Clinton County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1913 (part 7 of 17)

James G. Webster received a common school education and attended the county seminary, and having applied himself very carefully to such textbooks as were obtainable in those early days he acquired enough knowledge to begin teaching which he followed with uninterrupted success for several years, or until he had saved enough to defray the expenses of a college course, for he had determined upon a career as doctor of medicine. He entered the New York Hygiene College, where he made rapid progress. Something of his high standing there is implied by the fact that he was retained as teacher in that institution, a position which he held in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the entire satisfaction of college management, his fellow instructors and the students. After one month he entered the medical department of the University of the City of New York, which he thought better adapted to his needs. While in the metropolis he practiced his profession with success, doing special work in order to assist him in his college work and his profession in general. After five years, tiring of the work in the great city and desiring to be among homefolks in the quietude of a Hoosier village, he returned to Shelbvville, Ind., in 1868, and took up the general practice of medicine, meeting with great success from the start. Later he followed the tide of emigration which was then setting in strongly for the new state of Kansas and located for practice in the town of Eureka, where he spent six years, during which he enjoyed a large practice. Longing again for old associations at Shelbvville he left the Sunflower state and returned to his parental home where he continued to practice two years, then came to Colfax, Clinton county, in 1878, where he has continued in the successful practice of his profession for a period of thirty-five years, standing in the front rank of his professional brethren in this section of the state, and, ever a student, he has kept full abreast of the times in all that pertains to his work. His library is large and composed of the best works on medical science obtainable, as well as much of the world's best general literature.

Dr. Webster was married at Cincinnati, O., in 1875, to Lydia A. Fletcher, who was born at Moores Hill, Dearborn county, Indiana, and there she grew to womanhood and received her education. She was ever regarded as a lady of many estimable characteristics and has been a faithful helpmeet to her husband. This union was blessed by the birth of three sons, all of whom have been given excellent college educations. George is in the government service in the Philippines, being government examiner of ships in port; Charles has also been in the Philipines, engaged successfully in teaching; Frank was also engaged in educational work in the Philippines, teaching in a high school. The two last named have returned to the United States.

William R. Gilmore

One of the citizens of Perry township. Clinton county, who is deserving of the high esteem in which he is held throughout this locality, is W illiam R. Gilmore, successful general farmer. He is one of our honored veterans of the great war between the states, having fought gallantly for the maintenance of the L'nion, sacrificing the pleasures of home, business opportunities and risking his life and limb in order that succeeding generations might enjoy to a fuller degree the fruits of peace in a united country. Such men are de-

John William Hart

A history of Clinton county can point with no more pride to any of its sons than the subject of this brief review, John William Hart. Born of parents who came to this county when the land was covered with heavy timber and wild animals and Indians were the inhabitants, Mr. Hart retains those qualities which his forefathers possessed and enabled them to combat the many privations incident to settling a virgin country. Our subject has won the esteem of his fellowmen by following the dictation of the Golden Rule in eve^ phase of life. His business, social, moral, and intellectual qualities are worthy of emulation by all, and it is safe to prophesy that, in the years to come, when he will be known as an old man, that his name will rank well up in the record of merit and accomplishment.

John William Llart was born November 13, 1847, in Kirklin township, Clintoft county, and was the son of John G. and Harriet (Wallace) Hart. John G. Hart was born in December, 1820, in the state of Pennsylvania, and moved to Indiana, in 1837, settling in Clinton county. He followred farming all of his life, and was very successful. He was a Republican politically. The mother, who was Harriet Wallace, wras a native of the Old Domniion, being born in Virginia. Site first moved to the state of Ohio, and then later came to Clinton county, in company with her parents. She died June 15, 1872. The father died April 20, 1880. Five children were born of the union: David, Syrenis, Perkins and Cora, all deceased, and John W., our subject. John G. Hart was married the second time to Mary Dunn, and Cora was the child by this wife.

John William Hart had the advantage of a good common school education in his early days, and settled down to a farming life immediately after leaving school. He owns one hundred and seventy acres of fertile and tillable land in Sugar Creek township; twenty acres of which is slightly inferior, but valuable nevertheless. The place is well tiled and he has made his own improvements. which are of a high order. Mr. Flart carries on general farming and breeding. He has retired from active work on the farm, and spends his time in managing. Politically, Mr. Hart is a Progressive.

On November 21. 1872. our subject was married to Frances Wright, who was born September 15, 1833. in Sugar Creek township, Clinton county. She is the daughter of John R. and Allie Wright, both of whom were from the state of Virginia. Mrs. Hart's sister, Daisy Bowls, lives at the home of John W. Hart.

William P. Boyd

One of the business men of Colfax. Clinton county, who has learned the secrets of success in life is William P. Boyd, proprietor of a livery, sale and feed stable, also a dealer in carriages, buggies and wagons, a man widely known about the county and respected by all, for his dealings with his fellow men have ever been above board, straight from the shoulder out and based on the highest standards of business ethics, so that his patrons and customers are always well satisfied with the treatment which he uniformly accords them; in short, he believes in the old adage of living and let live. While passing through life he does not believe in laboring solely for his own agrandisement, but in giving a neighbor a helping hand occasionally, which is the true spirit of brotherhood and the true source of happiness.

Mr. Boyd was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, on a farm, August 4. 1851, and he spent his boyhood years on a farm, assisting with the general work there, and during the brief winter months he attended the common schools of this localitv. He is a son of John Bovd and wife. The father, born in Ohio in 1829. spent his life in general farming and stock raising, and was an honest, industrious man who was liked by all his neighbors. In 1853 he removed with his family to Clinton county, when our subject was two vears old, and settled in a heavily timbered section, establishing there the future home of the family. He set to work with a will, being a man of grit and perseverance, and, in due course of time, he had cleared his land, had a good productive farm under cultivation and was raising an excellent grade of live stock. There the parents of our subject spent the balance of their lives, the father dying there in July, 1900, at the age of seventy-one years, the mother, in Lafayette, Ind., in the year 1907. at the age of seventy-six years. Five children, one son and four daughters, were born to John Boyd and wife.

The subject of this sketch devoted the earlier years of his life to general agricultural pursuits and met with a large measure of success from the start. He was owner of a finely improved and productive farm of one hundred and forty acres, three miles east of Colfax, known as the Valley Stock Farm, and which was regarded as one of the choice farms of that section of the county, and abundant harvests repaid Mr. Boyd annually for his toil and good management. But finally deciding to enter the business arena he removed to Colfax a number of years ago and is now operating one of the most popukfr livery, feed and sale stables in this section of the country, being well equipped in the way of horses, buggies, etc., to accommodate the traveling public. He is also a dealer in buggies, wagons and carriages, handling an excellent line of standard makes on which he has built up a wide and constantly growing trade with the surrounding country. His barn is near the Union station and convenient to the business center of Colfax. It is thirty-six by sixty feet, with an addition of fifty by sixty feet. His carriage room is twenty by sixty feet. His aim is always to give hi smany customers honest and satisfactory treatment, his prices and terms always being reasonable.

Mr. Bovd was married in February, 1901. to Della Phillips (nee Isenbarger ), who was born in 1857 in Clinton county, and is a daughter of George and Annie Isenbarger. Mr. Boyd had formerly been married to Marion Phillips.

Politically Mr. Bovd is a Democrat, and is a member of the Church of God. Physical! v he is of large proportions, being five feet and eight inches tall and weighing two hundred and ten pounds, hut is very active and a good business man and popular in Clinton county, where he has lived practically all his life.

Bertram W. Swackhamer

An enumeration of the representative citizens of Clinton county, Indiana, would be incomplete without specific mention of the well known and popular gentleman whose name forms the caption of this sketch. A member of an old and highly esteemed family, and for many years a public-spirited man of affairs, he has stamped the impress of his individuality upon the community in which he lives and added luster to the honorable name which he bears, having always been scrupulously honest in all his relations with his fellow men and leaving no stone unturned whereby he might benefit his own condition as well as that of his neighbors and friends, consequently he has won the favor of a great number of Clinton county people where he maintains his home. (38)

Bertram Swackhamer was born July 22, 1880, in Hocking county, O., the son of Frank and Della (Quigley) Swackhamer, both natives of Ohio. The father moved to Indiana in 1884 and stayed here a number of years and then returned to his native state where the family stayed for about five years, then again came to Indiana. He is still living in Madison county, enjoying a hearty old age. The mother likewise is still living. Frank Swackhame? was a fanner all of his life, and consistently remained an adherent of the Republican party. Four children blessed the union : Bessie. Bert, Clifford and Laura.

The subject of our sketch was fortunate in receiving a common school education, and then, after he completed the scholastic phase of his life, he began the pursuit of general farming. In this capacity he has remained ever since. He also makes a specialty of stock raising, taking particular pride in his breed of Duroc hogs. He owns one hundred and eleven acres of very tillable land, all well tiled but about five acres. The place is in a fairly good state of improvement. At the present time Bert Stvackhamer resides on and rents his father-in-law's farm.

On x\ugust Ty. 1899. our subject entered into matrimony, choosing for his helpmeet Jennie Bond, born in Kirklin township. June 22. i88r, the daughter of George F. and Ella (Wells) Bond. Three children have come to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Swackhamer: Josephine, born in 1904: Mary, born in 1907: and Georgie. born in 1911.

Politicallv. Mr. Swackhamer is a Republican. He is affiliated with no fraternal organizations, preferring to give his entire attention to hi" home and familv.

Conspicuous among the representative business men and public-spirited citizens of Clinton county is the gentleman whose name heads this review. He has made his influence a good one in Kirklin township, being a man of sterling worth, whose life has ever been closely allied with the interests of the communitv in which he lives, and whose career has been that of a man of moral character, honest}', and excellent social qualities, and whose efforts have been for the betterment of the members of the Clinton county citizenship.

J. W. Wills was born June 15. 1858, in Clinton county. Inch, the son of Charles and Xancv (Rice) Wills. Charles Wills was born in the Buckeye state in 1831. and came liere. when four years old, w ith his parents. He died July 5, 1906. The mother was born and died in Clinton county. The father was a farmer in early life, but in later days became a tanner. He was a Democrat. Twelve children comprised his family, the follow ing are the ones now living: Abraham, M. E., J E.. J. \V.. H. M.. and H. F.

J. \\ . \\ ills received a common >chool education in Kirklin township, and entered life in the livery business, which he still carries on in addition to other pursuits.

Mr. W'ilE was united in wedlock to Clara E. Me Kinsey on December 3, 1902, an Illinois girl, the daughter of John R. and America (Cassadv) Mc- Kinsey. Xo children have been born to them.

In 1906. Mr. Wills went into the hardware business and later added furniture to the hardware stock, tie now owns a well appointed store that would be a credit to any Hoosier town. He enjoys a lucrative business and in turn aids in any enterprise that may be for the good of his townsmen. He owns the whole business block in which his store is located, besides his livery barn, his prettv and comfortable home, other business blocks, and thirty acres of good tillable land near Kirklin. Ind.

Willard C. Williams

Among the successful, self-made men of Clinton county whose efforts and influence have contributed to the upbuilding and general business activities of their respective communities, the gentleman of this sketch occupies a conspicuous place. Being ambitious from the first, he met the various viccissitudes and discouragements with a resolute determination, and in due time rose to a prominent position in the industrial circles wherein he was associated, besides w inning the confidence and esteem of those with whom be was brought into contact, and today he stands as one of the most prominent men in Clinton county and most influential in Kirklin township.

Willard C. Williams was born on January 2. i860, in Kirklin township, Clinton county, and was the son of Allen and Mary D. (Harley) Williams. The father was a native of Indiana, being born in Henry county in 1812, and moved to Clinton county when a boy. He died in 1886. The mother was born in the state of Virginia in the year 1820, ami was brought by her parents to this state when a small child. She died in 1900. They had common school educations in their youth, and chose to follow the occupation of farming throughout their lives. Seven children blessed their life, namely: Jasper (deceased); Louisa (deceased): Marcello; Martha: Willard, and two who died in infancy unnamed.

Our subject benefited by the common schools in Kirklin township and took up fanning afterward as a life work. He has ever since labored in the fields of his fine one hundred and seventy-five acre farm in Kirklin township, and has accomplished much. He makes a specialty of breeding fine stock, chiefly Poland China hogs, in which particular branch he is an expert. His land is all tillable, about a hundred acres of the estate being now in valuable pasture land. He has added all the modern improvements to his farm and has a beautiful and efficient residence thereon.

Willard Williams was married in September. 1880. to Katy R. Harding, the daughter of Samuel and Delilah (Thompson) Harding. (See sketch S. H. Thompson, brother to Delilah). Mrs. Williams received a good common school education in her youth in the schools of her countv. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Williams, namely: Mrs. Minnie Hendricks, born 1882 ; -Charles P>.. born 1884. married Eva Sims: and Floyd, born February 7. 1890, married to Blanche Childers.

Fraternally, Mr. Williams belongs to the Masonic Order and Independent Order of Odd Fellows, both lodges at Kirklin. He is a Republican and at one time held the office of road supervisor in his county.

Edward Earl Tompkins

Statisticians and historical writers, in summing up the control of the country's resources, do not place the stock handlers of Wall street in the rank of masters, the motive power of the national prosperity, but they regard the agriculturist, the native tillers of the soil, as the ones who propel the nation's destiny. Their products are juggled and financed in questionable manner, it is true, but it is with them, primarily, that the power is derived whereby the United States may stand as one of the richest and most productive of the world's agricultural countries. It is a pleasure to relate the details of one

Edward Earl Tompkins was born in Champaign county, Illinois, on October 27, 1881, the son of Stephen and Mary Ann (Besore) Tompkins. The father was born in 1844, in Hamilton county, O., and came to Indiana in September, 1910, and has since followed farming. They had three children, viz. : Minnie May, Edward E., our subject, and Luttie Orvalein. The mother was a member of the Christian church. The father is in politics, a Democrat. Both reside in Frankfort, retired.

Edward E. Tompkins received his education in the county schools of his home, and later attended the high school. He came to Clinton county in the year 1908. to take up agricultural work, which he has followed all of his life. He formerly managed the excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Kirklin township, belonging to his father and enjoys many advantages of his well kept and modern estate. It is all in the highest tillable condition with the exception of twenty acres which are in pasture.

Mr. Tompkins was united in matrimony to Anna Carry Ford, a young girl born in Miami county, Indiana. September 20, 1880. the daughter of Lewis N. and Laura (York) Ford, and in Miami county she received a common school and high school education. One child has blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Tompkins - Edward Ford, born July 16, 1911.

Fraternallv. Mr. Tompkins is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias, both lodges in Frankfort. He is a member of the Christian church and votes the Democratic ticket.

Cyrus M. Hake

The hand of the journalist is truly mighty. Xo matter how big or how little he mav lie. his well-aimed remarks iti the town sheet carry double weight, and therefore his mission and responsibility are great. He must lie judicious, clever, fair, and ever promoting the interests of the people whom he serves. The Kirklin Journal is a newspaper devoted to the welfare of the Clinton county pople. and carries the name of being a clean, interesting, and modern publication. This has been largely due to the untiring efforts of the publisher, whose name heads this review, and who. by his energetic efforts toward the betterment of the community, has won the friendship and sup|>ort of the countv as a whole.

Cyrus M. Hane was born June 8. 1842. in Harrison countv. O. His father was a native of Maryland, and served in the Civil war in the First Virginia Infantry of the Union army.

Cyrus Hane received a common school education which was interrupted in i86r. when he was nineteen years old. by the outbreak of the war. Mr. Hane enlisted in Company D, Second Virginia Tnfantry, under Captain Gibson. This regiment was afterward changed by the war department to the Fifth West Virginia Calvary. He served the Union cause valiantly for his full time and then was honorably discharged. On February rg. 1863. he reenlisted in Company G. Second United States Veteran Volunteers. Hancock's corps, and served until Feb. 1 a. 1866. Mr. Hane participated in the second battle of Bull Run and several other engagements.

In 1865 Mr. Hane was married in Mary M. Chapman, who died in 1882. On October 21. 1900. he was again married to Emma Stotts, an Indiana woman. He has one child. Daisy F... by his first wife, and she now resides in Knox, Inch

Mr. Hane moved to the Hoosier state from Ohio, and first settled in the town of Mitchell, at which place he took charge of the Mitchell Commercial. Later he went to Elwood, Ind., and established the Elieood l. coder, and then to Knox, Stark county, Ind., where he assumed charge of the Stark County Republican. After four years there, he again traveled to Vernon. Ind.. and had control of the I 'crnon Journal. He purchased the Kirkliu Journal in November. 1902. and for ten years Ha- managed it with great success. A rear ago he liecame associated with F. T. Jones, and they formed a working partnership which now exists.

Mr. Hane belongs to tbe Free and Accepted Ma>ons. Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Knights of Pythias, and Grand Army of the Republic. He is a member of the Presbyterian church at Kirklin. and in politics is a Progressive.

E. P. Tones, partner of Mr. Hane. was born March 6, 1872. in Jennings countv, Indiana, the son of Thomas C'. and Lydia S. ( Alley) Tones. Thomas C Tones was a Welshman, having been born in South Wales. England, in February, 1819. He moved to tbe United State" when but a boy and first settled in Baltimore. Md. Later lie moved to Ohio, at which place he was married. He came to Indiana in 1854. and there died in the month of July. 1895. Lydia S. Tones, the mother, was born May 8. 1831, in Ohio, and she died October 18. 1887. The father was a wholesale furniture dealer by trade and he followed this all of his life. In the spring of 1861. he joined the ranks of the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Company

A. and served until 1865 as a first lieutenant; lie was then honorably discharged. Six children came to his family, four of whom are living. These four are: Margaret, Louise, Maud, and E. P.

After receiving a common school education. E. P. [ones made his start in a pharmacy college, lie took a position with a drug companv in Colorado, and afterward, for a space of ox years, was connected with the Rocky Mountain Telephone companv. Tie has been a capable printer all of his life, and worked at his trade in Xorlli Vernon. Ind., just before coming to Kirklin to go into business with Mr. Hane.

Fraternally. Mr. Jones belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men, the Knights of Pythias, and the Tree and Accepted Masons. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and attache- himself to the Democratic party.

Roswell J. Stowers

The following is a sketch of a plain, honest business man. who by straightforward methods and strict regard for the interests of his patrons has made for himself a reputation and won much prestbye in the business circles of Kirklin. Clinton county. Not in the least seeking for fame, he has, however, many qualities and accomplishments to his credit which are worthy of emulation, and he commands the respect of all his fellow - and their posterity through the sterling characteristics he possesses, heightened by hi- natural modesty and desire to escape the public gaze. The name of Roswell, our subject, is well known in Clinton countv and spoken of with words of commendation.

Roswell 1. Stowers was born January 15. 1871. in Kirklin township. Clinton countv. the son of Trav is and Lucinda ( Wolfe) Stowers. Travis Stowers was born in Virginia May 22. tSii. and moved to Indiana in 1828. settling first in Johnson county and then in Clinton county in 1832. He died Mav 27. iqoi. The mother was a native of Kentucky and died September 16. 1888. Travis Stowers was a farmer all of his life, and made a distinct success of it. Politically he was first a Democrat, and then as a matter of principle, changed to the Republican party. Mr. Stowers was married three times. Bv his first wife he had fourteen children, and by his second, five. The latter five are: Stephen T.. Disa V Sarah A.. Roswell J., and Lucinda. Xo children were born to the third wife.

Our subject was fortunate in his younger days in getting a little better education than the ordinary youth could obtain in the common schools of the county. He lived on his father's farm and learned thoroughly the agricultural art, although he never saw fit in his later days to put his knowledge into practice, that is. to any extent. Mr. Stowers went into the fence and post business in 1897, and in 1905 he moved to Kirklin, and is now operating a coal, fence and post business under the name of Roswell J. Stowers. He owns his yards and his home and office, besides fiftv-seven acres of verv good soil on the outskirts of Kirklin.

On Septemlier 10. 1893. Mr. Stowers was married to Anna F. Trout, who was born in Boone county. Ind.. the daughter of Marion and Elizabeth (Cockerham) Trout.

Mr. Stowers is a member of the Wesley Methodist Episcopal church, and is a very active member, being the superintendent of the Sunday school. Politically, he regards the Prohibitionist partv as the best.

Mortox Stephenson

Every human being either submits to the controlling influence of others or wields an influence which touches, controls, guides or misdirects others. If he be honest and successful in his chosen field of endeavor, investigation will brighten his fame and point the way along which others may follow with like success. Consequently a critical study of the life records of the gentleman whose name forms the caption of this sketch and his honored father may be beneficial to the reader, for theirs have been careers of usefulness and honor.

Morton Stphenson, farmer of Section 33, Owen township, Clinton countv, was born December 13, 1871, in Carroll county, Indiana, but the major portion of his life has been spent in Clinton county, he having been but two vears old w'hen his parents brought him here, where he has since resided. He is a son of William and Emeline (Brown ) Stephenson. The father was born November 8, 1840. in Butler county, Ohio, where he spent his earlier years, removing to Carroll county, Indiana, after the close of the Civil War, in which he served as a member of the Fourth Ohio Cavalry, in which he enlisted on October 7, 1861, under Ceptain Lew Wilson. He proved to be a most faithful and gallant soldier for the Union and saw much hard service, participating in numerous hard-fought battles. He was honorably discharged and mustered out of service October 31, 1864, under Captain Neill. He was promoted to corporal November 10, 1861, and later to sergeant, which rank he held when lie was mustered out. William Stephenson was a well educated man and he taught school for a period of ten or fifteen years most acceptably, but farming constituted his chief life work, and he prospered with advancing years, becoming one of the most substantial and influential men in his community, and at the time of his death he was president of the Rossville Bank, which he helped organize. He also assisted in the organization of the Sedalia Bank. He took an active interest in public affairs and was a political leader in the county for many years. He was honored by his constituents by being elected as representative to the state legislature, serving during the sessions of 1892 and 1893 in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned, doing much for the general good of his localitv. He was always an uncompromising Republican. Religiously, he was a stanch member of the Presbyterian church, and he held his membership in the same church from the time he came to this state until his death, which occurred on Tanuary 10, 1912, when past his three score and ten. He was a grand old man whom to know was to honor and admire, and he did much good in his community in a material, civic and moral way. He was a member of the Masonic Order, and belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. His wife was born October 16. 1848, in Carroll county, Indiana, where she grew to womanhood, received a common school education and was married.

To William Stephenson and wife five children were born: Samuel and Belve Retta, both deceased; Morton, of this review; Nancy L., and James A.

Morton Stephenson grew to manhood on the home farm and he worked there during the summer months when he became of proper age. He attended the common schools during the winter months. On November 14, 1894, he married Maggie G. Shaw, who was born in Ross township, Clinton county, August 27, 1874. She is a daughter of P. W. and Catherine (Dellinger) Shaw. The father was born May 26, 1835, in Cumberland county, removing from there to Clinton county, Indiana. Here he married, and here he spent the rest of his life engaged in farming, his death occurring on February 9, 1907. Mrs. Stephenson's mother was born May 22, 1840, in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and came to Clinton county, Indiana, at the age of twelve vears, and she is still living on the old homestead in Ross township, Clinton county.

Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stephenson: G. Loyal, born August 7, 1895, attending high school in Rossville; Opal Zoe, born April 22, 1900, and William Glenn, born May 7, 1 9 1 1 . .

Mr. Stephenson has always engaged in general farming and stock raising and has met with ever-increasing success. He started out on lus father farm and there got a good foothold, and since his marriage he has lived on his present finely improved and productive farm of one hundred and eightyfive acres in Section 33, Owen township. All of his land is tillable but about fifteen acres, and on it stands a pleasant and well furnished home and substantial outbuildings. He pays considerable attention to livestock, buying and selling large numbers of hogs and raising a good grade of general stock. Politically, he is a Republican and religiously a member of the Presbyterian church. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Improved Order of Red Men and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Walter S. Merritt

The record of the subject of this sketch is that of a young man. who. by his own efforts, has worked his way from a comparatively humble position to one of influence, honor, and esteem in the community in which, lie has chosen to live. His career has been one of unceasing industry and perseverance, and the notable methods he has employed have won for him the admiration and confidence of his fellow citizens of Kirklin township, Clinton county, whose interests he has always tried to promote and whose friendships he has alwa>s on January 2.' .883. .he son of L. C. and Dorcas L. .Pruitt) Merritt. Our subject's father was born in Indiana in 1854.. and spent Ins entire life at Frankfort. His mother was also a native of Indiana. L. C. Merntt was a type of a successful man. He began life as a farmer, and by the tune he had lned in Frankfort a number of years had won tor lumselt a fine reputation as a gentleman and business man. He was clerk of the Clinton circuit court tor Wt rears finishing his term in ,912. For six tears he was a trustee. Five boys completed his family, namely 1 F.. B.. Walter. John P.. Hubert, and

Clixtox Col' Xt V, Ixdiaxa

W alter Merritt received a common school education and continued afterward in the high school. He worked on the farm besides his work in school, and later went into the circuit court clerk's office with his father. He remained in this office for seven years. For one year he was with the State Board of Public Accounts, and then came here to Kirklin. where he took a position as cashier of the first National Bank. He is now holding the same office in a very acceptable manner. This bank was a private one for many years, then became a state bank, and, in 190S, it hecame a national bank with a capital stock of twenty-eight thousand dollars and a surplus of seven thousand. The president is C. B. McClamroch and the vice-president is A. F. Colgrove.

Mr. Merritt belongs to the Free and Accepted Masons, the Benevolent Protective Order of Flks. and the Knights of Pythias. He is a Republican in politics.

On November 29. 1907. Mr. Merritt was married to Bessie Hicks, a girl born in Clinton county on December 13. 1887. She is the daughter of William and Margaret (Ballard) Hicks, both natives of Indiana.

George Ml'Ndele

Occasionallv. in glancing over the worth) citizen' ot a community, one perceives certain figures that stand out as types of social and industrial leadership. Such a one is. by necessity, versatile and skilled, and helpful to his fellows. George Mundell tnav be called a representative of this type. \s a teacher, carpenter and farmer. Mr. Mundell has made his long life a benefit, a pleasure, and a satisfaction to himself, as well a' to the others who have been so fortunate as to cross his kindly path.

Mr. Mundell comes from old Kentucky stock, from the hardy settlers in the Blue Grass mountains. He is the son of James and Elenore ( Rogers) Mundell. and was born on the seventh of December. 1848. in Jackson township. Clinton countv. His father. James Mundell. was born in the Kentucky hills in the vear 1817, lie fore civilization had the opportunity to work much improvement among the people. It was life governed by the long rifle, and justice, more often revenge, was quick. In this man-making life James Mundell was reared. Later he married Elenore Rogers, who was born in Clinton countv, Indiana, in 1827. and who died in the year 1898. James Mundell moved to Indiana in 1829. when the well-cultivated fields of what is now Clinton countv were but a wild and dense forest, populated mostly by Miami and Pottawatomie Indians. Janies Mundell died long before his wife, leaving this life in 1855. His life was consistent with the full-blooded race he sprung from. Always a farmer, and an old-time Democrat, he succeeded in life despite the handicap of a poor education. There were no schools in Kentucky at that time, and the intelligence acquired by children had to come from the par-, ents. 1 he practical quality of such training had its value, and is now the ideal sought by modern educational theorists. There were fixe children in the family. George Mundell living the first. The others were: Isaiah, born Max 28. 1850. died March. 1903: Fliiah, !>orn October 0. 1851 : Benjamin, born April. 1853. a,1(l J'^eph (dec.). All of the children lived to have families of their own.

Something of the strenuous training of the parents was imparted to George Mundell. but he had the advantage of a common school education, and a period of attendance in the Frankfort high school. On the fifteenth dav of October. 1873. Mr. Mundell xvas married to Mary A. Hodge. She was born in Jackson township, Clinton county. August 17. 1 852. of Scottish parentage. She was the daughter of James and Mary (Sims) Hoclge. Both the father and mother were liorn in Scotland and were married there, having two children. The parents came to Terre Haute. Indiana, in 1836 and later settled in Clinton county. Mary Hodge was one of a family of ten children, four of whom are still living. Mary Hodge xvas educated in the common schools. To George Mundell and wife have been born eight children, namely: James Austin, born July 11. 1874. died May 10. 1881 : Pearl R.. born February 13. 1876: Flora Alice, born March 2. 1878. died April 9. 1879: Walter E., born October 5. 1881 : Minnie May. born August 30. 1883: Rol>ert R.. born August 1. 1885: Lilas A., born October 20. 1889. and Lenora. born March 2. 1892. died July 15. 1897.

Mr. Mundell partially abandoned farming for a period of fixe years and taught school in Clinton county. His endeavors in the educational world were not limited to the public schools, for he has always been a worker in the Christian church. Mr. Mundell was a trustee and teacher in the Sunday school for thirty-one years. Such a record is enviable. Mr. Mundell also is a carpenter and he has followed this trade for many years. When Mr. Mundell moved to his present farm of sixty acres, he built his own home. The place is not too pretentious, but is comfortable and adequately fitted for an enjoyable and interesting life. Mr. Mundell noxv gives most of his time to general farming. his land being very fertile and easily worked.

Clixtox Col' X Tv. Ixdiaxa Robert H. Irwix

J he statement is often made that invariably the Indiana farmer is prosperous. and that his city brother is variably so. There is a reason for this seeming paradox, and it lies in the nature of the work in the rural, compared to the work in the urban community. In the farmer, the man progresses slowly, surely, and making every ounce of energy count for his profit. The life is slower, but not sluggish, and has a sure ultimate end. The latter type of man progresses by starts and bounds, short investments, devious business channels, a success and a failure all in a day. and nothing certain. The race resembles the fable of the tortoise and the hare. Perhaps one of the most typical of the ''sons of the soil" is Robert H. Irwin, of Clinton county, Jackson township.

Mr. Irwin was born April t. 1 S 5 . in the county in which he now lives. He was the son of Allen and Rosana (Cray) Irwin. Allen Irwin was a native of Ross county. O.. where he was born on July 4. 1821. He moved to Indiana when he was still a boy and lived there until his death in 1887. Montgomery- countv was the first place Mr. Irwin settled when he came from the Buckeye state. While there he played a prominent part in the political game of the county, being a justice of the peace for eight years. He preferred the Republican political principles consistently. In his 'ater life. Mr. Irwin cultivatd his very excellent farm in Jackson township. Rosana Irwin, the mother, w as born in Indiana in the vear 1821. and died in 1865. Like her husband, she received a common school education. To them were born seven children, of whom Robert was the fourth. The others were : Sarah M.. Albert (dec.). Julia (dec. ). Joseph ( dec. ). Mary (dec.), and Percy (dec.).

Robert H. Irwin had a good common school education, beside two years spent in the academy at Frankfort, lnd. On December 25. 1874. he was married to Isabelle Douglas of Ohio, but she died in the autumn of 1883. Two children w ere born to them, both of whom are now dead. They w ere Mabel O. and Anna B. On the fifteenth day of December. 1887. Mr. Irwin married the second time, to Marv M. Hoover, an Indiana girl. She was born March 15. 1854. the daughter of Enos and Ruhama (Shaw) Hoover. She received her education and lived her early years in the city of Frankfort. By this second marriage, Mr. Irwin has two children: Clarence, born 1880. died 1890. and Ralph IF. torn 1 891.

Besides his agricultural work. Mr. Irwin has taught in the schools of Clinton countv. At the time of his second marriage he discontinued this work and devoted all of his time to the two hundred and forty acres he owns in [ackson township. This land is of the most excellent quality. The place has been well tiled by the owner and is in perfect condition, and a model estate to view. Mr. Irwin has a pretty and commodious house and there lie has lived

Amos

The subject of this sketch is a representative farmer and business man ot Jackson township. Clinton county, and he is known as one ot the alert, progressive and most successful agriculturists of this section ot the Hoosier state.

In his efforts in his chosen occupation he has not allowed himself to tollow blindlv in a certain rut. but ha> studied ami experimented, and thus lias received the greatest returns for his untiring efforts, raid at the same tune so shaping his course as to win the confidence and respect ot the community in which he lives, being a man of square business methods and a strong advocate countv. His parents were John and Nancy ( Points) Barnett, both of whom claim' Rush countv. Indiana, as their birthplace. John Barnetts parents came to Indiana from Kentucky in the early days, traveling overland - at that time William Barnett's father was a lad of ten years. John. Jr., traveled to mtgai Creek township, living there a ven short time. He subsequently moved to Kirklin township and engaged in general farm work until i8(>8. n t a >eai he moved to Frankfort. Indiana, and entered the dry goods business. During the first vear of his residence ,11 that city. John Barnett was deprived of his wife Nancv. bv death. To them there had been born a family of eight chi dren, namely: Malissa. Charles (dec.). Mrs. Mary Maish. Ola (dec.). Josie.

Mr Barnett began his useful life with mental equipment Punished .by t simple but effective public schools of his home county. On March 6. 1884, he was married to Laura Cunningham, a Clinton county girl, the daughter of Nicholas and Kate (Majors) Cunningham. Her parents are Mil lnin- Jackson township. Clinton county, and are numbered among the oldest couples of the localitv. Laura Cunningham received a common school education the same as her husband. On July 2. 1906. Laura Barnett was removed bv th hand of death, leaving an enviable record a womanlv woman. She was very active during her life in the work of the Presbyterian church at her home. To Mr. and Mrs. Barnett eight children were born, seven of whom are still living. They are : Floyd, born January 1 . 0885 : Mrs. Jessie Jarrell, born April 22. 1887: Mrs. lay Strange, born December jb. 1889: Fronie. March 14. 1893: Marie. September 19. i8o<>; (icrlrude. March 14. 1S99. and Doris, born March 4. rood.

Amos h. Barnett moved to Jackson township. Clinton countv, in the vear 1878. In this place. Mr. Barnett owns one hundred and sixtv acres of excellent soil, well tiled and cultivated by his skillful hand. Besides this work on his estate. Mr. Barnett constructed his very comfortable home, l he land is divided into two sections, one of eighty acres, where he lives, and another of like area south of the first.

Mr. Barnett belongs in the Frankfort Lodge of the Improved Order of Red Men. also is a member 01 the Woodmen of the World at the same citv. Mr. Barnett believes in the principles of the new political partv launched in mu. and doe- not hesitate to proclaim that he is a Progressive.

Among the representative farmers of Clinton county is the subject of this 'ketch, w ho is the owner of a fine farm in Jackson township, and is carrving on the varioii' departments of his enterprise with a discretion and energv which are sure to result in a definite success. Having alwavs been a hard worker, a clever manager, and a man of economy, and being fortunately situated in a prosperous farming community, it is small wonder that he stands in the front rank of the agriculturists of his region.

Charles W. Bridges was born in Hamilton county. O., on November 9. 1858. being the son of Elmer C .and Ellen (Jackson) Bridges. Elmer Bridges was a native of Ohio, being born in Hamilton county. He served valiantly in the Civil war with an Ohio regiment, and there met his death. Ellen Bridges, the mother, was born .April 27. 1840, and now lives at Newport. Kentucky. Elmer Bridges, while he lived, was a farmer, and. politically, believed in the Republican party. Three children were born to Mr. and Mr-. Rridges: namely, Charles. Frank, and Wesley.

Charles W. Bridges was married the first time to Susan May Baughman on September 16. 1880. She w as born in Clinton county. Tnd. On October 6,

,806. her death occurred. On March .,c. ,8y8. Mr. Bridges married lus second wife, who was Anna Hoover, a Clinton county god horn Feint, arc 4. ,8-6 bein- the daughter of Enos and Ruhama l Shaw ) Hoover.

In, I in the tear October 6. ,870. Here he remained until ,88,,. ttl cn re uwned tl, hi's native state. For ox tear- he remained there and then made drained The latest improvements have either been added personalis or nnc thr/hrectL of Mr. BHdges. Besides farming and other P-uits ii.ntioiied. Mr. Bridges, in his versatile and interesting way. has engaged captain, and when the Civil war broke out he became first lieutenant in the One Hundredth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was later promoted to captain of Company I. of that regiment, for meritorious service at the battle of Missionary Ridge. His fir.-t wife. Sarah Ann Purner, was a native of Pennsylvania, and her death occurred in 1857. He was later married to Keturah Jones nee Bates, who i- now deceased, but outlived her husband some time. Of this second union, there were born two children. Charles and Retta. both li'ing at this writing. Five children, four of whom are living, were born to Captain HarlatnFs first union: Rachael J.. Amos P.. of this sketch; Mary E.. Sarah A., deceased, and John M.

Amos P. Harland grew to manhood on the farm and he received a common school education. On August 27. 1877. he married Delilah E. Miller, daughter of George and Delilah (Tinkle) Miller, who was born in Owen township. Clinton county, April 2. i860. Here she grew to womanhood and received a common school education. The union of our subject and wife has been without issue.

Mr. Harland moved from Perrv township to Owen township, with his parents when he was a boy and here he has resided ever since, except from [880 to 1895. when he lived in Carroll county. He has always engaged in farming, and i- the owner of fifty-seven acres of good land where he lives and on which he has a good set of buildings. He built his own home. He raises Shorthorn and Jersey cattle and Poland -China hogs.

Politicallv, he i- a Republican, and fraternally, he belongs to the Improved Order of Red Men at Moran. While not a member of any church he attends and supports the Methodist Episcopal church. Like his father before him he hear- a good reputation.

William E. Barnett

In summing up the biograpln of such men a- William E. Barnett, the impression comes that a life of subdued usefulness, no display . but real sincere work, is the most satisfactory, and the pleasantest for the -ubject to contemplate as the autumn clays of life come. Mr. Barnett is -till a young man, in -pint and bodv, and lvis capable services rendered to the community in which he lives have earned for him the esteem, the admiration, and the loyalty of a host of friends. Mr. Barnett and hi- large family are known in every house- (39) hold in Clinton county, and his agricultural methods are spoken of in excellent terms by his fellow farmers who are, after all. the best critics.

Mr. Barnett is tbe son of John and Nancy (Points) Barnett, and was born in Kirklin township, Clinton county, on June 2 6, 1862. John Barnett claims Rush county, Ind., as his birthplace and June 5, 1827, as the day. His parents were John and Bertha (Ames) Barnett who came to Indiana from Kentucky in a very early day, when John Barnett was ten years old. William Barnett's father was married on March 19. 1848. to Nancy J. Points, a young girl of Rush county. Ind. John Barnett traveled to Sugar Creek township, where he lived just a short time; he then went to Kirklin township and took up general farming work until 1868. then moved to Frankfort. Indiana. In that interesting city. Mr. Barnett engaged in the dry goods business. During the first year there Mr. Barnett suffered the loss of bis wife, Nancy. To them had been born a large family of eight children. They are Malissa, Charles (dec. ). Mrs. Mary Maish. Ola (dec.), Josie. Amos E. and William E. (twins), and Dora.

William Barnett began domestic life on March 3, 1885. when he married Anna Moore, a young girl born in Jackson township, Clinton county, on November 9, 1866, being the daughter of Thomas and Martha (Major) Moore. Thomas Moore is still living at the ripe old age of seventy-six years. He was born April 27. 1837, in the state of Indiana. Martha Moore, born October 29, 1842, is also still living and enjoying excellent health. Anna Moore, before marrving Mr. Barnett, lived with her parents and went to the common schools of her county. To William Barnett and wife there have been born seven children. They are: Ethel, born October 3, 1888. married to Grover Dearth; Glenn, born June 1. 1890, still residing on farm and single: Ralph, born November 3, 1892; Marc, born February 22, 1896; Maurice, born November 6, 1888, died Januarv 13. 1904: Harold, born February 8. 1902. and Helen, born November 17. 1907.

The subject of this sketch started life with a good education from the public schools. Agriculture held tbe most fascination for him and he plunged into the work with a vim that has resulted in an elegant farm of one hundred and twentv acres of very tillable land in Jackson township. Clinton county. Mr. Barnett has improved bis estate until it now is one of the best in tbe surrounding countrv, being well tiled and in condition to give the best yield. The owner is an enthusiastic stock breeder and delights in exhibiting bis Poland China hogs. Jersey milch cow s, and Percheron horses.

Mr. Barnett is a loyal member of the Improved Order of Redmen, Frankfort lodge, and also a member of the Frankfort local lodge of the Woodmen of the World.

Politically, Mr. Barnett is a Republican. He has since 1910 been serving on the advisory board of Jackson township. He was road supervisor at one time for a period of two years.

James M. Allen

There is something picturesque about the Hoosier pioneer, something strongly suggestive of primal power. That they came here when axes were needed to clear a space for a home, that they started the forces of progress, arouses our imagination, it is true: but there is that ineffable charm about them, heightened by time, that romantic picture of their life which makes us abhor hot city streets and which more strongly arouses our admiration and respect. These hardy men of the frontier are disappearing rapidly, but many are left who may relate of the stirring and doubtful days of the early nineteenth century. As the Haddons, the Fairfaxes, the Beatties stood for Virginia, so might the Allen family stand for Indiana, particularly Clinton county. James M. Allen is descended from this family, and his presence today places a landmark in the history of the state.

Tames M. Allen is the son of Stephen and Mary ( Ross) Allen, and was born in Washington township. Clinton county. December 30. 1837. Stephen Allen moved from Butler county. O., in 1S29 to the little town of Jefferson. Washington township. Clinton county, being one of the first settlers in the countv. Previous to his migration to Indiana. Mr. Allen had been educated as well as the log school houses in Ohio could afford. After moving to his new home. Mr. Allen began in earnest to farm and. until his death on Septemlier 4. 1878, continued- that business. Until the Buchanan administration. Mr. Allen was a Democrat, but upon the formation of the Republican party he became a Republican, and remained so. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Allen, four of whom. Rachel. James. David. Almeda. are still living. Marv TRoss) Allen, the mother, was born in Ohio on October 5. 1804. and died February 13. 1876. Sbe married Stephen Allen February 24. 1825.

Tames Allen received his education in the public schools, and took up farming immediately after leaving there. October 2. 1867. marks the date of his marriage to Martha M. Koontz, a girl of Washington township. Clinton countv. and daughter of George and Catherine (McNutt) Koontz. To them

Janies Allen has fanned in Clinton conntv since his couth. In 1807. just after the turmoil of civil w ar days, he moved to Jackson township. There Mr. Allen possesses two hundred acres of the best soil in Indiana, with a good, substantial home place upon it and complete and modern equipment to aid in its management. Mr. Allen also owns eighty acres of other valuable land near his present home. In 190O he moved, with his famih\ to Antioch, where he has since lived a retired life.

From various pars of the Hoosier state good citizens have come to Clinton county and established permanent home-. Verv few. comparativelv speaking, have cared to move back to w here thev came from or to some otiier locality, having found here all that they desired to make life worth living. Thi- has been especially true with farmer-, for here they have found as tine a soil as the state affords and good roads and railroad facilities, in fact, all that goes to make a civilized community. One of the-e gentlemen who is deserving of -pedal notice here i- John H. Bur forth for many year- a successful merchant, now farming in Owen township.

Mr. Burford was born October 3, 1849, in Harrison county. Indiana, on the Ohio river. He is a son of Cary and Ann (Shield) Burford. The father was born April 5. 1806. in Kentucky, and a- a child, went w ith his parents to Floyd county. Indiana, where he grew to manhood. He married in Harrison county, Indiana. Later he moved there and engaged in the mercantile business. He subsequently moved to Illinois where he spent the rest of his life, dying in 1879. The mother of the subject of this sketch was born in Tennessee. February 22, 1806, near the citv of Nashville. Cary Burford dev oted most of his life to the mercantile business with success. Politically he was a Democrat up to 1861. after that was a Republican. His family consisted of twelve children: Mary Jane. Catherine C.. Margaret P.. Elizalreth and Marion, all deceased, and Jessie M.. Carrie S.. Xancy H.. William T.. and James C.. all living. The eleventh child died in infancy unnamed. John H.. of this sketch is the youngest.

John H. L>ur ford received a common school education. On November 23, [880. he married Martha Merrifield, who was born December 12. 1849, in Mc- Lean county. Illinois. She is a daughter of Otha and Providence (Conoway) Merritield. She spent her girlhood in Illinois and received a common school education.

Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Burt'ord: Ortha R.. born September r6. 1883. now assisting his father in operating the home farm: and Clara C.. born in 1887.

Mr. Burford began life for himself in the mercantile business, which he followed with very gratifying results for about twelve years, but for some time he has been devoting his attention exclusivelv to general farming and stock raising. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of valuable and well improved land in Section 1 1. Owen township, all tillable but fifteen acres, which is in woods. He built part of his home and all his buildings are substantial and convenient. He keeps a good grade of livestock, feeding large numbers of cattle and Duroc hogs. He is very comfortably fixed and owns a standard make, fivepassenger automobile. Politically he is a Progressive, and is an intelligent voter, keeping well informed on current events.

Among the vounger generation of farmers in Owen township, Clinton countv. none seem to be more painstaking or ambitious than Harry R. Pauley, and. judging from what he has already accomplished, we may well expect him to rank among our leading agriculturists in future years. He believes not only in keeping at work, but in laying his plans well and in adopting the liest of modern methods of agriculture. He is a student of the best agricultural journal and also a student of mother nature, being ever a close observer, and noting carefullv whatever may tend to serve his purposes.

Mr. Paulev was born in Jackson township. Clinton county. May 13. 1883. He is a son of Allen A. and Susan J. ( Maish ) Pauley. The father was born September 1. 1837. in Jackson township, this county. The mother was born March 9. 1861. in Center township. Clinton county, and here they grew to maturitv. w ere educated in the common schools and were married. 1'hey have devoted their lives successfully to general farming, and are now living in Frankfort. Tliev have had four children born to them : Mrs. Myrtle Goeke. Mav (Ticen) Catron, both still living.

Harry R. Pauley grew to manhood on the home farm and he worked with his father there when growing up. He received a good common school education. On October 6, 1907, he married Artie M. Catron, who was horn May 21, 1889, in Clinton county. Here she grew to womanhood and was educated in the public schools of her home community. She is a daughter of Jacob and May (Ticen) Catron, both still living.

Four children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Dorothy is deceased; Ruby is living: Ralph is deceased, and Wayne A. is the voungest child.

Mr. Pauley began farming when but a boy and has continued in this vocation. In 1907 he removed from Jackson township, this county, to Howard county, Indiana, where he lived until 1 91 1, engaged in farming. In that year he returned to Clinton county and located in Owen township, where he nowlives and where he owns a good farm of eighty acres, which is well improved and under a good state of cultivation, and on w hich stand a substantial set of buildings. He raises Shorthorn cows. Poland-China hogs and Norman horses.

Saxtford Sheets

It is a good sign when so many of the residents of a county are found to have b°*m born within its borders. It indicates that they have found right at home all the oportunities necessary for the gratifications of their ambitions in a business, political and social way, and it also indicates stability. One is reminded that "A rolling stone gathers no moss." That young man is the wisest who, when conditions will permit, remains in his native locality and addresses himself to th~ improvement of conditions he finds there and to his personal advancement along such lines as he may choose, selecting that for which he is best fitted by nature.

Santford Sheets, farmer of Warren township, Clinton county, was born here October 8. 1855, and be has remained here and become a successful and good citizen. He is a son of Jacob and Delilah ( HufOr 1 Sheets. The father wras born in Augusta county, Virginia. March 20, 1830. He was five years old when his parents removed from the Old Dominion and located in Frankfort. Clinton count} , and here he grew to manhood, receiv ed his education and spent the rest of his life engaged in agricultural pursuits. His education was limited. He purchased eighty acres of land in Warren township, for which he paid two hundred and fifty dollars which he had earned by working at twenty-five and fifty cents per day. He cleared ten acres, to fence which he carried rails on his back. He continued to work hard, the years brought success, and he became very comfortably established. Politically, he was first a \\ hig. He enlisted for service in the Civil war, in 1862, but served only about six months when he became ill and was discharged for disability. He returned from the war a Democrat. He reached the advanced age of eighty-three years, dying on March 6. 1913. The mother of our subject, who is still living on the old home place here, being now advanced in years, was born in Augusta county. Virginia, Xovember r6. 1835. Her parents w ere among the early settlers of Clinton county.

Seven children were born to Jacob Sheets and wife: Henry, Santford, of this sketch ; Milton, Noah, Elizabeth and Ida M., all four deceased, and Adam.

Santford Sheets grew to manhood on the home farm and he received a common school education, rather limited. On October 30. 1879. he married Priscilla Beard, who was born in Clinton county. October 10. 1857. and here she was reared to womanhood and received a common school education. She is a daughter of Martin and Delilah (Orbs) Beard, both parents being now deceased.

To our subject and wife ten children were born: Oden, born December 14, 1880. married Ola Ham; Roy. born October 16, 1882. married Goldie Armstrong: Maud, born in 1884: Russell, born September 20, 1886, married Nellie E. Wilson: Blanch, born December 30. 1888: Grace, born April 25, 1890; Claude, born January 17. 1894; Fay. born i8>/>; Cleo. born April 29. 1899. and Leona, born December 23. 1903.

Mr. Sheets has always farmed and has always made his home in his native township. He is now owner of a valuable and well improved place of two hundred and sixty acres on which he carries on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale. Forty acres of this place lies in Michigan township, the rest in Warren township. It is all tillable except about sixtyfive acres. He built his own home which is on an equality with the best in the township and he has other good buildings on the place. He raises a general breed of live stock in large numbers.

Politicals. Mr. Sheets is a Republican and ha' been more or less active in local partv affairs. In 1012 he made the race for treasurer, but was defeated in the landslide. He belongs to the Masonic order at Beard, and he is a member of the Methodist Protestant church.

Clixtox C'Ol' X Tv. Ixdiaxa John H. Crum

To be a native of the Ole! Dominion, the ''mother of presidents" has always been deemed an honor and ever}- Viginian is readv to make known the fact that he first opened his eyes to her fair -kies. He takes a threat pride in his family tree. And this is not strange for that great state has been the cradle of the nation from its early settlement. It has produced scores of the nation's greatest men. Presidents, statesmen, generals and literary men. Her sons and daughters have been noted for their chivalry, their gallantry, and their genuine culture from the first, and she is a state of almost unbounded resources as well as one of our most picturesque from a physical standpoint.

One of these worthy son> is John H. Crum, well known farmer of Warren township, Clinton county, who is a scion of an excellent old Southern family. He was born in Roanoke count} , Virginia, March 24. 1859. He is a son of William M . and Elizabeth ( kn >pff ) ( 'rum. The father was la >rn April 9, 1833. in Franklin county. Virginia, and he died August 28, 1913. The mother was born March 23, 1836, also in Virginia, and her death occurred on December 9, 1886. Wiliam M. Crum subsequently married Catherine Crum, also a native of Virginia. She is still living. These parents grew to maturity in their native state, were educated and married there, and there Mr. Crunt learned the carpenter's trade which lie follow d in connction with farming through his active life. His t'amilv consisted of twelve children, ten of whom are still living, namely: Mrs. Lucy J. Sheets. Martha E. Sheets. John H., of this sketch; Christopher J.. Silas \\\, Wilbert Calvin. Winfield V .. Minnie E.. Emma F. and Andrew A.

John H. Crum grew to manhood on the home farm in his native state, and there he received a public school education. He remained there until 1866 when he moved to Missouri, remaining there a year, then returned to Putnam countv. and in 1874, came to Clinton county, locating in Warren township. In 1877. he went to Kansas where he remained until August, 1880. when he came back to Warren township, Clinton county, and here he has been engaged continuouslv in farming and stock raising. He owns one hundred and sixtv acres of well improved and productive land, eighteen acres of which is in woods. He made his own improvements and has a good home. He makes a specialtv of Shorthorn cattle. Duroc, Hampshire and Poland- China hogs and general purpose horses.

Mr. Crum married on December 17. 1885, Elizabeth J. Sheets, who was born March 1. 1866, in Warren township, Clinton county and here she grew to womanhood and received a common school education. She is a daughter of Jacob and Delilah (Alborn) Sheets, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work. The death of Mrs. Crum occurred on October 21, 1907, after a helpful and happy married life of twenty-two years.

Fraternally. Mr. Crum is a member of the Masonic order at Beard. Religiously, he is a member of the Methodist Protestant church, and politically, be is a Democrat. At the present time he is township assessor. Fie has also served as justice of the peace and as constable. As a public servant he has discharged bis duties most faithfully and to the eminent satisfaction of the people.

John R. Beach

Most men are doing well if thev make a pronounced success of any one tiling in this world where there are failures and failures in every vocation, and when we -ee a man who ha- succeeded tit several line- of endeavor we at once stamp him a> a man of rare business acumen and foresight, sound judgment and industry. John l\. Beach, well-known elevator man and agriculturist of Cambria. Owen township, Clinton county, is such a man. He followed merchandising. the grain business, farming and stock raising all with gratifying result-, and he ranks today among the substantial, progressive and influential men of this section of the county of which this history deals, and of w hich he has ever been deeply interested, doing whatever he could to further its interests either in a material or civic way. and. being a man of unquestioned integrity he has enjoyed from the outset the good will and respect of all with whom he has come in contact.

Mr. Reach was born March 5, 1855. in Boone county. Indiana, near the town of Mechanicsburg. He is a son of Caleb S. and Mariah ( Roseboome) Beach. The father was born March 5. 1814. in Ohio, where he spent most of his life, removing from the Buckeye state to Boone count}. Indiana, in 1854. The mother of our subject was born in Butler county. Ohio, and there grew up and spent her earlv life. To Caleb S. Beach and wife eleven children were born: Joseph H.. Mary. Catherine. Martha. Jane and Addie. are all deceased; Sarah. Clarkson IF. Emma. John R.. our subject, and \nanias.

John R. Beach received a common and high school education, attending high school at Lebanon for one term. On February 2, 1875, he married Ella Davis, daughter of Ephraim and Jane (Downing) Davis. The father was bom in Boone county, Indiana, August 13, 1853, and he devoted his active life to farming. Mrs. Beach received a good common school education.

To Mr. and Mrs. Beach seven children have been born: Hallie. Cecil Clyde. Luther, Zora M.. Roscoe. Opal G.. and Walter C. All these are living.

Mr. Beach began life for himself on the farm where he remained until January 1. 1876, when he went into the mercantile business at Mechaniesburg, he following it tor thirteen years and enjoying a large trade. Then he moved to Thorntown, this >tate. and bought grain one year, then went into the hardware and implement business there, which he followed with his usual success for a period of twelve years. In 1900. having traded his stock of hardware for a farm, he moved to Forest. Indiana, and operated a farm near there five years, then came to Cambria. Clinton county, and purchased the elevator and twenty-five acres of land nearby. He also owns ninety-three acres east of Colfax and one hundred and fifty-five acres west of Winamac, Ind. He devotes most of his attention to his elevator and does a large and growing business, which extends over a wide territory. It has a capacity of twentv thousand bushels. He buys and sells all kinds of grain and is one of the best-known men in this line of business in this section of the state. He also sells clover and other seeds. He buys and feeds large numbers of sheep annuallv.

John Sheets

In Owen township, Clinton county, lives John Sheets, another of the old soldiers whom it is a delight to honor. They are getting fewer and fewer in numbers and their march is not as quick and full of meaning and fire as it was fifty years ago, when they were fighting for the perpetuity of the Union. But it thrills one to see them in their old uniforms, with their tattered flags flying and their forms bent as they hobble along on their canes at reunions, or on Memorial Day or on the Fourth of July. And how interesting it is to hear them tell the story of the dreadful hardships they endured in the hospitals or on the harrassing marches, or in the battles and skirmishes, or in the prison hells of the Southern Confederacy. But their time is short now, so all persons should join in honoring them for the sacrifices they made when they were young and full of the love of life, but which was offered free on the altar of their country.

John Sheets was born August 13, 1S42. in Union township, Clinton county. He is a son of Samuel and Catherine ( Shaffer) Sheets, who came to this section of the Hoosier state when it was a wild stretch of forest and unknown to the world in general, or at least very little known, and here established the future home of the family. The father of our subject was born in Virginia, as was also the mother, and there they grew to maturity and were married. Subsequently they removed to Clinton county, where they spent the rest of their lives. Both have long been deceased, the mother dying November 20. 1871. The elder Sheets was a German and he could not read English. He devoted his life to farming. wa< first a Democrat and later a Republican. His familv consisted of eleven children, three of whom are still living, namely: John, of this sketch: Andrew, and Mrs. Rebecca Ryan.

Tohn Sheets grew to manhood on the home farm and he received a common school education. On August 20. 1862. he enlisted in Company K. Seventv-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Captain Collins, and later he served under Captains Brow n and Mclntire. He spent three years in the army and took part in some of the fiercest engagements of the war, including Hoover's Gap, Chattanooga, and the many battles in the memorable siege of Atlanta. but was not under Sherman. He went back w ith General Thomas to Nashville. He proved to be a most faithful soldier for the Union, and was honorably discharged July 6. 1865.

After his return home from the army Mr. Sheets resumed farming, which he has followed ever since. He owns a valuable place in Owen township, consisting of eightv acres, all tillable but two acres, and it has been well improved. He built his own home. He makes a specialty of raising Shorthorn cattle and Chester White hogs.

Mr. Sheets was married April 13, 1866, to Lovina E. Harris, who was born in Wavne county. Indiana. April 6, 1843. She is a daughter of Jonas and Isabelle ( Horsman) Harris. The father was born December 23. 1815.

Owen township, Clinton county, can boast of a number of native born farmers who, by their thrift. perseverance and good management, have forged to the front rank of Clinton county argiculturists. and of these the name of John \\ . Thomas, now living in retirement, should be included, as all will agree who know him well and have had occasion to observe his methods of farming and stock raising w hich have been of the best and most advanced, and have therefore rendered it possible for him to spend his old age <|uietlv and surrounded by all tbe comforts of life.

Mr. Thomas was born in the above named township and countv. lanuarv 4. 1859. on the farm where he is now residing. Me is a son of Purnal k. and Eliza (Merrick) 1 homas. The father was born in Ohio. April 25. 1818. and there he grew to manhood, his wife having also been a native of that state. They were married in Franklin county. Indiana, and soon after thev removed to Clinton county, establishing the future home of the familv in what is now Owen township, and here they worked hard to develop a farm from the wilderness. His first wife dying in 1865. the elder Thomas later married Elizabeth Anderson. Six children were born bv his first wife and four bv his second wife. All of the first six are living, namely : Levi. Mrs. Helen Catron. William I).. Indiana H.. John \\\. and Laura M. The children bv the second marriage were Sarah X., Jennie Belle. Purnal A., and Hughv B.

Purnal lx. Thomas was a Republican in his earlier life, later a Democrat. He devoted his entire active life to general farming and wa< one of the substantial men of his community.

John W. Thomas grew up on the home farm where he worked hard w hen he became of proper age. and he received his education in the district schools. On February 20. 1883. he married Eda E. Ricker, who was born in Michigan township. Clinton county, April 23. 1864. and here she was reared to womanhood and received a common school education. She is a daughter of James and Amanda (Pope joy) Ricker. The father was born May 2t. 1855. in the state of Tennessee, from which he came to Clinton county in an early day and here developed a good farm by his industry. Here he still resides, making his home with his children, being now advanced in years. His wife was born August 30, 1838, in Indiana, and her death occurred October 6. 1905.

Mr. Thomas began farming for himself when a young man and this has continued to be his chief life work. He has prospered with advancing years and is now owner of a productive and valuable farm of three hundred and fifty-rive acres, all in Owen township, all tillable but about seventy-five acres, which is in good timber and blue grass. Hi'- land is well tiled and otherwise well improved, and he has a commodious and attractive home and substantial outbuildings. He carried on general farming and stock raising on an exten.-ive scale for manv years and accumulated a comfortable competency. He devoted much of his attention to buying, feeding and selling livestock of various kinds. His farm is now rented, he merely overseeing it in a general way.

The biographer has learned that a great number of Owen township's farmers were born and reared within her boundaries, and we are glad to note that this i-. rfie case, because it -h<>w> "tahilitv. a trait that til! people must possess who would win in the battle of life in any vocation, farming being not bv am means the only one. It alsu shows that this is a fine township from every standpoint. ePe her sons would not have cared to remain here, but would have >ouglu more promising fields elsewhere. Among the number of progressive native born citizens of this township who are devoting their brawn and brain to tilling the -oil the name of A. S. C ampbell should certainly be included. as all who know him well will readily acquiesce in such a statement, the reasons being too obv ious to need comment here. Sufiice it to sav that he came of one of our excellent pioneer families, who redeemed the county of Clinton from the virgin wilderness.

Mr. Campbell was born in the above named township ami county on September 22. 1850. He is a mu of Mark and Agnes ( Barclay) Campbell. The father was born in January. 1818. in Pennsylvania, and there also the mother was born in 1822. There they grew to maturity, receiv ing limited educational advantages in the old-time schools, and there they were married, removing soon thereafter to Clinton county and establishing the future home of the t'amilv in ( )wen township. 1 lere they worked hard, economized and left a good propertv for their children, and here they spent the remainder of their lives, the father living in 181)4. 'he good wife surv iv ing sixteen years, dying in 1910. Thev were the parents of five children: Elias. A. S.. our subject: Mrs. Sarah Bovle. William and Oliver, the two last deceased.

school education. On June 5. 1882, he married Laura Franklin, who was born in Carroll county, Indiana, April 16, 1862. She was a daughter of Nelson and' Mary (Thompson) Franklin. She grew to womanhood in her native locality and received a common school education. Her death occurred on September 1, 1902, after a mutually happy and helpful married life of twenty years. She was a woman of many commendable personal traits and was beloved by a wide circle of friends. ,

Two children were born to our subject and wife: Mrs. Ethel White, born October 18. 1883, and Mrs. Blanche Douglass, born July ri. 1888. They grew up in Owen tow nship and received good common school educations here.

Mr. Campbell went to farming for himself early in life and has made a success beyond the average person in that exacting field of endeavor. He is owner of a valuable and productive farm of two hundred acres, all under cultivation but fifty acres. It is well tiled and otherwise properly improved, and he has a large house and barn. He carries on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale and is regarded as one of the county's best agriculturists. He built his own home and made the present improvements, for the most part. He is a Republican, but is not active in politics.

Jacob A. Boz Worth

Among the men of Clinton county who has appreciated present day opportunities and have profited his ingenuity and persistency as an agriculturist and stock raiser as a result of the exceptionally favorable conditions existing in the locality of which this volume treats is Jacob A. Bozworth, who, like many of our leading citizens hails from the great Buckeye state, but, like the rest of his countrymen, had the sagacity for seeing better opportunities in the newer country. That he made no mistake by casting his lot with us is seen from the fact that he has been enabled to retire from active life and spend his old age in the midst of comfort and plenty as a result of his good management and close application.

Mr. Bozworth was born August 22. 1850 in Preble county, O. He is a son of William and Polly J. (Shaffer) Bozworth, a fine old pioneer family, mentioned in detail on other pages of this volume, hence their records will not be repeated here.

when a hoy, and during the winter months lie attended the district schools receiving a practical education, about the same as most of his contemporaries.

Mr. Bozworth was married April 25. 1877 to Jerusha A. Beck, who was born in Augusta county, Virginia, August 19, 1854. She is a daughter of William and Lucinda (Summers) Beck, both natives of Augusta county, Virginia. In 1836 they started to Iowa, but spent the winter of that year in Illinois, and there the wife died of typhoid fever and was buried at Monmouth. The father, with his two children, then went to a brother in Iowa, and, later, to another brother in Indiana, where he took for his second wife, Mrs. P. M. Brown, of Clinton county. They located on a farm one-half mile east of Gettingsville, and here Mrs. Bozwrorth grew to womanhood and received her education in the common schools and the Normal school at Frankfort, after which she taught school for a few years with much success.

Young, born in 1878: Rufus B., born in 1880, died in 1897; and Annis, born in 1883, married to Rolla Colby, and now living on our subject's farm.

Jacob A. Bozworth began farming for himself early in life and each succeeding \ear found him further advanced until he became one of the leading general farmers of Owen township where he has lived since early childhood. He is owner of a finely improved and productive farm of one hundred and twentv acres, all tillable but about eighteen acres, which i> in woods. Mr. Bozworth built hi- own comfortable and substantial home and outbuildings and cleared most of his land. hC place being known as Oregon Farm. This farm was bought bv W'm. Bozworth. the father, a few years after the war. There was a deadening on it and the brothers cleared a small field and had it in corn when thev read an article in a new spaper telling of corn that grew in the state of Oregon, sixteen feet to the tassel and ten and one-half feet to the ear. A short time afterwards corn was found on this farm which was a trifle taller than that mentioned in the newspaper story and some six inches higher to the ear. He has been very successful as a general farmer and stock raiser and his son-in-law operates the place, he living retired. He has made a speeialtv of raising Hereford cattle, Duroc hogs, draft and Belgium horses.

Politicallv Mr. Bozworth is independent, but is inclined to prohibition, being a strong temperance man. Religiously, he is a member of the Presbyterian church, in w hich he is an elder and active worker.

A. M. Rob Isox

Highly years have dissolved in the mists of the irrevocable past since A. M. Robison, venerable and honored retired tanner of Owen township first saw the light of day, lie being the oldest living native son of Warren township, Clinton comity. He ha> lived through one of the most remarkable, and in many respects the most wonderful, epoch in the world's history. There will never be another like it, for it embraced that period when the strong-armed homeseekers from the Eastern states invaded the Middle West, his father being among the number, and redeemed this splendid section of our great Union from the wilds, bringing it up through various stages to its present high state of cultivation and civilization. To all this our subject has been a most interested and by no means a passive, spectator, having sought to do his full share in the work of progress in the localitv which he has ev er taken a delight in seeing develop. 1 le talks most interestingly of the early da\s when customs and manners were different, men and women were different - evervthing - in fact, unlike what our ci vilizatii >11 is t<>dav. lie and others who have come down to us front the pioneer epoch are of the opinion that those were better, at least happier times, than now, and this is, in the main, true.

Mr. Robison was born November 27, 1833, in Warren township, Clinton countv. 1 le is a son of Andrew and ( Irizella ( McAfee 1 Robison. The father was horn in Warren county, Ohio, January 10, 1802, and there he grew to manhood, removing from there once in 1824 to Parke county, Indiana. In October, 1824, about the time of his removal from his home community, he married the mother of our subject, who was born in Warren county, Ohio, December 30, 1801, and whose death occurred in 1852. On March 18, 1832, the parents of our subject moved to Warren township, Clinton county, where thev began life in typical pioneer fashion, erecting a log cabin and clearing up the land on which they settled, and here the father's death occurred on April 5, 1877. He was a man or rare soundness of judgment and had a naturally fine mathematical mind. He became quite prominent in politics, was first a Whig and later a Republican.

James H. Robison, paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in 1772, served in the war of 1812 and died in 1814. His wife, Elizabeth Parks, was born in 1775, and her death occurred in 1855.

Andrew Robison was twice married, first to Grizella McAfee, by whom five children were born, A. M., of this sketch, the youngest, being the only one now living. The others were John M., James H., Thomas P. and Margaret N. The father's second marriage was to Phoebe J. Emlev, who was born in Michigan township, Clinton county, and who is still living. To this second union four children were born, three of whom are still living.

A. M. Robison grew to manhood on the old home farm, where, being a pioneer child, he found plenty of hard work to do which he did uncomplainingly. He received a meager education in the old-time schools of his day. November 16, 1865, he married Hannah A. Bate, who was born in Clark county, Ohio, January 4, 1837. She was a daughter of Josiah and Hannah A. (Jones) Bate, the father a native of New Jersey, and the mother of Ohio. The death of Mr. Robison's first wife occurred May 7, 1899. Eight children were born of this union: Maggie M.. born October 25, 1866: James P., born November 4, 1867: Andrew J., born January 8, 1869. died August 19, 1870; John E., born August 28, 1871; Emma E., born April 7, 1874; Winfield M. and CTrizella, twins, born October 4, 1876, the latter now living; Winfield, died October 5. 1882; and Jessie B., born January 6, 1881.

A. M. Robison began fanning for himself when a young man and this continued to be his life vocation, with the exception of some time spent in working in the timber in the early timbering days. He is owner of a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Warren township, and two and one-half acres where he lives in the village of Gettingsville, Owen township. He has been very successful as a general farmer and stock man and is spnding his old age in the midst of plenty and comfort.

He was one of the gallant Hoosiem who made up the great army in blue that suppressed the rebellion, having enlisted September 1, 1861 in the Third Indiana Light Artillery, under Captain Freyberger, in which he served faithfully until overheated and sent home; but in September, 1862, he enlisted in Company I, One Hundredth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving in the same about four months when he was sent home as a result of sickness. Upon his recovery he re-enlisted in the same company and regiment. Februarv 22. 1864. in which he served until the close of the war. being honorably discharged July 22, 1865.

Politically, Mr. Robison is a Republican and has always been a loyal supporter of his party. He ably served as a member of the county council for a period of fourteen years, having been elected four times and is still incumbent of this office, the duties of which he has discharged to the satisfaction of all concerned. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He attends and supports the Presbyterian church.

Noah L. Bunnell

The life record of this venerable citizen of Moran. Owen township, is one of interest and instruction, for it has been active, always so modulated as to be of the greatest service to those whom it touched. Mr. Bunnell has lived to see the transformation of a great country from the primeval forests and the wild prairies and he has performed well his part in this work. He is one of our oldest native born citizens, and m< st all of his nearlv four score years have been spent here, devoted to farming and merchandising. He grew up amid pioneer conditions and it is indeed interesting to hear him relate incidents of those early days, ot the different customs and manners prevailing then, of the hardships and privation-, of the wilderness tilled with wild animals, and many things unknow n to us of the present generation.

Noah L. Bunnell was born January 20. 1S34. near the village < > f Tefferson. Clinton county. He is a son of Noah and Catherine (Conlev'j Bunnell. The father was born in 1796 in New Jersey where he -pent his earlv Years, finally removing to Ohio then to Clinton county. Indiana, where he began as a typical frontiersman, erecting a log cabin and clearing and developing a farm, and there he spent the rest of hi- life, dying in 1871. lie was a wheelwright by trade at which he worked in his earlier years, finallv devoting his attention to farming. He was a soldier in the war of 1M2. llis wife was born in Maryland in 1800. and her death occurred in rSys. To these parents rive children w ere born. Noah L.. of tin's review, the youngest. Harriet. Tames. Seneca and Marv. all four deceased.

Noah L. Bunnell grew to manhood on the homestead near Jefferson and there he found plenty of hard work to do when a boy, and he received a meager education in the old-time rural schools. He married Julia A. Bell, who was born in Ohio in 1849. She was a daughter of William and Mary (Hamilton) Bell, and to this union five children were born: Mary C.. James. Elver. Clyde and Thomas (deceased).

Mr. Bunnell began life for himself on a farm where he remained until 1864 then entered the mercantile field at Kilmore. Clinton county, where he remained three years, then went to Lafayette, where he remained in the same business until the Vandalia railroad was built through Clinton county, w hereupon he returned here and laid out the town of Moran. Owen township, which was first called Bunnellsville. after our subject, but later was named Moran. Mr. Bunnell has remained at this place ever since and has built up a large and lucrative trade with the surrounding country, his store being a favorite gathering place for the people of this vicinity in their spare time, for they have always received honest, fair and courteous treatment at the hands of our subject. He carries an up-to-date stock of general merchandise at all seasons and his prices are laways reasonable. He is also owner of a valuable and productive eighty acre farm adjoining Moran, on which land Mr. Bunnell has a pleasant and well furnished home. At present he is assisted in his store by his son, Elver.

Politically, Mr. Bunnell is a Republican and has always been faithful in his support of the party. Religiously, he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church.

John F. Bozworth

Although like many of our best citizens John F. Bozworth, well known retired farmer of Owen township, is a native of Ohio, practically all of his life has been spent in Clinton county, for he was but two years of age when he was brought here bv his parents and here he ha- resided ever since, or for a period of more than sixty years, during which he has lived to see and take part in wonderful changes, of which he talks very interestingly. He has from childhood, had the be.-t interests of the county at heart and has been faithful in every duty as a citizen.

Mr. Bozworth was born June 14, 1840, in Preble county, Ohio. He is a son of Wm. and Polly J. ( Shaffer ) Bozworth. The father was born October 2 p 1S2;. in Ohio where he spent his boyhood. He came first to Clinton countv two vears before his marriage, after which event he returned to his native state, but subsequently came back to this county; where he still lives, being now at the advanced age of eight-eight years. He is a fine old man. admired bv evervbodv who knows him. Tie is a type of the rugged, honest, industrious pioneer who redeemed this country from the wilderness. His wife was a native of Tennessee.' She lias long been deceased, dying January 23, 1877.

Tohn F. Bozworth was reared on the home farm and educated in the common schools. On September 7, 1873. he married Clara B. Haggard, who was born in Fayette county. Ohio. November 30, 1855. She is a daughter of Tames M. and Rebecca (ThackerT Haggard. They spent their lives on a farm, and are now both deceased.