently bought ninety-four and three-quarter acres in section 4, joining Center Point, and has greatly improved the place and is actively engaged in its cultivation. His farm and residence are by the corporate limits of Center Point. For some years he served as a member of the school board of Center Point, and his political affiliations are with the Democracy and his fraternal with the Masonic order, Lodge No. 585 of Center Point.

On the 3d of April, 1877, Mr. Mace was united in marriage to Nancy Rachel Johnson, who was born on the 6th of May, 1858, in Washington township, Putnam county, Indiana, a daughter of Levi and Rachel ( Met¬ calf) Johnson, who were born in Ohio. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Mace are Grace, Robert, Dona, Leora, Lawrence, Herdman, Lucile and Clay. The oldest, Grace, is the wife of C. O. Rentschler, of Center Point, and their eldest son, Robert, who married Gertrude Van Horn, daughter of Dr. John Van Horn (deceased), of Clay City, is a resident of Hoosierville. Lawrence died in infancy.

James F. Harris. - Numbered among the enterprising and well-todo agriculturists of Perry township, Clay county, is James F. Harris, who was born on the homestead where he now resides, October 5, 1859, the son of a prominent and highly respected pioneer, the late Dr. William M. Harris.

Dr. William M. Harris was born and bred in Darke county, Ohio, and there married Frances Barber, a native of Miami county. Coming to Clay county in 1853, the Doctor bought one hundred and sixty acres of land, eighty in section eleven and eighty in section fourteen of Perry township. Clearing off the brush and timber, he labored with all the enthusiasm of the pioneers to improve a homestead, enduring with forti¬ tude the hardships and privations incidental to life in those days in a new country, and in course of time found himself the owner of a good farm with a substantial set of farm buildings. In addition to managing his farm most successfully he was for many years a practicing physician, having a long country ride in attending to his professional duties. He was a prominent and highly esteemed member of the community, and his death, in 1897, at the venerable age of eighty-two years, was a cause of general regret. He was a charter member of Ashboro Lodge, No. 251, I. O. O. F., and did much towards promoting the good of that order. His wife died many years before he did, passing away in 1866, aged forty-dne years. They reared four children, namely: James F., the spe¬ cial subject of this sketch; William, living with Mr. Harris; Dell, wife of Oscar O. Van Cleve ; and Clara, wife of J. C. Williams, of Custer, Montana.

township, James F. Harris assisted his father in the management of the homestead until 1889. Going then to Nebraska, he prospected in Boxbutte county for a year, after which he was engaged in agricultural pur¬ suits in Saline county until 1892. Returning then on horseback to Perrv township, he remained on the home farm until the death of his father. Purchasing then the eighty acres of the homestead that were in section eleven, he has since carried on general farming with success, the rich and fertile soil under his magnetic touch yielding abundant harvests of hay and grain.

On October 6, 1898, Mr. Harris married Mrs. Elizabeth (Kylander) Hancock, who was born in this township, a daughter of David and Lydia (Williams) Kylander, natives, respectively, of Kentucky and Ohio. Her first husband, Joseph Hancock, died in early manhood, leaving her with one child, Josephine O. Hancock. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Harris four children have been born, namely: Victor O., Ilortense M., Freda N. and Rosa Belle. In politics Mr. Harris is a stanch Republican. Fra¬ ternally he is a member of Ashboro Lodge, No. 251, I. O. O. F., and religiously he is a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

William H. Shannon. - Among the progressive and enterprising business men of Brazil was numbered William H. Shannon, who might well be termed a self-made man, for from the age of fourteen years he was dependent upon his own resources, and his force of character, strong purpose and laudable ambition constituted strong elements in his busi¬ ness career and his success. He was born January 22, 1849, *n Ashland county, Ohio, and passed away in Brazil, June 20, 1884, so that his life record covered only the brief span of thirty-six years, six months. His parents were Samuel and Sarah (Van Tilburg) Shannon. The father, a farmer by occupation, spent his entire life in Ohio, but he died when his son William was only two years of age, and the mother passed away when her son was a little lad of eleven years. The boy then went to live with his grandfather, Henry Van Tilburg, with whom he remained until he reached the age of fourteen years, when he started out in life on his own account. He had previously acquired a fair education in the com¬ mon schools, and entering upon an apprenticeship to the baker's and con¬ fectioner's trade, he thus served for three years, receiving as a compen¬ sation for his services his board and fifty dollars per year. When his term of apprenticeship was completed he worked upon a farm for about two years, and in 1868 came to the west. After many successes and some reverses he found himself part owner of a prosperous business in connection with Jonathan M. Fast and was engaged in its conduct until ill health made it necessary for him to leave for the west.

On the 10th of October, 1877, Mr. Shannon was united in marriage to Miss Hannah R. Reddie, who was born in the south of Scotland, at Fxclefechan, in Dumfriesshire, November 25, 1852. Her parents were Charles and Isabelle (Graham) Reddie, both of whom were natives of Scotland, in which country they were married. The father died at the age of seventy years and the mother was sixty-four years of age, both passing away in Brazil. After crossing the Atlantic to the new world, Mr. Reddie was a mining boss and lived at various times in Canada, Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. He was a member of the Modern Wood¬ men of America, and his early political allegiance was given to the Whig party, while subsequently he joined the ranks of the new Republican party. Mrs. Shannon was only six months old when brought by her parents to the new world, the voyage being made upon a sailing ship to Quebec in 1853. She was the eldest in a family of six children, of whom four are now living, the others being: John; Mary, the wife of Andrew Volz; and William A. All are residents of Brazil. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Shannon were born three children, of whom two survive : Charles F., who wedded Gertrude Pell; and Frances, at home.

During the winter of 1884 Mr. Shannon, accompanied by his wife, made a trip to Los Angeles, California, on account of ill health. They returned home in the following spring, but Mr. Shannon soon afterward passed away, dying in Brazil on the 20th of June, 1884. lie was laid to rest with Masonic honors, for he had been a valued and loyal member of Brazil Lodge, No. 264, A. F. and A. M. He was also a member of Brazil Lodge, No. 30, K. of P. His religious faith was indicated by his connection with the Presbyterian church and his political views were attested by the loyal support which he gave to the Democracy. Mr. Shannon was a man of many good qualities, patriotic in citizenship, loyal to his friends and devoted to his home and family. The principles which actuated his life were high and honorable and he left to his children an example that may well be followed. He had many friends, and although almost a quarter of a century has passed away since he was called to his final rest, his memory is yet dear to all who knew him.

John Jones dates his residence in Brazil from 1873 and for thirtyone years has been well known in its commercial circles as a grocer. During this period he has gained a reputation for reliability and enter¬ prise that has secured him a liberal patronage and brought him a gratify¬ ing competence. Mr. Jones was born in Monmouthshire, Wales, June 10, 1834, a son of Abram and Alice (Williams) Jones. The father was born in Monmouthshire, Wales, and died in his native country in 1854, at the age of seventy-two years. His wife, whose birth occurred in Breconshire, Wales, died in 1862, at the age of seventy years. The father was a butcher and a farmer and both he and his wife spent their entire lives in the little rock-ribbed country where their deaths occurred. They were members of the Church of England. Their family numbered six children, a son and five daughters, the two surviving members being: Jane, now the wife of James Lee, a resident of Victoria, British Colum¬ bia; and John, of this review, who was the youngest child.

While spending his boyhood days under the parental roof, John Jones pursued his education in the schools of Wales, remaining at home until twenty-one years of age. He then determined to try his fortune in America, and in 1857 bade adieu to friends and native" land and took passage on a sailing ship, City of Brooklyn, which was four weeks and four days in making the voyage across the Atlantic to New York city. From that town he went to Bondhead, Canada, on Lake Ontario, where he resided until December, 1859, when he returned to Wales. In his native country he took up railroading, which he followed until 1873, when he again sought a home in America, which has since been his place of residence. This time he did not locate on British soil, but came to the "land of the free," settling in Brazil, Indiana. Here he entered the employ of the Vandalia Railroad Company, at which he continued until 1877, when he engaged in the grocery business and has since been pro¬ prietor of a well equipped store in which he carries a large and carefully selected line of staple and fancy groceries. He has many patrons who have given him their support for years and who find him at all times thoroughly reliable, adhering closely to a high standard of commercial ethics.

Air. Jones was married in his native country in January, 1872, to Mrs. Susan Hicks, nee Herbert, who was born in Monmouthshire, Wales. They have a pleasant home in Brazil and a large circle of warm friends here. In politics Mr. Jones is a Democrat, but has never sought nor desired office. He belongs to Centennial Lodge, No. 541, A. F. & A. M., and is true and loyal to the teachings of the craft. A resident of Brazil for more than a third of a century, his fellow townsmen know him as a representative of that class of citizens who uphold the legal and political status of the community, who stand for law and order, for improvement and advancement.

John J. Sampson. - The story of pioneer life in Indiana is a familiar one to John J. Sampson, for he has passed through all of the experiences incident to settlement upon the frontier. He came to Clay county in 1849 and has therefore for almost six decades been a witness of the events which have shaped its policy and formed its history. His home was a log cabin and oxen were used in clearing the land and carrying on the farm work. He always stood for progress and was ever one of the first to introduce the latest improved machinery, being not a follower but a leader in the line of agricultural development here.