Dearborn County, Indiana - The whole text, 1915 (part 11 of 15)

.A.t least four generations of the Squibb family, including- this generation, of which Nathaniel E.. the subject of this sketch, is a representative, have lived in Dearborn county. Mr. Scjuibb's paternal grandfather, Robert Squibb, \\-as a native of this county. He married Eliza Cumn-iins, \vhosc ancestors came from Penns_\lvania. Robert Squibb was killed by an explosion which occurred when the running of the first train over the first railroad built into .A-iu'ora was being celebrated. His wiflow li\ed to he a very old ladv. She was the mother of three children, William P., George W. and INIrs. Alta M. Foulk. ^ilrs. Foulk is the mother of Louis II. Fonik, who is associated with the Scjuibb brothers at the present time in tlie management of the William P. Squibb & Company.

Nathaniel E. Squibb was only si.x years old when his parents moved from Aurora to Greendale (Lawrenceburg), Dearborn county. Fie was educated in the public schools of Lawrenceburg and lost no time between the period when he finished school and the period when he went to work for his father in the distillery. Fie began at the bottom of the business and learned it from the bottom u]). After having learned the business thoroughly he became a sales agent for the firm, filling this position in connection with his duties as \-ice-president of the firm.

Nathaniel E. S(]uibb was married on ^lay i. 1901, to Elizabeth Hunter Carter, the daughter of Richard D. and Catherine Jane (Smith) Carter. They are the parents of two children. \\'illiam P., Jr., and Jane Carter.

Mrs. Squibb was born in Petersburg-, Boone county, Kentucky, September 4, 1878. Fler mother was a native of that state and her father was born in West \'irginia. Richard D. Carter was reared at Wheeling, West \'irginia. and received his education in that city. He gradually worked into the distilling business from experiments he made on his father's farm in manufacturing apple brand}-. He was in the distilling business until his death, and was regarded as an expert also in the manufacture of compressed yeast. He died in 18S5, at the age of forty-six years. Mrs. Carter is still living and is sixty years old. Mr. Carter was a member of the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Carter is a member of the Christian church. Richard D. Carter served as a soldier in the Civil War. He was a private and a member of a battery of heavy artillery recruited in West Virginia. Richard D. Carter's father was Samuel Hunter Bell Carter, a native of old Virginia, who died in West

Virginia at the age of sixty-eight years. Samuel H. B. Carter married ^hirtlia Bishop. They owned a hirge country estate near W'heehng, where lie \\as engag"ed in the distilhng business. They had nine cliildren : Sarah }\, Eh'zabetli, Thumas. John, Henry, Emily, Eva, Wihiam and Richard D. Mrs. Squihlj's maternal grandfather was a merchant, a druggist, and sui)erintendcnt of a larg'e cooperage works. His name is \\'illiam W. Smith and his wife was Elizabeth McXeely, he a native of Xew York state, ami she of Kentucky. Tliey li\"ed at Eetersburg, whicli was the scene of most of his activities. They both died in Petersburg-, she at the age of fift\' anfl he at the age of seventy-five. Their children were William. Catlierine, Jane. Sue. Harry, Ida, John and Benjamin. Ik-fore his marriage to Elizabeth McX'eelv \\'illiam W. Smith had married a Hiss W'ingate and had had two children. Mary and Sophia, by that marriage. Mrs. Nathaniel E. Squiblj, therefore, is descended from a line of ancestors had been prominent in three or four states where the\- had lived.

]\Ir. and ]\lrs. Xathaniel E. Si|uibb are members of the Church of Christ. Xathaniel E. Squibl) has been prominent!)- connected with the Deniocratic party all of his life and is now a member of the Greendale town board. He bias alread\- ser\-ed three years.

X'athaniel E. Squibb belongs to a famil_\- whose g"Ood fortune it has been to accumulate a great deal of -wealth. This wealth, however, has not come without effort. X'athaniel E. Squibb has contributed his share of the efforts and energ"}' it has required to make the business pay handsomely. X^'athaniel E. Sr|mdjb is well known in southeastern Indiana ; in fact, is well kno-wn throughout the middle We-^t, especially by his connection with the wellknown Lawrenceburg firm. ]\Ir. Squibb is popular persrmallv and his personal charm has been no sm.all factor in his success.

X'^o class of '"Xew- Americans" has shown its appreciation of Uncle Sam's generous attitude toward all nations more than our Irish cousins, and none ha\'e been more ready to fall in line and abide b\' conditions as thev found them, except that they ha\-e ever been ready and anxious to do their part in bettering the condition of the general luiblic, when called upon to do so. The quick and read\- \vit of the Irish people, their most valuable asset. enables them to blend readilv in anv nation.

John B. Kennedy, deceased, son of Thomas J. Kenncdv aufi Mary (Dowliui;') Kenncdv, was born in Count}' lvill<ciin\-, Ireland. AuL;u>t lo. 1834. He received his e(Uieation in the l:iu<.l of his nativit_\- and reniainetl there until he was se\-enteen years of age. Being- chssatisfied with the opportunities afforded in his own country, he determined to seek his fortune in the I'nited States, and, coming here in 1871, lie settled in Ci^xingtmi, Kentucky, where he followed various pursuits for twn years, and tlien went to work for James ^^'alsh in his distillery in Ci)vington, lieing Later transferred to his distillery in Lawrencehurg, where he was employed as proofmaker. He was careful and attentive to his duties, and as an eviilence of his faithfulness, was retained in the employ of ]\Ir. Walsh for thirty-nine _\ears. He was a member of the town council, and at the time of his death, which occurred in Bawrenceljtu'g in 191 2, was a devout member of the Catli'dic church. His parents were nati\'es o\ Ireland. His father was a farmer in Countv Kilkenii}-. and li\ed near Thomastown, where he died at middle age. His mother died at the age of seventy-six years. Thex' were the parents of five cliildren, namely: John B. ; James, uf Cincinntiti, Ohin; I'liilip, wlio died in : Mar_\-, deceased, A\ho \\as the wife of James I^inskx' : and Ellen, wife of Thnnias Shea, nf Thomastown, Count\' Kilkennv. Ireland. The paternal grandfather was Thomas Kennedy, who died in Ireland. He had tw(T brothers. John and James.

On July 3. 1877, John B. Kenncdv was united in marriage withi Anna Hicke\-, at X'ewport. Kentuek"y. She is a daughter of James and Margaret (Kanders) Hickew John B. and Anna (Hickey) Kenneily were the parents of eight children, ^lary, Margaret E., Thomas, Jr., Jnhn J., Rcibert Emmet, Elora, Daniel C. and Eugenia.

Mary Kennedy was graduated from the Lawrencehurg high sclmi'l. and was also grarluated from the Louisville City Hospital Training Scinic.il, in iQOO, as well as fmm the Southern College of Phannac\', of Atlanta, Georgia, in 1905. She then returned home and Ixiught the drug- st')re of Dr. George E. Smith, and in connection with drug-gist's sundries, also sells carjdv, ice cream, sioda water, paints and 'mIs. She is a young woman of culture and refinement, and her executi\e al>ilitv is greatly admired by an extended circle of lo\al friends. She is a tlmrough and successful xoung business woman. Margaret E. is principal of the grade department of the Lawrencebm-g- public school. Thomas J. died at the age of four n-ionths. Jolm J. is a rectifier for tlie Ed. B. Staunton & Company, of Columbus. Ohio. His wife was Amelia Bryant. They have had two children. Shirley and Donald. Robert Emmet was married to Ai-nelia Garnier, and has a soil, Robert E., Jr. Flora is at St. Vinctnt's Hcispital, Indiana[)oli.s. traiiiincf to become a mirsc. Daniel C. is in the employ of Bentley Brothers, cif Toledo, Ohio, in construction wirk. Eugenia is finishing her last year in high scb.ool, which makes six children from this family who have been graduated from the Lawrenceburg high school.

Mrs. Anna (Hicke_\-) Kenned}-, deceased, wb.o was the wife of tlie subject of this sketch, was born in County Clare. Ireland, ]\lay 21, 185 j. and was educated there. She came to America with an aunt, a ;\Irs. Kellew and made her home at Xeupi.irt. Kcntuckv, where she was married. Her parents died in Ireland, leaxing the following children: James, of Sharpsburg, Kentucky; Bridget, wife of Thomas Ouinn. of Harvey, Illinois: Anna. deceased; Michael, of Danville, Kentucky; John, who died in Ireland; and Margaret, who resides at Madisonville, Ohio. Like her husband, Mrs. Kennedv was an earnest member of the Catholic church.

Saaiuel .Wres Van Horn

As the shadow moves along the dial, but no one perceived it moving; and it appears that the grass has grow n. though nobody ever saw it grow ; so the advances made in knowledge, as they consist of such insensible steps, are only perceivable at a distance. The same truly ma}- be said of the progress of communities in a civic, social and industrial wav. The present generation is conscious of the countless advantages shared by all the members of the communit}-. but rarely is thought gixen as to how these advantages were secured, it requiring the perspective of history to bring into view the insei-isil)le steps b}- which die preseiit lofty heights were reached. It is this perspective which volun-ies of this character design to lend to the view. A rigid comparison of the days of the pioneers of this community w-ith those of the presei-it generation is as startling as it is illuminating, and if this historical and biographical work shall do no more than to create within the breasts of the }-oung-er generation of readers a vivid and comprehensive appreciation of the blessings they so readily accei)t as common gifts, the lalx>r of its compilation shall haxe been well requited. There are still a few of the pioneers remaming in this section who have seen these con-imonlvaccepted blessings slowly bud and blossom and fructify, and it is of one of these that this brief biography shall treat, the venerable Samuel Ayres Van Horn, of Lawrenceburg. one of the best known and most highly regarded

Samuel A}Tes \^an Horn, a retired hay dealer, who lives at 159 Ridge avenue, Lawrencehurg', Indiana, \\as born on York ridge, in York townsliip, Dearliorn county, Inilian.a. January 15. 1S33, the son of Cornelius and L\'dia (Ayres) \'an Horn, the former of was a native of New Yorkstate and the latter of wliom was a native of Virginia, early settlers of this county.

Cornelius \''an Horn was the son of Cornelius Van Horn, a native New Yorker, who came to Dearborn county by way of Cincinnati in which latter city lie resided a wliile before coming here in 1S16. v^hen Cornelius, Jr.. was eight years of age. He first located on I'anner's creek, but later bought land on 'S'ork ridge, in York to\\-nship, wheie he and his wife spent the remainder rif their lives, both living to good old ages. They were the parents of four cliiklren, Andrew. Cornelius, J(-ihn and Jane. Cornelius,' the secrind of these, grew to manhood on the jiaternal farm and remained a farmer all his life, becoming one of the most important factors in the development of that section of the county. He married L}'dia Ayres, daughter of Samuel A\ res, one of the pioneer settlers of the Cincinnati neighborhood, whose father had a large farm near Mount Pleasant, where he and his wife lived to ripe old age and where they reared a family of five children, Stephen, Samuel, Emaline, Julia and Anna.

To Cfirnelius and Lvdia (A\'res) Van Horn were born seven children, namely: John, who died in California in 1912; Samuel A., the immediate subject of this sketch; Stephen, deceased: Elizabeth, who died unmarried: Angelina, deceased: Harrison, who died in Los Angeles, California, in December, 19 14, and George Cornelius, deceased. Cornelius Van Horn was one of the most prominent fanners in York township, owning- a fine farm of three hundred and fifty acres on York ridge, and he and his wife, both of whom were earnest members of the Methodist church, were active in all the good works of the commiuiity and were held in the highest repute throughout the entire countryside. He died at the age of eighty-two, his wife having preceded hiin to the grave a few }-ears previously.

Samuel A. \'an Horn was rea'-ed on the paternal farm on York ridge, .growing into a full knowledge of the ways of successful farming, and remained at home until the time of his marriage. In the days of ]\Ir. Van Horn's boyhood the schools were not as well organized as in this day and he therefore did not possess the wonderful advantages in that line possessed by the youth of today, Inis scliooling l)eing hmiictl to attendance on the neighborliood school, which was secured iiy sul)scription of the settlers thereabout, but three months in the year. He a\ailed himself of these meager ad\-antage5 with such good effect, howe\"er, that he himself becaine a schorjl teacher and for twelve years tatight school in his home and other townships during the wintei' mijuths. He then engaged in farming on his own responsibility, leaving" home to take a farm on Wilson creek, in Lawrenceburg township, where he remained until the year 1S65, in which year he moved into Lawrenceburg and engaged in the hay and grain business, in which he became quite successful and wdiich he followed for nearly fifty years, at the end of which time he turned the business over to his son, William A., and his son-in-law, George T. Bateman. and is now living retired in his pleasant home on Ridge avenue, in Greendale, a surburb of the city of Lawrenceburg, calmly enjoying the evening of his life, well content with the ripe fruitage of his active career.

On Chri>tmas Day, in the year 1S62, Samuel A. Van Horn was united in marriage with Elizabeth Lockwood Emerson, who was born in the year 1838, in this comity, the daughter of pioneer settlers of the Wrights Corners neighborhood, in IMiller township. Her parents were natives of England, who came to this country and settled in ^filler township at an early day in the settlement of that part of the county and there .spent the remainder of their lives, rearing a famib of children, six of whom lived to maturit}', William, Thomas, John, Mary, Frances and Elizabeth.

To Samuel A. and Elizabeth Lockwood (Emerson) \'an Horn were born five children: Angie Lou. who died in infancy: Alma, who died at the tender age of se\en _\"ears: \\'illiani Emerscm, who died in infancy: and William A. and Fannie Belle, of whom William A. is now the only survivor. Fannie Belle \^an Horn, who married George Bateman, died on December 17, 1914. leaving her husband and two children, Frances Lockwood and George Emerson. W'illiam A. Van Horn is engaged in the hay and grain business in Cincinnati and has made quite a success ofdiis business. He married Anna Kurtzman and to this uni'.'U were born three children, Elizabeth, Cornelius Earl and Elmer. !Mrs. Samuel A. Van Florn died in IMay, 1901, at the age of sixty-three years. She was an earnest meml>er of the Presbyterian church and her children were reared in the faith of that church. Mr. Van Horn long has been actively identified with the Presbyterian congregation in Lawrenceburg and for twenty years or more, in the more active days of his career, was a trustee of the church.

an active member of the Democratic party and for many years tor>lv a pn.uninent part in the councils of iiis party in this county. He always has hecu noted for his interest in educational matters, this interest dating liack to his early experiences as a country school teacher, and lor more than twenty vears served as one of the school trustees of Greendalc. most of the time being treasurer of the board, and was head of the board at the time the present fine school house was built. He is one of the oldest memViers of Lawrenceburg Lodge No. 4, Free and Accepted Masons, in the affairs of which lodge he for many years has taken an active interest and among the membership of which he is highly honored. Mr. Van Horn looks back over manv vears of active participation in the busy life of the community in which his life thus far has been spent, with no small degree of saiisfaction. An honorable and useful career, amply rewarded by a competence for his declining days, has left him with perhaps fewer regrets than the majority of men entertain at his time of life, and he views the past frmn a point of observation which gives to his counsels a rare value. He is a most entertaining conversationalist and his comments on men and affairs are mellowed bv a good humor and a fine consideration for the foibles and frailties of humanitv which lend to them a fine charm, making him one of the must agreeable of men and delightful companions. ^Ir. Van Horn very pmpcrly is held in the verv highest regard by a large circle of devoted friends and it is peculiarlv fitting that this fin.e old gentleman, a direct link between the present generation and tliat of the pioneers, slmuld fmd here honorable mention in the history of Dearboni county. Mr. Van Horn has been a meml)cr of the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce for upwards of fifty years.

Thomas A. Fitch

- The Pilgrim and Puritan spirit has not fled. Its accents may l>e heard wherever there are gathered those who were reared under the fine influences of old New England," and in whom the hereditary principles antl ideals ^till live and burn. Both young and old are animated by the belief that the future greatness of America depends, nut upon, material possessions, but upon the souls of those who inhabit it. Quality, not cpiantity. is the watchword: and the sons will not basely relinquish that noble denKicracy, reaching up to the highest and down to the lowest, which the fathers, with so much difficulty, attained. Once a New Englander, always a New Englander. and a common ancestry-, a common enthusiasm for the great memories and tra- ditions of the past, is a tic that binds. In Deavhorn county there arc not a few \vho are bound ti;) the old Xew England traditions and ideals by ties of ancestry, in the hereditary principles still live and burn with ni'ist effective force, men and women who have proved or are proving- dominant factors in the development of the best interests of the community life. Among these properly may be mentioned the gentleman whose name the reader has noted as heading this interesting biographical review, for the family from which he has descended was, in its day and generation, one of the most forceful in the old New England colonies.

The Fitch family traces its history in this country back to Thomas Fitch, who was captain-general and governor-in-chief o\'er His ]\Iajesty's English colony of Connecticut, in New England, and who appointed Azel Fitch captain of a company under his command in the year 1760. On the distaff side of Thomas A. Fitch's family, the Hayeses, there were several ancestors who were soldiers in the Continental armv during tlie colonists' struggle for independence from British rule, and it therefore properly may be said that the Pilgrim and Puritan spirit has come down to ]\Ir. Fitch with little diminution in force. IMr. Fitch's father and his grandfather were men of high jirominence and large influence in this county and Mr. Fitch himself has done well his part in maintaining the honorable traditi'nis of his family. It therefore is but fitting and proper that in this work designed to perpetuate the memories of the past as related to this county, there should be found a place for setting out the salient points in the career of the immediate subject of this biographical re\-iew, a task to wliich the present biographer turns with pleasure.

Thomas A. Fitch, a member of the well-known firm of B^itch Brothers, livery and undertaking, Lawrenceburg, Indiana, was born in Lawrenceburg on August 20, 1S71, the son of Dewitt C. and Leah (Hayes) Fitch, both of whom were natives of this county, coming of pioneei- families.

Dewitt C. Fitch was born in Lawrenceburg, the son of Harris and Hannah (Biggs) Fitch, nati\es of New York and Kentucky, respectively, and early settlers in Lawrenceburg. \vho rlied in that town when well along in years, after a long and honored residence therein. Grandfather Fitch was one of the old town's earliest tavern keepers, the Fitch House, which he and his wife conducted for many years, having been one of the best known hostelries in this part of the country. The bodies of both Grandfather and Grandmother Fitch were buried in the old cemetery at Lawrenceliurg, but many years afterward were exhumed and given interment in the Greendale cemetery, where a fitting stone perpetuates their names for the coming gen-

Dewitt C. Fitch was reared in the town of Lawrenccburg- and during his bo\hood filled in the school vacation periods hv clerking in a grocery store, but upon reaching manhood turned tn the life of a farmer and for years was successfully engaged in farming near the town, lie was a man of large public spirit and was one of the foremost factors in the de\ clopmcnt of the town's best interests. For several temis he .served in the citv council, his voice and his vote ever being actuated by a desire to advance the city's welfare in every way. He also took an active part in the citv's business and financial life and for years was the president of the First National Rank, of Lawrenceburg, being recognized throughout the entire cnunty as a lianker of fine judgment and rare discrimination. He and his wife both were meriibers of the ^Methodist church and ever were active in promoting the various beneficences of that church, as well as showing on all occasions a deep interest in all other good works of the community. Mrs. Fitch was a daughter of Walter Ha}es, who owned a fine fami five miles north of Lawrenceburg, at the state line, where the Hayes family in this county had its origin. Dewitt C. Fitch died in July, 1S92, his wido\A- him nearh- ten vears.

To Dewitt C. and Leah (Hayes) Fitch were born nine children, seven sons and two daughters, namely: Hannah \'irginia. who married Archibald Shaw, of Lawrenceburg: Flenry, who lives in Los Ang"eles, Calif()rnia : Walter H,. who lives at Spades, in Ripley county, Tndi.ana : FLirris E., of Lawrenceburg; James C. of Lawrenceburg-; Ada Florence, who is unmarried and hves in Lawrenceburg: George W'.. of Madison, Wisconsin: and Thomas A. and Joseph (twins), who are engaged in business in Lawrenceburg, in the livery and undertaking way, under the firm style of Fitch Brothers.

These twin brothers, who were born and reared in Lawrenceburg, ha\e been in business in that city continunnsly since they were si.xteen \-ears of age, at which time they opened a li\'ery stable on Maiy street, conducting their business there with such success that in 1893 ^hev v.-ere enableil to buy the livery stable of R. H. Goulrl, on \A'est Fligh street, which they remodelefl and modernized, enlarging the barn and making iither improvements essential to the proper care of their growing trade. Thev later enlarged the scope of their business by adding a department of undertaking and that branch of their business also has proved very successful, the fine consideration invariably exhibited to patrons of this latter ilcpartment of the business havitig met with proper recognition in the community. Few names in the business circles of Dearborn countv are better known than that of

Thomas A. Fitch was united in marriage on March 27, 1906. with Lela Kepper, daughter of Charles and Louise (Schleicher) Kepper, who was bom in Lawrenceburg. Her father was a native of Waterloo, Canada, ami her mother was born in Indiana. The mother died in 1894, while die father is still living. They were die parents of nine children, those beside ]Mrs. Filch being Sarah, William, Carlos, Alice, Gertrude, Lelia, Earl and Celestine. Charles Kepper was the eldest of four children born to his parents, the others being Mary, Lizzie and Anna. The maternal grandparents of Mrs. Fitch, Adam and Louise ( ]\Iever) Schleicher, were natives of Gennany and early settlers in Dearborn county, who were the parents of Louise, George, Joseph. Sarah, Alice, Emma, Charles and Delia.

To Thomas A. and Lela (Kepper) Fitch, have l.ieen born three children. Robert Allen, Theodore Harris and Thomas Clinton. Mr. and Mrs. Fitch are earnest ^Methodists and are rearing their children in the faith of that church. Mr. Fitch is a Republican and though giving such attention to the political affairs of tlie county as all good citizens owe to the commonwealth, never has been included in the office-seeking class. He is a member of Dearborn Lodge No. 49. Knights of Pythias, and L'nion Lodge No. 8, Indipendent Order of Odd Fellows, in the affairs of both of which lodges he takes a warm interest.

Mr. Fitch is a progressive and ])ul)lic-spirited citizen, who is deeply concerned in the welfare of the city in which he w^as born and in which he has lived z\\ his life and is counted among those whose names are connected with all movements looking to the advancement of the best interests of the county of Dearborn and the city of Lawrenceburg. He and Mrs. Fitch take an earnest interest in the social affairs of the ci>mmunit_\- and are very popular amontT a larsre circle of friends. . .

George H. Wood

Among the prominent citizens and successful business men of Lawrenceburg, Dearborn county, Indiana, is the gentleman whose name heads this article. ]Mr. Wood has passed his entire life thus far in Lawrenceburg, having been born there on February 29, i860, a son of William N. and ]\Iarv- (McCright) \Vood, the former from Cincinnati and the latter from Mercer

William N. Wood was the only child of his parents, Joel and Amanda, the former, Joel, a native of Carrollton, Kentucky, and the latter of Cincinnati, Ohio. Joel Wood was a steamboat pilot on the Ohio and ^^tississippi rivers with his home in Cincinnati, where he had married. He died in Xew Orleans before reaching- miildle age and his widmv again married, her husband l;>eing Samuel Martin, b}' whom she had two ilaughters, ^Iar_\- and Margaret. William X. Wood came to Lawrenceburg together with his m<jther and step-father, who, in coinpany with James Wymond, opened up a coper shop, in which business \\'illiam X. acted as foreman. The two partners had formerly been in the same business in Cincinnati, but came to this city because land was cheap and they could more easily secure a site for their business and also because this was at that titne the terminus of the Piig Four Railroad Company and an impcirtant shipping point. The partnership continued until about 1S61. when ]\[r. Wymond sold out his interest and went to .Aiu'ora and for about se\'en more vears, Mr. Martin continued alone. After hi? death the business was closed up and William X'. then found, emploj-ment as teamster for the Lewis & Eichelberger Milling Company, where he remained for some time and he later took the contract for filling up the streets of the cit}-. His next venture was in the grocery business, which he conducted until 1876. when he sold out his store and moved to the country, where he became manager of a large peach orchard fi^r J. C. Davis, located in Clark C(iunt}-. this state. He remained there three years. This orchard contained some three thousand trees on a tract of three hundred acres and was a most interesting business. After his return to Lawrenceburg. he assisted his son. George H. Wood (who by that time had become proprietor of a gn^cery store), and at the same time served the city as constable. He died in Lawrenceburg at the age of sixty-nine years, his wife having passed away some five years prior at the age of sixty years. Both were active members of the Methodist Episo'ipal church and were held in high esteem by all who knew them. William X. was quite a versatile man and could turn his hand to mo^t anything. During the Civil War he served the government as a bridge carpenter and rendered excellent .service in this manner.

Mary ^McCright, mother of George H. Wood, was a daughter of Joseph B. and Xancy ('Majors) McCright. both natives of Mercer county, in Pennsylvania. They came westward in the early days of this section, and located in Lawrenceburg. The father was a millwright and, together with Andrew Pusev, built the woodwork of nearlv all the big mills around in this section of the State at that time. Both he and his wife died at a ripe old age, having reared a family of five children: Elizabeth, Mary, Charles, Buena Vista and Sqnire.

George H. Wood was the only child of his parents and received his edncation in the public schools of Lawrenceburg. He began his business career by driving a deli\er_\- wagon for his father, who was then in the grocery business here and later w cnt to \\ork for his uncle, William J. Fitcli, in the grocery store which he owned. He remained in that connection until the death of his uncle and a sliort lime later took o\er the business himself, and has conducted it ever since. 3ilrs. Fitch, after being widowed, married the second time, her second husband being George C. Columbia and the business was in his name for a few montlis before !\lr. Wood purchased it in iS8S. He has, therefore, conducted the business in his invn name for twent}'-se\en consecutive years.

On December 25, 1SS4. George H. Wood was married to Lou Seekatz. daughter of George P. Seekatz, and her death occurred December 11, 1S86. there being no children of this marriage. ^Nlr. Wood chose for his second wife, whom he married on Decemljer 19, 1889, Anna Wingerter, daughter of Georc;e and Barlx^ra (Louster) Wingerter, and to this union have been born three children : Harvey X., Raymond }>!. and George C. Harvey X. is an electrical engineer in the employ of the \\'estern Electric Compan}", of Chicago. Raymond ^I. has elected to follow the same course and is a student at Cincinnati L'niversity, where he is taking a course in electrical engineering. George C. the youngest of the family, married Mary Hope Pitcher, April 30, 191 5, and is associated with his father in the store.

Mrs. Wood was born in Lawrenceburg, her parents having come here from Biron, Germany. Pier father died in 18S8, but her mother still survives and makes her home with ]Mr. and ^Irs. Wood. There w-ere nine children in the Wingerter family, as follow : George, located at Rushville. this state: Louisa, of Cincinnati, ^vhose husband is Charles C. ^^lochlcr: Katie, also of that city, who married Plarr}' Weiricli; Louis, of Indianapolis: .\nna. wife of the subject of this sketch : Edward, of Cincinnati ; ^laggie, wdio is }ilrs. John Strauss; Ida married William Eckstine, of Indianapolis; and Carrie, who died unmarried. ^Irs. Wood's father was a son of George M. Wingerter, a native of Germany. ?^Irs. \\'ood's mother was a daughter of John Louster, of Baden, Germany.

Mr. \\'ood is considered a most successful business man and owns, in addition to his lousiness and residence in town, a fine fruit farm of twenty acres located about two miles from town and there he says he intends to go when he has tired of business hfc and wishes to settle down to spend the remainder of his allotted span in peace and quietness. His rclii^ious affiliation he holds with the Methodist Episcopal church, wliile Mrs. Wood is a Gemian Lutheran. ^Ir. W'lXid holds fraternal affiliation in Lawrenceburg; Lod.s^e Xo. 4, Free and Accccpted Masons, and was the first man t^ be made a Mason in the ntw building. He also is a member of Lawrenceburg- Chapter No. 56, Royal Arch Masmis. In addition to this, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Felliiws througli Lawrenceburt^- Lodge Xo. S, and has ser\'ed tliat bod}- as its treasurer for the ;)ast twenty years. He is also a mcmlier of the L'nited Order 'if the Golden Cross. Bain Commandery. No. 15, of New Alban\', Indiana. Li politics he is a Republican and is one of the stanch supporters of that party in this section.

Joseph A. Schuman

The town of St. Leon, where Joseph .-\. Schuman first saw the light, and where he has become a prn>perous citizen, is located in the northern part of Kelso township. Dearborn C(.iunty. As early as 1841, this pleasant village boasted of enough business establishments to insure further [irogress, and it was in this year that the first house of worship was built. Tt was a log struc- . ture, in which Rev. Eadier O'Rourke officiated. Mr. Schuman has always found the demand for his goods a sufficient guarantee of ultimate success, and has been satisfied to watch his early store grow into a flourishing business.

Joseph A. Schuman, son of Adam and Margaretha (Herman) Scluiman, was born in 1864, near St. Leon. Kelso township, Dearborn count}, where he was given as good an education as the schools of his da}' aff'irdcf!. He assisted his father, and lived at home until his marriage. Adam Schuman was a huckster and had a general store and saloon one mile from the town of St. Lc'in. As a huckster he made regidar trips to Cincinnati, Ohio, for many years. He conducted this store until 18S8. when his son, Joseph A., bought the store and moved the stock to St. Leon. Here Mr. Schuman conducted the business in a rented building for three }'ears and then built a storeroom of his own. He also carried on the huckster business established by his father and drove through to Cincinnati every week for some thirty years.

and twenty-four acres, and in additic)n to his mercantile business, has dune general fanning". I]e has since still furthered his interest by th.e purchase of a blacksmith shup and house and one acre uf ground in the village of St. Leon, the property on wiiich his store is located. In politics, he is a Democrat, and is a member of the Catholic church at St. I. eon.

Adam Schuman was a native of Ciermany, his birih ha\'ing occurred at Steinfeld, German)-, April iS, 1S22, and here he was reared and educated, and here he li\ed luitil about twenty-eight }'ears of age, when he left the land of his birth and came to America. He landed at Xew ^'ork, coming immediately afterwards to Kelsn township, Dearborn county, Indiana. He was married in bis native land, a short time before coming to the l.'nited tates, to ]\Iargaretha Herman. After settling in Kelso towmship, Adam Schuman purchased foiu'teen acres of land, to which he soon added forty-four acres, and continuetl to increase his land holdings until lie became the owner of one hundred and twent}-four acres. His death occurred on b^^liruary 9. 1906, at the age of eighty-three years. Adam Schuman was a Democrat, and was a devout Catliolic. His w'lie was also a nati\-e of Germany, her birth having occurred at Beirau, Germany, August 11, 1824. Adam Schuman and M'ife were the parents of eight children, Mary. Jolui, Katherine and Michael (twins, the latter of whom died in infancy), ]Margretta, Elizabeth, Peter and Joseph. The mother of these children died on the home fanu near St. Leon, Jul}' 24, 1900, and after his wife's death, Aflam Schuman made his home with his son. Joseph.

Of the children, born to Adam Schuman and wife, Mary, the eldest, became the wife of John Boley, and now lives near Topeka, Kansas, on a farm. The}' have a family of ten children, all living. Katherine is the wife of George Hammerley, a fanner in Kelso township, and has a family of nine children. John married Laura Clutter, and is living at Danville. Illinois, where he is conducting a successful mercantile business. He has several children. Margretta is the wife of John Gies. of Liberty, Indiana. Elizabeth became the wife of John Bishoff, a farmer li\-ing near Xew Alsace, and has a family of se\'en children. I'eter married Anna Weldshoefer, anrl lived at St. Leon, where he died, leaving his widow and four children.

Joseph A. Schuman was married on September 18. iSSS. to Alice }iletzler, the daughter of .Vlbert and Louisa (Heinzman) Metzlcr. She was born in Cincinnati, April S, 1870, and is the only child of her parents. To Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Schuman ha\e been born thirteen children, as follow : Josephine. Joseph, John, [Martine. Edward. Irene, Clara, Robert, Marie. Florence and Clarence, and two children who died in infancy. Josephine, the eldest of these children, born July iS. 1S90, is the wife of Philip A. Alig, and to tiiis union have been born two children, Joseph and Marcella. The other children are living at home with their parents.

William H. Wescott

The duty of a biographer is not to give expression to a man's modest opinion of himself, but rather to put on record that which seems to be the consensus of opinion of the subject's friends ami neighljurs, for onlv in this wav can justice he doiie. The biographer in this instance takes pleasure in calling attention to a few salient points in the career of the life of the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, William H. Wescott, tlic efficient county assessor of Dearborn county, Indiana.

Mr. Wescott resides at Harrison, this county, the town on the Indiana- Ohio state line, his postof fice address being in the latter state. He is a descendant of some of the oldest families in this section, being a son of Thomas and Anna (Cameron) Wescott, the former of whom was a native of Ohio and the latter of Indiana. Thomas Wescott was born and raised in Cincinnati, being educated in the schools of that citv and in young manhood mastered the carjienter's trade under the guidance of his father. In later life he came to this county and was a farmer in Harrison township for a number of years, where he is now living in retirement from the more acti\'e duties of life. His wife died in 1S92, at the age of forty-four years. She was a member of the Christian church. Thomas \\'escott was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Anna Cameron was the daughter of Mr. Cameron and his wife, Polly (Turner) Cameron, toth natives of Indiana and among the early settlers of this county. They had a family of four children, ^Matilda, Caroline, Oliver and Anna. Mr. Cameron died in 1S8S. and his widow married William Stone, and thev reared a familv of four children, Jrjhn, James, Thomas and Mary.

Thomas Wescott was a son of Charles Wescott and his wife, Susan Borgeldt, who was a native of Baltimore, Maryland. Charles was born in Xew Jersey and both he and his wife were among the early citizens of the now great city of Cincinnati. He worked at his trade of carpenter there for several years, and in 1856 came to this county and engaged in fanniii:^ in Harrison townshi]). They hved here lor a number of years and both reachcil a ripe old age. He died at the age of eighty-four and she -was in her sixiysixth year. They had three children, Thomas, Charles and Sarah. The father of Cliarles Wescott, great-grandfather of \V. H. T. Wescotl, inmii^ grated to this countiT from England when a young man and was a soKHlt of the Revolutionary War. He died in one of the eastern states, after ha\- ing lived in this coimtry fijr many years.

William H. Wescott was horn in Harrison township, this countv, Afav 7, 1S79, and is one of a family of eight children as follow: Touisa, deceased, was the eldest sister and the \vife of FJmer Gates; Cornelia died unmarried, as did also Li'h": Caroline, -who was the wife of William Burns, is also dead, and the sole surxiving members of the family are the immediate subject of this sketch and his sister Elizabeth, who remains unmarried. Two children died in early infanc}-. \\"illiam PI. was raised on the family homestead in Harrison township, attending, ^lien a boy, the schools of his home vicinity and later studying for two terms in the normal department of -Nloores Hill College. For fourteen years he taught school in the rural districts, putting in five years at Tractville. Jackson township: three vears in Bright, Harrison township; his home schnol two years; Lawrenceville school one year; the Hoffbauer school one term and the Logan Creek sclniol one term. Througli his services as an instructor of youth he became well kmiwn all over the county and wherever he went he made friends and commanded the respect of those with whom he came in contact. He had been a worker in the ranks of the Democratic party ever since he attained his majority and served on the Democratic county central committee for six years; consequently when he came out for the nomination for county assessor on his ticket in IQ14 he made a most excellent race. In the primaries he had three worthv opponents, but received the nomination by a plurality of three hundred and eighty-two votes and was elected to the office b}' a plurality of seven hundred and fourteen votes. !Mr. Wescott made a personal canvass of the countv, covering the entire way on foot. In this way he came into personal contact with everv voter, and being of winning personality, his election was an assured thing from the start.

Mr. Wescott is a man of more than ordinary intellectual attainments, has excellent ability, and one need but refer to the record of his election to determine the high esteem in which he is held by those who know him best. As a school teacher, he aimed! to instill in the miiuls of the under hi< care a proper ambition for tlie worthy things of hfc and a high rcgartl for all that constitutes true manhood and womanhood. Mc is still a ywung man and as he gradually attains the dig'nity of years, he bids fair to becuuic of itill greater service to his community and the commonwealth.

In the passing of the jiioneer settlers. Indiana is losing a wealth <'if \aluable information concerning early times and conditions, which will e\er remain a sealed book. No information is so authentic as that which comes direct from the lips of those who ha\'e been li\'ing witnes'^es to the liiauges which have taken place in this fair state. They have seen the forests disappear, in order that cities might be built up to accommodate the growing demand for commercial interests, and could relate volumes of interesting incidents that have taken place during their lifetime.

Charles B. Darragh, the subject of this sketch, was born at Lawrerjccburg, Indiana, Februar} ii, 1S37. lie was a son of Charles and Sarah (Bouie) Darragh, the father being a native of Pennsylvania, and the ni' ither of North Carolina. They were early settlers in Lawrenceliurg, wl^;re they remained luitil the time of their death, he at the age of fifty-one. anil she at the age of sixty-two years. He ran se\-eral drays, and was also wliarf-iuaster at one time. They were the parents of five children; Catharine, who was tlie A\'ife of John Edwards; }^[argaret, who was the wife of Gilbeit P'isher; Charles B., Gillett, and Ann, who died single.

Charles B. Darragh lived in his home town all his life, except the time he spent in the army. His education was obtained at the select rmd public schools. In young manhood he was a teamster, and on August 2, t86j, he enlisted in Company E, sixty-eighth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and ser\ed until the close of the Civil War. His brother, Gillett, was also a soldier all through the war, and was in Anderson\-ilIe and Libby prisinis for eighteen months. After the war, Charles B. Darragh returned luniie, where he learned the trade of wool-dyer, and worked m the wo(.i!en-:i'.ill at Lawrenceburg until it went out of business. He then entered the emplo}- of G. Y. Root's flour milling company, where he remained until they ^\cnt into bankruptcy, after which he worked for the Lawrencebtirg Roller Mills Company as grain inspector, until the time of his death - altogether in both companies thirty-two years.

Mr. Darrag'Ii beloitged to the Grand Army of the Republic and to tlu- Knights of Pythias. PoHtically, lie was originally a Whig, and after th.it a Repubhcan. He died on August 15,, 1907, aged seventy years, and ua.- ;- member of the Meihodist church. His wife survives him and is a member of the same church.

On the 23rd day of October, 1859, Charles B. Darragh was uriiicd in marriage \\iLh .Sarah Jane Liddle, who was born in Miher township, Dearborn county. Indiana, about three miles above Guilford, Oclubcr .m, 1S41, a daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (.Smith) Liddle. Her fadier was born in Aliller townshii) in 1S19, and died at the age of sixty-eight. Her mother came from Yorkshire, England, when eight years old. and died ;u the age of fifty-seven years. Stephen and Ehzabeth (Smith) Liddle were the parents of ten children, who grew to maturity: Sarah Jane, ^Lary .\nn, James Thompson, Isaac Henry. Ellen Elizalieth, Caroline, Josephine, Edward, Charles B. and Thomas.

Mrs. Sarah Jane Darragli has lived all her life in Dearborn county, the most of ^^-hich has been spent in Lawrenceburg, and has seen the most of the develo]iment of the countv. She is a woman of refinement and great pi.'rsunal wordi, and i; greatly belo\-ed for her fine womanly graces. Siie possesses the facult_\' of associating incidents and dales witli an a])tness and accuracy that are indeed mar\-elnus. She used to know all tb.e old settlers in Lawrenceburg and vicinity, and still has a large acquaintance in that ci'iiimunity. She belongs to that class of "old school" ladies who have made tiie world, better by their having hved in it.

To JMr. and Mrs. Charles B. Darragh were born five children. Katie Belle, Jeannette Mae, and three who died in infancy. Katie Belle became the wife of Marion R. Cole, and died on January 19, 191 1, leasing une son, Charles F. Jeanette ]slae was united in marriage to Edwin J. Exrins. They reside at Lawrenceburg. and have had four children. Edwin Paul, whi> died aged one year: those now living are Ruth [Mae, Esther Lee and Donald Darragh.

The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Sarah Jane Darragh was Stephen Liddle, one of the first local preachers in the Methodist church in Miller township. His wife was Sarah (Thompson) Liddle. They came from Y'>rkshire, England, and died in Dearborn county. They now lie buried in Greendale cemetery. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Darragh was James Smith, who was married to Jane Langdale. They were both born in Yorkshire. England, and were also pioneers in Dearborn county. They came to .-Vmerica in a sailing vessel, and for si.x weeks did not see land. Thev moved to Can-

Charles F. Cole, grandson of Charles B. Darragh, was born on April 16, 1891, at Lawrenceburg, where he attended the public schools, and now has a position as clerk in the Lawrenceburg postoffice. He lived with his grandmother, to whom he is devoted, and with whom he has spent the most of his life. He is a membx^r of the ^lethodist church.

As is a well-kno\\n fact, every man and woman exerts an unconscious influence upon the people with whom they come in contact, and that influence is most beneficent when the heart and mind of the person in question are fired with noble ambition and an earnest desire to fulfill a useful part in the world. Believing firmly in this opinion, the writer of this review takes ]ileasure in jjresenting a few facts in the career of a gentleman, who, by industrv, perseverance, temperance and integritv, has worked himself from rai hunil.ile station to a successful place in life and won an honorable position among the well-known and highly esteemed men of the locality in which he lives.

Adam Vesenmeir, dealer in fancy groceries, residing in Lawrenceburg, Dearborn county, Indiana, was born in the state of Kentucky, in Petersljurg, Boone count}-, April 8, 1S75. He is a son of George and Mary (Horn) \"esenmeir, both natives of Germany, he of Hessen Darmstadt, near Koemgsburg. and she of Schwobeland. George \'esenmeir remained in his native land until after he was grown, receiving a good education and mastering tlie trade of linen spinner. Li 1S52, while still a young unmarried man, he immigrated to America, and went directly to Petersburg, Kentuck}-. where he found employment in a stillhouse, and where he remained until the outbreak of the Civil War. At that time he proved himself a most faithful adopted -ion rif our country, and enlisted as a private in Compan\' D, Thirty-second Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was in service for tliree years and four months. He was in man}- of the hardest-fought liattles of the Civd W ar and was wounded at the l.iattle of Pittsburg Landing. By the time the v,-ar was over he had risen to the rank of corporal, and when discharged from rhe service he returned to Petersburg, and again secured employment in the distillery, where he remained until he was sixty-five years old, when he retired. and spent his remaining days in quiet ease. His death occurred in 19 10, at the age of eighty-two years. His wife's death occurred in 1912. whc\i s!ic was in her seventy-seventh year. George Vesenmeir was reared a Roman Catholic and his wife a Lutheran. Maiy Horn was a daughter of John Ildrn, a native of Germany wliu never left the Fatherland. Her parents had the following children : ^lary was the eldest, Anna, John, Leonard, and other children. George \^esenmeir's parents also passed their entire lives in their native land.

Adam \''esenmeir is one of a family of seven children: Earhara, wife of George Kauffenburg, of Lawrcnceburg; ]vlargarct, wife of Ralph Lishcr, of the same place: Anna, wife of Adam Hoffman, of Petersburg, Kentucky; George, of Louisville, Kentucky; Amelia, single, and Leonard, both of I'ctcrsburg; and the immediate subject of this sketch, who is next to the youngest in point of birth. Adam Vesenmeir attended the public schools of Petersburg when a small boy, and at the extremely tender age" of ten years he went into the general store of J. Frank Grant as an assistant, where he remained for ten vears. For six years after leaving school, he pursued his studies in night schools, and in that way acquired an excellent education. After leaving the store of ^Ir. Grant he became a stockhi-ilder in the Boone ^^lercantile Company, of that city, of which he was also head buyer, and that concern was prospering" nicely when a se\'ere loss was suffered by fire. After that yir. Vesenmeir operated a grocery for practically three years, and in the s[)ring of 1901 came to Lawrenceburg and secured employment with the Great China Tea Company, where he remained but a short time, and on August 7, of that vear, he went to work with the James & ]\Ieyer Carriage Company. He prospered in this connection, and in due time worked himself up to the foremanship of the blacksmithing department, remaining therein until the fall of 1914, when he resigned from his position and established a fruit and candy store, which has developed into a fancy grocery business. Mr. Vesenmeir is also one of the managers of the Odd Fellows opera house, in which he and Doctor Tirrell have been interested for the past four and one-half years.

Adam Vesenmeir's marriage occurred on the Fourth of July, 1900, when he was united in matrimony with Grace McCool, daughter of Fred and Mary (Pickerell) McCool. To this union one son has been born. Leo, who is now attending high school. ^Irs. Grace Vesenmeir was born at Lynchburg, Highland countv, Ohio, .\pril 15, 1879, both parents being natives of that state. Her mother died in 1S99, at the early age of thirty-six years, and her father is still living. She is one of a family of six children, namely : Frank, Armanlas, Grace, George, Julius and Madge. Airs. Vesenmeir's paternal grandfather was George McCool, his wife's maiden name being Thompson. He has passed from this life, hut she is still livini,^ in GrceiKlalc, this county, at nearly one hu.ndred years of age. This excellent oltl lad}- is the mother of seven children : Manlus, (icorge, John, Charles, Sylvia, h'red and Alice.

Both Mr. and Mr-^. .\dani V^esenineir are faitliful memhers of the Methodist Episcopal church, giving liberally of b'jtli time and means to the cause of that organization. Mr. Vesenmeir is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Felluws, the Woodmen of America and the Red Men. In politics he is a Republican, although never having much time to devote to the subject. Mr. Vesenmeir is one of those sterling men of unimpeachable character who add dignity and worth to any community and are the backbone of our nation's well-being. He has been faithful to e\er\- trust inipi.ised in him and has made the most of e\'er}' opporiunity offered him, and in consequence he stands high in the respect and esteem, not only of his friends and neighbors, but also of the business men of his citv.

To write the persona! record of men who have raised themselves from humble circumstances to a position of responsibility and trust in a community is no ordinary pleasure. Self-made men who have achieved success by reason of their personal cjualities stand as a living example of v.hat any young man can accomplish who will bring to his task a worthy ambition to succeed and unfailing energy and persistence.

William Andrew Emerson, engaged in roofing, plumbing and sheet metal-work business, having his office at 231 North Walnut street, Lawrenceburg, Dearborn county, Indiana, has a wide accjuaintance throughout that district by reason of tlie service he renders. Mr. Emerson is a Hoosier by birth, born at Patriot, Switzerland county, this state, on February 12, 1869, t>eing a son of William Howe and Elizabeth (Halley) Emerson, the former a native of Switzerland county and the latter born at Cape Girardeau, Missouri. William Howe Emerson was reared in his native county and when a young man was ai)prenticed to the miller's trade, whicli he followed for about forty years. At that time milling was almost entirely done with the old buhrstones and ^Ir. Emerson operated one of the first mills in his township. In 18S2 he came to Lawrenceburg and secured emplo\ment with the old Greendale distilleiy as miller, remaining in that capacity until the time of his retirement. He still resides in Lawrenceburg, having gix'en up the more active affairs of life and is hale and hearty at seventy-eight year? of age. His wife passed away in 1883, at the age of forty-three, having fur many years been a faitliful member of the Universalist church, as is aUo Mr. Emerson.

William Hcvwe Emerson \\'^s a son of Andrew Emerson and his wife. Amy Howe, both being natives of the state of Vermont. Andrew Emerson was a veteran of the War of 1S12 and also served in the Mexican War. lie died in Switzerland county at a ripe old age, being eighty-one and hi', wife lived to be eiglity-four. The}- \vcre the parents of nine children, as fojldw: Samuel, Rhoda. Elizabetli, Charlotte. Cynthia, William 11., Emma, Hatiic and Rebecca.

Elizabeth Halley, mother of William Andrew Emerson, was the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Gra}') Halley, who were among the earliest settlers at Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and there both of them died, she when but a young woman and he when well along in years. There were three children in their family. Elizal)cth being the eldest, and the others being Martha and a brother.

William Andre^v Emerson was reared to manhood in Switzerland count}' and when a youth attended the schools at l^atriot. After his school da}'s wlmc ended he started on an ap]M-enticeship in a plumbing and tinning- business in Patriot and b}" 1887 he had finished his trade, and he came to Lawrenceburg, where he took charge of tlie business of E. Barrott S: Son, remaining there mitil 1002. wlien he started in business for himself. He is an expert in his line and has a constantly growing patronage, of whicli he is eminenth deserving.

On Januarv 16, 1914. \\illiam Andrew Emerson was married to Mrs. Matilda ]\lyal, widow of Aquilla !Myal and a daughter of Peter and Margaret Pfalzgraf. who was born in Lawrenceburg, Februar-\- 14, 1872. The Pfalzgrafs were among the early German residents of Eiwrenceburg wliere the mother still li\es. The father died in 1890. at the age of forty-two years. There were but two children in the family. JNIrs. Em.erson and a son, Fred.

The subject of this sketch is one of a family of ten children, of whom Frank A. is the eldest and still resides at Patriot; Mary is the wife of Frank Plummer, of Springfield. Illinois ; Grace is the widow of George Cadwell and lives in Lawrenceburg: Emma is Mrs. Harn,- W. \Miller, of Cincinnati, Ohio: Belle is the wife of James W. Abbott and resides in Warsaw, Kentucky: Clara is Mrs. G. B. Wade, of \^alparaiso. this state: William .\.. Halley H., and Jeanette. wife of Albert Spanagel, are all of Lawrenceburg, while

In politics Mr. Emerson is a Republican. He holds his fraternal affiliation with the Knights of Pythias, through Dearborn Lodge No. 49. Mr. Tuncrson is well respected and has a host of friends in his home city and vicinity.

In touching upon the life history of the subject of this sketch die writer ainis only to hold up for consideration those facts which have shown the distinction of a true, useful and honorable life; a life characterized by perseverance, energy and well-defined purpose. To do this will be but to reiterate the dictum pronoimced upon the man by people who have known him long and well.

Carl W. Decker, of Lawreuceburg, Dearborn county, Indiana, dealer in bool;s, stationeiy. wall paper, etc., was born in that town on September 27, 1S76, a son of Charles and Alary (Braucr) Decker, both natives of Germany. Charles Decker remained in his native land until he was sixteen years of age, receiving his education there, and then made the journev to this country alone. He settled first in Canada, where he remained for several years, and in the meantime an older brother had come to Lawrenceluirg and induced him to come here, which he did during the Civil War. ?Ie assisted his brother in his store for some time, and then mastered the cabinet-maker's trade, which he followed for some years, working first in the Dobell furniture factory. He tlien went to the Ohio \''alley Coftin Company as cabinet-maker, and finally became their supierintendent, remaining in tliat position for thirty-nine years. B}' that time he felt that he had discharged his duty as an active worker in tlie world, and retired from his labors to pass his remaining years in quiet ease. His wife died in 1894. at the age of fifty-two years, having all her life been a faithful member of the Luthcr.ui church, of which Charles Decker was also a member.

The paternal grandparents were Dietrich and Dorothea (Enders) Decker, and both died in their native land, having never joined their children in this country. They were the ])arents of the following children: George, Jacob, Lizzie fwife of John Doenges), Louis, Martin and Charles.

to the ripe old age of ninety-seven years, having- been twice married. Bv the first marriage he became the father of ten chilldren, Mary, mtjtlier nf the subject of this sketch, and Michael, deceased, the others dying when young. By the second marriage he had fourteen children, of whom there are still living John, h^rank, Frances, Carrie, Anna and Rosa.

Carl W. Decker is one of a family of four children and. together with his broiher, George, also of Lawrcnceburg, are the sole surviving ones. The two daughters oi the family are both dead. Catherine was the wife of Fred Kberhart, alsi) deceased, and Emma was ]\Irs. Joseph Graser. Carl W. Decker received his education in the public schools of his nati\-e city atid when of suitable age went into the coffin factory under his father U) learn cloth covering and trimming. He advanced so rapidly and proved himself so expert, that within two years he was made a foreman and continued in that connection for the next eighteen years. In August of 1912 he bought out the business of the Lee Company, dealers in books, stationery, wall paper, notions, etc.. and is conducting that business at the present time.

On October 6, 1897. Carl W. Decker was united in marriage with Emma Ethel Misner, a daughter of Scott and ^lary Rebecca (Smith) ^lisner. To their union have been born four children : Charles, Chester, Elizabeth and Marv Lucille. ^Irs. Decker is a native of Dearborn county, born in Dillbijro. at which point her parents were born. They are now living at Richmond, this state, where r.er father does carpentry work. There are three children in that familv, Margaret, Lawrence and Emma Ethel. Mrs. Decker's father was a son of Scott and Suit Misner, natives of Pennsylvania, who were the parents of the following children: Scott, Clint, Elias, Jennie, Anna, Alice and Eva. Her mother was a daughter of John and Sarah Powell Smith, of England. Thev had the following family : Henry, John. Harriett. Emma, Anna. Rebecca.

Mr. Decker is a member of the Lutheran church, in which faith he was reared, while his wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. Fie holds his fraternal affiliation with the Knights of Pythias through the Dearborn Lodge No. 49, being also a member of Union Lodge Xo. 8, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and belongs, too, to the encampment. In politics he gives his support to the Republican party, althougli never having .shown any inclination for the intricacies of the political game. JMr. Decker is one of those fjuiet men of sterling worth who add dignit}' and character to a community, being anxious always for anything that will advance the general welfare.

Antliony Hoffmeier belongs to that class of men who win in life's battles by sheer force of personality and determination rather than In- the iutluence of friends or freak of forinne. and in whalever he has undertaken he has shown himself to be a man of ability and honor, true to whate\er trusts have been imiiosed in him. As proprietor of a model bakery antl j^rocery in Lawrenceburg he has the confidence and good will of the entire ci immunity. and is accounted one of the prosperous and enterprising business men of the community. He can trul_\- claim the honor of being a self-made man, for he started out in life as a poor boy and by industry and good management has accumulated a nice property and is highly esteemed by all who know him.

Anthony Hoffmeier is a native of this county, having been born en his father's farm near St. Leon, September 29, 1871, the son of Jacoli and Margaret fKern) Hoffmeier. His father was born in Switzerlaml and his mother in Alsace-Lorraine, both being reared and educated in their native land. The father was thirty-three years old when, in 1851, he and his family immigrated to America. Thev came directh- to this countr\-, lucating first in KeLt) township, where thev engaged in farming, and later reniri\ing to York township, where he owned a farm of seventy-four acres and where the family was reared. He died at that place in 1896, at the age of seventynine years, and his widow survived him a number of years, passing away on January 14. 191 5. lacking just one month of being eighty-one years old. There were nine children in the family, as follow: Christina, wife of Charles Kuebel. of York township: Jacob, of the same township: Lena ami Amia, both sisters in the con\'ent of Saint Francis, Oldenburg. Franklin county, this state: ^largaret and Caroline, residiiig with the iitimediate subject of this sketch, and two children who died in infancy.

Jacob Floffmeier was twice married, his first wife being Benedicta Koch, who bore him four children, but one of whont is living. Charles. Rosa, the eldest daughter, was the wife of Peter Emenecker, of Plymouth, this state: Pauline was the wife of Lawrence Klump. of Cincinnati, and Jvlary was a Sister in the convent of Saint Francis. The paternal grandparents never left their home in Switzerland, and died there at a good old age. They had but two children. Jacob and a brother. John. Likewise, the maternal grandfather of subject died in his native land of Alsace-Lorraine, but after his death his widow came to America and here passed away. They had three children, Margaret, George and Anna.

this county, and attended the public schools near his home. He reniaincil under the paternal roof until twenty years of age, when he came to Lawrenceburg and went into the bakery sliop of Joseph Krciger, to learn the trade. He was with him for two and one-half years, when he went to Cincinnali and worked for a time, later being employed in Louisville, Dayton and otiicr places. He returned to Lawrenccburg in 1901 and bought nut the business of Herman Nordmeyer, which he has since given the best of his attention and has developed a most lucrative trade. His business occupies a fine t\vostor)- building which he erected; the baker}- has all modem appliances and the second story is fitted up for delightful living rooms, and there Anthony Hoffmeier, together with his two sisters, ]\Largaret and Caroline, makes his home. The three of them are members of St. Lawrence Catholic church. Mr. Hoffmeier holds his fraternal affiliation with the Order of Eagles.

Mr. Hoffmeier stands as an example of what a young man with the determination to succeed in a business way and with right principles of livingmay accomplish, fijr not onb' i^ he successful in material things, biu he has w-on and retains the confidence and respect of all with whom he comes in contact.

Richard Carroll Moore

Richard Carroll Moore, a brief sketch of whose career follo\\-s, is one of the well and favorably known citizens of Lawrenceburg, Dearborn county, Indiana, where he has lived for the most of his life. He is one of the government's faithful employees, having been in the railway- postal sen.-ice for the past eighteen years.

"Carroll" Moore, as he is familiarly known, was born at Patriot, in Switzerland county, this state, a son of Richard C. and Alice (Woods) Moore, he a native of Illinois and she of this state. When a boy the senior Richard C. Moore came to Patriot and there he grew to manhood, receiving his education and when of proper age being apprenticed to the carpenter trade. At the beginning of the Civil War he enlisted as a private in Company H, Forty-second Regiment, Indiana \^olunteer Infantry, and ser\-ed through that great struggle. He was in a great many engagements and was made a prisoner and forced to spend a year in Andersonville prison. After the close of the w-ar he returned to his home in Patriot and follo^yed his trade for a while. He took up his residence in Lawrenceburg in 1890, at which time he entered the United States revenue service, in which he remained until the time of his death, in 1902, at the age of fifty-nine years. His sfiU survives and makes her home with the immediate suhject of this sketch. He was for a numher of years a faithful memher of the Universalist church, of which his widow also is a member, and he held fraternal affiliation \vith the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grand Army of the Republic.

The paternal grandfather Moore and his wife li\cd at Grand Chain, Illinois, and there the wife died in 1853. At the beginning of the Ci\^il \\ a.r the father enlisted for service and lost his life by drowning in if^G^. .\t that time he was but in middle life. They \vere the parents of the following children: Jane, John, Richard C, Joseph, Erastus and Harriett.

Alice Woods, mother of Richard Carroll Moore, was a daughter of John and Vienna (Herrick) W'oods. both natives of Switzerland county. where the latter died. After his wife's death John Woods went to Missouri, where he located and spent the remainder of his days. He was a man of more than ordinary intelligence and, wlien a man, had been an instructor in the public schools. He became interested in politics and was at one time a member of the Indiana state Legislature. There are but two surviving chilih'en, Alice and her sister, ^Marian, se\'eral others having died young. jMrs. Moore's maternal great-grandfather was Elisha Wade, the first settler at Patriot and the founder of that town.

Richard Carroll Aloore is one of a family of ten children, as follow: Carrie V., unmarried; H^irace B., of Cincinnati: Charles R., of Kansas Citv, TVlissouri ; John Howard, deceased; ]\Iarian H., wife of George Fahlbush, of Lawrenceburg ; Allen W., of Greencastle. Indiana; Albert L., of the United States regular army, stationed at Fort Barsancas, Florida: Rutherford B. and Richard C, of Lawrenceburg, Richard C. was eleven years old when his parents moved to Lawrenceburg and here he has since tnade his home. He attended the public schools of this city, being- graduated from the high school in 1895, and two years later he was appointed to the railway mail service, where he has since remained. He is well known among the citizens of his home town, by all of whom he is universally lilced. He is modest and una.ssuming in his manners, faithful to whatever duties befall him, and efficient in the discharge of his labors in the service. His "run" is on the Big Four railroad, between Chicago and Cincinnati.

Richard Carroll Moore's marriage was celebrated on the 4th day of October, 1904, when he led to the altar Alice Kepper, a daughter of Charles and Louise (Schleicher) Kepper. Two children have come into this home, Albert V. and Louise Y. Mrs. Moore is a native of I^awrenceburg. Her parents were of German parentage, and the motlier died in 1894. Her father now resides in Indianapohs. They were the parents of eight children : Sarah, \\"ilham, Alice, Carlos. Gertrude, Lelah. Celestine and Earl.

Mr. Moore is a member of the Universalist cliurch, in which faith lie was reared, while his wife is a member of the German Metliodists. ?Ie hold^ his fraternal affiliation with the Modern Woodmen of America through Lawrenceburg Camp No. 7460. In politics he is a Republican, although he has never been an aspirant for the honor of public office. He owns a commodious home at Xo. 301 West High street and is jiroperly numbered among the substantial citizens of his localit\', having from boyhood enjoyed the undivided respect and esteem of all who know him.

Michael ]\I. Iluschart. monument dealer, of Eawrenceburg, Indiana, was born in that town, Octolier 10, 1849. He is a son of George and Margaret (Lang) Hu;- chart, natives of Bavaria. Germany. Thev had five sons and five daughters; INIargaret, who was the wife of Joseph Limbach ; Frances, deceased, who was the wife of John Joergen : Marv Magdalene, a Sister of Charity in St. Elizaljeth Hospital, Chicago : George II., of Pleasant Ridge, Cincinnati; IVlichael M., of Lawrenceburg: ^lagrlalene, wife of ]\Iarcus Kieffer. of Camden, Xew Jersey; Clara J., wife of Frank J. Henn, partner of the subject of this sketch; Frank M., of Cincinnati; Henry Alphonsus. a Franciscan Brother in Cincinnati ; Edward, who died when four rears old.

George Huschart lived in Germany until fourteen rears of age, and received a common school education there. At the age of fourteen he came to America with his parents, who landed at Xew Orleans and came north on a steamboat, settling in Cincinnati, where he '"emained a short time, and then removed to Dearljr)rn county, Indiana, settling near Dover, where he worked on a farm and grew to manhnod. When he was married he left the farm and came to Lawrenceburg, and at the age of twent_\'-four went into the monument business, which he followed the rest of his life. He died in Lawrenceburg in 18S9, at the age of seventy years and past. His wife survived him and died in 1906. at the age of eighty-six years. They were both members of the Catholic church. Before there was a Catholic church in Lawrenceburg, services were held in their house, which early priests made their home when they came to town, until the congregation was able to marl)le and stone-cutler's trade under his father, and was with him up to 1876, when he visited the Centennial Exposition, at Philadelphia, and from there went to Baltimore, where his brother, George H., was in the provision and pork-packing business, under tlie firm name of Meyer-Huschart Packmg Companv. :\lr. Fluschart entered their employ for a year and a half, and th.cn returned home for a year, after which he went to Delphos, Ohio, and was in the china business for a short time. He then went to Cincinnati, where he was employed in the Meyer-Huschart packing business for four years, going from there to New Orleans for a vtar, and thence back to Cincinnati again, where he and his lirother. George, opened a provision hou^e, in which business they continued until 1900. when he returned home to Lawrenceburg, where he and h.is brother-in-law. Frank J. Henn. have been in the monument business ever since.

Mr. Huschart is a single man. and is a member of the Catholic church. He was once appointed by Judge Givan with others to inspect the county poor house and prisons. Fie and :\Irs. Heim. his sister, are the only ones now here of the immediate family. He has seen most of the development of Lawrenceburg during his residence of sixty-five years.

Martin J. Givan

One of the most prominent lawyers in the city of Lawrenceburg is [Martin J. Givan, junior partner of the law firm of Givan & Givan. Whde he has for many years occupied an eminent position in the ranks of the Dearborn countv bar, it seems fair to believe that his claim for distinction rests not so much on the fact that he is an eminent lawyer and prominent in the fraternal, political and financial life of Dearborn county, as that lie has lived to rear a large family of children, who either have, or are bcint; edncitcd in the l^est instiiutiijus oi learning which the state of Indiana affcuds. It is a credit of no mean distinction tliat two of l\lr. (ii\-an's children arc alread}- graduated from Indiana's leading educational institution; that two more are well advanced in their university training; that one child is pursuing his studies in the high school, and that still another, a daughter, already is married and lives in her own home. [Moreover, Martin J. Givan not only has been able to provide his children with the highest educational opportunities, but he will lea\-e to them a good name which they may cherish when his work is done.

Son of Judge Noah Sam^-on Givan, one of the well-known citizens of southeastern Indiana, jNIartin J. Givan was born on August 21, 1867, in I.awrencelnirg, Indiana. Although the Givan family history is given elsewhere in this volume in the birigra])hical sketch of Judge Xoali Samson Givan, it ma}' be noted here that the family has been connected with the history of Dearborn countv for nearly a century. Established in Dcarliorn county by Joshua Givari, the paternal grandfather of INIartin J., who came here from Sussex county, Maryland, in 1S25, few families have been more prominently connected with the centurj' of Dearborn county history than the Gix'ans. The father of Joshua Givan, who was the Rev. George Givan. a Bapiist minister, and his wife, after rearing a large family of children, died in the state of Maryland.

Martin J. Gi^-an, the son of Judge Noah Samson and Mary (Martin) Givan. was born and reared in Lawrenceburg and attended the public schools of this city, graduating from the high school in 1885. After completing a normal course in jMoores Hill College, he taught one year in Manchester township, and three years in the public schools of Lawrenceburg, after which he took up the study of law under his father, being admitted to the bar in iSSS. Having practised law continuously in the city of Lawrenceburg since 1888. he has been associated with his father since 1S90, with the exception of about a year and a half during which he was in partnersliip with William R. Johnson. This period covers a part of the time his father was on the bench.

In 18S8 Martin J. Givan was married to Anna Curtis Hodell. daughter of George and Mary E. (Shoemaker) Hodell, and who was born in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, in 1869, her father and mother being natives of this state. The father, who lived to rear a family of three children, Anna C, Qiarles

W. atid George, is now deceased. The mother is still hving. George Hodell, a prominent manufacturer in his day, after serving for many years as president an.d general manager of the Miami Valley Furniture Company, removed to Shelby ville, where he organized the Hodell l'\u-niture Company, and where lie remained for e'ght or nine years. Eventually he moved \n l:;rlianajjolis, he was living" at the time of his death. .\ soldier in the Civil AA'ar, he participated in many of the hard-fought battles of the war along with the Guthrie Grays, of whicli he was a member. Fie fnuglit \-aliantly in the battle of Shiloh. Mrs. Givau's paternal grandfather, Gei^irge Hodell. Sr.. came from Alsace-Lorraine, and after settling in Lawrencelnirg earlv in life li\ed here until his death. His fi\'e children were I'red. (iei'rge. Heni'v, Mrs. Carrie Walter and ]\Irs. Emmert. The maternal grandijareiits lived near Winchestei, at Lynn. Indiana, and were fanners in Randolph ci:iunty. They died there after rearing a family of four children. ]\Irs. Givan, wdio was graduated in the sam.e class of the Lawrencebnrg high school with her husband, attended Moores IIlll College, and soon after this was married.

Of the nine children born to Martin J. Givan and wife, three are deceased. Mary and Julia died in infancy and Miriam lost her life in an accident at the age of three years. Of the six living- children, Madge, who w as graduated from DePauw University and who taught for two years at Oueen-^ C'lllege. in Charlotte, North Carolina, a Presbyterian school for girls, is now taking a post-graduate course in the 'L^ni\-ersity of Indiana, at Rloomington. Clinton H., who was graduated from Indiana University with the class of I'9i2. having finished both the academic and the law work, is now a teacher of commercial law and public speaking in the Siou.x City high school, at Sioux City, Iowa. Elizabeth married Clyde Huffman and they live in Lawrenceburg. George, a senior at Indiana L^niversity, wdio is completing a course in juurnalism, reported the proceedings of the Indiana Legislature for the Associated Press during the winter of 1914-15. Ruth is a junior at the St'Ue L^niversity and Charles is a junior in the Lawrenceburg high school.

During the earlv part of ^Ir. Givan's practice he served as deputy prosecuting attorney for four years, and faithfully diicharged the duties of this office. During the past eight years he has l;een county attorney of Dearborn county, an appointment which came to him by virtue of his ability as a lawyer and his prominence as a Democrat in this county. When the soldiers' monument was dedicated at Lawrenceburg Mr. Givan delivered the dedicatory address on that occasion, an address v.hich is well remembered by the people of this county as one of the best occasional addresses from the standpoint of thought and eloquence ever heard in this section. A director in the Dearborn National Bank, Mr. Givan is also prominent in fratcrr.al circles, being a member of Lodge No. 4 Free and Accepted Masons, Lawrenceburg Chapter No. 56, Royal Arch ]\Iasons, and Dearborn Lodge No. 49, Knights of I'ylhias. Mr. and Mrs. Givan are meniliers of the 3iIetliodist church. He is a meml)cr of the official Itoard.

For many reasons ^L'lrtin J. Givan merits the confidence and respect which have freely been licstowed upon him by the people of this county. Step by step he has carved out his own career in the world, and reared a family to honorable and useful lives. ... ,.,,. ' .-,., . \.- ,

It is a pleasure to in\'estigate the career of a successful, self-made man. Peculiar honor attaches to that individual who, beginning the great struggle of life alone and unaided, gradually overcomes unfavorable environment, removes one b}' one the obstacles from the pathway of success and by the master strokes of his own force and vitality succeeds in forging his way to the front and winning for himself success in a commercial sense and a position of influence and esteem among his fellow citizens.

Such in brief is the career of the subject of this biographical sketch, well-known carriage and wagon manufacturer of Lawrenceburg, Dearborn countv, Lidiana. John H. Knippenl)erg is a natix'e of this countv, born in Center township, ]NLay 6. 1S68, a son of Herman and Elizabeth (.Siecher) Knippenberg, the former a native of Germany, and the latter born and reared in this county. Herman Knippenberg remained in his native land until he had attained years of maturity, being well educated there and mastering the trade of a stone cutter. Fie immigrated to America before the Civil War and worked for a time at his trade in Cincinnati. While a youth in his native land he had served his time in the regidar army. After coming to this county he worked out by the month as a farm hand and then purchased a farm in Center township, wliere he reared his family. In later years he disposed of that property and farmed rented land, eventually purchasing a farm in Lawrenceburg township, about a mile from town, and there his life closed at the age of seventy-five years. Both he and his wife, who sundves him, were devout members of the Lutheran church. Nothing is known of the history of Flerman Knippenberg's parents otlier than that they lived and died in theii native land.

Elizabeth Seiclier was a daughter of Caspar and Kalherine Sicclicr, farmers and early settlers of Dearborn county, coming here in earliest pioneer limes. The mother died in this county and after lier death Caspar Siccher mc>ved to Cincinnati, where he lived for a number of \ears, ])assing awav at tlie advanced age of eighty years. There were three children in their family. Elizabeth being the youngest. The others were Katherine and Lnuise.

John H. Knippenberg is one of a family of eight children, as follow: Hcm-y, William and Augaist. all farmers of Lawrenceburg township, the latter on the old home place ; Louis, carriage and wagon maker, of Lawrenceburg; Emma, wife of Fred E. Lutherbeck ; John H.. of Lawrenceburg: Albert, of Aurora: and Clara, wlni died when a child of seven vears.

John H. Knippenberg was reared on his father's farm, attending the schools of the district when a boy and remaining at home initil grown. His first venture in life for himself was when he worked out among the neighboring farmers for about a year. This decided him that suinething other than farming was to be his life's vocation, and he decided to learn the trade of wagon making. He mastered this and in 1882 started in business for b.imself and has continued to the present time. He began in a small way an.d through good management and excellent business ability, he lias brought his business up to its present excellent state ami his product is known all over the country.

On April i. 1S94. John H. Knippenberg \vas united in marriage with JNIary Schaffer. daughter of ^lichael and Catherine ( Grummel) Scliaffer, the former a nati\'e of Germany and tlie latter born and reared in this ci)unty. The Schaffers were farmers here tV^r many years, and here all the children were born and reared. Those other than Mrs. Knippenberg are Charles. John. William, Elizabeth. Frances, George and some wlio died in infancy.

To Mr. and Mrs. Knippenberg have been born two children. Elmer and Frances. ^Iv. and !\[rs. Knippenberg are faithful and devout members of Zion Evangelical church, and he holds his fraternal affiliation with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows through Union L'dge Xo. S, and is al'^'i a member of the ^vlodern Woodmen of America. In politics he is a Republican, and being public-spirited, he served on the city council for about five and one-half years.

Mr. Knippenberg owes tlie success he has attained to bis own efforts and to the encouragement and assistance he has received from his capable and sympathetic wife. He has encountered many obstacles in his upward rise and whenever a time of doubt and anxiety would come, by her encouragement and help she has aided him to meet and overcome them. Mr. Knip- penbcrg is considered one of the city's most excellent citizens and he has done much to enhance the commercial strength of his conimunitw while at the same time he stands high in the esteem and respect of his fellow citizens, a most fitting tribute indeed.

Both JMr. and iNIrs. Knippcnberg come from families identified with the early history of this county and they themselves have seen many changes which the years have brought to pass. Great strides have been made along all lines of progress and development, to all of which they have been attenti\-e and appreciative spectators, and in preserving this history of their family, it is by w'ay of being a tribute to the memory of the father and mother of both and is to be lianded down by them to their posterity. Happ\- indeed might e\'ery family be if such a clean record of proper ambitions and wholesome living might be handed on from generation to generation.

Stanley Elster Wilkin

There is no earthly station higher than a minister of the Gospel ; no life can be more uplifting or grander than that Avhich is devoted to the amelioration of the human race, a life of sacrifice for the betterment of the brotherhood (if man, one who is willing to cast aside all earthly crowns in order to follow in the footsteps of the lowly Nazarene. It is not possilile to measure ad.equately the height, depth and lireadth of such a life, for its influences continue to guide the lives of others through succeeding generations; so the power it has exerted cannot be known until the last great dav. One of the self-sacrificing, ardent rmd true spirits who is doing his utmost for the uplift of the race, who lea\'es in his wake an influence that ever makes the world better and brighter, is the honored man whose name appears at the head of this sketch. He has the unequivocal, confidence and esteem of the people among whcmi he labors and is in ever}' sense of the W(>rd an honest and sincere man.

Stanley Elster AN'ilkin, pastor of the Church of Christ at Lawrenceburg, Dearborn county, Indiana, was bnrn in Petersburg, Highland count\-, Ohin. July 4, 18S0, being the only chiki of his parents. He is a son of Elias and Eva (Powell) Wilkin, both natives of the same county, where their families were among the earliest settlers. Elias Wilkin was born and reared on a farm in Llighland county and in early manhood he turned to landscape and portrait painting aufl also practiced photography for se\'eral years. He is an artist of

The paternal grandfather was Eli \\'ilkin, whn was amonf^ the earliest settlers of Highland Cl:'unt^-. Ohio, where for a number of years he carried on farming. He died there at a good old age and among his children were V^'illiam, John. Elias and others.

Eva I^^well, mother of Stanley Elster \\'ilkin, was a daughter of David F'owell, who came to Highland county, Ohio, in the early days and farmed there for a nimiber of years. He was a veteran of the Civil War and died in Highland county at a ripe old age. There were eight children in Uu-ir family, namely: Harvey. Da\id. Emma, Precious, Clara, Eva, Laura and Hester.

Stanley Elster ^\'ilkin was reared in his native county and in luwa, atteu<ling the district schools near his home in Ohio and later the pulilic schoi,!.-, of the towns of IMonroe, Grinnell and Marengo, Iowa. His higher educatiiin was partly obtained at Central I'niversit}-, a Baptist institution at Pella. li.n\:i. He began preaching the G(^spel when sixteen years of age and was regularly on the platform b_\' the time he was seventeen years old. He returned to lu's native state and his first charge as a minister was at old Dallas postoffice. in Higliland criunty, where he received his board and clothes and tliirty-fix'c dollars for his first year's services. He was married the next year and returned tij Iowa with his Ijride, and again entered school. He held student charges while pursuing his studies and was al)le to assist himself in-tliis m:inner. .Vfter being ordained, he went to Nebraska and preached in W'ilsonville and wdiile there his convictions underwent a change regarding certain doctiines oi the Baptist church and he came to the conclusion that there was no church for w/hich he could consistently and conscientiouslv preach. So he decided to give up the active work of the ministry and took up the study of tele,:::r.ii>hy and received an appointment from the Santa Fe Railroad Company to take charge of one of their offices. About that time he met an old man of W'ipMnville by the name of Lee Thompson and during their con\ersation. the old man asked with tears in his eyes if he might present to him a few tiioug'.Us concerning the church he loved. He was a most devout memlier of the Cluu-ch of Christ, or "Christian"' church, as commonly called. rre\iousl}-, }vlr. Wilkin would never jiermit one of that faith to talk to him regarding religious teachings, on account of the prejudice and dislike he felt for that body of pecple. but out of respect for that man's years and hoary head, he permitted him to say what he wished. The old gentleman spoke five sentences only, but they opened up a new line of thought to Mr. Wilkin and after carefully following the line of thought suggested to him, he found himself a member of tlie Church of Christ and he at once resumed preacliing. What the old gentleman said was "The Old Testament conceals Christ; the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke ant! John) co)iz'iuci' men of Christ; the book of Acts cojii-cris men to Christ: the Ejjistles confinn men in Christ and the book of Revelation crot^-ns men in Christ."

Mr. Wilkin has been a successful minister of the Word and since becuniiug pastor of tlie Lawrenceburg Church of Christ, November i, 1914, the clnirch has taken on new life under his watchful care and preaching and many persons ha\e been ailded to the body of Christ.

Mr. Wilkin has a nnjst sympathetic and encouraging helpmate in his wile with whom he was united in wedlock on October 12, 1903. }klrs. \\"ilkin before her marriage was l-]thel ]\lae Smith, flaughter of Charles E. anrl Amanda ( k^reeland) Smith, and was born in \\'anisley, Scioto county, Ohi(.i. October 12, 18S6. They have an adopted son, Paul S.. attending the public schools of Lawrenceburg.

Mr. \\'^ilkin holds his fraternal affiliation in the ancient order of Free and Accepted ^lasons through Mount iloriah Lodge Xo. 23, of Farmington. Iowa, and he is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows through Helena Lodge Xo. 192, of Helena, Arkansas.

Although Air. ^^'ilkin has been a resident of Lawrenceburg but a shi)rt time, his influence is already being felt and needless to say so sincere antl devout a man commands the respect and esteem of all.

Few men of the past generation are better remembered in Lawrenceburg and Dearborn county than the late William Edward Enyart, the son of a prominent Illinois attorney, who came to Dearborn county and became the I-awrencfburg agent for the Baltimore &: Ohio Railway Company, after which he was comiected, for a number of years, with the James S: Mever Buggy Company. The late William Edward Enyart is rememliered as a man of striking personahty. who was warm and ardent in his friendship and who also possessed the capacity of acquiring many friends. He lived a most useful life, during which he was devoted to his wife and to the children who still bear his name. A man of strong and acti\'e religious impulses, he set a sound example of religious li\-ing. His character was such as radiated a warm. affectionate and kindly personality of which he was possessed.

\\'illiani Edward F.iiyart was born on March iS. 1865, in Pcnnsyl\-ania, the son of Samuel and ATary Enyart, who liad five children. Samuel Enyart, n law}er by profession, practiced law for many years at Flora, Illinois, and was scr\ing- there as prosecuting attorney at the lime of his death. His wife, who survived him about two years, during- her life was an active worker in the [Methodist church. He also was a member of this church. Of their fi\'c children. C<'ra is the wife of Joseph Gadderburv, of Dot, Washington; Myrtle is married and also lives in \\'ashington : Mary is the witlow of William Mo(Tre, of Washin.^()n, D. C. ; Elizabeth is married and also li\-es in ^^'ashington. D. C. ; and William Edward, deceased, is the subject of this sketch.

William Edward Enyart received a common-school education in the Illinois public schools. At the age of sixteen, he began clerking in a dry goods store and after being engaged in this occupation for a few } ears, took a* position in the court house as an abstract title writer. Subsequently, he entered the employ of the Ohio & ^Mississippi Railway Company at East St. Louis as a freight agent, and was later transferred to Lawrencehurg in 1882 and became freight and passenger agent of the Baltimore & Ohio Railway Company here, a position which he held for a number of years. Later, however, he became bookkeeper for the James & Me}er Buggy Company, which position he held until the time of his death.