Clinton County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1913 (part 8 of 17)

Mr. Bozworth has always engaged in farming and stock raising. He lived in Sedalia for a period of five years, but was not satisfied with his residence there anti finally returned to the country, believing that the farm was best for him. He owns one hundred and thirtv acres where he resides, and eighty acres just west of his home, his son living- on the latter place. His home place is all tillable but five acres which is in woods pasture. He built his own home and made many valuable improvements about the place. His land is all productive and good for general farming. Although overseeing his farm in a general way, Mr. Bozworth is practically retired from active life. He owns a 1913, twenty-five horsepower, five passenger automobile of a standard make, and is well fixed to enjoy his after vears in every way. Politically, he is a Democrat, but he has never been especially active in public affairs.

Jacob A. Mummert

Jacob A. Mummert, for many years one of the leading general farmers of Warren township, now living in his pleasant home in the town of Sedalia, Owen township, was born in Cass county. Indiana. August 12. 1874. He is a son of Henry and Sarah Ann ( Plank) Mummert. The father w as born December 25, 1844, in Adams county, Pennsylvania, and he has a good farm in Deer Creek township. Cass county, Indiana, where he has a good farm and where he has lived since boyhood, having come from the Keystone state many vears ago. Tlfe mother of our subject was born August 6, 1850 in Cass county, Indiana, where she spent her life, dying there in November, 1893. These parents received their education in the common schools, which thev attended a fewr years during the winter months. In early life Henry Mummert learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed for a number of years, but finally turned his attention to farming. He had an exceptionally large family, seventeen children, fifteen of whom are still living; \manda J.. Laura A., Charles O.. Jacob A., Hester E.. William D., infant daughter, died when three days old, unnamed; Franklin P., Emma S.. Stella M.. Martha C., Harrv and Mary, twins; John H.. Earle E. and Merle M.. twins; a boy, unnamed, died in infancy.

8, 1897 he married Elsie V. Shaffer, who was born in Owen township, Clinton county, May 14, 1877. She is a daughter of Andrew A. and Mary Shaffer, both now deceased. Mrs. Mummert grew to womanhood in her native community and was there educated in the public schools. Her union with Mr. Mummert has been without issue.

Our subject began farming for himself when young in years. He removed from Cass county to Clinton county, in the spring of 1895, working on a farm until his marriage, then he rented and farmed for seven years, then purchased eighty acres of his own in Warren township in February, 1905, and lived there until the spring of 1912, when he moved to the town of Sedalia, where he now lives, not retired, but looking after and helping on his farm, wherever a helping hand is needed. He was very successful as a general farmer and stock raiser. He now rents his fine farm of eighty acres, all of which is tillable but eleven acres, of which ten acres is in timber. He owns a thirty horse-power, Overland automobile, five passenger, 1913 model, and he and his family enjoy trips over the country. Politically, he is a Democrat, but has never been especially active in public affairs. Fraternally, he belongs to the Knights of Pythias in Sedalia. Religiously, he is a member of the Presbyterian church at Geetingsville and a liberal supporter of the same.

James X. Braxstetter

The methods followed by James N. Branstetter, successful farmer of Warren township. Clinton county, always bring success when persistently applied as they have been done in his case, for he is a man w ho lays his plans well before beginning their execution. He realizes the fact that this is an epoch when farming must be done along somewhat different lines than it ever was before in the history of the world, and he has sought to find out everything possible regarding the most approved methods, being careful to accept those that w ere applicable to this soil and climate and just as careful to discard those which were not. So he has succeeded, as might be expected, for, besides knowing what to do and when to do it he has ever been an untiring and persevering worker.

Mr. Branstetter was born in the above mentioned township and county, January 10. 1873. He is a son of Jacob and Ruthy (Harmon) Branstetter. The father, who was born in Clinton county, is still living, making his home in Russiaville. The mother of our subject was born in Tennessee and is also still living. The elder Branstetter devoted his early life to general farming, but for the past fifteen years he has been employed in a grain elevator in Russiaville, and has built up a wide and lucrative trade, and is one of the substantial business men of that section of the county. To these parents four children were born: Mrs. Ella Lauchner, Mrs. Alice B. Haynes. Tames X., of this review, and Charles (deceased).

The subject of this sketch grew to manhood on the home farm and received his education in the common schools. On February 22. 1899, he married Ethel J. Norris, who was born in Clinton county, Indiana, three miles east of Frankfort, in 1878. There she grew to womanhood and was educated in the public schools of that district. She is a daughter of William and Sarah T. (Fudge) Norris, both parents being natives of Indiana. They devoted their activities to farming. The father is deceased, hut the mother is still living.

Mr. Barnstetter moved from Clinton to Carroll county, when a boy and there engaged in farming. Returning to Clinton county in 1898 he resumed farming here which he has followed with success ever since. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of well improved and well cultivated land, all tillable, but about eight acres which is in timber. He has a good home and good outbuildings. He raises a large number of live stock from year to year, handling Shorthorn and Hereford cows. Hampshire hogs and Shire horses.

Mr. Barnstetter is a Democrat, and religiously, lie belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. He is not a public man and yet his support may always be depended upon in furthering any movement of general interest to his locality.

Henry H. Lauchner

It is not often we find a person in what is usually designated as the East, who has come here from the scope of country known to the world as the West. There is perhaps no plausible explanation for this, but the fact is true, nevertheless. It may be because the former is the older and the latter the newer to civilization, and people are accustomed to think that there are better advantages in a new country than in an older one. This, however, is often erronious. So, each year finds thousands traveling by train westward over the same routes, many of them that were followed by the ad- venturers and frontiersmen of a few generations ago, to the states west of the Father of Waters, but few indeed, comparatively come from the lands of the setting sun to Indiana or other eastern states. There was an exception in the case of Henry H. Lauchner, citizen of Owen township, Clinton county.

Mr. Lauchner was born in the state of Missouri, December 17, 1873. He is a son of James and Jerusha (Pittsenberger) Lauchner. The father was born in Pennsylvania in the year 1833, and his death occurred in 1875, at the age of forty-two years. The mother of our subject was born in Indiana in September. 1835. She is still living, being now seventy-eight years of age. James Lauchner devoted his active life to farming. His family consisted of six children: Malinda (deceased), A. B., \V. \V., Lydia, Mary and Henry H., of this sketch.

Henry II. Lauchner grew up on the farm, and lie worked hard when a boy. He received a common school education in the schools of Clinton and Carroll counties. He remained with bis mother many years after the death of his father. On March 5. 1903, he was married to Addie B. Farlow. who was born on March 22, 1882, in Carroll county, Indiana, and there she grew to womanhood and received a common school education. She was a daughter of John M. and Hannah (James) I-'arlow, both of whom are still living in Carroll county.

Mr. Lauchner spent his earlier years in Missouri, finally locating in Clinton county, with the rest of the family, remaining here until 18S8 when he removed to Carroll county where he was married. Subsequently he came back to Clinton county and located in Owen township where he farmed for some time. For the past twelve years he has been engaged in the merchandise business, and at present he is cashier of the bank of Sedalia, the duties of which he has discharged in a manner that has reflected much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of the stockholders and patrons, ibis bank was organized in 1900 with a capital stock of ten thousand dollars. It is a private bank, and its president is Andrew S. Campbell, with W. O. Ball, vice president. The directors are A. S. Campbell, W. O. Ball, William S. Miller, Markwvood Slipher and J. E. Silverthorn. They own their own bank building and a large and successful business is carried on. the bank having a most excellent reputation.

Masonic order, and politically, is a Democrat. He was elected trustee of Owen township in 1908 and is still holding office to the satisfaction of all concerned.

Philip M. Sheets

The true measure of individual success is determined by what one has accomplished, and, contrary to the old adage that a prophet is not without honor save in his own country, a particular interest attaches to the career of Philip M. Sheets, farmer and musician of Warren township, Clinton county. Besides being a worthy scion of one of our sterling pioneer families, he is a native of this locality, where his entire life has been spent, and he has so directed his abilities and efforts as to gain recognition as one of the representative citizens of the county.

Mr. Sheets was born here on December 17, 1867. He is a son of David and Nancy E. (Thompson) Sheets. The father was born August 20, 1829, in Augusta county, Virginia, and his death occurred in 1911 at the advanced age of eighty-two years. The mother of our subject was born in Ohio, and she too lived to an advanced age, dying in November, 1909. She was a welleducated woman and taught school for some time in her earlier years. David Sheets devoted his life to general farming and to carpentering. ITis family consisted of nine children, namely: John C., James H., Perry M., Zimri E., Mary M., Albert W., Elmer E., Philip M., and Wilda M.

Philip M. Sheets grew to manhood on the home farm and he received a common school education. On March 13, 1890, he married Emma F. Crum, who was born in Putnam county, Indiana, March 13, 1871, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Kropff) Crum, both natives of Virginia. Mr. Crum, who died August 28, 1913, was a soldier in the Confederate army. His wife is deceased.

To our subject and wife eight children have been born, namely: Frank O., born October 13, 1890, a member of the Beard band, playing second cornet on which he is quite proficient; Larnie A., born August 9, 1892, also a member of the Beard band, performing exceptionally well on the bass horn or tuba; Perry O., born August 18, 1894. plays the slide trombone in the Beard band, and equally gifted with his brothers: Alta E., born July 29, 1896: Tola R.. born December 17, 1898: Virgil R.. bron April 14, 1902; Boyce E., born December 7, 1905; Gail S., born January 26, 1907.

owns a good farm of seventy-five acres, lacking a fraction, and has a well improved place in every respect, especially as to tiling. He has a substantial and attractive home which he built himself. He handles a good many head of live stock of various kinds from year to year, a mixed breed of cattle, Chester White hogs, and draft horses.

Mr. Sheets is by nature a gifted musician and he has found time to cultivate his taste in this direction, especially as to band music. He is president and manager of the Beard band, one of the best in Clinton county. Ira Skidmore is director of the same. The services of this band are very frequently required throughout the county at various gatherings. It was organized in 1909. It is composed of sixteen pieces. Mr. Sheets is bass drummer.

William G. Thomas

In meeting with the citizens of Clinton county, the biographer is somewhat surprised to find so many of her native sons who have, at some period of their life, engaged in school teaching. Such a condition is not found in every county, by any means. For some two decades most of the teaching in district and public schools in general has been left to women, men preferring to engage in other fields of endeavor. The demand for men teachers is always great and w hen such a successful teacher as William G. Thomas, of Warren township, drops out of the ranks, after many years of successful and praisew orthy service, it is deeply regretted by the people of his locality.

Mr. Thomas, who is now successfully engaged in general farming, was born in Warren township, this county, August 2. 1885. He is a son of William D. and Elizabeth J. (Sharp) Thomas. The father was born August 10, 1853, in Franklin county, Indiana, but is now making his home in Frankfort. The mother of our subject was born in Wisconsin, January 31, 1853, and she, too, is still living. These parents have spent their active lives on the farm. The elder Thomas is a Democrat and was township trustee in 1890, serving five years. He and his wife had only one child besides our subject, Walter W., he being older than William G.

The gentleman whose name forms the caption of this sketch grew up on the home farm and he received a common school education, later attending Valparaiso University. On September 4, 1906 he married Mabel M.

Hollingsworth, who was born in 1887 in Howard count)-, Indiana, a daughter of Charles and Molly (Stiffler) Hollingsworth. They are both living in Howard county on a farm. In that county Mrs. Thomas grew to w omanhood and received a common and high school education. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas one child has been born, Lucilc May, whose birth occurred Mav 25, 1908.

Mr. Thomas began life for himself by teaching school which he continued for a period of twelve years in his native township, where he has given most satisfactory service to both pupil and patron, and is regarded as one of the most efficient teachers in the rural schools of Clinton county. During that period he has worked on the farm during the vacation season. He owns eighty acres of good land which he has placed under a good state of cultivation and improvement, all tillable and well tiled. He lived on his father's old home place. He raises Shorthorn cows, a general breed of hogs, general purpose and draft horses.

Fraternally, Mr. Thomas is a Mason and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, both at Middlefork. He is a member of the Universalist church, and in politics votes the Democratic ticket.

William S. Record

The old Buckeye state has long ranked as one of the best and greatest in the Union. She has been favored in position among the sisterhood of states, favored in the character of settlers that drove the Indians from her borders and redeemed her wildernesses, and she has furnished many of the nation's greatest men, Presidents, statesmen, generals and authors. The rank and file of her citizens have ever been noted for their industry and honesty as well as their public-spirit and patriotism. She has sent perhaps more of her worthy citizens into Clinton county, Indiana, to help develop this locality into the fine agricultural section it is today than any other state. So we owe her a deep debt of gratitude. One of this sturdy number is William S. Record, farmer of Warren township.

Mr. Record was born in Adams county, Ohio, June 15, 1859, and there his earliest years w'ere spent, he being five years old when he left there and located in Johnson county, Indiana, in 1864. Later he came on to Clinton county, locating in Jackson township, then moved to Michigan township, and in 1877 located in Warren township where he has since remained.

natives of Ohio, the father of Brown county, born July 13, 1822, and the date of the mother's birth was January 18, 1825. His death occurred April 12, 1S80, and the mother passed away April 15, 1889. They were the parents of four children: William S., of this sketch; Nelson, Henry and Charles.

William S. Record was reared on the home farm and educated in the public schools. On October 6. 1881. he married Maria Whiteman, who was born in Michigan township, this countv, Februarv 12. i860. She is a daughter of Samuel and Alvina (Richardson) Whiteman, who lived on a farm in Michigan township, where Mrs. Record grew to womanhood, and she wras educated in the public schools of that vicinity. Her death occurred August 10. r 904. She was a good helpmeet and kind mother, and a woman who was >poken well of by all her neighbors.

To our subject and wife eight children were born: Florence (deceased), Elby V.. Samuel F.. Gilbert O., Neva G., Beulah Glendola, Cloie Tane and Lenora M.

Mr. Record has always followed farming. He is now owner of an excellent place in Warren township, consisting of eighty acres, all in cultivation but four acres which is in timber. He has a comfortable home and his place is under good improvements and yields a comfortable livelihood under his able management. He makes a specialty of raising Shorthorn cows, Poland- China hogs and draft horses, also Plymouth Rock chickens.

He is a member of the Methodist Protestant church, in which he is a steward. Politically, he is a Republican and has been a w orker for the party's good. Five years ago he made the race for township assessor and was beaten by only two votes.

William E. Rice

It is a good sign to see so many of Clinton county's farmers who are native sons, men who have been content to spend their lives here, for it shows that this is a fine agricultural section and therefore her natives have not needed to go elsewhere in order to make a good livelihood by tilling the soil. It also shows that this is a good place to live in reference to climate, conveniences of advanced civilization and congeniality of people. When one goes into a community and finds that all the residents have come from other countries one begins to suspect at once that something is wrong whether it is apparent on the surface or not: but that does not seem to be the case in this instance.

One of the successful farmers of this county who has been content to spend his life here is William E. Rice, whose birth occurred on December 13, 1866 in Warren township, Clinton county, and here he still resides. He is a son of William S. and Rebecca (Michaels) Rice. The father was born February 19, 1839, in Union county, Indiana, but left there with his parents when two years old, the family locating' in Clinton county, and here he is still living, having devoted his life to general farming. The mother of our subject who was born in Clinton county, October 2. 1841, is also living. To these parents six children were born, four of whom are still living, namely: Sarah I., married to Mr. Beard; William E.. of this review; Mrs. Minnie V. Ray, and Mrs. Bertha Kirkpatrick.

William E. Rice grew to manhood on the home farm in Warren township and there he assisted with the various work about the place when a boy, and during the winter months he attended the district schools in his neighborhood.

On December to, 1896, he married Maggie Ford, a native of Warren township, where she grew to womanhood, and was educated in the public schools. She is a daughter of William and Martha ( Finney') Ford. Mr. Ford is now living in Michigan. His wife is deceased. Mr. Ford has devoted his life to farming. Politically, he is a Democrat.

Mr. Rice was taught the various ins and outs of general farming and stock raising by his father while at home and thus w hen he started out in life for himself on a farm he knew what to do and has gradually forged ahead. He owns eighty acres of well improved and productive land in Warren township, all tillable and well tiled. He built his own home and has a good set of outbuildings. He keeps good Jersey cows and raises a mixed breed of hogs and general purpose horses.

Ward Wright

We are glad to note in passing over Clinton county so many of her young men engaged in farming. As a rule most boys reared in the country ought to remain there instead of hurrying off to some large city where, in course of a year's time, they will do far more hard and health-destroying work than they can possibly do on the average farm, and they are, taking it all in all, not so well paid for it, either. The question of health alone is a big item when the young man from the farm begins to debate whether he will stay in his native community or whether he will go to the city and try to carve out a career. Few young men can make the change without serious impairment of their physical powers. Besides the mental worries that more than counterbalance the so-called "pleasures" of the town are lacking, for the most part, in the daily life of the ruralist.

One of Clinton county's young farmers who has started well in his chosen vocation is Ward Wright of Warren township. He was born May 26, 1880, in this township and county. He is a son of Newt W. and Amanda (Nunemaker) Wright. The father was born in Virginia, September 16, 1848, and he spent his early life in his native state and received a common school education there. In 1872 he removed to Clinton county, Indiana, and is now living in Frankfort, retired, after a successful life as a farmer and stock raiser. The mother of the subject of this sketch was born in this township and county. September 14. 1855. She too, received a common school education. Four children were born to these parents, named as follows : Cora. Ward. Guy and Russell.

Ward Wright grew up on the home farm in his native township, and he received a common school education here, also attending the high school at Forest for awhile. On June 17, 1901 he married Jessie Robison, who was also born in Warren township, this county, the date of her birth being January 6, 1881. She is a daughter of Milton Robison, a brother of Dr. John E. Robison. a sketch of whom, containing the history of the Robison family, is to be found on another page of this work. Mrs. Wright grew to womanhood in her native community and received a good education. She taught school tor some time before her marriage.

Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Wright, namely: Lucile, born December 20, 1902: Vera, born July 31. 190;; Mildred, born September 24. 1906; and Herbert, born July 17, 1910.

Mr. Wright has always engaged in farming. He w now operating his father-in-law's place of one hundred and sixty acres in Warren township, which he is keeping well tilled and well improved and is being suitably rewarded for his toil bv good annual crops. The land is all under cultivation but about fiftv-five acres. Mr. Wright carries on general farming and stockraising, making a specialty of Shorthorn cattle and Duroe hogs. He also keeps some good horses and mules.

Owex E. Beard

It is a pleasure to live in the country when one can live as comfortably and do as well as Owen E. Beard, farmer and stock raiser of Warren township, Clinton county, but unfortunately this can not he the cause with everyone, owing to various circumstances, hut mostlv because all do not work with the zeal, perseverance and determination of our subject: and we all know, or at least ought to know . that little is ever accomplished in this world along any line unless one has the characteristics mentioned above.

Mr. Beard was born in the township and county where he now resides, and where he has always been too well contented to reside to move elsewhere, the date of his birth being recorded as November 13, 1866. He is a son of Martin and Delilah (Orr) Beard, one of our respected old families. The father wras a native of the state of Ohio, where he spent his earlier years, finally coming to Clinton county. Indiana, where he became well established on a farm, devoting his entire active life to agricultural pursuits. He had the advantages of an exceptionally good education for his day and generation and he was a man of considerable influence in his community. His death occurred on the home place here in February, 1892. His family was large, but only three of his children are now living, these were Mrs. Alice Sheets, Jesse F.. and Owen E.. of this sketch.

Owen E. Beard grew to manhood on the home farm and he assisted with the general work there during the crop seasons. During the winter months he attended the public schools in his district and received in that manner a very practical education.

On June 5. iqoo. Mr. Beard was married to Mrs. Louisa (Young) Coapstick. She was born February 18. 1851. in Clinton county, and is a daughter of Dr. R. O. and Margaret X. (Robison) Young. Dr. Young attended a medical college in Cincinnati, and followed the medical profession all his life w ith singular success. He came to Clinton county, Indiana, in 1835 and was one of the leading pioneer physicians here. His family consisted of five children, namely: Robert, and Louisa, wife of Mr. Beard, of this sketch, both living: Mary. Hulda and Milton, all deceased. The parents of these children are also both deceased. Mrs. Beard was first married to A. H. Coapstick, November 7, 1871. A sketch of Mr. Coapstick appears elsewhere in this work. He has been deceased some eighteen years. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Beard has been w ithout issue.

Mr. and Mrs. Beard have one hnudred and sixty acres of well improved and productive land, all under cultivation but thirty acres, and they have a line and modernly furnished home, which was built by Mrs. Beard's first husband in 1851. It has been well kept and is in the midst of attractive surrounding's. Mr. Beard has always been a farmer, and in connection with general farming he is raising Shorthorn cattle and Duroc hogs. He has been very successful as a business man. He has a splendid five-passenger automobile of standard make. He is a Republican politically, and he and his wife are members of the Presbvterian church.

Uriah Tones

Those who are content to lead the much-spoken of "simple life" are, no doubt, happier than any other class. The reasons are too obvious to need much setting forth here. Such people know little of the jar and fret, the contention and strife, the petty jealousies for place and power of those who choose the great marts of the land for their dwelling places, the latter never really knowing what the word "freedom" means in its broad and literal sense, in fact, they are bound in a kind of slavery that wears the better nature to shreds, then all sorts of unpleasant things follow from which it is hardly possible to lice. Uriah Jones, a plan farmer of W arren township, Clinton county, is a happy man because he has been w ise enough to lead the "simple life" next to nature, away from the "harsh jangled roar" of the city, and he is therefore in his autumn year' not only contented but healthy, finding plenty to still live for and to do. He was born July ->5, 1843. >n Dearborn county, Indiana, and he was five years old when he moved to Clinton county with his parents, Thomas and Anna k. ( Kile) Jones. Thomas Jones was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, in June, 1805, and his death occurred on September 16, 1869. The mother of our subject was born in Strassburg. German}-, and her death occurred at the age of seventy-eight years. She came to America w hen young and met and married Thomas Jones in Pennsylvania, the date of their w edding King January 10. 1822. The mother was educated in Germany, and was a bright woman, speaking several languages. Thomas Jones devoted his life to general farming. Politically, he was a Democrat. His large family of sixteen children are now all deceased but Uriah, of this sketch.

Uriah Jones grew' to manhood on the home farm and there he worked until reaching man's estate. He received a limited education in an old-time log school house, but has since become a well-informed man on general topics through home reading. On August 4, 1S70, he married Charlotte Stoddard, who was horn in Frankfort, Ind., December 29, 1852. She is a daughter of Abram and Catherine f Byers) Stoddard. 'These parents were born in Pennsylvania and there grew up and were married, and from there they came to Clinton county, and located in Frankfort, where Mr. Stoddard established a tailor shop, he having been the first tailor there.

To Mr. Jones and wife six children were born, namely: Albert, born May 1 2, 1872: William B.. born April 5. 1874: Franklin Pierce, born August 28. 1876: Martin Y.. born January 12. 1.878: Milton Carrol, born April 25, 1882. and Freddie Grover, born September 12, 1884.

Mr. Jones has followed farming all his life. He owns eighty acres in Warren township, most of which is under cultivation. He built his own home and make good improvements and is very comfortably fixed. He keeps Jersey cows and Chester White hogs.

It is often said that a poet is born, meaning that the individual who essays to court the muses with success must have been peculiarly fitted bv mother nature. It seems that the same phrase might be applied with equal truth to the successful practitioner of medicine. Of course the poet can go ahead and write without taking any special preparatory work in college. There is not much to be learned in the way of the "mechanical" part of his work, such as the laws of prosody, and on the other hand the phvsician must take a long and special course of study, but if he succeeds above the ordinary plodder he must be specially gifted by nature. Many men go through the prescribed routine of work under the law and obtain a diploma entitling them to practice medicine when they are utterly unfit for this field of work and do more harm than good. One of the general practitioners of Clinton county who seems to have been peculiarly fitted for his chosen vocation is Dr. John E. Robison, of the village of Geetingsville, Warren township, for he has been successful from the first and has ingratiated himself into the hearts and affections of his patients. In due course of time he will doubtless rank among the leading professional men of this section of the state.

The father was born November 2 7, 1833. also in Warren township, Clinton county, having enjoyed the distinction of being the second white child born in Warren township. He was a son of Andrew Robison, Sr., one of the first settlers in this vicinity, who entered land here when the country round about was a wilderness and still roamed by red men and wild beasts. He began life in typical pioneer fashion, in a log cabin and cleared his land by hard work and perseverance. From that early day to the present this family has been well known and highly respected for thir industry and exemplary habits. The father of our subject, who has devoted his life successfully to general farming is still liv ing, making his home in Owen township, this county. The mother of the doctor was born January, 183", and her death occurred on May 7, 1899. Fight children were born to these parents, named as follows: Mrs. Margaret Smythe; James P., married Maud Bavles; Andrew (deceased),; Dr. John E., of this sketch; Mrs. Emma Erdle; Grizella and Winfield, twins (deceased), and Mrs. Jessie B. Wright.

Doctor Robison was reared on the home farm and educated in the district schools in Warren township. First deciding to be a teacher, he attended the Danville Normal School in order to fit himself, after which he taught two terms, hut deciding that his true bent lay along the line of a practitioner of medicine he abandoned the school room and began the study of medicine, in which he made rapid progress. He attended the Indiana Medical College at Indianapolis, where he made an excellent record and from which he wa> graduated with the class of 1901. He soon afterwards located for practice in the village of Geetingsville, in his native township and county, and here he has since remained, enjoying a large and growing practice which extends all over this section of Clinton county.

Doctor Robison was married June 23, 1901 to Sarah E. Miller, who was born in Ross township, Clinton county, March 7, 1874, and here she grew to womanhood and was educated in the public schools. She is a daughter of Christian and Jane (Troxell) Miller, both still living. Mr. Miller devoted his life to general farming in this locality.

To the doctor and wife three children have been born, namely: Adeline, born July 8, 1902; Paul M., born October 12, 1905; and Lena Esther, born November 24, 19 10.

Doctor Robison is owner of eighty acres of valuable land in Tippecanoe county, near Dayton, Ind., which is well improved. Fraternally, he is a Mason, being a member of the Council and Commanderv, the Blue lodge at Beard and the Knights Templars of Frankfort. He is a member of the (40

Presbyterian church, and politically, is a Republican. He is a member of the Clinton County Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Association, and the American Medical Association.

Alvis Dean

The character of a community is determined in a large measure by the lives of a comparatively few of its members. If its moral and intellectual status be good, if in a social way it is a pleasant place in which to reside, if its reputation for the integrity of its citizens has extended into other localities,, it will be found that the standards set by the leading men have been high and their influence such as to mould their characters and shape the lives of those with whom they mingle. In placing the subject of this sketch in the front rank of such men, justice is rendered a biographical fact universally recognized throughout Clinton county by those at all familiar with its history. Although a quiet and unassuming man. with no ambition for public position or leadership, he has contributed much to the material advancement of the community, and bis admirable qualities and upright course of life have tended greatly to the development of the circles in which he has moved and the county.

Alvis Dean was born on August 30, 1854 in Randolph county, Xorth Carolina, and was the son of Robartis and Sarah (Lucas) Dean. Robartis Dean was also born in Randolph county, Xorth Carolina, on August 27, 1820, and was the only child of Wesley and Susan Dean. He died X'ovember 11, 1908. a little over eighty-eight years of age. He led a very useful and worthv life, and was a farmer with the exception of a few years in his younger days when he taught school. In the year 1838 he was united in marriage to Margaret Lucas, and to this union were born the following children: Emeline. Caroline, Susan, Kizziah and Margaret. His second marriage was to Sarah Lucas, and to this union were born nine children : Isley, John W., Margaret L.. Albert. Alvis. Robartis, Jr., John Milton, W. R., and William H. In 1871 he came from Xorth Carolina to Indiana and with the aid of his family cleared many acres of dense timber land which then existed. Shortlv after his arrival in this state he joined the Christian church, and during his whole life took an unusual interest in the welfare of that church. He bore the reputation of being a very pious man. and his friends and acquaintances revered him as the children loved him.

Alvis Dean received his education for the most part in the common schools of North Carolina, in fact, he attended the Indiana schools but one day. In 1871, on October 18, Mr. Dean came to Boone county, Indiana, hut did not stay there many years, for in the autumn of 1880 he came to Clinton county and has lived here ever since. Mr. Dean has always farmed, with the exception of two years, during which time he lived in Frankfort. He moved there in 1910, but came back to the farm in 1912. Mr. Dean owns eighty acres of excellent land in this county, all of which is tillable hut nine acres. The land is well tiled and equipped with other improvements which Mr. Dean himself built. Besides general farming. Mr. Dean deals quite successfully in stock raising. He handles the Shorthorn variety of cattle, Duroc hogs, and English draft horses. He is known to have had the best breed of the latter class in the township. Fraternally. Mr. Dean is a Mason at Middlefork: religiously, he belongs to the Missionary Baptist church, and politically, is a loyal Democrat.

On September 22, 1878, Mr. Dean was married to Nancy Jane Unger, the daughter of George \V. and Elvira (Maggart) Unger, extended reviews of whom are given in another part of this volume. Five children were born to this union: one who died unnamed; Elsey E., born October 20, 1881 ; Elmer C.. born Tune t 8, 1883; Thomas C., born October 27, 1884, and Tnez, born Tune 26. 1886.

In the person of the late A. H. Coapstick. for many years a well known and progressive agriculturist of Warren township. Clinton county, we have a sample of a worthv race of people to whom the country is largely indebted for its development and progress. He was not a showy man. but simply a plain, industrious tiller of the soil, who worked hard to get a start in the world, provided well for his family, did his duty to his fellow man and made a good neighbor and citizens. To such as he Indiana owes much. Here and there scattered over the state in every county, they toiled and w orker, cleared, grubbed and ditched, fought the hinderances of nature in the way of swamps and dense forests, gradually making hedaway, until in time we see beautiful and highlv cultivated farms as the result of their arduous labors. Such were the farmers of the generation that has passed. They did not figure in public life, most of them. Their names were seldom mentioned in the papers, for thev lived quiet, unpretentious lives, but it was their work and self-sacrifice that was gradually building up the state, adding to its wealth and beauty, until it became one of the finest agricultural regions in the world. Mr. Coapstick was a public-spirited man in all that the term implies, was ever interested in movements tending to promote the general welfare and withheld his support from no movement for the good of the locality so long honored by hi> residence. His personal relations with his fellow men were ever mutually pleasant and agreeable, and he was highly regarded by all, having been obliging and straightforward in all the relations of life.

Mr. Coapstick w:as born in Carroll county, Indiana, April 20, 1849. He was a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Concannon) Coapstick. The father died when the subject of this memoir was nine months old. and soon thereafter the mother moved with her children to Owen township, Clinton county, where our subject lived on a farm until he was fourteen years old, then started out for himself, having had but little chance to secure an education. He began life as a farmer which vocation he followed all his life with more than ordinary success, accumulating one of the most desirable farms in Warren township, on which he built a substantial and attractive home in 1851.

Mr. Coapstick was married November 7. 1871 to Louisa Young, who was born. Lehman 18. 1851 in Clinton county. Indiana. She is a daughter of Dr. R. O. and Margaret X. ( Robison) Young. Dr. Young was a son of Robert and Jane ( Ogle) Young, both natives of Dauphin county. Pennsylvania. Their family consisted of ten children. Dr. R. O. Young having been the fifth son and sixth child. Robert Young spent his early life in Pennsylvania from which 'tate he came to Ohio in i8or. and established the future home of the family. He was a tailor by trade.

Dr. Young attended the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, and followed the medical profession all his active life. He was very successful and prominent among the pioneers. He came to Clinton county in 1835. He and Margaret N. Robison were married on March 21. 1848. She was a daughter of Andrew Robison. To Dr. Young and wife five children were born, two of whom are still living, namely: Robert, born February 9, 1850, married Sarah E. Taylor, who died in April, 1885 ; Louisa, now the wife of Owen E. Beard, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume: Mary, born June 15, 1853, died June 11, 1886; Hukla, born May 21, 1858 (deceased), and Milton, born January 20, 1863 died April 1, 1863. The death of the mother of the above named children occurred on March 17', 1863. and Dr. Young later married Susanna Compton, on November 1, 1864. Her death occurred on March 15. iqo8. Dr. Young has also been deceased some time.

Mr. Coapstick was a Democrat politically, a member of the Presbyterian church, and a member of the bree and Accepted Masons Lodge Xo. 304 at Middlefork. He carried the sublime precepts taught by his lodge and his church into bis every-day life and was therefore a highly esteemed and influential man and one of our best citizens, and when he was summoned to his eternal reward on July 1. 1893. ^1c "'as greatly missed from the township and countv of his residence.

Berlie E. Friexd

It is indeed gratifying to the biographer, in looking over such a county as Clinton, to see men so young in years as Berlie E. Friend, of Forest township, have such a splendid start as an agriculturist. It indicates that in due course of time he w ill rank, no doubt, among the foremost men of his line of endeavor in the locality. Many a young man starts out with the same ambition and determination as did he but desire ungratified is bad for most people: they become discouraged after a time and slacken their pace, become indifferent, do their ta<ks half-heartedly and begin drifting with the current. The end is easily foretold - failure, not infrequently disgrace and ruin.

Mr. Friend was born December to. 1888. in this township and county. He is a son of Leonard and Martha F. (Davis') Friend. They were married Tulv 30. 1879. The father was born March 1. 1835. 'n Indiana, and his death occurred in 1894. March 24th. He came to Clinton county when a boy and here grew to manhood, received such educational advantages as the earlv-dav schools afforded and here he spent the rest of his life successfully engaged in farming. His only child was our subject. A history of the Davis family may be found in the sketch of Clint Davis, also that of Mrs. Laura B. Dunn, appearing on other pages of this volume. They are half brother and half sister to our subject's mother.

Berlie F. Friend grew to manhood on his father's farm and there assisted with the work when he became of proper age. and he received his education in the common schools of his township.

On. December 12. 1906. Mr. Friend married Mary Alter, who was born in Forest township, this count} . June 23. 1889. and here she grew to woman- hood and received her education in the public schools. She is a daughter of John T. and Melissa (Miller) Alter, both still living. To our subject and wife one child has been born. Clifton Friend, whose birth occurred on June 5, 1908.

Mr. Friend has always engaged in farming and has been very successful. He is owner of a productive and well improved place of one hundred and twenty acres, all tillable, and he has a good home and convenient outbuildings. He keeps Jersey cows. Duroc hogs and all-purpose horses, and carries on general stock raising and farming.

Our subject's mother was married a second time to \Y. IT Wells, a farmer, now retired, and living in Russiaville. She was born June 19, 1856, and died May 20. 1906. She had no children by her second marriage.

Henry Milton Bozwortu

Such a life as has been led by Henry Milton Bozworth. a highly respected farmer of Warren township, Clinton county, merits a record of good deeds, that the debt due it may be acknowledged and that it serve as a stimulus to others to endeavor to emulate it. But his record is too familiar to the people of the locality of which this history deals to require any elaborate treatment here, his life work speaking for itself in stronger terms than the biographer could employ in polished periods. There is no doubt that this long continued strength of body and mind has been due to his conservative habits, wholesome living and pure thinking. He is known as a man who likes to see others succeed as well as himself, is hospitable and charitable, and tindesirous of the plaudits of his fellows. Every year finds him further advanced in a material way. and with a growing list of people whom he numbers as his friends.

Henry M. Bozworth was born on April 7. 1854 in Owen township, linton county, and was the son of William and Polly J. (Shaffer) Bozworth. William Bozworth was born on October 23. 1825, in Preble county, Ohio, and moved to the Hoosier state before his marriage, settling in Clinton county, where he is still living, in Owen township, enjoying comfort and happiness in his last vears. His has been a life well spent, as he has been a man who grasped opportunities and made himself useful, not only to himself, but to his associates. He followed farming all of his life, and was very successful in the pursuit of the same. Politically, he was a Democrat. Our subject's mother was born April 11, 1828, in Union county. Indiana, and she died on January 23, 1877. She was the devoted mother of five children: John F., Jacob A., Mary E. Lawrence, Henry Milton and William A., all living.

After receiving the usual common school education. Henry Bozworth began teaching school, but soon gave up this vocation in order to take up farming which was to be his life work. With the exception of a few years in Carroll county. Indiana, Mr. Bozwell has tilled the soil of Clinton county, and has been identified with the commercial and civic interests of this locality. He lias lived in Warren township for thirteen years. His work may be described as general farming, also stock raising, including a mixed breed of cows. Duroc and Chester White hogs, and draft horses. Where he lives Mr. Bozworth possesses one hundred and forty acres of excellent land, all of which, but twenty-two acres, is tillable. His estate has the best improvement, such as tiling, fencing and implements. Mr. Bozworth built his own home, which is one of the most noticeable of the country-side. In connection with his agricultural interests. Mr. Bozworth finds opportunity to devote his energy to outside things, being a great reader and a lover of pleasure. He enjoys the political game, and today is contented because he is with the party in power - the Democrats.

On August 8. 1878. Mr. Bozworth took as his wife Rebecca E. Haggard, the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Thacker) Haggard, and a native of Illinois, having been horn there on August 22, 1858. Her father was born in Ross countv. Ohio, on March <>. 1820. and died January 2. 1901. Mrs. Bozworth' s mother was born on September 5. 1821. in the state of Virginia, married Mr. Haggard August 14. 1842, and was called to her death October

28, 1897. Mrs. Bozworth received a common school education, and for several terms taught in the Clinton county schools. Mrs. Bozworth was the mother of five children: Ellis L., born Octol>er 1. 1879; I.etitia born November

Mr. Bozworth was married the second time on May 28, 1893. 10 Elizabeth S. Wagoner, who was horn in Carroll county Indiana, on May 29, 1851, and was the daughter of Samuel and Catherine ( Troxell) Wagoner. Her father was born July 24. 1827. in the Buckeye state, and died on June 20. 1908; the mother was born October 23. 1832. also in Ohio, near Dayton, and she is still living in Carroll county. Indiana. Mr. Wagoner was a farmer

Examples of manhood that make lasting impression on the reader are worthy of record in the annals of history wherever they are found. By a few observations the biographer intends to convey in the following paragraphs, specifically, and yet without fulsome narrative, some idea of the high standing of Charles E. McOuinn. one of the well known and successful farmers of Forest township, Clinton county. Those who know him will readily acquiesce in the statement that many elements of a solid and practical nature were united in his composition, and have won for him material success and the high regard of his fellow men in the locality of which this volume deals his life and achievements earning for him a conspicuous place among his compeers. He is a man of kindliness and neighborly impulses, and he has sought to carry into his every-day life the precepts of the Golden Rule.

Charles E. McOuinn was born on the sixteenth day of December, 1878, and his birthplace was in Forest township. Clinton county, Indiana. He was the son of John T. and Sarah C. McOuinn. John T. McOuinn is a native of Johnson county, Indiana, and was born February 18, 1842. Our subject's great-grandfather, Ezekiel McOuinn, was born in Virginia on September 2, 1767. He was twice married, and to his first marriage were born six children: Ruth, Susannah, Elizabeth, Catherine, James and Isaiah. His wife died while a resident of Virginia, and later Mr. McOuinn moved to Kentucky, where he married Elizabeth Coons, who bore him seven children: Strather, Sarah, John, Willis, Martin, Jephtha and Newton. In 1834, he moved to and settled on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Johnson county. Indiana, at Nineveh, and he and his wife were members of the old Baptist church society that erected their house of worship on a corner of his farm. Jephtha McOuinn, son of Ezekiel and father of John T. , was born in Kentucky August 10, 1818, and at the age of sixteen years came with his father to the new home in Indiana, and in 1840 married Luzina Chappell, daughter of John and Mary (Musselman) Chappell. To this union were bom the following children: John T., Mary E., and Rebecca A. The mother died when our subject was but eight years of age, and the father then mar- ried Elizabeth Musgrove, daughter of Nathan and Rebecca (Chappel) Musgrove, and the children of this marriage were William N., Newton A., Ira W., Levi and Silas H.

John T. McOuinn has been a farmer all of his life. He owns an excellent farm of one hundred and eighty-three acres, in a good state of cultivation and improved with a new dwelling of good size and convenient in all respects. Mr. McOuinn married Sarah C. Grim, the daughter of John and Mary (Adams) Grim, natives of Boone county, Indiana. Seven children have been horn of this felicitous union, and they are Oscar N.. Truda B.. Mary L., Charles E., William A., Dezza B., and Annie C.

Charles E. McOuinn received a common school education in the county of his birth, and on December 25, 1900, was united in marriage with Jennie Orr, who was horn in Johnson township, Clinton county, Indiana, on March 11, 1878, the daughter of Curran Orr and Caroline (Scircle) Orr. Three children have been horn of this union, and they are: John Owen, born December 12, 1901; Charles Oren, horn December 9, 1905; and Morris Ralph, born April 18, 1912.

Mr. McOuinn has always farmed, and, though yet a young man, he owns fiftv-five acres of land here, all tillable and covered with the latest improvements in equipment. In fraternal matter-. Mr. McOuinn is a Mason and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, both lodges being at Forest. Religiously, he is a member of the Christian church. Politically, Mr. McOuinn has been very prominent, and in 1912 was elected hv the voters to the position of county commissioner. At the present time he is discharging the duties of this office in a most acceptable manner.

Mrs. McQuinn's father. Curran Orr, was born in Johnson township, Clinton county, on December 13, 1843. His grandfather, Matthew Orr, came from Scotland and settled in the state of New York. He was a stone cutter bv trade, and became quite wealthy. He married Mary Eagle-, and the two passed a greater portion of their lives in Coshocton county, Ohio. Matthew Orr, father of Curran, was born in that county, and at eleven years of age became a drover, which business he followed until reaching maturity. Later he engaged in canal boating. He came to Clinton county Indiana, in 1839, when this was a wilderness, and accumulated much property, owning at the time of his death, one thousand two hundred and forty-five acres of Tohnson county land. He could have purchased Lafayette and all it included when he first came for three hundred dollars. He was a Jackson Democrat, and held the first trusteeship of Johnson township. He married Armina Shaw, the daughter of Elijah Shaw, and the following children were born to them: Jerry, Nathan, Thomas, James, Matthew, Curran, Alford, George, Catherine, Julia, Mary, William and John. The father died March 29, 1870.

Curran Orr was married to Caroline Scircle, the daughter of George A. and Malinda (Ryan) Scircle. George A. Scircle was one of the first men to settle on Indian Prairie in Johnson township, and was a large land owner. The town of Scircleville was named after him. James Ryan, Mrs. Orr's maternal grandfather, was a soldier in the war of 1812. Curran Orr and wife were the parents of the following children: James M., Della. Minnie C., Jennie, Adam C., and Eva S.

John Unger

In the early days the state of Indiana was a tempting field to the energetic, ambitious, strong-minded men. and her various counties were filled with them during the time she was struggling to a position in the sisterhood of states. There was a fascination in the open prairie and thick forest of the Middle West presented to activity and originality which attracted men from the South and East, and induced them to brave all the privations and discomforts of frontier life for the pleasure and gratification of constructing their fortunes in their own way and after their own methods. It is this class of men more than any other who gave shape, direction, and character to the community. Of the class just mentioned was the Unger family, one of the earliest to locate within the borders of the locality known now as Clinton county, and here the various members of the family have continued to play an important part in her affairs from that remote pioneer period to the present day. One of the best known members of this family is John Unger, who is a man of talent and fine personal traits of character, and for years has been one of the best known and most popular farmers of the county.

John Unger was horn April 7. 1854. in Howard county. Ind.. and came to Clinton county, with his parents when he was only six years of age. John Unger was a son of George W. and Elvira fMaggart) Unger, whose life histories are recounted at length in the sketch of M. V. Unger, a brother of John. To give a brief synopsis, however, of these worthy parents we will say that George W. Unger was the son of George and Elizabeth ( Bailey) Unger, and was horn in Morgan county. West Va.. on May 28, 1825, and died on December 20, 1892, in Clinton county, Ind. He was married to Elvira Maggart on March 13, 1851, a girl who was born January 12, 1828, and died February 28, 1896. In 1866 George Unger held the office of magistrate in this county and was honored with the position four successive terms of four years each. In 1886 he served on the United States jury. Fraternally, he was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Middlefork Lodge Xo. 304. To his wife were born nine children, namely: Sarah, John, David. Martin V., Nancy J., Calvin, Eliza E., and Oliver C.

John Unger attended the common schools of his home county when he was young, and then began his career in agriculture, his life work, in which he has met more than the ordinary amount of success. Mr. Unger's work consists of general farming, supplemented by stock raising. His stock includes Shorthorn and a few Jersey cows, Duroc hogs. English shires, and Gold Lace and Wyandotte chickens. His stock bears a reputation in Clinton county as being of the blue ribbon variety, and Mr. Unger is very proud of his success in this line of endeavor. He is also a successful apiarist, keeping about fifteen hives of bees. He owns one hundred and twenty-nine and one-half acres of fertile land here, all tillable with the exception of three acres. The land is well improved in every respect, and is lasting testimony to Mr. Unger's skill as an agriculturist. Mr. LTnger built his own home on his estate, and it is a splendid example of the modern farmhouse. The visitor to the Unger homestead is always assured a cordial welcome, for our subject is imbued with that gracious hospitality which is productive of the esteem and respect of every acquaintance and friend. He is a "hail fellow well met.'' in all that that oft-repeated phrase connotes.

On January 7. 1875 John Unger was married to Mary K. Lucas, who was born August 16, 1854 in North Carolina, in Montgomery county, and was the daughter of Joel and Xancv ( Graves) Lucas, natives of the Old North State. The father was a farmer and in politics a Republican. Mrs. Unger, accompanied by her parents, moved from North Carolina to Clav countv. Ind.. and later came to Roone county. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Unger, namely: Mattie B.. born October 30. 1875. died October 3, 1880: Otis C., born April 22. 1878. married Donna Catron: George V., born July 7, 1880. married Olive Campbell: David E.. horn May 1, 1883, died April 9. 1887; John A., born October 29, 1885, married Velma Catron: and Franklin C.. born November 18. 1889. married Fern Vencill. Franklin C. Unger is a graduate of the noted school at Trenton. Missouri, with the class of 1909. Mrs. Unger died on February 16. 1913.

Mr. Unger has acted as administrator in the successful settling up of two estates and is at present acting as guardian of a minor heir. Fraternally, he is a Mason at Middlefork. Religiously, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, having joined when he was thirteen years of age. Politically. he is a Democrat, and was trustee of Warren township from 1900 to 1904.

Mary Katherine Unger ('Lucas'), daughter of Joel and Nancy Lucas, was born August 16, 1854. in Montgomery county. North Carolina. Died February 16. 1913. aged fifty-eight years and six months.

At the age of six years, she with her parents, thirteen brothers and sisters, came to this state, the family settling in the western part of Boone county, where she grew to young womanhood. At the age of nineteen she united with the Mount Zion Methodist Protestant church, near her home.

January 7, 1875, she was united in marriage to John Unger, who. together with four sons and e'even grand children, one brother and two sisters still survive: two children, one daughter, "Mattie Belle, and one son. David Edward, having preceded her to the home beyond. The sons living are Otis C.. George Y.. John A. and Franklin C. Candace Routh and Hannah Dean, sifters, and Purdine Lucas, brother, are the only nne<; of the large family of brothers and sifters who still survive her.

She was a faithful wife and loving mother, a kind and obliging neighbor. The deepest affection was shown by her for her four sons and her love was ever concerned with their welfare.

During her last illness she requested her visiting minister to pray for her boys. Before she died she drew her husband down to her. and. with her arms lovingly around bis neck, told him that Jesus had heard her prayers and all was well and she was ready to go.

Perry E. Stoms

Perry L. Stoms is one of the later generation of farmers and stock raisers of Clinton county, native and to the manner born, rvho form an important element in the maintenance of the prosperity of the county and are helping greatly to extend its wealth. He is a son of an early pioneer of this part of Indiana w'ho played an important part in developing the agriculutral resources of this famous region. He is a man who keeps himself thoroughly posted upon leading events, political, religious, business and scientific, and is a man of decided views, adhering to his convictions with the natural strength of his character.

Perry E. Stoms was born on September 1, 1878. in Warren township, Clinton county, and is the son of Isaac H. Stoms and Jemima A. (Kingery) Stoms. Isaac H. Stoms is accorded a lengthy review on another page of this work, but it is fitting that a synopsis of his useful career should be written at this time. Isaac H. Stoms was born on the 16th of August, 1825, in New Jersey, the son of William and Phoebe (Hughes) Stoms. The parents were natives of Xew Jersey, and the father was a farmer all of his life, and a Republican. Isaac H. Stoms was one of five children: Mary Jane, Isaac, Martha. Jacob and William, all deceased. After a common school education. Isaac H. Stoms moved from Xew; Jersey to Dearborn county. Indiana, and then to Clinton county in the early forties. He died on August 16. 1887. after an unusually prosperous life as a farmer. He served in Company F. Fifty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil wrar. His marriage to Jemima Kingery occurred on July 20, 1871. and to the union two children were born- - Dora May, born May 24, 1874, died in October, 1911, the w ife of John Hale, and Perry E.. our subject.

Perry E. Stoms had the advantage of an education in the common schools of his home county, and having learned the agricultural art from hR honored father, he embarked <oon after leaving school in the occupation of farming and «tcok raising. He is. at present, farming in Warren township. this county, and owns two hundred acres of excellent farm land, all tillable with the exception of thirty acres. The land is web ditched and otherwise improved according to the dictates of the twentieth century. Good fences surround and subdivide the estate. Mr. Stoms owns his own home in Middlefork. and it is a commodious and substantial dwelling. Besides general farming Mr. Stoms specializes in the raising of fine Jersey cows, a general breed of hogs and draft and general purpose horses. Mr. Stoms is proud of his stock, and is a frequent exhibitor.

On December 24. 1900. Mr. Stoms wras united in marriage with Bertha McAlrath. whao was born in Howard county. Indiana, on Tune 26, 1883, and was the daughter of Henry and Florence (Morris) McAlrath. Her parents are natives of Indiana, and are both living at this writing. Mrs. Stoms received a common school education, also high school training at Russiaville, Howard county, Indiana. There has been no issue to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Stoms.

Isaac H. Stoms

So long as there is a history will men and women love to read of their forefathers who braved the untracked forests of the West, so that homes might be built, and the resources of a new country opened up. Their mission was a heroic one; they were not driven from the East bv religious oppression. political strife, or any other thing such as our ancestors across the sea have had to experience; instead, they traveled over the mountains and struck this territory because there they believed awaited greater prosperity and, in consequence, better homes for their children. Their names are written in letters of gold, and will ever be perpetuated in the annals of the country. One of the sturdy, God-fearing men was Isaac H. Stoms, a native of New Jersey. He came to Clinton county before there were any railroads, roads, bridges, and just a few settlements far apart, with homes scattered in the forest, surrounded by the native inhabitants, in the shape of animals and Indians. He w as an honorable, courteous and sympathetic man. an indefatigable worker, and a man who held the esteem of every one who knew him.

Isaac II. Stoms was born on August 16. 1825. in New Jersey, the son of William and Phoebe ('Hughes) Stoms. These parents were natives of New Jersey, and the father died when our subject was a small child. The mother died in 1878. The father was a farmer all of his life, and an active supporter of the Republican party. Five children were born to these parents: Mary Jane, Isaac, Martha, Jacob and William, all deceased.

In his youth our subject received a common school education. He moved from his native state. New Jersey, to Dearborn county. Indiana, and then to Clinton county in the early forties. He entered the agricultural profession and continued in it during his entire life. He was verv prosperous in this vocation, and being a good trader, he possessed at the time of his death, on August 16, 1887', over eight hundred acres of excellent and tillable land. Mr. Stoms saw a little service in the Civil war. enlisting in 1864, at one of the last calls for volunteers, in Company F. Fifty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry. During the short time he was permitted to serve, however,

On July 20, 1871. Mr. Stoms was married to Jemima Kingery, who was born in Union county, Indiana, on February 17, 1844, the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Morrier) Kingery. Her father was a native of the Old Dominion and died in August, 1863. Her mother came from the state of Pennsylvania, and she passed from this life in 1881. Both parents lived and worked on a farm all of their lives. The father was a hardy specimen of the American farmer, and was a stanch Republican all of his life. Two children were born to the union of our subject and wife: Dora May, born

Mrs. Stoms was twice married. Her first husband was William Stoms, a brother of Isaac Stoms. our subject. William Stoms was born on August 30, 1833. and was married to Jemima Kingery on March 4, i860. He was a soldier in the Civil war, enlisting in 1864 for a short term of service. His death occurred soon after the close of that conflict. Mrs. Stoms now lives in Middlefork. where she has a home and about three hundred and seventy acres of excellent farm land, all tillable but about sixty acres. The land is well tiled, fenced and improved in various other ways. Mrs. Stoms rents the w hole of the land.

James B. Hill

The foundation of prosperity in Indiana is agriculture and the faithful husbandman can truly be called a pillar of the state, though in an inconspicuous way. Such was Tames B. Hill, the memory of whose labors remains. though he has passed from this life.

Mr. Hill was born in Hamilton. O., August. 1828. When he was but a lad of eight years his parents brought him to Tippecanoe county and settled on a farm where they remained during the life-time of the parents. The tribulations endured by the early pioneers were not unknown to the Hill family, but thev weathered the hardships in grand style and succeeded.

Southard. Her father was a native of New Jersey, and came to Butler county, Ohio, when but a baby. Afterward lie moved to Jefferson, Ind., where he was a merchant, then to Frankfort. He has the distinction of being one of the earliest settlers in the county, following his trade as a merchant all the time. At one time it was estimated that he owned a large part of the east side of Frankfort. He had six children, four of whom are still living. No children were born to Mr. and Mrs. James Hill, but she has two children by her first husband, John F. Ross, they being Charles \V. and John F. Ross.

Mr. Southard was a merchant in Frankfort, all his life. He had no ambitions to shine in the limelight of publicity by entering political life, but he supported the Democratic party very materially. He attended the Presbyterian church.

James B. Hill was a farmer most of his life, following that vocation in Tippecanoe county until he moved to Frankfort about fifteen vears ago. The remainder of his life he spent retired. Fraternally, he was a member of the Masonic Order, and in religion was a Presbyterian.

The farming interest of Warren township, Clinton county, are carried on by an active and intelligent class of men who are thus performing their share in maintaining and extending the agricultural interests of this locality. Among them is the gentleman whose name is at the head of this sketch, and who is a member of one of the pioneer families of this section. Mr. Catron has wrought great improvements on his farm whereby it has become one of the best ordered farms in the western part of the county the soil being adaptable for full cultivation and valuable improvements on every hand adding to its worth and attractiveness. Mr. Catron is endowed with strength of mind and ability, and his sensible and practical views give him much prestige in his home community. Fie has achieved universal success and the esteem and respect of all.

M. R. Catron was born on September 16, 1858, in Warren township, Clinton county, and was the son of iVndrew and Sarah (Proffit) Catron. Andrew Catron was a native of Tennessee, having been born there in 1822, and moved to Indiana after his marriage. He bought land in this county, and led the life of a farmer, passing from this earth in April, 1896.

The mother was born in 1828, in Tennessee, and died in October, 1903. These parents received, in their youth, the best education that the pioneer schools afforded. Ten children came to bless the union: one who died in infancy: Jacob L., Louisa I., John T., Sarah C., Adam, Henry Douglas, N. R., and Emma.

M. R. Catron has followed farming all of his life, and has been singularly successful at it. He owns one hundred and thirty-seven acres of good land, all tillable but twenty acres. The estate is well tiled, and is otherwise improved. Mr. Catron, himself, cleared part of the land, and built fencing. He raises Shorthorn cattle, a general breed of hogs, and general purpose horses. His stock is well cared for, and ranks high among the stock dealers of the county and state.

Mr. Catron was united in marriage with Sarah Ridnour on April 9, 1884. She was born in Warren township, Clinton county, on October 9, 1859. Her parents were natives of Maryland, farmers, and the father was a supporter of the Democratic party. Mrs. Catron was given the benefits of a good common school education. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Catron eight children have been born: Elba, Lora, Fern, Curtis, Jesse, Cleo, William Bryan, and Arnold.

In the political circles of Clinton county, Mr. Catron has always taken an active part. He is a staunch Democrat, and was once supervisor in Warren township. He is at present on the advisory board and his services in this capacity are very acceptable to everyone. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Middlefork, and is treasurer of the lodge. In religious affairs, Mr. Catron belongs to the Universalist church.

Dr. Owen A. J. Morrison

One of the oldest practitioners of the county of Clinton and one who has made a success of his vocation in every way is Dr. Owen A. J. Morrison, of Middlefork, Warren township, and in a biographical work such as this it is highly appropriate and necessary that he should lie given specific mention. Rapid progress has been made in the medical science since Dr. Morrison began active practice, but it must be said to his credit that he has kept abreast of the times in every particular, and has been successful, not only personally, but in the operation and technical side of his profession. Dr. Morrison is one (42) of the pioneers of Indiana, and comes from a family who have made their name honored and respected in the county - indeed, in the state and country, and their activities have always been directed into a channel where some benefit would come to the community of their home and the people who were their friends.

Dr. Owen A. J. Morrison was born on February 26. 184;. in Warren township, Clinton county, and was the son of Tames and Margaret fSpahrj Morrison. Tames Morrison was horn February 10, 1705. in Fleming county, Kentucky, moving to Clinton county in 1827. and entering land in Warren township in 1831. Before coming to Indiana, however. Mr. Morrison had moved to Ohio, where he followed farming and was a surveyor. He was one of the first men to come to the locality of linton county with the intention of hewing a home from the wilderness. He succeeded in making good in this country, and lived a very active and useful life. He was a Democrat in politics, as are most of the Morrison family. He passed from this life in October. 1870. Our subject's mother was born July 27. 1800. in Washington countv, Pennsylvania, and moved from there with her parents to Ohio, where she married Mr. Morrison. She was called to her depth on July 17, 1886. Both these parents had good educations, considering the character of the schools in those days. The father, for a time, taught school. Seven children were born to this union, and they are all deceased with the exception of our subject. The children were: John. Martin S.. Henrv Y..

Dr. Owen Morrison obtained his early education in the schools of Warren township, also received some schooling in Frankfort. In 1866 he attended a commercial college in Indianapolis, and afterward the Fort Wayne Medical College, from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1880. He immediately took up the practice of his profession in Middlefork, Warren township, and is still active. He has prospered because he has never flinched from the sternest duty imposed upon him, and many times he has faced tasks and undergone hardships which were accomplished at great sacrifice to himself, but at all time he has been actuated by the divine character of his calling, the art of healing. Dr. Morrison owns his own home here in Middlefork. and it is one of the handsomest residences in the town. He also owns his own office.

On November 29. 1866. Dr. Morrison was married to Anna Johnson, who was born in Michigan township. August tt. 1848. being the daughter of William V. and Lucy (Fuel) Tohnson. The father and mother were both horn in Ohio, and the former was an honored attorney-at-law in Michigantown, this county. Two children have been born to Dr. Morrison and wife, namely: William H., born January 31, 1870, married Hattie E. Shaffer,

Since May, 1866. Dr. Morrison has been a member of the Masonic lodge: he now is enrolled in the Middlefork branch. Religiouslv. he is a member of the Universalist church. Until 1884 he voted the Democratic ticket, but in that year he changed to the Prohibition party.

Calvin Unger

Perhaps no family in the history of Clinton county has occupied a more prominent position or has had more of an active part in the shaping of the county policy and history than the Unger family. The representatives of this large and illustrious family have spread into the four quarters of the globe, but Clinton county mav claim the possession of their name and good works. From the sturdy and thrifty George Unger, who was born in the German Empire in the sixteenth century, and who came to this country at a time when states were being formed and French and English explorers were alternately discovering new country and fighting hostile Indians, down to the present generation, represented strongly in Clinton county, the line has been one worthy of history's proudest encomiums. The LYigers have not alwavs trod the royal road to prosperity : reverses which may fall to any people of the earth have obstructed their way; ambitions have been crushed, ideals shattered, hopes blighted, and dreams dissolved, but the steely persistence of the Teuton of old has predominated, and success has come from mvriads of deeds and activities rightly performed. Calvin Unger is typical of the Unger blood, and it is our pleasure to present the facts in his life history which shall prove his right to hold the name of Unger.

Calvin Unger was born on October 5, 1861. in Warren township. Clinton county, Indiana, and was the son of George W. and Elvira (Maggart) Unger. George W. Unger was the son of George and Elizabeth (Bailey) Unger, who are given narrative treatment in the sketch of Martin V. Unger, a brother of our subject. George W. Unger was born on May 28, 1823, in Morgan countv. West Virginia, and died on December 20. 1802. in Clinton county. He was married to Elvira Maggart on March 13. 1851, and she was born January 12, 1828, and died February 28, 1896. In 1866 George Unger was elected to the office of magistrate and was re-elected four successive terms of four years each. In 1886 he was drawn on the United States jury. Fraternally, he was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Middlefork lodge, No. 304. Nine children were born to Elvira Unger, namely: Sarah, John, David. Martin V.. Nancy J., Calvin, Eliza E. and

Calvin Unger received a common school education in his youth. After leaving school he took up farming, which he learned in all its phases, and was trained properly by his father, so that it is nothing strange that he has made a success of his business. He has confined In'- farming activities to Warren township, and at present owns one hundred and thirty-five acres of excellent farm land, all tillable but about fifteen acres, and equipped fully with the most modern improvements, in tiling, fencing, farm building, and implements. Most of these improvements have been built by Mr. Unger, and it speaks well for his versatilitv and adaptability. Mr. Effiger ha^ a nice home on his estate, and it is of approved and convenient architecture. Mr. Unger raises a mixed breed of hogs. Jersey cows, and heavy draft and Shire horses. In the breeding of the Shire homes Mr. Unger has had unusual success. By careful mating and caution he has produced animals fifteensixteenths pure, and in one more season will have a pure Shire stock. Buff Orphington chickens are also raised on the Unger farm in large numbers.

On August 16, 1884, Mr. Unger was married to Eliza E. Branstetter, who was bom in Warren township. Clinton county, on the 25th day of October, 1868, the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Harmon) Branstetter. Her father was a native of Ohio and a farmer by occupation. He died March 4, 1876. Mrs. Unger's mother was born in Tennessee in 1844, and departed from this life on March 14, 1909. To Calvin Unger and wife five children have been born, namely: Ada D., born August 26, 1885. died

Fraternally, Mr. Unger is a Mason at Middlefork. The Methodist Episcopal church claims his membership, and he is a willing supporter of that institution. Politically, Mr. Unger is allied with the party now in power - the Democratic.

John Berry

To such gentlemen as John Berry, well known agriculturist and stock raiser of Russiaville, Forest township, is the locality of which this volume treats indebted for its high rank as a farming section, its prestige and high standing as a rich and finely developed community. Mr. Berry is an adept at farming, and has one of the best managed and most orderly farms in his township. He is known to his neighbors as a man of sensible views and sound convictions on all subjects with which he is conversant, and. taking a great interest in the general development of his community while he is laboring for his individual advancement, he has won and retained the respect and good will of all who know him.

John Berry was born February 16, 1850 in Connersville, Ind., the son of George C. and Sarah (Middleton) Berry. George C. Rerrv was born on August 22, 1818 in Maryland. When eighteen years of age he came to Indiana, accompanied by bis brother and began farming in the new country. They were the only members of the family who ever came to this territory. He died here in 1877. He farmed all of his life, and was noted for his versatility, being able to delve into most any profession, a literal Tack of all trades. Our subject's mother was born April 15. 1818, in Indiana, and she passed from this life in April. 1900. Mr. Berry was her second husband, and three children were born to them, namely: Marv E., born August 6, 1846 (deceased) : John and George, born November 6. 1854. Our subject's grandfather on his maternal side John Middleton was born on Tune 23, 1792. Both parents received the restricted education of pioneer times, and were well known and respected in their home community.

John Berrv moved to Clinton county, with his parents, when two years of age. He was educated in the common schools during the time when there was no work to be done on the farm. At the present time Mr. Berry claims a residence within the borders of Forest township for a period of sixtv-one years, an unusual record and one that speaks well for the prosperity of the community and the industry of our subject. He owns an excellent farm of one hundred and eighty acres, all of which is tillable but eight acres. The estate is well tiled, fenced, and the most modern equipment is used in the management of the place. Mr. Berry has a nicely furnished and appointed home thereon. Besides general farming. Mr. Berry raises Shorthorn cattle, Duroc hogs and general purpose horses. Fraternally. Mr. Berry is a Mason,

Mr. Berry has been twice married, his first wife being Elizabeth Nunnemaker, and he was married to her on September 15, 1S72. Two children were born to this union. Myrtle M. and Herman. Mrs. Berry was born in this countv in 1849, anc^ "'as the daughter of Joseph Xunnemaker. She departed this life September 15, 1882.

On February 16. 1898. Mr. Berry was married the second time, to Cora McKinney, who was born in the state of Kentucky in Tune. 1867, the daughter of David and Mary F. (Crosswhite) McKinney, and died in March, 1909. She was the mother of two children, namely: Margie, born

John A. Merrick

To attain a worthy citizenship by a life that is alwavs honored and respected even from childhood deserves more than mere mention. It is no easy task to resist the temptations of youth and early manhood and plant a character in the minds and hearts of associates that will remain an unstained figure for all time. One may take hK place in life through some vigorous stroke of public policy and even remain in the hearts of friends and neighbors. but to take such a position bv dint of the practice of an upright life and without a craving for exaltation and popularity, is worthv of the highest praise and commendation. John A. Merrick, one of the sturdy citizens of Forest township. Clinton county, is a man respected and honored, not because of the vigorous training of his special talents, but because of his daily life, which is a record of real, true manhood. Strong and forceful in his relations with his fellow men. he has gained the good will of his associates, ever retaining his reputation among men for integrity and high character.

John A. Merrick was born September 30. 1847. 'n the house where he now lives in Forest township. Clinton county. In the early days his father carried the cedar and pine trees to this place from Indianapolis on horseback. Our subject's father was John Merrick and his mother wras, before marriage. Nancy Tyner, born in 1813. and the daughter of Rev. William Tyner. She died on September 24, 1870. John Merrick, subject's father, was born December 17, 1815. in Pennsylvania, and moved to Ripley county, Indiana. wrhen about eighteen years of age and came to Clinton county in 1846.

\\ hen twenty-six years old, he married Xancy Tyner, and to this union there was born a family of six children, namely: O. M., William H., deceased; John A.. India, Martha and George \V. Mr. Merrick married the second time, in 1872, to Cynthia A. Hutchison, who was born in Switzerland count}-, Indiana, on March 1, 1831. Mr. Merrick was a farmer all of his life, having cleared the land comprising his farm. He passed from this life in January, 1895.

John A. Merrick, our subject, received a common school education in a log cabin school, which was the best the countv afforded in those days. Later he attended Franklin College for a while, and graduated from the Ann Arbor Law School in 1873. After this event he returned to farming, which vocation he has followed untiringly all of his life. He is now managing the old Merrick home place in Forest township. There he owns one hundred and sixty acres, and ninety four acres in another farm of the same township. Of the one hundred and sixty acres all is tillable with the exception of thirty-five acres, which is in woods. The land is well tiled, and otherwise improved in the most modern fashion, the equipment being the work of Mr. Merrick himself. With the exception of six vears. which was spent in Frankfort in the practice of law. Mr. Merrick has carried on general farming. He has retired from active work, but runs the farm, however, and in a most successful manner. Besides general crop cultivation. Mr. Merrick raises various kinds of excellent stock, including Shorthorn cattle. Duroc hog' and general purpose horses, mostly Norman. Mr. Merrick brought the first Jersey Red hog that was ever in this county. Mr. Merrick finds time to take an active interest in the affairs of the Baptist church, and in the political circle' of the county he bears the reputation of being one of the staunchest defenders the Republican party possesses.

Mr. Merrick was united in marriage on May 13, 1873 to Nancy J. Sims, who was born in Warren township, this county, on February 27, 1848. the daughter of Cicero and Mary (Black) Sims. Mrs. Merrick's father was born January 12. 1822 in Rush county, Indiana, and lie moved to Clinton county in 1835, dying there July 6, 1913. Her mother was born June 6, 1824, in Wayne county. Indiana, and is still living in Frankfort. She was married to Mr. Sims seventy-one years ago the first day of last March, which fact comes near to being a record for the state. Mrs. Merrick was the mother of four children, namely: Lulie. born on February 25, 1874. died receiving a good education in the Frankfort high school and Franklin College; Mary, born September 28, 1878, died in 1882; McDade, born December 15, 1881, died in 1882.

Bertrand D. Ogle, the husband of Martha Merrick, was born September 3, 1872, in Elizabethtown. Indiana, and was the son of John and Rachael H. (Lough) Ogle. John S. Ogle was born October 9, 1844, in Williamstown, Kentucky, and was the son of John and Amanda Ogle. He died February 5, 1913. In his early life he came with his parents to Westport, Bartholomew county, Indiana, from which place he moved to Clinton countv in 1873. In 1893 he entered the mercantile business at Forest, which he continued for a period of fifteen years, after which he retired to his farm. On August 10, 1865. he was united in marriage with Rachael Lough, and to this union were born: Bertrand D.. Mrs. Lee Kelly, of Talbot and Earl C.. of Moran. Mrs. Ogle died on July 12. 1903: she was born November 3, 1846.

Bertram Ogle received a common school education in the schools of Forest township, and then was in the general merchandise business at Forest for fifteen years, and was very successful in this undertaking. For the last four years, however. Mr. Ogle has farmed, owning one hundred and twenty acres of tillable and fertile land. All is well improved, tiled, etc., with the exception of eight acres. Mr. Ogle belongs to the Masonic Order at Forest, and takes an active part in the fraternal life of the town. Religiously, he is a Baptist and politically he is a Democrat, serving on the advisory board at the present time in Forest township.

On April 29. 1903. Mr. Ogle was married to Martha L. Merrick, the daughter of John Merrick of this sketch. No children have been born to this union.

Ira H. Beard

One of the best known and most representative agriculturists of Warren township, Clinton county, is Ira H. Beard, a man who has worked hard and managed well at the same time has so ordered his ways that he has avoided offense to those with whom he has had dealings or come into contact with in any way, being a man with proper conceptions regarding right and wrong and one who believes in following the precepts of the Golden Rule in the every-day affairs as near as possible, consequently he has ever enjoyed the confidence of his neighlxws and acquaintances. Mr. Beard has turned his attention to his farming interests, but he has more than once

Mu And Mrs

Ira H. Beard was born on April 14, 1865, in Warren township, this county, in the old Beard homestead, and was the son of Adam and Mary (Sheets) Beard. Adam Beard was born October 15, 1828 in the state of Virginia, in Washington county, and he was six years old when he left the Old Dominion with his honored parents, crossed the Wabash river in wagons, and settled in Clinton county. He undertook the usual occupation of the pioneer - farming, and he made a success from the start, although he was compelled to work hard and redeem his farm from the wilderness. The mother of our subject was born December 24, 1831, in Virginia also, and she died April 11, 1904. Mr. Beard passed from this life October 18, 1904. Eight children were born of this union: Sarah, married Baltzer Gordon; Louisa A., Margaret C., Phillip M., Mary J., Rebecca, Ira H., and James A.

Ira H. Beard attended the common schools, and later the high school at Frankfort, so that the advantages of a fairly good education were his. Naturally, he took up farming immediately after his departure from school, and in the agricultural profession he has continued ever since, also has confined his endeavors within the limits of Warren township. He owns fifty-three and one-half acres in this township, all of which is tillable but four or five acres. Mr. Beard farms a total of two hundred and eighty acres, all of which is well improved in every respect. He raises an excellent grade of live stock - Jersev cows, Poland-China and Duroc hogs, Hamiltonian driving horses, and general purpose animals. Fraternally, Mr. Beard is a member of the Woodmen of the World lodge at Frankfort, and is a Mason at Middlefork. He has been very prominent in the affairs of the Methodist Protestant church, having held office in that institution. In politics. Mr. Beard is a Democrat, and in 1908 was elected trustee of Warren township, Clinton county, and in this capacity he is now serving with much satisfaction to his constituents.

On October 3, 1886, Mr. Beard was married to Mary L. Kreisher, who was born in Clinton county on September 13, 1866, the daughter of Selby and Margaret (Thompson) Kreisher, natives of Indiana. Mrs. Beard's father was a farmer all of his life, and in politics, a Democrat. To this felicitous union there has been born seven children, namely: Asa L., married Neva Walter, live in Terre Haute, attending State Normal School; Lola G., Velma G., Pansy T., Paul R., and Mary R. Melvin Ottis, the eldest, died at the age of eighteen years.