Dearborn County, Indiana - The whole text, 1915 (part 2 of 15)

Joseph Leonard Axby was married on September 12, 1906, to Dollie J. Watts, daughter of Warren and }vlardia (Parson-) Watts, and they have one daughter, ]\Iary Elizabeth.

ilrs. Axby"s father is still living. Her mother passed away in June, 1914, at the age of fifty-three years. Mrs. Axby has one brother, All)ert.

DcKtor Axb}- is a menilier of the >.Iethodist churcli and ]\Irs. Axbv is a member of the Christian church. He belongs to Lawrenceburg Lodge No.

Possessed of a lucratix'c and cnjriyable ))rofcssion, a substantial competence to insure all the comforts and nv>st id' the luxuries which a man might crave, the liouor and respect of his fellow townsmen and the confidence of the public generally. Dr. Joseph Leonard Axb}' is well and favorably situated to enjov life. Xaturallx' possessed of an optimistic temperament and a friendly, apivroachable manner, lie is a sterling of the aggressive, shrewd and farseeing American. He is a worthy rcprcsentati\e of a family whi'>se name is hiohl\- honored in this section.

Fraxk Axdrf.W Schipper. ' ' '

Having grown up at Aurora, Indiana, tlic place has become familiar indeed to him whose name starts this sketcli, and no place holds such tender memories of fishing-pole da}S. or has offered better inducements in his more ad\-anced }ears. From his b<.>}'hood to the present time. Mr. Schip]'.er has never left the friendly little city that served as his birthplace. It has done its duty, in supplying him with an education necessary for a successful business career, and remaining faithfid through all his more mature years, after his entrance into the business world.

Frank Andrew Schipper, shoe merchant, Aurora, Indiana, is a son of Bernhard and Catherine Schumm Schip[ier, and was born on September J7, 1848, at Aurora, Indiana, where he has always lived. He attended the parochial scliools of the town. At the age of thirteen, during the Ci\'il War, he began to learn the shoemaker's trade, which he has followed ever since. About 1885, he formed a partnership with John Xeff. and they opened a shoe store under the firm name of X'eff & Schipper, whicii was later dissolved, and since 1893 Mr. Schipper has conducted a .shoe business alone, and is now one of the oldest merchants in Aurora. He was th.e organizer of two military bands, and a ladies' orchestra composed of eighteen members ; at the present time he leads a quartette. He is an exceptionally fine clarinet plaver. and a naturalborn musician. Mr. Schipper is a Republican. In addition to his shoe

Bernhard Scliipper was a nati\'e of Bavaria, Germany, where he was reared and received a good common-school education, and came to America with his mother when a lad, his father having died in Germany. They settled at North Bend, and in 1846 came to Aurora, where he grew to manhood and v.'hcre he engaged in burning lime and stone-C|uarrying. He died here at the age of seventy years. His wife. Catherine (Schumm) Schipper, also a natiw of Bavaria, survived him six months, and died at the age of scventv-tluee. 1 he\' were both members of the Catholic cliurch, and had the following children: Catherine, widow of John Gerhardt ?\lartin; John ( d.eceased) : Mary, who became the wife of George W'eitner, and lives at the old home place in Aurora; Frank A., of Aurora; Benjamin, Elizabeth, Emma, William, and Rose, who is nov/ the wife of Jacob Pfiester, all of whom reside in Aurora, Indiana.

Frank Andrew Schipper was married in April, 1871, to Emma Doerr, daughter of Nicholas and Christina (Martin) Doerr. She was born on August 28, 185 1, in Carrollton, Kentucky, of German parentage. ^Ir. Schipper and his wife are attentive members of the Catholic church. They have had twelve children, namely ; Agatha. Alexander, Gustav, Adam, Paul-, ine, Harry, Frank, Irene. George, ^^'alter, Everett and Alfred.

Agatha Schipper is married to Gustav Stoll. Alexander is a machinist in Lange ^Machine A\'orks and married Lillian Cox, by whom he has two children, Alexander and Thelma. Gustav is following the trade of a machinist, and married Lulu Zimmennan, by whom he has three children, Helen, Harold and Frank. Adam was united in marriage with May Adler, and they reside at Turlock, California, where ]Mr. Schipper is employed as a machinist. Pauline is married to Harry Hogan, and is the mother of three cliildren, Beatrice, Dorothy and Timothy; Harry is married to Clarissa Kinzer, by whom he has had one child, Donald, and they reside at Hamilton, Ohio, where ]Mr. Schipper is a successful jeweler. Frank. Avho clerks in his father's store, married Mary Agnes Green, and they have two children, Georgia Frances and Mary Agnes. Irene became the wife of William Ullrich, to which union have been born tw'O children, Wilfred and Justina. George is also a machinist, and married Cornelia Spanagel. Walter died at the age of eleven years. Everett died when eighteen years old. Alfred is following the vocation of a pilot on the Ohio river, and lives at his father's home in Aurora.

fatl'.er from Alsace-Lorraine, raid her mother froin Saxon',-. Tliey were early settlers in Kentucky, and for many years residents of Aurora, Indiana, where ll'.ey died, \vell along in years. To this union were born the following children : William, jNIan,-, Emma, Frank. Augusta, Charles, John and Theodore. Mr. Schipper has arrived now at the age where he can look back over his mistakes and his successes, and feel that he has few regrets. lie is one of the best-known residents of Aurora, where he has many warm friends.

Robert P. Wilson

The biograjjhy of the gentleman ^\-hl:Ise name initiates this sketch will be of especial interest to his descendants, since it so clearly sets forth the re- .sourceful character of one of the most successful citizens of Moores Hill. Although beginning in a modest way, Mr. ^^'ilson, through his own efforts, industry and determination, has gained that success which many are seeking, but which few attain, thus permitting him to live a life of cjuiet retiremen.t, with all the comforts and luxuries to make up for the long years of strenuous attention to business.

Robert P. \^'ilson, retired dentist, Moores Hill, Indiana, was born on February 5, 1S3S, near old [Milan, in Ripley county, Indiana, and is a son of Golf M. and Amanda ]\I. (Johnson) AVilson. Pie was educated in the public school of Ripley county, after which he took a course in dentistry with a practicing dentist, following this vocation nearly all his life, although not gis'ing his entire time to his dental practice. Pie divided his time between his profession and teaching- school for a period of some twenty years. ]Mr. Wilson went to the Civil W'ar in Company D, Thirty-seventh Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under General Rosecrans, participating in the battles of Stone's River, Missionary Ridge, Pumpkin Vine Creek, Lookoui Mountain, and others, being severely wounded at Stone's River. He has always been an extremely active and busy man, conducting, in addition to his school work and dental practice, a successful farm near Moores Hill. ]Mr. Wilson has always been a loyal supporter of the Prohibition party. Pie is a member of the Baptist church, of which he is a licensed preacher, and was pastor of the Hogan Hill and other churches. His fraternal alliance is with the Grand Army of the Republic.

October 2Q. iSii. in ]\Iainc. and when two years of ai;e, came r)verl:i.nd by i wagon witli hi? parents, who settled in Ripley county. He lived the Ixdancc of his life in Ripley county. d}ing on September 23. 1839, while still quite young. His wife. Amanda AI. (Johnson) U'ilson, was born on March i_j, 1820, in Ripley county, Indiana. They were united in marriage on April 9, 1S37, and were the parents of two children. Robert P. and Golf.

After the death of her husband, Mrs. ^^"ilson was married to Reuben G. Wilson, February 20, 1843, *o which union two children were b.)rn, namely: Clarence, born on July 30. 1S54: and Cornelia, December IQ. 1842. Clarence Wilson was married to Carrie D. Buchanan, and is now li\-ing in. Dearborn county. Cornelia became the wife of George E. Parsons, ^.fr^y 24, 1S60, a' physician of Ripley county. They were the parents of three children, all of whom died young.

The paternal grandfather was Ami Wilson, a nati\e of Maine, and was married there, prior to coming to Ripley county, where he entered land from the government near Old Milan, following the vocation of a farmer until his death, which occurred when he was seventy-eight years old. His wife was also a native of Maine, where she was reared and married. This unii'U was blessed with the following children: (iolf. Olicd. Eliza. Agnes. James, Mary Jane and Thomas. Ami Wilson had four brothers and two sisters, Ira, Artis, Obecl, who had three srms; 01i\'er, John AI. and Obed. Oh\er was superintendent of schools in Cincinnati at an early day ; Obed marrici Sara Johnson, and the} lived in Ripley county, Indiana, and were the parents of the following children: [Martha Ann, Daley, Thomas E., Charlie, luiima and Alice.

Eliza Wilson, the third child of Ami Wilson, was united in marriage with Seth .Smith, a Methodist Episcopal preacher, and lived at Shelbyvilie, Indiana. Their children were, Sara Eliza, ]\[artha and John D. Agnes W'dson became the wife- of John Tucker, a prosperous farmer of Ripley ciiunty, and had several children. James was married to Anne Harding, and made his home in Ripley count}-. Aviary Jane became the wife of Benjamin Slack'. of Ripley county. Thomas was united in marriage witli Levina EoA\Idr}-, and resides in Ripley county. They have had the following children : William, Charles, Byron and one who died young.

Robert P. Wilson was united in marriage, in 1856, with Clementine (Cochran") Wilson, of Dearborn county, who was born on May 21, 1841, near Cincinnati, Ohio, by whom he had nine children, as follow: Edgar (deceased), Ida (deceased), Horace, Lynn. Carrie (deceased), Stella, Clarence, ilenrv and Charles. Horai-e was married to Hattie Gi\an, and !i\-cs al (iary. Indiana, w lui'e lie is preaching in a Baptist chiu-ch. They ha\e f')nr children, i\iibert. Clenrentine. Russell and an infant. Lyini was niari'ied to lidnh Owens. 1)\- whom he has had ten children, namely: Grace, ]\Iatthew, James, Lee, Emmett, Evan. Walter, luhcl, Evalyn and Hazel. Stella became the wife of Joe ]\Ioran, and is living at Cedar Ealls, Iowa. Thev ha\e no children. Clarence was married to Alice Garigus, and is residing at .Aurora, Indiana, where he is in the banking business. They have three children, Xonna, Esther and lielen. Hemy was uniteil in marriage with ^Nlattie Sims, and is living at Parkersburg, Iowa. This union has been blessed with three children, Lorain, Horace and Claudius. Charles was married tti M^rta Drain, and is living at Dumont, Iowa, where he is employed by the government as a mail carrier. They have one child, Xeva.

Wilson's first wife, Clementine (Cochran) \\"ilson, died on March 29, 187S, at the age of thirty-si.x years, and ^Nlr. Wilson was marrieil, secondl}', on August 7, 187S, to Lucretia Shockley, who li\cd but a short time after her marriage. Mr. \\'il.son was married, thirdly, on July 27, iSSo. to Margarette E. Dennison, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Zwickel, natives of Germany, who was born on November 6, 1846, at Lawrenceburg, to which union four children were born, as follow: Frank R., liorn on August 31, 18S1, near Moores Hill: Clyde E., October 31, 1883. near ]Moores Hill: Je_;se J., August 7, 1881. near Milan: and E. Myrtle. Ajjril 2. 1S90, near Moores Hill, Indiana. Frank R. is a lawyer and resides at Mimcie, Indiana. He was married to Leora Heaton, by whom he has had two children, ^vlarjory and Herchal. Clyde E. is married and makes his home at Parkersburg. Iowa. Jesse J. is married to Lydia Ruble, and is following agriculture near Moores Hill. E. ]\Iyrtle became the wife of Grover Manlief, and resides on a farm near Moores Hill. They have two children, Ruth and Weldon.

Robert P. Wilson is one of the best-known citizens in and around Moore.s Hill, where his friends numljer as many as his list of acquaintances.

Clay J. Miller

In the life of an earnest, industrious man, there are always lessons which might well be followed along the highway of endeavor. \ot that there are striking incidents in the e.xperience of a farmer's life, but the qualities neces-

Clay J. Miller, a farmer in Caesar Creek township, was born on .\ugust 14, 1872, a son of John R. and Margarette (Tholke) ?ililler. He was educated in the district schools of the township in which he has always lived. After leaving school he assisted his father on the farm, at whose death he took over the management of the place for his mother. Mr. T^liller has always given his earnest support to the Republican party. He and his family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

John R. ]Miller was bom on March 16, 1S37, in Ohio county, Indiana, and received his education there. He was married on March 21, 1S61, to Margarette Tholke, daughter of Frederick and Sophia Tholke. She came to the United States with her parents at the age of eight years, settling at Cincinnati, where she was educated. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Miller moved to Clinton, Iowa, where they lived for five years on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which they sold and came to Ohio county, and lived there one year, when they moved to Hartford, Indiana. They again sold out, and moved to Caesar Creek township, w^here they have lived ever since. Mr. ^Miller died in January, 1897. To this couple were born five children, Sophia, Laura, John, Emma, and Clay.

Sophia Miller became the wife of William Fisser, and is living in Cresar Creek township, and they have two children, John and ^Maggie. Laura is married to Charles Hunger, and resides in Ripley county, and is the mother of two children, Robert and Elsie. John was united in marriage with !\Iaggie King, and lives at Lockland, Ohio, and to this union have been born nine children. Clay, Clyde, Goldie, Gladys, Vanden, Emma, Robert, Orvil ami Ralph.

Henr\- I\Iiller, the paternal grandfather, was born in Pennsylvania. He died on January 23. 18S9. in Ohio county, Indiana, at c^uite an advanced age.

The maternal grandparents were Frederick and Sophia Tholke, natives of Germany, who immigrated to America and settled at Cincinnati, and later purchased a farm in Ohio county, Imiiana, where they remained until their death. They had three children, Margarette, Frederick and Henry.

Clay J. Miller was united in marriage on April i, 1900, with Lida Rump, daughter of Charles and Lizzie (Burman) Rump. She was born on March 28, 18S0, in Ripley county, and received her education there. Three children

Harry E. Fisher

With the sound habits of pioneer thrift instilled in his make-up, [Mr. b'ishcr has taken good care that these valuable aids have lost none of their force through any fault of his. Starting out in young manhood, he so impressed tiiose with -whom he came in contact with his determination to win for himself a name, that his efforts met with good returns from the very beginning; since which time fortune has continued to smile upon him, not, perhaps, without some of life's clouds, which only added plea.sure to the sunshine. His success is a source of pleasure and satisfaction to both himself and his friends.

Harry E. Fisher, of Lawrencelmrg, was born on IMay 7, 1869, at Foster^ Kentucky, fie is a son of \\'illiam S. and Laura (Downing) Fisher. His early education was secured at the district schools, after which he assisted his father on the farm, ttntil grov,n, when he became ambitious for a more pretentious line of employn.icnt, and went to Covington. Kentucky, where he applied for a position as agent for the Metropolitan Life Lisurance Company, which he secured, and one year later was promoted to the office of assistant superintendent, and ten years later was still further promoted to the position of superintendent at Lawrenceburg. Mr. Fisher is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and belongs to L^nion Lodge No. 8, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Dearborn Lodge No. 49, Knights of Pythias.

William S. Fisher was born and reared in Bracken county, Kentucky, where he engaged in farming. He was interested in all questions concerning the welfare of his county, and proved his loyalty by serving one term as county sheriff, and was then appointed United States storekeeper-ganger, in which capacit}- he serv-ed for four years. He then returned to his farm and resumed his agricultural pursuits. His wife, Laura (Downing) Fisher, was also a native of Kentucky. ^She died in 1910, aged sixty-two years, and yir. Fisher now resides with his daughter, in Pensacola, North Carolina. To this couple were born four children, as follow: Frederick, deceased: Harry E.. of Lawrenceburg. Indiana: Charles, of Colorado: \\'inifred, who is now the wife of Rush Alexander, of Pensacola, North Carolina.

The paternal grandfatlier was James A. Fisher, a nati\'e of Kentucky and a pioneer farmer of 13racken county, who cleared a site for a home in the dense wood- wiiere he l)uilt a log cabin, and where he later had a \vcllimproved tract of land. He belonged to the Methodist church, and was a meni])er of the Free and Acccjited Masons aiul the lnde[)endcnt Order i.if Odil Fellows. He ne\-er drank lir|uor. imr tasterl tol.iacco. His life came to an end in iQio. at the age of eighty-nine years. His wife, Rebecca (Dawson) iMsher, flied two years pric;)r, aged about se\enty-seven years. Their children were: William S., Mary (]\[arkley), }ilattie (Duncan), J. Gates, George B., Lessie, and Edwartl, deceased.

The maternal grandfather was Charles Downing. He and his wife were natives of Kentucky, and farmers. ]\Irs. Downing died in middle life, and Mr. Downing" well advanced in years. Their children were; Laura, Liju, Emma, Mattie and Charles E.

Harry E. Fisher was united in marriage on November 10, 1S92, wirh Minnie ^L Mefford, daughter of John and :Mary C. (Hobbs) :N[eflord. She was liorn at Leno.xburg. Kentucky, and died on July 10, 1904. Mrs. Fisher was an earnest member of the ^lethodist church, and the mother of two children, Elwood and Altha Irene. Elwood is a graduate of the Lawrencelnn-g high school, an.d has also taken a course in chemistry. He is now employed by the Industrial Appliance Company, Chicago, Illinois. Altha Irene is also a graduate of the Lawrenceburg- high school. She has considerable musical talent, and leads the orchestra in the Church of Christ, at Lawrenceburg. She is the wife of William Kemp, of Aurora. Indiana.

John and i\Iary C. (Hobbs) Mefford were both born in Kentucky. Mr. Mefford is deceased, but his wife still survives him. They had the following children: Denipsey, ^linnie ]\I.. Josie Riley and Burns.

The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Minnie M. h'isher was John IMefford. whose \vife was Patsey Mefford, natives fif Kentucky, and fanners. Their children were John and William.

On December 12, 1906, Harry E. Fisher was married, secondly, to Jean Berkshire, daughter of John W. and Fannie (Walton) Berkshire. She was born at Petersburg. B(jone county, Kentucky.

John W. and Fannie (Walton) Berkshire, parents of ^Mrs. Jean Fishe'-, were nati\'es of Petersburg, Kentucky, where thev were verv prominent. Mr. Berkshire was a member of the state Senate of Kentuckv. and had fiiniicrl}' served as representative two terms. He owned a larg^e and profitable mercantile establishment, and was also a tobacco dealer. He died in Lawrcnccburg, from a stroke of paralysis, in ]\larch, 1914, ag-ed seventy years, leaving a widow ami six children, whose names are: Frank, John, Jean, Maude, William and Bernard.

Mr. l-'isher is one of the best-known and most highly respected citizens of Lawrenceburg, in which town he takes considerable personal pride.

Edward Greenham

Following is a short sketch of the career of Edward Greeiiham, a farmer of Manchester township, Dearborn county, Indiana, and a descendant of one of the first families in this section.

Eilward Greenham was born on December 4, 1S3S, in ^lanchester township, a son of Sebastian and ^Vlary TBarrows) Greenham. FTis father was born on September 15, 1840, in this same township, and was educated in the early subscription schools. He was raised on a farm, making his home with his grandparents. Pie married ^lary Barrows and took his bride to his grandparents' home and they continued to live there until the death of the older couple about a year later. At that time, Sebastian took complete charge of the homestead of eighty acres and has continued to make his home there through succeeding years. There were eleven children in the family, all born and reared imder the same roof, of whom the immediate subject of this sketch is the eldest. The second child was Douglas, a farmer near Manchester. He married Amanda Tyrell and they have one child. Ivy. McClellan married Belle Rising'er and he is a merchant in ^Manchester and the father of three children : Pearl. Fern and I.cla. Grant is deceased. He owned and cultivated, up to the time of his death, a large plantation in Mississippi. He left a widow, who was Anna Hargitt, and ten children. These were. Bertha, Whitfield (deceased), John. ]Man,-, Frieda, George. Sophia, Mercer, Roger and Chester. Thomas married Clara Ruble and lives on a farm near ^Moores Hill, this county. They have two children. Wilmer and 'Minnie AI. Anna is the wife of John Gabler. a carpenter living in Aurora, this state, and the nvither of three children. Iva. Molton and Parker. John has never married and is in the creamery business at Versailles. Riplev coimty. Clint married Efina Manlief and is a farmer near Manchester. Thev have two children.

Evelvn and Dorothy. Ciaude married Xcllie Russell and is a farnier and th': father of two children, Ruth and Erma. Wilmer and Lillie remain at home with the father.

Edward Grcenham received his education in the district school near his home and continued to live with his parents until ihe time of his marria.ije to Carrie Sims, September 11, 1S81. At that time he rented a farm from Frank Reynolds, where he lived a year as a renter and then purchased tl'e place and has since given his attention to general farming.

Carrie Sims was a daughter of Andrew J. and ^Margaret (Ellis) Sims and was born in Manchester township, September 3, 1856. She was educated in the public schools of her home district. There is one child to this union, Bernice E., who has been a teacher in the jN'Ianchester township schools for the past twelve years.

In politics Mr. Greenham is a Democrat and served his party as road supervisor for twelve years, with satisfaction to all. Since March i, 1914, he has been superintendent of the Dearborn county infirmary, located in M;;nchester township. The famih' are members of the Christian Union church. Mr. Greenham holds his frat-.-rnal affiliation with the Independent Order cf Odd Fellows, having successively filled all the chairs in his local lodge, ilr. Greenham enjoys in a large measure the sincere regard and confidence as well as the good will of all who know him, and is numbered among the goofl citizens of his locality.

The foot-prints that some men leave behind them serve as guides along the pathway, which those coming after may follow with impunity. It is the lack of continuity and thoroughness that is responsible for so many failures in life, and unless that wliich one undertakes is given the proper amount of interest and attention, it is useless to hope for the desired success. Dr. George Sutton, whose name introduces this biographical sketch, and who has passed to the "great beyond," gave the best there was in him to his life work, the truth of which statement is substantiated by the degree of prominence to which he arose, and the high order of skill he attained in his calling.

George Sutton was born on June iG, 1812, in London, England, the son of George and Elizabeth (Ives) Sutton, with whom he came to America in 1819, locating at Cincinnati, Ohio, from which city they removed to the

W'liitewater valle}- in Franklin county. Indiana. After he had spent several years at Miami Uni\crsity, Geor<;;e Sutton began the study of medicine in Cincinnati, under the instruction of Prof. John Eberle, and afterwards under that of Prof. S. D. Gross, a distinguished authority on medicine. After attending three full courses of lectures at the ^ledical College of Ohio, lie v,:is graduated from that institution in 1S36. From this sterling old college two of his sons ha\'e since received diplomas. Locating at Aurora, this count \-, Dr. George Sutton practiced his profession there for fifty years, buikling up a large and profitable business. Doctor Sutton was a close and observant student, and all his writings are replete with original and valuable ideas. He contributed largely to both medical and scientific literature, his articles ha\-ing been extensively copied in various journals of the countr}-. In the winter and spring of 1S43 he wrote a series of- papers on epidemic ers-sipelas, popularly known as "black tongue," a disease then prevalent in Aurora and the surrounding country, which pap'crs were published in full in "Copland's Medical Dictionary," and "Xumerly on Erysipelas," both standard English works. Doctor Sutton gave much attention to microscopic study, and made valu3J)lc discoveries in regard to trichina and trichinosis, showing that ivowi three to ten per cent, of the hogs in southeastern Indiana are affected with trichina, and that the disease may assume \-arious forms hitherto unnoticed by the profession. "His method of reducing dislocations of the hip joint," says Professor Pooley, of Columbus, Ohio, "is a beautiful, original and practical piece of surgery, and one sure to 'be adopted by the profession." In 1867 Dr. George Sutton was elected president of the Indiana State Medical Society, an honor highly aj^preciated by him, because he was not present at that meeting and had not suggested the office. In 1877 '^^ ^^'^^^ chosen president of the board of trustees of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Indiana, and ser\'ed in that capacity for several years, delivering the annual address to the graduating classes. As president of the Rocky Mountain Medical Association he delivered a masterly address before that body at its meeting in Xew Orleans on May 6, 1885. Although engaged in active practice in the different branches of his profession, he devoted a portion *of his time to geology, meteorology and archaeology, directing his special attention to the antiquities of the neighborhood. He made a collection of fossils and geological specimens, forming a cabinet of many thousand specimens, unsurpassed by any other of the kind in this section of Indiana, Among the subjects upon which Doctor Sutton had written are here mentioned, 'cholera, erysipelas, trichina, scarlatina, jilacenta, praevia, parasites, dislocation of the hip joint, epidemics of southern

Indiana, hug- cliolera. glacial deposits, formation of storms and causes of tb.c great floods in the Ohio valley. Doctor Sutt<.)n was a man remarkable for independence of tliought and action, and enjuxed the confidence (if h.is fellowmen for o\er half a century. He took an active part in \vhate\er was for the good of the city: was elected mayor of Aurora for three successive terms; was a memlier of the hoard of school trustees for more than sixteen years, being instrumental in the establishment of the graded school systen; and the erecticju of the handsome school building in the southern part of the city.

On June 7, 1S3S. Dr. George Sutton was married to Sarah P'olbre, !o which uni(in fi\e children were born, four sons and one daughter, of which number only one. Dr. Harle\- H. Sutton, is now li\'ing. At the time of his death. Doctor Sutton was a member of the International ]\Iedical Congress, the American Medical Association, the Indiana State Medical Association, the Dearborn County Medical Society, which he helped to found, and which is now one of the foremost in the state ; the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Archaeological Association of Indiana, the Natural History Society of Cincinnati and the Natural History Society of Dearborn county, being president of the latter, and an honorary member of numerous societies of similar character.

One of the successful and well-known farmers of ^lanchester township. Dearborn county, Indiana, is Amos W. Sims, the subject of this biiography.

Amos W. Sims was born in the township where he resides, near Hogan Hill, on I'ebruary 12, 1S5Q, a son of William and Catherine (Ellis) Sims. William Sims was a native of the Emerald Isle, born in County Antrim on April 6. 1S29, a son of Robert and Rose ( Mackey) Sims. When a child of two years, his parents immigrated to the United States and first located in Ohio. The father was a brick mason by trade and upon first coming to this country he worked at that occupation. XiDt being satisfied with their li^cation in Ohio, they came to Indiana and permanently settled in Manchester township, Dearboi'n count}', where he took up farming. His original holdings were not large. t)ut he prospered in his undertaking and added to his farm from time to time Ipy purchasing adjoining land, so that at the time of his death.

at a ripe old age, he was possessed of over two hundred acres of fine farniiny land. He continued to work at his trade in addition to niana;::ing liis farm. and there are some buildings still standing- in the vicinity of his home which bear witness to the care and thoroughness of his work. William Sims grew to manhood in this county, and when a youth allended district sclmol Xo. lo, of Manchester township. W'hcn quite young he began assisting his father with the farm work and as he grew older he also worked under his father at his trade, and until the time of his marriage lie was his father's helper in whatever he undertook. William Sims was married to Catherine Ellis on Mav 9. 1S51, and from that time on followed the trade of brick mason until his death on ]March 8, 189S. William was the eldest of a family of nine children, the others being Andrew, James, John, Robert, I'^rank, Rose (Mrs. MclNlullen). Jane (Mrs. Morton), and Mary, of Kansas City, Missouri.

Catherine Ellis was a daughter of David Ellis and wife, and was born in Manchester township, this county, where her parents were among tl;e early settlers. She was educated in the early schools near her home and remained under the parental roof until the time of her marriage. Her death occurred in 1895.

Amos W. Sims is one of a family of twelve children, being the second child in order of birth. INlary ( ]Mrs. ]\Iorton) is the eldest. The others are, Alelvina ( ?ilrs. Hall), Jolin, IMattie ( 3.1rs, Wilson), William 0., and si.x who died in infancy. Amos W. Sims attended the same district school to which his father had gone in the earl\- days of the county and still known as district No. 10. After his school days were over, he worked iov his father a part of the time and at other times hired out by the month to farmers in the neighborhood. After liis marriage, he rented the farm where he now li\es and remained there for two years, moving from there to Wrights Corner. where he rented a farm of one hundred and ten acres and remained five years. He succeeded well in his work and l>y that time was able to purchase the farr.i where he has since lived and) which at that time was owned by his father-iiv law, William D. FIuls.

On February 4, 1891, Amos W. Sims was united in marriage with Eva Huls, daughter of William D. and Aurilla (Greene) Huls. both of whom are descended from old families in this section, and living in Manchester to\Vnship at the time of Eva's birth. Eva received her education in the same school Amos W. Sinrs attended and remained at home until the time of her marriage. From early girlhood she has been a faithful member of the Baptist churcli and has continuously had charge of a class in the Simday school ever since.

William ] ). Huls, father of Mrs. Sims, was born in Hamilton count}-, Ohio, on May 26, 1S21, and came to ^lanchcster townslii]^, this county, with his parents in 1,828, during- the early pioneer days of this section, and many hardships and privations fell to their lot in the new homo. He received his education in tlie early subscription schools of pioneer times and worked wit!i the father, assisting him in clearing the land and getting it ready for cultivation. He was married on December 24, 1S43, to Aurilla Greene ami brought his bride to his father's house. There they continued to reside and at tlie time of the father's death, took charge of the farm and continued to manage it during the remainder of his life. William D. Huls died on October 35, 1893. Aurilla Greene, his wife, was born on February 18, 1829, near where the town of Manchester, Indiana, now is, and continued to reside there until the time of her marriage to \A'illiam D. Huls. She was the mother of eight children, the youngest being Eva, wife of the immediate subject of this sketch. The others are: Laura (deceased), who was Mrs. Bratten ; Henry, residing in California; Emmalissa (deceased), who was ^Irs. MclMullen; Emral, of Cincinnati ; Sarah, deceased ; ^larius and Plubius, twins, the former deceased and the latter oi Cincinnati.

Williani D. Huls was a son of William D. Huls, Sr., and Fathia Smith, his wife. \\'hcn the senior Williani Huls came here in the year 1828 he secured a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of government land in ]\Ianchester townsln'p, for which he paid one dollar and twenty-five cents per acre. He was able to clear part of this and tilled the land so prepared for cultivation until the latter years of his life, when his son took charge of the farm. William Huls, Sr., died about 1859, and was the first- person laid to rest in Hogan Hill cemetery. Fathia (Smith) Huls came from Ohio to this section with her husband in 1S28 and proved a most faithful and helpful wife to hiui throughout the years which were filled with heavy burdens for her in rearing and raising her family in a new territory. She was the mother of five children: Pamelia (Mrs. Riggle). James, Edmond, William D., Jr., and Henry. Henry was preparing himself for the ministry and had been licensed to preach in what is known now as the Hogan Hill Baptist church, but died at tlie early age of t\venty-one years, before taking charge of the work.

Amos \A'. Sims is known as one of the leading farmers of his community and throughout the years of his life in this section he has ahvays been accorded the respect of those who know him. Honest and sincere in all he undertakes, he is eminently entitled to the esteem in which he is held. He is a faithful member of the Baptist church and in accordance with his convictions on the liquor question he votes the Prohibition ticket. He is a man of sterhng character, one who gives an air of substantiahty to any community and he gladly renders any service which count~^ for the betlerment of any j^hase of the life of the section in which he dwells.

Henry H. Elltnghausen

A beautiful country home is one of the most pleasing sights upon which the eye could possiblv rest in a day's tra^-el through the rural district, and the residence of Henry H. Ellinghausen is one that not only presents an attractive exterior, but it suggests that the interior receives the same care and attention, and gives a general impression of peace, quiet and happiness beneath its roof.

Henry H. Ellinghausen is a son of Henry and Sophia (Schrader) Ellinghausen, and was born on April 13, i860, in jNIanchester township. Here he received a good public school education. Before his marriage he bought out the other heirs of his father's estate of one hundred and sixty acres of land, and through good management, he continued to add to this tract, until he now owns about five hundred and eighty-five acres, a possession upon which any man might look with pride. Mr. Ellinghausen devotes his time and attention to general farming and stock-raising, in addition to which he conducts a good-paying dairy business. He believes strongly in the Democratic policies, and has sensed as superintendent of the Dearborn county poor farm for the past ten years, and is also one of the directors of the Kyle Creamery Company. During the years when toll roads were owned in this locality, "Mr. Ellinghausen was president and director' of the Manchester Turnpike Company.

Henry Ellinghausen, Sr.. was born in 181 7, in Germany, where he attended school, and grew to young manhood, and served for a short time vr, I the German army. When twenty-three years of age he came to the United ; States with his parents, landing at Baltimore, and coming directly to Dear- j born county. They settled in I^Ianchester township, bu\ing forty acres oi 1 timber land, where a place had to be cleared before they could build a log j cabin. Mr. Ellinghausen soon united his fortunes "for better or for worse" j with those of Sophia Schrader, and immediatelv set up a new housekeeping 1 establishment in the new log cabin, which he had helped to build. After ; finding this farm too small for his requirements, I\Ir. Ellinghausen sold out. | and bou,i4"lit a tract of one hundred and fifteen acres, and in 1864 again sold and HKived to K\le. Indiana, where lie bun.i^ht (me luindred and sixty acTes, which he euUiwited until his death, which occurred on Decemljer 18, 1875. He was a Iwyal Democrat and a member of tlie Lutheran chiu'cli, of uhicli lie was one of its official l^oard members. His wife, Sophia Schrader, was also a native of Germany, where she received her education, coming to America with her parents a short time before her marriage. Mr. and ]\irs. lillinghausen were the parents of the following children : Albert, Sophia, ]\Iary (deceased), Henry H.. and Alartha.

Henry tl. Fdlinghausen was married April 13, 1898, to ^lar}' Fillenworih, who was born in 1864, in Manchester townsliip, and whose death occurrk-d on July 2, 1912. She was a daughter of Jacob and Catharine Fillenw<jrth. This union has been blessed with one child, Selah, who is now a student at Kyle. Indiana. They also have an adopted child, Elsie ElHnghausen, whian they took into their home while she was very young.. She is now the wife of Julius Lange, a farmer in Manchester township, to whom she was married on December 24. 1914.

Jacob and Catharine Fillenwortli, parents of Mrs. Ellinghatisen, were of good pioneer stock in this section, where they built a good foundation for the futvn-e welfare of their descendants.

Claude D. Greenham, son of Sebastian and Mary (Barrows) Greenham, was born in Manchester township, .April 11, 1875, where he was reared and educated. After his marriage, he established himself on a fifty-six-acre tract at Holnian Ridge, in Manchester township, which he had previously purchased, and which he cultivated in connection with one hundred and twent}'-se\'cn acres belonging to James Murdock. In 1914 Mr. Greenham added to his possessions by the purchase of a six-acre tract, containing a good house and barn. He is a Democrat in politics, a member of the Christian Union church, and his fraternal interests are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

For the history of Sebastian and Mary (Barrows) Greenham, parents of Claude D.. the reader is referred to the sketch of Edward Greenham, presented elsewhere in this volume.

Claude D. Grccnham was married on February j^. 1901, to Xellie Russell, daughter of William aud Jane (Walker) Russell. She was l)iirn in .Manchester township, where she was educated. Mrs. Greenham was left .an orphan at the tender age of five years, when she went tn li\e with an aunt in Kansas, and two years later was adopted by James and .\nna Murdink, of Manchester townshiji, with wlixm she li\-ed until her marriage. INlrs. Greenham is a direct descendant nf the I'.all faniil}', who came to .\merica in llie "Mavflower." Mr. and ]Mrs. Greenham have had two cliiUlren, Ruth l-dizabelh and Irma Mildred.

William Russell, father of Airs. Greenham, was born on December 2-^, 1846, in Manchester township, where he attended the public schools, lie was married on May 19, 1S69, to Jane Walker, and immediately went to housekeeping on a farm ])re\iously purchased, and after cultivating the same for several years he disposed of it and bought another place near Cold S])rings. Indiana. Remaining here a few years he again sold out and ninxed his family to Illinois, where he bought a farm wdiich he cidtivated until his death. August 2j. 1903. Mr. Russell was a Democrat. He was a member of the Presbyterian church. Air. Russell was allied with the Masonic ijrdei'. in which he was a past master. His wife, Jane (Walker) Russell, was a daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth ( Turner) \\'alker. She was born in Sparta township, and remained at home until her marriage. To Mr. and Airs. Russell were born four children, Robert, Xellie, Mary, who died aged eighteen months, and \\'illiam, also deceased. Robert Russell and his wife, Sarah (\''incent) Russell, reside on a fruit plantation in .Arkansas, of which he is overseer. They ha\'e four children, Ivan, bloyd, Paul and X(jel.

There are individual- in nearly every community who, by reason of pronounced ability and force of character, rise abo\-e the heads of their fellows and command the esteem of their fellow men. Characterized by perseverance and a directing spirit, two virtues that never fail, such men always make their presence felt and the vigor of their strong personality serves as a stimulus to the yoimg and rising generation. To this energetic and enterprising class the subject of this review properly beiong-s. Having- never been seized with the roaming- desire that has led many of Dearborn county's best voung men to other fields of endeavor and other states, Doctor Cooper has devoted his energies to enterprises at home and that he has succeeded well is proven bv his present position in the business life of Dearborn county.

Edward Cooper was born in JNIiller township, Dearborn county, Indiana, May 31, 1S63, a son of John and Ruth Ann (Darling) Cooper. John Cooper was a native of England, having first seen the light of day in Lincolnshire, January 18. 1S14. He received a good education in his native land and worked for his father on the family homestead until 1832, when, together with a sister, he inimigrated to the I'nited States. They landed in New York, wliere they resideil for some time and where John learned the cooper's trade. He worked at that in New ^'ork City for a few years and then came westward, locating at Cheviot, Ohio. At that point he secured employment on a large stock farm, and being somewhat versed in the care of live stock. he soon became manager of the establishment and remained there for several years. He purchased in that locality a tract of land, which is now the presei'.t site of a portion of the city of Cincinnati. While living there he married and became the father of two children, later losing his entire family through death. He then disposed of his holdings at Cheviot and came to this state, locating in Ripley county, where he purchased a farm of eighty acres. He lived there but a short time and remo\-ed to Miller township, this county, where he was joined in marriage with Ruth Ann Darliiig, January i, 1845.

Shortly after his marriage John Cooper purchased a farm of one hundred acres from his father-in-law. He farmed this tract and raised some li-\e stock and in addition to those duties he kept tavern for traveling stock men, and often kept in his pens and field's over night thousands of various heads of cattle. In those days there was no shipping by railroad as is now done, and all stock intended for Cincinnati market and points farther down the river had to be driven to their destination. Often great distances were covered in this way. and a place which offered shelter and protection for both man and beast was n-iuch prized and well patronized. In this way John Cooper formed an extremely wide acquaintance and was probably as well or better known than any other man in this section. To his original farm of one hundred acres he added an additional fifty-six acres on the east and later another fifty acres on the north. Here he lived at the time of his death, January 6, 1903. , of this county, born on September 9, 1825. She received her education in llie early subscription schools of the county and remained with her parenis until the time of her marriage. To her were born nine children, as follow: William, the eldest, was born on May 14, 1S45, and is now a farmer near Oxford, this state. His wife before her marriage was Isabelle AlclNIullen and to them has been born a family of four children, Grace, Herbert, Laura and Pauline. Thomas was born on May 22, 1S47, and lives near Boswell, Benton county, this state, \\'herc he is engaged in general farming and stockraising business. His wife was Sallie Hazleby, and they are the parents of seven children. Charles, William, Etta, Walter, Flora, Artliur and Edith. Sarah was born in 1849 and now lives at Robinson, Illinois. Jairies R. was born on October 12, 1851, and is located in Bell county, Texas, where he is engaged in agriculture. His wife was Ella Blasdell and they have a family of ten cliildren, Carrie, Ora, Sadie, Florence, Blanche, James ; and four deceased, Fannie, John. Scott and an infant. John W. was born on October 27. 1853, and married Ella Jackson. He also lives in Benton county, where he is engaged in farming and is the father of four children. The eldest, Edna, is dead, and those living are Ethel, Floyd and Pearl. ^lalthew was born on December 13. 1855, and married for his first wife Jennie Hayes, who bore him one daughter, Bessie. After her death he married Adeline Courtney and by that marriage he has a son, Bert. Matthew is a general stock farmer in Benton count}', this state, and is also known as the owner of a good line of race horses. David, who was born on January 13, 1857, died when young, on ]\Iarch 22, 1865. The next in the family is Edward, the immediate subject of this sketch, born on May 31, 1863. Lucy is the widow of Frank Bodine and the mother of three children, Bern, Harry and Darrell. Harr^-, the youngest of the family, born on May 19, 1871, also resides at Boswell, Benton county, where he is in the butcher business. He married Mary Myers and has two children, Lelia and Flelen.

When a boy, Edward Cooper attended the common schools of his home district and aided his father in the work of the farm and tavern until the time of his marriage to Mildred Boswell, December 16, 1885. They were married at Parish Grove, Benton county, this state, and for four years they rented and farmed a tract of one hundred and twenty acres. They then sold out their belongings and moved to Manchester, this state, purchasing seventysi.x acres of land there in 1890. He was engaged in general farming for a few years and then began specializing in the horse and stock business. About 1905 he added to his original tract of land, buving seventv-two acres

(in the north, and from thai time to 1909 he practiced as a non-g^raduaie veterinary physician. On Scpteniljer 20, 1909, he entered the Indiana \'ete! inar_\' College, at Indianapolis, and took the complete course, being graduated from that institution on April 12, 1912, and since that time he has practiced his profession in additii^n to managing the work of his farm.

Doctor Cooper is uniformly successful in treating his dumb patient;, having a natural understanding of and aptitude for handling those of tb.c equine race. He has se\'eral fine stallions in his stables, among them being a Shire stallion. No. 10306, atul "Kappa," Xo. 77044, the latter being a purebreed Percheron. He also owns "Little Dan," one of the best road horses ever owned in this count}-, and in previous }-ears has owned man}- stallions equally as good as those now occupying his stalls.

Mrs. Cooper was born in Parish Grove, this state, on February 4, 1-^65, and being orphaned when a child, she made her home with her uaicle. IleiT}- Robertson, until the tim.e of her marriage. Doctor and ^Nlrs. Cooper two sons, .Ernest and Roy, both at home.

Doctor Cooper is a man of decided con\-ictions on all the questioiis of "the da}- and gives earnest support to all movements ha\-iug as their ultimate object the betterment of \he social, moral, educational or material life of the community. The result is that he enjijys in a large measure the sincere regard and esteem of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances throughout th.e county.

His religious membership he holds with the ^lethodist Episcopal church, to which he gives liberall}- of his means, and his fraternal affiliation is held with the Free and Accepted ^Masons.

The foundation for the present prosperity of the Hoosier state was laid many years ago by those who cleared the land and made it ready for cultivation, and among these early citizens of the state there was no class which contributed more rapidly to the growth and development of the commonwealth than those men and women who came here from the German empire. The predominating trait of their nation is frugality and this, coupled with integrit}- and an honest desire to succeed, played no small part in opening up this section to the advance of civilization. Of this excellent class of citizens. the immediate subject of this sketch is a worthv descendant.

Dearisorn Colw Tv, Ixdiaxa

Gcorgu F. Dietenliaugli was hurn in Cincinnati, Ohii.i, June 15, 1S63, being a son ol Ailam ami ]^lizal)Cth ( W'endcl ) Dicfenbaugli, being the tb.irJ child in their familv oS twelve children. The others arc: William, deceased; Anna, now ?ilrs. Amni ; Henry, of Xebiaska: Kate, was ]\Irs. Link, nowdeceased; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Adams; John, of Ohio; Martha, nnw .Mrs. b'.ode; Ed., of Milan, Rii)le_\- count), this state; John Wdliani, of Cincinnati; and two who died in infanc}'.

Adam Diefenbaugh was born in Germany in 1S32, and when a child of two years was brought to this country by his parents. The voyage was made in a sail boat, many weeks being consumed in the passage, and the family finally touched the shores of the new land at Xew Orle:ms. They h.ad the Hoosier state in mind as their destination, and filling themselves out with a team of oxen and a covered wagon, they accotnplished the distance between this county and New Orleans entirely in this manner. Upoa reaching Lawrenceburg after their arduous journey, they located on a farm which thev rented, north of the then small town of Lawrenceburg, and there they remained but one year. Their next move was to a farm near Harmon Station known now as the i'ligel place, and there the family remained for six vears. at which time they came to JManchestcr township and settled permanently on a laim near Hogan creek. Adam Diefenbaugh remained under the parental roof until the time of his marriage to EHzabeth Wendel, in 185S, and continued to work on the homestead with the father until the time of the latter's death in 1S71, when he took complete charge of the farm of eighty acres, buying out the interests of the other heirs. There he continued for the balance of his life, passing away on April 7, 1894.

Adam Diefenbaugh held his religious membership in the Lutheran church, being an active member of the same. For many years he was a member of the official board and did much t(.i advance the cause of the society. In politics he was a Democrat, although not devoting much titne to this question, although he was a man who took great interest in all questions which affected the welfare of the community in wdiich he had chosen to make his home. He was a son of Michael Diefenbaughj w1k> was born in Germany in 1801, receiving an excellent education in his youth and also serving his time in the German army. After returning hnme from the army, he turned his attention to farming, and remained in his native land until thirty-three years of age, at which time he immigrated to tliis countn-. His wife died the year after he reached Dearborn county and he ne\er remarried. He first secured from the government a tract of land containing forty acres and the next year secured an addilional forty, for all of which he paid one dullar and twenty-five cents per acre. Six years later he added the Fogel place to his farm, and continued to farm the entire tract, with the aid of his son Adam, until the time of his death.

Elizabeth (W'endel) Diefenbaugh was born in Germany, in 1833. She received a good education in her native land and when fifteen years of age was brought to this countr)- by lier parents. They located first in Cincinnati and lived in that city for three years, when they decided to try farm life and settled in Riplev county, remaining there for the balance of their lives. Eliza- I^eth remained with her parents until the time of her marriage to Adam Diefenbaugh.

George F. Diefenbaugh was but an infant when his parents came from Cincinnati to ^lanchester township, Dearborn county. He grew to manhood here, receiving his education at district school Xo. 11, near his home, and remained with the father until 1SS7, when with the desire to see something of the country he went to Xebraska. and for one year lived the life of a cowboy. Soon after his return home, he was united in marriage with [Marguerite Hiller, daughter of John and Dora (Ellingliausen) Hillcr, the ceremony being performed on February 21. 1889. ]Mr. Diefenbaugh and his bride settled on a farm of eightv acres which they rented from Enoch Xowlin. and remained there three years. They next rented a farm of three hundred and forty acres from F. i\Ie}er and lived there until the house was destro}'ed by fire one year later. They next went to York township, where for seven years they lived on a farm of one hundred and forty acres owned by Thi^mas Emerson. By that time the family homestead was in need of someone to take charge of it, and for the next two years Air. Diefenbaugh rented this farm from his mother. The place was then purchased by a brother and for auijt'ner year Mr. Diefenbaugh continued to be a renter and then purchased the old family homestead for his own. This contained eighty acres and after living thereon for another six years, subject purchased a farm adjoining- of the same size. This makes him one hundred and sixty acres in his homestead.

Mrs. Diefenbaugh"s parents, John and Dora (Elhnghausen) Hiller. were both born in Germany and while they were acquainted in their native land, their marriage did nijt take place until they were settled in Lawrenceburg. He settled first on a tract of land which he rented and farmed for fi\c years and thtn purchased the Xowlin farm of one hundred and forty-five acres, where bodi he and his wife passed the remainder of their days. Both were devout members of the Lutheran church and ^Ir. Hiller served bnth as a deacon and elder for several years. There were eight chiUlren in this famil_y, Mrs. Uiefenbaugh being the third in order of birth. Tlu- eldest was Henry, who is a fanner living in the state of IMissonri; Albert, who farms in Iowa; as do also Fred and George; r^Iary is j\irs. Engelking, and lives in Oklahoma; John resides at Tipton, Indiana; and .Anna is ;\Irs. Fonlkc. of Lawrenceburg township, this county.

George F. Diefenbaugh is a man of quiet and unassuming disposition, genial and friendly in his relations with others, and he has for many years enjoyed a wide acquaintance and large prestige throughout the community where he lives. In politics he votes the Republican ticket, and holds his religious membership with the Lutheran church, being an official member of that body. To IMr. and Mrs. Diefenbaugh have been born a family of eight children, of whom Albert is the eldest. ?le is located on a farm near Sheldon, Illinois. Louis died at the age of sixteen and one-half years. The other children, Fred, ^lary, Harry, Arthur, Anna and George, remain at home with the parents.

The decade from 1S40 to 1S50 witnessed the arrival in this countrv of many desirable immigrants from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, who were quick to see the opportunities in this new land and had the strength and courage to transform their hopes into realities. Among them was James IMurdock, the subject of this biography.

James Murdock is a son of William and Anna (McGookin) ]\Iurdock, and was born on June 2^. 1S36, in Ireland, where he attended school for several years. Coming to America with his parents, when but eleven years old, in 1847, he completed the course in the country school, and remained with his parents on the farm until the time of his marriage, when he commenced housekeeping at Aurora. Indiana, where he was employed in a foundrv' about four years. Leaving that place, lie went to Missouri and rented a farm, and not liking the climate, he removed in a short time to Sullivan. Indiana, where he bought eighty-twii acres of land, and cultivated it for fourteen years. Tiring of this location, he sold and moved to Manchester township, Dearborn county, where he did general farming until satisfied with his accumulation of wealth. He rented his farm to Claude Greenham, and is living a life of retirement, which he enjoys to the fullest extent. His straightforwai'il method of dealing with his fellow men has won the respect and confidence of the citizens of the township, and he is a man who has always been interested in cjueslions concerning the welfare and benefit of the public. .\liu-doek has always jjcen a true Democrat. At present he is a director of the Moores Hill State Bank.

William and Anna (Gookin) Murdock were both natives of Ireland. The former was born in 1796, and was educated in the land of his nati\itv. After his marriage he cultivated a farm for several years, about tweh-e miles from Belfast, Ireland. He brought his family to the I'nited States in 1S47, and landed at New Orleans, after a voyage of ten weeks and three da}-?. They came up the !Mississi]ipi river and then up the Ohio river to Aurora, Indiana, and rented a farm in Sparta to\Miship, where they remained but a short time, and then rented sixty acres in Manchester township. Thev lived on this place three years, and after a number of later moves, finally settled in Sullivan county, jMissoui'i, in 1S56, where he bought sixty acres, on which he lived and died a few years later. His wife, Anna (!McGookin) ^vlurdock, lived with her parents until her marriage, and came to America with her husband and children, of whom she was the mother of eight, John, George. William, James, Isabel, Jane, ^latilda and Jennie.

John ]^Lurdock died on their \'oyage to the United States, and was buried in the Gulf of ]\Iexico; George died on a farm in ^lissouri ; William was a school teacher in ^^lissouri, where he also died; James, the subject of this sketch : Isabel, the wife of Samuel !McKinstrey, died in ]\Ianchester township; Jane became the second wife of Samuel Steele, of Sullivan coimty, Missouri, where she died, leaving twelve children, including four sets of twins; ]\Iatilda is the wife of James Bo}dand, and is now living on a farm in Sullivan county, Missouri, and they have three children, Samson, .\nna and Edna. Jennie, the first wife of Samuel Steele, died in Aurora, in 1S49. leaving no children.

James [Murdoch was married on November 1,3, 1862. to Anna Russell, daughter of James A. and Elizabeth (Barclay) Russell. !\Irs. ]\Iurdock was a native of Ireland., but came to America with her parents when cjuite \oung, remaining with them until lier marriage. 'Mr. au'l Mrs. [Murdoch have ne\er been blessed with any children of their own, and longing for childish voices to brighten their lonely hours, adopted four children : Samuel [McKinstrey. Anna McKinstrey, David Johnston and Nellie Russell. Samuel AIcKinstrey died in Colorado at the age of twenty-five; Anna [McKinstrey became the wife of Hugh Withered, a farmer in ^lanchester township. They have two

James A. and Elizabeth (Barclay) Russell, the parents of Mrs. Murdock. were natives of Irelaiifl, where the former was educated and afterward learned the stone mason's trade, which he folh^wed for a number of years before coming to America, lie arrived at I'hiladelphia about 1844, and came directly to Aurora, Indiana, buying a small farm near Hogan creek, where he lived until death called him hence. JMr. Russell continued to follow the stone mason's trade in this country, and assisted in building many of the finest houses in this section of the county. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religion a memlier of the Presbyterian church at Sparta, which church he helped to build, and served as its first elder. He died on Alarch i, 1855, shortly before the church Avas finished, leaving a widow and eight children. His wife, Elizabeth, was a daughter of James and Amelia Barclay. She was born and educated in Ireland, and lived with her parents in that country until her marriage. This union was blest with eight children, Anna, John, Robert, Hilary, William. Hugh, Elizabeth. Sarah J. John Russell went to war in the Seventh Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, was taken prisoner and died in Andersonville prison; Robert went to war in the Sixteenth Re,giment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and lost his life at Vicksburg.

There is perhaps no calling more fraught with potential possibilities for the future than that of an instructor of youth. While young children are sent to school primarily to secure the rudiments of an education, oftentimes the knowledge gained from books is the least part of the training, for a highminded and far-seeing teacher can instill info the tender minds under his care the seeds of an honorable ambition which with the unfolding of the life of the pupil may expand into a wonderful and far-reaching benefit to humanity. Tb.e man whose name heads this sketch, while young in years, is possessed of the worthy ambition to so influence the lives of the young under his care as toj throw all his influence on the side of the better things of life.

Roliert Wallace Lusk was born in Manchester townsln'p. I^carborn conn ty, April 4, 1S89, a son of Luther and Emma (Van Scyoc) Lusk. His father was born in Dayton, Kentucky, June 15, i860, and owing- to the death of liis mother when he was a small child, Liither was taken into the home of Mrs. Phyllis Alexander, of this township, and there carefully reared. He received his education in the schools near his home and worked on the farm for ]\Irs. Alexander until the time of his marriage to Emma Van Scyoc, February 4, 1885. After his marriage, he purchased from Mrs. Alexander her farm of one hundred and twelve acres, and there he has since lived and reared liis family. Luther Lusk is a member of the Universalist church, devoting much time and means to the cause of the local society which he serves in an official capacity. In politics he is a stanch supporter of the principles of the Republican party and holds his fraternal affiliation with the ancient order of Free and Accepted Masons. Emma Van Scyoc, his wife, was born in ]\Lanchester township and received her education in the public school near here home. She remained with her parents until the time of her marriage to Luther Lusk, to whom she has borne two children, Alton G., and Robert Wallace, the immediate subject of this sketch. Alton G. married Ethel Davenport,, and is a farmer near Soutli Bend, this state. Previous to going there, he taught school in this township for four years and has many friends among those with whom he labored. He is a member of the Universalist church and also of the order of Free and Accepted Masons.

Robert Wallace Lusk received his elementary education in the schools near his home, later attending high school and the Normal College at Danville, this state, taking his teacher's training at the same institution. After returning to his home he taught one term at district school No. 14, of Manchester township, and has now been principal of high school No. 6, at Manchester, for the past two terms.

In Januaiy, 1914, Robert Wallace Lusk was united in marriage with Fern Greenliam, and to their union has been born one son, Paul Enloe. Mrs. Lusk is a daughter of McClellan and Belle Greenham and was born at Manchester, being one of a family of three children, namely : Pearl, Lela and Fern.

Professor Lusk is a member of the L'niversalist church, as are the other members of his family. He holds his fraternal affiliation in the ancient order of Free and Accepted ^tlasons, through Burns Lodge No. 55, of which body he is serving as secretary at the present time. Professor Lusk is most anxious to advance the welfare of his community along all possible lines, and any move- meiit having as its ultimate aim the betterment of the social, moral, educational or material life of the locality, finds in him a most earnest advocate. He has proved himself faithful to e\ery trust imposed in him antl in \-ie\v of his accomphshments Avhile still so young- a man, he bids fair to do still greater tilings in the future as the years bring greater opportunities and add to him their dignity and experience.

William F. Busse

No class of our adopted citizens has been more successful in America than that of German lineage. Their courage and energy have done much to insjiire many of our native-born sons and daughters with energy and ambition, without which progress and success are at a standstill. The skillful maimer in which Mr. Busse, whose sketch is here written, has managed and increased his splendid farming interests, has established an example which generations to come would do well to follo\\-. Simple as it appears to one looking on, it takes an expert to make a financial success of farming. Most anyone can make a living, but a man makes a serious mistake in neglecting to see to it that he puts enough aside for the proverbial "rainy day," and the subject of this biography was one of the few who not only provided for the wet weather, but saw to it that even the storms could beat their strength out without materially affecting his comfort, or give him any concern regarding his financial soundness.

William F. Busse was one of the wealthiest and most influential farmers of Dearborn county. He was born on January 31, 186 1, in ^lanchester township, but received his education in Hogan township. His parents were Henry C. and Angeline (Ges.sel) Busse. After leaving school he assisted his father on the farm until his marriage, when he set up a housekeeping establishment of his own in Hogan township, on a ten-acre tract, which he cultivated for about nine years, and then bought a more profitable farm of one hundred and ninety-six acres in Manchester township. Here he carried on a general farm and dairy business, and, about ten years since, he bought the old Busse homestead, which he rented out to a good advantage. Mr. Busse filled several of the township offices, ser\-ing faithfully as township trustee for four years. He was a Democrat in politics. A firm believer in the religion of Christ, he was an attentive member of the Lutheran church, to which he was a liberal contributor, and of which he was an official board member.

Hemy C. Busse, father of William V., was a native of Prussia, where he was born on September 23. 1834, and where he received a g-nod English and \ continued to add to his acres until he owned over three hundred, and continued to do general farming until a few years prior to his death, when he moved to Aurora, Indiana, wlicre he spent his remaining years, dving on August 2, 1914. He was a quiet, industrious citizen, and everything about his place indicated taste and tln-ift. Mr. Busse and his entire family were members of the Lutheran church, of which he filled the office of trustee for sixteen years.

Henry C. Busse was united in marriage, April 27, 1S54, to Miss Anjelica Gessel, a native of Germany, who was born on March 22, 1833, by whom he had nine children, namely: Henry P., born on June 27. 1856; Caroline, December 4, 1S58 ; William F., January 31, 1S61 ; John, March 27, 1868; Louisa ; Anna. ]\Iay 16. 1870; George; Abalona, June 20. 1S72 ; ^latilda, January 4. 1S75. Henry P. is a farmer at \\'ilmington, Luliana, and is married to Louisa Oehlman, by whom he has had six children. Arena, Frederick, Bertha, Henry, Lydia, and Christopher. Caroline is the wife of Henry L Meyers, and lives on a farm near Lawrenceburg, Lidiana. She is the mother of five children. Henry. Anna. Louis. Echvard and George. John P. married Anna Reinking, who died, leaving three children, Edna. Walter and Elizabeth. This family lives in Hogan township, on a farm. Louisa became the wife of Theodore Droege. a prosperous grocer, of Aurora, Indiana, and is the mother of two children, Sona and August. George was united in marriage with ]Mary Reinking, and is doing general farming in Hogan township. Only one child has been born to this union, but they have adopted two other children. Anna is the wife of John Peters, a farmer, near Aurora, Lidiana, and is the mother of one child, Martha.

The paternal grandfatlier of our subject was Christian Busse, who was born on November 11, 1806, in Prussia, and was married in that country. December 27, 1826. They came to America in October, 1S44. locating in Mancliester township. In i8_i6 he was ordained as a Lutheran EvangelicrJ minister, his first pastorate being St. Stephen's church. Manchester township, where he preached for twenty-eight years. Llis wife. Dorothv (Poos) Busse, was also a native of Prussia, and was born on March 10. 1806.

They were the parents of four children as follow: Doriith}', horn in 1S27, and died in 1S31 : Christina. February 24. 1832. died June 24, 1850: Jijhanna, now Mrs. Henry En,£;'clk!ng'e, and Henry C. Christian llusse was one of the founders of tlie Lutheran church in Deaiborn county.

William F. Busse \\as married to .\nna Bidner. b\- whom he has had eight children, namely: Emma. Ida and Alma, twins, Herman, Edwin, Diirotln', Miimie and Gusta. Emma is now the wife of Henr\' Rcinking, and lives on a farm in [Manchester township; to this couple have been born two children, Evelyn and Esther. Ida lieeame the wife of Walter Renter, a veterinary surgeon, and lives in Cincinnati. She is the mother of two girls, Laverne and Martha; Alma is married to George P. Steinmetz. a successful lawyer of Indianapi where she lives with her husband and one boy, Orsa George. Flennan is at home, assisting his father on the farm. Edwin is working in Illinois. Dorothy is also at home. Minnie and Gusta are both attending the Manchester township schools.

Mrs. Busse was born on October iS, i860, in [Manchester township, and is a daughter of Peter and Dora (Fillanworth) Bidner. For the genealogical record of the Bidner family the reader is referred to the sketch of Peter Bidner, presented elsew here in this book.

One of the well-known and prosperous farmers of [Manchester township, Dearborn county, is Adolphus W. Bennett, who ably manages the farm on which he is comfortabh' situated.

Adolphus W. Bennett was born on Januar}- 22, 1855. at Wright's Corner, Indiana, and is the son of John and Phoebe (Duncan) Bennett. He received a g'ood common-school education in [Manchester township, and being interested in the subject of agriculture, took charge of his father's farm. After his marriage, [Mr. Bennett commenced housekeeping on the place, in order that he might look after the wants of his father, as well as th.e interests of the farm, which later became his own property. This farm consisted of fifty acres, to which Mr. Bennett has since added thirty acres nv>vc, and has done a general farming and stock-raising business, in which he lias been rewarded with more tlian ordinary success. He is a stanch Repuhlican, although lie has never sought public office. Plis religious views are Avilh |

Darling, who was born in Dearborn county, where she was educated, and j where she lived until her marriage. 3.1r. and Mrs. Bennett have had two children, Roy and Ivan, both of wb.om are at home. Mr. Bennett has always been a devoted husband, and a kind and considerate parent, and has the respect of all who know him.

John C. Hall

The subject of this biography is a man in whom the citizens of his township have the utmost confidence. He is descended from good old pioneer stock, whose children and grandchildren continue to make their homes where the first log cabins were built in the days when deer, wild turkey and prairie chicken were plentiful in this county.

John C. Hall is a son of Joseph and Ann (Collier) Hall, and was born on January 13, 1848, at Cincinnati, where he started his education. His parents moved to township, where lie continued at school until his education was finished. Immediately after his inarri;i,qe, Mr. llaU hei^an ihe Hfe of a farmer on a sixty-acre tract, whicli was only partially cleared, hut in a short time he had the entire place in a tillable condition and cultivated it for twenty-six years, when he was appointed to the office of superintendent of the Dearborn county poor farm, sei"ving- in this capacity for three years, and then left it in charg'e of his eldest son. jVftcr giving up the supen'ision of the poor farm, Mr. Hall secured possession of his father's old homestead, buying out the interest of the other heirs, since which time he has been a general farmer. ]Mr. Hall has always been an acti\e, energetic man, and has de\T)ted a portion of his time and talent to handling stock, which has always brought him a good living outside of his farming interest. In politics, he is a loyal Republican.

Joseph Hall was born in 1823, in Dearborn county, \vhere he attended school and received as good an education as the facilities afforded in those days. Shortly before his marriage, Mr. Hall purchased an interest in a furniture store in Cincinnati, in -which he was very successful for about fifteen years, when he disp<jsed of his interest and niox'ed to Manchester township, m 1861. Here, he invested in a tract of land, coxxn'ing two hundred and forty acres, a portion of which was in timber, but he set to work and soon had enough cleared for his needs, and then improved the place with good buildings and did general farming for many years. Seeing a good opening, he left his son in charge of his farm, and went into the grocer}- business in Lawrenceburg, following this until his death, which occurred on December 21, 1881. Mr. Hall's wife, Ann (Collier) Hall, was born near Tanner'? creek. She was educated in the town.ship schools and remained at home until her marriage. Their family consisted of eight children, John C, Albert R., Elizabeth Emily, William H., Annie J., Mary F., Clara L., and 01i\er Al. William H. is married to Elvira Dunn, and is doing general farming at Muncie, Indiana. They have three children, Freeland A., Mary, and Raymond. Mary F. is the wife of Thomas Vaughn, and lives on a farm in Manchester township. They have had one child, Ethel. Albert R. was united in marriage with Alice Elliot, and moved to Kansas, where he is d"- ing general farming. They have three children, Blanche, Nora and ]\Iargaret, Anna J. is the wife of I-ee Elliot, and lives on a farm in Manchester township. She is the mother of one child. Alma. Oliver M. was married to Ella Martin. He di\'ides his time between the practice of law and stockraising, in Idaho. To this couple have been Wjtu three chiWren, Carl, Mildred and Harold.

Tlic pntcrnal grandfalhcr of John C. Hall was Joseph Hall. Sr., who came with his family from Ohio to [Manchester township at a very early date, and lived here long crioitg-h to see its forests disappear to make nxmi for the more profitable ptirsuits of agriculture. His wife was l*'annie Hall.

John C. Hall was married on l"ebruar\" ii. 1869, to Alary L. Collier, daughter of Ralph and 'Slv.ry D. Collier. She was born on June 9. 1848, in jManchester township, where she rccei\-ed a good education in th.e public schools. They have had three children, as follow: Herbert C. who died in 1906; Edgar A. and Edith L. Herbert C. was a general farmer, in connection with which he also conducted quite an extensive business in lumber. His wife was Kate Jolly. They have two children, Delores B. and Theron D. Edgar was married to Blanche Kelly, and is assisting his father on the home place. The)' have one child, Vera F. Edith L. is the wife of T. J. Alartin, a veterinary surgeon, and lives at Aurora, Indiana. They have one child, Cra^'ton J. Ralph Collier, father of Airs. Hall, was born in Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania. October 7. 1S19, and is of English lineage. His parents were John and Jane (Hodgson)' Collier, and he v.as an infant when his parents came to Dearborn count}-, where he was reared and where he enjoyed the best educational advantages afforded ir: those days. Finishing school, he began teaching under the old regime when subscription schools were in vogiie. Flis wife. Alary, was a daughter of Reuben and Betsey L. (Goodwin) True, to whom he was married on October 8, 1S40, when he began farming on a tract of one hundred acres of excellent, well-improved land. Their family consisted of ten children, as follow: George G., who moved to Missouri: Jr)hn T., Williaui G., R. Frank. S. P. Chase, Clara J., Mary L., Sebra E., Harriet B. S. and Susie E. Ralph Collier was a Republican, and a member of the Alethodist Protestant church, with which he was connected about forty years.

The paternal grandfather of Airs. Hall was John Collier, a native of England, born in 1775 and was the only son of John Collier, who lived and died in England. In 1817, while still single, he visited America on a prospecting tour, returning home the same year. In 1819 he was married to Jane Hodgson, and accompanied by two sisters. Airs. Ann Flansell and Airs. Jane Cornforth, again crossed the water, and came to Dearborn county. Air. Collier died at his home on Tanners creek, in 184S. aged seventy-two years. His wife died in 1S58, in h.er seventy-first year. They had two children.

The SUCCC--S of a mar. in anv \-ocatiiin in life 'Icpends ui)iin the force of character, and the business confidence which he is able in send forUi. yh. I'uller. wdiose name heads this sketch, heheved that liis native state affnr<le'l liim ab many opportunities as could be found elsewhere, and with that th.ou;:;ht in \ iew he set to ^vork with the determination of carving- for himself a future and a fortune, and has ahva}'s l)een alive to his business interests, neglecting- U'lthing- of importance, keeping always \\-ell within the lines of straightforward methods.

Elijah Fuller, farmer, Sparta township. Dearborn county, was born on Xuvember lo, 1835, a son of Elijah Fuller, Sr., and Azubah (Gloyd) Indler. Ho was educated in the common schools of Sparta townshif*, where he v/as horn. After leaving school, he assisted his father in agriadtural pursuit^, and when his father died, he took over the farm, running it entirely alone. Mr. Fuller has always given his luyal support to the Republican party. Fie is a member of the FVeslnterian c!uu-ch. IMr. Fuller has alwa^'s been greatly interested in all n-)atters con.cerning the welfare and ad\ancment of his township.

Elijah F'uller, Sr., was a- farmer, and was born on ]\Iay ic), 1783, in the stale of Xew York. Flis wife, Azubah (Gloyd) Fuller, was born on December II, 179S. Their marriage took place on June 15, 1823, in Dearborn county. ]\Irs. Fuller was a native of ^lassachussetts. ]Mr. F'uller came to Dearborn county, where he followed agriculture and engaged in saw-millin.g. He later bought a boat-load of corn and took it to New Orleans, but the trip proved an utter failure, necessitating his return withrmt a cent. He afterwards saved enough to make a new start, and b.uilt the first saw-mill in Sparta township, which was run by water-power, and later built two n-iore, on Hogan creek, which he sold, and then bought a fine tract of one hundred and sixty acres of timber land on the hill, which he cleared and farmed nntil his death, which occurred on August 8, 1858. Mr. Fuller was a W'lug. He was a member of the old South Sparta Free Will P.aptist church, whicli he and Mr. Oathiiudt built, ?ilr. Fuller practically keeping up the church. His \vife, Azubah (Gloyd) I'uller, was a daughter of Asa Gloyd, and lived in ?vlassachussetts until twent}--three 3'ears of age. coming o^-erland with her parents until they reached the Ohio river, and cnue down the river ivom Pittsburgh to Cincinnati b}- boat. To this union were bon-i six children. An-ianda, Eliza, Truman. ]vlartha, Emily and Elijah. Mv. Fuller had one child. Sarah, by his first wife.

Amanfl;i I'\il!er liccame the wife of Frederiek Snyder, and li\ed in Sparta township. They Iiad cme child, who died young. Ehza i.s the wife of lleiijamin Hartley, and lived at Moores Hill. They had one child, Frank, who died in the army of the Civil War. Martha became the wife of James Daughters, and lived in Sparta township. Their one child died in infancy. Emily married John M. I.arahee, and lives in Jennings eoimtw !Mr. Larabee is nrivi" deceased. He was a soldier in the Civil War. Thev had three children, Wallace, Minnie and Hugh.

Asa Gloyd. the maternal grandfather, was a Revolutionarv soldier. in a Massachussells regiment. He came we5.t witli his family and died in Dearborn county, when quite old. He had a large farnily of children, Xoalt, Turner, Sara (Williamson), Nancy, Xaomi, Abigail, and others. Xoah married a Aliss Johnson, bv whom he had a number of children, John, Benjanrin, William, James, and Jane. Sara became the w^ife of Da^-^d Williamson, and is now (Jeceased. Mr. \\'^illiamson was again married and lives south of Dillsboro. He has had one child by the second marriage, Sarah, and by his first wife he had two children, John and Henry. Nancy was the wife of Rufus Holcomb, and li\-ed in Sparta township, but both are now deceased. They had a large famil}', Daniel, Eithel, Euther, Eli, Turner, Rufus. Huldah, Nancy, Elizabeth, Evdia Lucinda. and one who died in infancv. Naomi became the wife of Elisha Ilrown, and lived in Sparta township. They had two chiMren, Man.' and Ezra. Abigail married John .Vilccn, and lived in Sparta township. They had one child, Narcissa.

Elijah Fuller was united in marriage on December 5, 185S. with Mary Jane Noble, daughter of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Dashiell) Noble. She was born on Seplemljer 23, 183(1, '^^ WMlmington, Dearborn county, Indiana. To Mr. and ]\Irs. Fuller were born four children, Ella, John, Elizalieth and Anna. Ella was born on August 29, 1S59, and becam.e the wife of George Craven. They live in Kansas on a farm, and have four children, Elma, "V'iola, Berlin, and Bennett. John was born on April 15, 1S62, and was married to Harriet Craven, by whom he has one child, I\or. They reside at }>Iilan, Indiana, where Mr. Fuller is engaged in the livery business. Elizabeth was born on December 13, 1864, and died on July 13, 1904. Anna was born on June 8, 1867, and was married to Benjamin B. ^lulford, on April 19, 1S91. Mr. Mulford first attended the common school, and later entered ^loores Hill College. They lived on a farm at Cold Springs for several years, and then mo\-ed to Norwood, Ohio, where he became paymaster of the Globe- Wernicke Company, returning later to the old homestead. They have two ctiiiJrcii, Clarence E., and Idclle. ]\Ir. Mullord is a Democrat. He is a niemlier of the Presbyterian church. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd l-'clk>\vs and the Knights of Pythias.

Elijah Fuller possesses the qualities which not only gain friendship and rcs])ect. but hold them after being once gained, and he enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

Mrs. Nancy L. Van Dolah

Mrs. Nancy (Larrabee) Van Dolah, whose name introduces this sketch, is a woman whose biography it is a pleasure to add to those of the many other worthy citizens of Sparta to\A-nship. Pier life has been one of exemplary ])rinciples. and she has done well her part in carrying out the duties entailed upon wifehood and motherhood, and has trained her children to be respected citizens of the community in which they live.

Nancy Larrabee was born September 28. 1858, in Ripley county, a daughter of Richard D. and Alary C. (Stockwell) Larr.abee. She was educated in Ripley cotuity, and after arriving at the age of thirteeen years she earned her own living until she was married.

Richard D. Larrabee was born on Novemljer 24, 1830, in Dcarl^orn county, Indiana, li\irig in Ripley county later and now li\ing in NeJjraska. His wife, Mary C. (Stock\\ein Larrabee, was born in Ripley county, Indiana, in 1837, and lived there all her life. To this union three children were born, Nancy L., Maiy A., and one who died in infancy. Aviary A. l)ecame the wife of Charles E. Shockley, and lived in Ripley county.

Nancy Larrabee was united in marriage with James Van Dolah, son of James, Sr., and Frances (Hall) Van Dolah. He was torn on January 23, 1848, at Dillsboro, and was educated in Sparta township, Dearboai county, where he was reared ])y Benjamin Alulford. living with him until his marriage. He died on November 13. U)04, aged fifty-six years. After his marriage, he moved to Delaware, Ripley county, where they lived for two years, and then bought forty acres in Sp.irta township, Dearborn county, to which he later added fifteen acres more, dividing his attention between general farming and fruit raising, being the first successful fruit farmer in the township. Politically, 3,Ir. Van Dolah was an independent voter. He was a member of the Presbyterian church, of which he was an elder and one of the organizers of the church in Sparta township. James and Xancy Van Dolah had two children, Mary Frances and Maggie May. Mary Frances became the wife of C. B. RawHns, and is living on the old homestead. They ha\'e two children, Charles and Alarion Francis, both going to school. Maggie May died when young.

Mrs. Nancy L. Van Dolah is a good Christian woman, and dceplv sympathizes with those in distress and sickness, and is ever ready to lend a helping hand when it is within her power to do so.

Benjamin Franklin Bloo.Ai

One of this county's experts on the subject of scientific agriculture is Benjamin F. Bloom, who was born near Peoria, Illinois, February iS, iS^o. He is the son of A. J. and Caroline ( Roof) 151oom, the former of whom w as born in Ohio, January i, 1833. x-\. J. Bloom lived in Ohio until his eigh.teenth year, when he came alone to Indiana, first stopping at Aurora, then going on to Hogan township, where he found employment, and from that time until his marriage worked by the month in the farming districts. ,\fter his marriage to Caroline Roof, in 1857 he removed to Illinois and lived there four years, and then returned to this state. He bought forty-nine acres in Sparta township. In 1877 he bought seventy-seven acres v/hich comprise the land where he now lives. ]\lr. Bloom, Sr., is a general farmer, a Reptiblican, and a member of the INIethodist Episcopal church.

The mother of the subject of this sketch was born in this county, in 1836, and has lived here since. The children of Air. and Airs. A. J. Elo.Mn are Benjamin E., Samuel L., Edward and Harvey G. Samuel L. went to California to live a number of years ago. Harvey G. married Gertrude Zeise, an. I they live in Oxford, Indiana.

Caroline Roof was the daughter of Samuel and Olimphia (Kazine) Roof, the former of whc>m was a farmer and native of Pennsyhania, afterwards making his home in Virginia. Olimphia Kazine and her parents came to this state at a time when Cincinnati numbered only seven houses and .\urora two, and settled in this county. Mr, Kazine has the distinction of having helped to build the first road in the center of the county in Sparta township. Sarnuel Roof, like many others of his time, responded to the call to arms and served throughout the Revolutionary War and served in PIull's army in the War of 18 12.

On Januan,- 4, 18S2, Benjamin Rlooni was married to Sarah C. I'ritehard, a native of Hogan township, who was I>orn on September 28, 1S59. Her sehooh'ng took place in the cnunty of her nativity. Her father ^\-as Levin Pritchard. and her mother Catherine (Glass) Pritchard. Levin Pritchard was horn in the state of Delaware, and came to Indiana while still a young man. He became a farmer, and this continued to be his occupation the remainder of his life. Six children were born to Levin and Catherine (Glass) Pritchard. as follow : John S. married Susan Livingston, and lives near Wilmington, their only child being a son, Ralph ; Rebecca Ann married John Slater, of Sparta township, and her two children are named Ella and Warren ; James R. married Ella F. Baker, of this township: Elizabeth married Jasper M. Slater, of Lawrenceburg, and to them two children have teen born, Ora M. and Clayton J. ; Sarah C. was the fifth child, and the sixth child died in infancy- Mr. and ]\Irs. Benjamin F. Bloom are the parents of three children, namely: Stanley W., born on December 1 1, 18S2, and married to Alma Chamber, is now farming near \\'ilmington, they have one child, Dorothy Katherine: Holley, July 9, 18S5; and Irwin Waldo, July 9, 18S9.

After their marriage. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Bloom lived on a little farm in Sparta township, tliis land luu'ing been purchased by them. In 1903. they bought two hundred and fifty acres, moved onto the new place, and later added fifteen acres to this.

Mr. Bloom has given his entire time and attention to agricultural activities, and has always been an honorable, industrious man. He is an independent voter, and is a member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Bloom has made many improvements on his present place. He has erected a new barn and silo and is contemplating erecting a new residence.

Prominent among the prosperous and thriving business men of ]\Ioores Hill is William L. Abraham. ]vlr. Abraham has built up a very successful and important business, and now owns the best equipped livery and undertaking establishment in Sparta township.

ceived his early education in the public schools, coming- to Sparta township when quite young. In 1900 he mo\'ed near Sunman. and in 1904 bought a livery and undertaking business from Jesse French which he conducts' in partnership with W. H. Ulrich, under the firm name of Abraham & Ulrich. Mr. Abraham has always given his support to the Democratic party, and his fraternal membership is with the Masonic Order.

Lewis Abraham, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in 1826, at Dillsboro and lived tlicre until 1866, where he followed the cooper's trade. Becoming dissatisfied with tliis line of v.'urk, he bought sixty-five acres of land near Moores Hill and li\ed there until 1900, when he moved to Ripley county on a farm. He remained there si.x years, and then moved to !Moores Hill, where he died in September, 1906. His wife, Elizabeth (Gould) Abraham. was born on Januar}- 13, 1835, in Dearborn county, where she was educated and grew to young womanhood. She was a daughter of Levi Gould, whose wife was a IMiss Keith, natives of Switzerland comity. jMr. Gould was a pioneer preacher of the Free Baptist church. He went overland to California, where he died.

George Abraham, the paternal grandfather, was a native of England, and settled in Dearborn county, Indiana, in 1818. He followed farming all his life, and lived in Dearborn county until his death.

William L. Abraham, tlirough his straightforward and business-like methods of transacting business, has won the confidence of the community in which he lives, which reputation, has resulted in his present prosperous business.

Mrs. Ermixa C. Smitfi

Mrs. Ermina C. Smith, whose name introduces this biographical sketch, is a woman of good education and possesses many fine qualities, taking^ great pride in her \'irginia ancestry, who came west in pioneer days by oxen team. Mrs. Smith has performed well her {>art in the progress of the worUl, and reared a fine family of children, who have grown to be citizens of honor in the various communities in which they reside.

Ermina IMcGee was born on March 14, 1842. at Cincinnati, Ohio, and is a daughter of William and Margarette ( Wisby) McGee. She was educated in the public schools of Cincinnati, and lived there with her parents until licr marriage.

oxen team to Cincinnati, -where he enf:;agcd in the saddlery liusiness for a period of forty years, and then Ixiught a farm on the Redchnq- pike, near Cincinnnati, where he followed farming'." I.aier he was a building contractor until his death, which occurred in 1880, Avhcn he was eighty-nine years of age. Pic was a Republican, and to'>k part in affairs of puiilic interest. He served as school trustee in Hamilton comity, Ohio, for many years, lie was a member of the Universalist church, of which he \\'as an officer. Mr. AIcGee had but one brother. John ^NIcGee, who was a brick-mason by trade, and lived in Kansas.