Clinton County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1913 (part 5 of 17)

Harry Arlaxdo Meikel

He who adds to the beauty of the world and makes it attractive through the sense of vision is a benefactor of his race though his name be unknown beyond the circumscribed limits of the little locality in which the even tenor of his life is passed far from the maddening crowd. Such an individual is Harry Orlando Miekel, the subject of this review, and the leading florist of Erankfort, through the medium of which calling he has done much to arouse a taste for something else than the merely practical and induce not a few to turn their attention to the cultivation of flowers - the most beautiful of nature's adornments and among the most precious of God's gifts to man. Mr. Meikel is a native of Indiana and of German ancestry, from whom he doubtless inherits his taste for the true, the beautiful and the good. His father, Charles P. Meikel. was born in Pennsylvania, of German parentage, and his mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary E. Null, was a native of Cincinnati. Ohio, and a lady of much more than ordinary intelligence and natural refinement. Charles P. Meikel when a youth learned the printer's trade and in due time became very experienced and skillful in the art preservative, as the several responsible positions he held with various publishers abundantly indicate. A number of years ago he located in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he followed his chosen calling successfully until his death, in 1884, his wife surviving him ten years after that date.

Harry Orlando Meikel was born in Indianapolis February 28. 1863. and received a good education in the schools of that city. While still a mere youth he manifested much more than ordinary interest in the growing of flowers and later decided to make floriculture his life work. In 1901 he came to Frankfort to engage in the business which proved successful from the beginning and to which he has devoted his attention with satisfactory financial results ever since. As already stated, he is today the leading florist in the city, being proprietor of an establishment consisting of 132 square feet of space on East Barner street, nearly all under cover, besides owning two acres of fine bottom land which he devotes exclusively to the cultivation of the different varieties of bulbous plants, which of recent years have become so popular with gardeners and others.

A^jr. Meikel has made a careful and systematic study of his vocation, keeps in touch with every advancement in floriculture and carries a full and complete stock of all kinds of flowers and plants for which there may be a demand. His place is a favorite resort of people of refined taste, as well as for the general public and his financial success has kept pace with the growth of his business, as is indicated by the respectable standing he occupies among the solid men of his adopted city. As a citizen he is public spirited and popular, keenly alive to every laudable movement having for its object the material advancement of the community and the intellectual and moral welfare of the populace.

In his political affiliations, Air. Meikel is a Republican, but in no sense a partisan or aspirant for the honors and emoluments of office. His fraternal relations include membership with the Knights of Pythias. Independent Order of Red Men and the Haymakers. Religiously, he has strong and well grounded convictions, being a sincere believer in the Sacred Scriptures and a respected member of the Presbyterian church of Frankfort, to which ecclesiastical organization his wife also belongs. He is a gentleman of domestic as well as refined tastes and has a pleasant home in the above city which is presided over by an intelligent and gracious lady, to whom he was united in the holy bonds of wedlock August 1, 1900, and who previous to that time was Miss Ada A. Kelly, of Shelbyville, Indiana.

George Davis

This representative and honored citizen of Colfax. Clinton county, has been distinctively the architect of his own fortunes. He has been true and loyal in all the relations of life and stands as a type of that sterling manhood which ever commands respect and honor. Mr. Davis is a man who would have won his way in any locality where fate might have placed him, for he has sound judgment, coupled with great energy and business tact, together with upright principles, all of which make for success wherever and whenever found. By reason of these principles he has won and retained a host of friends throughout Clinton county where he has spent his life and of which he is a native. He is one of the pioneer business men of Colfax, having been engaged successfully and continuously in business here for thv_ past twenty-seven years.

Mr. Davis was born in Clinton county, near Colfax, July 27, 1862, on a farm. He is a son of Joel Davis, who was born in Ross county, Ohio. The mother of our subject was Elizabeth Patton, of English descent, and a native of Indiana. The death of the father occurred at the age of sixty-eight years. Politically, he was a Democrat, and he belonged to the Christian church. The mother is still living and resides with her daughter, Mrs. F. I.. Shirley, in Clinton county. To this union of the parents of our subject seven children were horn, four sons and three daughters.

George Davis grew to manhood on the home farm, where he did his full share of the general work, and he received his education in the common schools of his home community. He learned the drug business when young and has followed the same in Colfax for a period of twenty-seven years, during which time he has enjoyed an ever growing trade with the city and surrounding country owing to the fact that he keeps a fresh and well selected line of drugs and drug sundries in a tastily arranged, up-to-date drug store, and deals honestly and courteously with his hundreds of patrons. He is regarded as one of the best pharmacists in central Indiana. Everything found in the modern drug stores in the large cities is to be had at his store.

Mr. Davis was married in 1885 at Darlington, Montgomery county, this state, to Flora E. Murphy, a daughter of one of the honored and well known families of that locality. There she grew to womanhood and received a good education. One daughter. Oma L., has been born to our subject and wife.

Politically, Mr. Davis is a Democrat. He is an active member of the Christian church, and has been superintendent of the Sunday school for about three years. His wife is also active in church and Sunday school work. He is a liberal supporter of the church, and took an active part in building the new Christian church edifice in Colfax in 1912, which is an elegant structure, well suited to the local congregation's needs in every way. Fraternally, Mr. Davis belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a lover of home and takes little interest in political work. He has a pleasant and modern residence, furnished with electric lights, furnace, hot and cold water, etc. In fact, it is one of the most desirable homes in Colfax, is neatly furnished and tastily kept, and is often the mecca for the many friends of the family who always find here genuine hospitality.

This is often called the automobile age, and such a phrase is not at all far-fetched, for during the past few years, we have seen the automobile almost relegate the horse to the rear, at least in many sections of the country. It is a time saver, and, since time is money, as the wise Franklin said, the auto is therefore a money saver and money maker, and the pleasure in owning and operating one is not to be overlooked. The man who has become familiar with the automobile business in any of its phases is sure of a livelihood nowadays. A great many people know how to start and stop an auto, thinking that nothing else is required but everybody who owns, operates or has anything to do with one should know its mechanism, its possibilities and limitations, for many reasons. The machine handled by an expert will last much longer than one handled by a novice, besides the trouble that is to be expected if one knows little about them.

It is safe to say that no man in Clinton county is more of an automobile expert than J. \V. Dunbar, proprietor of the popular Dunbar garage at the city of Colfax. He became interested in them at the start, began study'npthem from every viewpoint and is now one of the most thoroughly nr date automobile men in the state ; in fact, he is one of the pioneers in me automobile business, and he constructed one of the first machines to be built in Indiana. He has been an expert mechanic for many years, and his long experience in the study and operation of the automobile makes his ideas exceptionally valuable. He understands all the details and mechanical workings of the different makes, from start to finish, and is very thorough in all his work and every job he turns out is done in the best possible manner and may be depended on to be all right in every detail. His repair work on machines for years has been regarded as far above the average and he has had all the work he could turn out, many of his patrons coming from long distances, and they are never disappointed with the results. His aim is ever - accuracy and promptness. His large, modernly equipped and convenient garage building is twenty by eighty feet, is a one-story annex, well adapted in every way for the purposes to which it is put. Also adjoining is a substantial two-story brick, forty by forty feet, which is devoted to his work in this line. He is prepared to promptly repair any make of machine, and he keeps all kinds of repairs and accessories to be found in the best garages and automobile repair shops everywhere. He has an extensive trade in Indianapolis and Washington, Indiana, having been at one time foreman of a large machine shop in the latter town.

Mr. Dunbar was born in Montgomery county. Indiana, January 28, 1863. He received a common school education, and in his earlier life engaged in farming and merchandising in Wright county, Iowa, and met with encouraging success at both. When a young man he learned the machinist's trade, and at the age of twenty-two was quite proficient in iron and steel work. He married Ida Blacher, and of this union one son has been born.

Politically, Mr. Dunbar has been more or less active in public affairs. He was formerly a member of the town board ,and was at one time marshal of the city of Colfax, performing his duty in a manner that met with general satisfaction to all concerned.

William Ladex Dams

Agriculture in Clinton county has a worthy representative in the person of \\ illia.ni L. Davis, of Jackson township, lie is a large land owner, and his majiy acres are very productive, resulting from the best methods of tillage care. Air. Davis is honored and respected by his fellow citizens, because he iii.s assisted them in every laudable enterprise they have ventured for the prosperity of the county. He is a man of the strictest integrity, and his ex-enaction is based upon the principles of doing right.

.Mr. Davis was born in Ironton, Ohio, on March 17, 1855, and was the son of John J. and Catherine (Marshall) Davis, the father being a native of Wales. John J. Davis first settled in New York state. He came to Ironton, Ohio, where he worked in furnaces, and also kept hotel for a number of years, then to Fulton county, Illinois, where he spent eighteen years in farming; then to Champaign county, Illinois, still farming. He died in 1888. Mrs. Davis died in June, 1908, in Champaign county.

William L. Davis had a common school eudcation, after which he worked on the farm. He came to Clinton county in 1900 from Champaign county, Illinois, and now owns about three hundred and ten acres of land in Jackson township, all of which is tillable, well fenced, tiled and improved. For the last five years Mr. Davis has managed the place, but has led a retired life.

Politically, Mr. Davis is a Progressive, but voted the Republican ticket from 1877 to 1909 - thirty-two years. At one time he was a township commissioner in Champaign county, Illinois. He is a member of the Christian church, and is teacher of the men's Bible class of Antioch. He is a Mason at Frankfort, belonging to the Council, Royal Arch, the Chapter, Knights Templar, and Commandery of Frankfort.

On September 25, 1879, he was married to Mary E. Barrick, born in Champaign county, Illinois, December 2 8, 1857, the daughter of William R. and Louisa Barrick. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Davis: Fred R., on the farm; May died when five years old; Wood W., of Lebanon, Indiana; Ray H., of Frankfort; John W., of Los Angeles, California: and Merle C., wife of Charles T. Knobes, of Frankfort, Indiana.

Fred P. Kennedy

Among the leading contractors of Clinton county is Fred P. Kennedy, of Jefferson, Washington township, who is carrying on his chosen line of business with that care and discretion, that enterprise and foresight which are sure to find their sequel in definite success. He leaves no stone unturned whereby he may do better work and do it more promptly and satisfactorily, and, because of his honest and conscientious work he has won the good will and esteem of the people, and his services are in great demand all over the locality.

Mr. Kennedy was born in Jackson township, Clinton county, in 1873. He is a son of David Kennedy, also a native of this county. The paternal grandfather of our subject was born in Ireland. David Kennedy married Anna J. Mattux, a native of this county, who is still living, having now reached the age of seventy-five years. The father is deceased. To David Kennedy and wife

Ct.Ixtox Col'Xtv, Indiana

Fred P. Kennedy was reared on the farm, and he received a good education in the common schools. When twenty-five years of age he married Julia Redinbaugh, who was born, reared and educated in this county, a daughter of John Redinbaugh and Usilla (Moudy), his wife, w ho now live in Arkansas.

Mr. Kennedy formerly operated a threshing machine in this locality for a period of eighteen years, during which he became one of the best known threshers in the county, knowing well all the details of the business and being able to cover more territory and thresh more bushels of grain in a season than any other man of his time. He is exceptionally well versed in steam engineering. He always looked to the farmers' best interests, did his work promptly and carefully, and always dealt honestly with them, so that he was hailed as the farmers' friend wherever he was known. During the past number of years he has been engaged extensively in gravel road building and grading, in fact, does various kinds of contracting and has been very successful in the same, turning out large jobs annually.

Doctor Palmer wras born in Howard county, Ind., on June 17, 1855, and was the son of Judge Truman H. Palmer. Before taking up the details of our subject's life, it is fitting that adequate mention should be made of Judge Palmer, w ho was one of the noteworthy men of the county.

Judge Truman Henry Palmer, a native of Henry county, Ky., was born November 28. 1827, and was a son of William and Parmelia Palmer. The family first settled in Montgomery county, Ind., near Crawfordsville, in November. 1830, and came to Clinton county in February, 1844, wdiere Judge Palmer received his early education under Prof. Milton B. Hopkins, who was afterward State Superintendent of Public Instruction. At the age of twenty, Mr. Palmer began teaching school, and continued in this occupation four years. At the age of twenty-four he married Margaret Ann Moore, the daughter of Robert and Margaret Moore, of Clinton county. Soon after his marriage he moved to Kokomo, Ind., and, in connection with two associates, started a cabinet shop. He was thus engaged for a period of three years, when, in consequence of failing health, he was compelled to cease. He then returned to the teaching profession, and at the same time improved his leisure moments by studying law. After a patient course of study he was admitted to the bar in March. 1857. The early days of his practice were not lucrative, however, and he experienced the ''starvation period" of most young lawyers. In the year 1864 his practice began to increase, and people began to place confidence in the young lawyer. Thus in a few years his practice became very remunerative, and he was regarded as one of the rising members of the bar. His political views were always in conformity with the principles of the Democratic party, and by this party he was nominated for the office of township clerk of Center township, Howard county, Ind., and although the Whigs had a large majority in the township, he was elected to the office. One year later, he was nominated for surveyor of Howard county, and, although making a good race, his opponent was elected to the office.

In 1858 he returned to Clinton county, and four years later, 1862, made the race for surveyor against James Downer; was elected by a handsome majority for the term of two years, and at the expiration of the term was elected a second time. In 1866 he was nominated by his party for the same office, but was defeated by one vote. Two years later, 1868, lie was representative from Clinton county to the Indiana legislature, and served during the regular and special sessions of 1869. I87°> he was elected common pleas judge, for the district of Boone and Clinton counties. He served the district in that capacity until the legislature abolished the court in 1873. A circuit court was then formed, composed of the counties of Boone and Clinton. and Judge Palmer was appointed by Governor Hendricks to preside over the court. At the special election in the fall of 1873 he was elected judge of this circuit.

Judge Palmer, during his useful career, gained many friends by reason of his strong character, and his official record was one of which to be proud. In every position of responsibility awarded him by his fellow citizens, he discharged his duty from conscientious principles and with impartial success. Ten children crowned the happiness of his married life - four boys and six girls. Judge Palmer was a member of the Baptist church, and was an active

Clinton Couxty, Indiana

Dr. R. F. Palmer, when only four years of age, was brought by his parents to Clinton county, where he received his early school training, and then began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. G. W. Brown, with whom he remained until attaining his majority. On February 22, 1877, he was graduated from the Ftospital College of Medicine, of Louisville, and immediately began the practice of medicine at Frankfort, where he has since continued in his profession.

Doctor Palmer was united in marriage on September 9, 1878, to Josephine Hillis at Michigantown, Ind. She was the daughter of James and Mary (Etherton) Hillis, of Jefferson county, Ind., where her birth occurred April 17, 1856.

On March 6, 1899, Dr. Palmer established the hospital in the city of Frankfort. The institution has been a distinct success ever since, and is one of the best equipped of its size in the state. The hospital accommodates eighteen patients, and twelve nurses are on duty by turns.

William C. Hendricks

William C. Hendricks is a young man who gives promise of attaining prominence in the journalistic circles of Clinton county, and should equal the record of his father. William G. Hendricks, who is well knowm as a capable printer and publisher. The Frankfort Daily News has earned the reputation of a progressive newspaper of metropolitan style, and it is through the efforts of Messrs. Hendricks, that the paper has been brought to its present excellent quality. The News is complete in every department, and is representative of the city of Frankfort, and county of Clinton.

William G. Hendricks was also born at Plymouth, Ind., November 26, 1863. and today is the eldest surviving son of George and Wilhelmina Hendricks. He received his early education in the Catholic parochial schools at Plymouth. In 1882 he learned to be a telegrapher, and his first position as such was with the Pennsylvania railroad in his home town of Plymouth. He next accepted a place with the Nickle Plate railroad at Hibbard, this state, and later became employed with the Texas and Pacific railroad at Dallas and Sweetwater. Texas. These positions occupied his time until 1888. In 1890 he entered the newspaper field, purchasing a half interest in the Plymouth Republican. He sold this paper two years later and then removed to Indianapolis, where he conducted a job printing plant in 1898. In the latter year he returned to Plymouth, once more acquired the Plymouth Republican, which he sold to S. E. Boys in January, 1911. A short time afterward, he and his family moved to Logansport, and there he purchased a half interest in the Hendricks Brothers job printing plant. On January 2, 1912, he bought the Frankfort Daily Ncivs of Robert A. Brown.

William G. Hendricks was married to Emma Westling on June 11, 1884. She was the daughter of John and Louise Westling, of Inwood, Ind. Eour children have been born to this union : Theresa. L. E.. William C., Gertrude I. (deceased), and Cecil C.

William C. Hendricks received a good education in Plymouth, in the Catholic schools of that city. He graduated from the Plymouth high school with the class of 1907, and then took a position as city editor of the Plymouth Tribune, which position he held until January, 1911, when he obtained a place in the editorial department of the South Bend Times, one of the largest newspapers in the northern part of the state. He fulfilled the duties of this place with efficiency, until January, 1912. when he came to Frankfort, and went into partnership with his father in the management of the Frankfort Daily Nesos. Clinton county is a progressive county, both commerciallv and socially, and consequently is a good field for the operation of a modern newspaper. which the News fills in every respect.

Josie A. Weller

The efficient and popular principal of the Frankfort Business College, w idely known in educational circles throughout northern Indiana, was born in Spencer county, Ky., where she received her preliminary intellectual training. After completing the prescribed course of Taylorsville Academy, she entered the Normal School and Business College at Bowling Green, Ky., from which, in due time, she wras graduated, the discipline there acquired being afterwards supplemented by a full course in the Northern Valparaiso University, at Valparaiso, from wffiich institution she received her degree in the year 1911. In the meantime she taught seven years in the grade schools of Bowding Green, Ky., three years in the high school of Tracy, Minnesota, in both of which places she earned an honorable record as an efficient and popular educator and stood high in the confidence and esteem of her pupils and the boards by which she was employed, as well as of the general public. Had she seen fit to continue in general school work, she doubtless would have attained distinctive prestige in the profession and become one of the leading teachers of the country.

The year in which she finished her course at Valparaiso. Miss Weller established at Frankfort the Business College of which she is still the executive head and which under her able and judicious management has rapidly grown in numbers and influence until, as already indicated, it is now one of the most thorough and popular institutions of the kind in northern Indiana. The college opened with an attendance of thirty-four students which number has steadily increased with each recurring year until the several commodious departments are now taxed to their utmost capacity to accommodate the many young men and women eager to prepare themselves for the duties of life by acquiring a thorough practical training, such as the school imparts. The curriculum, which has been carefully devised and prepared, includes the branches usually taught in such institutions, such as penmanship, bookkeeping, banking, stenography, typewriting, etc., also a complete training in English, without a knowledge of which one's business education, however thorough in the main, must of necessity be sadly defective. Miss Weller is a southern woman in the broad sense of the term and fills a large place not only in the public eye of Frankfort and Clinton county, but also in the intellectual and moral life of the city in which she lives - she has realized the needs of the rising generation for something more than a mere mental discipline and with strong brain and hand, well balanced judgment and superior academic and professional training, has supplied the demand most generously and unsparingly. Dozens of the graduates of her school are today filling positions of honor and trust in many institutions and lines of industry in various counties, cities and states and there come to her almost continuously a constantly growing demand for the services of those whom she has prepared for the exacting duties which await them in the great practical world of todav. Being still in the prime of life and usefulness and at the head of an institution in which the citizens of Frankfort take a pardonable pride, she has before her a future of still greater achievement and honor and it is hoped by her numerous friends that her span of life may be lengthened many years in w'hich to help and bless the world by her perseverance, activity and influence.

Vesper B. Hardy

It is a notable fact that most of the celebrated artists of history have not been men of elaborate school education. Indeed so conspicuous is this truth that metaphysicians have raised the question as to whether one born with the art instinct is fully qualified to grapple successfully with the stubborn rudiments and rules of the school books. Be that as it may. the subject of this review, Vesper Burton Hardy, gave early manifestation of the temperamental qualities, and like his great prototype, Tames Whitcomb Riley, first gave vent to his talent in the more or less artistic profession of sign writing. In this calling he became quite an adept, bringing to bear upon its development all the resources of a rich and ardent mind. Later on the accurate reproduction of nature by photography appealed to him, and he made choice of that for his life work. He is now the leading photographer of Frankfort and his reputation for artistic effects extends far beyond the borders of Clinton county.

Mr. Hardy is now in the prime of life and full vigor of his powers, having been born at Michigantown, Ind., December 11, 1868. He is the son of Charles O. and Lucy M. (Edwards') Hardy. His father was born in Jasper county, New York, in 1840, and at the age of twenty-five went from there to Clinton county. Ind. This was in 1865. just after the termination of his service in the Civil war with the Fifty-sixth New York Volunteers. He settled in Michigan township and followed the trade of cabinetmaking. In 1871, he went to Frankfort, and was there engaged ten years or more in stave factories. With his savings he bought a truck farm southeast of Frankfort, from which he derived a comfortable living and a margin for the rainy day. He is a Republican and a Baptist and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Grand Army of the Republic. In 1867, he married Lucy M. Edwards, who was born in 1843, daughter of William and Barbara (Harnsberger) Edwards. He was born in Kentucky in 1816 and she in Virginia in 1819. Both came to Michigan township, this county, she in 1828 and he in 1834. The families of both became large land holders and farmed all their lives. Mr. Edwards also taught school during the winter months. He died in 1896 and his wife in 1905.

The subject of this review. Vesper B. Hardy, received ample education in the common schools of Frankfort to meet the'exactions of his business career, and takes special delight in supplementing the vocation of the studio with the pursuits of classic literature. He thus combines the best in literature with the art of his choice, and is consequently a man of exceptional cultiva- tion. He is well known and is very popular in the lodge circles of Frankfort, being a member of the Odd Fellows, Elks, Knights of Pythias and a third degree Mason. He is independent in politics.

February 7, 1893, Mr. Hardy married Theresa A. Gangwer, who was born in Madison township, Clinton county. They have two children, Everett E. and Esther, both of whom are receiving all the advantages that the schooling facilities of Frankfort can supply. The children are photographed at every stage of development by their father and by this series of interesting pictures one may see them growing to maturity. Incidentally, it may be said that the photographic work of Mr. Hardy has the finish, pose and accuracy that once characterized the renowned art photography of Morrison and Otto Sarony.

James Lincoln Rebstock

James Lincoln Rebstock, at the present time is chief of the Frankfort fire department. The city as a whole attests to his capable leadership in this capacity, and an insight into his methods of work supply abundant proof that his success is due to a perfect system of fire fighting. As fire chief, Croker. of New York City, once said, it is not in putting out fires that efficiency is obtained, but in preventing them. So does Mr. Rebstock believe, and he is constantly taking measures and issuing warnings whereby a destroving blaze may not start. However, in case of fire. Mr. Rebstock knows exactly the campaign to be waged against it. governed by the character and extent of the fire. In all his services are indispensable to the city, and barring political injustice, his services will be retained so long as he sees fit to "handle the job."

Mr. Rebstock was born May 19, 1865. in the city of Frankfort. Clinton county, and was the son of Amos Samuel and Esther (Kyger) Rebstock. Amos Rebstock came to Frankfort from the state of Ohio, starting a tan yard. He died at Seymour. Our subject's mother died when he was only six vears of age. He then was taken and cared for by Charles P. Pence and wife until he was twenty-two, in the meantime obtaining a good common school education. In the year of 1887' he traveled to the state of Colorado, spending three years in Boulder county, working in a lime kiln. Cripple Creek was his next destination in 1891, where he located three claims, selling them later at a handsome profit. He subsequently went to Tdaho and Washington on prospecting trips, and then came back to Frankfort. He fol- lowed the vocation of the farmer for a period of three years, and also worked in the city. On February 14, 1909, he was appointed chief of the fire department, and under him the services of the city has improved wonderfully. An auto truck has also been added to the apparatus.

November 2, 1898, marked the date of his marriage to Maggie W. Hicks, a girl born in Illinois, later moving to Indiana. No children have been born to the union.

In political matters Air. Rebstock is a Republican. In fraternal matters. he is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men. the Loyal Order of Moose, Woodmen of the World, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Religiously, Mr. Rebstock attends the Methodist Eposeipal church.

Peter Davis

Among the sturdy and enterprising farmers and popular public officials of Perry township, Clinton county, is the gentleman whose name introduces this biographical review, whose life has been one of industry and strict adherence to honorable principles, which has resulted in gaining a comfortable living and at the same time winning the esteem of his fellow men.

Peter Davis, owner of Fairland Farm, and trustee of Perry township, having been elected to that office in 1908, is a descendant of an excellent old pioneer family of this county. He was born within a mile of where he now lives on December 9, 1868, and he has been content to spend his life in his native community. He is a son of Joel Davis, now deceased, he having been a native of Ohio, and from which state he came to this township and county in an early day and became a leading farmer here. He grew up on a farm in Ross county, Ohio, and attended the old time schools there, equipped with slab seats, puncheon floor and greased paper for window panes. In early life he married Elizabeth Patton, who made him a good wife and helpmeet. She is still living, being now advanced in years. To Joel Davis and wife seven children were born, namely: Jesse, George, John, Peter, Anna C., Sarah I., and Mary. The father of these children died at the age of sixty-nine years. Politically he was a Democrat and he belonged to the Christian church. His widow is also a faithful member of this church. He was one of the leading members and most liberal supporters of the church in his neighborhood during his life time.

work, how to rotate crops, raise live stock, etc. On March 20, 1891, he married Leona Stook, daughter of Ben and Margaret Stook, the father long since deceased. Mr. Davis' first wife died some fourteen years ago. By this union four children were born: Flossie B., a teacher of considerable local prominence; Ruby M., a graduate of Marion College, has a good position in Indianapolis; Lena M., attending high school in Colfax, and Ferris Earl, now sixteen years old, attending high school.

Mr. Davis was first owner of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres and later bought the Isaac Goodnight farm. He now has a valuable and productive farm of two hundred and fifty acres, one of the best in Perry township, and is carrying on general farming and stock raising on a large scale in a manner stamping him as among the leaders in this field of endeavor in the county. He has a large and well arranged home, in the midst of fine shade trees, with numerous outbuildings, and about his place is always to be seen an excellent grade of live stock of all kinds. No small part of his annual income is derived from this source, since he understands well the proper care of stock. He has one of the largest and best orchards in the township, noted for its fine fruit of all kinds. He has become wrell established through his long years of good management and persistent work, and is now surrounded by all the comforts of life.

Politically, Mr. Davis is a Democrat and is influential in public affairs locally. He has been a frequent delegate to county and state conventions. He is a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator at Colfax. He is a jovial, well informed man, a good mixer and generally popular throughout the county.

Oliver C. Unger

The raising and marketing of the pure bred hog is a growing industry in Indiana. There are many successful breeders in Clinton county. The man who, a half century or more ago, had the hog market here was the man who could raise his stock mainly without feeding corn. Many who formerly owned large timber land acreage, bought up a herd of half breed hogs in the fall and turned them "on the range" to keep alive on the mast and other nature's wild products during the winter, finishing them on a sparse feeding of wheat middlings or corn in the spring, have quit this practice entirely. Successful hog raisers in this part of Indiana - Clinton county and vicinity - follow the scientific methods of feeding and fattening hogs. They have pure (34) bred hogs in the main. Oliver C. Unger, of Forest township, a widely known breeder of Durocs and other breeds of hogs, is one of the most successful hog men of this part of the state and cashes in to the extent of several thousand dollars annually from his operations. He has done more, no doubt, than any other man in the county to encourage modern methods in stock raising and in sticking to well bred hogs. The influence of such a man to the good of a community can not be easily estimated.

Mr. Unger was bom May 17, 1872 in Warren township, this county. He is a son of George YV. and Elvira (Magart) Unger. The father was born May 28, 1825. in Morgan county, West Virginia, and he moved to Springfield, O., in 1834, and lived there three years, later removing first to Carroll county and then to Clinton county, Indiana, where he became well established on a farm and soon ranked as one of our leading citizens. A fuller history of the Ungers will be found on another page of this work. Suffice it to say here that the progenitors of our subject were people of sterling worth and did much for the communities in which they settled.

Oliver C. Unger grew to manhood on the home farm and there did his full share of work during crop seasons, attending the public schools during the winter months. He also attended the State Normal for awhile, and was a student at the Valparaiso University.

Mr. Unger has been twice married. His first wife, to whom he was wedded September 16. 1893. was Margaret A. Lucas, who was born in Boone county, Indiana, March 9, 1875. She was a daughter of Purdine and Martha (Canada) Lucas. Her death occurred on October 29. 1901. Three children were born to this union, namely: Nellie Hazel, born July 14. 1894. now at home: Carrie Canada, born September 22. 1896. and Manson Henry Martin, born December 14, 1898. On April 15, 1903, Mr. Unger married Grace Cleaver, who was born in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, March 29. 1877. She is a daughter of William and Rowena (Payne) Clever. The father was born in Tippecanoe county. March 20. 1840: he has devoted his life to farming and is now living in Carroll count}, this state. The mother of Mrs. LTnger was born in Rossville. Clinton county, December 18, 1847. an(l s^e, too, is still living. William Cleaver was a soldier in the Civil war, having enlisted in Company G. Tenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, September 19, i86r, and was honorablv discharged for disability in 1862, afterwards re-enlisting in the One Hundred and Sixteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in which he served six months, until the close of the war.

specially talented, and successfully taught the piano for a period of eight year. One child of the second union, Harold DeVon, was born on September 4, 1908.

Air. Unger has devoted himself to farming nearly all his life, but the live stock business has claimed the major part of his attention for many years, he having been largely engaged in the hog breeding and raising business for seventeen years. He owns seventy-five acres of valuable land, all tillable, but about five acres, which is timbered. The place is well tiled and on it is to be seen a comfortable home and splendid set of outbuildings. He has made most of the improvements now to be seen on his place. He is one of the most influential stock men in central Indiana. He is a member of the Live Stock Association of Indiana, of the American Duroc Jersey Record Association, and the Howard County Fair Association. He is the oldest breeder of Duroc-Jersev hogs in Clinton county, having been in this business since 1896. and has made a pronounced success of the undertaking. He has an extensive trade, finding a very ready market for his hogs not only in this county but in remote parts of the country. He raises a general breed of cows, keeps a good general breed of horses and has started several horses of his own on the Frankfort fair grounds.

Air. Unger is a member of the Indiana Corn Growers Association, and in this as well as the other associations of which he is a member, he is active and influential. He is a member of the ATasonic lodge at Aliddle Fork, and of the Order of Eastern Star at Russiaville. Religiously, he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, and in politics, he is faithful in his support of the Democratic party.

Personallv, Air. Unger is a genial gentleman and a good mixer, and has a host of friends wherever he is known, not only because of his pleasing address but because of his honorable business methods.

Joseph E. Fickle

Farmers come nearer being their own business masters than any other class of workers. It takes considerable capital these days to go into farming, but a fanner does not need so much land as he has been taught he should have. Where one hundred and sixty acres has been considered a necessity for a good farm, forty acres will soon be regarded as plenty ; and for some kinds of crops ten acres is all a man can properly care for. Intensive culti- vation with modern methods makes a successful farm out of few acres of land. Ownership and proper development of even a few acres will amply provide for the unproductive period in the lives of farmers.

One of the men of Washington township, Clinton county, who has clearly demonstrated his ability to successfully manage either a few or many acres is Joseph E. Fickle, owner of "Clover Leaf Farm." He was born in Madison township, February 4, 1872. He is a son of William Fickle, for many years one of the prominent citizens of that township, who was called to his eternal rest on March 25, 1913. He was born in Ross township, Clinton county, in 1839. He was a son of Isaac Fickle, who moved from Ohio in 1832 to Clinton county, and was therefore one of the early settlers here, and from that time to the present the family has been influential and well known in this locality. William Fickle grew up on the old homestead which he helped clear and develop. He received his education in the old log school house in his district. Isaac Fickle was a native of Butler county, O. His family consisted of the following children: Joseph, Isaac, Hugh, John and William. The death of Isaac Fickle, Sr., occurred in 1889 at the age of seventy-six years.

William Fickle was married in 1862 to Phoebe A. Thompson, who was born February 24, 1844, in Madison township, Clinton county. She is a daughter of William Thompson, who died in 1867. The mother survived until 1906.

The following children were born to William Fickle and wife: Mrs. Tryphena Horlacher, of Madison township; Alvin T.. Joseph E., of this review; Charles R., Mrs. Ora Anderson, of Clark's Hill, Indiana; Flovd S., Loria L. and Elda Bennett, of Madison township.

William Fickle was owner of two farms, aggregating two hundred and eighty-five acres in the vicinity of Mt. Pleasant church. He was a member of that church for a period of forty years.

Our subject grew to manhood on the home place and there worked when a boy. He received a good common school education. When twenty-two years of age he married Pruda Akers, a daughter of Jacob G. Akers.

Mr. Fickle moved on his present farm in 1899. The place consists of eighty acres, well improved, and he has a pleasant cottage, well furnished.

Our subject is a great Sunday school worker and has done much good in this field of work. He has a class of sixty-seven members at the local church which he teaches. He is often a delegate to Sunday school conventions, where he always makes his influence felt for the general good.

James C. Shaw

One of the highly respected citizens of Howard county, Indiana, in a past generation was James C. Shaw. Mr. Shaw was born near Rockford, Surrey county, X. C, January 31, 1828. His parents were of English and Irish descent. In August of the same year in which he was born his parents and grandparents removed to Indiana, both families hauling their goods in one four-horse wagon. After traveling for six weeks thev arrived at Economy, Wayne county, and remained there until the following spring when they removed to a settlement known as the Garner neighborhood, in the same county. In the fall of 1830 they moved from Wayne to Henry county, settling first near Millville, but two years later removing to near Xew Castle, where his father bought a forty acre farm. They remained here four years, when they again moved, this time going to Madison county, near Columbus. Here James remained with his parents nine years, at the expiration of which time he was seventeen years old, then began working for himself. After four years of hard toil he had -ucceeded in accumulating quite a sum of money for a boy in those days, which he loaned indiscriminately and unfortunately lost.

In Xovetnber, 1840, Mr. Shaw married Eliza Manning. The loss of his money was quite a blow to the young husband, but he faced the matter bravelv, and being young and strong he went to work clearing, making rails and cutting cord-wood for a living. The following year he took a lease of fifteen acres in the green woods and built a cabin, but owing to the severe illness of his wife he was compelled to sell all of his stock and make a new start in life. He worked out by the month and then followed riving and shaving shingles until he had again -aved up enough money to begin farming.

Mr. Shaw proved his courage and patriotism when, August 10, 1862, he left his young wife and five small children and enlisted in Company K, Eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in which he served gallantly for nearly three years in the fiercest part of the war. In the summer of 1863 he was with Grant at Vicksburg, and was in the engagements at Port Gibson, Jackson, Champion Hills and Black River. While away at the front his wife died in January, 1864. He could' not obtain a furlough and come home until in the following month. When he did come he found his home broken up and his children scattered. He remained long enough to secure homes for his children and then returned to his regiment with which he remained until the close of the w^ar, being honorably discharged in 1865. He returned to Indiana and soon thereafter on October 10, 1865, he married Margaret Fritz of Howard county. He and his second wife lived in Hancock county until the spring of 1866 when they moved to Clinton county and settled on a farm on which they spent the remainder of their lives. In due course of time thev established a good home and developed a productive farm, providing well for their children, rearing them in comfort and respectabilitv and giving them proper educational advantages. Eight children were born to them, five of whom survive at this writing, namely: Christian B.. Mrs. Magnolia Johnson, Monroe C.. Howard, and Mrs. Letitia May Oliphant. Three of their children died in infancy.

In young manhood Mr. Shaw united with the Baptist church. In 1870 he and his wife united with the Middlefork Baptist church with which they remained until the building of the Methodist Episcopal church at Cloverdale, near their home, when they joined the latter. The death of Mr. Shaw occurred on April 11, 1901, and his widow passed away in March, 1906, at the age of sixty-nine years, six months and twenty-nine days.

Clarence V. Fickle

One of the progressive men of Washington township, Clinton county is Clarence V. Fickle, owner of Elmdale Farm, which consists of ninety-five acres of choice land. He seems to be a man who possesses untiring energy, is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and is determined in their execution. His close application to business and his excellent management have brought to him the prosperity which is today his. He is a scion of an honored old family, whose good reputation he has kept untarnished.

Mr. Fickle was born August 29, 1875. on the old Fickle homestead in Clinton county. He is a son of Robert Fickle, who was born July 8, 1S41, on the old homestead, he being a son of Isaac Fickle, who was born April 2, 1815, he having been a son of William and Ann (Thompson) Fickle, early pioneers of this county. William Fickle was born in Virginia in 1874. and his wife was born in County Antrim, Ireland in 1781. The father of William Fickle was a native of Germany, and he married an English woman. The parents of Ann Thompson came to America when she was eleven years old and located in Philadelphia, but soon moved west to Perry county, O. The mother of Isaac Fickle died on September 14, 1857. On February 14, 1838, Isaac Fickle married Jane M. Miller, a daughter of Robert and Nancy (Bell)

Miller, natives of South Carolina, where their daughter, Jane M. was also born, the date of her birth being September 24, 1816. Her father came to Clinton county in 1829, locating in Madison township where he lived until 1841 when he sold his property and removed to Mercer county, 111., where both parents died. Mrs. Jane M. Fickle died December 22, 1863, leaving four children, William, Robert M., Nancy A., and Sarah E.

Isaac Fickle again married, his second wife being Sarah E. Wade, daughter of William and Nancy E. (White) Wade. Her family came from Pennsylvania to Jackson county, O.. thence removed to Kansas, where the parents died. The second wife died January 7, 1877, leaving one child, Mary E., born July 19, 1876.

To Robert Fickle and wife two children were born, Clarence V., born August 29, 1875; and Ray C., born September 25, 1879. Robert Fickle and his father were both elders in the United Presbyterian church. Isaac Fickle came to Clinton county in 1834 and spent the rest of his life here. He held the office of supervisor and also school director.

Robert Fickle was reared on the old farm where our subject now lives, where he remained until his marriage in 1867 to Elizabeth Baird, daughter of Flugh Baird. To Robert and Ellen Fickle six children were born, four sons and two daughters : Hugh ( deceased) ; Agnes J. (deceased) ; Clarence V., subject of this sketch; Ray C. living in Mulberry, this county; Jenny G., and Lester. The mother of the above named children died in 1886 at the age of thirty-eight years. The death of Robert Fickle occurred in 1898 at the age of sixty-six years.

Clarence V. Fickle was reared on the home farm and educated in the common schools. On May 11. 1898 he married Isa B. Holliday, who was born in Tippecanoe county. Ind., where she was reared and educated. She is a daughter of Perry Holliday, a native of Butler county, O.

Air. Fickle has devoted his life to general farming and stock raising with more than average success, and he is now owner of the beautiful farm mentioned in the opening paragraphs of this sketch. Fie always keeps a good grade of livestock. He has a pleasant home, neatly furnished, and a large barn and other good buildings about the place. Politically he is a Democrat and religiously is a member of the United Presbyterian church, in which he has been elder, like his father and grandfather before him.

Frank B. Elliott

An honorable retirement from labor in which to enjoy the fruits of former years of toil and the enjoyment which life can offer in the serene autumn of one's yeafs, is the- fitting reward of a useful and active career, in which one, through keen discernment, indefatigable labor and honorable methods advanced steadily toward the goal of prosperity. Such, briefly stated, is the record of Frank B. Elliott, who is now living retired in the town of Mulberry, Clinton county, and who, through his long connection with agricultural interests, has not only carefully conducted his farm, but so managed its affairs that he acquired thereby a position among the substantial residents of the community.

Mr. Elliott was born in Butler county, O., November 23, 1854, the son of James Rampley Elliott, a wagon maker. The father was born in New England of a sturdy old family of Scotch-Irish ancestry. His wife, Maria Davis, was born in Butler county, O. The Elliott family moved from Butler county, O., to Madison township, Clinton county, when our subject was a small boy and here they located on a farm. Eight children, all of whom grew to maturity, were born to James R. Elliott and wife, namely: Almond D., a soldier during the Civil War, now living at Battle Ground, Ind.. Mrs. Nancy Blinn, living at Frankfort; John, a soldier in the Civil War, now deceased, leaving six children; James R., living at Elwood, Ind.; Frank B. and Orlando B. of Michigantown. The father of these children lived to be eighty years of age. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he and his wife were Methodists. The mother of our subject reached her eighty-first year.

Frank B. Elliott was reared on the home farm and was educated in the public schools at Hamilton, Ind. He remained at home working on the farm while his brothers were fighting for the LTnion, he being but a lad at the time and not old enough for service. He continued to fill his accustomed place in the family circle until he was twenty-four years old. He then married Ella Steckel, a daughter of Joseph Steckel, of Mulberry, this county, she being one of the following children: Phaon, Mary, Joseph, Jr., Louise, Ella, Matilda, Methusaleh and Martin.

Mr. Elliott has devoted his life to general farming and has been successful all along the line. He is now owner of a valuable farm of one hundred and fifteen acres near Mulberry, and another of one hundred and eighteen acres in the same township, all well improved and well cultivated. He has a splendid brick, nine-room house in the town, which residence is mod- ern throughout and neatly furnished. Mrs. Ella Elliott was called to her rest in 1902 at the age of forty-seven years. She was the mother of two children, Joseph E. of Cincinnati, Ohio, and one who died young. Joseph E. Elliott is exceptionally talented in music, and while young in years has achieved a brilliant reputation as a musician, ranking among the best in the Middle States, according to the opinion of many who have heard his performances, which have been given both in the East and the West. He is a member of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, one of the most noted in the country. He was given a musical education and is a man for whom the future is bright with promise. The mother was a good Christian woman, active in the Methodist Episcopal church.

Mr. Elliott is a Republican, and has been active in local affairs. He served as county commissioner for a period of three years, during which he did much for the permanent good of the county, and was a popular official. He has been a frequent delegate to district and state conventions. Fraternally he belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He affiliates with the Methodist church.

Thomas Noble Butler

Live stock business strongly rivals agriculture as a means of prosperity in Clinton county. So closely allied are the two, however, that men invariably carry one as a side line to the other. Mr. Butler is engaged almost exclusively in stock breeding, and he operates on a large scale. Some of the best horses and stallions in the northern part of the state are in his possession, which fact has given him an excellent reputation among the stock men of the state and the country.

Thomas Noble Butler was born in Edinburg, Indiana, August 12, 1862, the son of Daniel and Caroline (Flood) Butler. Daniel Butler was a native of the Buckeye state, and when but a young man he came to Johnson county, Indiana. In 1863 he moved to Lebanon, Indiana, where he entered the warehouse and distillery business and engaged in horse breeding. He died there in 1873. Mrs. Caroline Butler died in 1908. Daniel Butler was a loyal Republican, and attended the Presbyterian church. He was a meml>er of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a thirty-second degree Mason.

Our subject received a common school education in the city of Lebanon, and in 1895 he came to Frankfort, where he began the livery business. In 1901 he sold out and moved back to Lebanon, continuing the same trade, Again, in 1904, he returned to Frankfort, where he is now located, giving his time to the breeding profession, also the grain and feed trade. Mr. Butler owns quite a number of fine stallions, chief among them being "Carter B.," register number 6304, and "Famous," number 67028. The former is a black French draft stallion, and has sired nearly three hundred colts, over ninety per cent, of his services. The latter stallion is also much in demand and is equal to "Carter B." Mr. Butler has builded a reputation on these two animals alone. The first season for "Famous" was productive of sixty colts.

Air. Butler was married to Carrie Shaw, the daughter of John M. Shaw, of Boone county. She died in 1900. Two children were left to Air. Butler: Rubv Cunningham, of Indianapolis, and Alary, of Lebanon. Air. Butler was married the second time to Jane Swadner.

Fraternally, Air. Butler is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, the Woodmen of the World, and the Loyal Order of Aloose. Religiously, he attends the Christian church, and politically, is a Republican.

Arthur Grant Straesser

Realizing the fact that persistent industry constitutes the basis of success, Arthur G. Straesser, a well known citizen of Frankfort, this county, sought no royal road to the goals of which he dreamed w hen a youth, but began to work earnestly and diligently in order to advance himself, and the result is that he is now numbered among the progressive, successful and influential citizens of the county. Air. Straesser holds distinct prestige among the business men of the city of Frankfort, and his customers have ever found his laundry a place where they were insured fair and courteous treatment. Not only that, but his patrons knowr that they get the best work obtainable for the money. Air. Straesser's laundry ranks among the best equipped and most efficient in the state.

Arthur G. Straesser was born in Cropsey, Illinois, November 25, 1886, and was the son of John and Elizabeth (Kessler) Straesser. the father being a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Illinois. John Straesser was one of the first settlers in Illinois, and helped break the soil for their future home. He lived the usual pioneer life of the time until his death in 1894. Politically, he was a Republican, and religiously, he was a member of the Methodist church. He married Elizabeth Kessler in the spring of 1880. She was born in LaSalle county, Illinois, on February 7. i860, and is still living at Fairbury, Illinois.

Mr. Arthur Straesser received a good common school education, and then went into the laundry business at Fairbury. Illinois. He then went to the west coast and acted as assistant foreman in the Excelsior laundry at Los Angeles, California, where he learned the methods of laundering which he later used in his own establishment with good effect. He remained here five years, and in 1910 came to Frankfort, and purchased the Frankfort laundry. He is running this at the present time in the latest approved fashion. The most modern machinery is used, all of which has been installed under the direction of Mr. Straesser. Soft water alone is used. Altogether the machinery of the plant cost approximately ten thousand dollars. The laundry does an annual business of fifteen thousand dollars.

On Mav 30. 1912. Mr. Straesser was married to Ruth H. Bridges, who was born in Filmore, Indiana, on August 5, 1892. One child, Charles W., has been born to this union.

Fraternally, Mr. Straesser belongs to the Masonic order, the Blue Lodge. Chapter, Council and Knights Templar. He is aLo a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.

Isaac F. Stevens

Some people seem to forget that a fertile soil is a living, breathing thing, well fed bv nature or bv the hand of man, with the natural mineral elements and the organic matter necessary for the use of the soil bacteria in the manufacture of plant food, and for a delightful environment in which they can live and work. One man in Forest township who understands what it takes to keep the soil fertile and productive, not forgetting that it requires its regular feeding of the basic elements to go to make crops of all kinds is Isaac F. Stevens, one of our local advocates of "better seed selection,'' "better preparation of seed bed,'' and "better cultivation."

Mr. Stevens was born on December 5, 1847, in Rush county, Indiana. He is a son of S. B. and Margaret (Fithian) Stevens. The father was born in Maryland, and from that state he removed to Rush county, Indiana, when a boy, he and his brothers and sisters walking nearly all the way, for tliey had only one horse and a small wagon. The death of our subject's father occurred on September 2, 1893. The mother of our subject was born in Rush count}' this state, and her death occurred on August 6, 1856. S. B. Stevens spent his life on a farm, and he was a great horse trader. Politicals he was first a \\ hig. later a Republican. He was twice married and he had fifteen children by the two wives, eight being by the first, who was our subject s mother. Three of these are still living, namely: Ellen, Isaac F., of this sketch, and Elhanon G., George. Madora, Emily, Isabelle and Frances are all deceased.

S. B. Stevens married for a second wife Angelina Harley, and to this union seven children were born, namely: A. \Y., E. S., Martha (deceased), Clara, Mrs. Alzora Storms, Charles (deceased), and O. L.

Isaac F. Stevens grew' up on the home farm and received a limited education in the common schools. He has been twice married. His first wife was Mary Collins, to whom he wras wedded on January 17, 1872. She was born in Highland county, Ohio, and was a daughter of William and Sarah (Hiatt) Collins. She was called to her eternal rest on September 5, 1881. To this first union two children were born, both of whom are deceased, namely: Lorenzo E., born November 23, 1876, died October 8. 1900; William I., born October 4, 1874, died Apirl. 1876. Mr. Stevens subsequently married Loucretia Carter, who was born on December 25, 1869, in Howard county, Indiana. She is a daughter of George W. and Loucretia (Purvis) Carter. The father was born in Ohio and the mother in Bartholomew county, Indiana, the date of the former's birth being August 22, 1842, and that of the latter June 16, 1843. The father died in September. 1909, and the mother on July 22, 1895. The father was a veteran of the civil war, serving four years in Company G, 89th Indiana Volunteer Infantry.

Mr. Stevens moved to Forest township, Clinton county, from Rush countv in 1854 and settled southeast of the village of Forest, wdiere he bought land and cleared it. developing it into a good farm on which he has made a comfortable living. He has thus lived continuously here for a period of nearly sixtv vears during which his reputation has remained unassailable and he is well liked by all who know him. He owns sixty acres, all tillable and well tiled, his improvements having been made by himself. He formerly specialized in raising Hereford shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs, but he now raises Duroc hogs, Norman and Clydesdale horses, White Leghorn and Rhode Island Red chickens.

Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic Order at Russiaville, also a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, both of Forest. He attends the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he is a Republican, but has never been especially active.

William E. Blair

It takes a farmer to succeed on a farm, just as it takes a clerical man to succeed in office work, an engineer with a locomotive, an architect in architecture, or a musician in music. A man always a farmer can not move into town and make himself indispensable in an art studio, nor can the artist, the hand-organ man, the store salespeople, those from the factories or the law offices become prosperous very readily as tillers of the earth, or salesmen of its products. Xo greater disaster could come to the masses in cities than to thrust them unprepared into the strange situations they would encounter in attempted farm life. Their story would be one of tragedy. One of the citizens of Forest township, Clinton county, who has ben wise enough to stick to one vocation all his life and who has therefore succeeded is William E. Blair.

Mr. Blair was born on August _\ 1857. in Decatur county, Indiana, and there he spent his earlier vears and received his schooling, removing to Clinton county in 1879. about the time he attained his majority, and here he has lived ever since and has engaged continuously in farming. He is a son of Joseph and Xanev ( Evans) Blair. The father was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, where he spent his early life and attended the old-time schools. He removed from that county to Decatur county, Indiana, in young manhood. He spent his life on a farm. Politically he was a Democrat. His death occurred in 1876. He was twice married, first in Ohio, this wife surviving but a short time. Bv his second wife, mother of our subject, three children were born, namely: Samuel, died in early life: William E.. of this review .and Lou. the youngest.

On August 22, 1882, William E. Blair was married to Arabella Aslipaw, a sister of Charles Ashpaw, a sketch of whom appears on an other page of this volume, where a history of the Ashpaw family will be found. Mrs. Blair grew up in her native community and received a common school education.

Mr. Blair's farm consists of one hundred and eighteen acres in Forest township, all tillable, but about eight acres. The place has a good natural drainage, and is also well tiled. Mr Blair has made his own splendid improvements. He raises Jersey cows and mixed hogs, draft and Norman horses, and Plymouth Rock chickens.

Politically, he is a Democrat, and in religious matters belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is a trustee and an earnest worker.

The medical profession in Clinton county has an aide representative in Dr. H. N. Oliphant, of Forest, who. although voung in years has firmly established himself in his vocation and won the confidence and esteem of the people and his professional brethren in this section of the Hoosier state. He has, unquestionably, the natural endowments that go to make up the twentieth century medical man and also the necessary training, having long been a close student, leaving no stone unturned whereby he could advance himself, and deeming it a rare privilege to be able to bring surcease for humanity's multiform ills. He has also shown a public spirit that is ever commendable, being always willing to do bis full share in the development of the community, and has so ordered his course as to keep untarnished the honored escutcheon of a worthy old family name.

Dr. Oliphant was born April 30, 1880. in Hendricks county, Indiana, moving to his present home when young. His grandfather, William Oliphant. entered land from the government in Clinton county and was an earlv settler here. The Doctor is a son of Albert G. and Martha ( Richards) Oliphant. The father was born in Clinlon county, in 1857, and here he grew to manhood, received such educational advantages as the early day schools afforded, and here resided until shortly before the birth of our subject when he removed to Hendricks county, afterwards returning here where he still makes his home. The Doctor's mother was born in 1857 in Hendricks county, this state, and she is still living. She was the second wife of Albert G. Oliphant. Of this union seven children have been born, five of whom are still living: Dr. H. X.. of this review: Ora M., Herman

Clixtox Couxtv, Indiana

E., John T., and Mary, Pearl and Ruby, twins, born in 1895, died young. The father of these children has devoted his life to general agricultural pursuits. Politically he is a Democrat.

Dr. Oliphant grew to manhood on the home farm where he worked, when he became of proper age. He received a common school education in Forest township, also attended high school there. In 1901 he went to New York City and entered the Male Training School where he was graduated in 1903. after which he went to Chicago and entered the Illinois Medical College, which is the medical department of the Loyola University. Here he made an excellent record and was graduated with the class of 1908, during which time he spent one year in the work at the Illinois Medical Hospital. In June, 1908, he began the practice of his profession in Forest, Clinton countv, and here he has remained to the present time, enjoying a large and growing practice. In June. 1908. he was on the honorary list of the Indiana Examination Registration Board of Physicians and Surgeons.

Dr. Oliphant was married on June 6, 1908, to Florence K. Travis, of Janesville. Wisconsin, where she was born January 10, 1887. She is a daughter of William and Mary (Collier) Travis, both still living in Wisconsin. now retired, having spent their lives on a farm.

Fraternallv Doctor Oliphant belongs to the Masonic Order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, both at Forest. Politically he is a Democrat, and religiously he belongs to the Missionary Baptist church.

Dr. Oliphant is surgeon for the Clover Leaf Route, also the Indiana Light & Heat Company's railway, having been appointed on the electric line in 1912, and has been surgeon for the first named road ever since he came to Forest. He has given eminent satisfaction to both companies. He is a member of the Clinton County Medical Society, the State Medical Society and the National Medical Association. He is a member of the surgical clinic for the well known institute of the Mayo Rros. at Rochester, Minesota.

The Doctor enlisted for service in the Spanish-. \merican war. in Coinpanv C. One Hundred and Fifty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in April. 1908. under Captain D. F. Allen. He soon rose from private to assistant commissary sergeant, regimental, under Commissary Sergeant H. G. Swope. The company was sent to Chickamauga Park. Georgia, where it remained until after the war. its services at the front not being required. Dr. Oliphant was honorably discharged on November 4. 1898, at Indianapolis.

J. B. Casey

In a country like Indiana the manufacture of draining tile is a large and important industry and gives employment to thousands of men, and innumerable families are supported by reason of this industry. This state, it will be remembered, was originally a semi swamp, over, at least, a great part of its area, but the pioneers who settled here less than a century ago knew that as rich soil as could be found on the continent was lying beneath the shallow water. The problem which confronted them was to drain the land and get it ready for the seed. Thus in working out this problem enormous work has been performed and vast money expended, but the results have certainly been gratifying and warranted the outlay. Most of the farms in Clinton county have had to be tiled and the work is still going on. Colfax has become a tile manufacturing center. Perhaps no individual here has a more expert knowledge of the proper manufacture of draining tile than J. B. Casey, manager of the M. J. Lee Drain Tile Company.

Mr. Casey was born in Crawfordsville, Ind., some thirty-six years ago. He is a son of T. J. Casey, who was a pioneer brick manufacturer of Crawfordsville. His family consisted of five children.

J. B. Casey grew to manhood in his native city and received his education there, attending the common schools and Wabash College. During the Spanish-American war he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. F. Alexander, and this regiment was mustered in and sent to Chickamauga Park, Tenn., where it camped, not being needed in Cuba, much to the regret of the regiment, which longed for active service against the Dons. Mr. Casey returned home with the regiment in the summer of 1898 and was discharged. He at once turned his attention to a business career, and, having learned the manufacture of tile as a boy under his father he quite naturally decided to continue in that field of endeavor. He came to Colfax in 1902, and erected the tile plant mentioned above, and which he has since managed, and he has given every satisfaction in this connection, doing much to increase the efficiency and prestige of the same.

The Lee company has a large tile plant at Crawfordsville and New Richmond, Ind., also. Their plant in Colfax is adjacent to both the Vandalia and Big Four railways. M. J. Lee is president; Id. K. Lee, vice-president ; Neil Casey, secretary; J. B. Casey, treasurer and manager. The Colfax plant was built in 1902, at a cost of seventy-two thousand dollars. It enjoys the distinction of being the second largest tile factory in Indiana, and a very large local business is carried on, and the products of the plant are shipped to all parts of the country. Fifty skilled employes are on the payroll all the year round. The size of the tile manufactured here is from four to thirty inches in diameter. Large contracts are taken by the Lees for county ditching in this and adjoining counties. All the machinery and appliances are modern and of the most approved type, insuring high grade work and rapid service. The plant is a model in every particular and is one of the most important industries in Colfax and this section of the state.

Mr. Casey is a member of the Sons of the American League, a charter member of the local post. He has remained unmarried. He is a good mixer among business men and stands high with all circles in which he chooses to move.

Clinton E. Orr

It is encouraging to see enterprising and thinking young men like Clinton E. Orr remain in their native communities and engage in husbandry for it shows that that community is destined to be continuously progressive and a good place in which to live.

Mr. Orr was bom on April 15. 1872, in Forest township, Clinton county, and here he has been content to spend his life. He is a son of Nathan and Margaret (McCleland) Orr. The father was born January 29, 1838, in Ohio from which state he removed with his parents to Clinton county, Indiana, when a small bov and here he grew to manhood and received a meager education in the common sehools. for those were pioneer times and he had to do a great deal of hard work on the home farm, which was new and not very well improved. Me has devoted his life to farming, having cleared and improved the fine farm on which he lived and here he made a good income through his hard work and good management. Politically, he is a Democrat, but has never tried to be a public man. He is now living in retirement in a pleasant home in the town of Scircleville. this state. His family consisted of six children, five of whom are still living, namely: Austin, Lorenzo, Eta, Alvin ( deceased), Clinton E. and Ella.

Clinton E. Orr grew up on the home place and there did his full share of the work when a boy. During the winter months he attended the neighboring schools.

Clixt0X Couxty, Ixdiaxa

grew to womanhood and received her education. A full sketch of the Davis family may be found in an article on Charles S. Davis, to be found elsewhere in this volume, Mr. Davis being a brother to Mrs. Orr.

Mr. Orr has always been a farmer, never caring to follow anv other business. and be has remained in his native township, as already indicated. He is the owner of eighty acres, all under cultivation, but about fifteen acres. It is well drained and otherwise well improved, and on it stands a good set of buildings, including a pleasant home. He makes a specialty of Jersev cows, a mixed breed of hogs and good draft horses: also Rhode Island red chickens. He is succeeding well in all lines of general farming and stock raising.

Joseph I. Burns

One of the most interesting men to spend an hour or so in conversation with in Forest township. Clinton county, is Joseph I. Burns. He talks interestingly because he is a man of much experience and during his long life has been a spectator to many happenings out of the ordinary: and, further than that he possesses the happy faculty of being able to recall reminiscences and tell of them in well chosen words. During his residence here of over a half century he has lived to see momentous changes in every respect and he has taken part in them. He ranked for many decades among the best known carpenters and builders in this section of the country, and he is now discharging in a commendable manner the duties of justice of the peace and those of secretary of the Forest Telephone Company. There is additional interest in setting forth his life record in this volume because of his career as a soldier for the Union during the dark days of the sixties.

Mr. Burns was born September 19, 1842, in Hamilton county, O., and there his early boyhood days were spent, he having been nine years of age when he removed with the family to Clinton county in 1851, where he has resided continuously ever since with the exception of* three years. He is a son of Peter and Nancy ( Ingersoll) Burns. The father was born February 13, 1818, in Hamilton county, O., and there also occurred the birth of the mother on December 25. 1817. The former died on May 16, 1874. and the death of the latter occurred on July 29, 1890. Peter Burns received a good education for the early days in the Buckeye state and he was a school teacher for ten years, then turned his attention to general farming, which he followed the rest of his life. His family consisted of ten children, only four of whom are living at this writing, namely: Frances

M. anti Sarah Ann, both deceased; Joseph I., of this review: William A. (dec.), Elizabeth (dec.), David. Lvdia (dec.), Mary Ellen (dec.), James A. and Emily A.

Joseph I. Burns grew up on the home place, and, being the son of a pioneer he found plenty of hard work to do when a boy, consequently his earl}- schooling was limited to about six months in a log school house, equipped with its usual puncheon door, slab seats, greased paper for w indow panes, and open fire-place, but he has become a well informed man through contact w ith the world and by w ide home reading.

Mr. Burns was married on October 29. 1865, to Lucy T. Lindle, who was born in Ripley county, Ind., December 13, 1841. She is a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth ( Garrick) Lindle. These parents were born, reared and married in England, and there they resided until after their first child was born, finally emigrating to America and locating in Ripley county. Thence they moved to Henry county, this state, when Mrs. Burns was five years old, and from there the}- removed to Clinton county in 1865. They spent their lives on a farm. Mrs. Burns received a common school education.

Mav 6. 1867. married Id. W. Cochran, now residing in Forest, this county, taught school for several years: Lillian P>., born September 20, 1869. married Paxton Blanche, and they live in Warren township, this county; Anna E.. born March 2. 1872. died July 29. 1873; Laura L., born March 11. 1874, died December 28. T899: Samuel C\. born December 2, 1877. followed teaching for fourteen years, married Maude E. Ogle, now' engaged in merchandising in the village of Forest.

Toseph I. Burns learned the carpenter's trade when a young man and this he followed successfully for a period of thirty-three years, being known as one of the most skillful and conscientious workmen in Clinton county, and manv buildings of all kinds stand in this locality as monuments to his art as a builder. He gave up his trade some eight years ago since which time he has been secretary of the Forest Telephone Company, which position he still holds, his long retention being sufficient evidence of his satisfactory service. He was elected justice of the peace of Forest township in 1906 and is still ably discharging the duties of this office, his decisions being noted for their fairness to all concerned and for a clear interpretation of the law. He is also engaged in the real estate business under the firm name of Burns & Johnson. He owns a home in Forest and several lots, besides twenty-five acres in Forest township, all tillable and well improved in every way, with tile, fencing, etc. His land is rented.

Mr. Burns has been a Mason for a period of forty-one years, being a charter member of the local lodge, the Star, of which he was secretary for a period of thirteen years. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has been financial secretary of the local lodge for a period of nineteen years; also a member of the Encampment and has been treasurer of the latter. He is a member of the Rebekahs.. He was district deputy of this county for a period of eight years for the last named lodge. Politically he is a loyal Democrat. He was township assessor in Johnson township for a period of six years.

On August 5, 1862, Mr. Burns enlisted at Michigantown, Clinton county, in Company G, Eighty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, called then the "Crazy Eighty-Sixth," under Captain Segar. Mr. Burns saw considerable hard service, being in many engagements, including Perryville. Franklin, Nashville, Chattanooga and many skirmishes. He was with the troops in Alabama and Florida. Falling sick lie was brought north to Louisville. He was honorably discharged on Tune 6, 1865. at Nashville. Tennessee.

Artie M. Avery

To be called a success when one is scarcely middle aged indicates that a man has managed well and worked hard, but that is the very tiling that Artie M. Avery, for many years a well known farmer and stock man of Forest township, Clinton county, has attained to. Such a man is eminently entitled to mention in anv history of his locality, and the biographer is therefore glad to pen the following brief line bearing on his personal record and that of his immediate family.

Mr. Avery was born on July 20, 1872. in Montgomery county, Indiana, but most of his life has been spent in Clinton county, whither he was brought when three years of age by his parents, Eli and Lou (Wick) Avery. The father was born in Howard county, this state, on December 7, 1S45, and he died at Frankfort, Indiana, October 12, 1881. The mother of our subject was born on October 8, 1846, in Pennsylvania, and her death oc- curred on July 2. 1875. These parents received common school educations. Eli Avery made his home principally at Frankfort, where he was for many years a clerk in the county treasurer's office. He never engaged in farming. Politically he was a Democrat. His family consisted of two children. Arista, born September 16. 1867: and Artie M.. of this sketch. Eli Averv was twice married, our subject being by his first wife. His second wife's maiden name was Sally Rivers. She was Ixirn in 1859, and is now living in Indianapolis. One child, Claude, lxjrn to them March 31, 1878, is now living in the town of Frankfort.

Artie M. Avery received a common school education. On December 17, 1895, he married Dora Altic, who was a native of Michigan township, this county, the date of her birth lining March 18, 1881. She is a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Cox) Altic. These parents are still living, making their home in Clinton county, engaged in farming near Frankfort. Mrs. Averv received a common school education in her native community.

Mr. Avery has been engaged in general farming and stock raising practicallv all his life in Forest township. Clinton county, where he works one hundred and ten acres of valuable and well improved land, owned bv Thomas Averv, an uncle, who is now living retired in Forest. It is all tillable but about thirteen acres, which is in woods, and the land is well tiled. Mr. Averv makes a specialtv of raising Jersey cows. Chester White and Duroc hogs and a general breed of horses.

John Capl1Nger

Nature's remedies and methods for curing the ills of man. beast or soil are always the best and most economical. Every farmer must sooner or later learn, if he would succeed, that simple lesson that wherever the necessarv mineral elements of plant food are deficient, he must not only return them in their natural form, but must make them available for plant food by supplving organic matter in abundance. This was well understood at the outset of his farming career by John Caplinger. now living retired, after a successful life as a farmer, in his pleasant home in Forest township. Clinton county. In fact, he has always been a man who carefully noted things, and built up a splendid system of general farming which brought ample returns, enabling him to retire and spend his old age in quiet. He is one of our honored veterans of the great Civil war and a man who has done his full share in the work of general improvement in his community and county.

Mr. Caplinger was born on August 13. 1843. in Adams county, Ohio, and there he spent his boyhood years and received such educational advantages as the old-time schools afforded. When twenty-six years old he arrived at Middle Fork. Clinton county. March 25, 1869, and he has continued to reside in this county, engaging in general farming and stock raising and for a period of ten years operated a saw mill. He is a son of Moses and Martha (Dillon) Caplinger. The father was born in Highland county, Ohio, and he spent his life in that state, dying there on March 4. 1886. a highly respected citizen. The mother of our subject was born in Adams county, Ohio, and her death occurred on November 18. 1865. They spent their lives on a farm, and eight children were born to them: John, of this review: George, Susanna, Christopher and Cornelius, the others being deceased.

John Caplinger received a common school education and this has been supplemented in after years by extensive home reading and careful observation. He often recalls with interest the scenes of the old log house which was the school room for the neighborhood.

John Caplinger has been thrice married, first, on October 24. 1866. to Frances E. Morrison, who was born in Adams county, Ohio, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth ( Baldwin ) Morrison, both her parents being natives of that state, where they spent their lives on a farm. Our subject's first wife died on September 13. 1867. leaving one child. Frances E., who was born on July 7, 1867. She married John Chamblin. and they live in Ohio. On August 8, 1872, Mr. Caplinger married Laura E. Wright, who was born in Clinton county, Indiana. She is a daughter of Stanton and Martha (Goodhart) Wright, both natives of Indiana. Our subject's second wife died April 16, 1874. Of this union one child was born - Martha E., whose birth occurred on May 8, 1873. She married James Beauchamp, of Kansas City, Missouri. In November, 1903. our subject was again married, his last wife being Mary Conover, who was born in Jefferson countv, Indiana, May 2, 1844.

Mr. Caplinger began farming when a young man and this was his chief life work up to his retirement from active work some time ago, though he ran a saw mill for some time in Warren township.

lodge and the Commandery and Royal Arch at Frankfort. Politically he is a Democrat, and in religion belongs to the Universalist church. He was at one time constable of Warren township, also township assessor, filling these offices to the entire satisfaction of the people.

In 1864 Mr. Caplinger proved his patriotism to the government by enlisting for service in the Federal army at Cincinnati, Ohio, in Company G, One Hundred and Eighty-first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. George Kountz, and although he saw some considerable service he was in but one battle, but that was a pretty hot one, that of Murphreysboro, Tennesee, during Hood's campaign, and was fought on December 7. 1864. In this our subject was wounded by a minie ball which passed through his right shoulder. He was honorably discharged on June 2, 1865. at Jeffersonville, Indiana. He formerly belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic.

Robert V. Heaton

The world has realized more than ever during the past few years that the real source of progress is the farmer and his fields. Wall street and the stock markets, human subsistence, trades and vocations, education, and even our pleasures, depend solely on the agriculturist, and in turn the mechanical world has supplied him with contrivances for the ecenomy of labor and increased production, so that the ever growing demands of the hungry millions may be satisfied. The farmer has responded nobly to this situation and has modernized himself to every possible extent, and to the degree that the present type cannot be called a ''rube," but a highly cultivated and educated citizen, with know ledge and habits the same as his city brother. Such a man is Mr. Heaton, whom we write of in this sketch. He is a worthy and representative type.

Mr. Heaton was born February 28, 1854. in Michigan towmship, Clinton county. Indiana, and was the son of Alfred and Levici ('Julian) Heaton. Alfred Heaton was a native of the Hoosier state and he died in 1902. The mother was also born in Indiana. Both parents had a common school education. and the father followed farming all of his life, and was a Democrat. Six children were born to the union, namely: one infant, Alice. Hester A., and Vesper, all deceased, and James and Robert, now living. Robert, our subject, received his elementary education in Michigan township.

Mr. Heaton was married April 5, 1876, to Elizabeth Beeabout, who was born April 22, 1853, in Fayette county, Indiana, and was the daughter of Peter and Ann (Parker) Beeabout. Six children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Claudius; Eva; Angie married Orville Coy, who

Mr. Heaton has been a farmer all of his life in this county. He has now retired from active work, however, but still manages his eighty acres of fertile and well improved land. Besides general farming, he raises Jersey and a mixed breed of cows, Poland China bogs, and Plymouth Rock chickens.

John A. Harding

There are certain trades that possess an indefinable charm, and among them is that of blacksmithing. The smithy's shop in the small town is a place where children congregate and the politics of the day are discussed by their elders. The smithy is a man of prominence and his invariable good nature makes him a friend to all. This qualitv has been immortalized in poetry and song, and ever, especially to the younger generation, the forge and anvil and the "mighty man" above them will linger long in their memories. Clinton countv has her blacksmiths, among them John A. Harding, and about him we tell in this review.

John Harding was born December 31, 1855. in Kirklin county, Indiana. He was the son of Samuel and Delilah (Thompson) Harding, natives of Ohio. Samuel Harding was born in Union county, Indiana. August 25, 1833, and in 1846 moved to Clinton countv. He gained a common school education and after leaving the schoolroom he took up the trade of blacksmithing in Kirklin, an occupation he followed nearly all of his life, shoeing horses until after he was seventy-five years of age. Twelve children made up his family. They were: John, Robert (dec.), Orlando C., Kate R., Lily L. (dec.), O. T. (dec.), Minnie (dec.), Frank S. and Pearl: remainder not named, having died in infancy.

John Harding attended the public schools in Kirklin during his boyhood days, and spent his time otherwise learning the trade he was to follow from his father.

Mr. And Mrs. I A. Harding

daughter of James and Margaret (Mart) McKay, and born in Clinton county, Ohio, December 9, i860. Her father died when she was but a baby ,and the mother is cared for part of the time now in John Harding's home in Kirklin. Mrs. Harding received a common school education, and is the mother of three children: John G., born June, 1883: Fanny L., married to George Kutz, a Kirklin druggist, and Anna L.

John Harding has always followed the blacksmithing trade. He began with just a small shop and now owns a large and completely equipped place, also a two-story brick factory where he has the latest machinery installed for the making of buggies, farm wagons and implements of use to the farmer. He also paints buggies and does much rubber tiring. Mr. Harding has, in the course of his studies in his chosen trade, invented a patent storm top for buggies and automobiles. He has obtained a patent on his contrivance and sells a number to Clinton county people.