Clinton County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1913 (part 15 of 17)

Harry C. McClamroch is a native of Montgomery county, and has held residence in Clinton county only since 1907. but in those few years he has won the esteem and friendship of scores of people. He wras born in Crawfordsville. Montgomery county, Indiana, on Xew Year's day. 1873. and is the son of John and Mary ( Barr) McClamroch. the father a native of Hamilton. Ohio, and the mother of Montgomery county. Indiana, but of Pennsylvania stock. The mother died in the year 1882. John McClamroch came to Montgomery c'ountv in an early day with his parents and settled on a farm north of Craw fordsville. where he staved for a number of vears. Then he went into the shoe business at the county seat in the early seventies, and there he is engaged in the same today, in partnership with Charles X. Mc- Clamroch. a brother of our subject. One other brother, B. F., is deceased. Mr. McClamroch is quite active in social and commercial circles of Crawfordsville. He is a Republican, a Methodist, and a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Grand Army of the Republic.

Harry C. McClamroch attended the public schools of Crawfordsville and was graduated from the local high school and from business college. He then spent two years in Wabash College before going into the shoe business with his father. After his marriage, in 1905, Mr. McClamroch moved to this city, Frankfort. Mr. McClamroch believes in the principles of the Republican party, but has not been a seeker after public office. Religiously, he belongs to the Christian church.

In 1905 Mr. McClamroch was married to Xancy V. McClamroch, the daughter of Robert C. and Elizabeth J. (Hollcraft) McClamroch. Robert McClamroch was born in Butler county. Ohio, October 24, 1834. When four years of age he was brought by his parents to Boone county, Indiana, and there worked on the farm and went to the common schools. At the age of twenty-one he took a position with the Big Four railroad, but after four years married and went back to farming in Boone count}'. In i860 he went to Indianapolis, remained there a short time, then began farming in Clinton county, purchasing a farm in Kirklin township. In 1874 he became interested in the banking business, and was director and later president of the Farmers' Bank. He moved to Frankfort in order to be in closer touch with his business. On February 7, 1858, he was married to Elizabeth Hollcraft, who was born in Clinton county July 19, 1835, the daughter of Abraham and Mary Hollcraft. The following children were born of this union : Mary F., wife of Charles K. Smith, a retired farmer of this county; Charles B., living on old home place at Kirklin, and president of the First Xational Bank there; Thomas (deceased) : Abraham, manager of the Wallace Manufacturing Company and stockholder and director of the Farmers Bank; lames, died in 1906; Grace L.. wife of J. A. Lucas, cashier of Clinton County Bank; and Xancy V.. our subject's wife.

Robert McClamroch traces his ancestral record back to Scotland, from which country his great-grandfather came, settling in Xorth Carolina. His grandfather. James McClamroch, was a native of the state of Xorth Carolina. and there married Elizabeth Cornell, who was the mother of five chil-

Beal. Thomas McClamroch, the father of Robert, born in August, 1808, in North Carolina, was reared in Butler county, Ohio, and there married Nancy Baldridge, who was born in Ohio, November 15. 1815. The parents of Mrs. McClamroch were Daniel and Sarah (Woods) Baldridge, natives of Ohio. Thomas McClamroch engaged in farming in Ohio until 1838, then went to Boone county, Indiana, and there cleared and developed a tract of wild land into a good farm. He was a Democrat, a member of the Christian church, and later a Republican. His death occurred on December 15, 1859. Our subject's wife lost her father in 1900, and her mother in 1896; her grandfather Hollcraft died in 1895, and her grandmother in 1902.

Mordecai Maish

It is an unquestionable fact that the biographies of enterprising men and of worthy men are valuable as incentives to the action of others. In a biographical work such as this volume, there are detailed the lives of men of every profession and trade, some of them successful and some of them not. Success does not mean a fortune hoarded up, but comprises that moral and intellectual success which we find so often vested in the poorest of people. Mr. Maish, of this review, has been successful in both ways, and his life has been an interesting one.

Mordecai Maish was born on November 20, 1856, in Clinton county, Center township, in a log cabin, and was the son of George and Minerva (Young) Maish. The father was born January 7, 1821, in Pennsylvania, and moved here in 1836. He died August 13, 1907'. He was a farmer and a Democrat. The mother was born May 20, 1820, in Ohio, and died August 14, 1878. Both parents received limited educations in the common schools of their day.

Mordecai Maish was one of twelve children, among whom were the following: Henry, Hannah and Sarah, twins; Keziah Johnson, George W., David (deceased), Mordecai, Emma Kent, and Mary W. (deceased).

Our subject received a common school education in his youth. He was married February 19, 1889, to Josie Coopstick, who was born in Warren township, February 3, 1871, the daughter of James and Caroline (Young) Coopstick. Her father, who is still living, was born in Owen township, this (57) county, September 26, 1844, her mother in Warren township, November 30, 1846. Her mother died September 3, 1902. James Coopstick was a farmer and was Democrat politically. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Airs. Maish : Madge, July 29, 1890, married to Elmer Smith; Murl, August 7, 1892: Amil. May 4, 1894; Ralph, November 15, 1895, died September 14, 1898; one infant not named; Ruth. August 9, 1899: and Blanche, August

Alordecai Alaish moved to Alichigan township when be was thirty-three years old. In the spring of 1881 he went to the state of Arizona, where he remained seven years engaged in the cattle and stock business.

He owns one hundred and twenty acres of fertile land at his home and forty-three acres north of here. Of the hundred and twenty acres all is tillable but fifteen acres. The land is well tiled and fenced and most of the improvements thereon have been built by ATr. Alaish himself. ATr. Alaish also owns one hundred and fifth-eight and thirty-five hundreths acres a mile and a half west of Michigantown. which land is well improved. He is carrying on general farming and stock raising, making a specialty of half breed Jersev and full blood Shorthorn cattle. Chester White and Duroc Jersey hogs, and Rhode Island Red chickens.

Air. Alaish attends the Alethodist Episcopal church, and is a Democrat. At present he is on the advisory board of the county, and is serving capably.

Charles Chittick, Ai. D.

Perhaps in no profession or science in the world has advancement been so rapid as in that of the medicine. It has not been many years since the doctor was a man who employed the simplest remedies for our ills, nature's tonics were the antidote for everything, but he depended largely on the theory of suggestive therapeutics for his success. And so does the doctor of today, but science has greatlv enlarged the elds of his knowledge ; specilization has been made necessary ; expert research and investigation is constantly discovering sources of disease, and it is indeed the wide-awake doctor who can keep abreast of the times in his science. This is the age of vaccines, specifics, and anti-toxins, and the man who desires to be modern in the practice of the profession must carefully master their proper use, and must be always a student to keep in view the ever advancing horizon of medical science. Dr.

Chittick is one of the best known of the medical fraternity in Clinton county. He has succeeded in keeping to the front in all that pertains to his profession, and today is recognized as one of the most dependable and successful doctors of Clinton county.

Charles Chittick was born in Clinton county, Indiana, February 14, 1849, and 's the son ot" Archibald and Hannah J. (Compton) Chittick. Archibald Chittick was a native of the state of Xew York, and wras born there February 19, 1812. His parents were Archibald and Rachel (Miller) Chittick. The elder Archibald having been born in the south part of Ireland, in 1806, when about twenty-one years of age, came alone to this country. He resided in the state of Xew York until 1819. when he moved to Butler county, Ohio, and from there came to Indiana in 1834. and farmed in Carroll county until his death, in the year of 1855. His wife departed this life in 1847.

Archibald Chittick, the father of our immediate subject, wfas reared on his father's farm, and resided on the old homestead until after he has passed his twenty-first wear of age. In 1847 he married Hannah J. Compton and they settled in Warren township, this county, and he died here on July 2,

[ 894. In 1853 he made a trip to California, by way of the Isthmus of Panama, and on the way he fell a victim to the dreaded yellow fever, but recovered. and finallv reached his destination in the Golden state. Being shrewd and energetic, he made a success in mining. Of the union of Archibald and Hannah Chittick there were born seven children, in the following order: Charles, our subject: lames, of Starke countv. Indiana: Rachael, married to John Brookie, of Carroll county, Indiana, died March, 1913: Rebecca (deceased), Pauline, married to S. YVeida (deceased), now living on a farm near Bringhurst. Indiana: A. M.. of Carroll countv. and William, of Clinton county. The mother of this family was born in Virginia, July 22, 1822, and was the daughter of Arthur and Susanna Compton, natives, respectivelv, of Ireland and Virginia. Arthur Compton first located in Virginia on his arrival in America, thence moved to Wayne county, Indiana, and in 1833 came to Clinton county. He lost his wife in 1838. Tn i860 he removed to Delphi. Carroll county. Indiana, where he was noted as a thriving farmer and as a prominent Mason and politician. He died in the year of 1865.

Dr. Charles Chittick was reared on his father's farm, received his preliminarv education in the district schools, and then for three years attended the Frankfort Seminary. He then taught for one year in the same school, and the next year attended the high school at Ann Arbor, Michigan, also taking a partial course in medicine, preparatory to the study for his chosen profession. After six months additional study at home, he entered the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati in 1873, an<l vvas graduated from that institution on March 2, 1876. He at once began his practice at Burlington, Carroll county, Indiana, where he soon established a reputation for skill and built up a good practice. In November, 1890, he went into partnership with Dr. Young, of Frankfort, making a specialty of the eye and nose, diseases of women and surgery. He was president of the county and district medical societies, vice-president of the state society for two terms and has been local surgeon for the Monon railroad for the past twenty years. He is also a member of the American Medical Association and National Association of Railway Surgeons.

On July 3, 1878, at Crestline, Ohio, Doctor Chittick was united in marriage to Henrietta Thoman, who was born October 9, 1851, a daughter of John and Susan Thoman. To this happy union have been born three children: William (deceased), Golding, and Fred (deceased).

The Doctor and Mrs. Chittick are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and fraternally, the Doctor is a third degree Mason and a member of the Knights of Pythias. In business life he has several interests. He owns a fertile and well improved farm in Carroll county, and also the Chittick block, a business building of Frankfort.

Dr. Golding Chittick, son of Dr. Charles Chittick, received his education in the schools of Frankfort and DePauw, and was graduated from the medical department of Purdue University in May, 1907. Since his graduation, he has been actively engaged in the practice of medicine at Frankfort, in partnership with his father. On September 15, 1906, he was united in marriage to Neva L. Pilkington, of Greenfield, Indiana. Of this union two children have been born: Mary Annette and Louise. Dr. Chittick is a member of the Episcopalian church and of the Masonic order, captain of the Medical Department of the Indiana National Guard, and a member of the International Association of Military Surgeons.

Robert H. Boynton

The gentleman of whom the biographer writes is a young man who has risen to a position of prominence in his calling and although a resident of Frankfort but a comparatively short time, has already become one of the city's popular and highly esteemed citizens. He is widely known in engineering circles, has filled several important posts in the railway and government service and is recognized as among the most efficient and reputable men of his profession. Robert H. Boynton is a native of Xew York by paternal descent, a Xew Englander, and inherits many of the sterling characteristics for which the people of the latter section of the union have long been distinguished.

Henry P. Boynton, father of the subject, was born in Xew Hampshire in 1S40 and by occupation was for a number of years a railway engineer and later a traveling engineer which calling he followed until his death in 1902. He was a man of sturdy worth, earnest in his endeavors to promote the interests of the different enterprises with which he was identified and appears to have enjoyed the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. His wife, who prior to her marriage, was Miss Emma Hammond, was born in i860, in Batavia, X. Y.. and is still living in Rochester, that state. She is an intelligent lady of high character and beautiful life and deservedly popular in the social circles of the city in which she resides.

Robert H. Boynton was born in Batavia. X. Y.. where he received his educational training, being graduated from the high school of that city with the class of 1903. W ith a fondness and exceptional aptitude for mathematics. he entered the University of Michigan where he received his degree as civil engineer in 1909 and shortly thereafter accepted a position with the Missouri Pacific Railroad, with which he continued until entering upon his duties as citv engineer of Frankfort. Ind.. in the year 1913. In the meantime he was for several months in the employ of the government on the Mississippi river as a member of the commission on the channel survey of that stream, and while thus engaged demonstrated signal ability as an engineer and master of his profession.

Wherever employed, Mr. Boynton's services have been eminentlv satisfactorv and he has always made every other consideration subordinate to his professional duties. As a civil engineer, thoroughly devoted to his calling, he has few equals and no superiors. Since taking charge of the work in Frankfort his abilities have been appreciated at their true value and the concensus of opinion is that the city has never had a more capable or popular public servant in his line.

Mr. Bovnton is a member of the Masonic Fraternity in which he has risen to the third degree. He is identified with the X\ Y. S. C. Society of Michigan, and is an associate member of the American Society of Civil

Engineers. As a citizen he is interested in all public enterprises and professionally has already corrected many technical errors in former surveys and added much to the advancement and beauty of the city. On October 15, 1912, he was united in marriage with Miss Zua Rice, daughter of John A. and Maggie C. Rice, of Frankfort, a young lady well known and popular in social circles and noted for her estimable qualities of mind and heart.

Marshall Thatcher

The history of a county or a state, as well as that of a nation, is chiefly a chronicle of the lives and deeds of those who have conferred honor and dignity upon society. The world judges the character of a community by those of its representative citizens and yields its tribute of admiration and respect to those whose works and actions constitute the record of a state's prosperity and pride. Among the prominent citizens of Clinton county, who are well known because of their success in private business affairs and the part they have taken in public life, is he whose name appears at the head of this article.

Marshall Thatcher was born near Scircleville, this county, January 8, 1865, and was the son of Elijah and Sallie A. (Hillis) Thatcher. Elijah Thatcher was born in Fayette county, Indiana, in 1836, and was the son of Harvey and Mildred Thatcher. Harvey was a native of Xew York and settled in Indiana in the later twenties, following the miller's trade all of his life except in later vears, when he took up farming. He died late in the fifties at a ripe old age. Mrs. Thatcher died in 1885. Elijah Thatcher, during his prosperous and successful life, followed farming as an occupation. He came to Clinton county in the early sixties, and died in 1872. Politically, he was a Democrat, in religious faith a Methodist. He married Sallie A. Hillis, who was born in Fayette county, Indiana, and is still living in Tipton, Indiana, now Mrs. Sallie A. Matthews. On the mother's side she is a descendant of Thomas Shores, who served with distinction during the Revolutionary war, and also under Gen. George Rogers Clark.

Our subject bad a good preliminary education and then attended Purdue University, taking the agricultural course. He was graduated in 1885. He then entered the mercantile business at Scircleville and Tipton, where he staved fifteen years, making many friends and in every way benefiting the community. He next came to Frankfort, where he has lived for ten years, engaging in real estate, insurance and bond business. He acts as agent for southeastern Missouri farm lands also. His trade is large and increasing, and his friends are numbered by the hundreds. Mr. Thatcher is a pleasant man to meet, being genial and affable at all times. Fraternally, he is an enthusiastic member of the Masonic Order, belongs to the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council. Fie also belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and is past chancellor of that order. He belongs to the Indiana grand lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Politically, he is a Republican, and religiously, is a Methodist.

In November, 1891, he was married to May Pence, w ho was born near Frankfort, and is a daughter of Charles R. and Martha J. Pence, a more detailed account of whom is given in another place in this volume.

Rev. George Vax Deveer Morris

The subject of the sketch here written is a man who has followed the ministerial profession with credit to himself and benefit to the people whom he has served. Xot only has he served his people from the pulpit, but he has written articles and books that have carried much weight, he has delved into the educational work of the country with success, and in every undertaking with which he has been associated his influence has been for the best, and his assistance has ever been sought.

Reverend Mr. Morris was born at Bridgeton, X<wv Jersey, on December 5, 1867, and was the son of George Kenneth and Elizabeth (Smith) Morris.

Our subject procured his early education in the common schools and then attended Dickinson College, receiving his degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1889, and Master of Arts in 1892. He next went to the Drew Theological Seminary, taking the D. D. degree in 1891. In 1892 he was ordained as a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, taking his first charge at the Xorwood church in Cincinnati. O., and there he remained from 1891 to 1894. From 1894 to 1897 he w as at Batavia. O.. and from 1897' to 1899 at Franklin, O. In 1899 he took charge of the Clifton church at Cincinnati, staying there until 1903. when he took charge of the Centenary church at Lexington. Ky. In 1 9 1 1 the Reverend Dr. Morris came to Frankfort. He wras president of the Cincinnati Methodist Episcopal church while living in that city.

From the year 1903 until 1911 Dr. Morris was a member of the Kentucky Board of Education, serving well in that capacity. In literary work connected with his vocation he is an editorial staff writer for the Western Christian Advocate , and is a terse and strong writer. In 1892, 1907, and 1 9 1 1 , he traveled abroad, devoting his time principally to study. A number of books have been written by him, including "A Man for A' That" in 1902, and ''Polly, a Fairy Tale of Love," in 1907. Mr. Morris earned membership while in school in the scholarship fraternity of Phi Beta Kappa. Politically, he is Independent, preferring to vote for the man and not for the party.

On May 17, 1894. Reverend Mr. Morris was married to Anna Young, who was born in the town of Camden. Xew Jersey. Tw o children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Morris, namely: Anna K. and George W.

Mr. John H. Merritt

John H. Merritt, deceased, was a substantial farmer of Johnson township, Clinton county, where he was born June 4, 1854. and resided throughout his life. Aubrey Merritt, his great grandfather, a patriot of the Revolution and of English parentage, lived and died in Hardy county, Ya.. where he owned a plantation and a number of slaves. Adam Merritt, son of Aubrey, was born in Hardy countv, Ya.. and married Catherine Harris of the same state. They moved to Coshocton county. Ohio, reared a family, and then came to Indiana, and settled in Clinton county in 1845, entering a farm. He was an old-line Whig, but lived to be a staunch supporter of the Republican partv. William Merritt, son of Adam and father of John IT. our subject, was born in Coshocton county, O., April 2, 1824, and married Rachel Keever, daughter of John and Rachel (Drake) Keever, of Warren county, O. The children born to this marriage were in order of birth, as follows: Mary E., Erasmus M.. Margaret C.. John IT. and Clinton. The father of this family, William Merritt, lived in Clinton county from the time of his marriage and was one of the most prominent citizens. His farm comprised two hundred and eightv-five acres, and was improved with a substantial residence, barn and all necessary farm buildings, and was in a fine state of cultivation. He was a strong Republican in his politics and in religion, his wife was a consistent Methodist.

daughter of Philip and Lyda J. (Sutton) Lybrook, the former a resident and farmer of Howard county, Ind., and a member of the Society of Friends. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Merritt are: Fred L., Iberna D., Clyde, Earl, died when two years old, and Edith Xora, at home. Mr. Merritt died January 23, 1899, leaving a good farm, well improved, where his wife now resides. He earned this property through his own thrift and industry, assisted by his prudent and painstaking wife. He was regarded by the citizens of the township as a man of worth and intelligence and his family is equally respected.

Harry Mitchell

Another of the progressive voting farmers and stockmen of Washington township, Clinton county, is Harry Mitchell, who is deserving of representation here, partly because of this fact, and partly because he is a native son of this vicinity and is a representative of a well known and honored old family here.

Harry Mitchell was born February 3. 1877, on the old Mitchell homestead in Madison township. Clinton county, and is the son of Tames M. Mitchell whose sketch appears in another part of this work. Our subject was reared on the home farm and it was there that he became familiar with the various phases of agricultural work. He was educated in the public schools. Mr. Mitchell was married June 16. tool, to Flda Reser, a native of Tippecanoe county. Indiana, where her birth occurred! July 29, 1884. She is the daughter of Reuben and Xaney ( Prelsford ) Reser, both of whom were also born in Tippecanoe county. Mr. Reser's death occurred when our subject's wife was onlv eighteen months old, but Mrs. Reser is still living.

born October 20, 1903, and Pearl born March 25, 1906. Mr. Mitchell began farming earlv in life and is now the owner of an excellent farm of eighty acres in Washington township, which he has placed under an excellent svstem of improvements. In connection with his general farming operations, he is also a breeder of Shorthorn cattle, Duroc hogs, and general purpose horses. He also farms some of his father's land. He is the owner of a comfortable and nice home and has good buildings of every kind on his place. His farm is known as Maple Lawn.

In politics, Mr. Mitchell is a Republican, but he has never aspired to public office, though always ready to support any measures looking to the general good of the community.

Samuel Richard Irwin

The subject of this sketch, a prominent business man and representative citizen of Frankfort, is descended from staunch old colonial stock and embodies in his personality many of the sterling characteristics of his ancestry.

The Irwin family to which he belongs is of Scotch origin and its history in America dates from 1752. In that year three of the Irwin brothers left Scotland and emigrated to the new world, settling in Georgia and Maryland. At the breaking out of the War of the Revolution, Jared Irwin, one of the three brothers and the subject's great-great-grandfather, entered the colonial army in which he soon rose to the rank of colonel. He became one of the leading public men of his state, in which he served two terms as governor, and Irwinsville and Irwin county, in Georgia, were named after him. Jefferson Davis was captured on the Irwin plantation, near Irwinsville.

Among the descendants of Jared Irwin, a grandson by the name of Samuel Irwin, settled in an early day in Ross county, O., where he married Esther Dean, who was of Scotch-Irish parentage. In 1832 he moved to Montgomery county, Ind.. leaving two sons. John and Jared, who remained in Ohio until the beginning of the Mexican war, when they enlisted in an Ohio regiment and served until the close of the war. Shortly after they came to Tippecanoe county, Ind., where John Irwin devoted his attention to the pursuit of agriculture and to teaching until his death which occurred in 1855. In 1850 he married Elizabeth Seaman. Her father was of Irish parents, who settled in Maryland before the Revolution. Her mother, whose maiden name was Lellewer. was born in France. She survived her hsuband about six years, departing this life in 1861. leaving two sons, Samuel R. and William S.

Samuel Richard Irwin, son of John and Elizabeth Irwin, was born on a farm in Tippecanoe county. Ind., June 13, 1851. Upon the death of his parents, which occurred when he was quite young, he became an inmate of the home of William Sims, of Clinton county, who reared him until his fifteenth year; brought him up on a farm and sent him to the public school of the neighborhood. W hile still a youth, he secured a teacher's license and devoted himself to educational work until 1873. when he turned his attention to farming. Later he embarked in the goods business at Michigantown, for a period of six years. He then disposed of his stock and returning to the farm continued to till the soil, also selling pianos and organs, until 1901, when he

Mr. Irwin is a business man of wide experience, thoroughly familiar with the line of trade to which his time and energies are devoted. In his political views, he has always been a Republican, until the advent of the national Progressive party, when he became an earnest supporter of the party. In secret fraternal work, he has long been identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Irwin has been twice married; the first time in September, 1872, to Miss Caroline Cartron, of Clinton county, who departed this life on the seventh day of September, 1908. They raised four children, namely: Andrew L., a well known farmer of Warren township;

Jas. Walter Mitchell

One of the successful farmers of Madison township, Clinton county, is las. Walter* Mitchell, a man who has preferred to remain in his native locality rather than seek his fortune in some much-vaunted far-away region of uncertain opportunities.

Mr. Mitchell was born on the old Mitchell homestead, August 27, 1879, and is the son and brother of Jas. M. and Harry Mitchell, a complete sketch of whose lives are given in another part of this volume. The subject of this review was reared on the home farm and when but a boy he was to be found in the fields, consequently farming has come naturally to him. He received a good common school education.

December 31, 1902, he was united to Ella Pmrkharter, daughter of Wm. and Sarah Burkharter, both natives of Pennsylvania. Our subject's wife was born August 5. 1882, in Union township. Clinton county, Indiana. Her father at the age of four years left his native state with his parents and came to Indiana to reside. Both of Mrs. Mitchell's parents are living at Frankfort. She received a good common school education.

Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell are the parents of two children. Thelma and Glen, the former born September 8, 1903 and the latter born January 20, 1906. Our subject is farming on his father's farm and has a nice little home with good buildings of all kinds. He has devoted his life to general farming and has been very successful, being a persistent worker and good manager and is well known as a breeder of Jersey cows, Chesterwhite hogs and general purpose horses.

Politically, Mr. Mitchell is a Republican, and while he does not have time to take any great interest in public matters, yet he is always readv to support any worthy measure looking to the general good of his county and state. He and his wife are both members of the Reform church at Mulberrv.

James M. Mitchell

It will always be a mark of distinction to have served the LTnion during the great war between the states. The old soldier will receive attention no matter where he goes if he will but make himself known. And when he passes awav as so many of them are now doing friends will pay him suitable eulogv for the sacrifices he had made a half century ago on the sanguinary fields of the Southland or in the no less dreaded prison fever, camp or hospital. And ever afterward his descendants will revere his memorv and take pride in recounting his services for his country in its hour of peril. One of the most eligible of the old soldiers and honored citizens of Clinton countv for specific mention in a work of the nature of the one in hand is Tames M. Mitchell, farmer of Madison township.

Mr. Mitchell was born at Oxford. O., February 19. 1S42. on a farm. He is a son of Samuel Mitchell, born in Rutler county, Ohio. His father was a soldier in the war of 1812. The mother of our subject was known in her maidenhood as Elizabeth Sample. She was born in Union countv, Indiana, in which her family were pioneers. She died leaving six children, three sons and three daughters, namely: John, was a soldier in the Civil war, in the One Hundred and Eighty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and he died at Veedersburg, this state: Sam Sample. Elziabeth. Ellen is deceased, Martha lives in Oxford, O., and Tames M., of this sketch. The parents of these children, both died at Oxford, O., the mother reaching the advanced age of ninety-two years.

James M. Mitchedll was reared on the farm and he was educated in the public schools. In 1867 he located in Madison township, Clinton county, on eighty acres in the woods, which he cleared and developed and had a comfortable home in due course of time. Prospering he was enabled to purchase an additional sixty, and he now has a fine farm of one hundred and eighty acres, which he has brought up to an excellent state of improvement and cultivation. He also has one hundred and thirteen acres in Washington township.

Mr. Mitchell married Isabelle Clendening, a sister of Arthur Clendening, an old family of Madison township, and a daughter of Squire Clendening, a veteran of the Union army.

To Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell seven children have been born, namely: Mrs. Cora Bailey, Charles H., Lizzie, Henry Scott, lives in Washington township; Walter, Frank and Ernest Maxwell, who lives on the home farm.

James M. Mitchell enlisted in Oxford, O., in Company A, Eightv-sixth Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. McFarland, who was a professor of old Miami University. The regiment was commanded bv Colonel Burris and Lietenant Colonel Hunter. They were in camp at Columbus, O., for awhile, and later was ordered to Virginia, where our subject took part in a number of minor engagements, finally were sent into Tennessee and fought at the skirmish on Lookout Mountain. After four months service he was sent back into Ohio as guard to railroad and telegraph property used by the government. He made a good record as a soldier and received an honorable discharge. After the war he returned home and has since engaged successfully in general farming and stock raising.

William Fickle

It can not be other than interesting to note in the series of personal sketches appearing in this memorial history the varying conditions that have compassed those whose careers are outlined, and the effort has been made in each case to throw well-focussed light onto the individuality and to bring into proper perspective the scheme of each respective character. Each man who strives to fulfill his part in connection with human life and human activities is deserving of recognition, whatever may be or have been the field of his endeavor, and it is the function of works of this nature to perpetuate for future generations an authentic record concerning those represented in its pages and the value of such publications is certain to be cumulative for all time to come, showing forth the individual and specific accomplishments of which generic history is ever engendered. The beginning of the career of the late William Fickle, for many years one of Clinton county's well known citizens, was characterized by hard work and conscientious endeavor, and he owed his rise to no train of fortunate incidents or fortuitous circumstances. It was the reward of application of mental qualifications of a high order to the affairs of business, the combining with keen perceptions mental activity that enabled him to grasp the opportunities that presented themselves. This he did with success and, what is more important, with honor. His integrity was ever unassailable, his honor unimpeachable, and he stood "four square to every wind that blew," highly esteemed by all who knew him.

Mr. Fickle was born in the year 1839, in Perry township, Clinton county. He was a son of Isaac Fickle, born in 1815, a son of W illiam and Ann (Thompson) Fickle. The former born in Virginia in 1784, and the latter a native of Ireland, from which country she came to America when young. The Fickle family removed from Virginia to Perry county and from there in a very early day to what is now Perry township, Clinton county, where the elder Fickle became a very large land owner and prominent citizen in the early pioneer days. Isaac Fickle married Jane M. Miller, a daughter of Robert Miller, a native of South Carolina from which state he came to Clinton county, in 1829, locating in what is now Madison township, where he remained until 1841, when he went to Mercer county, Illinois, and died there.

William Fickle, subject of this memoir, grew to manhood on the home farm and received such education as the early-day schools afforded. On October 22, 1863, he married Phoebe Ann Thompson, with whom he walked peaceablv and happily the rugged path of life for nearly a half centurv. She was born February 20, 1844, a daughter of William and Sarah (Rvan) Thompson, of Preble county, Ohio, where he was born January 29, 1816, and his wife September 11, 1824. He was a son of Reese Thompson, whose grandfather was born in Ireland, and whose wife was a German woman. Reese Thompson and wife came to Indiana in a very early day and both died in Tippecanoe county, the grandfather at the age of eighty-two and the grandmother at the age of sixty-two. It was in 1832 that William Thompson and wife came to Indiana. Their family consisted of the following children: W'infield, who lives in Clarks Hill, Ind. : Mrs. Phoebe Ann Fickle, widow of our subject; Mrs. Mary E. Everhart; William, who lived in California, supposed to have been killed in the earthquake of 1906: James, living in Washington township, this county; Owen, living in Madison township, and Mrs. Cora Stinson, living in Perry township.

William Fickle devoted his life to general farming and stock raising with more than ordinary success, for he was a persistent worker, a good manager and a man of sound judgment and wise foresight. He became owner of over six hundred acres of valuable and productive land which he brought up to a high state of cultivation and improvement, and which he eventually divided up among his children of whom there were twelve, named as follows: Mrs. Fena J. Horlacher, born July 20, 1864; Alvin T., April 22, 1866; Fernando J., October 24, 1867; Sarah L., March 28, 1870; Joe E., February 4, 1872; Estella M., October 4, 1873; Charles R., December 3, 1875; Mrs. Ora A. Anderson, November 26, 1878; Orvil O., December 13, 1880; Floyd S., May 3, 1882; Lorie L., August 13, 1884, and Elda E. Bennett, December 3, 1886.

Mr. Fickle was for a number of years justice of the peace in his township and proved to be a popular public servant owing to his fairness to all concerned. He was a member of the United Presbyterian church, in which he was elder for a number of years. The death of this splendid citizen occurred in March, 1913, and all who knew him sincerely regretted his passing a wav.

William Grant Waggoner

William G. Waggoner was horn at Galveston, Cass county, Indiana, on August 17, 1867, the son of Peter and Turza Waggoner, natives of Indiana. Peter Waggoner followed agriculture as a life work, and was verv successful. William Waggoner was one of four children, two of whom are now dead. He has one sister living now, Mrs. Morris, of Burlington ,Ind. Both parents are now dead and are buried at the home of the sister at Burlington, Ind.

William Waggoner obtained an education in the limited schools of Galveston. Until 1904, Mr. Waggoner followed the example set by his father and devoted his time to farming. He was fortunate in his efforts in cultivation and his fields were typical of the fertile and tillable lands of Carroll county. In 1904, he moved to Frankfort, Ind., and has lived there ever since. He operates the motor saw for the Benefield and Son Saw Mills of that city.

On October 15, 1885, Mr. Waggoner married Carrie A. Wall, a milliner and dress maker, but since they came to Frankfort is proprietor of the Waggoner House. She is a daughter of Alexander and Dialtha Jennie Wall, natives of Richmond, Va., and both dead at this time. The bodies rest in the city of the dead at Knoxville, Tenn. Mrs. Waggoner has one sister and two brothers. They are: Mrs. Maggie C. West, of Middlesboro, Ky. ; Allen Wall, in gas and electric business at Memphis, Tenn., and E. H.

Wall, a carpenter living at Frankfort, Ind. Mrs. Waggoner's father was a soldier in the Civil war, serving in several important engagements as a member of the Federal forces. Her grandfather was a minister in the very early days of Tennessee, and was moderator of the Tennessee Association from 1859 to 1878. It is said that he preached a larger number of sermons than any other person in the history of the association, except the Rev. Elijah Rogers. Mrs. Waggoner can trace her lineage still further back. Her greatgreat-grandparents were natives of Ireland and descendants of the famous Forgays and Sawyers Harris family, of Ireland.

One son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Waggoner, Harry A. Waggoner. He graduated in high school at Burlington, Ind., came to Frankfort and attended Miners Business College and is employed as meat cutter at Milners meat market. Harry Waggoner married Verna Luddington, a daughter of James and Vena Luddington of Frankfort. The bride was one of five children, two of whom are dead. The three living are Mrs. Newbold, of Clinton county; Miss Mable, of Frankfort, Ind., and James Flarrold, now in school. One daughter, Pearl, has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Waggoner.

William Grant Waggoner is a member of the Christian church at Burlington. He belongs to the Loyal Order of Moose and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Mr. Waggoner, despite certain eruptions in his party, has never seen fit to remove himself from the Republican cause.

Otto P. Pickard

It is interesting to take note of those whose industry and leadership in the work of advancement have rendered possible the present prosperity of the locality under consideration. Otto P. Pickard well known man of Frankfort is one of the honest, industrious, broad-minded individuals who has contributed to the material welfare of the city in which he resides, being public spirited as a citizen and progressive in all that the term implies.

Otto P. Pickard was born September 18, 1879, in Fulton county, Indiana, and was the son of Lew H. and Mary E. (Miller) Pickard. His father was born in Indiana September 29 . i853- For years he was in the grocery business, but is located, at present, in Kirklin, Ind.. as a dealer in harness. Our subject's mother was born in Ohio, March 14, 1855. They are the parents of four children, three of whom are still living: Addie, Otto P., Joe and Bertha (deceased).

Our subject was educated in the common schools and was also a graduate of the Frankfort high school. Early in life, he learned the painter's trade which he followed a number of years. Later, he was employed by the Lake Erie and Western Railroad Company and was with said company for a period of about six years, during which time, he served as a bill clerk and yard master. He also was in the employ of the United States Express Company for over three years. He is filling a position as salesman in one of the grocery stores in Frankfort, at the present time.

September 23, 1900, he was united in marriage with Lena L. Harrison. She was born in Boone county, Indiana, January 30, 1884, and was the daughter of Reuben and Mary E. (Huffine) Harrison, both of whom are living. Our subject and wife are the parents of two children, namely: Leona, born January 3, 1902, and Kenneth, born August 29, 1905.

Like his father, Mr. Pickard is loyal to the Republican party and while they both have taken the usual interest of good citizens in public affairs, they have never been office aspirants. Fraternally, Mr. Pickard is a Woodman of the World.

Omer C. Bennett

To be a successful farmer requires no little tact, soundness of judgment and keen observation, besides persistent and hard physical toil, and successful farming as it is carried on today, requires not necessarilv text-book education, but that particular learning which comes by painstaking effort and close observation. These facts, the world at large is coming to understand more and more each dav.

Omer C. Bennett of Washington township, Clinton countv, is an excellent type of the up-to-date agriculturist as well as a breeder of Shorthorn cattle. Chester-white hogs and general purpose horses. He was born here July 12, 1890, and is the son of J. W. and Isabelle (Eavev) Bennett. His father was born in Madison township, Clinton county, August 24, 1859, and mother born June 14, 1868 in Ohio. HR life has been devoted to farming and he is one of the most influential men of his eommunitv. He and his wife live on a farm in Washington township and politically, Mr. Bennett is a staunch Republican. They are are parents of two children: Charles, born April 8, 1886, and Omer C., our subject.

township. December 29, 1909, he was united in marriage with Elva Fickle, daughter of William and Phoebe Ann (Thompson) Fickle. She was well educated, being a graduate of the Mulberry high school and having attended the State Normal School at Terre Haute, Ind. She taught school in Clinton county for twelve years. To this union, two children have been born; Herschel B., born April 24, 1911, and John \V. , born August 7, 1912.

Our subject has been very successful in his business life and is the owner of one of the most desirable homes in Madison township, known as Plain View Farm. Pie owns seventy-four acres of land, all of which is tillable.

Personally, Mr. Bennett is a pleasant man to know, genial, broad-minded, generous and honest, and it is useless to add that he is highly esteemed by all who know him, having been found faithful to every trust reposed in him in all the relations with his fellow men, and because of his sterling worth, his pleasant disposition and hospitable nature, he is one of the most representative of Clinton county's progressive citizens.

John L. Hex Gst

Clinton county has furnished homes to many hailing from foreign countries. and, as a rule their residence here has benefited both themselves and us, for we had productive land to be developed according to modern methods so that this county would rank with the best in the state, and the immigrants have been for the most part poor, needing just such opportunities as they found here. They have thus by hard work and economy built up good properties and made substantial, loyal and contented citizens. Of this number the Hengst family of Madison township should receive special mention.

John L. Hengst, the immediate subject of this sketch, was born in Prussia, December 10, 1848. He is a son of John L. and Elizabeth (Mephersmith) Hengst, both natives of Prussia also. There the parents grew to maturity and were married and spent their earlier years, and from there they emigrated to the United States in 1859 when our subject was ten years old. The voyage across the great Atlantic in an old-fashioned sailing vessel was a tedious one, requiring six weeks, bad storms having been encountered. They finally landed in New York City, and from there the family came on west to Clinton county, Indiana, settling in Center township on a farm,- near the Union township line. Here they became very comfortably established through hard work and good management, and here the father's death occurred at the age of sixty-eight years, the mother dying at the age of eighty-three years. Thev were the parents of seven children three of whom are still living, namely: Mrs. Mary Hassnight, John L., of this sketch, and

Caroline. The father devoted his active life to general farming. Politically, he was a Democrat, and he and his wife were members of the Lutheran church.

John L. Hengst was reared on the home farm in Center township, and there worked hard when a bov. He attended the rural schools in his neighborhood. When twenty-six years old he married Nancy J. Curt, a daughter of Robert Curt and wife. After his marriage our subject lived in Union township, then moved to Tippecanoe county where he lived several years, then returned to Clinton county and bought the fine farm on which he now' lives in Madison township, three miles from the town of Mulberry. He has an excellently improved farm on which stand a well arranged eight roomed house and a large barn and other good outbuildings.- He also owns a valuable farm of eight acres in Union township, and eighty acres in Tippecanoe countv, both of which are well improved.

Mr. Hengst has seven children, four sons and three daughters, namelv: W illiam M., Alfred R., John L., Mrs. Emma Bear, Mrs. Rosella Mills, and Mrs. Helna \ 'anarch The last named and husband live with our subject on the farm. The wife and mother passed away in 1908 at the age of fifty-seven years. She was a good and faithful helpmeet, a kind mother and charitable neighbor. She was a faithful member of the Lutheran church.

He to whom this sketch is dedicated is a member of one of the oldest and most honored pioneer families of Clinton county and he has personally lived up to the full tension of the primitive days when was here initiated the march of civilization so that there is particular interest attached to his career, while he stands today as one of the representative citizens of Madison township, for his life has been one of hard work which has resulted in the development of a good farm which he owns and which yields him a comfortable living.

William B. Combs was born on the old Combs homestead, a mile west of where he now lives in Madison township, Clinton county, November 3, 1858. He is a son of William B. Combs, Sr., who was a native of Butler county, Ohio, and a son of John Combs, a native of Ireland. William B. Combs, Sr., married Susan B. Richardson, who was a native of Butler county, Ohio, and a daughter of an old Buckeye family. The parents of our subject grew to maturity in their native state and there were married, coming from there to Clinton county in an early day and settled in the woods, where they built a log cabin, and by hard work developed a good farm of two hundred and forty acres. The death of the father occurred at the age of fifty-five years, his widow surviving to the advanced age of eighty years, seven months and three days. To them five children were born, namely: John E., president of the Citizens Bank, of Mulberry; Mrs. Sadie F. Elliott, of Elwood, Ind. ; William B., Jr., of this sketch; Malaciah, is a prominent physician of Terre Haute, Ind., and Charles, a successful physician of Terre Haute.

William B. Combs was reared on the home farm and educated in the public schools. On December 30, 1880, he married Emma Rodocker, who was born, reared and educated in this county. She was born on Mary 20, 1863, the daughter of D. W. Rodocker, who died in August, 1912, at the age of seventy-five years. He was a native of Ashland county, Ohio. His wife was Elizabeth Shanaberry, a native of Richland, O., and a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Shanaberger. The death of Mrs. Combs's mother occurred in 1909 at the age of seventy-one years. Mrs. Combs is one of a family of the following children: Mrs. Jennie Seyfried Emma C., Mrs. Anna C. Clapper, Joseph C., Mrs. Laura German, Mrs. Amanda Fleshhauer, Minnie, wife of William Miller.

Wiliam B. Combs, of this sketch, has devoted his life to general farming and stock raising and has met with large success. He is now owner of one hundred and seventy-six acres, which is well improved in every way, including a large and well furnished residence, large barn and a one hundredton silo, his place being known as the Pleasant Ridge Farm. He pays considerable attention to stock raising.

To William B. Combs and wife four children have been born, namely: Clark, he being engaged on the Clover Leaf Railroad, and is the father of two children, Earl William and Frona Caroline; our subject's second child is Lawrence Glen, a successful physician, Y. S., who was graduated from the Indiana Veterinarv College at Indianapolis in 1898; William Bonn is farm-

Politically, Mr. Combs is a Democrat, but has never been an office seeker. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They are both active in church and Sunday school work.

Charles R. Fickle

There is a marked difference in the methods employed by the successful twentieth century farmer and those used by his grandfather. The methods of a century or even half a century ago were all right then but they would not do now because not only the land has changed, but also the climate and the kind of seed. We have obtained much seed of all varieties from foreign lands and through them many thistles worthless grasses, pests and other undesirable things which we have to study and war against have come to our virgin land which our forbears knew nothing of. But taking it all in all, considering the hard work they had to do in getting the soil ready for cultivation, the rude agricultural implements and the numerous kindreds of the wild that preyed upon young crops, there were as good pioneer farmers as there are modern husbandmen.

One of the progressive farmers of the present time in Madison township, Clinton county, is Charles R. Fickle, owner of Maple Ridge Farm, two miles south of Mulberry. He was born December 3, 1875, *n this county. He is a son of W illiam and Anna (Thompson) Fickle. The Fickles were among the first settlers of W ashington township and the father and grandfather of our subject were good examples of successful early-dav farmers. The father was born here in 1839. He was a son of Isaac Fickle, who was born in 1815 in Wrest Virginia, the son of W'illiam Fickle, who was a native of Virginia, born there in 1748. The latter's father was a native of Germany, and his mother of England. William Fickle, who was known as "Squire" Fickle, married Ann Thompson, a native of Ireland, from which country she emigrated to the LTnited States when eleven years of age, with her parents, locating in Philadephia. Subsequently her family moved to what is now Perry countv, Ohio, in the days of the wilderness, and there she and Squire Fickle were married. In that county Squire Fickle owned at one time twenty-six hundred acres of land. He was justice of the peace for many years, and was a prominent man in that county. His son, Isaac Fickle, was born there in

1815, as stated above, and there he grew up and married Jane M. Miller, daughter of Robert and Nora Belle Miller, natives of South Carolina, and early settlers in this county, coming here in 1829. locating in Madison township, Clinton county, removing to Mercer county, Illinois in 1841, and there spent the rest of their lives, the wife died on December 22, 1863, leaving four children.

William Fickle, father of our subject, grew up amid pioneer conditions and received a limited education in the old-time schools. He devoted his life to general farming with success.

Charles Fickle our subject, grew up on the home farm and was educated in the nearby schools. He remained at home until he was twenty-seven years of age, then, on June 10, 1903, he married Mary E. Avers, daughter of Jesse Ayers, a well known citizen of Washington township, this county. A history of the Ayers family will be found on other pages of this work. Three children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Ruth Marie, Jay C., and Dorothy Lucile.

Mr. Fickle has devoted his life to farming, and he is owner of a productive and well improved place consisting of eighty-six acres. He has a good home in the midst of attractive surroundings and makes a good livelihood by general farming and stock raising.

William B. Fickle

The biographer is glad to note in this series of sketches that there are so many retired farmers within the borders of Clinton county, for it shows that here is a prosperous and contented people and a locality unrivaled in agricultural possibilities. In countries where the land is poor and the inhabitants indifferent, contented merely to live along the line of least resistance, one does not find retired farmers, such a thing can not be from the very nature of things. The name of William B. Fickle, of Midberry, appears on the list of those who have spent their active years in tilling the soil, have accumulated a comfortable competency through their thrift and good management and are now enjoying serenely the fruits of their earlier years of toil. He is another of the prominent old family, records of which fill a good many pages in this publication, and, like the rest of the family he has lived an industrious, useful and honorable life.

vember 16, 1849, the year of the memorable gold excitement, which sent thousands across the dangerous western plains. He is a son of Joseph Fickle, born in Perry county, Ohio, in 1813, during the second war with Great Britian. He spent his earlier years in his native state, finally located in Clinton county, Indiana, in an early day and here became a prosperous farmer and spent the rest of his life here, dying in 1875 at the age of seventy-two years. He was a son of William and Ann (Thompson) Fickle, the former a native of Pensylvania, and the latter was born in Dublin, Ireland. She was a great Bible student and could debate with preachers on the Scriptures. William Fickle came to Clinton county as early as 1832, bought land and returned to Perry county, Ohio, from which place he moved his family here in 1834, making the journey in wagons. There home here was a log cabin until they could get their farm under way and build a more pretentious dwelling. He prospered and became one of the largest land owners in this locality. He received a deed signed by the great name of Andrew Jackson. President at that time. William and Ann Fickle had seven children. four sons and three daughters, namely: Hugh, Isaac, John, Joseph, Mrs. Nancy Haylette, Sarah, who married James Fickle, and Jane.

Joseph Fickle was reared in Perry county, Ohio. In 1834, when twentyone years old he married Elizabeth D. Brown, daughter of Judge John Brown, of Washington township, Clinton county, she being one of a family of two sons and four daughters, namely: Samuel and John, the two sons are both deceased; Mrs. Elizabeth D. Fickle: two daughters who live in Rochester, Ind. ; and one deceased. Six children were born to Joseph Fickle and wife, namely: William B., of this sketch; Margaret, who married Thomas Mc- Bride; Sarah, Elizabeth, is deceased, as is also Nancy; Mary, who married John Glendening is deceased. The father of the above-named children devoted his life to farming. Politically, he was a Democrat, and he belonged to the Presbyterian church.

William B. Fickle, of this sketch, was reared on the home farm and educated in the common schools. He remained at home helping his father until he married at the age of twenty-four years, choosing as a life partner Elizabeth McBride, daughter of John McBride, of Perry county, Ohio. After living awhile in Montgomery county, that state, the family came on to Clinton county, Indiana, and settled in Washington township where Mrs. Fickle grewr to womanhood and was educated. She was one of a family of eight children, three sons and five daughters, namely: Thomas, William, James, all deceased; Louisa is the widow of John A. Horlacher, deceased; Elizabeth, wife of Mr. Fickle; Matilda and Amanda are deceased; Mrs. Emma Grice lives in Washington township. The death of John McBride occurred at the age of sixty-five years, his widow surviving until eighty years of age. They were members of the Presbyterian church.

Three children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Mrs. Nellie Rinehart, who lives near Rossville, Ind. ; Joseph E., is married and has three children, William W., Jesse E. and John A. ; Katie, who died when twenty-five years of age, was the wife of D. W. Clendening, she left two sons, Forest and Maurice.

William B. Fickle owns the old home place which consists of one hundred and sixty-eight and one-half acres, which he has kept under excellent improvements and cultivation. He has made a success as a general farmer and stock raiser. He also owns a good dwelling in Mulberry, where he has lived since 1910, when he retired from active life.

Alvin Thompson Fickle

Very often it is greatly to the advantage of the farmer's boy that, instead of rushing off to some town to become a poor grocery clerk or employe in a dirty machine shop, he remains in the country where lie was brought up and where he knows what is necessary to make an honest living. He knows when and how to seed and harvest his crops and knows what is necessary to insure success in the rearing and sale of live stock. If he leaves for the town he must learn another business and enter into competition with men who have grown up to the business which he must acquire. He is thus, as a rule, at a great disadvantage. This is said for the benefit of boys who have a start in farm business, who, in nine cases out of ten, had better remain right where they are if they want insured to them a happy, healthy, respectable old age. One of the progressive farmers of Madison township, Clinton county, who was contented to remain in his native community and devote himself to the line of endeavor with which he was most familiar is Alvin Thompson Fickle, and one would judge from a cursory glance over his excellent farm and pleasant home that he has been wise in following this course.

Mr. Fickle is the son of one of our most noted old families, the Fickles having been prominent and influential in Clinton county for three generations. In view of the fact that the family history has already been given in several different places in this work, it will be omitted here.

Alvin T. Fickle was born in Madison township, Clinton county, on April 22, 1866. He is a son of William Fickle and wife, and he grew to manhood on the home farm and received a good practical education in the neighborhood schools. Early in life he determined to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather in a business way and so began paying close attention to the general phases of farming and stock raising. He remained on the old homestead until he was twenty-three years of age, when he married Nancy E. Clendening, who was born, reared and educated in this locality. She is a daughter of Charles and Ellen Clendening, the former now deceased, but the mother is still living and is now the wife of Arthur J. Clendening, of Madison township. Mrs. Fickle was called to her eternal rest on September 2, 1897. at the age of twenty-seven years, leaving five children, namely: Orpha Murlin, the wife of Milton Hall, of Clarks Hill, Tippecanoe county; Glen Russell, John Carlyle, William Walter and Anna Blanche. They were all given proper school advantages.

Alvin T. Fickle has been very successful as a general farmer and is the owner of a well improved and productive farm of one hundred and eighty acres in Madison township on which he raises a diversity of crops and live stock in large numbers, and on which may be seen a good dwelling and convenient outbuildings. His place is located three and one-third miles southeast of Mulberry.

Politicallv. he is a Democrat and works for his friends who desire office, but he never seeks political preferment himself. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias. Some years ago he went to Texas where he spent a vear, also some time in Colorado and other parts of the West, but finally returned to his native county, which he now believes to be the best county in the world.

Joseph Hacicerd

There is no class of men whom the biographer delights to write about more than the old soldier or the pioneer and when he finds a subject who is both he can not say too much of such a character, for it took bravery, fortitude. and many of the best elements that go to make a man to induce the youth to leave the old home and go to the seat of conflict and risk his life for his country's sake. Indeed, it took but little less courage for him to brave the wilderness, where lurked many an unseen foe and still more obstacles and hardships awaiting to be subdued before his humble home could rise and he could get established in a way that would insure his happiness and freedom from want through the years to come. It is doubtful if the young men of today, we of the second generation at least, would leave the pleasures of advanced civilization and go out to fight Indians, kill the snakes, cut down the giant forest trees, drain the swamps and do a thousand and one things that this worthy band had to do. From such sterling stock sprang Joseph Hackerd, an honored citizen of Washington township, Clinton county, a veteran of the great Civil war and himself a pioneer child.

Mr. Hackerd was born February 24, 1842, in Butler county, Ohio. He is a son of James P. Hackerd, a farmer, who was born in Pennsylvania, of which state his parents were also natives, noted for their honesty and industrv and courage in times of trial. The mother of our subject was Elizabeth Coffman, a native of Butler county, Pennsylvania, of a good old German family of that state. The parents of our subject's mother finally came to Clinton county, Indiana, where they spent the rest of their lives.

The subject of this sketch was reared on the home farm and there worked hard when a boy. He received a meager education in the schools of his day. When thirty years of age he married Sarah Yount, who has proven to be a most faithful helpmeet for a period of forty years. She is a daughter of Hamilton Yount, who was a native of Ohio.

To our subject and wife ten children have been born, namely: Ada, who married Howard Harshman, county recorder, lives at Frankfort; Wallace. Elwood, Maud, Hamilton, James, Roscoe, Benjamin, Bessie and Beulah.

Mr. Hackerd has lived on a farm near Jefferson for many years and has been successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits, however, he is now practically retired from active work.

Mr. Hackerd enlisted for service in the Union army at Mulberry, Ind., in June, 1863, in Company I, One Hundred and Sixteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Loveless. Soon afterward he went into camp at Lafayette for a time, later was sent to Cleveland, O., thence to Cincinnati and into Kentucky, Virginia and North Carolina. He saw considerable hard service, participating in many skirmishes and battles. He was honorably discharged after eight months' service, after which he returned home and engaged in the peacful pursuits of life. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Stone River Post. He belongs to the Masonic order, and has been master of the lodge at Jefferson. Politically, he is a Republican, and a member of the United Brethren church.

Lewis F. Calloway

Agriculture has been the true source of man's dominion on earth ever since the primal existence of labor and has been the pivotal industry that has controlled for the most part all the fields of action to which his intelligence and energy have been devoted. In a civilized community no calling is so certain of yielding a compensatory return as that which is culled from a kindly soil albeit the husbandman at times is sorely taxed in coaxing from mother earth all he desires or even expects ; yet she is a kind mother and seldom chastens with disappointment the child whose diligence and frugality she deems it but just should be rewarded. One of those who have found a benefactress in mother earth is Lewis F. Callaway, a leading farmer of Owen township, Clinton county, proprietor of "Eastview Farm."

Mr. Calloway was born in Ross township, Clinton county, September 24, 1852. He is a son of Wingate Calloway, who was born in Pennsylvania, of English ancestors, some of whom fought in the old wars of Great Britain. The father of our subject grew up in his native state and there received a common school education, and upon reaching manhood he married Elizabeth Lewis, a daughter of Henry Lewis, one of the well known early settlers of Ross township having come here from Butler county, Ohio. He was of English and Welsh descent. To Wingate Calloway and wife nine children were born, three of whom are now living, named as follows: Lucinda( died when twelve years old; Lewis F., of this sketch; Mary A., is the wife of Walter Troxel, in Mulberry, this county. The death of Wingate Calloway occurred in 1865, at the age of fifty-two years, his birth Laving occurred in 1814. He devoted his life to general farming.

Lewis F. Calloway was reared on the home farm and there he worked when a bov. He received his education in the common schools. In 1886 he married Thersa Bible, who was born in Wisconsin October 18, 1861, a daughter of Rufus Bible, of German ancestry. The death of Mrs. Calloway's mother occurred at the age of forty-one years. Her father is still living. Twelve children were born to Rufus Bible and wife named as follows: Everett. Emma Amelia, Thersa, who married Mr. Calloway, of this sketch; Delilah, Sarah, Gilbert, Elmira, Sylva, Lucy, Lester and Sylvester, the latter deceased.

The following children have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Calloway: Manson E., who married Pearl Stinbaugh, lives in Ross township, this county, and they have two children, Jesse James and Troy Lewis; Willard C., second child of our subject, is now twenty years old; John L., is eighteen

Mr. Calloway began farming when a young man and this has continued to be his vocation. He is now owner of a finely improved and productive farm of about one hundred and twenty-four acres of valuable land, where he carries on general farming and stock raising. He has a good ten roomed house and substantial outbuildings, including a barn, forty by ninety feet. He is well fixed about his place in every way and is one of our best farmers. Mr. Calloway affiliates with the Democratic party.

James P. Aughe

Among the younger element of tillers, of the soil in Forest township, Clinton county none is more deserving of specific mention in a volume of the nature of the one in hand than Joseph P. Aughe. This statement is made after observing the careful methods adopted by him and noting the well-kept condition of his farm. His early success is due to the fact that he started off on the right foot in the beginning and has worked persistently, keeping his eyes open all the while.

Mr. Aughe was born August 10, 1888, in Washington township, this county. He is a son of Samuel and Mary J. (Potter) Aughe, an old family of this locality, for the father was born in the same township and county as was our subject, and the Aughes have been well known in this section from the early days, doing their full share of the work of development in all lines. Samuel Aughe grew to manhood on the old homested and there he worked hard when a boy, and had little opportunity to obtain an education. He spent his life successfully engaged in general agricultural pursuits, providing well for his family. Politically, he was a Democrat, but was a quiet home man and took little interest in political affairs. His death occurred on July 13, 1910.

The mother of the subject of this sketch was born in the state of New York. She received a very good education, and she is still living. Mrs. Aughe was a faithful helpmeet and discreet mother. She has two children living and one deceased, namely: Fernie, the eldest; Joseph P., of this sketch, and Frederick, deceased.

Joseph P. Aughe grew to manhood on the home place and there he did his share of the work when growing to manhood. He received a good education in the local public schools and in the high school at Frankfort.

On September 12, 1906, Mr. Aughe took an important step by marrying Nellie Sims, who was born in Forest township, Clinton county, February 9, 1890, and here she grew to womanhood and was educated in the common and high schools. She is a daughter of J. T. and Melissa (Whisler) Sims. Her father was born on December 7, 1858, in Clinton county. Indiana, and her mother was born on December 20 of the same year, there being thus but a few days difference in their ages.

After leaving school Mr. Aughe worked for an express company a short time, and then was a messenger for the American Express Company on the Big Four Railway for one year, giving entire satisfaction to his employers. Then, in 1910, he moved to his present place in Forest township, and began farming, which he is continuing with gratifying results, carrying on general farming and stock raising. He is making a specialty of raising Jersey cows, Poland China hogs and a cross breed of Belgian horses. This fine and productive farm contains three hundred and forty acres, and is known as the J. T. Sims farm.

Politically, Mr. Aughe is a Democrat. Fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Forest: also the Masonic Order and the Eastern Star. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

William J. Layton

The name of William J. Layton is too well known to the farming community to Michigan township to be formally introduced here, since he has long made his residence in Clinton county, in fact has spent nearly all of his life here. The career of Mr. Layton has ever been such as to warrant the trust and confidence of the business world, for he has ever conducted all transactions on the strictest principles of honor and integrity. His devotion to the public good is unquentioned and arises from a sincere interest in his fellow men. What the world needs is such men - men of genuine worth and above the penurious caveling type of man who lives for himself alone.

William J. Layton was born December 28, 1844, in Wayne county, Ohio, and came to Clinton county, Indiana, when he was but twelve years of age. He was the son of Israel and Sarah (Fleming) Layton, the father being born in Favette county, Pennsylvania, also the mother. The former died in 1893, and the latter in 1883. Both parents had a limited common school education in their younger days, and the father moved to Ohio after his marriage with subject's mother. He was a farmer by occupation, and in politics allied himself with the Republican party. Ten children were born to the union, and' they were Mary, deceased; Sarah L., Irvin, Clearsy, Eunice, deceased; William J., Cyrus, deceased; Timothy, deceased; Emma J., deceased, and Ida.

\\ illiam Layton was given a common school course, most of which was obtained in Clinton county. Mr. Layton has never married, but lives at present on his farm with his sister, Sarah Louisa, who was born in June, 1838. She keeps house for our subject. Mr. Lavton has alwavs farmed in this county, and possesses fifty acres of excellent soil, all verv tillable with the exception of one and one-half acres. Mr. Layton built all of the modern improvements upon the estate, including his home. The land is well tiled. He carries on general farming and raises live stock, including half Jersey and half Shorthorn cattle, and a few Poland-China and Duroc mixed hogs, also a common breed of horses. Politicallv, Mr. Layton is affiliated with the Republican party.

Abram C. Frazier

Success in agriculture is not. as a rule, reached at so early a period ip life as in other vocations; independence is the result of many years of toil, privation and economv; but when the time comes when the profits roll in, their influx is sure, steady and adequate. Abraham C. Frazier, of Sugar Creek township, ranks among those farmers of Clinton county who have made the most out of their work, and today lives to enjoy the fruits of a life of hard work and lots of self-sacrifice. Lie enjoys the prestige of an honest man, and he numbers his friends by his acquaintances.

A. C. Frazier w-as born October 30, 1848, in Clinton county, Ohio, and moved to Clinton county, Indiana, with his parents when he vTas but two year old. He was the son of William C. and Minerva ( Hill) Frazier. The father was a native of Tennessee, being born there on January 5, 1817, and came to Clinton county when but a boy. and died January 5, 1895. The father all of his life followed farming and the trade of brick masonry. He was a Democrat. The mother died in the year 1854. Five children were born to this first union, namely: John, deceased; Eliza Jane, Margaret, Abraham C. and Elizabeth. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Frazier married again to

Our subject received his education in the common schools of this county, and then took up immediately the vocation of farming in Sugar Creek township, which trade he followed with ever increasing success until the present time. He owns ninety acres of land, all tillable and well tiled with the exception of eight acres, the modern improvements on the estate having been built by Mr. Frazier himself.

On January 2, 1871. our subject was married to Mary A. Hinkley, the daughter of Charles and Mary (Owens) Hinkley, being born in Carroll county, Indiana, September 25, 1850. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Frazier, namely: Mrs. Minnie Walker, born April 22, 1872, of Boone county; Walter, born March 16, 1877, "'ho married Della Wire, and they live in Boone county; Harvey, born July 31, 1882, married Maude Higgins, and lives in Randolph county, Indiana; Charles, born Februarv 4, 1884, married Kate King, and resides near the home of his father, and lastly, Laura, born January 6, 1888, and married to Frank Harris May 19, 1906, and have three children, Russell, Harvey and Mary Agnes.

Fraternally, our subject is a member of the Masonic lodge at Kirklin, this county. In religious affairs he is a member of the Christian church, being a trustee. Politically, Mr. Frazier is a Democrat.

Samuel R. Friedrich

Germany has contributed, many times oft, to the citizenship of the United States. Invariably she sends to our shores men who later benefit the intense and careless American world. Frugality, industry, and simplicity of life are native to the German, and such an element is what the country needs; it is something the nature of oil on the troubled waters. The Fatherland has not given up her men to us in order that they might gain inroads into our commercial interests, although they are there welcome, but has permitted them to serve in our armies, risking life and career under a strange flag. Countless Germans have fought for us, and these brave numbers include the father of our subject, who joined the Federal armv in the days of '61. Our subject is comparatively a recent settler in Clinton county, but he has already made his influence felt in connection with manv worthv enter-

Samuel R. Friedrich was born on December 22, i860, in Champaign county, Illinois, and was a son of Eugene and Sarah E. (McCloughen) Friedrich. The father was born in Germany, and moved to the United States when he was sixteen years of age. H's first location in this country was in Virginia, and later he moved to the state of Illinois. When the Civil War opened he enlisted in the Fiffy-first Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in Company I, and in the later years of the struggle he became captain of the company. He departed from his earthly life on May 28, 1912. During his life Mr. Freidrich was very prominent in politics, in which he was alternately a Democrat and a Republican. He served in several offices, among them being that of township trustee. He was twice married, our subject's mother being his second wife. The mother was a native of Ohio, born there in 1841, and she is still living in Illinois. Six children were born to them, namely: Samuel, Thompson, Rosy, Mary, Edward and Sherman, the last three being deceased.

Samuel Friedrich received a common school education and also attended high school in Illinois. Since his school days he has farmed, and in 1903 he moved to Boone county, Indiana, and lived there two years, later coming to Jackson township, Clinton county, in 1906. He now lives on his well tiled and fenced farm of one hundred and fifty-three acres. While in the state of Illinois Mr. Friedrich carried on quite an extensive horse breeding business, at first in the light horse class, chief among his property being "Golddust," and later he had heavy draft horses, including an imported Percheron and an English shire. At present Mr. Friedrich owns a registered Percheron sire, and he also is raising Chester White hogs and registered Short Horn cattle.

On December 25, 1879, Mr. Friedrich was married to Martha E. Peters, who was born April 9, 1861, in Champaign county, Illinois, and was the daughter of William F. and Rozana (Herald) Peters, natives of Indiana and Illinois respectively. Mrs. Friedrich received a common school education in her youth. The nine children born to this union were: Sarah Rozella, born October 4, 1880, and died in 1884; Lawrence, born March 19, 1882; Sherman E., born August 26, 1884; Floyd, born July 1, 1888; Amy F., born October 30, 1890; Ethel May. born June 15, 1893; Bessie V., born April 3, 1896: Winnie, born October 17, 1899, and one child who died unnamed.

Politically, Mr. Friedrich is a Democrat, and religiously is a member of the Christian church. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Court of Honor Insurance Order.

Jacob Stroup

One of the owners of extensive farming interests in Clinton county is the gentleman whose name initiates this sketch. His valuable property has been acquired through persistent effort and directness of purpose and the prosperity which is the inevitable result of such methods is today his. In his daily life he manifests a kind regard for his fellows and a tendency to aid in any undertaking which will benefit the community of which he is an honored members. Mr. Stroup is a pioneer of the best type, and as such his life record will go down on these pages in order that future generations may be familiar with the records of their forefathers.

Jacob Stroup was born January 9, 1839, in Madison county, Ohio, and was the son of Jacob and Xaoma (Debington) Stroup. The worthy father lived a very useful life. He was a Republican in politics and had the honor of holding a friendship with Abraham Lincoln.

Jacob Stroup had the advantage of a common school education in his youth in the schools of his native county. Tipton county, Indiana, was the scene of his next location and he lived there for a period of five vears. Then he removed to Johnson township, Clinton county, and lived prosperously and happily in this place until March, 1913, when he retired and with his family moved to Kempton. Indiana, in preparation to spend the rest of his days in peace and quiet.

In the Civil War Mr. Stroup bore a part, although he did not enlist until February. 1863. The end of the war at that time was verv near, but the country did not see if. hostilities appeared to be reaching a crisis instead of the surrender of Lee at Appomattox, and fresh enlistments were being sent to the front from all the Union states. Mr. Stroup was a member of one of these. He recruited in Company C. Fifty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Milburn. Mr. Stroup participated in several skirmishes during his service, many of them in and around Bentonville, North Carolina. He was mustered out on July 25, 1S65, but not discharged until August 5 of that year. According to his comrades, Mr. Stroup ever proved a valiant and faithful soldier.

On September 19, 1869, Mr. Stroup was married to Margaret J. Eford, who was born in Clinton county, the daughter of Edward and Julia (Rancipher( Eford, natives of Ohio. Her father was a farmer and later in life was a merchant and stock shipper. Twelve children were born to our subject and wife, namely: Margaret, Oliver, Mrs. Oltie Boulden, Mrs. Ora Long, Mrs. ( 59 )

Bertha Goodnight, Mrs. Orphie Bell Eaton, Janies B., John B., and married Rachel White; Zona, born June io, 1887; Mrs. Chloe Orr, A. J., and Garnett.

All of his life Mr. Stroup has followed farming. He owns three hundred and sixty acres here in Clinton county, all of which is tillable with the exception of about twenty-five acres. The land is well tiled and fenced. Once Mr. Stroup raised Short Horn cattle, and Poland China and Chester White hogs, he now devotes his time to the Duroc brand of swine. Mr. Stroup owns a fine home in the little town of Ivempton, where he is now living.

Naturally, Mr. Stroup is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and he takes an active part in the running of the same. Politicallv, he is a Progressive.

Jonathan N. Russell

Prominent among the many and excellent farmers of Kirklin township, Clinton county, is the subject of our sketch. In a history of a given community, great accord must be given to the agriculturists, for they are the people who form the basic and fundamental character of a locality. It is their work which "makes the wheels go 'round.' '' and therefore it is appropriate to briefly sketch the life of our subject, who, by his honest and energetic efforts in his chosen line of endeavor, has carved out for himself an everlasting name among those of Clinton count}', and the result of his labors will stand as a monument to guide the way of the next generation.

Jonathan N. Russell was born January 11, 1845, 'n Kirklin township, Clinton county, Indiana, on the same farm where he now resides. He was the son of Johnson Russell, one of the early pioneers who settled here in the year 1826, entering one hundred and twenty acres of land from the government. Johnson Russell remained a farmer all of his life and believed in the principles of the Democratic party. Lie was born in 1802 in the state of Ohio, and died in 1866. On July 5, 1822, he was married to Cynthia, the daughter of James E. Ely, and she was born in Plainfield, Indiana, on August 15, 1805, and came to this county when but a child. She passed away in 1856. Ten children were born to the union, namely: Elizabeth Jane, born April 30, 1824; Ellen R., born December 8, 1825, died September 14, 1840; James, Hannah, Robert, William, Johnson D., Mary Ann, Jonathan and Thomas.

education. He took up the work of farming immediately after leaving the scholastic life, and in that occupation has remained all of his life to date. He undertakes farming on a general scale and is an interested worker in the science of animal breeding. He makes a specialty of Poland China hogs and Jersey cows. He formerly confined his stock of cows to the Short Horn variety, but lately has changed to the more attractive Jersey. At one time, in 1904, Mr. Russell transported his family to Kirklin, Indiana, where they lived for a period of four years. The call of the open fields was too strong for him, however, and he returned to his farm. He has ^hundred and fifty-four and ninety-two hundredths acres, all tillable with the exception of fifteen or twenty acres. The place is well tiled, improved, and upon it there is a commodious and substantial home ,the handiwork of Mr. Russell himself.

On September 28, 1865, Mr. Russell took as his wife, Clara Huffine, born in Ohio in November, 1846. Six children comprised the issue of this union, namely: Effie, born July 1866, and died 1905; Oliver, Richard, Mvrtle, Fern and Freddie.

Oracf Cfixtox Davis

It is a good sign when a county like Clinton can boast of so many of her enterprising farmers and business men who are native sons, for it indicates that here are to be found all the opportunities necessary to insure success in the material affairs of life and that her native sons, unlike so many from various sections, have found it to their advantage to remain at home. They have been wise in doing this, for nature ha> offered the husbandman unusual advantages here and seldom fails to reward the honest worker with gratifying results, and when the tillers of the soil are prosperous all lines of business flourish, consequently not only the farmers have succeeded in Clinton county, but also the merchants, millers, lumbermen, stock dealers and men of many other vocations. The county ranks well with the thriving sections of this or any other state.

One of the prosperous native sons of this county is the well-known farmer and stock man, Orace Clinton Davis, of Forest township, who was born but a few miles from where he now lives, on May 3, 1867. He is a son of Hueston and Mary (Cowdry) Davis. Hueston Davis was born September

14, 1822, in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania. Early in life he came to Clinton county, Indiana, where he married Jane Lynch on April 10, 1845. He had come to this locality with his mother who settled in Warren township. Here he became an extensive lahd owner and a successful farmer, owning a valuable tract of land in Johnson township, at one time his estate aggregating over eight hundred acres. By his marriage to Jane Lynch, seven children were born, namely: John A., deceased ; Morton P. is living; Allen is deceased; Samuel M., an enterprising citizen of Clinton county, was killed by a vicious horse a few days prior to the convention that would have nominated him for the office of county auditor; William H., Martha and George E. are all living. After the death of the mother of the above named children Hueston Davis married Mary Cowdrv, by which union four children were born, two of whom are deceased, namely: Laura is the widow of W. Dunn, he being deceased; Orace C., subject of this sketch1 '.he other two died in early life. The death of Hueston Davis occurred on February 2, 1877. The mother of the subject of this sketch was born in Ohio September 16, 1838, and her death occurred on May n, 1894.

Grandfather Davis was an early day trader in the state of Pennsylvania. He made the long voyage on a raft from Pennsylvania down the Ohio and Mississippi rivers to Newr Orleans frequently, walking back home. On one of these trips he disappeared and nothing of his whereabouts was ever heard He may have been drowned, but most probably was murdered by highwaymen, who frequently killed and robbed strangers, passing through the country, as they were always supposed to carry gold. Soon after his disappearance his wife removed with a brother of her husband, Hamilton Davis, to Clinton county, Indiana, and here established the permanent home of the family, and from that early day to the present the Davises have been leading citizens here.

Orace Davis grew to manhood on the home farm and he received a common school education, later attending the normal school at Ladoga, Montgomery county. On May 23, 1888, he married Jennie L. Pruitt, daughter of John and Nancy J. (Stewart) Pruitt. Mrs. Davis was born February 25, 1869, in Johnson township, Clinton county, and there she grew to womanhood and received a common school education. Her father was in early life a blacksmith, later a farmer.

Mr. Davis has been engaged since early manhood in general fanning, raising and feeding live stock. He has control of three hundred and thirtyeight acres, including one hundred and eight acres which is in his wife's name, the rest being in his own name. The land is valuable, fertile and under a high state of improvement and cultivation, all being tillable but about seven acres which is in timber and pasture. He has built nearly all the buildings now to be seen on the place, and he has a pleasant, commodious home. He buys large numbers of cattle and hogs annually which lie prepares for market. He formerly used many horses, but is now making gasoline do as much of his work as possible.

Fraternally, Mr. Davis is a member of the Masonic lodge at Forest, and is a Knight Templar. Politically, he is a Democrat and has been more or less active locally. Fie once made the race for county clerk, but was defeated. He votes independently in local affairs. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Joseph J. Biery

An illustration of skill as a farmer, as well as the ability to concentrate efforts along some special line until success is achieved in that undertaking is found in the case of Joseph J. Biery. of Warren township, Clinton county, who is not onlv a successful farmer as the term is understood, but is also one of our worthy native sons, being a man of public spirit who encourages anv enterprise that makes for the upbuilding of Clinton countv where his life has been spent and where he has ever maintained a reputation of good repute.

Mr. Biery was born on May 24, 1862, in Washington township, Clinton county. He is a son of Henry and Maria (Ruch) Biery. The father was born in 1830 in Lehigh county. Pennsylvania, where his early life was spent and from which county he removed to Tippecanoe county, Indiana, in 1852, remaining there until 1863. He then came to Clinton county and established the familv home here, and it was shortly after his arrival that our subject was born. He devoted his active life to farming. His death occurred September 6, 1902, at the advanced age of seventy-two years. The mother of our subject was born in Pennsylvania October 17. 1833, and her death occurred on November 5, 1905, at the ripe old age of seventy-five vears. This was a fine old couple of the pioneer type, rugged, honest, hard working. Thev had onlv two children, Peter and Joseph T.