Dearborn County, Indiana - The whole text, 1915 (part 8 of 15)

Ernest and Catlierine (JMe^'ers) Hoppniire, parents of ^Irs. W'ilUam M. Kimljall, were natives of Germany. They at first h\XHl in Manchester townsln'p, and later mo\"ed to Ilogan townsh.ij), where they spent the remainder of their h\'es.

Mr. Kimball is one of the liest known residents of Hogan lownsh.ip. having lived there all his life, and has man\" loyal friends throughout the community. He at present makes his home with Mr. William Shuter.

No people that go to make up our cosmopolitan population have better habits of life than those who came originally from Germany. The descendants of those people are distinguished for their thrift and honesty and these two qualities alone in the inhabitants of any country, will in the end m.ike that country great. When these two cjualities are coupled with sound judgment, the result is a man whose life is well-balanced and who meets the various issues of life squarely and conquers the obstacles that arise in his path. Of this class of men John F. Housmyer, the immediate subject of this sketch, may safely be said to be one.

John F. ILjusmyer is a native of the Hoosier state, born in Ohio couni_\-, April 13, 1856, a son of Christian K. and Louisa (^Vlarsh) Housmyer, both nf \vhom were nati\'es of Hanover, Germany. Christian was born in 182^, and when fifteen years of age immigrated to America. He had recei\ed his education in his native lanil, so the years of his life here were entirel)' devote<l. to labor. For a short time he remained in Baltimore, Ivlaryland, later coming to this section where were many of his people. He settled in Cresar Creek township on the Hayes Brancli and lived there for ten years. When twentyfive years of age he was united in marriage with Louisa (3.1arsh) Niebaum, who had come to this country from Germany when a mere girl. She became the wife of Mr. Xiebaum, who died soon after their marriage, and she then became the wife oi Christian K. Housmyer.

To Christian Housmyer and wife were born four children. Henry, Elizabeth. Mary and John F. Flenry chose Grace Schuffitt for his wife; Elizabeth became the wife or Henry Ehlers and the mother of nine children, John, Charles, Louis, Ernest, Fred, Henry, Mary, Laura and Harry, Mary became

The paternal grandparents were Christopher and Amelia (Housmyer) Housmyer, botli born in Germany where they remained until near middle age, when they immigrated to the b'nited States and settled in Dearljorn county, where they obtained eighty acres of government land at a cost of one dollar and fifty cents per acre, and on that farm they lived their remaining days. The}- were the parents of four children, Fred, Louisa, Christian and Mary. Fred chose Louisa Blanke for his wife and she bore him a family of riine children, Elizabeth, Lena, Henr}-, William, Mary, John. Einma. Sophia and ^laggie. Louisa married John Cline and became the mother of seven children. Elizabeth, Lena. Hcniy, Mary, ^Minnie, William and Fred. ^lary became Mrs. Garrett Westmeyer and had seven children, Louisa, Elizabeth, Henry, Christ. Emma, Sophia and Minnie.

John F. Flousmyer receiveil his educatirm in the district schools of Ohio county, and by the time his studies were over he had been educated in both German and English. Then for a few years he assisted his father in the work of the farm home, in this way mastering the secrets of successful husbandry- and when twenty-two years of age he made his first purchase of land. This was a farm of one hundred and thirty acres, costing thirty-five hundred dollars. He lived there for three years, when he sold it and purchased a tract of one hundred and sixteen acres near Dillsboro, in Clay township. He later purchased thirty-six additional acres and on that land has continued to make his home. He carries on. general farming, giving considerable attention to the raising of live stock, which he finds a lucrative side line.

John F. Housmyer was married on March 14, 1878, to Amelia Siekerman, daughter of Flenry and Clara (Flehe) Siekerman, both of whom were -natives of Germany and came when young to this countr}', where they met and were married. They located in Ripley county, where th.ey farmed for a of years. Mr. Siekerman's death occurred on September 6, 1905, at the advanced age of ninety-cme years. There were six children in their family : George, Amelia. Charles. Theodore, Lewis and Etlward. George married Elvina Xintrup and had seven children, Albert, Otto, Earl, Elnora, Theodore, Stella and Emma. Theodore married ]\Iary Nintrup and had two children, Pearl and Clyde. Louis married Flossie Faulver and had two children, Mabel and Ralph. Edward married Lula Prusse and had two children, Alabel and Clermont. Amelia Siekerman was born on October 27, 1861, in Ripley county, and received her education in its district schools.

Clara and Eva. Charles married Miriam Spicknal and they lived at Farmers Retreat. They have one son, Leonard. Lulu became the wife of I'red Fis.sc. of Versailles, Ripley county. Clara married George Longkamp. Eva remains at home with her parents.

Mr. Housniyer is a public-spirited man who takes a keen interest in j^ublic affairs, particularl}- pertaining' to his own community. He is a stanch suppoiter of the Republican party and has filled with efficiency and satisfaction to all the position of road supervisor for two terms and that of township trustee of Clay township for si.x; years. He is a faithful member of the Lutheran church, giving liberally of his means toward its support and giving also much of his time toward the furtherance of its interests. He has served his local church in an official capacity and his influence counts for good in whatever question is at issue. During his long and industrious career he has not only gained the confidence of those with whom he has transacted business, but as a man of force of character, upright and honest in his dealings with his fellow-men, he has "-ained the esteem of all who know him.

Conspicuous among the leading and enterprising citizens of Moores Hill, Indiana, stands Clarence M. Shockley, whose entire life has been interwoven with the history of Ripley and Dearborn counties, in both of which he has been greatly interested in all matters of atlvantage and advancement of pul>lic interest. He has wielded a force beyond that of the average citizen, because of his strong belief in the fact that it is the man who makes the town, and not the town who makes the man.

Clarence ]\L Shockley was born April 6, 1S78, at ]\Iilan, Ind., and a son of Elijah and Lydia (Shockley) Shockley. He was educated at the graded schools of Ripley county, and at Moores Hill College. After leaving school he taught in the public schools of Ripley county for four years, and in 1901 became the editor of the Riplc\ County Journal, which was published at Osgood, in Ripley county. This was the official Democratic organ, and he edited it for a period of fi\e years, and in 1906 gave up the management to take the position of cashier in the Moores Hill State Bank, in which he is also a stockholder, and which position he still holds. Mr. Shockley has always .given his earnest support to the Democratic party. He is a member of the school board of Moores Hill, a trustee of Moores Hill College, and is a member of the [Methodist Episcopal church, of wliich he is church treasurer. Pie belongs to the Masons and the Independent Order of Foresters.

Elijah Shockley was born on March 24, 1B32, at Milan, Indiana, and recei\'ed his education in that section of the comity. After leaving school he assisted his father on the farm. Later he started out in life for himself and bou.eht sevent}-nine acres, to which he later arkled fifty acres more, and has farmed all his life. He is still living, hale and hearty, at the age of eightythree years. He has been a life-liiug Deni'jcrat, attending the countv councils, and has always been interested in all public endeavors in behalf of good roads. He is a ]Mason. His wife, Lydia (Shockley) Shockley, was born on November 6, 1838, at ]\Iilan, Indiana, and is a daughter of George and Eliza (GoldenJ Shockley. She was educated at Milan, and li\'ed there all her life. This uni(.>n has been blessed with seven children, Everett, Edwin, Leona, Addie, Clarence ]M., Lillian and one who died in infaiicy. Everett was married to Anna Laws, and is living at Milan. They have had one child, T'"rank. Mrs. Shockle}- died, and Mr. Sliockley married, secondly, Emma Gre\', a widow. They have one adopted girl, Pauline. Edwin married Alice r.rewington, and is living at Fort Worth, Texas, where he is engaged in the teleplione and telegraph liusiness. They ha\'e two children. Hazel Goldah and Myrle. Leona became the wife of Le\i B. Lewi? and is living near Milan on a farm. They have one child, Ethel INIay. Addie is the wife of John X. Ward, who is a druggist at Indianapolis. They have two children, Clarence X. and Beulah. Lillian became the wife of Clarence E. Laws, and lives near ]\lilan. They ha\e one child, Alene.

The paternal grandfather was A\'illiam Xoble Shockle\-, and his wife was Elizabeth (Livingston) Shockley. The former was born in Maryland and came to Ripley county when past' middle age. taking land from the government, on which he li\ed and died. He was a stanch Democrat, and a member of the Baptist church, and his fraternal alliance was with the Masonic order. His wife, Elizabeth (Livingston) Shockley, was also a native of Maryland, where she was married. She died in Ripley county, Indiana, as did also her husband. They were die parents of twelve children. George, Theodore, Sarah (Mrs. Chatfield), Susan (Mrs. Spaulding), Lulu (Mrs. Hathaway), ^Margarette (Airs. Bowers). William, Elijah, and four who died in infancy.

The paternal great-grandfather of Clarence M. Shockley was Elijah Shocklc}-, uhu was a son of Benjamin Sh'jckley. of Revolutionary fame. Benjamin Shockley emigrated from England to Alaryland during Colonial

The maternal grandfather of our subject was George Shnckle\-, and his wife was Eliza (Golden) Shocklcy, who was a native of New Jersey. They came west and died in Ripley county, Indiana, leaving eight children. Calvin, Lydia, William, John, Anna, Dallas and two who died in inf;incy.

Clarence ^l. Shockley was united in marriage on April 25, 1900. with Melissa ]\I. Bell, daughter of James W. and Elizabeth (Roland) Bell. She was born on A]'>ril 17, 18S.2. near Elrod, Ripley county, Indiana, where she was educated and lived urUil her marriage. This union has been blessed with two children, Leroy A\'allace, born on Jainiary 23, 1901, and Evelyn Maude, April 26, 1904.

Mr. Shocklev, through bis jierseverance and well-applied energy, has won the confidence and high esteem both of his associates in business and his fellow townsmen, and is well fitted for the high position which he occupies in the Moores tlill State Bank.

Prof. Andrew J. Bigney

Great credit is due to the members of tiie teaching profession in Dearborn county, and especially to those associated with [Moores Hill College, whose influence is so far-reaching. These men have the responsibility <_if the character-building and the future of the students, who are to occU[iy their individual places in society, and it is doubtful whether the public fidly realizes that the burden resting upon the shoulders of the heads of successful colleges is not a light one.

Andrew Johnson Eigney was born on February 15, 1S64, on a farm oue and one-half nr'lcs north of Moores Hill, and is a son of Lemuel rind Sar.ah (Vandoren) Eigney. Fie was educated at the district schools of Dearb'jrn county, and was also a graduate of [Moores Hill College in iSSS, after which he attended Johns Flopkins University, of Baltimore, from 1892 to 1894. and then took up a course of studies at the marine laboratories of Oal; Bluff. [Martha's Vineyard, an island off the coast of [V[assachusetts, and at Woods Flole, [Massachusetts, at intei-vals during the period from 1902 to 191 1, the latter place being located seventy miles south of Boston, and were both government laboratories. After graduating he entered the facultv of [Mr'.re's

Hill College, in the deparlnieut of science, and at the end of the fourth year, in 1893, he became assistant in the department of biology at the Johns Hopkins University, of Baltimore, and in 1894, he returned to Moores Hill, where he gave instruction in biology anfl geology, and in 1901 he was made vicepresident of Moores Hill College, which office he held until November, 191 5. when he became president. Air. Bigney is greatl_\- interested in religious matters, and is a member of the ]vlcthodist Episcopal church, in which he holds the office of trustee on the official board, and has officiated as Sunday school superintendent for the past twenty years. In 190S Professor Bigney represented his church at the general conference at Baltimore.

Lemuel and Sarah ( \'an<liiren) Bigney, parents of the immediate subject of this sketch, were natives of Xova Scotia and Xew Jersey, respectively The former was l)orn on P'ebruary 22, 1826, in Xova Scotia, and was educated in the district schools, coming to Boston at the age of thirteen, after which he came west to Moores Hill by wagon. He remained on tiie fnrm and assisted his father until his father's death, when he bought the old homestead and lived on it until 1894, when he retired and moved to ]\Ioores Hill, Indiana, living there until his death, which occurred on September 11, 1900. at the age of seventy-four \ears. Mr. Bigney was a Dem(icrat. He participated in the Mexican War. under General Scott, being located at Mexico City, and was the one who first raised the American flag over tliat city. His parents were Peter and Margarette Bigney.' His wife, .Sarah ( Vandoren ) Bigney, was born on Xovember 13, 1831, in Somerset county. Xew Jersey, where she was reared, coming to Franklin, near Cincinnati, Ohio, and was married on April 25, 1855. Lemuel and Sarah Bigney were the pa^-ents 01 eleven children: Verado W., ?iIarion E.. Windfield S., Andrew J., Etta ^l.. Clara B., Jacob V., and four who died in infancy.

Verado \V. Bigney was married to Minnie Wolf, and lives at Sunman, Indiana, where he owns a drug" store. They had three children, Walter, Lynn and Merwin, the latter being killed in an accident in 19 15. Marion E. was united in marriage with Rose Tanner, and is living at Moores Hill. They have two children, Harry and Edna. Winfield S. was married to Zcila Brewington, and lives at Moores Hill on a farm. They have two children, Leslie and Altra. Etta M. is the wife of George M. Smith, and is living at Evansville, Indiana, where Mr. Smith is district superintendent of the E\ansville Methodist Episcopal church. They have had two children, Combie and one who died in infancy. They also have an adopted child, Iva. Clara B. became the wife of Dr. David E. Johnston, a prominent physician, and li\-es at

IMoores Hill. They have one child, Anna. Jacob V. wa.s married to Mattie Laws, and is living on the old homestead. They have two children, l'~d\in and Eula Belle.

The paternal grandparents were Peter and Margaret Bigney. Peter Bigney was born on Prince Edward Island, and immigrated to the United States, settling near !Moorcs Ilill, on eighty acres of land, where he lived until his death, about 1850. The farm on which he settled was virgin forest and. had to be cleared before it could be put under cultivation. His wife, Margaret Bigney, was also a nati\e of Prince Edward Island, and was married there aliout the }ear iSoo. They were the parents of nine children: James, Peter, Eemuel, Rosel, Belle T., one who was drowned while coming to the United States, and three who died in infancy,

Andrew J. Bigney was united in marriage on September 2, iSg6, with Carrie Ewan, daughter of Napoleon Bonaparte Ewan and Mary (Bill)' Ewan. She was born nn May 29. 1869. five miles east of IMoores Hill. She is an earnest member (.>f the ^vlethodist Episcopal church, and a good Christian woman. No children have come to bless this iuii(in.

Napoleon Bn'iiriparte Ew.'tn, fatlier of ^.Irs. Bignev, was born near Ab.iores Hill, on a farm, April 2},. 1S44. He divided his attention between farming and school teaching, and lived in "Sparta township all his life. His wife, ^Nlarv (Bill) Ewan. was a nati\'c of .Msace-Lorraine, Germanw She was born on Xnvemlier 20, 1843, contiiig to America while }oung. Her parents settled first in Ohin. coming later to Dearborn comity. The_\- had four children. Carrie, Laura, Mary and Charles, deceased. Laura Ewan became the wite of Charles McClure, and is living at Starkville, Colorado, where her husband is a practicing physician. Thev have three children. ]Mary Ellen. Alfred Marce and Ilarlin Ewan.

Prof. Andrew J. has taught two-thirds of all the graduates of Moores Hill College, instructing three luindred and eleven out of four hundred and fifty-one graduates and in addition about four thousand umlergraduates and. with his life devoted to the noble work of teaching, he is wielding a force to be felt throughout future generations. His connectiun with Moores Hill College covers a period of twenty-five years, with the exception of two years. Aside from his duties as president of the college, he dedcv(ites some time to delivering lectures in teachers' county institutes, and also lectures at high sch01.1l ccimmencements, and his services are in great demaiul and his ability as a lecturer on educational and religious topics generallv recosnized.

Although modest and retiring in manner. Dr. James Frederick Treon, still a young man, is one of the most successful men in his profession. Tlie skill and composure with which he handles his cases, do much toward winning the confidence of his patients, without which a physician is greatly handicapped in the progress of his work. His reputation as one well informed in his profession has reached in e\ery direction, far beyond the limits of his home town, and he is well established in a valuable practice. Coming from a family of physicians for generations back, he naturally takes to his profession with an interest, the result of which can only be of benefit to those requiring his services.

James Frederick Treon was born on June 30, iSSo, in Aurora, Indiana, where he now resides. He'is a son of Frederick and America Cerella (Lamb) Treon. He was reared at Aurora, and was graduated from the high school of that place, in i8Sg, after which he entered the Medical College of Ohio, graduating in 1903. His office for general practice was immediately established at Aurora. Indiana, where he has since remained. He and his wife are earnest members of the Presbyterian church, in which he officiates as an elder. Dr. Treon is a Democrat, and is a member of, and officer in various societies, namely: Aurora Lodge No. 51, Free and Accepted Masons: Aurora Chapter No. 13, I\oyal Arch Masons: Aurora Commandery No. 17. Knights Templar: Alurat Temple. Noble=. of the ^Mystic Shrine: Harmony Lodge No. 69, Knights of Pythias. He is a member of the Coimty ]\Iedical Society, as well as being secretary of the city board of health, and is a United States pension examiner.

Frederick Treon, lather of the subject of this sketch, was born on August 12, 1S55, in Shelby county, Indiana, where lie received a common-school education, graduating from the Franklin Academy, after which he completed a special course in geometry, trigonometry, and civil and mechanical engineering with Hasklin & Barker, at ]^Iichigan City, and later took a course in the study of drugs, and in 1877 he entered the Ohio Medical College, from which institution he was graduated and received his diploma on March i, 1879, when he immediately entered into a professional partnership with Dr. James Lamb, his father-in-law, at Aurora, and remained there until he entered the Indian service, under Cleveland's administration, with headquarters in South Dakota. For a number of years. Doctor Treon retained his residence and voted at Aurora, but for the past several years he has been practicing at Chamberlain, South Dakota, where he now makes his permanent residence, and where he liolds the office of president of the Stale ^fedical Sociolv, and is vice-president of the Railway Sin-geons' Association. Doctor Tret III was married on May 29, 1S78, to America Cerella Lanil), daughter of Dr. James and Sarali A. Lamti, her hirth occurring- on April 30, I'S.i". Their onl}-'clii!d \\'as James Frederick. Dr. Frederick 'IVeon has always hcen a loyal and active memher of the Democratic party, and is past eminent grand commander of the Grand Commandery, Knights Templar, of S'luih Dakota, and is also a thirty-second-degree. Scottish Rite Mason.

The paternal grandfather. .Vndrew Treon, was born on .-Vpril 27, 1804, in Lebanon count}', Pennsylvania, in the same house where his father was born. Andrew Treon first studied medicine under Dr. John Treon, of !\[iamisburg, Ohio, who continued his practice for a period of about sixty-six years.

Dr. Andrew Treon was twice married, his second wife being Lydia Steinberger. She was bom on ]May 6, 1822, in Bartholomew countv, Indiana. Dr. Andi'ew Treon and his wife were early settlers near Shelb)\'ille, Indiana, where they lived to a good old age. Their children were: Frederick, Elizabeth Lytic, Rebecca, and Kiser, who died young.

The maternal grandfather was Dr. James Laml), who was born on February 15, 1818, on Oil Creek, \'enango county. Pennsylvania, and was a son of David H. and Margaret (Kidd) Lamb. He was married in November, 184 1, to Sarah A. Carnine, of Switzerland county, Indiana. Both his grandmothers were of Scotch-L"ish descent. His parents mo\'cd from Pennsylvania to Jefferson county, Lidiana, in 1827. Doctor Lamb settled in Dearborn county, in 1866, where he practiced medicine up to the time of his death, which occiu'red in 1894, at the age of seventy-six years. Doctor Lamb cast his first vote for General FTarrison in 1S40. Fie and his wife were earnest members of .the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Lamb died aged about sixtyfi\e years. They had five children ; A.merica CercUa, Elvina, Lamartine K., Kossuth, and one who died young.

Dr. James Frederick Treon was united in marriage, June 19, 1907, with Margaret C. Coleman, daughter of Joseph S. and Abagail E. (Burgess) Coleman. ^Irs. Treon was born on September 5, 1884, at Huntington, Indiana, and is the mother of three children, Joseph F., Kathryn E. and Flenrietta C.

Joseph S. and Abagail (Burgess) Coleman, parents of Mrs. Treon, were born near Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and have lived at Aurora for the past fifteen years. Mr. Coleman is a manufacturer of wheels and spokes.

George Johxstox

No history of Dearborn county would be complete without specific mention of George Johnston, one of the county's most fiMceful pioneers, a scIimIarly man and a true of the old schnnl." who exeried a ver\' wide influence for <;0(jd in the fLirni;.iti\e da\s i>f tlh^ eniiiniunit}'. George loh.nston had ser\-ecl as pri\ate secretary to Gen. William Henr) flarrison, g<jvernor of Iniliana Terrib ir_\-. at V'inceimes. during the truuhlr.us davs of i^^ii ami 1812, when America wa.- fighting its seci:ind war fcir independence against Englan.d, and had thus taken his place amr)iig the great hisl<.ir}' makers nf that i>eriud. When later he came {o this count)-, his quiet forcefuhiess of character made him a natm'al social leader and it is undoubted that he exerted a very beneficial influence duruig the earls days of the community. Thoiigh it is not km.iun that George Johnston ever attended a se.->S!on of schiiol a single day in hi^ lite, he was b_\- natiu'e a profound student and, bv sedul'ius and ccinscientious application, became a singidarK" scliolarh man for' hi. -^ day and generation, whrilly self-taught ; therefore, when he entereil ui;on his careL-r a^ a teacher of tlte yoiuh oi this section h.e wa-^ jierforming a most valuable ser\-ice to the new ci:immttnity. a ser\ice whicii did not end with his death, but goes on and on. being reflected to this day in the cultural life of Dearborn county. For tliis reas(_in. it is especially fitting that in this volume of the liistor}- i_if Dearborn county there should be jiresentcd the following brief memorial of this gallant old pioneer.

George Johnston was Vv^vn near the city of Winchester, \'irginia, on ]Mav 23. 1790, the third son of David and Elizabeth (Kyle) Johnston, tlte former of whom died in ijyifi. Thus bereft of a father at the tender age of ^ix, George Johnston grew up singularly self-reliant .tiid \ery early began helping his brothers and his widowed mother to "get along." As a lio\- he worlced in the L'ewis Xea! flour-mill, near the Johnston hoine. and also learned the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked for some time in \'irginia. There is no evidence in the family pa[)ers, or in the traditions of the familv. that George Johnston ever .-ittended school anywhere, yet he early acquired an excellent education. His mother taught him to read and his eager and receptive mind needed no such si)ur as the cold formalities of a schoid room to lead him on in the paths of learning. In mathematics, particularly, he excelled, though in all the general branches of learning he acquired, by reading, a good working knowledge.

Johnston and her three sons left Virginia, seeking;- to mai<e a new home for tliemselves in the then Far West. They crossed the Ohio river at what is now Wheeling and proceeded by raft down the Ohio to what is now Hamilton, Ohio, where the family spent a winter, George Johnston employing In's time b}' teaching school while there. In the spring uf iSio tlie family started westward thrt>ngh the wilderncs.s, en route to Ft. X'inceiines. where it was thought safety could lie secured against the threatening attacks of Indians. During tlicir stay at \'incennes, George Jt)hnslon attracted the attention of General Harrison, then goverui.ir of Indirma TerritDry, and the go\ernor attached him to his staff as pri\atc secretary, a position which he held until after the War of 1S12, after which the Johnston family went to Kentucky, remaining for a time in the vicinity of Louisx'ille, after which they again crossed the river and came o\er intc) Indiana and in 18:5 settled on Flogan creek', about six miles from tlie Ohicj ri\er, in what is now Dearljorn county, and there established their permanent Ivme. George Johnston and lii> brotiier, Joseph, erected a water-power mill on Hogan creek and became successful millers, for )ears doing the l.>ulk of the milling for the pioneers of that neighborhood.

In the year 1S21 George Johnston was united in marriage at the hi_ime of Thomas Kyle, to Katherine Kearney and to Uiis union ten children were born, of whom George W. Johnston, the last born of this large familv, is the only one now li\-ing and he ^til! makes his home in this county, not far from the old Johnston home place. Presentl}- George Johnston gave up the milling business and thereafter, for years, devoted himself to teaching. He was a scholarlv gentleman and was bighlv gifte.j as a teaclier, possessing a directness of style singularly well adapted for the duties of his high calling, and, in molding and directing the niinds of the youth whose privilege it was to sit at his feet, gave a direction and iinpetus to learning in this community that is still reflected in the cultural and social life of this entire section of the state. ]\Ir. Johnston was regarded as a remarkable madicmatician ; far ahead of his tiine, his neighbors admiringly were wont to say, and there is still preser\"cd in the family, cherished as a priceless relic of the past, a considerable fi-agment of his interesting mathematical conclusions, worked out as early as 181 2.

George Johnston died on December 31, 186 1, and a contemporaneous neighborly comment accompanying a biographical and ol)ituary comment on liis death, published at that time, is authority for the statement that "a quiet, modest, good man has left a noble record."

Perry Caxfield

It is always a great pleasure to write the biographical sketch of one of French descent, as the citizens of this country should ne\-er allow themselves to forget that it was largely to the children of friendly France that America owes lu-r freedom. They willingly cast tlieir lot with the struggling American colonies and their descendants ha-\-e kept the faith of the early fathers, by doing their slnre in the building up of a country destined to become a ])ov.er in the affairs of the world.

Perrv Canfield. farmer, Hogan township. Dearborn county. Ind'a.ia, was born on April 24. 1S66, near A\'ilmington, in the township where he now resides. He is a son of Wesley and Joseph (Baker) Canfield. He gre\\' up on the home farm, where he attended the public schools of tlie district, graduating from Moores Hill College, and at once began teaching school, dividing the time as follows : five }-ears in Dearborn county, one year in Jennings county, one year in Ohio county, and eight years in the cit}' schools of Co\-- ington, Kentucky, where his work was all of a supervisorv character, and while at Co\ingtiin, he ti>ok a post-graduate course at the L"ni\'ersitv of Cincinnati, specializing in the philosopln- of education. Having earned the mcnev for his own education, he thus developed a strong sense of responsiltility arid self-reliance, which proved extremely valuable in after life. In 1912 ]\Ir. Canfield ga\e up teaching and. remo\-ed tD Wilmingtrm, where he own.ed a farm, on whicli was a large brick residence. After going to the farm, h.e thoroughly remodeled his house, putting in expensive improvements, such as a hot water system of heating, an acetylene gas plant for lighting pr.rposes, fire-proof asbestos roof, and all that goes to make up a modern residence. In 191 1 he erected another residence on his farm for his tenant, which is also a good, substantial home. His tract of land covers one hundred and t\vt:-tysix acres on the outskirts of Wilmington, where he is engaged in the dairy business, with a herd of seventeen Jersey cattle. In 1893, and again in i395, Air. Canfield's name was seriously considered for sujwrintendent iif schriols. He belonged to the Free and Accepted Alasons and Knights of Pythias. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist church.

Wesley Canfield, father of the subject of this sketch, was born near Wilmington, Dearborn county, and was a son of Edwin and Elizabeth (Vincent) Canfield. Prior to the Civil \\'ar. Mr. Canfield was employed in the raih'oad shops at Cochran. He enlisted during the Civil War in Company T, Eightythird Regiment. Indiana Volunteer Infaiitry, and was in the service about four years. After the war was ended, he returned to agricidtural pursuits in Ho-

|j;-an township, but later moved into r\lancliester town.shiii and lived tliere until late in life. While here. b,c retired from acti\e work and nv. >ved to Sparta, where he interested himself in churcli affairs, altln luqli not a nieml)er. 'Sh. Canfield's death oecurred in the spring- of 1911. His wife, Josephine ( llaker) Canfield, was born in Hoq-an township. Dearborn eountw .and wa.s the twelfth child of Thomas and Rachel fPowell) Baker. W'e-.lev and Ti>- scphine (Baker) Canfield were the parents of the following- cliildren : .\nna Eli.^a, wife of W. C. Prichard, of Sparta: Perry, of Hogan township; Pdwin P.. of Sparta: and Robert S.. also of Sparta.

The Canfield family has been traced back to 1350 in France and Ent^- land. where the nan-ie was originally spelled Cam de Philo, and descended from James de Philo. a French Hug^ienot, a French citizen of Normai-idy. who was given a grant of land on the river Cam in Yorkshire. Ei-ig-land. As e;trly as 1639 the name was knowi-i in Xew Hax'en, Connecticut, as Camphilo. and in 16S0 at Milford the spelling was Camfield. and again, in 1720. the name was Canfield. Thomas Canfield. of ^.[ilford. Ci->nnecticut, who li\e 1 frnm 1680 to 1730, was the father of John Canfield and others, and J(ihn was the father of I'hineas. who was liorn in 1753 and married Amv Xewtun, of Dui'- ham. Connecticut. They were the parents of eight children, the fonrtii <-.f whom was Xoyse. born in 17S2. in the state of Xew Yorl;, and died i:i P^virborn countv in 1S60. His wife was l"ani-iy T\'ler, a relati\-e of President Tyler. They moved from Xew York to \"irginia, and at the end of one year can-ie down the ri\-er on a raft nearly all the way, locating on section 2^. in Hogan township, near X'orth Hogan Creek, where he entered land frmri the government. PTe securefl eninlo}-ment across the river in Kentucky, and was obliged to leave his wife alone in their home until Saturday night of each week, when he returned with provisions sufficient for the fullowing week, and frequently during his absence the Pidians would c ime antl tal-:e it all. leaving her \\-ithout food. The}- were friendly Pidians :uid did nnt miilest her, thanking her for the food, w-liich she gave without protest. After tw-o years spent in this way. ^Ir. Canfield built a home on the hilltop, and nM\ ed there in order to avoid the chills and fever, the bottom lands being damp and malarial.

X'oyse Canfield participated in the War of 1812. and was a faimer all his life, owning several farms where he first settled. To Xo\-se and Fanny (Tyler) Canfield w-ere born nine children: Edwin, born in 1S05. died in 1885: hdi^a. 1808. became the wife of Alcin Kerr: William, 1810. died in 1885;

Newton, 1S13, was married to Susanne Baker; ]\Iary, 1S16, died in 1891. married James Chisman ; Cyrus. i8i8, died in 1S92, married IMaPt' Ricliardson : Alfred, 1822: ?Iemy. 1825. married Charlotte Chisman; Benjamin, 1827, married a Miss Johnsim. From Noyse Canfield descended most oi the Canficlds in his part of De:irhr)rn count}', wlicre they were good suJjstantial farmers.

Josephine (Baker) Canfield, mother of Perry Canfield, was horn in ITogan to\\nship. Dearborn county, and was the twelfth child of Thomas and Rachel (Powell) Baker. Her death occurred in the spring of 1914.

Thomas Baker, the maternal grandfather, was born on October 24, 17S1). near Salisbury, ^Maryland, coming to Dearborn county with his parents in 1800. He was married in iSii to Rachel Powell, daughter of Nathan and Sarah Powell, who settled in Hogan township at an early clay. The paren.ts of Thomas Baker pre-empted land from the government during the time of Thomas Jcffers'm. Air. Baker followed farming all his life, and wa- a soldier in the W'dv of 1S12. To this union were born twelve children, only two of whom survi\e: Airs. Angclinc Bruce, of Hogan township, who was born, on April 3, 1824; and Xelson T. Baker, now residing in Illinois, who was born on ]\[arch 24, 1827.

Perry Canfield was united in marriage in i8';4, with Ida Spicknall. daughter of Leonard and Rachel (Sellers) Spicknall. She was born just west of Wilmington.

Leonard Spicknall. father of Mrs. Perr_\' Canfield. was born on November 9, 1S28, in the house where he mjw lives, west of W'ilniington. in Hogan township. Here he grew up. and on December 19, 1849. '^^'^^ united in marriage with Rachel Sellers, who was btirn on Decemlier 5, 1S26, in Hogan townphip, on the farm where Adam Bruce now resides. Her parents were Benjamin and Elizalieth (Bruce) Sellers. After his marriage. Air. Spicknall moved ti) Van Buren crjunty in soutlieastern Iowa, where he lived about se\'en years, and in the spring of 1863, feturned to Dearborn count v. He served as trustee of Hogan township for a. period co\'ering thirteen }ears, in all. In 1914 Mr. Spicknall sold his one hundred and si.xty acre farm and now resides at Wilmington. The_\ have had eight children : Rosanna Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of Thomas Ward, and left three children; Marv Eliza became the wife of Nathaniel Dresser, died in July, 1879. leaving two soiis: Sarah Catherine, the wife of David E. Clements, who resides near the old Spi(;knall home; William, who is at present trustee of Hi igan township, ,-ind lives on a portion of the old home place ; Clara keeps house for her fatlier ,

Thomas L. is a farmer in Hogan township: Ida became the wife of the subject of this sketch; and Alice, who was a twin of Clara, died in infancy.

Leonard Spicknall belongs to the ^lasonic Lodge. He and wife were nienil)ers of the ]\Iethodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Spicknall died on i-'ebniary lo, 1S85.

Thomas Spicknall. the paternal grandfalher of Mr.s. Perrv Canfiekl, was born in Virginia. June 2. iSoi. and died on December 31. 1873 '^'^"^ '^'^ wife, Elizabeth Williams, daughter of ^\'illiam and Lovc)- Williams, was burn on February 25, 1802, in Cornwall, England, and died about 1887. Thev were married on INIa}' 21, 1826, and were the parents of nine children. Thev came to America, spending the first two years at Washington City, where Mrs. Spicknall died, after which Mr. Spicknall brought his children west in 1820, settling at Lawrenceburg. from where they later moved to Ilogan town>hip. Thomas Spicknall was a son of Leonard Spicknall, Sr., who lived anfl farmed on the farm later owned by his son, Thomas. He died in 1873.

Benjamin Sellers, the maternal grandfather of INIrs. Canfield. was born and reared near Elizabethtown, and Elizabeth (Bruce) Sellers, his wife, was born in Dearborn count}-, and was a daughter of Anicr and Catherine (Flake) Bruce.

The name of Perry Canfield stands for all that is of the best in his community, and ever\-thing about his home indicates thrift and enterprise. He is an active and highl}-res|)ected citizen.

Ira A. Scritture

The subject of education should alwa}-s be a matter of deep interest to all thinking people, and those who are willing to devote their time and energv' to imparting knowledge to others receive but a small portion of the appreciation and credit to which they are justly entitled.

Ira A. Scripture was born on December i. 1865, near W^estport, Decatur count}', Indiana, and is a son of Alfred Marion and Mary E. (Mitchell) Scripture. His education was received at the district schools of Decatur county, the high school, Hartsville College, Hope Normal, and he was graduated from Moores Hill College in the class of 1902. In 1887 he began teaching school at Gainesville, Decatur county, in connection with farming, and in 1893 he went to W^estport, where he was principal in the city school for three years. In 1896 he went to Dillsboro, and was superintendent of the Dillsboro school until 1899, going from there to Moores Hill, where he taught in tlie normal Lle[)artniciU ami to<.jk college work at the same time. On ]Ma\ 4, 1903, Mr. Scripture bought a one-half interest of F. C. Noble in the hardware Imsiness, and they conducted the business under the firm name of Xoble & Scripture. In 1903 i\Ir. Noble disposed of his interest to George C. ]\Iiller, and in 1906 Mr. Miller sold out to J. Frank Turner. In 190S ]\lr. Scripture bought the interest of his partner, and tlie business is now known as Scripture & Sons. ]\Ir. Scripture has always gi\-en his support to the Denmcratic party, and in 1904 was elected township trustee for a four-year term. He carried the first gra\el road election returns which made the first free road in the count}" under the taxes of the people, securing a twentv-ninc thousand five hundred dollar bond issue to cover same. This was the start of the good roads of Dearborn county. He was a member of the town board and city council, serving until 1914. Mr. Scripture is a member of the [Methodist Episcopal church.

Alfred ^ilarion Scripture, father of the immediate subject of this sketch, was born on ?^Iay t,o. 1S37, in Decatur county. Indiana, where he was educated and grew to manhood on his father's farm, and then bought si.xtv acres of his father's farm, to which he later added thirty-fi\-e acres nKjre, and became the ow ner of a fine tract of one hundred and ninety-five acres in all, where he' carried on general farming. He was always an active and loyal Democrat, holding some of the local offices. He belonged to the church of the United Brethren, in which he was a cliurch officer. Flis death occurred in 1S91. at the age of fifty- four years. ^Iv. Scripture was a son of John and Isabelle (Holmes) Scripture. His wife, ^lary E. (Mitchell) Scripture, was born on December 2, 184S, in Illinois, and came to Decatur count v at the age of twelve years with her widowed mother. ]\Ir. and [Mrs. Scripture were the parents of ten children, Leonard E., Ira A., Isom E., Elmer L., Bradford J., Alvin P., Lanrlos H., Lerta, Emma Netta and Fred P.

The paternal grandfather was John Scripture, and his wife was Isabelle (Holmes) Scripture. The former was a native of New York state, coming west by ox-team when twelve years of age, with his uncle, who took up .government land to the amount of one hundred and sixt\- acres, at a cost of one dollar anrl twenty-five cents an acre. He lived near Westport all !iis lite, dying at the age of sixty-one years. His wife, Isabelle (Holmes) Scripture, was born in Decatur county, where she lived all her life.

Ira A. Scripture was married on February 7. 18.89. Decatur couiitv, to Emma Taylor, daughter of Isaac H. and Amelia A. ( McConnell ) Tavlor. She was born on Jul\- iS, 1866, in Decatur county. This miion has been blessed with three children, Ina, born on March 22, 1S91, is the wife of James B. Wirt,

Isaac H. Taylr)r, father of Mrs. Ira A. Scripture, was born in Pennsxlvania and came to Decatur county when quite small, with his parents, where he followed farming all his life, dying at the age of seventy years. His wife, Amelia (AlcConncU) Taylor, was born in Decatur county, },larch 8, 1841, and lived there all her life. They were the parents of seven children, Emma. George, John. James, ]\Iary. Gertrude and Hugh.

The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch, although born anti reared as a farmer boy. has turned out to be one of the most prosperous and successful citizens of Moores Hill. Indiana. He was careful to fit himself with a good education, and herein lies a great part of the secret of his success.

Morris D. Olcott was born on December 24, 1866, at Chesterville, Indiana, and is a son of C. L. and Adelia (Record) Olcott. Mr. Olcott was first a pupil at the public schools at Woodbury, and later attended ]\Ioores Hill College. After leaving here he entered Purdue University, and after graduating he follnwed farming under the instruction of his father until 1907. when he saw possibilities in a feed and seed store at the thriving little citv of }iIoores Hill, and accordingly established himself in business, the outcome of which has been highly satisfactory. Through his own efforts Mr. Olcott has, in addition to his investment in the business already mentioned, been enabled to acquire considerable valuable real estate in the city of Indianapolis, as well as in his home city, ^Moores Hill. He is a strong believer in the Prohibiiion principles, to which party he gi\-es his lo) al support. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Olcott is a publicsi)irited man, and takes a deep interest in all endeavors toward bettering the condition of the community in general, being especially interested in Epworth League work, serving as treasurer for a good many years.

C. L. Olcott, father of the subject of this sketch, was born on Feln-uary 2y, 1841, in Dearborn county, and is a son of William and Alary (King) Olcott. He was educated at the district schools, after which he remained on the home farm until the death of his father, and then bought the farm, con- sisting of three liutidred and eigliteen acres, following agriculture until iqoj, when he moved to Moores Hill, where he still resides. His wife. Adelia (Record) Olcott. was born at Chestervillc, Indiana, July i/, 1844, livingthere until 1907, when she came to Moores Hill. This union was blest with three children, Morris, Stella, deceased, and Hattie, also deceased.

The paternal grandparents were William and Mary ( King) Olcott. The foimer was born in Connecticut, and came to Dearborn county when quite young. i^Irs. Olcott was a native of Dearborn county, Indiana.

Mr. Olcott is an industrious worker, and through his perseverance and good management has placed himself in a position of independence, and he occupies a position of high esteem in the city of Aloores Hill.

Among the enterprising citizens of Caesar Creek township, Dearborn county, Indiana, none stands in higher esteem than the man whose name forms the caption of this article. Descended from sterling German ancestry-, he has embodied within himself their leading characteristics in such manner as to make of him a man in every sense of the word in the estimation of those who have known him long and well.

John Henr\- Nolte was born in Cla\' township. Dearborn count}", on December 3, 1S79, a son of Charles and ]Mary (Schriefer) Nolte, the fonner born in C;esar Creek township on August 24, 1S54. and the latter born in this state, on June 16, 1854. Charles Noble worked on a farm all his life and never owned but the one tract of land, on which he passed his active years and where death overtook him. That was his farm of two hundred and thirty-six acres located in Clay township. His death occurred on June 6, 1899, when forty-five years of age. All his life he had been a devout member of the Lutheran church, serving his local organization as trUstee for a number of years, and in other official capacities. He was a Democrat, although taking no particular interest in politics. ^Irs. Mary Nolte is still living.

The paternal grandparents were John Henry and Margaret (Rullman) Kolte, both born in Hanover, Germany, the former on September 16, 1829. and the latter on November 2^,, 1833. John Henry Nolte came to this country when a young man and located on a farm in Caesar Creek township, where he passed the remainder of his days, tlis death occurred on December 19, 1882, when fifty-three years old. Margaret Rullman, wife of John Heni7

Xiilte, was brought to this country by her parents when she was a httle girl of ten years. They located in Qesar Creek township, and in the schools near her home she received her education. There she met and married Mr. Nolte. She was a daughter of Harmon and Alary (Bushman) Ruhlman and was one of a family of fi\e children, the others being Henry, Ernest, William and Catherine. John Henry and Margaret XoUc had a family of three children, Charles, Louisa and W'illiam. all born and reared in Dearborn county.

John Henry Nolte is one of a family of four chiklren, being the eldest of the family. The other members are Edward, Laura and W'eslc}'. John Hem-y Nolte received his education in the common schools of Clay townsliip, and remained with his father until the latter's death, assisting him with the work of the homestead. After his lather's death he took over the farm of his grandmother Nolte.

John Henry Nolte was married on January 6, 1904, to Catherine Anna Stocver, daughter of John P. and Sophia (Lange) Stoever, residents of Cincinnati. Catherine was l)orn in Washington township, this county, on starch 20, 1883. To this union has been born one child, a son, Wesley Christopher, born August 2, 1907. Hoth ]Mr. and iMrs. Nolte are members of the Lutheran, church. His political support is gi\-en the Democratic party. Air. Nolte is a man of progressive tendencies and enterprising spirit and enjoys the sincere regard of the entire community in which he lives.

Louis E. Ruhlman

Dependent largely upon his own resources from youth, Louis B. Ruhlman, successful fanner of Clay township, Dearborn county, Indiana, has attained no insignificant success, and though he has, like most men of affairs, encountered obstacles and met with reverses, he has shown himself resourceful and full of energ}-, and has succeeded well in his undertaking. Ilis tenacity and fortitude are due. no doubt, in a large measure to the worthy traits inherited from his sterling ancestors, the example of whose well-regulated lives he has sought to follow in all the relations of life.

Louis B. Ruhlman was born in Clay township on July 8, 1869, a son of Henry H. and Eliza (Dulweaver) Ruhlman, both natives of Germany; the former was born in 1838. When a chikl Henry was brought to this country by his parents, who settled in Clay township, and in die schools near his home he recei\'ed his education. He assisted his father with the work of the farm home until such time as he made the purchase of a farm on his own account, this being located in Clay township, and on which he remained but a short time when he disposed of it and b<_)Ught another in Claw township, on Hayes branch. That farm contained fifty-nine acres, and there he continued to live until 1S95, when he muved to a farm near Dillsljoro, containinq- one hundred and five acres, and there passed the remainder of his life, his death occurring in June ijf 1903, when he was sixty-five years old. Henry Ruhlman was a devuut memlier of the Lutheran church, and his political support was given the Democratic party. In all things he was an honest and upright man who had a great many friends who highly esteemed him.

Henry Ruhlman was one of a family of f(.iur children, the others being- Charles, Fred and [Minnie. These all came to this country with the parents about the }ear 1S43, and settled in Dearborn county.

Eliza (Dulweavcr) Ruhlman, mother of the immediate subject of this sketch, was a daughter of Bernard Dulweavcr and was born in Germany, coming to this country with her parents, who first settled in Cincinnati and later came to Dearborn c^iunty, locating on a farm in Cresar Creek township, where thev passed the remainder of their lives. There were but two children in the Dulweaver family, the other child, a son, met his death during the Civil War, from star\ation while a prisoner in Anderson\ille.

Henr\- and Eliza Ruhlman were the parents of four children, .\nna, Louis, William, ami i>ne child who die<l in infancy. Anna became the wife of \\'il!iam Cline and li\es in Cincinnati. William married Ellen Xelson and lives in Sparta township. They ha\'e five children, Clifford and Allen, deceased ; Harry, Ernest and Bertha. Eliza Ivuhlman's death occurred the same month as that of her husband, in June of 1903.

Louis B. Ruhlman received his education in the schools of Clay township and after completing his studies assisted his father in the work of the farm home for a short time. He was filled with an ambition to see something of the world and first went t<j Kansas, where for a year he followed his occupation of a farmer. He then came back east, locating in Chicago, where he worked as a lineman for the Western Unirjn Telegraph Company, out of Chicago. He went from there to Cincinnati, where he was connected with the Cincinnati Telephone Company, remaining with them three years, when he received such injuries as made necessary a change in his manner of labor. He reverted to his original life as a farmer and came back to this section, where he purchased the old homestead of his father, near Dillsboro. He began his farming in a small way and gradually paid off the purchase price of the place. When he had it clear he purchased an additional tract of fifty- nine acres, later on disposing of four; and on the balance he has continued to make his home. Air. Ruhhnan has long- since demonstrated the fact that he is possessed of more than ordinary business abihty, for he manages his interests very well indeed. He is a large stockholder in the Dillsboro Sanatorium, being also one of its original incorporators, and much of the success of that institution is due to his foresight and business ability.

Louis B. Ruhlman was married on April 12, 1905, to Ella R. Johnson, a daughter of t\*illiam and Ella ( Risinger) Johnson, born on March 8, 1872, in Napoleon, Ripley county, in which town she also was educated. William Johnson was born in Batesvillc, Indiana, February 6, 1842, and was engaged in agricultural work all his life. After marriage he lived for a time at Napoleon and after selling his farm tiiere. moved to Osgood, Indiana, where he remained two years, coming \o Dillsboro in 1910. A\'illiam and Ella (Risinger) Johnson uere the parents of four children, Svlvia, who died young, .Mma, Harry and Ella R! .\lma became the wife of G. William Niebrugge and lives in Dillsl.ioro. They have three children, Ella Ruth. Flovd and Lester Charles. Harry married Barljara Crane and li\'es in Osoood.

To Louis ] ;. Ruhlman and wife have been born two daughters : S_\l\'ia E., born on July 21. 1908, and Goldie A., November 2, 1910. Mr. Ruhlman is a man who takes a keen interest i'a all matters pertaining to the welfare of the community, and is a strong supporter of the principles of the Democratic party. He UK.ist efficiently served Clay township as assessor for four years and takes much interest in the affairs of his party in other than local matters. His fraternal affiliation is held with the Knights of Pythias and he is a past chancellor of his local lodge. He is a faithful member of the Presbyterian church, giving generoush' of his means toward the support of the local organization. In all the affairs of life, Mr. Ruhlman has shown himself a man who stands "foursi:[uare to every wind that blows." and he is, therefore, eminently entitled to mention in a volume of the character of the one in hand.

Among the older citizens of Clay township. Dearborn county, Indiana, none stands higher in the esteem of his fellow citizens than the gentleman whose name forms the caption of this sketch. Henrj' Gear has long been engaged in agricultural pursuits in this section and the years of his residence here have but strengthened the feelincr of honor and respect on the part of

Henry Gear is a native of Gennany, having been Ijorn in Deepholtz, Hanover, on November i, 1S33. a son of Frederick and Hannali { Finke) Gear. F^rederick Gear was born on January 2. 181 1, and Hannah Finke on September iS, of the same year. In the year 1845, with their young family, they immigrated to the United States, coming directly to Dearborn county, where they found many of their naticniality. They secured a tract of eighty acres in Cla\- township, near Dillsboro, paying seven hundred dollars for their homestead. There the family was reared and the old folks passed their remaining days. Frederick Gear departed this life on April 4, 18S0, and his j wife lived until December 31, 189S.

l of six children, the others being Frederick. William, Mary, Lizzie and Louisa. William, JMar\' and Lizzie are deceased. Frederick chose Barbara Steple i as his wife and she has borne him five children. Will, Fred, Laura, Ruth I and Lulu. \\'illiam married Mary ]\Iiller and died childless. Mary became

- The famil)- lives on a farm in Ripley county. Lizzie became the wife of i' William Kamman and has one son. Horace, junior. I^ouisa is the wife of |. Henrv' Reinhardt and has four daughters, Clara, Rose. Lulu and Augusta.

- daughter of Henry and Anna (Hefflemeier) Rupker, both natives of Ger- I many. The parents were married in the fatherland and brought their young I family to this country, .^nna being eight years old at the time the long jourj ney was made. They found their location in Ripley county and there passed

Eliza, Henry and Louisa. To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gear were born three daugliters. Magijic, Anna and Louisa. Anna became the wife of William Nintrup. a farmer of Dearborn county. Louisa married J. H. Sclmeider, of Cochran, this county, and. is the mother of one daughter, \'iola. Maggie li\'es in Clay township.

Mr. Gear is a faithful member of the German Lutheran church and has the distinction of having filled all the offices in that society. He takes a keen interest in its welfare and spares himself no pains to further its advancement. He oives his support to the Democratic party, standing alwavs for what concerns the greatest good to the greatest number. Mr. Gear has nianv interesting stories to relate concerning the conditions throughout this section when they first took up their residence here, and he enjoys telling of his part in the work of getting the old Ohio & Mississippi railroad (now the l*>altimore & Ohio Southwestern) in shape to handle passengers. It was of course a momentous day when the road was really put in operation and Mr. Gear had the privilege of hauling the first load of wood to the station in Cochran. ]\Ir. Gear is a man of sterling character, scrupulouslv honest in all the relations of life and is held in the highest esteem hx a laro-e circle of friends.

Among the citizens of Dearborn county who have won a pleasing degree of success in their chosen field of endeavor is William Siekerman, the respected subject of this short' biographical sketch. Air. Siekerman gives much attention to agricultural pursuits and in this line is regarded as among the best farmers of the community. He is, however, perhaps best known as a plasterer and bricklayer of considerable ability and has the distinction of having plastered and laid the bricks for nearlv all the buildings in Clay township and rendered the same service in connection with more than eighty of the buildings of Dillsboro.

Mr. Siekerman is a native of Dearborn county, having been born on January i, 1857, a son of Garrett Henry and Eliza (Leavcrcamp) Siekerman, she being the second wife of Henry. Henry Siekerman was bom in Germany on ^^larch 17, 1815, and immigrated to America when quite a V(uuig m.an. Lie came to this section in the early pioneer davs, being among the first wiiite settlers. At that time there were no roads, only Indian paths. and the primeval forests still stood throughout this section of the state.

S22 Dearborn County, Indiana

Henry Siekcrman grew fond of his home in tlic wilderness and as the first onrush of the tide of civilization reached this part of the country, he \\as eager to secure for his adopted home all possible benefits. His first farm consisted of eighty acres, for which he paid the government tlie sum of fifty cents per a^re. He passed his remaining ^-ears in Dearl)orn county and as better dwellings than the first primitive cabins began to be erected, he reverted to his old trade of plasterer and all of the earlier buildings through this community gave evidence of his ability in that line. Mr. Siekerman's first wife came with him from Germany, but died shortly after reaching the United States, leaving him with one daughter, Etta. His second wife was Eliza Lcavercamp, who bore him two sons, \\'illiam. the immediate subject of this sketch, and Henry. By his third wife he had six children: George, Amelia, Charles, Theodore, Lewis and Edward, all of whom are living. Henry Siekerman, brother of William, married Louisa Smalle and bv her had seven children : Sam. I'rank, Eva, John, Lyda, Walter and Clarence. Her,ry"s death occurred in 1892.

William Siekerman received his education in the common schools of Ripley county anrl at an early age took up farm work. He continued at this for a few years and then learned the plasterer and bricklayer's trade and has combined his two lines of endea\or ever since. In 1SS5 he purchased a fanri in Clay township consisting of thirty-si.\ acres and to this he added twenty-five acres at one time and forty-one acres at another time, making his present holdings one hundred and two acres in all, this land well testifying to his ability as a farmer.

^Ir. Siekennan's marriage took place in 1S84, when on November 25 of that year he was united in wedlock with Clarabelle Worley, daughter of Robert and Caroline (Fowler) Worley, the former a native of the state of Kentucky and the latter born in Dearborn county. Robert Worlev passed the greater portion of his young manhood in the state of Ohio and for many years operated a steamboat on the waters of the Ohio ri\'er. Robert \\'orley and wife had the following children : Alice, Florence, Harry, Clarabelle, Annie and Fannie. Harry married Lizzie Steward and has two children, Eva and Vera. Annie became the wife of Harry K. Evans and thev lia\-e had the misfortune to lose the entire family of three children.

To William Siekerman and wife have been born three children, two of whom died in infancy, but one daughter. Clara, remaining. This daughter became the wife of Harry Linkmeier and resides on a farm in this county. William Siekerman has all his life been a faithful member of the Lutheran diurch and lives his life in accordance with its teachings. His political snp- ]]nrt he gives to the Democratic party, hcing especially interested in its affairs as relate to local matters. In all the relations of life Air. Sickerman has proved himself a man among men and because of his sterling personal qualities and stanch intcgrit}-, he is deserving of the confidence which has been placed in him by his fellow men.

Ciiristiax Gottlieb Harsch

Christian Gottlieb Harsch, concrete contractor, of Lawrenceburg, this county, is a son of Gottlieb and Elizaljeth (Schaeffer) Harsch. and was born on December 22, 185 1, at Cincinnati. Ohio. He was not two years old when his parents moved to this county in 1853, l<_)cating at Lawrenceburg, where he has since reijiained. He attended the public schools and the German parochial school and after leaving school did everything in the \vay of odd jobs, from driving a team for fifteen cents a day to railroading, ha\ing been employed in the bridge department for several years, after which he learned the plasterer's trade, which he followed for sixteen years, later going into business as a concrete contractor and for years past has been awarded contracts for most of the sidewalks of Lawrenceburg. Politically, 'Sir. Harsch is a stanch Republican, to which party he has gi\en his earnest support, and shown his liiyalty by ser\'ing in some of the city offices. He was city marshal for two terms and was treasurer of the fire department for twenty-seven years. Fraternally, he is a member of Dearborn Lodge No. 4, Knights of Pythias, Mr. Harsch owns a good home at 226 ]Mary Street, and is an attentive member of Zion Evangelical church.

Gottlieb and Elizabeth (Schaeffer) Harsch, were born in Wurtemburg. German}-, yir. Harsch was reared and educated in Germany and came to America about 1849, locating at Cincinnati, where he was employed in a pork- -l)acking establishment, and where he died in 1S51. To him and his wife were born two children, Anna, who died in infancy, and Christian G., the subject I't this sketch. After the death of her husband, Airs, blarsch married Matthias Hanselman and became the nii_")ther of four more children, name- : Mar\' and Alatthias, both living in Lawrenceburg; Louis, wlio makes his home at Hamilton, Ohio, and one who died in infancy. Christian G. Harsch's paternal grandparents died in Germany, both having lived to be past ninety years of age. Among their children were Christian, Louisa and

Christian Griltlicb Ilarsch was united in marriage on January 25, 1S74, to Julia Brunson, who was born at ]\Iilford, Ohio, on May 22, 1852, daughter of James and Eliza (Varguson) Brunson, to which union five children have been born. Anna. Christian; Cora, Mae and George. Anna became the wife of Ben R. IMacElvain. of Lawrencelmrg, and is the mother of four children. Ford, Bernice, }ilerline and Inez ; Christian is employed as an automobile trimmer at Detroit, Michigan. He married Inez Tebbs, to which union two children have been born, Lois and Clifford; Cora died in her third year; Mae became the wife of Richard Fieler, and is the mother of <ine daughter, Catherine Elizabeth l-"ieler; George is associated with his father in the manufacture of concrete, and lives at home. His fraternal affiliations are with the Knights of Pythias. Mrs. Harsch is a member of the Meihodist church. Her father, James Brunson, was a nati\e of New Jersey. lie died in 1855, aged thirt\-fi\"e years, leaving four children, Samuel, Mary. Julia and James. His widow survived him and married secondly, ^Martin Knapp, a soldier in the Mexican War, by whom she had two children, Emuia and Alice. Mr. Knapp was dmwned in 1S61.

The paternal grandparents of ]\Irs. Harsch were James and Julia Brunson, who lived to be quite old, and were the parents of the following cb.ildren: Mrs. Julia Harmon, Mrs. ]\Iary Usterhouse, Den and James. The maternal grandfather of ]\Irs. Harsch died when a young man. His wife was Catharine Varguson, by whom he had nine children, Charles, Lucinda, Hannah, George, Eliza, and others whose names the biographer was unable to obtain.

As the sands of life trickle through the glass of time and record the history of those who have performed their duty and accomplished things of importance, the subject of this biography, the Rev. John William Dashiell. may rest content in the thought that he has left nothing undone that has been within his power in making t1ie lives of his fellow men happier au'i better through his interest and unselfish labor.

Rev. John William Da'^hiell was born on October 8, 1S44, at Monres Hill, Indiana. Me is a son of John Thonia.s Dashiell and h'dizabcth (M.intgomerv) ]')ashiell. He was educated at ^loores Hill Collej^e. graduating- in 1871, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Surgery. In iSjj he receised the degree of Bachelor of .Arts, and in 1R75 the degree of IMa.stcr uf .\rts. He has also received the honary degree of Doctor of I)i\-inity. In 1S71 he was junior preacher on tiie Melroy circuit, (if which he later had entire charge. John William Dashiell went to the Civil War on August 8, 1862, in Company A, Eighty-third Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was discharged in February, 1863, disabled. He re-enlisted in Compan\' D, Seventh Indiana Cavalry. August 6. 1863, and was discharged May 3, 1865. While in the cavalrv he participated in many battles chiefly directed against Gen. Bedford Forest, the greatest Confederate cavalry leader. During this campaign INIr. Dashiell fought in west Tennessee, j\Iis>issii)pi, Louisiana, Arkansas anti Kentucky, fighting all the way and engaged most r)f the time. He participated in the battles of Chickasaw and Arkansas Post, where seven thousand prisoners were captured. He preached for forty-three years, in the Methodist church, was retired in 1914, and is now enjoying a muchneeded rest from active work. He is a Republican, and a member of the Free and Accepted ^Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Sandusky Lodge Xo. 856, the Grand Army of the Repitblic, and is commander of Adams Post No. 254.

John Thomas Dashiell was born on September 30, 1S17, in Queen Anne countv, Maryland, and when young came with his parents to Sparta township, attending, school in the first school building in Sparta township, located near the present site of the Moores Flill postoffice. His parents later moved to Moores Hill where, from lack of educational facilities, he received the most of his education through study at home. He learned the cooper's trade and went into partnership in that business, losing all he had in one year, through the irregular business methods of his partner. Tw"0 years later he went into business alone, taking freight and produce to New Orleans, during which time he was stricken with typhoid fever and was ill for seven months, again lobing all he had. This second entire loss so completely discouraged him that it was only through the efforts and kindness of his friend, John C. Moore, that he was again started on the road to success. Three years later he liought the farm belonging' to his wife's parents, located in Ripley county, where he lived until he died, December 12. 1899. In politics Mr. Dashiell was a Republican, and in 1861 was sent to the Legislature from Ripley county, by the largest vote of any office on that ticket. He also served many times as township trustee. He was a nienibcr nf the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife, Ehzabeth (Montgomery) Dashiell, was a daughter of Joseph and Jane (Sproul) Montgonier)-, and was born on September _'!^, iSjo, in Ripley county, Inihana. To this union were liorn four children, ]\[ary Jane, Xoah Davis, Sarah Amelia and John William.

John Dashiell, the paternal grandfather, was born on February 27, 1786, in Worcester county, ^Maryland, and was iniitcd in marriage on July 6, 1S09, with Amelia Duncan. They came to Sparta township in 1S18, and slept under sheets spread on poles until their one-room log caliin was completed, which occasion was celebrated by John Dashiell taking down the family liible and dedicating his new home. He later m'i\ed to ^lomence, Illinois, returning in 1S63 to ;\Ioores Hill, where he bought his son's old home in Aloores Hill, and lived on it until his death. ]Mr. Dashiell was a Methodist minister, known in those days as a "local preacher." He folloAyed agriculture for a living, di\'iding his attention with that and liye stock. He was originally a A\'hig, but later became a Republican. His parents were John and Sara Dashiell.

John and Sara Dashiell were the paternal great-grandparents, the former having been born on April 17, 1751, and died on December 15, 18 16. Sara Dashiell was born on June 11. 1751. and died on Xovember i, 1S43. '"' 'i*-'!" ninety-third year. Amelia (Duncan) Dashiell was born on February 17, 1794, in Worcester cfiunty, ^Maryland. She was a daughter of Thomas and Fannie Duncan. John and .Amelia (Duncan) Dashiell were the parents of eleven children, namcl_\- : Sallie O., Elizabeth, Emaline. John Thomas, b^annie C, Mary, Charles R., William 'Si., Drusilla, Amelia J. and one who died in infancy.

John William Dashiell was married on Xovember 19, 1872, to Fannie Myers, daughter of Peter and Rachel Myers, of Jef fersonville, Indiana. She was born on December 21, 1852, and was educated at Jef fersonville and Moores Hill, getting the degrees of Bachelor of Surgery and Master of Arts. She was a very fine musician. This union was blest with twelve children, as follow: Thomas Myers. Emma Amelia, Xewton Haynian. Edward, Eawrence Basil, Rachel, Fannie, Edith. John Frederick. Stanley, Leland Elder and Mary Locke. Thomas Myers was born on Septemi^er 30, 1873, was married to Marie Boyle on June 21, 1899, in Chicago, Illinois, and lives at Los Angeles. California. Emma Amelia was born on December 7, 1874. X'ewton Haynum was born on September 6, 1876. married Rhoda K. Adams on June 12, 1900, in Indianapolis. They li\'ed at Minneapolis and haye two children, Joseph Adamand Xe\rton Hayman, Jr. Edward was bom on May i, 1878. La\yrence liasil was born on February 9, 18S0, married Anna W'right, of Pittsburgli, in [gog. Raebel was born on April 19, 1RS2, married J. D. Sediner on Xiivember 4, 1913, and lives at Hope, Indiana. Fannie was Iwrn on September 25, i!SS3, married O. X. Orebaugh on June 12, 1914, and lives at Louisville, Kentucky. Editli was born on x-\ugust iS, 18S5. John Frederick was born on April 30, iSSS, was united in marriage on September 17, 1912. with Svlvia Knowles. ble is professor of philosophy at ^Minnesota Unixersity. Stanley was born on January 11, 1890, died in 1898, at Aurora. Leland I'dder was born on June 9, 1S91. !Mary Locke was born on February 24. 1894. Mrs. Fannie Dashiell died on March 20, 1910.

The immigrant ancestors of the Rev. John William Dashiell landed in Maryland in 165 1. They were French people and could trace their ancestiy back to families of great prominence, and the subject of this sketch has lost none of the aristocratic bearing long associated with his ancestry.

George L. P. Squibb, the present secretary of this company, was jiorn at .Aurora, Indiana, on November 13, 1869, spending his \outh and attending the public schools there until his family removed to Lawrenceburg, Indiana, in March, 1884, where he continued his education in the public schools of Lawrenceburg until 1885 when he commenced working, at the age of fifteen years, at the distillery owned and operated b}- his father and uncle : so to speak, "growing up" with the business, and has continued with it ever since.

On May 17, 1900, George L. P. Squibb was united in marriage to Mina Louis Brand, the daughter of John and jMargaret Cook Brand and niece of A. D. Cook, of Lawrenceburg, to which union five children have been bom, Francis P., Margaret C, Ella Louise, Alta Virginia and George R. Mrs. Squibb was born at Lawrenceburg, but spent the early years of her life at Louisville, Kentucky, where she received her education. Her parents, lioth of whom are now deceased, had come to the L'nited States from ( jermany -'It an earlv age.

Mr. and Mrs. Squibb are members of the Episcopal church and Mr. Squibb is at present ser\-ing his third term as school trustee of the town of Greendale, which, though a separate cor[)oration, is virtually a part of Lawrenceburg-.

Jesse Rueter

Clay township. Dearborn county, Indiana, can well point with pride to the quality of her young- manhood, fur she can number among her citizens many young men wlio came from some of the older families here, wh<i are filled with the worthy ambition of filling useful places in the world and have been, or are being, especially fitted for the line they have chosen to follow. An especially gratifying fact lies in the number who have elected to remain in their native community and for this reason the history of Dearborn county bids fair to be much greater in the future than it has in the past, pleasing as that has been. Among the young men who have chosen tlie professional field for tlieir endeavors, the name of Jesse John Henry Rueter, who has fitted himself for the calling of a veterinary surgeon, stands prominent.

Jesse Rueter was born in Clay township on }vlay 13, 1S93, ^o" of -'^'-'"' gust and [Minnie ( Kuhlmier) Rueter, both natives of Switzerland county, this state. AugTJSt Rueter was born on July 6, 1862, a son of Bernard and Catherine (Buchstetter) Rueter. both of wdiom immigrated to this countiy from Germany. They came when in middle-life and settled in Cfesar Creek township, Dearborn county, \\here for a number of years thev gave themselves to arduous agricultural labors. In later life thev retired from such active labors and removed to Farmers Retreat, where they passed their declining years in peace and plenty. They were the parents of nine children: Anna, Carrie, Henry, Harmon, August, Fred, Benjamin, George and William. Bernard Renter passed away when eighty-seven yeats of age and Catherine died previously. This excellent couple won many warm friends after becoming residents of this community, and in memory are held in high esteem by many who knew them best.

August Rueter received his education in the school at Farmers Retreat and after completing his education, he took up farm work, working out by the month among the farmers of his community. Fie did this for four vears, when he went out west and remained until 1891, when lie returned to this section and was married. He bought a fami of ninety acres located about two miles south of Dillsboro and there lived until the time of his death on October 2;^. 1911. August Rueter married Minnie Kuhlmier, a young woman who had been born near his birthplace on Bear Creek, in Ohio county. When five years of age. her parents moved to Farmers Retreat, and there she received her education, and later they took up their residence in .-Vurora, where she was married on ^^larch 8, 1891. August Rueter was a ,']evout member of tlie Lutlieran church and was one of llie charter nicnil)ers of Trinit)- Lutheran church, at Dillsboro, serving that society as a trustee for a number of vears. His pohtical support he gave to the Democratic partv. heing interested in its welfare. ^Ir. Rueter was a man who was interested generally in all matters which concerned tlie public welfare of his comniuuitv and nation, keeping well posted on current- events and throwing his influence always on the side of the right. He was a strong, clean man who counted the best citizens of his commum'ty as his friends.

Jesse Rueter is one of a family of six children, being the second child of the family in order of birth. The eldest is Carl and then after Jesse came I'Vank, Anna, Dora and Paul. Both Carl and Anna died when children.

Jesse Rueter received his elementary education in the common schools of Clay township, later attending the German schools at Dillsboro and Tarniers Retreat. He was a good student all through his younger years and for special training in his chosen profession, he matriculated in the London Veterinary College, graduating therefrom in 1914, at which time he returned home. Jesse Rueter is a young man of excellent parts, who bids fair to win success in life. He has had the advantage of good training all his life and is therefore, fitted above some others, to cope with the affairs of life. As the years bring him greater opportunity and experience, it is safe to say he will take advantage of every possible good means, and advance rung by rung up the ladder of success.

One of the most resourceful, and consequently one of the most successful men of Dearborn county, is the gentleman whose sketch is here presented. Leing a true son of Indiana, he has never wandered about fri_^m state to state. He knew that opportunities awaited him within the limits of this state and set himself to work to meet them giving to each due consideration, until now he finds himself filling the vocation in life for which he is no doubt best fitted, and in which he has been quite successful

Ben R. ilacElvain, sales manager and cashier of the Lawrenceburg Roller Mill Company, at Lawrenceljurg, this county, is a son of Edgar P. and Henrietta (Frey) MacElvain, and was born on June i, 1S72, at Seymour, Indiana, where he attended the public schools. At the age of eighteen years he became a telegraph operator, and at the age of twenty-three, went to L;nvrenceburg. where he married and settled down, being employed by the Baiti- more & Ohio Railroad Company. When twenty-nine years of age, he entered the employ of the company, witli which he i.s now engaged and has been thns engaged for the past fourteen years, first as bookkeeper, and then for the past ten years, as sales manager and cashier. Mr. MacElvain is a strong believer in Democratic policies, and has always given his vote to that party. lie is a memljer of the Presbyterian church, to which he is a generous contributtir, and liis fraternal alliances are as follow: Lawrenceburg Lodge Xo. 4. Free and Accepted ^Masons; Lawrenceburg Chapter No. 59, Royal Arch ?\lasons, Aurora cominandery. Knights Templar, Indiana Consistory. Scottish Rite iNIasons at Indianapolis, and to Murat Temple, Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Indianapolis.

Edgar P. MacElvain. father of Ben R. ]\IacElvain, was a native of Cincinnati, where he was reared and educated. After growing to manhood there he became a locomotive engineer on the old Ohio & Mississippi railroad, which vocation he followed for many years, dying at Cincinnati, at the age of seventy-five }-ears. His wife, Henrietta ( Frey) IMacF^hain, was born at Seymour, Indiana. They were the parents of two children, Ren R. and Anna, the latter of whom became the wife of A. N. Rineliart, of St. Paul, Minnesota. Mrs. AlacEhain survives her husband, and is living with her daughter in St. Paul. PjOih 'Sir. McEKain and his wife at an earlv date became members of the Presbyterian church. Grandfather MacElvain. who married Minerva Mc^tlanaman, wa^. an early settler of Cincinnati, where he and his wife lived to a round old age. Among the children of this excellent old couple were Edgar P., Alonzo, Charles, Belle and Josie.

On June i. 1895, Dr. Ben R. MacElvain was united in marriage to .\nna Harscli, whn was born at Lawrenceliurg on October 35, 1874. daughter of Christian and Julia (Brunson) Harsch, to which union were born t!ie following children : Ford. Bemice, Merline, Inez and Esther. F'ord was graduated from the Lawrenceburg high school and is mnv an art student in Cincinnati. The other children are all in schnol, with the exception of Esther, who died at the age of three years.

Christian and Julia ( Brunson) Harsch, parents of Mrs. MacEhain. are natives of Cincinnati and ]\Iilford, Ohio, respectively, and now reside at Lawrenceburg. The_\- have four children, Anna, Christian. George and ]May. Christian Harsch, Sr., is the son of Gottlieb and Elizabeth ( Schaeffer) Harsch. both natives of German}', and both now dead, who reared a large family of children. Julia (Brunson) MacElvain is the daughter of James and Eliza (Varguson) Brunson, natives of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, respectively, whose children were INIary, Julia and James. L'pon the death

Dearborn Couxty, Indiana. S3 1

Ben R. MacElvain by his fine executive qualities and careful attention to business details, as well as by his consideration for the interests of those with whom he is associated, has won for himself an cn\-iable jmsition and is cme of the substantial citizens of Lawrenccburg.

William P. Squibb

The Squibb family has been prominently identified witli the business and commercial life of Dearborn counts' for more than three-((uartcrs of a century and within that period has contributed materially to the growth and prosperity of the coimty. The father of William P. Squibb, was Roliert Packingham Squibb, who was well known in his day and generation and an influential and highly respected citizen. He lost his life in an explosion which occiu'red on the occasion of the celeliration. liy tlie pec_ii)le of Aurora, of the running of the first train over the old Ohio & Mississippi railroad, when it was first built to Aurora.

William Pinckney Squibb was torn on Laughcry creek, Ohio county, Indiana, on January 15. 1S31, the son of Ro]>ert Packingham and Eliza (Cummings) Squibb, to whom were born two other children, Aha M.. who was married to Louis ^I. Foulk, and George ^\'. Squibb.

On December 25, 1S60. he was united in marriage to }>Iary Prances Plunmier, the daughter of Samuel and Mary Posey Plummer and sister of Scwell and Sidney Plummer, and to tliem were born ten chiUlrcn : ^NI.u-}- .\., who married A. E. Geisert : Alta E., who died after slie had attained young womanhood; Robert L., Ella R., George L. P., Elorence I.., whr> married J. P. Carter; William P., who died in infancy; Xatlianiel E., Horace G. and Samuel T., who died at the age of nineteen. All of these who are livingreside in Lawrenccburg, except Mrs. Carter, who lixes at Cincinnaii. Mrs. William P. Squibb died in 1888 in her forty-fifth year.

After having been reared on a farm and, by the death of his father, thrown on his own resources at a veiy early age. William P. Squibb, a person of powerful personality, great determinatiijn and much brain power, started in business in a small way at Aurora, Indiana, when but se\'enteen years of age, being joined some }-ears later by his younger brother, George W. Sr|uibb. forming the firm of W. P. Squibb & Company and doing a whole- sale liquor and rectifying- business at Aurora, this county. V>\ hard application and sound business ]>rinci[)les, the brothers prospered and in 1869, starter! the present distillinc^ business at Lawrenceburg, this county, continuingtog'cther, with their descendants until after over fifty years of steadfast and congenial association, the death of George ^V. Squibb occurred in February, 1913, in his seventy-fifth year, ^^'illia^l P. Squibb survived his brother by only eight months, dying on October 15, 1913, in his eighty-third year.

In 1905, the two brothers had taken into partnership, Robert, George, Nathaniel and Horace, sons of William P. Squibb and Thomas and Alexander, sons of George W". Squibb and Louis H. Foulk, son of Alta Foulk, all of whom had been associated with the business since their boyhood davs and assisted materially in building it up. After the death of George \Y. Squibb, in l^'ebruary. 1913. a corporation was formed to carry on the busi- under the same name, \V. P. Sc[uibl_) & Companv, the present acti\-e members of the same being Robert. George, Nathaniel and Horace Squibb and Louis H. h'oulk.

Several \-ery large and sulistantial warehouses had been erected by the firm in the course of years, in which to properly store and mature their product, the present t.jt'al storage capacity being about sixty thousand barrels of whiskey, and in 19 15 the corjioration completed and started to operate a new reinforced concrete and brick distillery and elevator, equipped wit!' the most approved and economical apparatus for the handling of grain and the conversion of the same into the high-grade whiskey for which the companv enjoys an enviable reputation in the chaiuiels of their trade throughout the United States, so that the small beginning made by William P. Scjuibb in 1S4S is today one of the leading and substantial institutions of Dearborn

William M. Ruble was born and reared to the life of a farmer, but like many another ambitious citizen, the lure of the city proved too strong, and the quiet neighborhood was abandoned for the rnore exciting atmosphere of the state capital. This move proving the other extreme, another change was made, and the happy medium was found in the growing town of Aurora. which he has since been satisfied to retain as his voting place, and where he is ever ready and anxious to please his many customers, in both his paint

William Rulile, now the well-known township trustee, barber, paint and wall-paper dealer, of Aurora, this county, son of William }vl. :ind Ilannah (McCune) Rulile, was burn on July 14, 1873, at Dillsboro. Indiana, where 111- was reared anil educated. At the age of nineteen he \vent to work on his father's farm, remaining there several years, at the end of which time his parents decided upon a change, moving to Indianapolis, but this still did not seem to be their liking and in 1892 the family moved to Aurora, which has since been their home. ^Ir. Ruble first engaged his services in a brick }ard, but soon after learned the l_)ar].;er trade, which he has followed e\'er since, and for the past seventeen years, has owned his own shop. Politicallv, j\Ir. Ruble is a strong believer in Democratic policies, and has shown his public spirit by serving as township trustee, to which office he was elected m November, 1914, and which he now holds. Religiously, he is a mcml.ier of the Baptist church, and his fraternal alliances are with the 'Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Improved Order of Red iMen and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

William M. Ruble, father of the subject of this biographical sketch, was born in Butler county. Ohio, and lived there until seven years of age, when his parents moved to Dillsboro. and later to Aurora, Indiana. Mr. Ruble \vas a cooper by trade, and during the Civil War enlisted in the One Hundreil and Forty-sixth Regiment. Indiana \'olunteer Infantry, serving a little o\er seven months as a pri\ate. After the war, he moved to Ohio count}, this state, and soon after his marriage settled at Dillsboro. where he followed the cooper's trade for several years, when he moved to a ten-acre farm in Clay township, remaining there about twenty years. William M. Ruble was married three times. His first wife died in Ohio county, leaving no children, second wife, Hannah (McCune) Ruble, mother of William Ruble, was a native of Dillsboro, Dearborn county, and died in 1876, while still a young woman. Two children were born to this uniiju. William, of Aurora, and John, of Petersburg. Kentucky. William }J. Ruble's third wife was Zerikla (iray, but no children ha\-e been born to tliis union. Both are earnest members of the Methodist churcii. INIr. Ruble belongs to John A. Platter Post. Grand Army of the Republic, and is a Democrat.

W illiam Ruble's paternal grandfather w-as Leander Ruble, a native of Permsylvania, and one of the early settlers of Aurora, where he was engaged both as a carpenter and a cooper. He was a soldier in the I'nion army during the Civil W^ar, and died in Libbv prison. Plis wife, Julia Ann ( Smith 1

Ruble, died during the war. They were tiie parents of fi\e children, Ellen. Sarah E., William AL, Mary Jane and Emma. Air. Ruble's maternal grandparents. John and Lorinda (Beck) ?\IcCnne, were both natives of Indiana and earlv settlers at I^illsboro. Mr. IMcCune was a justice of the peace, and an attorney-atdaw, and was also a preacher of the Universalist faith. He died at the age of eiglu_\-fiiur, and his wife when past middle age. They were the p^raents of four children, .Margaret, Elizabeth, Hannah and Cornelius.

William Ruble was mavried to Lydia Henry, who was born in 1S73, daughter of Aaron and Sarah (Powell) Henry, and to this union have been born three children, Lee Elarold, Arnold Cilenn and Shirley. Aaron Henry, the father of Mrs. Ru,ble, is a native of Indiana, as is also his wife. They row reside at Aurora, wliere 'Sir. Ilenrv is a park policeman. He ser\ed during the Ci\il \\'ar in ihe Ele\enth Regiment, Kentuck)- Volunteer Infantry. To him and his wife were bcirn nine children. Susie, Laura, Annie, Lydia, Mar)-, James, Walter, Jesse and Albert. The paternal grandfather of ~Mrs. Ruble Vvas Aaron Henrw Sr. He and his wife were nati\es c>f Dearborn county, Indiana, and both lived to old age, leaving three children, Jesse, Aaron and Lydia. ]>Irs. Ruble's Grandfather Lowell was also a native of Dearborn county.

Mr. Ruble, by perseverance and good management, has added to his possessions, and now stands in line as one of the useful and substantial citizens of Aurora.

The gentleman whose name is noted above has been a resident of Aurora, where he is a well-known general merchant, long enough to become a part of the force tliat makes the wheels of the city go 'round. Everv man thus contributing toward the making of history is entitled to his full share of recognition in the biographical records of the

John I''. \'inup was born on September 22, 1868, in Ohio county. Indiana, a son of Henry and ]\Iary (Oatman) Viiuip. He was educated in the district and parochial schools and remained at home on the farm tmtil grown, when he was employed b\ the month at farm work until he was about twer.tvseven years of age. Believing he would like a commercial life, he bought a general store at Bear Branch, in Ohio county, and in about seven vears disposed of it, in 190 1, and moved tt) Aurora, where he bought tlie obi Mavi)in dry goods and general mercliandise store, whicli was tlien owned !iv William Sti\er, and moved to his present location, continuing- in the husiness to the present time, covering a period of over fourteen years. He has built up a large and prosperous business and employs several clerks. Mr. X^inuji is a Republican and both he and his v/ife are members of the Lutheran church.

Henry and ]\Iary (Oatman) Yinup were natives of GernKun-. Mr. Vinup was reared and educated in his home town, and came to .\mcric,-i w ith his parents when eighteen years of age, and located in Ohio connt\-, where he engaged in farming, and became the owner f)f one hundred and sixty acres of land, where he reared his family. He died on tlie home farm in 1903, aged seventy-six years, seven months and nine days. His widow died in 1910, aged about seventy years. They were both members of the Lutheran church, and were the parents of eight children, namely : Henry, who make his home in Ohio county: Caroline, who married Charles Luke, of Ca?sar Creek township, this cminty: William, who li\es in the same township: Anna, who married \\'illiam Laker, of Clay township; John F., the immediate subject of this sketch : Sophia, the wife of Herman Berner, of Clay township: George, who lives on the home place in Ohio county, and Lucinda, the wife of Fred Ohlmanseak, of C;esar Creek township, this county.

Mr. \'inup's paternal grandfather was a teacher and farmer. His wife died in Germany and he died in Ohio county, Indiana. Thev were the parents of the following children : Andrew, Henry, William and Catherine, the latter of whom is the onlv one now li\'ing. Grandfather Vinup was twice married and had two children b}- the second marriage, Charles and Jelta, both now deceased. Mr. Vinup's maternal grandparents, Frank and Mary Oatman, came from Germany and were among the early settlers of Ohio count\ , where he followed farming and where he spent his last da}s, dying at the age of eighty-five. They were the parents of the following children; Mar_\-, William, Henr}-, Margaret, Louisa and Fmma.

John F. \^inup was married to Amelia C. Luke, to which union one sou has been born, Eugene, who died at the age of five years. Mrs. X'inup was born on July 8. iSoj, in Cffisar Creek township, this county. The parents of Mrs. Vinup \\ere early settlers in Dearborn county, aiul died on the home farm in Crcsar Creek to\vnship. They were the parents (-)f the following children: William, who was killed in battle during the C\\i\ War: Caroline, John, Charles, Rosa, Hannah and Amelia.

J<.ihn r". \'inup occupies a position of high esteem in the estimation of the citizens of his home town and is alwa}'S courteous and an:\ious to plea^e the public in every possible way.

Edward Holthause

After various vicissitudes and misfortunes, the plucky man to whom the name at the head of the following biographical sketch belongs, has established himself in a prosperous and remunerative business, to the success of which he is thoroughly entitled. His undertaking and livery establishment, at Aurora, this county, is one of the best-equipped and most up-t(^-date in this communit}', where he has an extensive circle of friends and is well known throughout an area extending to a distance far beyond the precincts of his home town. His courteous attention tn the wants of his customers has dnne much towards insuring the successful business which aimually comes his way.