Clinton County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1913 (part 12 of 17)

Lewis Rot Hex Berger

Like manv of the most enterprising and esteemed citizens of Clinton county the Rothenbergers came from Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. It seems that a few courageous men of that county found their way to this when Indiana was first being settled, and, being pleased with the prospect here, induced their friends to make a similar overland journey westward across the great Alleghanies: they in turn told their friends and relatives of the splendid new country they had found, and so for generations this has been going on until today it is surprising how many of our citizens came directly from the old countv in the Keystone state or are descendants of those who did come from there.

Lewis Rothenberger, farmer of Madison township, is of the second generation of people from Lehigh county, but he himself was born on the old homestead in Madison township, in 1869. He is a son of Christian Rothenberger who immigrated when a young man to Clinton county in 1848, locating in Madison township He was born in Lehigh county. Pennsylvania. April 21, 1824. He is a son of George and Sarah (Wentz) Rothenberger.

His father was also a native of Pennsylvania. On October 24, 1852 he married Marietta Leibenguth, a daughter of Peter and Hannah (App) Leibenguth. She was born December 3, 1831 in Northampton county, Pennsylvania. The following children were born to our subject's parents: Frank P., Josiah, Flora E., Peter, Lydia M., Perry A.. Lewis, Ida A., Sarah H. and Mary J. The father of these children was a great fisherman in his day. In the fall of 1881 he went fishing, accompanied by some of his neighbors, and caught eight hundred pounds of fish on the Wild Cat river. He belonged to the Lutheran church and politically he was a Democrat. He was at one time supervisor of his township. He came to this county a poor man, but by industry and economy he secured a competency. He lived to be seventyfive years of age. His widow survives, being now eighty-three years old. She lives in the town of Mulberry where she has a fine home and she enjoys good health. She is a woman noted for her charity, hospitality and oldtime Christianity, and also for her good memory.

Lewis Rothenberger was reared on the old home farm and he was educated in the rural schools of his neighborhood. When fourteen years old he went to live with his brother Josiah. He was married on February 14, 1892 to Cora Snyder, who was born in Lehigh county. Pa., and came to Indiana with her parents at the age of eight years. She is a daughter of Edwin Snyder, who was born in Lehigh county. Pa., where he spent his earlier years. Mrs. Rothenberger was born October 5. 1868. Her mother was Hannah Rex. before her marriage, a daughter of Jacob Rex. now deceased. Eight children were born to Edwin Snyder and wife, namely: Oliver E. died at the age of twenty-one years ; Cora, wife of our subject: Mrs. Mary Hedrick, of Flora, Ind. : Aaron lives in Nevada: Albert lives in Crawfordsville, Ind. : Ada lives in Monticello Ind.; Rev. Howard S. lives in Kingston. New York: Samuel is engaged in farming in Clinton county. The parents of these children were members of the Lutheran church.

Lewis Rothenberger has devoted his life successfully to general farming. He is owner of a valuable place of eighty-three acres in Madison township, where he is carrying on general farming and stock raising. He has a good nine-roomed house installed with a furnace and acetylene light plant, a large barn thirtv-six bv sixty-eight feet and such modern farming implements as his needs require.

Three children have been born to our subject and wife: Orpha Maude, born December 21. 1892. She is a graduate from the Academic department of Weidners Institute at Mulberry, Ind., in 1911, and also from Junior Col- lege of Weidner Institute; Neva Hannah, born April 22, 1895. She also is a graduate from the Academic department of Weidner Institute in 1913 and is also attending college at present; Laura May, horn February 25, 1897, died December iq. 1898. Mr. Rothenberger also has some experience with carpenter, blacksmith and cement tools, doing nearly all his own work and some for his neighbors in that line. He has between one hundred and twentvfive and one hundred and fifty barrels of cement used on his farm and is expecting to use more.

Politically. Mr. Rothenberger is a Democrat. He is a member of the Fair Haven Fvangelical Lutheran church, near Mulberry. Ind.. and for vears has been active in church and Sundav school work.

Peter Rot H Ex B Erg E R.

To a great extent the prosperity of the agricultural sections of our great country is due to the honest industry, the sturdy perseverance and the wise economy which so prominently characterizes the foreign element, both those who have come direct from the European nations and their American born children, this being especially true of those of German blood. All will agree, after so much as a mere cursory glance over our forty-eight states, that these people have entered very largely into our population. By comparison with their "old country" surroundings thee have readilv recognized the fact that in the United States lie the greatest opportunities for the man of ambition and energy. And because of this many have broken the ties of home and native land and have entered earnestly upon the task of gaining in the new world a home and a competence. Among this class were the ancestors of Peter Rothenberger, one of the most substantial citizens and progressive agriculturists of Madison township, Clinton county, although he himself was born in America, thus has avoided many of the trials of his forebears in getting a foothold in a land where the customs and language are strange. He seems to have inherited many of the thrifty and sterling traits of his father and grandfather and has forged to the front in the face, not infrequently, of obstacles of so huge proportions as to have entirely broken the spirit of men of less sterner fiber. His life history might be studied and emulated with profit bv the vouth of this county who are ambitious to make good, successful citizens.

Indiana, August 12, i860, near the town of Mulberry. He is a son of Christian Rothenberger, also born in the old Keystone state, of a worthy German family. The father of our subject grew up in his native community, and when a young man he came to Clinton county, Indiana, making the long journey on horseback, bringing two other horses with him. Here he purchased land, which he developed by his thrift into a good farm, and here he married Mary E. Livengood, a daughter of Peter Livengood, an early pioneer, he having located here in 1836. His family consisted of ten children, an equal number of sons and daughters, namely: Frank P., Josiah, Flora, Peter, Malinda, Perry A., Lewis, and Alma. The death of the father occurred at the age of seventy-five years. His widow survives at the advanced age of eightvthree years. She lives in Mulberry, and is beloved by all who know her, having always been noted for her fine Christian character. She talks most interestingly of the early days. She has lived to see the log cabins of the pioneers replaced by modern dwellings and the great woods give way to well improved farms, and the automobile take the place of the ox cart. She has lived to see her children prosperous and respected by all who know them.

Peter Rothenberger grew to manhood on the farm where he worked when a boy and he received a common school education. On October 18, 1883, he married Marcella Peter, who was born in Madison township, where she was reared and educated. She was a daughter of Franklin Peter, who was born in Pennsylvania and who died in 1889 at the age of sixty years. The mother's death occurred at the age of seventy-four years. TIica- were an earlv familv of this township. They were the parents of the following living children: Mrs. Emily F. Gable, Marcella, wife of our subject; Ella, is the wife of Perrv A. Rothenberger : Anise \V. lives on the homestead.

Five children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Clarence, married Susan Hurst and is engaged in farming; Ada, married C. Martin and they live in Madison township; Orvill, married Maude Click; Ina is the wife of John Engle, Bessie is the wife of S. O. Brand. These children were all given good educations, are well situated in life and are well thought of by their friends and acquaintances.

Peter Rothenberger has devoted his life to farming and stock raising on a large scale. He now owns three fine farms, his home place consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, and his two other excellent places, all in Clinton county, bring the total up to three hundred and forty acres. His land is well improved, has been brought up to a high state of productiveness and is among the most valuable in the county. Pie is one of the best judges of livestock in the county, and no small part of his handsome competency has been derived in the judicious handling of livestock. He has a large, well furnished and attractive home and numerous substantial outbuildings. Politically he is a Democrat and in religious matters belongs to the Lutheran church, to which his family also belong. He is highly esteemed by all for his honesty.

Ralph O. Lane

It is a great privilege to be able to spend our lives on the old home place. "The roof that heard our earliest cry.'- as the poet Tennyson wrote, has a charm and fascination for us which we cannot find elsewhere, and no matter where on earth our restless footsteps may wander we ever long to be back beneath the old roof-tree of our parents. However, this is not always the privilege of man. For many reasons, often through necessity, we leave our childhood home and seek our fortune in other countries, and seldom ever revisit the hearthstone around which we plaved as a child. So those who, like Ralph O. Lane, owner of Maple Lawn Stock Farm, in Perry township, Clinton county, are fortunate enough to spend their lives at their birthplace, are to be envied. No doubt he fully appreciates the privilege, and be has labored hard to keep the old place well tilled and well improved so that it has retained rather than lost its original strength of soil, and the home has been well preserved.

Mr. Lane was born in this township and county on October T4, 1871. He is the scion of a prominent old family of this locality. He is a son of Jesse Lane, who was a native of Ohio, and a son of Judge Joseph Lane. The family is of English descent, and the first emigrant settled in Delaware. Later the family removed westward to Ohio, thence on to Indiana. Judge Lane was one of the first settlers in this section of the state. Here .he built his log cabin and cleared a place for his crops and he became influential in the early history of the community. The first election in the township was held at his log cabin. He was born in Delaware in the year 1800. He took a leading part in the early development of the county, and was one of the charter members of the Methodist church here. He lived to be seventv-four years of age. His house was a favorite stopping place for the circuit riders who came to this locality to preach at the local Methodist church. The Judge was three times married.

Jesse Lane, father of our subject, grew up on the old home place, and, being a pioneer boy, found plenty of hard work to do in assisting in developing the farm. He received a meager education in the log cabin schools of his day. Tn early manhood he married Prudence White, and to them twelve children were born: Alfred, Joseph, died in infancy; Edgar, Ollie ("deceased), P>. W., Dan H.. Mrs. May Dunbar, Judson. Mrs. Nettie Dunbar (deceased). Catherine. Ralph O.. of this sketch: and Adelia. Mr. Lane married for his second wife Rachael Morehead. and to them was born one daughter. Lottie. Mr. Lane's third wife was Anna Burden, who survives her husband. Jesse Lane devoted his life to general farming and stock raising, and was a breeder of fine horses, principally Clydesdales. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and his home was headquarters for the preachers of this denomination when in this localitv: in fact, it was a home where the latch string was always on the outside to his many friends.

Ralph O. Lane was reared on the old home place and there worked during the crop season when he became of proper age. During the winter months he attended the district schools. When twentv-three years old. he married Tcv Lackev, daughter of Eli Lackey, a pioneer of Clinton county, now deceased. The mother is still living, making her home in Colfax.

Mr. Lane owns one hundred and forty acres in section 34, Perry townchip. Here he carries on general farming and stock raising. Everything about the place denotes thrift and good management. Tie pays considerable attention to ctnck raising and no small portion of his income is derived from this source. He has a silo which holds one hundred tons, and has the largest barn in the township. He keeps regictered Percheron stallions and mares and ic also a breeder of Poland China hogs. TTis fine stock is greatly admired bv all who see it.

One child. Rlanche, has been born to our subject and wife. She was graduated from the Colfax high school and is taking a four years' course in DePauw University. Another child. Olive, died when sixteen months old.

Politically. Mr. Lane is a Republican, and fraternally a member of the Knights of Pythias. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Samuel N. Davison

This well known citizen is another of the old soldiers who went out to right their country's battles a half century ago. What a pleasant sight it is at the present day to see a company of these honored veterans go by on Decoration Day or the Fourth of July, in the blue uniforms and with their tattered flags flying. But they will all be gone in a few more years, and nothing will be left but a memory. That memory should be perpetuated in song and story and monument, so that future generations may draw inspiration from their patriotism and gallantry. After an eminently successful, active and useful business career, Air. Davison is now living in retirement in the village of Jefferson where be was for many years a merchant and for thirty-one years post master. In the development of his town anti county he ever showed his eagerness to assist in any way he could; and. as a result of his public spirit, his honesty and neighborliness, he has ever enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all who know him, having a wide acquaintance throughout Clinton county.

Samuel N. Davison was born in Decatur county, Ind., October 28, 1S39. He is a son of William and Clarissa (Sythens) Davison. The father was a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of New Jersey, and of Irish and English lineage. William Davison, paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Dublin. Ireland, where he grew up. married and had two children. He then emigrated with his family to America, being on the ocean eleven months and one child being born on the ship. On reaching the United Slates, William Davison settled in Pennsylvania, and a number of years later he moved to Butler county, Ohio, where he spent the re-i of his life. His family consisted of six children : Samuel, Alary, Esther, Jane, Betsy and William, father of our subject.

William Davison, Jr. was ten years old when his father settled in Butler county, O. In his youth he learned the cooper's trade at which he worked in Butler county and in several places in Indiana, and for two years he farmed in Arkansas. Later he lived in Aladison, Ind., then returned to Ohio and in November. 1852, came back to Indiana, locating on a farm in Clinton county. In 1857 he moved to the town of Jefferson and resumed his trade. A few years later he embarked in the hotel business which he followed with fair success until about 1871 when he retired from active life. His death occurred on July 22, 1893, his wife having preceded him to the grave on

January 2 d of the same year. ' They were the parents of twelve children: Elizabeth, wife of W illiam Bake ; Jane, Josiah, William, DeW itt C., Samuel N., our subject: Clarissa, Margaret, wife of William Campbell: Charles G., Henry, John, and Esther, wife of Frank Doty.

Samuel X. Davison remained under his parental roof-tree until he was about twenty-one years of age, having in the meantime learned the cooper's trade under his father, maintaining a shop at the village of Jefferson until the breaking out of the Civil war. Upon learning of the defeat of the Federal troops at the first battle of Bull Run he soon took leave of his wife and enlisted September 1 1 . 1862. in Company A. Twentieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry and was with that noted regiment in all its various experiences in the strenuous campaigns and bloodv battles in Virginia. At the second battle of Bull Run he was. among others, detailed to bury the dead. He then went to Arlington Heights, near Washington City, where the Union army was encamped. He was soon, however, on a forced march with the rest of the troops through Maryland, and from that time on he was in almost constant service, proving to be a most faithful and gallant soldier, always gladly performing his duty no matter how dangerous or arduous. He fought in some of the greatest battles of the war. including Fredericksburg. Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. He was wounded and taken prisoner at the last named battle, but a few days later he was retaken and sent to Baltimore, thence to Annapolis. Maryland, where he remained in the hospital for some time. He was also severely wounded at Chancellorsville, which resulted in the loss of one of his eves. Mr. Davidson was honorably discharged on May 11, 1864 and immediately thereafter returned home, taking up his trade of cooper in Jefferson, continuing the same until 1869. when he purchased the hotel formerly owned by his father. He remodeled the same and continued to operate it with success until 1872. when he sold out and embarked in the mercantile business which he carried on for some time with very gratifying results, then began buying and selling staves and other cooperage material.

Dilmon, Flora F.. Lucia B.. Etta S.. Russell and Emma May. Russell shot himself accidentally January 1. 181)4. the wound finally resulting fatally.

Politicallv, Mr. Davison is a Republican. He was postmaster at Jefferson for a period of thirty-one years, his long retention giving ev idence of hi" faithful and satisfactory service. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, but was for years a member of the United Brethren church. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Frankfort. He was one of the veterans who attended the fiftieth anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg on the battlefield, the first three days of July, 1913. He again stood on the spot where he was wounded.

Floyd S. Fickle

One of the nnxt "enterprising of our younger generation of farmers in Clinton count v who has believed from the outset of his career that "The wisdom of vesterdav is sometimes the folic of today.'' and that while the method' of our grandfathers in tilling the <oil were all right in their day, yet in the twentieth century we are compelled to adopt new methods and farm along different lines, in view of the fact that conditions of climate, soil, grains, etc., have changed since the davs of the pioneers, is Floral S. Fickle, owner of W inding Brook Farm, three and one-halt" miles southwest of Mulberrv. Madison tow nship. He has been a close observer of modern methods and is a student at all times of whatever pertains to his chosen life work and he has therefore met with encouraging success all along the line. and. judging from his past record, he will undoubtedly achieve much in the future years and take his place among the leading agriculturists of a community noted for its tine farms and adroit husbandmen.

Mr. Fickle was born in Madison township. Clinton county, on May 3, 1882. He is a son of William Fickle and wife, extensive mention of whom, together with the rest of the Fickle family, one of the oldest and most highly esteemed in the county, is made on other pages of this work, hence the biographer does not deem it advisable to reiterate same here.

Mr. Fickle of this review, grew to manhood on the old homestead and there assisted with the general work when a boy. He attended the public schools in his district in the winter months. He is one of a family of twelve children, seven sons and five daughters, eight of whom are still living, namely: Mrs. Fena Horlacher. Alvin T.. Fernando I. is deceased: Joseph E. lives in Washington township: Sarah L. died when eighteen years old; Charles R. lives in Madison township: Stella M. is deceased; Orville O. is deceased: Ora A. lives at Clarks Hill: Flovd S.. of this sketch: Lora L. is on

When twenty-five years old Floyd S. Eickle married Cathelene J. Conlon. who was horn in Tippecanoe county. Indiana and there she grew to maturity and was educated. She is a daughter of Michael and Marv A. Conlon. both natives of Ireland from which country they emigrated to America in early life and located in Tippecanoe county, this state. The father died in 1900. hut the mother is living at Mulberrv. Indiana.

Mr. Fickle is successfully farming his well kept and well improved farm in Madison township, and here he has a good residence and other buildings, and lie keeps a good grade of livestock. There is a beautiful winding brook near his home from which he named his place Winding Brook. He is a member of the United Presbyterian church, and politicallv he is a Democrat.

Perry A Rothenberger

As the name would indicate Perry A. Rothenberger, well-known farmer of Madison township, is of German descent and he has seemingly inherited the characteristic thrift of his forebears which has resulted in the attainment of a definite degree of success as habits of thrift, perseverance and fortitude alwavs do when properlv directed.

Mr. Rothenberger was born on the old family homestead in Madison township. Clinton countv. Julv 27. 1865. He is a son of Christian Rothenberger. a native of Pennsylvania, and he a son of Peter Rothenberger. The mother of our subject was known in her maidenhood as Marietta Leibenguth, and to these parents ten children were born.

Christian Rothenberger came to Clinton county in 1848, locating in Madison township, where the family has remained to the present time. He was born in Lehigh county. Pennsylvania. April 21. 1824. He is a son of George and Sarah (M entry) Rothenberger. October 14. 1852. he married Marrietta Leibenguth. daughter of Peter and Hannah (App) Leibenguth. She was born December 3. 1831, in Northampton county, Pennsylvania. The following children were born to Christian Rothenberger and wife: Frank P., Josiah, Flora E., Peter, Lydia M.. Perry A.. Lewis, Ida A., Sarah H. and Marv J. The father of these children was without means when he came to

Clinton county, but he worked hard, saved his earnings and in a few years had a good start and finally became one of the leading farmers and stock raisers in his locality. Politically he was a Democrat, and religiously a Lutheran. For recreation he engaged in fishing, often making large catches. His death occurred in iopo at an advanced age, he having been born in 18.14.

Perry A. Rothenberger grew to manhood on the home farm and was educated in the common schools. On December 25, 1887, he married Ella A. Peter, who was born on the old home place in Clinton countv and here >he was reared and educated. She is a daughter of Franklin and Eliza (Brvan) Peter, and was one of four children, namely: Mrs. Emily F. Cable, Mrs. Marcella Rothenberger, Ella A., who married our subject, and Anise \\ ., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work, which also contains a fuller history of the Peter family.

Perry A. Rothenberger has devoted his life to general farming and has been very successful. He is now owner of beautiful Sunny Slope, a farm of one hundred and sixty acres well located in Madison township, and well improved. He has a substantial group of buildings, and in connection with general farming he keeps large numbers of a splendid grade of livestock. He feeds cattle and hogs for the market. He first purchased and inherited eighty acres, anti, prospering through hard work and good management, was able in a few years to add another eighty, thus making him an ideal farm, which at this time is worth about twenty thousand dollars.

To Mr. and Mrs. Rothenberger two children have been born, namelv: Mrs. Edith A. Ritenour, of Lafayette, and Ralph \\ .. who is assisting his father operate the home farm.

Mr. Rothenberger is an active member of the Lutheran church, of which lie has been a deacon for a period of eighteen years, and he has been Sunday school suprintendent for several years. His wife and family are also members of this church.

"Ephraim Rothenberger was born in Lehigh county. Pennsylvania, October 24, 1829. He came to Indiana in 1853 in company w ith the Fretz and Foster families, the trip having been made overland, the party walking almost the entire wav. Settlement was at fir>t made near Monitor, but later on Mr. Rothenberger moved to the farm east of Mulberry, where he lived until retiring to the home here in town.

"Mr. Rothenberger was married to Elizabeth Slagle on March 11, 1856. bv Squire John Clendenning. This union was blessed with the following children: Marietta (Mrs. William Balser), Susan, Elias, Simon J., Elizabeth (Mrs. Frank Stinespring ) . James (deceased), Alice (Mrs. Ed Martz). Ida

Frank Harshman

The name of Frank Harshman. well-known citizen of Madison township, Clinton county, stands, as did that of his esteemed father before him, for progressive ideas in reference, both to agricultural pursuits and public affairs, and we are glad to give his personal record and that of his family in these pages, for such people are the class that advance civilization and make this world, none too elysian-like at besl. a fairly fit place in which to live.

Mr. Harshman was horn on the farm where he now lives, on June 15, 1872. He is a son of Henry C. and Kate (Shockey) Harshman. an old pioneer couple of this locality. Henry C. Harshman was a son of Henry and Molly (Fogel) Harshman. Henry Harshman was born in Rockingham count}-, Virginia, December 22, 1797. From there his parents moved to 'Greene county, Ohio, when he was a child and there he was reared and married. Later in life he removed to Clinton county, Indiana, locating in the woods in Madison township, and here he developed a home and died here on August 20. 1843. and is buried in John Seager's cemetery. His wife was born in Maryland. February 8. 1800. She was <|uite young when her parents removed from the old Oriole state to Greene county, Ohio. She died in Clinton countv. Indiana, at the home of Moses Harshman in May. 1876, and is buried in Jefferson cemetery. The grandfather of Henry, Peter Harshman, was born in Germany, from which country he came to America when a young man in the old Colonial days, and he served seven years in the patriot army in the Revolutionary War. He afterward settled in Rockingham county, Virginia. where he was married, and after a few years removed to Greene county, Ohio, where he died in the fall of 1827 at the age of eighty-two years. His wife was an English woman and lived in Greene county, Ohio.

Mr. Harshtnan's father and all his sons were Democrats except Moses. When the familv came to this country, deer, hear and other wild animals were in abundance. The elder Harshman at one time killed three bears as fast as he could load his gun.

Henrv C. Harshman. father of the immediate subject of this sketch, was born Februarv 3, 1841, the same year in which President McKinley was born.

He devoted his life to farming, acquiring valuable farming property through his thrift, and his death occurred here in Madison township, Clinton county, on September 25, 1902. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and was a Democrat. His wife, Kate Shockey, died July 28, 191 1, at the age of sixty-two years. To them nine children were born, seven of whom are still living, namely: Alonzo E., Bertha, Grice, Lettie Mercer, Frank, subject of this sketch: Richard, Lawrence, Albert, Harry and Mrs. Kate Ayres.

Frank Harshman was reared on the old home place and he received a common school education. He was married June 15, 1898, to Laura J. Wesner, who was born in Wayne county. Indiana. She is a daughter of Rev. J. Wesner, a well-known minister of the gospel in Darke county, Ohio. He was born in Davies county. Indiana. He married Lucinda Klingensmith, who was born in Marion county. Indiana. To them two children were born, Mrs Laura Harshman. and Neva.

Mr. Harshman moved to the old home farm in 1912. His place consists of one hundred acres of good and well improved land. Fie has a good home and substantial outbuildings.

To Mr. and Mrs. Har>hman three children have been born, Henrv Harold, born August 1 1 , 189c;: Freda M.. born March 20. 1903, and Martin Luther, born August 19. 1913. The daughter is musically inclined and is being educated in music.

When lie gazes over his broad acres of well cultivated land, P. J. Beisel, of Ross township. Clinton county, is justified in feeling that he has achieved the acme of his ambition, when in his early life he became imbued with a determination to some day take front rank among the agriculturists of his locality. He has not attained to this position without long years of indefatigable toil and good management, but he has been a man who never permitted any stone to remain unturned whereby he might advance himself, and he has so ordered his private life as to keep aloof all idle cavil.

Mr. Beisel was born in the vear 1859, in Ross township, on the old homestead. He is a son of Solomon Beisel, who came to Clinton county in 1852 from Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, where he was born and reared. He was a son of Peter Beisel, of Pennsylvania and of German ancestrv. Solomon

Beisel married in Clinton county, Angeline Bear, a daughter of Jacob Bear of Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. She was born in 1839 an<l *n 1841 came with her parents to Clinton county, Indiana, and located in Ross township. Our subject's grandparents are both deceased, having spent their last years in this county. Solomon Beisel developed a good farm in Clinton county through his industry, having come here when the land was little improved, and here he and his wife reared their children, eight having been born to them, namely: H. D. lives in Ross township. B. F. lives in Union township, Peter J., subject of this sketch; Mary, who married Mathias Troxel, of Ross township; Sarah L.. who lives on the old home place; Mrs. Rosa Shaw, Minnie is the wife of B. O. Strange of Owen township, and Flora died in infancy. Solomon Beisel, the father, was a shoemaker by trade, but most of his life was devoted to farming.

Peter J. Beisel was reared on the home farm and educated in the public schools. When twenty years old he made a trip to the West and remained a year, and returned home. When twenty-four years old he married Clara Troxel, daughter of Allen Troxel, who was a soldier in the Civil War. Mrs. Beisel was born in Pennsylvania, but reared and educated in Clinton countv. Mr. Troxel was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Lehigh county in 1842. He is a son of Stephen and Esther ( Mickle) Troxel, both of whom died in Clinton county. Allen Troxel married on January 23, 1864, Louisa Samuel, who was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Daniel and Mary Samuel. To Allen Troxel and wife ten children were born, namely: Mrs. Clara Beisel. Mary, Ella, Eva. Emerson, Orpba, Cora, Ivy, Daisey, who died in 1 c)Ot>, and Pearl. Allen Troxel was twice married, his second wife being Maggie Burkhalter. He now lives in Mulberry, Indiana.

Peter J. Beisel grew to manhood in his native county and earlv in life began farming in Tippecanoe county, which he followed there for a period of fifteen years. In later years he came to Clinton county, Indiana. In 1898 he bought the old home of his grandfather, Bear, which consists of one hundred and six acres, and later he purchased forty acres more. He has kept the place well tilled and well improved and has a large ten-room house, well furnished. He keeps a good grade of live stock, and is one of the leading farmers of his township. He owns a standard make automobile and is very comfortably fixed in every way.

Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Beisel, namely: Pearl is the wife of Noah Ganzwer, of Clinton county; Marvin is a traveling salesman with a wholesale house of Indianapolis; Nevis S. is farming in this county; Mabel and Clarence P. are living at home.

Politically Mr. Beisel is a Republican. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and is a member of the Reformed church, in which he is an elder and active worker.

Joseph H. Steckel

All credit is due a man who wins success in spite of obstacles and by . ... persistency and energy gains a competence and a position of honor as a man and located on the county line, about two miles west of Mulberry until March, 1885, when he built a beautiful brick residence in Mulberry. He was known to be an honest, reliable man, friendly to both rich and poor. He held the office of supervisor for four years. He was a member of the Reformed church, while his wife held membership in the Lutheran church. They were the parents of twelve children, an equal number of sons and daughters : Lydia, Oliver, David (deceased), Phaon, living in Mulberry: Mrs. Mary E. Bear (deceased), Deborah (deceased), Joseph H. of this sketch; Mrs. A. Burkholder (deceased), Mrs. Ellen J. Elliott (deceased), Mrs. Matilda Combs (deceased), Methusaleh, living in California; Martin, living on a farm near Mulberry.

Joseph H. Steckel grew up on the home farm and received a common school education. On February 2. 1873 he marreid, at Rossville, Clinton county, Maria M. Gable, who was born in Northampton county, Penn., January 26, 1831. a daughter of Tobias and Hannah ( Leibenguth) Gable, both natives of the same county in which Mrs. Steckel was born. The mother is living with our subject and has reached the advanced age of eighty-seven years. The father died at the age of sixty-seven years in Ross township. They were the parents of five children: William, Francis. John J.. Maria M., married to Mr. Steckel: and Robert \Y. The father of these children was a carpenter bv trade. Politically, he was a Democrat.

Joseph H. Steckel lived in Tippecanoe county two years, then came to Mulberrv. Clinton county where he has since resided, and where he has been successfullv engaged in the grocery, meat and livestock business during the past twenty-three years. He has a reputation for industry and honesty.

The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Steckel: Emma F. at home with her parents: Rev. Lloyd \Y.. a prominent minister in the Lutheran church, and now located at Plattville, Wisconsin, was educated at the Lutheran College of Greenville. Penn., and at the Lutheran Seminary of Chicago: one child who died in infancy; Pearl B. the wife of C. Burns, of Madison township: Malinda wife of Lawrence Clendenning, of Madison township.

Politicallv Mr. Steckel is a Republican and has been a frequent delegate to various conventions of his party. He owns a modern well - furnished nine-roomed house in Mulberry, which is a frequent gathering place for the many friends of the family.

Francis G. Lovely

That the career of such a man as Francis G. Covelv, well known retired farmer, of Mulberry, Clinton county, besides being treasured in the hearts of relatives and friends, should have its public record also, is peculiarly proper because a knowledge of men, whose substantial reputation rests upon their attainments and character, must exert a wholesome influence upon the rising generation. We transmit the chronicle of such a life with the hope of instilling into the minds of the rising generation the important lesson that honor and industry will have their rewards in due course of time.

Mr. Covelv was born August 31. 1847. >n Berks county, Pennsylvania. He is a son of David and Mary fGery) Covelv. both parents natives of the Keystone state and of German descent. David Covelv was a son of William Covelv. who was also a native of Pennsylvania, where his ancestors settled in very early days, having emigrated from Germany. David Covelv was born in 1820 in Berks county. Pennsylvania, where all his life was passed and where his death occurred in 1892. His widow is also deceased. To David and Mary Covelv sixteen children were born, the subject of this sketch being the first in order of birth. The names of the other.' are as follows: David. Sarah, the wife of Edwin Bower: William f deceased'). Mary, the wife of James Sallada : John. Michael. Joseph. Matilda, the wife of James Grice: ITenrv, Caroline (deceased). Terry, and four that died in infancv.

At the early age of fifteen years Francis G. Lovely began life for himself. working at any honest labor his hands found to do. After his twcntvfirst years he turned his attention to the carpenter's trade, at which he became a skilled workman. In 1870 he became a resident of Clinton county, locating at the village of Mulberry, where he carried on his trade for eight years, after which he engaged in farming on rented land until 1880. In that year he purchased his present farm of eighty acres in Washington township, upon which he has made many substantial improvements, including a fine house and barn. His place is under a very successful state of cultivation.

Mr. Covelv was married November 17. 1872. to Mary Freas. daughter of John and Rachael (Brown) Freas. The father was a native of France and the mother was born in Lehigh county. Pennsylvania. John Freas came to America when eighteen years old in company with a brother, who died in Clinton countv in 1888. His widow is also deceased. The following are the names of the nine children born to John and Rachael Freas: Samuel.

Thomas. William. John. Mary, Lena, married to Henry Green: Susan, wife of Henry Gary: Emma, wife of Edward Lipp. and Ella, wife of Walter Suit.

To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Covely have been born the following children: William (deceased), Gertrude. Rachael and John. His grandchildren are Erancis. Ralph and Frederick Covelv: Marvin Mohler and Florence Covely.

Mr. Covely affiliates with the Democratic party, and he belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men, holding membership with Dakota Tribe. No. 42, of Frankfort.

Mr. Covely is a man of fine character and high social standing in the community, popular among his neighbors and fellow citizens. For a number of years he has been an active member of the German Reformed church, of which his wife is also a member, and she is esteemed by her many friends as a lady of intelligence and piety. The family left the farm in 1012 and moved to a pleasant and modernly appointed residence in Mulberry, and our subject and wife are here spending their declining years in quiet and comfort, surrounded by every convenience, and their pleasant home is known to the manv friends of the family as a place of hospitality and good cheer.

Life is pleasant to live when we know how tu make the most of it. Some people start on their careers as if they had weights on their souls, or were afraid to make the necessary effort to live up to a high standard. Others, bv not making a proper study of the conditions of existence, or by not hat ing the best of all trainers, good parents, are side-tracked at the outset and never seem thereafter to he able to get back again on the main track. Much depends on the start, iust as it does in a race. The horse that gets the best start, all other things being equal, will almost invariable win the race. So in the race of life: if you arc properly started with suitable grooming, such as good educational and home training, vou will lead in the race in after years and enjoy your existence. Such home influence were thrown around Addison Frederick Cohee. well known citizen of Frankfort. Clinton county. Both father and mother were always known to be people of sound principles and exemplary habits, and at their deaths, many years ago. there was no word of

Mr. Cohee is the scion of one of our earliest pioneer families, his grandfather having settled in wilds of this locality over eighty years ago. He was born in Michigan township. Clinton county. October if). 1875, arRl 's a son of William A. and Katie E. (Cline) Cohee.

Benjamin Cohee, the paternal grandfather, was horn in the state of Delaware. September 10. 1788. He was a son of Benjamin and Rachael (Dill) Cohee. The family came to Butler county. Ohio, in an early day and from there the grandfather came to Clinton county. Indiana, in 1830 and settled four miles northwest of Frankfort, when this county was covered with dense woods, in which only a spot here and there had been cleared. Here Benjamin Cohee worked hard and prospered, owning eventuallv a good farm of two hundred and fortv acres, on which he spent the rest of his life, dving here on January 7. 1863. He married Rebecca Wilson January 4. 1821. She was born in Delaware. January g. 1803. and her death occurred on March 4. 1868. William A. Cohee. our subject's father, was horn June 7. 1833. in Jackson township. Clinton county, and here he grew to manhood and devoted his life to farming. He and Kate E. Cline were married December 24. 1874. His death occurred August 17. 1878. when still a young man. His widow survived until in Februarv, 1895. Politicallv, he was a Republican, and he belonged to the Methodist church.

Addison F. Cohee grew to manhood in his native countv. and he received a common school education. Fie began life for himself by working for the Clover Feaf Railroad four years, then he worked for the Indiana & Illinois Light Companv, and the City lighting plant at Frank fort, and during the past ten years he has tilled the position of wire chief for the Central Union Telegraph Companv. discharging his duties in an eminently satisfactory manner, as might be surmised by his long retention. He is an expert in this line of work and is careful and painstaking.

On April 4. 1900. Mr. Cohee was married to Jessie Ghere. a daughter of lacob T. and Anna Ghere. a highly respected family of Jackson township, Clinton countv. where Mrs. Cohee grew to womanhood and was educated.

Mr. Cohee has a beautiful and tastily furnished home in Fast Walnut street, Frankfort, and he also owns a valuable and highly productive farm of two hundred and forty acres in Kirklin township.

Grover Cleveland Bailey

Although yet a young man, Grover Cleveland Bailev, owner of Maple Heights farm, in Perry township. Clinton county, has proven himself to lie capable of successfully carrying on a general farming and stock raising business with the best of his fellow tillers of the soil in this locality, for. in the first place he is a persistent worker, is always donig something and in the second place he is a thinking man, laying his plans well, carefully considering every phase of his business. His methods of farming and his strong nature would give promise of large success in the future in his chosen vocation.

Mr. Bailev is a descendant of one of our highly honored pioneer families and he was born on the old homestead in Perry township on November 10. 1884, the son of Silas Bailey and wife. Here he grew to manhood and was taught the valuable lesson of general farming that has stood him so well in hand after he took up the serious problem of life for himself. He received a good common school education in the schools of his neighborhood. On December 13, 1905, he married Nola Belle Keyes, also a representative of one of our excellent old families, she being a daughter of Stephen Keyes and wife.

Lucile. Marv Elizabeth. Grace Louise and Mildred Druzilla. Marv Elizabeth died at the age of five months and eighteen days. Mr. Bailey's farm of fifty-five acres, although small, is one of the best and most productive in the country, and it is always in ship shape and produces a very comfortable annual income. He has a modern eight-roomed house, well furnished and standing by a maple grove. IIi> wife is a member of the Methodist Protestant church. Both our subject and wife are highly respected by all who know them and bar e a host of friends throughout the county.

Silas Bailev. mentioned above, is one of our well-to-do farmers and public spirited citizens and an honored veteran of the great Civil war. He was born in Ross countv. Ohio. March 10. 1838. was a son of William Bailey, a native of Virgina. in which state the Baileys have resided since the old Colonial davs. The family is of Scotch-Irish descent. This family has proven themselves to be stanch American citizens and have always been ready to fight in our wars and uphold the law. Silas Bailey enlisted in the Eightv-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry in 1862 and served for three years in a faithful and praiseworthy manner, taking part in a number of important campaigns and hard-fought battles and skirmishes, never showing the white feather in any of them. He served under General Rosecrans, fighting under that great commander at Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge and others; also served for a time under General Sherman in the Atlanta campaign, and w as in the memorable march to the sea.

Silas Bailey married in 1858 Elizabeth Deford, who was born in Indiana and who died at the old Bailey homestead in this county. November 19. 1912. To this union were horn eleven children, of which onlv rive are living: Sarah. Oil ie. Effie, Pearl and Grover.

Silas Bailey is the owner of two hundred and seventy-two acres of productive. well improved and desirable land in Clinton county, and has for many years carried on most successfully general farming and stock raising on a large scale. He has an attractive home, large, good barn-.

John Smtth Moore

It is proper that the descendants of the old settlers, those who cleared the land of the primitive woods, would see that the doings of the earlier years are fittingly remembered and recorded. It was -aid by one of the greatest historians that those who take no interest in the deeds of their ancestors are not likely to do anything worthy to he remembered by their descendants. John Smith Moore, well known farmer of Madison township, and one of Clinton county's oldest native horn citizens, is a scion of one of the pioneer families of this locality, many of whose worthv characteristics he seems to have inherited for he believes in keeping busv and in doing what he can in furthering the interests of his community, at the same time so guarding his conduct as to merit the confidence and respect of his fellow men. He grew up amid earlv-dav conditions and has lived to see great changes take place here, of which he talks most interestingly.

Mr. Moore was born on the farm where he now resides, his birth occurring in a log house, now used as a barn. The date of his birth is January 11. 1844. hie is a son of Zeb Moore, who was born in Ohio. The paternal grandfather was of Scotch-Trish descent and was a native of Pennsylvania. Zeb Moore grew to manhood in Ohio on a farm and there he married Nancy Mitchell, also a native of Ohio. Her people, who were Scotch, came from

Pennsylvania to Ohio in an early day. The death of Zeb Moore occurred when his son, John S.. of this sketch, was two years old, leaving also two other children and a widow, a daughter named Anna. The brother. George Moore, was a soldier in the Civil war, making a fine record; he was killed a number of years ago by an interurban car. leaving a widow and five children. The other child of Zeb Moore died in early life. The mother of our subject was twice married, her second husband being John Leech, by whom two children were born. Albert and Jane, the latter marrying a German and they live in Iowa. The death of the mother of John S. Moore occurred at the age of sixty-seven years.

John S. Moore was reared on the home farm, w here he worked hard when a boy. and he received such education as the old-time schools afforded, attending the log school house in his community.

Mr. Moore was married on November 30. 1871. to Cordelia E. Parks, who was born December 30. 1848. near Kokomo, Indiana, and there she grew to womanhood and was educated. Site is a daughter of Thomas Parks, who was born in one of the Eastern states, from which he came to Indiana in an earlv dav. He was tw ice married. Eour children were born to him by his fir A marriage and three by his second, mother of Mrs. Moore. His last wife was known in her maidenhood as Margaret Leech, who was born in Rockland. Rockbridge counts. Virginia, of Scotch ancestors. Her death occurred at the advanced age of eighty-two years at the home of her daughter. Mrs. Cordelia Moore.

One daughter was born to John S. Moore and wife, whom they named Xettie Margaret: she married Wildey X. Jacoby, of Madison township, this counts. Thev have four children. Claude Maurice. Elorence Ruth. Edith Cordelia and William Smith.

Tohn S. Moore has devoted his life to general farming and has kept the old home place well improved and well cultivated, and the buildings well repaired. He has always provided well for his home. He is a member of the United Presbvterian church, of which he has been a steward for twelve years. He is a man exceptionally well versed in the Scriptures. He has spent all his life of seventy years on the homestead, which lies two miles east of Mulberry on the interurban railroad. He is known for his honesty, hospitality and neighborliness.

William H. Norris

No man of a past generation in Clinton county was held in higher esteem than the late William H. Norris, who, now that life's fitful fever is over, is sleeping serenlv in "the windowless palace of rest." His memory will long be revered by the vast circle of friends and acquaintances who in life admired him, for he was a man in w hom all took a delight owing to his sterling honesty. his charitable nature, his patriotism and his readiness to help in the furtherance of any movement looking to the general upbuilding of the community. He was a son of a pioneer in Clinton countv and he himself grew up amid pioneer environments. We owe much to such men as his father, who came here when the land was little more than a wilderness, and. working long and hard, redeemed the fertile fields and the fine farms w hich we of today enjov and which are now so valuable. We can never sav too much regarding these splendid, brave and courageous pioneers who literally took their lives in their hands and. not counting the cost, cast their lot in the new country, away from the pleasant hearthstones of their childhood and the advantages of civilization.

William H. Norris was born May 6. 1841, on the old homestead, near Morris Chapel. Clinton county, and he spent Ids entire lite on the home farm. He was a son of Abram and Marv Norris, a well known earlv-day couple w ho by their close application established the permanent home of the family here when the country was new. They have both been long deceased. Their family consisted of eleven children, all now deceased but two. Mrs. Edward Eubank, of Clinton county and Mrs. Edward Wilson, who lives in the city of Frankfort.

William H. Norris grew to manhood on the home farm and there he found plenty of hard work to do in assisting his father develop the place. He received such educational advantages as the earlv-day schools afforded. He alwavs engaged in general farming and stock raising on the home farm and was very successful, keeping the farm well improved and under an excellent state of cultivation, and the buildings well repaired. At his death he owned one hundred and ten acres of fine farm land.

Politically he was a Republican, but never sought political office. Fraternally he was a member of the Improved Order of Red Men and he belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church.

daughter of Moses and Mary (Harnsbarger) Fudge. These parents were early settlers in Clinton county. They cleared the wild land and developed a good farm, like the Norrises, and Mr. Fudge owned an excellent farm one hundred and sixty acres at the time of his death, which occurred in 1877, at the age of sixty-nine years, he having been born in 1808. His wife who was born in 1810, died in 1885 the a§T °f seventy-five years. They were members of the United Brethren church.

To Mr. and Mrs. Norris two children were born : Lawrence, living three miles east of Frankfort on a farm, married to Pearl Moore, has a daughter, Ruth: and Ethel, wife of James Branstetter, a farmer of Warren township, this county, has six children : Maurice, Fay, Vern, Eldo, James and Ruth.

Mrs. Sarah J. Norris is one of a family of five children, all now deceased except herself and Mrs. D. L. Brant, of Frankfort. Mrs. Norris owns her own home in Frankfort and lives alone. She has an interest in her late husband's farm, also that owned by her father. She is a woman of pleasing personality, kind, genial and helpful, well liked by her many friends.

Dr. Isaac S. Earhart. son of George and Susannah Earhart, was born in Butler countv. Ohio, in 1840. and is the second in a family of six lx>ys. His father came to Madison township. Clinton county, in 1850. and settled on a farm one mile east of what is now Mulberry. Dr. Earhart went to the common schools until he was eighteen years old. and then entered the academy at Battle Ground, which at that time was a large and flourishing school. After attending this school for three years he entered Wabash College, but was soon drafted for service in the army. His father hired a substitute, and, instead of re-entering college, he taught school and read medicine with Dr. Davis, of Tippecanoe county. He attended three courses of lectures at the Medical College of Ohio at Cincinnati, and was graduated in March, 1866. In April of that year he began practice at Mulberry, and here he has continued ever since.

plank road was vet visible ; there was not a mile of gravel road nor a bridge in Clinton county. The work of practice was done on horseback. Malaria, pneumonia, erysipelas, and intestinal troubles were the diseases prevalent at that time. There were bad sanitary conditions, poor houses, poor people with large families, - and poor pay.

In 1873 Dr. Earhart married Miss Josephine Osterdav. They have two children: Henry O. and Troy W. Troy AY. is a surgeon in Ancon Hospital in the Panama Canal Zone. Dr. Earhart and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He has never figured in politics nor belonged to any secret orders. In 1892 he took a post graduate course at Chicago.

In the half century of his studies he has seen the practice of medicine develop from a rude and superstitious state to the highest degree of science, with its fine method of diagnosis, medication, and sanitation, and its marvelous results in surgery.

William B. Combs

William B. Combs was born in Butler county, Ohio, September 22, 1822. His father, John Combs, was a native of Xew Tersev, who, in 1811, moved west with his family and settled on a farm in Butler county. Ohio, near the city of Hamilton, where the subject of this sketch was born. William began working on the farm at a very early age and was engaged in the occupation of farming during his whole life. In the winter seasons he attended the district school and acquired a common school education, but the farm work often interfered with regular attendance, even in that season.

He remained on the farm helping his father until 1852, when he married Susan P. Richardson, of Hamilton. Ohio. Soon afterward he and his young wife moved to Clinton county, Indiana, arriving on November 8, 1852, where he purchased a farm about two miles southeast of Mulberry, on which he located and remained to occupy it till his death, which occurred in October. 1878.

He cleared his land without assistance, erecting first a log cabin, which was subsequently replaced by a large new residence. His support was always given to the Democratic party. He was always an active friend of education and benevolent enterprises, and was a member of the Odd Fellows, Masons and Good Templars Lodges.

Dessie A. Catron

Clinton county, Indiana, was especially fortunate in the character of her pioneers, who. save in rare instances, possessed the pluck, fortitude and courage of the true Anglo-Saxon - that race which, apparently, delights in difficulties, because thereby opportunities are afforded to conquer them, and these people seem to have been born conquerers. subduing whatever lies in their pathway to a broader and better civilization. The founders of this county were brave, strong-armed, far-seeing, law-abiding. God-fearing citizens, patriotic and true to their native land, and condescending in the discharge of their every duty toward their fellow men. One of our worthiest pioneer families was the Catrons, of which Dessie A. Catron, farmer of Warren township, is a worthv descendant.

He was born in the above named township and county, on October 3, 1869. He is a son of Jacob E. and Helen A. ( Thomas) Catron. The father wras born July 20. 1845. 'n Warren township. Clinton countv, and here he grew to manhood and attended the early-dav schools. When a young man he began farming and is still active, owning a good farm in his native township. His wife was born February 25. 1850. also in this county, and she. too. is still living, having spent her life here and attended, in her girlhood, the common schools of her vicinity. Andrew Catron, our subject's paternal grandfather, was born in Greene county. Tennessee in 1822 and there he spent his earlier years, finally removing to Clinton county. Indiana, where he was an early settler and where he worked hard developing the home farm. His death occurred in April, 1807. His wife was bc"n in eastern Tennessee in 1828 and her death occurred in October. 1903. Our subject's maternal grandfather, P. K. Thomas, married Eliza Merrick.

Six children were born to Jacob L. Catron and wife, four of whom are still living, namely: Dessie A., of this sketch: Bessie A., married a Mr.

Dessie A. Catron grew up on the home farm, and, being the eldest child he found all the work his hands could do as soon as he became old enough. Lois M. Kelly, who was born in Michigan towmship. this county, October 22. 1869. and here she grew to womanhood and received a public school education. She is a daughter of William and Eunice ( Layton) Kelly, both natives of Clinton county, where they grew to maturity, were educated in the early schools and were married and here established their home. Mr. Kelly is still living, but his wife is deceased. She was a sister of William Layton, a

Mr. Catron has always engaged in farming, starting for himself in 1893. and he has been very successful as a general farmer and stock raiser. He is owner of a finely improved and productive farm in Warren township, which consists of two hundred and twenty-nine acres. On this well situated land stands a good set of buildings, including a substantial dwelling which Mr. Catron built himself. He handles a great deal of live stock from vear to year, making a specialty of shorthorn cattle. Duroc hogs and draft horses.

Politically, he is a Democrat, and he is at present a member of the advisory board of Warren township. He has been a member of the board for two terms and has served most faith fullv, looking veil to the best interests of the township.

Elwood Avery

Elwood Avery, formerly a prominent business man of Frankfort and popular official of Clinton county, since 1895 liv ing- a life of honorable retirement in Indianapolis, is a native of Howard county. Indiana, where his birth occurred on December 23. 1845. hi is father. Enoch Avery, was born in 1820 in Boone county, this state, and followed farming successfully in Michigan township to the time of his death, which occurred August 27. 1869. He took an active and influential part in developing the resources of his section of the country. In politics, he was a Democrat, though liberal in his views and in no sense a partisan, and in religion, the Christian church represented his creed. In 1840 he married Miss Rebecca Andrews, who was born in Asheville, North Carolina, February 6, 1815. She belonged to an old and respected Quaker family, but became a member of the Christian church. Her death occurred Januarv 8, 1910. her husband having departed this life August 27, 1869. Enoch Avery was a Mason of high degree and a molder of opinions among his neighbors and friends. He traveled but little, never having been outside of his native state, except once when he made a brief trip to Iowa. He possessed a large and vigorous physique and was of magnificent proportions, being tall, well built and a splendid specimen of wellrounded, symmetrically-developed manhood.

Elwood Avery grew up on the family homestead in Michigan township, where he early became familiar with the rugged usages of farm life and learned to appreciate the value and dignity of honest toil. He received a good education for the period in which his childhood and youth were spent, assisted his father and engaged in teaching which, with farming, occupied his attention until his twenty-third year. He then severed home ties and in partnership with J. E llillis embarked in the wholesale and retail grocery business in Frankfort, building up a large and lucrative trade, which thev continued together until 1878. when the subject disposed of his interest in the house to enter upon his duties as clerk of the Clinton county circuit court, to which office he was elected in that year. His efficiency and popularity as a public servant are sufficiently attested by his continuance in the above position for a period of eight years, at the expiration of which time, he became a member of the grocery firm of Avery & Gaskill, which lasted three years, doing a verv satisfactory business the meanwhile.

Severing his connection with his partner at the end of the period indicated. Mr. Avery continued the grocery trade by himself until 1893. when, having accumulated a competency, he was enabled to retire, since which time he has lived in Indianapolis in the enjoyment of the fruits of his many years of successful effort as a business man. Politically, he is a Democrat of the old school and as such was elected to the office referred to which he so ably and judiciously filled. Religiously, he accepts the Sacred Scriptures as his only rule of faith and practice and is now an influential member of one of the Christian (Disciples') churches in the capital city.

Miss Jennie Douglass, who became the wife of Mr. Avery. December 30. 1869. is. like himself, a native of Indiana, born in Miehigantown in the year 1848. Their union has been blessed with three children, whose names are as follows: Harry \Y.. who is still with his parents: Daisy, who holds an important position in the circulating department of the Indianapolis News. and Albert E.. also a resident of that city. To Elwood Avery belongs the credit of establishing in Michigan township the railway station known as Avery Station. On the 28th day of May. 1874. the first train of cars on what was known as the Frankfort and Kokomo railroad ran over the route from Frankfort to Kokomo. He also assisted materially in securing the location of the Clover Leaf shops at Frankfort.

Major David F. Allen

Soldier, statesman, gentleman, and friend - such was the lamented subject of this sketch, one of the most notable men that ever lived in the city 'of Frankfort. His name to Frankfort and Clinton countv history, even to Indiana history, is a marker in the progress of events and time. His life is consecrated by his noble deeds; his career was picturesque, romantic, and worthy; and his generosity and kindly deeds were with unlimited scope in their performance. As a soldier. Major Allen loved the red heat and smoky pall of the battlefield, because he saw the right and necessity of it. not because he cared for the sacrifice of life. He abhorred the terrible realitv of war. but lie liked the thrill of martial combat. As a statesman, gentleman, and friend, Major Allen won hordes of friends who live today to commemorate his name with afifection .admiration and gratitude.

Major Allen was born in the city of Frankfort on March 15, 1843, and died September 16, 1911, and spent practically all of his life, except the time he was in the field, in this city.

He was the eldest of three children, sons of John and Martha (Runyan) Allen. The parents were both natives of Ohio. The father was a pioneer of Clinton county, where he located in 1828. The mother came here in 1829 and was married to Air. Allen at that time. He died in 1864 and she in 1865.

At the age of eighteen Major Alien enlisted in Company C, Tenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in the three months service and at the expiration of that time re-enlisted in the same company for a period of three years, and served with great bravery and honor throughout the years of strife, participating in most of the important battles and campaigns. At the battle of Chickamauga he was very severely wounded. His military sagacity was recognized by his superiors and he won deserved promotion through the grades to the rank of second lieutenant. He also served on the staffs, as aids, of Generals Steadman. Schoefield, and Brannon. He was commissioned at one time adjutant of the Fifteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, but did not fill the rank, as his father's death interfered.

Major Allen has been called the "hero of three wars." Taking it for granted that he was a born leader of men, coupled with his inherent taste for military activities, it is not strange that he should be found at the front whenever his country was engaged in war. When President McKinley issued his call for troops in 1898 to force the Spaniards from Cuba, Major Allen organized a company in Frankfort, and transported them to Camp Morton at Indianapolis, where the National Guard was assembling, his company being among the first to arrive, and from here the Major reported to Governor James A. Mount that he was ready for duty. The history of the war acquaints us with the reason the Indiana troops never reached Cuba. The regular army was adequate to whip the Spaniard, while the volunteers were in encampment at Chickamauga, which, by the way, was a familiar spot to Major Allen.

The company commanded by Major Allen was mustered out and they returned to Frankfort. The call was too strong, however, and Major Allen recruited another two hundred men for service in the Philippine Islands, hav ing the distinction of being the only officer that ever served in the United States army who commanded a company made up entirely of soldiers from one county. Major Allen served two years in the Philippines, being promoted to the rank of Major for his gallant conduct.

Major Allen was loved and adored by the soldiers who served with him in the Civil war, the Spanish-American, and the Philippine campaign. He was a father to the boys while in that far-away land and looked after their welfare with a tenderness that won their hearts. His record as a soldier stands forth in the brightest light, and he was often complimented for his gallant service by his superior officers.

In the business world. Major Allen also made a reputation for high efficiency. He began by driving a stage between this city and Colfax before Frankfort had a railroad, carrying the United States mail. He also engaged in the grocerv business successfully, and was in the grain business, owning the Columbia street elevator. He assisted in the organization of the First National Rank, and filled the office of a director and at one time filled the office of president. He was actively engaged in the securing for Frankfort of the Clover Leaf railroad, and was a director on the Frankfort and Kokomo road, which was finally merged in the Clover Leaf.

Major Allen also was noted as a politician, having been a loyal Democrat. While in the Philippines he was made his party's candidate for Congress in the Ninth district, and in 1904 he was nominated for treasurer of state. He wras often mentioned for Governor, but his name was never presented formallv. He served as a member of the state tax board under Governor Matthews.

Major Allen was a member of the Clinton Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, and the Grand Army of the Republic. He held office in the latter order.

John H. Mattix

Standing for upright manhood and progressive citizenship the subject of this sketch has long occupied a conspicuous place among the representatives of the great agricultural interest of Indiana, and his influence in every relation of life has made for the material advancement of the communitv in which he resides and the moral welfare of those with whom he has been brought into contact. Mr. Mattix is descended from a family of farmers, the important principles of farming having been handed down from father to son.

John H. Mattix was born in W ashington township. C linton county. October 6, 1857, an(l was l*le son Robert and Phoebe ( Cornell' son ) Mattix. Before taking up the sketch of John Mattix. it is appropriate that adequate mention should be made of his father, who was one of the early pioneers.

Robert Mattix was born in Butler countv, ().. March 25. 1810. and died November 30, 1890. His father. John Mattix. was a native of New Jersey, where he married Anna Greer, a native of Ireland, in October. 1802. Thev emigrated to Butler county. O., and were among the first settlers of that county. Their family consisted of nine children.

In 1832 Robert came with his parents to Clinton county, where he resided the rest of his life. His father died in 1836, leaving him in charge of the familv, but he, being a robust lad of seventeen, felt himself equal to the responsibilitv. On the sixteenth of May, 1844, he was united in marriage to Phoebe Cornelison. and ten children were born of the union. Mr. Mattix lost his mother by death in 1837'.

Robert Mattix purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, upon which no improvements had been made. but. with the energy w'hich was a prominent trait of his character, he began preparing his farm for cultivation. In this undertaking he met success. His land was pleasantly located on the Frankfort and Barnesville Pike, within a distance of five miles from Frank- fort. To his original purchase he added two hundred and thirty-five acres, thus increasing his possessions to three hundred and ninety-five acres.

John H. Mattix obtained in his youth the usual common school education, and then naturally took up farming as a vocation, fie continued his work in agriculture until iqo<8. when he was elected as sheriff, which office he retained through four years. In 1913. after his last term of office had expired, he went back to his home in Ross township. He owns one hundred and sixty acres in Ross. Union and Washington townships.

On December 18. 1870, Air. Mattix was married to Jessie A. Davis, who was born in Madison township, this county, on July 24, 1860. the daughter of Tames Mac and Elizabeth Davis. Four children have been born of this union, two of whom are deceased. Those living are Nellie TTackerd of Union township and Gartha TTackerd of Ross township.

Tn political matters. John Mattix is a staunch Democrat, and has always upheld the principles of the party. Fraternally, he belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men.

Tames AT. Sims was born March V- 1843. He located in Alulberry. February r 4 . 1874. and two vears later formed a partnership with William T. Slipher in the general merchandise business. About two vears later Simon S. Old purchased the interest of Air. Slipher. and the firm name of Sims & Old from that date became familiar to every resident of Afulberry and Aladison township as well as to almost everybody living within a distance of ten miles of the town. This partnership and business was continued for almost thirtv years, until the date of the death of ATr. Old. in the year of 1908.

Tn 1893 he assisted in the organization of the Farmer's National Rank of Alulberrv. and became its cashier and continued in the office until the expiration of the bank's charter, when he assisted in organizing the Citizens' National Rank, and then became its president. At the end of six months, on account of failing health, he retired from the presidency of the bank, but was continued as a director.

Upon entering the bank he continued his interest in the store of Sims &- Old. which he held until the death of ATr. Ohl. at which time the store was sold to A. Weaver, of Scircleville.

Clixt0X Couxty, Ixdiana Cyrus Dieter

Among the highly respected and influential citizens of Mulberry. Clinton county, is Cyrus Dieter, whose life has been one of usefulness and honor and one of more than average achievement along agricultural lines. He is. like so many of our enterprising citizens.*' a native of the old Keystone state. He has kept up the state's reputation for sterling citizenship and loyalty to the government. He is a man of high ideals and good principles and has done much to further the moral uplift of the community in which he has lived.

Mr. Dieter was born in Northampton countv. Pennsylvania. May 2T. 1858. the son of James Dieter, a farmer and cooper. Our subject's mother was known in her maidenhood as Lena Mack, both natives of Northampton county, Pennsylvania, where they grew up and were married. They finally removed to Clinton county, Indiana, where they spent the rest of their lives, having located in Ross township. The father lived to the advanced age of eighty-four years and the mother died at the age of seventy-six. Their family consisted of twelve children: Cyrus, Monroe, Oscar, Alvin (deceased),

Martin. Wilson. Amanda (deceased ), wife of Tilghman Snyder: Mary, wife of Walter Hanker: Sinah, Ellen, and Jane, who died in infancy. The parents were members of the Reformed church, in which Air. Dieter was an elder.

Cyrus Dieter was reared on the home farm and was educated in the public schools. In 1880, when twenty-two years old, he came to Clinton county, Indiana, arriving without a dollar, and in debt eleven dollars. He was, however, a youth of grit and ambition, and he began working out by the month, which he continued for a year, then rented a farm and in this way soon had a good foothold. He saved his money, bought land which he improved, then sold at a profit, first owning fifty-five acres, then one hundred and twenty acres in Carroll county. Selling out, he purchased two hundred and forty acres, which, in turn, he sold and purchased one hundred and sixtv acres, two and one-half miles northeast of the town of Mulberry, Clinton countv, and this he still owns. He has two good sets of buildings, a modernlv furnished residence, and he has brought his place up to a high state of improvement and cultivation, until it is deserving to rank among the most desirable farms in the township. He keeps good grades of live stock of all kinds and has been very successful as a business man, deserving much credit for what he had done in the face of obstacles.

On November 1 8, 1886. Mr. Dieter married Martha E. Peter, daughter of Joseph Peter, who was accidentally killed in 1910 by a tree falling on him. Her mother's death occurred in February, 1913.

Five children have been born to our subject and wife: Elwood, operating his father's farm; Ernest, married to Edna Huffert. has twro children; Pearl, married to James Ross, of Carroll county, Indiana; Maud, at home: and Dorothy, attending school.

Mr. Dieter is retired from active farming and now resides in his fine home in the village of Mulberry. He is superintendent of the Mulberry Light and Power Company.

Mr. Dieter is a member of the Reformed church and active in the work of the same. He is superintendent of the Sunday school, w hich is one of the best known and most effective Sunday schools in the county. While living in Carroll county he was superintendent of a Sunday school for a period of seven years. He has been a deacon, also and an elder for a period of twenty years.

Linnaeus S. Baker

Linnaeus S. Baker was born in Washington township, Clinton county, Indiana, on January 20. 1855. and was the son of Abner and Catherine W. (Hood) Baker.

Abner Baker was born on April 14, 1808, in Wayne township, Butler countv, Ohio, and died Tune 24. 1895. His father. Thomas Baker, wfas born October 18. 1763; his mother, Lydia (Hand) Baker, was bom December 23, 1761, and they were married January 6, 1784. They were the parents of ten children: Sarah. William, Rachael, Stephen, Thomas, Anna, James, John.

Lucy and Abner. The parents were married near Trenton. New Jersey, and when George Washington fought the battle of Trenton the boom of the cannon was distinctly heard by Mrs. Baker. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Baker moved to Redstone. Pennsylvania, where they lived two or three years, then started for Butler county. Ohio, on the Big Miami river; but hearing of danger from hostile Indians, they remained one year on the Hockhocking river below' Wheeling, then went through to Cincinnati. In the rear 1800 thev went to Monroe, Butler county. Ohio, and since then the place has been called Baker's Hill. The mother died in Preble county, Ohio, January 6, 1843, the father having died a few months previous in the same county. Thomas was a family name. The great-grandfather's name was Thomas, and several of his descendants were so named.

Thomas, the great-grandfather, born in 1707. was married in 1736, to Hannah Thompson, and settled on the Rahway river, in Essex county, Xew Jersey, then moved to the Passaic vallev, where he bought a farm of forty acres of John Blanchard, of Elizabethtown, in March. 1738, and ninety-nine acres of W illiam Maxwell in 1781. He also bought a small tract of land from Joseph Rolph. He died of small-pox in 1787. William Baker, second son of above and grandfather of Abner Baker, was born in t 739 and died July 4. 1787. In 1782 lie married Rachael Valentine, who was born in 1742 and died in April. 1700: she had a twin sister, who died Tune 28. 1788. William and Rachael were the parents of six children : Thomas. Abner.

Abner Baker, the father of our subject, passed his early life upon his father's farm .and when thirteen years of age met with an accident which materially changed his career. While seeking shelter from a storm he made an unfortunate jump, which so crippled him that he did not recover for several years, and for one year could not talk. At the age of sixteen he began clerking for David Hollowav. at Richmond, lie remained with him one year, then entered the employ of Jonathan Martin, at Middletown. Ohio, with whom he remained a vear. and s, 1 faithfully did he perform his duties that Mr. Martin started him in business of his own. Tn March. 1828. Abner, accompanied by two brothers. Tames and John, and a brother-in-law. John Cornthwait. started overland, with one four-horse and one three-horse team, for Lafavette, Tndiana. After two days' travel all turned back but Abner, who pursued his way alone by boat, stopping to trade at every Indiana village, at night tying up the boat and sleeping on the banks of the river. One night Mr. Baker and Captain Wright made their bed together of coverlets that Mr. Baker had carried from home. Mr. Baker arose at daylight, and turning around saw a large timber rattlesnake lying between Captain Wright and the spot from which he had just risen. He shouted to the captain, informing him of his dangerous bed-fellow, whereupon the captain gave a sudden bound and thus escaped from his deadly foe.

It was Mr. Baker's plan to go directly to Lafayette, but when he reached Logansport he was persuaded by General Tipton to unload his goods at that point and open his store. He was the first person that sold goods there.

and General Tipton and his interpreter were the only settlers. After being there a few days he inquired of the interpreter what his hoard bill would be, and upon being informed that it would be fourteen dollars per week, he shipped his goods to Lafayette bv the first boat. He rented a store from William Digby. paying four dollars a month, and boarded with Colonel Johnson for one dollar and seventy-five cents per week. Here he remained during the summer. In September he was taken ill and returned home to renew his health.

In February. 1829. he went to Cincinnati and purchased a bill of goods, taking them himself to Jefferson, where he lived the rest of his life as a pioneer merchant, trading with the Indians, and with his proceeds buying land, w hich was. at that time, exceedingly cheap. Monetary troubles necessitated the closing up of his business finally, and when he had cleared up his debts and other obligations. Mr. Raker had thirteen hundred dollars which he invested in land in Wabash. Kosciusko and Clinton counties. He then went to farming and until hi* death on June 2 4. 1895. lie followed that occupation. He owned between eleven and twelve hundred acres of land.

In August. 1830. Mr. Baker was married to Catherine W. Hood, the daughter of John and Xancy Hood, and was born in Westport, Kv.. in September. 1811. Mrs. Baker's ancestors were from Scotland and settled in South Carolina before the Revolution: her father and mother were farmers. To Mr. and Mrs. Raker were born the following children: Matilda, died at the age of four weeks: Dr. Robert Fulton died April. 1890. at Davenport. Iowa, at one time a professor in a medical college: Hood S. died in Poplar Fluffs. Tnd.. April. T910: Theodore died in infancy: Henry Clay also died voting: Caroline X. Todd, of Holton. Kansas: Lucy A. Rurroughs. of Wabash. Tnd.: Catherine Rav (deceased): John O., died Tune 2. T902, a farmer of this county: Knox, a farmer: and Linnaeus, our subject. Mrs. Baker died in April. 1887. Mr. Raker was married the second time at Little Rock, Ark., to Mrs. Sarah F. Stafford, who was born in Rutler county. O.. October 3. 1819. and was the daughter of John and Rachel (Shafer) Van- Sickle. natives of Xew Jersey and Kentucky. Mrs. Raker died in April. 1913. aged ninetv-onc years.

Mr. Raker was a liberal Republican in politics, and for many years was a justice of the peace. PTe was a man with a wealth of interesting reminiscences. He heard many of the great orators of his day. including Henry Clay. John C. Calhoun, Thomas Renton. Renjamin Rutler. General Houston, of Texas: Jefferson Davis, the president of the Confederacy; Thomas Cor- win, Generals Scott and Cass, and Lorenzo Dow. Mr. Baker took the first newspaper that was brought by mail into Clinton county, which was the Liberty Hall.

Our subject, Linnaeus Baker, had the usual common school education in his native county, and then attended Wabash College, at Crawfordsville, Ind., but only stayed at that institution for three years. After leaving there he worked at farming, solicited life insurance, and was elected deputy sheriff from 1886 to 1890. and then returned to farming. He was later elected trustee of Washington township and served in that capacitv six years. In 1900 Mr. Baker was elected chief of the Frankfort police and since that time he has made an enviable record, both from the standpoint of efficiency and of honest, moral service.

On March 22, 1879 Mr. Baker was married to Dora B. Fields, of Oxford. O., who was born there October 13. 1855. He suffered the loss of this wife by death on July 3. tot 2. and was left with the care of one daughter, Agnes, who is a graduate of the local high school and is now attending the Western Female Seminary at Oxford. O. Mr. Baker had one other daughter. Flora, who died in the year 1807.

Fraternally. Mr. Baker is a member of the Masonic Order, having attain the third degree. He :s a Pa't Master of Vesta Lodge. 136. of Jefferson. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, and is Past Chancellor of the same, and member of the grand lodge of Indiana. Socially, Mr. Baker is a very pleasant man to meet and it is not hard to understand why his friends are so numerous. His affability and courteous treatment of evervone is a means of insuring a place of admiration and esteem in the hearts of Frankkfort people.

David Unger

The Unger family is one of the largest and best known of the pioneer families of Clinton county. Extended mention is made on other pages of this book in regard to the genealogy of the family, and it is there noted that David Unger, the subiect of this sketch, is one of the prominent members living in Clinton county. In Russiaville, his home and place of business, the name of David Unger is marked with respect and esteem by the citizens, for he stands as a commercial and business leader. His civic and social career has been such an aid to the town of Russiaville that it ranks fairlv in the scale of Clinton county's towns. Mr. Unger is enthusiastic and energetic in his assistance in any enterprise, and especially in the agricultural interests is his influence felt. Although he is not a farmer, his grain and elevator business bring him into intimate relation with the farmers of the community and county and every one of them is eager to transact business with Mr. Unger, for thereby they are assured of a square deal.

David Unger was born in Howard county, this state, on September 23, 1835, and was the son of George \V. and Elvira (Maggart) Unger. George W. Unger was the son of George and Elizabeth (Bailey) Unger, who are treated of at length in the sketch of Martin Y. Unger, a brother of our subject, in this volume. Our subject's father was born on May 28, 1825, in Morgan county. W. Va., and died on December 20. 1892. in Clinton county. He was married to Elvira Maggart on March 13, 1831. and she was born January 12, 1828, and died February 28, 1896. In 1866 George Unger was elected to the office of magistrate and was re-elected four successive terms of four vears each. Tn 1866 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 of the union: Sarah E., John. David, Martin V.. Nancv J.. Calvin. Eliza E.. and Oliver C.

David Unger received a common school education in the county of his birth, and worked on the farm until the year 1883. In that year he went to Russiaville. Tnd.. and entered into the hardware business, following this occupation very successfully for five years, then went into the drug business for one year. In 1893 David Unger embarked in the grain and elevator business which he has followed ever since. He also deals a little in live stock. Great opportunity has been given Mr. Unger and today he practicallv controls the grain business in his district. He makes large shipments from Russiaville, and is well known over the state and in grain circles of the metropolitan cities to which he ships. Tn connection with this trade, Mr. Unger takes an active interest in agriculture, possessing a very valuable and fertile farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Warren township, all of which land is under cultivation and has the latest improvements thereon, and is under his own management. On this land Mr. Unger feeds a great many cattle and hogs.

On December 18. 1883 David Unger was united in marriage to Sarah Melissa Eikenberry, who was born in Warren township, this county, April 9, 1838. and was the daughter of Tsaac and Aralrella (Scott) Eikenberry. Isaac Eikenberry was born in Union county, Tnd., in 1 83 t , and was one of a family of fifteen children. In the early 50's he came to Clinton county, where he died in 1862. His wife, Mrs. Unger's mother, was born in Switzerland county, Ind., in 1835, and died in 1894, after a life of usefulness and devotion to her family. To Mr. and Airs. David Unger there have been born two children, Iso Bell, who died in 1899 at ^ie age °f fourteen years; and Henry Manson, who is now associated in the elevator business with his father.

Fraternally, Mr. Unger is a third degree Alason and a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. Religiously, he is a Baptist, and politically a Democrat.

Zimri Elisha Sheets

The gentleman whose name appears above is a representative of an honored pioneer family of Clinton county, so that a consideration of his genealogical and personal history becomes doubly interesting and doubly appropriate in connection with the prescribed province of this publication. Air. Sheets is one of the most prominent farmers of Owen township, having a finely improved landed estate on which he is carrying forward his operations with that energy, foresight and careful discrimination which ever betoken the appreciative and model yeoman.

The subject of this text, Zimri Elisha Sheets, as aforesaid, can trace his lineage back to his great grandfather and great grandmother, and as the Sheets family are very prominent in Clinton county and have been for years and have been identified in developing this county, we are glad to say that Mr. Zimri Sheets has been able to furnish the names of his great grandfather and great grandmother, as well as his grandfather and his grandmother and his father and mother, in the order namely to-wit : On his father's side, his great-grandfather, Jacob Sheets, who married Barbara Lindamude, and who lived and died in Augusta county, Virginia. The great grandmother after the death of her husband came to Clinton county with her son Joseph, died here and is buried in the old south graveyard near Frankfort. His grandfather Phillip Sheets was born in 1801. Augusta county, Virginia. He married Mary Shafer. They moved to this county in 1836, residing here in Frankfort a short time and then moved to Warren township. He died in this county in 1873, aged 71 years. David Sheets, his father was born in

Augusta county, Virginia, August 30, 1828 and died in this county April 18, 19 1 1 . The mother, Nancy E. (Thompson) Sheets born in Preble county, Ohio, April 27, 1830. She died in this county November 30, 1909. On his mother's side: His great grandfather, Robert Thompson was born in North Carolina and married Nancy Brown. Moved to Preble county, Ohio, and later moved to Illinois and there died. His grandfather, Dennis Thompson married Mary Thompson, daughter of Robert Thompson but of no kin. They died in Preble county, Ohio.

Nine children were born to David Sheets and wife, eight sons and one daughter, all of whom are still living, at this time, named as follows: John

Zimri E. Sheets grew to manhood on the home farm, performing the usual work of country boys of his time, and he received his education in the common schools. O11 July 24, 1880 he married Amanda J. Unger, who was a cousin of M. V. David, John Clint and other subjects of this volume, in which mention is made of the Unger ancestry. Mrs. Sheets was born in Owen township, Clinton county, and grew to womanhood in her native community and received a common school education. She has borne her husband one child, Walter L. Sheets, whose birth occurred September 29, 1882. He grew up on the home farm and was given good educational advantages. He married Nellie M. Davis, who was born in Carroll county. Ind., July 25, 1886. and they have one child. Edith May Sheets, who was born September 16. 1907.