Clinton County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1913 (part 11 of 17)

"The services were ipenecl bv the reading of the resolutions prepared by the committee, consisting of D. S. Holman. J. Y. Kent and Joseph Claybaugh. the resolutions containing a biographical sketch and reciting the splendid service Mr. Morrison had rendered to Clinton countv and paying tribute to the noble qualities and ideals that influenced him in all of life's affair-^.

"Judge Kent then addressed the assemblage and in his earnest tribute he told of how Ilenrv Y. Morrison had worked to bring railroads to Frankfort. 'lie was a man of tremendous energy.' said Mr. Kent. 'All he wanted to know was, is it right? That question being settled in the affirmative. all else was a matter of detail that could be accomplished bv hard work, and that he was ever reach to give for his county. If ever a man in this countv deserv ed a monument in the court house square, that man was Henrv V. Morrison. The generations to come will reap the benefit of the tremendous energv of Henrv Y. Morrison. He was a Christian man. a good man. Wherever he saw wrong stalking about, his idea was to hit it and hit it hard. As a law ver he was a man of wonderful energy. 1 never knew him to bring a case he thought ought not to be brought. And then when the case was brought he threw his whole energv into it.' The speaker paid a tribute to the deceased as a husband and father and spoke of the splendid family that he had reared. In concluding Judge Kent said that Mr. Morrison had died in the triumph of a Christian faith.

"W. R. Moore: 'The resolutions that have been read recite very faitht'ullv mv know ledge of Henrv 'S'. Morrison. He was a man of kindlv nature, and I have loved him for the kindness he has shown to my friends. His persistent energy left its impress on his community a^ no other man has. T

Mr. Morrison had. with the assistance of a few others, conducted a v igorous fight on vote buying during a campaign and of how the great force of char- acter of the man had impressed it upon the minds of everybody and convinced them that he meant just what he said in every instance. 'And it was but a short time ago,' continued Mr. Moore, 'that his own son proclaimed those same principles in a speech at Craw fordsville. It was Henry Y. Morrison speaking through his son.'

Morrison. It was at a political speaking which my father took me to - the first political speech I ever heard. H^nry Y. Morrison was one of the speakers. and I came away feeling that he was one of the greatest men in the world. I remember how, in later years, when T was first starting out in the study of law. he took me kindly by the hand and encouraged me. and offered me all the help he could give. And as the years went by, that kindly interest continued. He was ever the same, kindly, encouraging true. There was no false aristocracy about Henry Y. Morrison. He was a man whose honesty of purpose was never questioned, and we all learned that when his work went out we could always rely on it.'

Morrison while he was in active practice. All T know of that part of his life is what I have heard his neighbors and those who practiced with him say, and it has been a recital of naught but good. But I have met him many times personally, and it is my experience that one always knew where he stood on a question. He always stood for that which he believed to be best for his fellow men. and he had the courage of his convictions. As has been said by others here, there was no deceit, no hypocrisy about the man. He stood squarely on all questions and never equivocated.' In conclusion, Mr. Gray referred to the splendid drainage law that Mr. Morrison had passed, and which had increased the value of Indiana lands from ten to twenty fold.

retiring from practice about the time I was beginning to practice but I knew him as a man, as a citizen, and I know that he deserves the tributes paid to him here today.* What has been said here today is the truth. He was a man in whose word you could rely.'

from practice when I entered upon practice. He left his impress on this community in its material growth as well as in its educational and moral growth. He alwavs stood for that which uplifted his fellow men.' At this point Mr. Guenther paid attention to Mr. Morrison's drainage law and to his efforts in securing railwavs for Frankfort. 'Frankfort is today a great railway cen- ter. Stop to think about it, you can get on the cars here and go anywhere - north, south, east, west. All honor to him to whom the honor of this splendid state of affairs is due! As a man he had a character that we might all be proud of. Henry V. Morrison's word was as good as his bond.' citizen, and my father and my grandfather always so regarded him.' Mr. Sheridan spoke of Mr. Morrison's drainage law that did so much for this county. 'W hen you say of a man that he was an honest man and a leader in the community in which he resides, you have said about all that can be said about him. I venture to say that no man has erected to himself a higher monument than has Henry V. Morrison. The monument is the esteem of the people. By his efforts he has made this not only one of the greatest counties in Indiana, but one of the greatest in America.'

"Rev. H. R. Stark, of the Presbyterian church, joined his tribute with the others. He said: 'If I had not been a minister, in all probability I would have been a lawyer. 1 take pleasure in adding a few words to what already has been said. I knew enough about Henry V. Morrison, his quiet, modest manner, to greatly appreciate him as a man and especially as a Christion. One of the things which impressed me was his thorough conscientiousness. His was not a conscience that was elastic, that could be stretched here, there and in any direction to meet any demand, but his was a conscience keenly alive and sensitive to the higher things. His life was a daily sermon. He was a sermon clothed in flesh and blood. He was a good man. The meaning of good is fitted to an end. And so he was a good man. He was fitted to the end for which God creates man - to live in the world and by precept and example teach uprightness, purity and Godliness.' he impressed every one as being possessed of a vigorous individuality. Mr. Clavbaugh said: 'From the time I first knew him - many years ago - to the dav of his death, he was a man whose word was never doubted. If he believed he was right on a certain question he stayed with that question and went up or down with it.' Mr. Clavbaugh then referred at length to the drainage law. of which Mr. Morrison was the father, and told of how it not onlv added wealth to the community, but health also. In the old days chills and fever were very common and the death rate was high by reason of the vast swamps that were everywhere, but which were drained by reason of the passing of the Morrison drainage law. 'I remember of his kindness to me when 1 was a boy. He would take me by the hand and say: 'Joseph, how are you getting along?' Or. 'I heard you make a speech the other day. and I want to compliment you. Keep on in your work,' etc. Judge Claybaugh then read the names of Leander McClurg, John Earner. B. K. Higinbothan, Marcellus Bristow. Perry Gard. Allen E. Paige. Samuel Id. Doyal. J. N. Sims. Truman IP Palmer. Henry Y. Morrison, and said: 'All of these were my associates. W hen I look around now there is not a single man living who was here when 1 came to the bar. When a man dies the public estimate is generally the correct estimate of what the man was.' In conclusion Judge Claybaugh read the address delivered In llenrv Y. Morrison at the John Earner memorial meeting."

The subject of our -ketch. Alexander G. Cunningham, has made his name known in Johnson township bv hi- agricultural and business accomplishment and he is regarded highly hv all of his friends. Mr. Cunningham comes from a pioneer familv who -et tied in Clinton countv about the middle of the last centurv. and cultivated a farm where our subject now lives in contentment and material prosperity.

Alexander G. Cunningham was horn in [ohnson town-hip. Clinton countv. in a log cabin on the farm where he now reside-. The date of his birth was December it. 1853. and he was a son of William and Elizabeth (Goodnight) Cunningham. The father was a native of the (did Dominion, being born in Virginia in 1806. He first moved to Ohio, living there until his marriage in 1850. and then coming to Clinton countv. He passed from this earth on April 1. 1864. The mother was horn in 1820 in the -tate of Ohio and died October 20. 1007. The father and mother could not obtain a verv liberal education in their vouth. The father followed farming all of his life, also the trade of the miller, and voted the Republican ticket. Ten children were horn of the union: Martha |. (dec.). Sarah C. (dec.), lames A.. William H. (dec.). Mary A.. Elizabeth F.. A. G., Louisa E. (dec.), J. W. (dec.), and S. Wr.

Alexander Cunningham attended the common schools of Johnson township. this county, in his youth, and then took up agriculture, which he has followed continuously until the present time. At one time he raised Poland- China hogs on an extensive scale, and now keeps a few of the Duroc variety, also a good breed of Jersey cattle. His wife raises chickens. Our subject counts a total of one hundred and fifty acres in his holdings, nearly all of

On November 26, 1888, Mr. Cunningham was married to Mary E. Hargrave, who was horn August 27, 1867. in Rockingham county, North Carolina, the daughter of Nathaniel and Matilda (Powers) Hargrave. Her father is a native of Virginia, born there December 1, 1837, and now lives among his children. The mother was born in North Carolina in March, 1842, and died May 6. 1898. The father was a Democrat all of his life, and served four year- in the Confederate army in the Civil war. He was the father of eleven children: Susan. Mary. Thomas H., John F., Joseph M., Ida \V. (dec. 1. Della M. (dec.), Dora B.. Robert A. (dec.). Arlis M. (dec.), and Crover S.

In even life of honor and service to the public we find a great amount of interesting incident:*, vet in presenting the career of a person in written form, much of the interesting matter is superfluous, and has to be eliminated, and onlv the salient points given. So. in writing the account of Mr. Unger, one of Clinton countv's most influential and public >pi riled citizens and agriculturists. no attempt shall be made to recount all the points in hi-* worthy and useful life, nor recite everv incident, for it is deemed that only a few of them shall be sufficient to prove that he is eminently worthy of a place in this volume along with his fellows of high standing. The family of Unger has been a notable and large one in the county, and ;m unusually strict record has been kept bv each generation. It is our pleasure to reproduce portions of the compilation published bv the family, show ing the early history of the family.

George Unger, the great, great grandfather, of the fifth generation, was born in Germany. He emigrated to this country in the latter part of the seventeenth century, and settled in Pennsylvania where he lived to a ripe old age. His son. Nicholas, emigrated from Pennsylvania to Morgan county. West Virginia, where he was married to Elizabeth Hullinger.

"The Unger family up to this time were of small stature, but the Hullingers were a large people, and the descendants from that time have been large. To this union were born eight children - six boys and two girls, as follows: Daniel, John, Henry, Nicholas, George, Washington, Mary and Catherine, of whom we have no record excepting two, Washington, who lived in West Virginia to a good old age, and George, the fifth son, who was born February 18, 1796. He stayed under the parental roof until he was called to serve his country in the war of 1812. When he returned home he was married to Elizabeth Bailey, December 25, 1817. To this union were born fourteen children - eight boys and six girls, as follows: John, Mary Jane, Nicholas, Henry, Hannah, George W.. Thomas, Louisa. Samuel, Mariali Elizabeth, Andrew J., Rachel and Martin Van Buren. In the fall of 1836. tlu father and mother, with thirteen children (Elizabeth having died in Virginia) started with a four-horse team, in an old-fashioned Virginia wagon, that would hold fifty-fiv e bushels of corn, with a ridge pole eighteen feel long, in search of a better place in which to rear their children and give them a start.

Their intention was to go to Tippecanoe county, Indiana, but the roads were so muddy, and having been already four weeks on the road, they were obliged to stop in Clark county, Ohio, where they lived for three years. During this time two of the children, Nicholas and Rachel, died, and one son was born. In the fall of 1837, with his brother. Washington, and Nathan Cumpton. the father started West to look at the country. Their mode of traveling was on horseback. Not being suited, they failed to purchase land, and in a short time returned to his family in Ohio. Again in the fall of 1838 he went West, on the same horse he rode the first time. He went to Carroll county, Indiana, where, of Peter Duncan, he purchased land four miles north and three-quarters of a mile east of Burlington. After which, he again returned to his family in Ohio. In the fall of 1839, with his wife and eleven children he set out for their new home in the green forests of Carroll county, with the same horses and wagon they brought from Virginia. The father was taken sick, and not being able to ride in the wagon, had to ride on horseback. They made the trip of one hundred and ninety miles in two weeks. They settled in the green forest, and in about two weeks they had built a cabin, and having moved into it, they were once more at home. In the following summer he took sick and never recovered. He died on the 28th of June, 1840, leaving his wife and eleven children to mourn his death. The mother lived on the farm for about twenty years rearing all the children to be men and women, and lived to see them all married. A short time before she died she went to live

"From this union, there are at the present time, about two hundred descendants, who meet every two years on the first Sunday in September.* * *"

Our subject, Martin V. Unger, was born October 8, 1857, being the son of George and Elvira (Maggart) LTnger. George Unger was the son of George and Elizabeth (Bailey) Unger, who were mentioned in the introductory paragraphs of this sketch. Our subject's father was born May 28, 1825, in Morgan county, West Virginia, and died on December 20, 1892, in Clinton county, Indiana. He was married to Elvira Maggart on March 13, 1851, and she was born January 12, 1828, and departed this life February 28, 1896. In 1866 George Lmger was elected to the office of magistrate and was re-elected four successive terms of four years each. In 1886 he was drawn on the United States jury. Fraternally, he was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Middlefork Lodge. No. 304. Nine children were born to the union, namely: Sarah E.. John, David, Martin V., Nancy J., Calvin, Eliza E., and Oliver C.

Martin V. Unger received a good education in the common schools of his clay in Warren township. Later he attended the Lebanon, Ohio, Normal one term, and the six weeks' Normal at Frankfort and Russiaville. Using his education to the best advantage, he taught school for four years in Forrest and Warren township. He then took up active farming and continued very successfully until 1907, at which time lie removed to the city of Frankfort. He still manages the farm, however, from hi s home there. The farm of three hundred acres is situated in Warren township, and is in the very best condition - well tiled, fenced, improved, very tillable, and covered with the most modern structures, including an excellent barn.

Mr. Unger was married to Lydia S. Harmon on November 2, 1879. She was born September 19. 1859. Fifteen children have been born to this union, nine of whom are now living. They are: Iva Blanche, born April 2, 1882, now the wife of H. Jacoby of Cutler, Indiana; Grace M., born June 25, 1883, the wife of E. Boynesworth of Cutler; Robert J., born April 29. 1886, now of Warren township: Lloyd M.. born February 3. 1888. thirtv-second degree Mason. Warren township, married August 4, 1913, to Hannah Brookie of Cutler. Ind. ; Elva M., born February 18. 1885. studying to be trained nurse in Indianapolis; Roy, born June 20, 1893. on farm: Svlvia C., born May 30, 1895, in Frankfort high school; Artie I., born April 20, 1808. in school, and Helen, born April 8, 1905, in school.

Mr. Under is Woshipful Master of Middlefork Lodge, Xo. tog, hree and Accepted Masons, and is a thirty-second degree member, also member of the Knights Templar, Murat Shrine, and has tilled all offices in the Blue Lodge.

Clorce Smith

Xo people that go to make up our cosmopolitan civilization have better habits of life than those who have originally come from the great Herman empire, or are descendants of these people. They are all distinguished tor their thrift and honesty, and these two < (utilities in the inhabitants ot any country will in the end alone make that country great. W hen, with these two qualities, is coupled the other quality of sound sense, which they, as a race, seem to possess in large degree, there are afforded such qualities as will enrich any land and place it at the top of the countries of the world in the >eale of elevated humanity.

Among the second generation of Hermans in Clinton countv is Heorge Smith, of Frankfort, well-known veterinary and public official and one of our worthy native son-, his entire life of sixty-five years having been spent here, and he is a representative of two of the sterling pioneer families of this locality.

Mr. Smith was born at Ro.-sville. Clinton county, January 27, 1848. He is a son of John H. and Ann ( Dehner ) Smith, both born in Hermanv, from which country they emigrated to the United States with their parents when young in 'years and here the}' grew up and were married, finally locating in Rossville, where John H. Smith opened a harness shop, in 1832, and continued in this, business until 1852, being one of the first to engage in this line of endeavor in this section of the state. The country was sparsely settled and little improved when he came here. In 1852 he went into the general mercantile business in which he remained a few t ears when be sold out and took up farming, buying one hundred and sixty acres in 1854 where part of Rossville now stands. This he operated successfully until 1865. when he sold out and moved to Kentland. Xewton county, Indiana, where he purchased eight hundred acres and farmed on an extensive scale until his death, which occurred there in 1869. He had divided his eight hundred acre farm into eighty acre tracts, giving each of his ten children an eighty. They were named as follows: Lucas, died in infancy; Mary, died when nineteen years of age; Elizabeth, died in 1911 ; Henry L., died in 1908; Joseph H.. lives in Omaha, Nebraska; George, of this review; Sophia, lives in Portland, Oregon; Caroline. lives in Omaha, Nebraska; John A., lives in Indianapolis; Amanda, lives at Council Bluffs, Iowa.

The death of the mother of the above named children occurred in 1900 at Omaha, Nebraska, where she was making her home. The father took much interest in public affairs and for some time was justice of the peace and also trustee of Jefferson town-hip, Newton county. Politically he was a Democrat, and in religious matters a Catholic.

George Smith grew up in his native county and received a good public school education. He then began farming, which he continued for some time after his father'- death, and also at intervals between terms of office. In the fall of 1873 he went back to Ro--ville. where be bought a general store, remaining there until the spring of 1885. enjoying a good trade with the surrounding country. A great deal of his attention was directed to the practice of his profession from 1888; until 1899. in which Year he was elected countv clerk, which office he held for four year-. At that time he moved to Frankfort. where he purchased property and there he still resides. Before moving to the county seat he was trustee of Ross township for a period of eleven years. ITe was city councilman in Frankfort in 1905. He has been countv chairman of the Democratic party during three campaigns. He has been treasurer of the Clinton C.ountv Fair Association since its organization. As a public servant he ha- been very popular with hi- constituents, performing his various duties with ce re 1 1 hdelitv and c 'li-cientior-ness.

Mr. Smith is now practically retired from active life, however, he lookafter his fine farm of one hundred and -ixtv acres in Union township. Politically he i- a loyal Democrat, and fraternallv he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Improved Order of Ren Men. the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Honor.

Mr. Smith was married to Elenora Rose, daughter of Uriah and Elizabeth (Masters) Rose, who located on a farm in Clinton countv in 1866. To Uriah Rose and wife these children were born: Mrs. Mare Smith, of Rossville: Tamzen Gaddis, of McCune. Kansas: Elizabeth Douglass, of Orlando. Kansas; William \V.. of Ross township, this countv; Josephine, who died in 1890; Elenora, wife of Mr. Smith, of this sketch; and two children who died in infancy.

To George Smith and wife four children have been born, named as follows: Ralph is cashier of the American National Bank, of Frankfort; he is married and has one daughter, Louise: G. Adrian, cashier of the Rossville Bank, at Rossville, Indiana; is married and has three children: George Edward, Marguerite and Rosemary. Frank E. is a successful physician of Chicago; Caroline, the youngest child, is at home with her parents.

Those who know well J. M. R. Hendricks, successful farmer of Warren township, Clinton county, will tell you that he is a man of courage, selfreliance and of the utmost integrity of purpose, as a result of which he has during his entire life stood high in the estimation of his neighbors and friends and is therefore deserving of a place in the pages of this book.

Mr. Hendricks was born on July 25, 1861. in Ross township, Clinton county, Indiana, and he has been satisfied to spend his life in his native community, although long a resident of another township than that in which he first saw the light of day. He is a son of Samuel and Henrietta (Fink) Hendricks. The father was born near Rossville, Clinton county, in 1830, and his death occurred in 1902. The mother was born in Germany, and her death occurred in 1869. She had come west with her parents when young and here, in Clinton county, met and married Mr. Hendricks and they spent their liv es on a farm, and to them five children were born, three of whom are still living, namely: Dorothy is deceased, William L. is living, J. M. R., subject of this sketch ; Eldo L. is the youngest.

The gentleman whose name heads this article grew to manhood on the old homestead and there did the usual chores commonly assigned to a lad on the farm. During the winter months, when lie became of proper age he attended the neighboring school in his district, also supplemented his public school education by studying at Ladoga and at Valparaiso, Indiana, and was therefore well equipped to enter life for himself, so far as education was concerned.

On November 1, 1891, Mr. Hendricks married Jennett Walter, who was bom in 1866 in Warren township, Clinton county, and here she grew to womanhood and was educated in the public schools. She is a daughter of Alexander and Martha (Steele) Walter, both parents being now deceased. They spent their active lives on a farm.

Mr. Hendricks has always been a farmer. He removed from Ross township to Warren township in 1876. He is owner of one hundred and seventy acres, about fifty acres of which is not under cultivation. The rest is productive and well improved and well tiled. The fifty acres mentioned is in woods pasture. He carries on general farming and breeding and feeding of farm animals. He has a good set of buildings on his {dace and is very comfortably fixed in every way.

Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias at Frankfort and the Masons at Beard. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and politicallv is a Democrat. He was elected trustee of Warren township in 1894, and served nearly five years in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned. He was elected countv commissioner in 1908 and served three years with his usual fidelity and satisfaction from January 1, 1910.

Georgf L. Thompson

Everywhere in our favored land are found men who have worked their wav from comparatively humble beginnings to leadership in diverse avenues of endeavor and to positions of trust as custodians of' the people's interest. Such an one is the well known gentleman whose name is the caption of this article, George L. Thompson, successful business man at Frankfort, signally fortunate in commercial affairs, and ranking with the capable and conscientious men of Clinton county.

George L. Thompson was born in Michigan City. Indiana, on March 2, i860, and was the son of Charles C. and Martha (Nosworthy) Thompson. Charles Thompson, the father, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1837 and came to the Hoosier state in the 50's, and went into the contracting business, which he conducted successfully until his death on August 5. 1865. Mrs. Thompson, the mother of our subject, died on January 3, 1870. after a life of much usefulness to herself and to her acquaintances.

George L. Thompson received a common school education and then went into the First National Bank of Michigan City a short time, then took a position with the Ford-Johnson Chair Company as bookkeeper, which place he held for a period of six years, his long retention being ample proof of his work. He next moved to Frankfort. Indiana, and bought the old J. F. Morgan Lumber Yards in company with his father-in-law. C. O. Denning, and this establishment has since been under the name of the Deming-Thompson Company. It is capitalized at twenty-five thousand dollars and occupies one solid square in the heart of the city.

Mr. Thompson was married on January 16. 1882 to Mary F. Deming, and two children have been born to the union - Coy C. and Frank D.. both of whom are associated with their father in the lumber business.

Politically. Mr. Thompson is an Independent, and has never sought public office or emolument. Religiously, he is a Methodist, and fraternally is a Mason. York Rite and belongs to the Knights of Pythias.

L. P.Ruce Moore

No history of Clinton county, purporting to give the life records of the men who helped make the country and county what it i> todav. men who battled heroicallv against greater odds than we of todav can conceive, men who were self-sacrificing and long-suffering, would fie complete were there failure to make proper mention of the Moma familv. Father and son have led and are leading careers which should he an incentive to cithers, for thee are characterized bv a high sense of honor, indomitable courage and indefatigable industrv, and thus they have done much good in the communitv honored by their residence.

L. Bruce Moore was born on Februarv 16. 1854. on a farm south of the citv of Frankfort, and was the son of William and Sarah (Pauley) Moore.

Robert having come to Clinton county in the early 30's and farmed there until his death in 1866. William Moore came to Clinton county before his father, and in company with an aunt. After remaining here for a short time, he decided to depart for Iowa, in hopes that the country of that state would be more productive. He evidently found to the contrary, because he enlisted in that state in the American army which invaded Mexico. He served valiantly throughout the war with the greasers, under the command of General Winfield Scott. After the closing of hostilities, Mr. Moore returned to the North, to Clinton county, Indiana, and entered upon a farming career,

L. Bruce Moore, our subject attended the common schools, and received a fairly good general education, the deficiencies of which he afterward made up by home reading and observation. At the age of sixteen years he began teaching school in the winter months, and in the summer davs he worked on the farm. When lie had reached the age of maturity, twenty-one, he removed to Thorntown, Ind., with his parents, and for a period of eight years he worked at the fire insurance business there. He then went to Lebanon, Ind., and took up the same line of business, spending another eight years there, years attended with unusual success. He next came to Frankfort. this county, and conducted a coal business until 1909, when he gave it up in order to fill the office of township trustee, where he is now serving a term of two years.

Politically, Mr. Moore is a Republican. Fraternally, he is identified with the Loyal Order of Moose. Mr. Moore is a justice of the peace in Thorntown.

Francis B. Sims

One of the most conspicuous of Clinton county's pioneers was Francis B. Sims, who succeeded, during hi- long and useful life, in building up a great prestige in this community. He was altruistic and energetic in all affairs he undertook, and there was no man of the countv who shared more of the common esteem and admiration which is the reward for the man of accomplishment. He has passed into the other world, but behind him, he left many examples of his efficiency as a business man. He was one of that vast army of voting men who left their homes during the Civil War and donned the blue to save the Union.

Francis B. Sims was born near the town of Middlefork, Clinton county, on the yth of February. 1840. and was the son of Stephen and Nancy (Creek) Sims. Stephen Sims was horn in Cooke county. Tennessee. November 24. 1 792. He was a -<>n of William and Amelia (Russell) Sims. W illiam Sims was a M'n of William and Martha Sims, and wa- horn in Culpeper county, Virginia. Mav 14. 1760. his parents being of Scotch lineage. Unto the marriage of William and Amelia ( Russell ) Sim- was born the following children: Rush countv. where he resided till the death of hi - wife in 1834. at which Larkin. Marv A.. Joshua. James. William, Elizabeth. Sarah, Stephen. Thomas. Anna, Martha and Lewis. The death of the mother of these chil- dren occurred in 1820, and four years later the father married, for a second wife, Fear Sturdivant, whose death occurred in the year 1840. From his native state, William Sims removed in the year 1784, at which date he became a pioneer of Cooke county, Tennessee, where he resided till the year 1811, at which date he removed to Franklin county. Indiana, where his death occurred August 27. 1845. His occupation was that of farmer. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary War and served under General Washington. This sturdy pioneer and patriot was equally distinguished as a Christian. When the Methodist Episcopal church was reallv in its infancy in America, he became a member of this organization, and thereafter till death he remained a zealous and active member. His son. Stephen Sims, father of our subject, was nineteen years of age when he removed with his parents from Tennessee to Indiana in 181 r. The family settled near Brookville. In the year 1814, Stephen married Elizabeth McCarty, who was born at North Fiend. Hamilton countv. Ohio, in the year 1797. to which place her parents had only a short time previouslv removed from Baltimore countv. Marvland. Thev subsequentlv removed to Brookville, Indiana, where the daughter married Mr. Sims. Her father also was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. She bore her husband the following named children: Amelia. Rebecca. James X.. William. ]ohn F.. Cicero. Man ].. Larkin. Sarah. Jesse. Lewis, Martha A., and William S.

For a short time after his marriage Stephen Sims resided in Franklin countv, then removed to Connersville. Fayette count), .and from there to date he removed to Boone countv, and settled near Middlefork, where he continued to reside. He died January 16. 1863. The parents were life-long members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The father held manv positions of honor and trust. Like his father he was first a whig in politics and upon the organization of the Republican party be became a Republican. For vears he was justice of the peace, and while residing in Boone county he served as property appraiser; for two years he was an associate justice of Boone county. He also served as a school commissioner of Rush county for fiv e years, and in 1830 was a delegate to the Indiana constitutional convention. In all these positions he discharged his duties with fidelitv and creditable abilitv. He was of ordinarv education, but of general intelligence and unusual mental energv. He was a soldier of the war of 1812, and in everv sense of the term was one of the pioneers of Indiana. He was twice married and was the father of nineteen children bv both marriages. He began life as a mechanic, and having a large familv to support, amidst the privations of a new country, he acquired only a limited estate, and his children, as they grew to maturity, were compelled to resort to their own resources.

Our subject, Francis B. Sims, removed to Forest after thirty-five years spent in working on a farm, and at the latter place he established a brick yard. Later he took his brick business to Flora, Indiana, and continued with the same success as he had met with at the beginning.

On March 2. 1861. Mr. Sims was married to Lucy Cochran, who was born in Switzerland county, Indiana, on January 25, 1845, daughter of Aaron and Laura (Morrison) Cochran. The family of the Cochrans was one of the largest and best known of that section of the state, Aaron Cochran having come to that count}- from Xew York state in the 40's. To Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Cochran there were horn four children: Marietta, wife of George Trapp, of Elwood : Lucy A., wife of Francis B. Sims, of Frankfort; John Wesley, who at the age of eighteen enlisted in the Union armv and died in Indianapolis of the measles; and Sarah F., wife of John W. Guthridge, of Frankfort. After the death of Mrs. Cochran. Aaron Cochran was again united in marriage to Adaline Walters, and of this union were born five children: William, Monroe, died in August, i<)io: W alter. Cynthia A., wife of A. Eikenberry, and India, wife of Charles Blair, all of Forest, Indiana.

Our subject, Francis B. Sims, was alwavs a devout worker in the Methodist church, and lie never hesitated to contribute to anv enterprise which meant the betterment of hi- home communitv. During the war, Mr. Sims served in Company F, One Hundred and Fifty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantrv. and. according to the testimony of hi- former comrades, he was a valiant and courageous soldier Mr. Sims was one of the kindest and most generous men. giving liberally of his money and time to worth}' people or enterprises. lie donated brick to build several churches. Besides his family, he was survived bv one sister. Mrs. Xaomi Brooks, who resides in Kansas. To Mr. and Mrs. Sims were born the following children: Laura L., wife of Charles A. Ashpaugh. of Frankfort: Xaomi \melia. wife of James L. Moulder, of Xew Richmond; Della Letiora. wife of A. A. Flora, of Denver, Colorado, October 30. 1911. and Wallace Virgil, born July 15. 1887. and died March 15. 1888.

Wexdell B. Moxtgomery

The interests of modern life are so varied and complex and so wide in their influence that it requires a high standard of intelligence as well as thorough technical training and executive ability of a superior order to manage successfullv the many lines of industry which are today the pride and boast of the present century of progress and prosperity. This is essentially the age of the practical and nearly everywhere the man of ideas, judgment, discernment and leadership is pretty much in evidence. Great things depend upon great minds for their direction and the world is beginning to realize that the present generation is constantly developing leaders and captains of industry that not only make their influence an active and potential force in the world of affairs, but in a very large measure become the directors of progress in their respective spheres of endeavor. Such an individual must know and understand the widely diversified condition- of his country, the habits of the people, their methods of work and trade, their degree of intelligence, as well as their prejudices if he would become a forceful factor of the body politic and a true leader of the industry over which he has control.

Such a man is the well-known subject of this review, one who by the vigor of his personality and mastery of his calling has risen rapidly from a position as teacher in the public schools until he i- now the manager of one of the largest and most important manufacturing plants in the city of Frankfort, Indiana. Wendell B. Montgomery is an Ohio man and proud of his native commonwealth. He was born in the city of Cleveland. September 10, 1873, the son of O. J. and Hattie (Shoemaker) Montgomerv, both of whom are now living on a ranch near Great Fall-. Montana, and have unbounded faith in the future growth and prosperity of the great northwest.

Young Wendell enjoyed exceptional educational advantages as he grew up, having first finished the public school branches which supplemented by an attendance of several terms at Oberlin College and a business course in Bryant and Stratton's Commercial College. Chicago, eminentlv fitted him for the course of life he was subsequentlv to pursue and in which his success has been such as to make him one of the rising men of his day and generation in the city of his residence.

After finishing his academic and business training he taught school for several years, but not satisfied with the prospect of devoting his life to educational work, he finally discontinued the profession and engaged with the New Washington Brick and Lumber Co., Washington. D. C, of which he was soon made manager. This place he filled with credit to himself and the satisfaction of his employers until 1905. when he severed his connection with the enterprise and came to Frankfort, Indiana, where he has since held the position of manager of "The National Handle Factorv," a post of great responsibilitv and trust in which he has demonstrated unusual abilitv as an executive and leader of men.

Since engaging with the enterprise over which he now exercises control, Mr. Montgomery has been untiring in his efforts to promote its interests and add to its efficiency, in both of which his success has been signal and marked. The building has been enlarged and otherwise improved and the practical reconstruction of the works, together with the installment at intervals of machinery of the latest and most approved pattern have so increased the capacity of the plant as to afford facilities for a business that has grown in magnitude with each recurring year and whose proportions at this time bespeak still greater enlargement in the no distant future, in order to meet the constantly growing demand for the output. It is needless to state that the success of the plant and its high standing in industrial circles is largely due to the ability and oversight of the manager who is familiar with every detail of the business and spares neither time nor pains to make it one of the leading manufacturing establishments of the kind in the state.

In addition to his interest in the large and growing enterprise with which identified, Mr. Montgomery has not been unmindful of his duties as a citizen, as is indicated by his active participation in all laudable movements for the material, social and moral advancement of Frankfort and the general welfare of Clinton county. A reader, a thinker and a close observer, he has kept in touch with the trend of thought on the leading public questions and issues of the dav and in politics is an ardent supporter of the Progressive Republican partv, by which he was recently honored by being nominated for the office of mavor of his city, for which position he is now making an active, and. from indications, what promises to be a succes-ful canvass. He is well liked bv the people w hose interests he has ever had at heart and should he he elected, will doubtless give Frankfort one of the ablest and most popular administrations in the history of the city, lie is a gentleman of pleasing presence, courteous to all with whom he has relations, business or otherwise, and his friendships are limited only by the number of his acquaintances. In secret and fraternal work, he is likewise active and popular, being a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Travelers' Protective Association, in both of which his influence has had much to do in making the respective organizations realize the purposes for which intended.

In December of the year 1893, Mr. Montgomery was happily married to Miss Marv Ulmer, an estimable young lady of Tluffton, Indiana, who has borne him five children, namely: Hilliard. Ruth, \\ endell R.. Jr.. Mildred and Reth, who, with their parents, constitute an interesting and happy family circle.

Russell Allen

One of the honored veterans of the greatest civil war which history records, and a venerable citizen of Washington township, Clinton county, who has long ranked among our best and most enterprising farmers is David Allen, a man who would be appreciated as a citizen anywhere, for he is a believer in hard, persistent work and honorable dealings with his fellow men and at the same time is patriotic and public-spirited, having done much for the general improvement of the locality of his residence, both in a material and moral way, advocating right living and purity in politics. His place, known as Walnut Grove Farm, is located in Section 14, of the township above mentioned, and is a model in every respect. This place has been very skilfully and ably managed of recent years by his son, Russell Allen, a worthy son of a worthy sire, who seems to have inherited many of the commendable traits of his father, anti he has spent his life on this farm, having been born here in 1873. The place contains two hundred and seven acres and it lic> five and one-half miles from Frankfort.

David Allen, ex-county commissioner, was born also on this farm, in a log house, in 1840, and he is a son of Stephen Allen, who was born in 1799, in Ohio, and he came to this county in 1830 among the pioneers, and developed the farm by hard work from the virgin soil. He was a son of Phillip Allen, of Scotch-Irish descent. The family lived in Butler county. Ohio, for several generations and there Stephen Allen grew to manhood and married Mary Ross, who was also a native of that county, and there the elder Allens lived and died. Stephen Allen spent the rest of his life in Clinton county, Indiana, and was a well-known and highly respected citizen among the early settlers. His family consisted of eight children, five sons and three daughters, namelv: Andrew J., deceased; John, deceased; Elizabeth, Mrs. Rachael Groves, David. Almeda, Major and Smith B. The mother of these children died at the age of sixty-five years, while the father reached the advanced age of seventy-nine years. Politically he was a Republican, and in 1856 he voted for General John C. Fremont. He and his wife were both members of the Christian church.

David Allen was reared on the home place, and, growing up in pioneer times, he had plenty of hard work to do. He received a meager education in the old-time schools of his day. When the Civil war came on he enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantrv, Company H, under Col. William Wilson, of Lafayette. Our subject was soon sent to the far South and was stationed at Bridgeport, Alabama. He was honorably discharged in 1864, after which he returned home and resumed farming. Some years ago he served as commissioner of Clinton county with much credit to himself and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned. W hen twenty-one years of age he married, in November, 1S71, Eliza M. Clark, who was born in Jefferson, this county, and there reared and educated. She is a daughter of John M. Clark, who came to Clinton county in 1836, and here he spent the rest of his life, dying in Colfax.

Russell Allen grew to manhood on the home place here and he did his share of the work when growing to manhood. He received a good practical education in the schools of Frankfort. Upon reaching manhood he married Lettie Lane, daughter of a prominent pioneer family here. She was born on the old Lane homestead and here grew to womanhood and was educated in the schools of Frankfort. She is a daughter of Jesse Lane, mentioned on other pages of this work.

To our subject and wife four children have been born, namely: Frances, deceased; Walter, Florence and David, Jr. Mr. Allen owns one of the choice farms of his township, which place consists of one hundred and eight acres, well improved and carefully kept. He has a good set of buildings and alwavs keeps an excellent grade of live stock.

David B. Horlacher

One of the chief concerns of every man in the productive period of life is to accumulate sufficient means to care for himself and his familv in old age. Many men start out with the best of intentions, but err in business judgment and find themselves penniless in their declining years. Others seem to be followed bv unfortunate circumstances classified under the general heading of "hard luck." There are now many people whose advancing vears should entitled them to freedom from life's strenuous duties who are compelled to work hevond their strength for the necessities of life.

One of the citizens of Clinton county who while yet young and husky is laying by a competency to insure his old age free from want is David B. Horlacher. farmer of Washington township, a man who is a creditable representative of one of our old families, his paternal grandfather, Levi Horlacher, having been one of the early day hotel men here, keeping a tavern in Jefferson as far back as the thirties, which was a favorite stopping place for people passing to the western countries. David Horlacher. father of our subject.

has also been a well known man in this locality since the pioneer days. A full sketch of him will be found by the reader on another page of this work.

The immediate subject of this review was born in this county on February 24, 1874 on the old homestead, where he did his full share of the work when a boy, and during the winter months he attended the district schools. He remained on his father's farm until he was twenty-eight vears of age. In January. 1902. Mr. Horlacher married F.lva M. Bailey, daughter of Samuel Bailey, one of the substantial farmers of Perrv township. Mrs. Horlacher's mother is still living, being eighty years of age. Our subject and wife have one daughter. Evalvu Lavina. who was born February 25. 1910.

Mr. Horlacher owns a farm of two hundred three and two-thirds acres. He has two substantial sets of buildings, one set being erected this vear. Tie is ow ner of a standard make automobile. Also is stockholder in the American National Bank and owns stock in the Clinton Crain Companv.

William Freas, Sr

It is bv no means an easy task to describe within the limits of this review a man who has led an active and eminently useful life and by his own exertions reached a position of honor and trust in the line of industries with which his interests are allied. But biography finds justification, nevertheless, in recording such a life history, as the public claims a certain property nterest in the career of every individual and the time invariably arrives when it becomes advisable to give the right publicity. It is with a certain degree of satisfaction that the writer essays the task of touching briefly upon such a record as has been of the subject who now comes under this review. William Freas, Sr., of Frankfort, is a man of high standing and influence in the industrial circles with which he is identified.

William Freas, Sr., was born October 7, 1850, in Allentown, Pa., and was the son of John and Rachel (Brown) Freas. John Freas was born in Alsace-Lorraine, France, and came to America in the early '40's with a brother. Bv trade he was a steel worker. In 1868 he settled in Rossville, Clinton countv, and later bought a farm fi\ e miles west of Frankfort, farming the same until his death in 1882. Mrs. Freas died in 1896.

William Freas, Sr., spent his early years, until he was twenty-two years old, on a farm. He then went to Sedalia, where he stacked lumber for the New York Lumber Company, and five years later, in 1877, he came to Frankfort and worked for Good & McPherson in the liquor business. He stayed with this firm a very short time, then worked for Nathan Fletcher nine years. In 1882 he went into partnership with Frank Lancaster in the liquor business on North Side square, and here he remained two years. At that period he branched out for himself. In 1888 he went to Chicago, but was only engaged in business there for a period of six months, then came back to Frankfort and bought the block where the Freas Brothers are now located. Their place is known as the Elite Cigar Store, and the brands of stock kept are the best that can he obtained in the country and abroad. Our subject retired from active business in 1907. Mr. Freas is one of the stockholders of the First National Bank. Politically, he is a Democrat, and religiously a Lutheran. In fraternal matters he is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men and the Travelers' Protective Association.

Mr. Freas was married, on August 25, 1872, to Amanda E. Burns, who was born in Allentown, Pa., on October 18, 1851, and was the daughter of John and Caroline (Kreutzer) Burns. Her parents came to this county and settled three and one half miles north of Frankfort. Ider father followed farming until within a few years of his death, when he moved to Frankfort. Mrs Freas died on September 6. 1905. She was the mother of two children: William M., Jr., and Harvey E.

William Freas. Jr., was born on May 29, 1873, and in his youth received a common school education. At the age of twenty-one years he went into the cigar business on West Washington street, and here he stayed until 1898, when he began work for his father in the liquor trade. In 1907 he opened a small cigar store at his present location, in partnership with his brother. He is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks at Louisville, Ky., and in political life is a Democrat. Mr. Freas holds membership with the Lutheran church.

William Freas, Jr., was united in marriage on August 9, 1903, to Helen D. Hineburger, who was born in Rossville, Ind., April 17, 1875, the daughter of foseph and Rosa (Seigfried) Hineburger. Joseph Hineburger was horn in Yorkville, Ind., August 6, 1851, and came to Clinton county when twenty years of age. He settled in Rossville, and in 1878 came to Frankfort, where he worked as a carriage maker, and later worked in the grocery trade, which he has followed over since. Mrs. Plineburger was born near Schnecksville, Pa., on July 19, 1855. Both parents are living in this city on

Harvey Freas was born September 9, 1876, and attended the common schools of Clinton county. He also graduated from the Frankfort high school in 1897. In the year of the Spanish-American war he enlisted in Company I, One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry under Captain D. F. Allen. Harvey was commissioned commissary sergeant of the company. In St. Louis he was transferred to the band of the same regiment and was made a sergeant of the band. His serv ice included eighteen months in the Philippines, and every duty he was commanded to do he did with the utmost fidelity. In 1901 he was honorably discharged from the army. He worked for his father in the liquor business in Frankfort until he went into partnership with his brother in the cigar trade.

Fraternally, Harvey Freas belongs to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Spanish-American War Veterans. He casts his vote for the Democratic candidates, and attends the Lutheran church.

In 1904 he was married to Mamie Cohee. a daughter of William and Jennie (Tavlor) Cohee. Mrs. Freas lived only two years, dying on March 25. 1906. In November. 1007, Mr. Freas was married again, to Tracev Keene.

The present cigar store of the Frea^ brothers was opened in April. 1912. The store is one of the finest of its kind in the state, being fitted with Opal- Onvx cigar fixtures, and a full line of cigars, tobaccos, and confections is carried.

James L. Horlacher

A farmer when he has raised his crop has performed only half his duty; the other half is selling, which determines his profit for the year's work. It is just as important for the agricultural producer to know what the markets are as it is for the lumberman, to coal and ore producers, or the manufacturer to know what his goods are worth in the market and what competition he must meet in his selling. One of the progressive farmers of Washington township, Clinton county, who not only understands raising good crops but also how to get the best prices is Tames L. Horlacher, representative of an old family here.

Mr. Horlacher was born on the old homestead in this township, on May 27, 1870. He is a son of David Horlacher, deceased, who, for many years was one of the locality's leading agriculturists. He was born in Ohio, a son of Levi Horlacher, who kept a tavern in the early days. The family came to Clinton county in 1840. Levi Horlacher was born in Lehigh county. Pennsylvania, at Allentown, and was a son of Abraham Horlacher, who died in that state. Levi first went to Ohio, where he married, later removing to this county. He grew up in Pennsylvania. He was a tailor by trade. He married Rebecca Brelsford. a native of Ohio. Thev came to this county in a wagon and kept a tavern for some time at Jefferson in the early days. They moved to a farm in 1848. and there they spent the rest of their lives. They had five children, namely: David, father of our subject; John, who was a soldier in the Civil war. Tenth Indiana Volunteer Tnfantrv. is deceased: Annie E. is deceased : E. M. is deceased : and Clark, the youngest. The father of the children lived to be seventy-eight years of age. The mother also reached an advanced age. Politically, he was a Democrat, and was a member of the Lutheran church.

David Horlacher was reared nn the home farm and he received his education in the earlv-day schools. He became a very successful business man and well known and respected by all. He married Lavina B. Watt, daughter of James Wait, who was a native of Scotland. David Horlacher owned two or three valuable farms, aggregating four hundred and ten acres, on which he carried on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale. His death occurred on July 27. io°9. at the age of seventy-one years. He was a man of fine Christian character. His w ife, who was born in 1840. died at the age of fifty-four years, leaving five children, namely: James L.. of this

Tames L. Horlacher was reared on the home farm and received his education in the public schools. When twenty-four years of age he married Vettie Whetstone.. a school teacher, daughter of R. C. Whetstone, of Centerville. Mississippi. Her mother was Evaline Xetterville. To these parents ten children were born, an equal number of sons and daughters, all still living. Mr. Whetstone w as. a cotton planter of the old south but has lately retired and moved to town.

Our subject spent five years in western Kansas, in the great wheat district of Thomas county. He finally returned to Clinton county and has since been successfully engaged in general farming here, owning a well im- proved and well cultivated place of one hundred and sixty acres, his place being known as ''Clear Water Valley Farm.'' named for Mrs. Horlacher's old plantation home in the southland. He has a good home and such outbuildings and improved farming machinery as his needs require. He also owns three hundred acres in Kansas.

Our subject and wife have three sons and one daughter, namely: Levi J.. student at Purdue University, born Tune 9. 1896: Walter, born August 4. 1897 : John R.. born December 14. 1898: Mabel W. w as born November 16, 1904.

Politically, he is a Democrat. Fraternallv Mr. Horlacher is a Mason, and he tries to carry its teachings into his every dav life. Mr. and Mrs. Horlacher and the two oldest sons are members of the Christian church.

Jesse E. Ayres

Among the citizens of Washington township, Clinton countv, who are especially deserving of mention in a volume like the one in hand is Jesse E. Ayres, partly because he has lived a life that i> free from blame, and partly because he has been industrious and public spirited, never failing in the duties of citizenship. Such men are appreciated in any community, and this countv has been fortunate in the possession of a large number of this type.

Mr. Ayres was born in this county on February 19. 1838. He is a son of John B. Ayres, also a native of this county, and a grandson of Albert G. Ayres, who was one of the early settlers of Clinton county, having come herein October, 1833, the family settling in the woods, but they were industrious and soon had land cleared, crops growing and a comfortable home established. The grandfather came from Butler county. Ohio. Albert G. Ayres was born in 1801, and his death occurred in 1884. The mother of our subject was known in her maidenhood as Mary J. Armentrout, a native of Ohio, also. She was a daughter of Matthew Armentrout. a native of Virginia. John B. Ayres, father of our subject, made the overland trip to Pike's Peak in 1839. He was a soldier in the Civil War, enlisting in 1861 as a member of the Fortieth Indiana Volunteer Infantrv, in which he served three years, six months and five davs, under both Grant and Sherman, and he fought in many battles. He was twice married. By his first wife one son was born, Jesse E.. our subject. His last wife was Sarah Louisa Chambers, a native of Ohio. By this union two children were born, namely: Albert G., a well-known citizen of

Clinton county, and Mrs. Anna Horine, who lives in Frankfort. The death of John B. Ayres occurred at Frankfort at the age of seventy-four years. He was an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He belonged to the Masonic Order.

Jesse E. Ayres was reared on the home farm and was educated in the public schools. He was married in 1880 t<> Sarah Tompson, of Center township, a daughter of Peter and Catherine C. (Lee) Tompson. To our subject and wife seven children have been born, two sons and five daughters, namely: A'alter E., is a conductor on the Clover Leaf railroad; A. Grace, wife of Lee Young, of this county; Mary E.. wife of Charles Fickle, of Madison township; Mrs. Maud Rhodes, Mable F.. Sarah IT, and Floyd. Peter.

Mr. Avres is the owner of seventv-six acres of valuable and well improved land in Section 35. W ashington township, where he carries on general farming and stock raising. He has a comfortable dwelling and good outbuildings. He also owns 160 acres in Union township.

Mr. Ayres is a member of the Presbyterian church, of which his family also are members. His great grand fathers on both sides were soldiers in the Mexican W'ar.

Edgar M. C. Iiarshmax

There are no better or more progressive farmers and stock raisers in Clinton county than Edgar M. C. Harshman, owner of Oakwood Stock Farm in Perry township, Section 35, which valuable and desirable place contains two hundred and thirty-five acres. He keeps up with the best literature dealing with general farming and the handling of livestock, adopting such advanced methods, as in his judgment, makes for the betterment of conditions in this locality, and he has always been a close observer, himself experimenting in the rotation of crops, different fertilizing agencies, etc., until he is today thoroughlv grounded in the science of tilling the -oil as the best farmers of the twentieth century know it.

Mr. Harshman was born November 2, 1863, in this county, the son ot Oliver Harshman, a native of Ohio, and there he grew to manhood on a farm and received a common school education, and in early lite married Rachael Thompson, who proved to be a faithful helpmeet in ever) respect. She died when comparatively young, leaving three children, namely: Mrs. Maggie Mercer, who lives in Michigan; Mrs. Ella Smith, wife of Joseph Smith, of Perry township, this county, and Edgar M. C.. of this sketch. The father was married a second time, his last wife being Rachael Pegg. The father of our subject died at the age of fifty-one years. He was a general farmer. Politically he was a Democrat, and was a member of the Baptist church, and was active in church and Sunday school work, was superintendent of the Sunday school for some time. He was a man of fine character and a good citizen in every respect.

Edgar M. C. llarshman was reared on the old homestead and there he assisted with the general work when a hoy. He received his education in the common schools. When twenty-one years old he married Dora Payne daughter of Jackson Payne. 'Her death occurred at the early age of twenty-five \ears, leaving three children, namelv: Mamie, w ho married William Crull, of this county; Clancy, who resides on a farm adjoining his father, lost his wife and child some time ago; Oliver J. is at home. Our subject married in 1891 Agnes V. Mvnes, who was born, reared and educated in Clinton county. She is a daughter of David Mvnes, deceased. Mr. llarshman is the father of eleven children bv his second wife, seven sons and four daughters, namelv: Alfred B., Flossie, Frank I.. Clarence. Clara, Curtis. Marie. Dorothv. (den, Edgar. Merlyn. Jr., and Everett Berlyn. twins.

Mr. Harshman keeps his place well improved and under a high state of cultivation. He has a large dwelling and good outbuildings, lie raises a great deal of live stock of a fine grade, and feeds cattle and hogs in large numbers, averaging most years sending to the market from his place five car loads each of cattle and hogs. He i> well prepared for properly caring for his stock, having large barns and sheds. He is regarded as one of the leading stock men in Perrv township, and no one in the township is a better judge of all kinds of live stock than he. He is a good manager and has been very successful in his life work. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church. They live three and one-half miles northeast of Colfax. Thee are frank, genial, neighborly and well liked by all who know them.

Among the native born residents of Clinton county who have reached a well merited success we must certainly include the name of Edward Mc- Kinsey, well-known contractor of Colfax. Few of our younger business men are better or more favorably known in this locality than he. Honesty and fair dealing have been his watchwords, and these twin virtues have been personi- fied in his active life. He has studied long and carefully everv phase of his vocation and seeks at all times to do thoroughly and well whatever he undertakes.

Mr. McKinsey was born on the old homestead in Jackson township, this county, being a son of one of our worthy pioneer settlers. His birth occurred on August 13, 1878. He is a son of Thomas McKinsey, also born in the above named township and county, in the old brick house built there eighty years ago, this having been one of the first brick houses built in this locality. It is a picturesque place, and in it may still be seen the old fire-place with its iron crane. There many of the prominent people of this section of the state partook of the free hospitality for which the McKinseys have always been noted, the latch string having always hung on the outside. Here the paternal grandfather of our subject. Xehemiah McKinsey. entered one hundred and twentyfive acres from the government, and this he developed from the wilderness into one of the choice farms of the county. His children were: Wesley was a soldier in the War of the Rebellion, ( ieorge. Jack, Thomas, Calvin, also a soldier in the Civil War. and was killed in battle: Charles and Anna. The mother of our subject was known in her maidenhood as Emma Cook, daughter of Seth Cook, one of the early settlers of this county. The death of the mother of our subject occurred on July 29, 1889 at the early age of thirtyeight years. She was a worthy member of the Methodist church and a good woman in everv respect, kind, forbearing and neighborly. The children born to Thomas McKinsev and wife were five in number, three of whom are deceased. tliev were named Edward, of this review, and Janies are the two living. Anna. Clinton and an infant daughter are deceased.

Ed McKinsev, as he i- known to everybody, was reared on the home farm and there worked when a boy. He received a good common school education. At the age of twenty-one he was married in Colfax to Bertha Waggoner, a native of Champaign. Illinois, and a daughter of Thomas J. and Marv E. (Lanam) Waggoner. The union of our subject and wife has resulted in the birth of three children, namely: Flossie E., now thirteen years old, is in the seventh grade in school; Pauline is seven years old. and Harold is three.

Mr. McKinsev has been engaged in contracting in Colfax for a number of years and he has been very successful, now ranking with the leading contractors in this section of the state, doing a great deal of gravel and similar work, and operating a threshing machine and hay baler. He owns a substantial and well furnished eight-roomed house, and he owns eleven and onehalf lots in one of the most valuable parts of Colfax. For many years he has followed threshing throughout this locality and is one of the best threshing machine men in the country. Politically he is a Republican. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Xo. 487, and the Maccabees, Xo. 169, botli of Colfax.

St. Mary'S Catholic Church

1 he history of the church in any community is an interesting one. To study such a history, an idea is obtained of the history of other institutions. So long as history has been written, we rind that the church ha' been closest to the peoples' heart, that is. the trend of events, the controlling passions, have been molded by the teaching of God's propaganda; royalty is based on religion, in fact, all government ; civilization and societv depend upon it for sustenance and principals; and the great law courts of the world have, as their scales of justice, the weight of religion. Eliminate the force of religion from the world, and the world will disintegrate, crumble and hasten to self-destroying ruin.

Though religious services were held for the Catholic people of Frankfort as early as 1859. the first church was erected in 1878. At that time Rev. Francis Lordman administered to the spiritual wants of the Catholics.

When Francis Lordman could no longer attend to Frankfort, the Bishop gave the Franciscan Fathers of Lafayette charge of it from 1888 to 1892. and again from 1896 to 1898. Reverend John Blum was the first resident pastor, from lulv 1. 1892 until Januarv, 1896. The present location was selected bv Bishop Dwenger, and in 1892 a Gothic frame structure was built. When Father Blum left, the Franciscans came here twice a month, and during this time an altar, new pews, as well as the frescoing of the church, was provided. Also the entire debt was lifted. Rev. P. J. O'Reilly took charge on September 10, 1898, and during his stay of nine months, the present parochial residence was built.

The present church building was erected in 1912. and dedicated on the 23th of Mav. 1913. It is Roman style of architecture, of dark shale brick and Bedford stone. The building committee consisted of P. R. Corbett, j. B. Kelley, John Devitt. W. H. McOuiston and Michael Rowan. The present pastor is Rev. W. B. Hardeman, who took charge on October 30.

St Mary'S Catholic C1U Rch

1906. Tlie priests who have had charge from the beginning until the present time are: Edward O'Flaherty, George A. Hamilton, A. B. Oechtering,

Rev. W. B. Hordeman is a native of Rensselaer, Indiana, where his father and four brothers are still living. After leaving the public schools, he entered St. Joseph's College, at College ville, Indiana, where he took the six year classical course, from 1894 to 1900. After completing this course, he spent five years at Mt. St. Mary's of the WAest, at Cincinnati, Ohio, in the study of philosophy, theology, history and Sacred Scripture. Finishing here in June, 1905, he was ordained by Bishop Alerding. in the Cathedral at Fort Wayne. Indiana, on June 17th of the same year. His appointments were: Assistant at Gas City, at the Cathedral of Fort Wayne, substitute at Fowler, pastor pro tern at SS. Peter and Paul's at Huntington. Indiana, and pastor at Frankfort since October 30, 1906.

Joseph Heavilon

A highly respected and public-spirited citizen of Washington township, Clinton county is Joseph Heavilon, a man who has lived a life of industry and has dealt honestly with his fellow men. so that he is every way deserving of the esteem which is gladly accorded him by his wide acquaintance. He has lived to see the community develop from a wild state into one of the foremost farming localities in the Hoosier state, and he has played well his part in the transformation.

Mr. Heavilon hails from the Badger state, having been born at Milwaukee. Wisconsin, in 1840. a son of Taylor Heavilon, who was born in 1808, in Monmouth county. New Jersey. The mother of our subject was Sallv Potter, a native of Rutland. Vermont. The father of our subject was a carpenter and contractor. He came to Chicago in 1833. about the time of the treaty with Chief Black Haw'k. He moved to Milwaukee in 1843. He had been in Indiana as early as 1828. The father of our subject died at the age of sixtv-six years, in 1874. The mother survived until 1907, reaching the advanced age of eightv-six years. Six children wTere born to them, namely: Lydia, Joseph. Charlotte. Kvgar, Abel and Franklin.

Joseph Heavilon received a common school education. In 1865 he married Virginia P. Caster, a daughter of Richard Caster, of Virginia. The union of our subject and wife resulted in the birth of three children, namely: Mrs. Sally Groves, Jesse who lives in this county; and Mrs. Virginia P. Knapp, wife of George B. M. Knapp, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.

Mr. Heavilon's first wife died in 1873 and in 1875 he married Jessie Caster, a sister of his first wife, and to this union three children were born, namely: R. M. is a banker of Frankfort: Harry, Joseph, Jr.. Marv, Daisy, Fanny, Gertrude. Harold and Hobert. These children w'ere given good educations, some attending Purdue University at Lafavette, Indiana.

Our subject and sons ow n one thousand acres of fine land and they carry on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale. They have a pleasant home and are popular in the township.

Joseph J. Ruch

Reform movements travel slowly. The wearing-out process of the virgin fields of the United States has extended over a long period of years and their reiuvenation will recpure many years of agitation on the part of experiment stations, county experts and farm weeklies, but each year the farmers of the Middle West are showdng improvement in their method of handling the soil. Judicious crop rotation, in which one of the legumes is included, is having much to do to bring about an increased yield per acre. There has not been, and w*ill not be, a spontaneous movement to restore the soil's fertility. Farmers are no exception to the average of mankind. Some will take the initiative, others will doubt, still others will learn by example, and vet another class will wrait until forced by a depleted soil and a decreased vield to take up the great work of rebuilding the soil.

One of the progressive farmers of Washington township. Clinton county, who has demonstrated here for more than half a century that he understands how to preserve the fertility of the soil is Joseph J. Ruch, widely known pioneer citizen and gallant veteran of the Civil war. who came to this locality in the vear 1853. when a boy. He was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania,

November 5, 1842. He is a son of a farmer, Peter Ruch, also a native of the above named county and state, and a son of Lawrence Ruch, born also in the Keystone state. The father of our subject grew to manhood in his native state and there received such educational advantages as the early times afforded. There he married Louisa Anna Troxel, a native of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of John Troxel. a Pennsylvanian. Peter Ruch and wife came, with a wagon and three horses, to Clinton county, Indiana in the days of the early emigration westward from the old Eastern states, in 1853. and here Peter bought three hundred and eighty acres of land, for which he paid seven thousand and six hundred dollars. It was choice land, and thereon he established the future home of the family, which consisted of seven sons and three daughters, namely: William Id., died at the age of sixty-six years; Peter died when nineteen years old: George, died sixty-four years old: Joseph J. : Eli died in Pennsylvania: Martin died when fifty-six years old: Lucy is deceased: Francis was the youngest. The father of these children died at the age of seventy-two vears. leaving a large estate to his children. The mother passed away at the age of seventy-four years, beloved by all who knew her. She was a member of the Lutheran Reformed church.

Joseph J. Ruch was reared on the home farm and educated in the neighboring schools. He was eleven years old when the family moved to this county. He attended the old log school house in his neighborhood. Early in the Civil war he enlisted in Company I, Fourth Indiana Volunteer Cavalry for three vears or during the war. under Captain Austin, of Lafayette, and Col. Isaac P. Grace. After spending some time at Camp Morton. Indianapolis. he was sent to Madison, this state, then to Camp Gray, then crossed the Ohio river on horseback, spent two months at Carlton, Kentucky, then to Louisville. Ky. He took part in a number of battles and skirmishes, including P«ear Valley. Nashville, Lookout Mountain, Franklin and others, under General Thomas most of the time. He was discharged for disability April 26. 1863, after making a fine record as a soldier for the Union. He returned home to Clinton county and resumed farming.

In 1865. Mr. Ruch married Sarah A. Baer, who has proven to be a faithful helpmeet. She is a daughter of Jacob Baer, who died when fiftyeight years old. but the mother lived to the advanced age of eightv-three.

Our subject's farm of ninety-five acres is one of the best in the township. He keeps a good grade of stock, and he has good outbuildings, and a substantial nine-roomed dwelling, well furnished.

Annie Heinbach, Mrs. Ella Schreier, Dallas P. J., who owns a good one hundred and fifty acre farm: James who owns an eightv-three acre farm; two children died young, Frank and George W.

Politically, Mr. Ruch is a strong Republican. He is a member of the Reformed church. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic. Stone River Post No. 65, Frankfort, Ind.

There is a great deal in being born under a good eye. one that watches and guards off the error and folly that overtake so many young men. The parents that are able to infuse into their children the spirit of the Spartans - the spirit that can meet any fate and make the most of the world - will see their children grow to years of maturity with excellent habits and splendid principles and see them become exemplary citizens. D. H. Pellman, superintendent and manager of the Ballard Tee Cream Company, of Mulberry, Clinton county, was fortunate in having broad-minded, honest and painstaking parents. He was taught from the start the duties of life - not ordinary instruction. but the higher duties which all owe to each other and to society. The result has been to give him broad ideas of life and its responsibilities and to fit him for honorable citizenship.

Mr. Pellman was born in Warren county, Indiana, near the city of Boswell. on March 18, 1883. He is a son of Austin Pellman. of Milford, Iroquois county, Illinois, however he was a native of Indiana, born on a farm. He married Sarah E. Wells, also a native of this state, now deceased. Six children were born to them, an equal number of sons and daughters.

D. H. Pellman was reared on the home farm and there taught to work. He received a good public school education and also attended Purdue University, at Lafayette, Ind., where his uncle. H. Pellman. is boss butter maker in the agricultural department.

Mr. Pellman took charge of the Ballard Ice Cream Company's plant in Mulberry, in igio. The capacity of the plant is three hundred gallons per day. Large quantities of cream and milk are purchased from the farmers round about, which is brought in early in the morning and is shipped to Indianapolis, about two thousand gallons being shipped each month. As good ice cream as can be obtained in the state is made at the local plant, and it is

They have a twenty-horse power plant. All milk is pasteurized. All equipment is modern and up-to-date, sanitary in every respect, cleanliness and high-grade as well as prompt service being the aim of the company. Mr. Pellam understands thoroughly every detail of the work and is giving his employers eminent satisfaction, having done much to increase the prestige of the firm. While at Purdue he was for some time head herd man.

On June 26, 1907, Mr. Pellam was married to Flora R. Ambler, of Oxford. Indiana, who was born at Pine Village. Warren county, Ind., where she was reared and educated.

To our subject and wife two children have been born. Marvin William and Herbert Sidner. Mr. Pellam is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Tribe of Ben-Hur.

Anise W. Peter

Useless to say that Anise W. Peter, farmer of Madison township. Clinton county, has worked hard and honorably earned the reputation which he enjoys as one of the leading farmers of his community, and it is also needless to add that he is held in the highest esteem by all who knows him intimately, for he is a man who throws the force of his strong individuality into the general work of upbuilding the township and county.

Mr. Peter was born on the old homestead in Clinton county. January 19, 1869. He is a son of Franklin Peter who was horn in Butler countv, Ohio, near the city of Oxford, in 1820. From there he came to Indiana in 1832. He was a son of Henry Peter, who was born September 3. 1804. in Pennsvlvania : he was a son of. William Peter. Jr., also a native of that state, born 1779. The latter was a =on of William Peter, Sr., born in 1756. a son of Rudolph Peter, one of three brothers, natives of Switzerland, who emigrated to the Lhiited States, here founding the Peter family which is now very numerous. They emigrated here in the year 1743. locating in Pennsylvania. Rudolph was a hatter by trade, having bought land which he paid for by making fine wool hats. The Peter family have always been Lutherans in their religious faith, and noted for their piety as well as industry. It was their custom to have their children baptised when one month old.

to Indiana, making the trip by wagon, establishing their home under a huge oak tree upon their arrival in the new country. But being thrifty they had a good home in due course of time. The following children were born to Henry Peter and wife: Daniel, Eli. Leah. Franklin, Susan, Edward and

Hannah. They are all now deceased but Eli who lives at Ashland, Oregon, and is now eighty-two years old. and Edward Peter who now resides at Mulberrv. Ind. ; Franklin Peter, reared on the farm, married Eliza Bryan, July 8, 1855. She was a daughter of Simeon Bryan, who was born November 30, 1796. Eliza (Bryan) Peter died July 23, 1912. one hundred and fourteen years after the birth of her father. Simeon Bryan married Emily Slipher. a daughter of Daniel Slipher. one of the old settlers of Clinton county. Franklin and Eliza Peter had seven children, four of whom are now living, namely: Mrs. Emily E. Gable, wife of Robert W. Gable; Marcella is the wife of Peter Rothenberger : Ella is the wife of Perry A. Rothenberger ; Anise W., of this sketch: Ezra B.. Victoria A. and Ivy are all three deceased. The death of the father occurred January 31. 1889 at the age of sixty years. He devoted his life to farming and religiously was a member of the Lutheran church, in which he was an elder for some time. Politically he was a Republican.

Anise \Y. Peter was reared on the home farm and he received his education in the public schools. He has devoted his life to general farming and has succeeded all along the line. He has remained on the home farm which consists of eighty acres which he has kept under a fine state of cultivation and improvement. He raises a great deal of grain and livestock, and he has kept the home and outbuildings well repaired. He raises fancy poultry which are admired by all who see them, specializing on Light Brahmas and Columbian Wyandottes. He has taken many premiums at various exhibits. His fine poultry finds a very ready market over a wide territory, and he is one of the most widely known poultry men in this section of the state. This is part of the thirty-two hundred acres which our subject's great grandfather Peter entered from the government.

Mr. Peter was married November 12. 1890 to Ida A. Glick, who was born in Madison township, Clinton county, and reared and educated here. She is a daughter of Allen Glick, a well known citizen here in the pioneer period of the county. He was a native of Ohio, and came to Indiana when young, and married in Tippecanoe county, to Rebecca Lecklitner, and to them

Bryan, Mrs. Emma Sense, is a widow; Mrs. Ida A. Peter, wife of our subject; Laura A. who has remained single; Maude O. is the wife of Orville Rothenberger ; Lloyd and Floyd are twins.

Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Peter, namely: Maurice Vernon, born September 14, 1S96; Edna Ruth, born November 4, 1902; Genieve Lucile having died in infancy. Mr. Peter was among the first of the community to give a name to his farm which is now known as ''The North View Farm."

Chalmer L. Smith

The biographical annals of Clinton county would be incomplete were there failure to make specific mention of the progressive farmer of Madison township whose name forms the caption of this paragraph, who is one of the county's worth}- native sons. Mr. Smith had the sagacity in youth to see that better opportunities waited for him right here on his native heath than otherwhere, consequently his life labors have been confined, to this locality rather than in distant and precarious fields, and, judging from the success he has achieved here he was fortunate in coming to this decision - to remain at home, the best place in the world, as all will agree.

Chalmer L. Smith, owner of Grand View Farm, is a scion of two of our sterling pioneer families, both having been prominent in the affairs of the county for several generations. Tie was born in Ross township. Clinton county. August 4. 1871, and is a son of Edward and Sarah E. (Fickle) Smith. The father was a native of Ohio where he remained until he was eighteen years of age then west to Illinois and was living there at the outbreak of the Civ il war. He did not enter the service until the war wras nearly over, having enlisted in February. 1865. in the One Hundred and Fortyeighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in which he served until September of the same vear when he was honorable discharged, with the rank of corporal. He was born in Perry county. Ohio, in 1847. and was a son of James Smith, also a native of the Buckeye state, and of Scotch-lrish descent. Edward Smith later came to Clinton county. Tnd.. and here married Sarah E. Fickle, daughter of Isaac and Ann (Thompson) Fickle, mention of whom is made at length on other pages of this volume. The death of Edward Smith occurred at the age of forty-four rears. May 16. 1891. The death of his wife occurred on March 6, 1895, at the age of forty-eight years. Five children were born to them, namelv: Lorenzo V., of Bluffton. Tnd. : Chalmer L., of this sketch: Elva F.. of Mulberry: James M., of Washington township, this county; Robert E.. of Clarks Hill. Ind. The father was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and he belonged to the United Presbyterian church, at Mt. Pleasant.

Chalmer L. Smith was reared on the home favm in his native township and he received a common school education. When twenty -one years of age he married Erma Lake nee Daggy. daughter of George Daggy. who died when forty-two year? old. Mr. Daggy was horn in Virginia. His wife, a Miss Minerva Poundstone. was a native of tin's countv. Tier death occurred at the age of forty-four years, leaving five children, namely: Mrs. Ida

Mr. Smith owns a small hut productive and valuable farm of sixty-two acres which he moved to in t8oO- He ha? a good home and even* thing about the place is kept in shipshape. He has worked hard and is very comfortably fixed. Hi? dwelling i? on an eminence from which an inspiring view of the surrounding country may he had.

Henry D. Beisel

The people who constitute the bone and sinew of this country are not those who are unstable and unsettled: who fly from this occupation to that; who do not know how to properly discharge the duties of citizenship until they are told, and who take no active and intelligent interest in affairs affecting schools, churches and public institutions. The backbone of this country is made up of families who have made their own homes, who are alive to the best interests of the community in which they reside. Such is the Beisel family of Clinton county, one of the best known of the present generation being Henry D., an extensive land owner and successful farmer and sock mnn of Ross township.

Mr. Beisel was born on the old homestead in the above named township and county, February 7, 1855. He is a son of Solomon K. Beisel, who was born in Lehigh county, Penn., where he spent his early days, finally coming to Clinton county, being one of the well known early settlers here. His father was a native of Pennsylvania and his grandfather was born in Germany from which country he emigrated to America and settled in the old Keystone state where he established the family home. The mother of the subject of this sketch was Angeline Bear, born in Lehigh county, Penn., a daughter of Jacob Bear, also a native of that state. Solomon K. Beisel grew up in his native county and was educated and married there. Here they developed a good farm through their industry. Seven children were born to them: Henry D., of this sketch: Mary, married to Matthias Troxel; Benjamin, living in Union township: Peter J . ; Sarah the wife of Selby Lewis living on the old home farm; Rosa, the wife of E. L. Shaw of Ross township; Minnie the wife of B. Strange of Owen township; Flora, who died in youth. The father of these children died at the age of seventy-three years. Politically, he was a Republican, and religiously, a member of the Reformed church. He was a man of magnificent physique, noted for his industry and honesty, liked by everybody.

Henry D. Beisel was reared on the home farm and educated in the rural schools of his district. In his early life he worked in saw mills and farmed, until 1S82, when he was married to Anna M. Beal, for a number of years a popular teacher in the schools of this county. She was a daughter of the late Harvey Beal, long a prominent citizen of Clinton county. He w-as married four times and became the father of twenty children.

Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Beisel: Bertice, living in Minneapolis and engaged in railroading; Ervin X. living on a farm in Union township; Morris living on a farm in Owen township; Inez, the wife of Dr. L. Lutz living in Michigan ; Edith, graduated from the Rossville high school with the class of 1913, living at home: Bessie, now a pupil in the local high school. These children were all given good educational advantages, and the sons are well situated in life. The death of Mrs. Beisel occurred at the age of fortyeight. She was a woman of many praiseworthy traits of character and was an earnest church worker. In 1907 Mr. Beisel married Mrs. Alice M. Saidla, a daughter of Enoch Thompson, now deceased. She had two sons by her former marriage, Bert, of Darlington, and John, living in Chicago.

also feeds large numbers of cattle and hogs annually. He makes a specialty of blooded coach horses which are greatly admired, and he has taken nearly seventy-five premiums at fairs and exhibitions over the country, his horses and colts generally winning blue ribbons in coach and general purpose classes. He is an excellent judge of horses and knows how to handle them. He owns in all four hundred acres in Clinton county, comprising three farms. Two hundred and twenty acres constitute his farm in Union township: he has eighty acres in Ross township, eighty in Owen township and there are fifteen acres surrounding his home. His land is all well improved, productive and under a high state of cultivation. He has a beautiful modern home, large bams and convenient outbuildings of all kinds. Everything about his place denotes thrift, good management and industry. He is entitled to a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished, for he started in life poor and has forged to the front through his individual efforts.

He is a member of the Presbyterian church, an elder in the same and has long been active in church work. He is a genial, obliging, hospitable gentleman whom it is a pleasure to meet. He is a Repuh'ican in politics.