Dearborn County, Indiana - The whole text, 1915 (part 1 of 15)

The whole text

seven. John A. Cole was a member of the Catholic church, but his widow is a member c>f the jMethodi.sL chinch. Of their eight children, jc^lm, the eldest. is deceased; Jeremiah lives in Portland. Oregon: Chailes }I. li\ es in Seati:e. Washington: Laura J. is the widow of Dr. H. \V. Swales, of Ilarrisim, Ohio; George C. is the subject of this sketch: Leonard X. resides in. ^larvsville. K.insas, and two died young.

Dietrich Kohl, whi) married a Miss Muhle, was tlie paternal gr;mdiallKr of George C. Cole, who lived in Oetlie, in the |)i"o\'in.ce of Oldenburg, Germany, where he died at the age of fifty-nine. He and his w ife were tiie parems of eight children, Anthony, Frederick, Joseph, Henry. John A.. Charles and two ^vho died in infancy. The mother of these cliildren was well advanced in years at the time of her death. Professor Cole's maternal grandpai'ents, Jatnes M. and Elizabeth (Cohee) r)0at;rian, the former a native of flamiiton, Ohio, and the latter of Delaware, were early settlers in Dearborn county and reared a large familw t'.ieir children ha\ing been named as follow : fanies. John. Pel:ecca, Jeremiah, (k-orge hi., ALark. Eliza. A'ai'ian and I\Ianrice. James AI. Boatman, a farmer and general merchant, lived to be si.xty-nine years old, his widow sur\'i\ ing him for some years, her death occurring at the age of se\'ent\-nine. (Jne of their sons. Jeremi;i!i, was killeiJ in tlie ser\ice of his country durin.g the Civil War.

Reared on his father's farm in Dearborn county, George C. Cole attended tlie district schools oi Logan township and there he was trained and educated in the rudiments of history, geography, arilhmelic. English gramm:.'.r, reatiing, writing- and spelling. In his home he recei\"cd what was of mucii greater value, splenditl character training from his fatlier anij mother. Ear!\ in life he learned to know that there is little reward without effort and no great compensation without industry. Always a studious young man, alter finishing the course in the district schouls he attended tlie National Normal L'niversitv at Lebanon, Ohio ; the Central Normal College at Danville, Indiana ; the Ni.'rthern Indiana Normal School at \alparaiso, Indiana, and the Lndiana .Staie Normal School at Terre Haute, ha\ing graduated from the latter institution with the class of 1902. His career as a teacher, which covered a period of about seventeen years, began in i8go, when he was eighteen years old. After teacliing in the country schools for six years, he v.-as appointed, in iSqtj, to a position in the eigh.th grade in Lawrenceburg, where he taugh.t until 1S98, at which time he was appointed to the principalsliip oi the Lawrenceburg high school, which position he held until his election as county superimenileut.

Professor Cole was niarricrl to Tillie Lorciiz, who was liorn at Piscalaway, Mar viand, the daughter ni Charles A. and Afary Loren/, t1ic fomicr of wh.m was a native of nortliern Austria, of (k-rninn d.escent. and the latter a ua.iive of Baden. Gernianv. Charles A. I,orcnz was accidentally killed in a saw-mill at Piscatawav, Maryland, in igi4. His widow, the mother of Mrs. Cole, is still living-. Thev had nine children, three of wh'im died in early life. Those who lived to maturitv were Mar}', Charles. .\nna, Joseph, Theresa, and Ralph. ]Mrs. Cole is a devout member of the Catholic church. }dr, and IMrs. Cole have one child, i\lary Rel;iecca.

Prof. George C. Cole is a memher of Pawrenceburg Lodge No. 4, Free and Accepted ^lasons, and is high priest of Pawrenceburg chapter No. 56, Rova! Arch Masons. He is an ardent Democrat and for years has been more or less identified with the leadership of the party in this section. Professor Cole eniovs high standing as an educator in southern Pidiana. He is a pr(.«Tiinent member of the C(jimt_\ .Superintendents" Association of Indiana, and is one of the leading citizens of this community.

Every enlightened community is proud of its noble men and women, of whom Dearborn coimty has had in the i)ast. and has today, a gciidl}" number. Among the noljle women of a day now past in this county there is none more worthy of mention than Miss Georgiana K. Sutton, decea>ed. the daughter of the late Dr. George Sutton. This good \\oman was IxTrn and reared in Aurora, and was always loyal to the ti:)wn of her birth and tlie fner.ds with whom she grew up from childhood. She lived not alone fur herself, bur for others, and among the good deeds of her life, which were many, she Ijequeathed to her h<ime t(3\vn the l)cauiiful public library, which now stands a perpetual monument to her memory; haying made provision for the same prior to her death, by her last will and testament, setting aside th.e sum i;>f ten thousand dollars for this i)iu'pose, as a memorial in loving remembrance of her distinguished father and her beloved mother. According to her earnest wish, this building ^\-as erected under the -.uriien-isi'.Ti of her brother. Dr. IP H. Sutton, who presented the completed buihiing to the city of Aurora on Octoljer 13, J914, with appropriate remarks, in conformity to the plans outlined by his generous sister, the donor.

"The death rif ]\Iiss Geen-j^iana Sutlrjn was lliat of a \erv ele\cr \\'nnian. known and lo\ed for lier forceful personatii\- and lirilliavit Few women prohalilv comhined more strikin.qh- than did }iliss Suttun thc>se (jualities which, make e\"eryone. young- and old. respect, admire and eniow Slie \vas ever gracious, ever courteous, and e\"er considerate, a jrure t\'pc of gentle ;\oman. Possessed of superior quahties of mind, her greatest pleasures were those things which cuUivate the intellect. She was a lo\'er of books and was a great reader all her life, and while not a musician, she w'as a lo\'or of music and knew and enjoyed the best, ne\-er missing an opjiortunity to hear the famous artists and the classical music in our own and other lands. She gave freely of her happy experiences and many there are w ho will remember her description of the Passion Pkiy at Oberammergau, which she attended some years agu. She \vas a traveller, knowing her own lan:i well and having made many trips abroad, visiting nearly e\'ery country in the world.

"While she ^\as an enthusiastic tra\'eller ami enjo\'ed to the utmost her joume}'s, a strong characteristic in her nature was always made manifest on her return - her loyalty to her home cit\". She was always glad to return and always declared she never found in all of her travels more beautiful scenery than from our own surrounding hills. Such was her devotion to her home and its cherished surrriundings that it seemed to hurt her that anyone should ever want to leave Aurora, ne\"er to return. Highlv cultm'ed, with the innate charm of gentleness and refinement, she was the noble d,anghter of her honored father, the late Dr. George Sutton, wdiom she revered with a de\'Otion above all things else.

"Miss Sutton was the president of the Aurora Woman's T\esearch Club and also the Orphans' Club for several }'ears. She was a most excellent presi'Iing officer, always being just, impartial, yet fimi. She was beloved by the members of both organizations, who were filled with regret wdien she gave w]') the offices, thougii always continuing in active membership. Miss. Sutton will be missed, for slie was so interested in exeiything. so genial, that her absence will be felt, there will be a void that can never be filled.

"^liss Sutton's trip to the Orient last year, though most enjoyable to her, was very trving and she came home worn out and exhausted. In lier last illness she imagined herself preparing for a journey, little realizing the long journey into eternity. While Miss Gcorgiana Sutton has passed into the deep valley her memoiy still lives in the hearts of her friesids, and with all in. this community, which has liccn her life-long home.

"Miss Sutton was Lorn in Aurcira. Se|)tember T2, 1842. the nnh- d.n'.ghter of the late Dr. George Sutton. She died at her home in this citv, January iS, 1910. A life with few riffles in its stream, and filled with all the aitributes that. cheer and inspire.

The name heading this sketch belongs to one of the well known phvsicians of Aurora, this comity, a man of fine intellect. ^vI^o is well informed along the lines of his chosen profei>ion. lie has dem.:instrated that he is skilled, thorough, and careful in all departments of his profession, and has established himself in a practice that speaks well for the regard in which he is held in the community. Doctor McElrr^y takes the deepest possil'le interest in all the cases that come under his ob.servatiun. the poor receiving th.e same unselfish care as do those of his wealthier patients.

Dr. Jesse Lero\- McElroy. physician and surgeon, of Aun.ira. Indiana, is a son of Welcome R. and Mary M. (Rarnett) }ilcElroy. He was born on October iS, 1S84. at Cireencastle. Putnam county, Indiana, and was reared and secured his education at Reelsville, this state, graduating from the high school of that place in 19C0, after which he entered DePauw Universil}-, taking a three-years course. He then eiitered the Indiana Medical Culloge at Indianapolis, and was graduated from that institution in 1907, after wliich lie served as interne at the Indianapolis city dispensary- for se^'eral months. He then located at Darlington, Indiana, where he practiced for a peric)d of i?ne year, but, not b^ing entirely satisfied with the location, moved his office to Aurora, where he still continues to practice. Politically. Dr. ?^lcElrov is a Democrat. Pie is a member of the [Methodist church, and a member of Aurora Lodge Xo. 51, Eree and Accepted Masons.

Welcome R. IMcElroy, father of Doctor. AIcElroy, is a son of. W'illiain and IMartha (Charlott) McElroy, ami was horn on Alay 26. 1S41, in Putnam county, Indiana. lie was reared at Reelsville, near Greencastlc, where he was trained in the occupation of farming-, and was later eng'agcd in the mercantile husiness ahuut twenty years. In iSOi he enlisted in Company .\. Twentyninth Regiment, Iowa \'olunteer Infantry, serxing until Alarcii 12. 18O3. when he was discharged on account of illness. In 1865 Welcome R. ^IcPdroy was married to Mary M. Barnett, daughter of David and Elleri Harnett, and he then established himself in a general-merchandise business at Reelsx'ille. Me was also interested in the breeding of fine horses, and in 1S80, took a premium over thirteen other exhibitors. He made his own way in the world, and never had a dollar given him, except a pension of four dollars a month. \\'elcome R. ]\IcElroy gives his support to the Democratic party, and is a member of the old predestinarian Baptist chu.rch. He was church trustee and deacon, and is still active in church work. He is ;i member C)f the ^Masonic fraternity. His wife died in 1S96, of pncumom'a. They were the parents of eight children, Cora. Paul F.. Frank D., Alartha C, Ralph E., Jesse L., and two who died in infan.cy. Cora ^ilcElroy became the wife of Perry ]McCullough, of Terre Haute. Indiana; Paul Ii\es at Clayton, Indiana; Alartha C. was the wife of David Skelton, of Greencastlc, and is now deceased; Frank D. lives at Hammond. Indiana, and Ralph is a resident of Kokomo, Indiana.

The paternal grandfather of Doctor }iicElroy was William ^^IcElroy, a native of Pennsylvania and a shoemaker by trade. He married }*Iartha Charlott and he and his wife came to Indiana in 1837, settling in [Madison, township, Putnam count}', where they sjient the rest of their lives, Mr. [McElruy d_\ing in 1S70, aged seventy-eight yc'.rs, and his widdw in 1S75, aged seventy-nine years. They were the parents of the following children: Stephen. Henr}-, Welcome R., all of whom were Union soldiers during the Ci\"il \A'ar: James. Mary, Rachel and Charlotte. Doctor ^McElroy's maternal grandi)arents were David M. and Ellen Barnett, early settlers in Putnam county, where they owned large tracts of land during the Civil War, and where Mr. Banictt cnducted a general merchandise store, in the town of Reelsville, for about forty years. His son-in-law. Welcome R. McElroy, succeeded him in the business, which he carried on in connection with his farming ilnterests. !\Ir. Burnett and his wife lived to a good old age, the former dying at the age of ninety-frmr. and the latter at the age of seventy-eight. Shortly before their death, they moved to Hoosierville, Indiana, and thence to Janes\'ille, Illimiis, v.here tlicy died. To them three children were born, [Nlary, Maria and a daughter who died in infancv.

Thomas M. and .Elizaljeth ( Hollingsworth) Campbell are nat'ves of Indiana, and still reside in Darlington. They are the parents of four children, Mrs. Catherine \\'alkup, Zola, Rub)- J. (Mrs. ?\IcElroy) and Lawrence.

Albert Spaxagel

Among the prominent younger citizens of Lawrenceburg-, who ha\e enjoyed a successful career in business and who have been honored with positions of political trust and responsibility, no one, perhaps, has surpassed Albert Spauagel, the present postmaster of the city of Lawrenceburg. For many years Mr. Spanagel has been prominent in the Democratic councils of Lawrenceburg and Dearborn county, and after an exciting contest in 1914, received the apiwintment as postmaster of Lawrenceburg over a large field of applicants and contestants for this Iionor. The award is well deserxed and the honor is well bestowed, since IMr. Spanagel has behiml him an efficient and honorable record in tlie lawrenceburg city council. Beginning life in a modest way he has risen gradually to a position of profound respect and esteem among his fellow townsmen and the people of Dearborn county generally.

Albert Spanagel was born in Lawrenceburg, June 20, 1S73, the son of John L. and Louisa (INIeyers) Spanagel, nati\es of the province of Baden, Gennany, who had eight sons and one daughter. John I^. Spanagel spent practically his entire life in this cnuntr}'. having come to America at the age of fifteen, after he had conipleted his education in the schools of his nati\"e land. He made the voyage to America with some relatives, who located in New York City, and there he was afterwards engaged in the shoe business. Subseciuently he removed to Newark, Xew Jersey, and was there engaged in the shoe business for some eight years. He came to Dearborn county in 1869, after locating in Lawrenceburg. engaged in the shoe business there for many years. In fact, he was active in business until within five years of his death. He was a \\elbkno'.\n citizen and one of the >>l(btime residents of this count}'. He passed away in Jul\', 1914. at the age of eighty-three }ears. His wife died in 1902, at the age of sixty-seven. She was a niemher of the Lutheran churcli, akhough her husband was a memher of the Cathuhc chureh. John L. Spanagel had two l)rothers, John J. and Adam.

Of the nine children of Jolm L. and Louisa ( Meyers) Spanagel. Charles li\'es at Lawrcnceljurg-; John, at Cincinnati; Jacob, at Law rencebui'g : Allien, tlie subject of this sketch; Frank b'ves at Seymour, Indiana; Wilham died at the age of twenty-one; August died at tlie age of twenty-four, and LLarry died in infancy. There was one daughter.

All^ert Spanagel's paternal grandparents nc\er came to thi^> coniUry. His maternal grandparents, however, came to America and settled in Newark. New Jersey. Mr. Spanagel's motlier was their only child. After the death of his maternal grandmother his grandfather married a second time and was the father of se\-eral children by the second marriage.

Albert Spanagel was educated in the pjublic schools of Lawrencelmrg and at the age of sixteen years began clerking in various stores. Subsequent! v learning the barber's trade, he was thus engaged for twehe vears. A!>jut 191 1 he engaged in the men's furnishing business, and was so engaged at the time of his appointment as postmaster, June 4, 1914. Mr. Spanagel's commission extends for a period of four years and his term uill expire in June, 191S.

On September 12, 1902. Albert Spanagel was married to Jeanette Eminerson, daughter of William Emmerson, to which union four children ha\e been bom, George L., Emmerson G., Elizabeth and Harry B. George L.. the eldest child, died at the age of three years.

^Irs. Spanagel was born at Patriot. Indiana. Her mother haxing died when she was three years old, she was denied the close companionsbiii and wise counsel of a loving mother. Her father is still living. Mrs. Spanagel was one of ten children, the others being Mary. Emma, Isabel, Grace, Carrie, Frank, William. Hally and Thomas, the latter of whom is deceased. ]Mrs. Spanagel's paternal grandfather, William Emmerson, who married a Miss Hally. was a well-known citizen of this state. Their children were Charlotte, Cynthia, Emma, Hattie, "Dick" and William.

As heretofore noted. Mr. Spanagel is a Democrat in politics, and served in the Lawrenccburg city o nincil for a period of four years. He is a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and is an active and enthusiastic member of the Lutheran church. 3.1rs. Spanagel is a member of die Methodist church.

Mr. and iVIrs. Spanagel have a host of friends in the city of Lawrenceburg. Mr. Spanagel is known as a hale fellow, well met ; a man (U' most cardial manners and agreeable personality. In Dearborn eounty politics he is a man of more than local prominence and influence and is considered an in\aluable counselor in the deliberations f)f a party whicli. tor the most part, lias been dominant in this section of the state.

Prominent in various leading enterprises of Aurora stands the name of Ernest W. Swarthout. Being a man of broad business experience, capable and progressive, as well as possessing unusual executive ability, his opinion is highly appreciated in matters pertaining to the welfare of his city. He is a man with ideas frequently ahead of the times, and never permits himself to get into a rut by clinging to out-of-date methods in anything and, as president of the People's Telephone Association, and secretan.^ and manager of the Southern Indiana Telephone Company, of Aurora, has kept fully abreast of the receiit wonderful advances in that line of endeavor.

Ernest W. Swarthout was born at Haydcn, Jennings county, Indiana, on ]\Iay 14. 1866, a son of Porter and Elizabeth (Walton) Swarth.out. IP's education was secured in the little city of his birth, where he grew up. after which he secured employment with the old Ohio & Mississippi Railroad, with which contpan}- he was engaged as a telegraph operator for some ten vears. which position he gave up to go to Aurora to take charge of the telegraph office at that place. In 1S99 ^^^- Swarthout organized the People's Telephone Company, and later, the S':'uthcrn Im.liana Telephone Company, and has been with these companies e\'er since. Fraternally, he is a member of Chosen Friends Lodge Xo. 13. Independent Qrder of Odd Fellows, of Aurora, and of the ]\Ioclern Woodmen of America. Politically, lie is a stanch Republican.

Porter Swarthout was a native of New York state, and was a boy when his parents came to Indiana, locating at Haydcn. at which place he grew to manhood and followed the \'arious professions of farmer, merchant and lawyer. in addition to which he operated a large stone quarry. He was enthusiastic over the progress of his liome town, in which he was appointed prosecutor, and likewise officiated in \-arious other offices. He married Elizabeth Walton, also a native of New York, and to this union the following children were born : James Monroe, Edwin, Ernest, Herbert, Cecil, Harriet, and Lydia.

M. Piatt, daughter of William H. and Sarah J. (Palmer) Piatt, who was born on May 29, 1869, in Illinois, Ijut reared and educated at .Kurora, Indiana. Her religious sympathies are with the Presbyterian church. To this union has been born one son, Walton Palmer.

William PI. Piatt, father of [Mrs. Swarthout, was born in December, 1843. in Manchester township, and his wife Avas born in the same township, .April 4, 1844, and died on January 14, 18S4. yh. Piatt enlisted in Company K, Twenty-sixth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, August 11, 1861, and was mustered out in 1862, on account of Ijeing disabled. He was married on February 29, 1S63. to Sarah J. Palmer, which union was Iilc.^scd with the following children: Harry W., born on August 29, 1865; Alice M., !May 29, 1869; Herbert L., September 4, 1S73, who died on [March 14, 1877, and Frank M., October 16, 1S75.

Ernest W. Swarthout is an enterprising and public-spirited business man, who takes a sincere interest in doing all in his power to further the progress of Aurora. He is a member of the board of governors of the Ohio Valley- Motor Club; a member of the board of directors of the Aurora Commercial Club; a member of the Aurora Chautauqua Association and president of the Aurora Tennis Association.

Each generation necessarily builds upon the foundation laid by preceding generations. According to the firmness of the foundation, the superstructure will be substantial, or not. The future, of course, must be tlie judge of what character of foundation has been laid for the social, moral and commercial edifice being erected by tlie citizens of Dearborn county. However, from what the present historian notes of the high character, the determination of purpose and the exalted standards of conduct maintained bv the leaders of thought and action in this section of the state in their work of carrying on the labors of those who wrought so wisely and securely in the past, it hardly can l^e doubted that the superstructure of the coming civilization of this region will be all that the present generation may hope for those who shall come after. It is partly the purpose of this volume to preserve for the future some account of the lives and the labors of those who now are doing so well their part in bearing aloft the torch of civilization in this region and it therefore is fitting and proper that brief biographies be here presented of those who are and win, have been leaders in this noble work. As such a purpose would be but incompletely carried out without the introduction of a biographical sketch of the gentleman whose name forms the caption of this modest review, it is a pleasure for the biographer here to present for the consideration of the future iiistorian a Ijricf resume of the life's history of John F. Hornberger. one of the oldest and best-known merchants in the city of Lawrenceburg.

John F. Plornberger v.as born in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, January 14, 1845, the son of John and Catherine (Loge) Hornberger, both of whom were natives of Germany, to whom were born four children who grew to maturity, namely: jNIarie (deceased), who was the wife of Valentine Koehler; John F., the immediate subject of this sketch ; Henry, deceased, and Richard, who died shortly after attaining his majority.

John Hornberger, father of John F., was born in [Nlinnfeld, kingdom of Bavaria, Germany, August iG, 1S17, the son of George Nicholas and Anna M. (Forster) Plornberger, natives, respectively, of Steinweiler and Minnfeld, Bavaria, the former of whom was lx)rn on October 24, 178S, the son of Nicholas and Margaret (Fiever) Hornberger, and the latter on January 7, 1797, the daughter of John and ]^Iargaret Forster, the forbears of both having for many generations been Bavarians. In 1831 George N. Hornberger iminigrated to America with his family, consisting then of his wife and foiu" children, another child having been born to this \\'orthy couple after their arrival in this country. The Flornbergers landed in New York in June or Jtily of I S3 1, and on August 8, following, arrived in Cincinnati, in which city they made their home for six years, Air. Hornberger, for a time after locating there, follinving his trade of cabinetmaker, he lieing a skilled workman in that line, but later engaged in the hotel business. In 1837 he came to Dearborn county and established a permanent home in Lawrenceburg, where he quickly became one of the most influential men in the town. He took a prominent part in the affairs of the rapidly growing village and left his distinctive impress upon all he touched. He was quick to perceive the ultimate values hidden in the wilderness surrounding the town and entered from the government one thousand acres of land in Dearborn and b'ranlclin counties, on much of wliich he realized handsomely in after years, as the community developed; his family being left in ver-\' comfi^rtable circumstances at the time of his death on ]\Iarch 19, 18G5. He left five children, Jolm. Mrs. Anna M. Hauck (mother of Judge Hauck), Mrs. Mary C. Schulze, Airs. Elizabeth Wiedelstadt and Airs. Caroline Hitzfeld.

Dearborn' Coixty, Indiaxa

Toliii HornbergtT, who liecaine one of the foremost citizens of Lawvenccburg, was fourteen years <if age when his parents immigrated to America and he grew to nianliO'Kl in the city oi Cincinnati and was married there. May 14, 1837, to Catherine Lege, shortly thereafter moving to Lawrenceburg. where he spent the remainder of his life. Catherine Loge was a native of Steinweiler. Coudel, Germany, and was a daughter of John and Anna M. (Odenl)ach) Loge, tiie former of whom was a son of Jolin and Alary Loge and tlie latter, a daughter of Carl and Catherine Odenbach. John Loge brought his family, consisting of his wife and three children, Catherine. John and Bernhardt, to America in the twenties of the last century and died at Lawrenceburg in 1843, his widow, surviving liis death more than twenty years, her death occiu'ring in 1865. LTpoii arriving in Lawrenceburg John Hornberger engaged with his father in the hotel and grocery business and also, for some time during the early portion of his residence in that town, engaged, at intervals, in flatboat transportation, his line of boats doing a thriving business. Tie also engaged in contract w-ork, with particular reference to street work, his effective service on the streets of Lawrenceburg still being a matter of distinct recollection among the older residents of Lawrenceburg. In 1853 he manufactured about one million bricks and in the winter of 1855-6 engaged in the rendering business. Extending his general contracting business, he employed a large force of men and filled heavy contracts on railroad and other engineering works, continuing that business until 1S74. being one of tlie best known contractors in that line of work in this section of the country. While thus busily engaged in pushing his private enterprises, John Hornberger was not idle to the welfare of the public and took a large part in the civic affairs of the rapidly-growing city. In 1S59 he was elected township assessor of real estate, to which office he was re-elected in 1864. He sat in the cit}- council for sixteen consecutive years, from the year 1859, and was one of the foremost factors in the development of the city's best interests. He was a stanch Democrat and for many years was one of the most forceful counsellors of that party in Dearborn county. For eighteen years he ofliciated as controller and manager of the Greendale cemetery and was for sometime a director of the Lawrenceburg Gas Company. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having joined the society in 1839, and lived to be the oldest member of the lodge at LawTcnceburg. Though not a member of any church, he attended and was a contributor to the good works of the Lutheran church, of which his wife was a devoted and active member, and both were earnest participants in all the good works of the community, no couple ill the city being held in higher regard than they, or more popular in the general esteem of the townspeople. John Hornbergcr died in the year 1S8S, at the age i:)f se\-enty-t\\'n years, his widow sur.vi\-ing him brieth', her death occurring tliirty days later, of paralysis, she then being about seventy years of age. The funerals of tlicse two excellent old people were said to have been the largest ever held in the city of Lawrcnceburg, there having a general outpouring oi the people of the town and countryside to pay a tribute of general respect to the departed.

John F. Hornberger, now the sole survivor of the family of John Hornbergcr, was born and reared in Lawrenceburg, in which city his whole life, covering a period of sexent}- years, has been spent. He was educated in the local schools and upon reaching young manhood began writing in the offices of the court house, present!}- being made deputy county recorder. Following this term of public service. ]\lr. Hornberger made a trip to Knoxville, Tennessee, but did not locate in that city ; shortly returning to Lawrenceburg. where he learned the jeweler's trade, and presently opened a jewelry store in the city, which business he has since continued without interruption, a period of forty-six years ; a most honorable and quite successful business career. Shortly after starting in business for himself in Lawrenceburg, Mr. Hornberger was elected city treasurer, which office he held for four years, still maintaining his jewelry business, howe\er.

Josejih B. AlcCright was born in fiercer county, Pennsylvania, ]\Iarch - 25, 1819, the son of Charles and Mary McCright. On August 19, 1S39, he married Nancy H. Major, to which union seven children were born, Elizabeth, JNlary, Charles, Buenavista, Squire and two who died in early ymuh. The jMcCrights came to Dearborn coun.ty in 1S44. settling in Lawrenceburg, where ^Ir. ]\lcCright and his wife si)ent the rest of their lives, becoming prominent and influential in the social and civic affairs of the community. She died on December 24. 18S4, at the age of sixty-seven years, seven months and seven days, and he died on April 24, 1899, at the -age of eighty years and one month, leaving sixteen grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

married Hiram Guard, of Lawrcnceliury', to which union one cliild, has been Ijiirn, Crclchen. The Guards have a pleasant home in I.awrenceburg and it is with them that ]\Ir. llornberger makes his hotne. Nancy married J. I. W'ingate. of Petersburg, Kentucky, to wln'ch union has been Ijorn one son, Heniy Clay. George, who married Anna Schincman, h\'es in Cinciim.ali. John met his death by accidental drowning, at the age of nine, while swimming in the Ohio river. Verona married Harvev Green, of East Li\er|)<i'il. Ohio, to which union was born one daughter. Ciretchen. Ilornberger was a faithful and active member of the ^Methodist cluuxh and her children were brought up in the faith of that communion.

Mr. Hornberger is a Democrat and for many years took an active interest in the political affairs of the county, but in later years has somewhat retired from participation in the councils of his party. His onl\- office-holding experience was that gained in the county recorder's office in his early manhood, mention of which is made ab'^ve, he having' preferred to give his time and attention to his business affairs rather than to lead in civic affairs. This, how'ever, has not prevented his earnest participation in all movements having as their object the betterment of local conditions in all lines, and there has been no more public-spirited citizen' in Lawrenceburg these many years than he, his sage counsel and advice often having proved of value to the party leaders in this county. JNIr. Hornberger is a member of Union Lodge No. 8, Indcpen.dent Order of Odd Fellow s, and of Dearborn Lodge No. 49, ivnights of Pythias, in tlie affairs of both of which orders he for many years has taken an active interest.

Kindly in manner and speech, considerate in all his rclati'^ns with his fellow men; just in his dealings, a lover of all mankind, 'Sir. Hornberger is one of the most popular and most highly esteemed men in the city of Lawrenceburg, where he is honored and respected by all.

One of the business men of this community wliose industry, energy and ability have given impetus to the commercial life of Aurora is the man whose name appears at the head of this sketch. While not a native of that town, or even of the county, 'Mr. Hoskins has identified himself with the business interests of the town, during his residence of ten years, to such an extent that his influence as a merchant and mnnufacturer has heen stron,e;-lv feh. Mr. Hoskins is secretary, treasurer and t;eneral manager of the W}Mnond Coof)eraye Compan}- of .Vurrira, Indiana. He was born in Washington county, Kentucky, April 19, 1871. tlie son of llugli and Elizabeth ( Snepp) IToskins, both natixes of Kentucky. Hugh Iloskin's fatlier died in Sh.elby conntv, Indiana, iri tiie earl}- thirties, while his mother died about 1S40. Their children were Elisha. Josiah, Hugh, Enos, Sarah and Isrdjel. Both were twice married. Hugh Moskins was only a lad when, with his ]iarcnts, he said goodbye to his childhood hi:ime in the Si')Uthland, and entered ii[)on the new life in the Hoosier state, Shelby county being the place chosen, and there he grew to manhood. After engagang for some years in the tobacco and livery business in Edinburg, Johnson count}-, he n-io\-ed on a farm, where he added to his regular labors contracting and building. At the age of seventy-six yca.rs. he died in Shelby count}- in the }-ear iSijy. lie was a member of the Christian, or Disciplo' church; his wit'e, an adherent of the English Euthcran church. Mrs. Hoskins was a native of Ohio, her maternal graridmother, Catharine (Neibel)' Snepp, ha-^'ing been a nali\e (jf i\Icintgomer\- conntv, that state. whose husband. John Snep]), was born in Germany. Tlie latter -was a farmer, and lived to a ripe old age. Their children, six in nun-ibcr, were Williaan, Elizabeth, Alaria, Jo.^eph, David and Jane.

To Hugh rmd Elizal'eth (Snepp) Hoskins nine children were born, namel}', Catherin.e, wife of Daniel Oaks of Chicago; John S., of Bartholomew county, Indiana: Sarah, who married A\'illiam AA'eil, of St. Louis, [Missouri: Alice, wife of James !Moran, of New York City; Emma (deceased), who was the wife of Clement Hnbbell: David J., of Elmhurst, Illinois; Josiah H., of Aurora, Indiana: I\Iargaret. wife of John Barnes, of Texhoma, Oklahoma. and William E.. the subject of this sketch. The mother of these children dic;I in 1876, at the age of forty-two years.

At the close of his school days on the home farm in Shelby couj-it}-, William E. Eloskins took up his residence in Cincinnati, where he also atteridcd school. He then became a clerk in a drug store in Cincinnati, and while there, devoted his spare time to the study of phannacy. In 1S90, he changed his occupation to that of a traveling man. being employed by a wholesale shoe house, and followed that business for six years. Returning again to the drug business, he worked in the office of a wholesale drug company at Chicago. In 1905 he left that city and went to Aurora, this county, to assunie the management of the Aurora Eurniture Company. After holding that position for a period of nine years, he became manager of the Wymond Cooperage Com- pany atthe time of its organization in 191 1, a position he has held ever since, and which has occupied his entire time. This is an incorporated company, being capitahzcd at one hundred thousand dollars, and employs about sixty persons. It manufactures a high grade of barrels and markets its product in all parts of the United States. Besides managing this enterprise. ]\lr. Hoskins is a stockholder and director in the Aurora Furnitui'e Company and is vice-president of the In.dianapolis Furniture Company, of Aurora.

On June 21, 1S93, W'illiatn L. Hoskins was united in marriage to Ella A. Smitli, who was born in Aurora on December 26, 1873. Pier mother, who before her marriage was Elizabeth Dennerline, also was born in Aurora. Her father died when she was only twelve or thirteen years of age. The mother is still living. Grandfather Smith was a Methodist minister in Nebraska. Grandmother Deimerline was a Von Dressendoerfcr, the modier of two children, Elizabeth and George. Although not having lived in Cincinnati for some time, !Mr. and JNIrs. Hoskins are members of the Baptist church in that city. They are both acti\"e in the social life of the community and are held in the highest esteem by their many friends.

JMr. Eloskins, besides being a director of the Commercial Club of Aurora, is a member of the Dearborn Club, the Country Club and of Yeatman Lodge No. 162, Free and Accepted INIasons. In his political affiliations, he is a Democrat, and has shown vital and practical interest in the welfare of his party.

By his genial nature, his ready sympathy with all movements tending- to advance the city's prosperity, and his generosity, Mr. Hoskins has made many friends, who repose in him the utmost confidence.

Henry Harmon Folke

Henry Harmon Folke, farmer of Lawrenceburg township, son of John Dietrich Folke and Anna (Schwers) Folke, was born on March 12. 1S79, in Manchester township. He was educated in the German and public schools of the county, and lived at the place of his birth until his marriage to .\nna D. Hiller, February 18, 1009. and then moved to his present location, which he rented, for one year, and then bought. The farm contains one hundred and forty acres and is well improved. It is located about three and one-half miles west of Lawrenceburg. His parents came from Hanover, Germany, when young and settled in Manchester township, where the father still resides. His mother died in the vear 188^. His father married, secondly, [Margaret

Brandt, of Ripley county. To the first marriage were born three children, Henry Harmon, John and Aaron; and to the second, one child, Margaret. Aaron married Alma llillman on April 30. 1914, and has one child. Marcella.

Anna D. Hiller was born on November 2, 1879, in what was then [Miller township, now Lawrenceburg township, and is a daughter of John and I)ur othy (EUinghausen) Hiller. She attended the public and German sch.nds. Her parents came from Hanover, (lermany. aljout 1S65. and were married '>n August 26, 1866. r^Ir. Hiller was a farmer all his life, first as a renter, then bought a farm of one hundred and forty-eight acres, which is now the home of his son-in-law, Henrv H. Folke. John Hiller died in Xovember, 1910. and his wife died in [March, 1905. They were the parents of eight children, namely: Henry, of Jackson county, [Missouri; Albert, of Hampton. T<iwa; Mrs. [Margaret Diefenbaugh; Frederick, of Hampton, Iowa; [Mrs. [Mary Engleking. of Newkirk, Oklahoma: George, of Hampton, Iowa; [Mrs. Anna D. Folke: John F. Hiller, Tipton, Indiana.

Henrv Hiller has three children, Caroline. Frieda and Alma. Frederick has three children, Rudolph, Letha and Lavlin. George has two children. Lyle and Wayne. John has one child. Dorothy. [Mrs. [Margaret Diefenbaugh has eight children. Albert, Vrcd, Louis. Mary, Flarry. Arthur. Ar.na and George. [Mrs. [Mary Engleking has one child, Herman.

[Mr. and [Mrs. Henry H. Folke have two children, Irma. born on January -1, 1910: and Alvin, June 23, 1912. The family are members of the Lutheran church, and take an active part in all good works in the community.

Having lived in Dearborn county for forty-one years, all of which time has been spent in the city of Lawrenceburg, and being interested in local history, Archibald Shaw is peculiarly well equipped to supervise the preparation of this history. Aside from Mr. Shaw's wide acciuaintance throughout Dearborn county, he is well acquainted with sources from which the history- of this section is drawn, and has made a long and patient study of the Dearborn county annals. [Moreover, Mr. Shaw received a splendid education early in life, and from the professional standpoint is well prepared to act as editor of this volume. Archibald Shaw has held many positions of trust and responsibility in Lawrenceburg and Dearborn count}-, and to all of them he has gi'.-en the conscientious attention and service they have appeared to demand. [Mr. Shaw is well acquainted with the business growth and progress of Dearborn

As Mr. Shaw has said in his announcement to the pei^jile of Dearborn cou,nt\'. "It has been aliout thirty years since an authentic hi^tur} of Dearl.Kiru county has been pulilishecl. Since that date the county has made wonderful progress along all lines of endeavor, and it will be the purjiose of the editor and publishers of the proposed work to chronicle fully and faithfully all important historical events, from the earliest coming of the white men to this section down to the present time."

Archibald Shaw is a natixe of Switzerland county, Indiana, where lie was born on August 8, 1847. His parents were William and Linda ( Runs) Shaw. William Shaw was a native of Paisley, Scotland, and }.Irs. Linda (Rous) Shaw was a native of Little Horton, now a part of BradfL>rd, Yorkshire, England. William Shaw came to America with his parents in 18 16. and landed at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Not long afterward his I'alher crossed the mountains to Pittsburgh and bought a flat-boat and floated dov.n the Ohio river with his family. They settled in Switzerland county. Indiana, and li: ed there many years. Archibald was the eleventh of twelve children born to his parents.

AL-. .Shaw was reared on his father's farm near \'evay, and attended the country schools. Later he attended tlie high school, and was graduated from DePauw University, when it was known as Asl.iury Uni\'ersity, \vith l1ie class of 1S72. In college 'Sir. Shaw was prominent in the Phi Kappa Psi college fraternity, \vhere he is an honored alumnus, not only of DePauw Lni\'crsitv, but of this great Greek letter society.

After leaving college Air. Shaw was married and farmed for five or six years. He then moved to Lawrenceburg and engaged in the grocery business for about six years. Later he was express agent for the Adams Express Company for four years. ^^Ir. Shaw served as postmaster-of Lawrenceburg f<ir eight vears, and was a school trustee for one term. It is obxinus. th.ercfore, that he has been connected with the important phases of the life of Dearh<jrn county. He is acquainted at first hand with its business, with its political life, and especially with its agricultural life. His rather wide and extensive connection with the fraternal societies of Dearborn county has given to him further advantages in pi-eparation of this volume. Not the least of Mr. Shaw's interests is his connection with the educational life of Lawrence) lurg. He has therefore been able to give due care and consideration to all the phases of the community's progress and prosperity.

daughter of De Witt C. and Leah (Hayes) Fitch. Air. and Mrs. Shaw have iiad eight children, four of whom are deceased, as follow: Ida C, died at the age of sixteen; Cora. T.eah. died at age uf twenty-two; DeW'itt C, dierl at the age of fifteen, en' appendicitis, and W'ilHani De Witt died in iufancv; Harris F. is a law clerk in the land office in Cocur D'Alene, Idaho: Edward R. is a bookkeeper; John A. is a civil engineer, and is now living at ?\Ianila. Pliilippine Islands; and I'-lla ]\I. is a school teacher.

Mr. and ilrs. Shaw are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, the Knights of Pythias and the Royal Arcanum, aside from his membership in the Phi Kappa Psi college fraternity. For twelve years j\Ir. Shaw served as chairman of the county central committee of Dearborn county, and is one of the foremost Republicans of this section. Flaving. as heretofore noted, li\ed in Dearborn county for upwards of forty-one years, Archibald Shaw is well equipped to act as editor of the history of Dear1)':irn cuunty. Personally, Air. Shaw is popular with all classes of people and he and his wife are popular socialh- in the cit\- of Lawrencebtirg. He is a worthy citizen whose interests in preserving the historical lore of thi? county is to be commended by all the citizens of Dearborn county.

William G. Glover

W'illiam G. Glover, editor and proprietor of tlie Laierencchiirg Press, which he has owned, edited and published since 191 1, is one of the well-known citizens of Dearborn county. Air. Glover was fortunate in being able to obtain a splendid education and this has been of no small assistance to him in editing and publishing a first-class newspaper. During his ownership and management the Press has gained in circulation and influence in Deari.iorn county, and today is recognized as the leading Republican organ of southeastern Indiana, no weekly newspaper in this section of the state being better edited than the Press.

William G. Glover was born on September 24, i88i,.in Switzerland county, Indiana, the son of William and Anna R. (Long) Glover, the former of whom was a native of Ohio, and the latter of Indiana. William Glover, Sr.. was a mere lad when he came with his parents to Indiana. They located in Switzerland county, and there he grew to manhood. He was a farmer and contractor and his family was reared in that county. He passed away at Aloores Hill in 1886, at the age of fifty-two }'ears, and his widow is still living at Moores Hill, ^^'illiam Glover was a soldier in tlie L^nion army during the Civil War, serving from the beginning to the end in Company E, Fiftieth

Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in which he was a prixatc. He wa^ a niemljer of the ^Methodist church, of which his widow also is a member. The_\ were the parents of four cliildren, Grace G., the widow of Charles S. McKr.wn ; Albert H., who lives near Greenfield. Hancock county, Indiana; Catherine J., the wife of W. E. Pennington, of Moores Hill. Indiana, and William G., of Lawrenceburg.

Mr. Glover's paternal grandparents emigrated from Virginia Ui Ohio, spending their last da^'s in Cincinnati. His maternal grandparents were natives of Pennsylvania, Grandfather William Long having been a Methodist preacher, one of the pioneer circuit riders in Ohio and Indiana, an influential man in his day and generation, and was exceptionally well educated and well informed for those times. V\'hile Gran<llather Long lived to the great age of eighty-nine, his first wiie died while still a comparati\-ely young woman. There were only four children boni to that union, ]\Irs. Mary E. Williams, 1 Mrs. Elizabeth Jonte, !Mrs. Caroline Wicks, and ]\Irs. Anna R. Glover. After the death of his first wife. Rev. William Long married again and by this second marriage had several children.

^\'illiam G. Glover's elementary education was received in the public schools of Moores Hill, and he supplemented the same by a course in jMoores Hill College, from which institution he was graduated with the class of 1905. After teaching school for four years, he took a post-graduate course in Chicago University, and also in Indiana University. In 191 1 he purchased the Lazvrciiccburg Press, and at once 1>ecame editor and publisher of that newspaper, a Republican weekly established more than sixty years ago, and which has always enjoyed an exceptionally fine reputation in this section of Indiana. On June 21, 1913, William G. Glover was married to Clara B. Smith, daughter of William and Sarah (Albright) Smith, to uhich union has been i born one son, Theodore Alfred. Mrs. Glover was born in Ripley county. In- -, diana, her parents, wdio were also natives of Indiana, residing on a farm \ near Milan, in that county. ^Irs. Glover has two sisters, 2\Iimiie and Bertie.

Micliael Edward Ahdoiiey, the present postmaster at Aurora, this county, was horn on September J3, 1S77, at Aurora, son ot Michael and Mary (^Tavlin) Alaloney. both natives of Ireland. He has always lived at Aurora, where lie attended the parochial and public schools, as well as the high school. When about fourteen years of age he began working at odd jolis, and his first real position was when he engaged liis services as collector for the Sargent Coal Company, remaining with that concern two years. He next served as clerk in the general store of Chambers, Steven^ & Company, where he remained for five years, after wdiich he was one year with the John H. Elibbens Dry Goods Company in Cincinnati. He then served as a molder's apprentice in the plant of the Addyston Pipe and Foundry Company, of Addyston, Ohi'j, and was there about ten years. ^Ir. Maloney was then elected city clerk of Aurora, in Vvhich public capacity he served three and one-Iialf years, resigTiing on August I, 1913, to accept the appointment of postmaster of Aurora, which office he took on September 3. 1913. and which he still holds. While in the office of the city clerk, after seven ballots, he was defeated by one vote for mayor to fill the vacanc_\' caused by the resignation of Willard B. Stier. Politically, Mr. ^Nlaloney is a stanch Democrat, for many years active in the councils of his party, and was chairman of the local Democratic ccimmittee for si-K years, resigning that position when he took charge of the postot'fice. He is a member of the Catholic church, and is an acti\'e member of the Knights of Columbus.

Mr. Maloney's father, }ilichael Malone\-, came to America with his parents when a boy of five years. The family settled at Aurora, where ^Michael Maloney grew to manhood, and where he still resides. When a young man, he began his first work in the Xathan Stedman foundrj-, and remained there man}" years. He also conducted a saloon for some time. Ever active in the piilitical life of the community he was several times elected to positions of public trust and responsibility and served successively as city clerk, city treasurer, township trustee, and county treasurer, serxing two terms in each office. He is now living in retirement. Both he and his wife are members of the Catholic church and their children were reared in that faitli. These children, six in number, are as follow: John F., who is engaged in the insurance business; Henry A. ; Elizabeth, who is a teacher in the jvublic schools of Aurora ; Michael Edward, the subject of this biographical sketcli : Mary Alice, who is at home, and William.

Mr. Maloncy's paternal grandparents, }*Iichael and Katherine f^Iurphy) Alaloney, also natives of Ireland, died at Anrora, aged about eighiy-li\"c years, leaving the following" children: INIichael, Ann, John, .\nlhnnv and Richard. His maternal grandparents. John and Elizabeth (McGinnis) Tavlin, also natives of Ireland, came to America at an early day. settling at Cold Springs, Indiana, where INlr. Tavlin engaged in farming, and was one of the pioneers who helped to build the old Ohio & ^Mississippi railroad. Idiev died at Cold .Springs, both past eighty vears of age. Their children were as follow: James, Ann, ?vlan", Ellen, Michael and others who are not now a matter of record.

On September 23, 1913. Michael Edward iMaloney was united in marriage to Ella W'ilhelmina Mayer, daughter of George and Alary INIayer. She was bora on June 20, 18S1, at Aurora, and was educated in St. John's Lutheran school and is a member of the Lutheran church. To this union has been born one son, Edward iNIayer ]\Ialoney, barn on July 20, 1914. ]\Irs. IMaloney's parents, both now deceased, were natives of Germany, \\ho came to America when about twenty-one years of age. They met here and were married at Aurora. I\Ir. Ma)-er, who was a well-known jeueler, died in 18S1, about two months before Mrs. Maloney was born, and his widow died in January, 1913. They were the parents of the following children: William, Conray, Mary (who married Gatch L. Baker), Ella Wilhelniina and two or three who died young. IMrs. INIaloney's maternal grandparents came from Germany to this country at an earh' day and located at Cold Springs, where they spent the rest of their lives. They were the parents of two children, Henry and Mary.

Michael Edward Alalone}', in filling the position of postmaster at Aurora, is following out the principles which have always been marked characteristics in all business transactions with which he has been connected, namely, giving his untiring and sincere attention to the business in hand, and is serving tlie people to the best of his ability. u,--

Lew W. Hill

Lew W. Hill, the cashier of the Dearlx)rn National Bank at Lawrenceburg, who has been associated with the political, commercial and financial life of the city of Lawrenceburg and Dearborn county since he was a young man, is a well-known citizen of this countv. Mr. Hill has been connected with the hanking intLM'ests of the city of Lawrencchurg for ahout ten years, and during that time his energy, liis wise foresight and his genial personal relations with the oftlcers, directors and patrons of the institution with which he has hcen connected had much to do with the growing deposits of the bank and its e\er-increasing patronage. Although he lives in Am-ora. practically all of his business life, except the very earlv years, has been identified with tlie business life of Lawrencchurg. Mr. Hill has inade a gratifying success of his business and today is numbered among the honored and respected citizens of Dearborn county. The only son of Mr. and ]\'Irs. Hill enjoys the distinction of having sprung from stock which was foremost in the service of their country during the tning days of the Civil War. The father of Lew W. Hill and the father of Mrs. Hill were both soldiers in that war.

Lew W. Hill was born at Aurora, this county, on August 15, 1862, s-^in of Abram and ^Minerva (Kerr) Hill, natives, respectively, of \'irginia and North Carolina. During a period of nearly three-quarters of a century, his parents lived near one of the historic streams of this section, three miles from Aurora, having located in Dearborn county earlv in life. Abram Hill \\-as a farmer and merchant. His later years were spent in the vicinit^- of Aurora, where he looked after the management of two large farms, and where he was engaged in the coal business and in operating- a wharf boat on the river. He had served valiantly, during the Civil \\'ar, in the Seventh Regiment, Liidiana Volunteer Infantry, in which he had risen from the rank of first lieutenant to that of captain by meritorious service. The periiid of his service extended practically throughout tb.e Civil War. He died in IQ03. at the ripe old age of eighty-five. His widow is still living and is ninety-two years old. Of their nine cliildren only one, Alice, who married Riley \A'. Cu-rtis. is deceased. She was the fifth in the family. The living children are as follow: .'\manda, the widow of William Seidler, of Fairmoimt, West \'irgiuia: Adam K., of Aurora; Wilton V., of Mound, Texas; Harvey B., of Aurora; Altha. the widow of Enos ButBngton, of Aurora; Elizabeth, of Aurora; Lew W.. the subject of this sketch, and Jennie, the wife of William T. Boone, of Seattle, Washington.

The parents of Abram Hill. Eli and Mary Hill, were picjueers in Dea''- bom count}-, ha\-ing come to this state from \"irginia. They li\-ed to advanced ages and in the meantime had reared a family of six children, John, Williaiii, Abram, ^^Irs. Elizabeth Wood, Mrs. IMelinda Osborn and Ira C. Eli Hill was a farmer Ijy occupation. Walter Kerr, who was the maternal grandfather of Lew \\'. Hill, and whose wife was Betsey Kerr, was likewise a pioneer in Dearborn county, and he also was a farmer. He was prominent in the poliiical life of Dearborn county durintj his day and generation and served as sheriff of Dearborn county at a time when the personal jieril of such an oftice was vastly greater than at the present time. He and his wife bolli had come to Indiana from North Carolina. The Kerr family has been noted for its longevity, \\'alter Kerr having lived to be one hundred and two years old, and his v/ife having lived to the ripe old age of ninety. Of the Kerr faniilv of nine children, Charles, the eldest, died the death of a true patriot, having been killed in action on one of the hard-fought battlefields of the Civil War. The other children were Mahlon P.., William ]\I., David R., i\Irs. Catherine A\'orley. of Iowa, }i[rs. Betsey Terhune, Mrs. Alary zVim Elder, Mrs. Minerva Hill and Airs. Jane Ketcham.

Aurora has been the life-long home of Lew W. Hill. It was there that he was reared to manhood, and there he received his education, at least his elementary training. His business interests, however, for the most part have always been identified with the city of Lawrenceburg. After Mr. Hill had completed the prcscri!">cd educational course in tlie Aurora public schools he attended the Southern Business College, at Louisville, Kentucky, and after remaining there for sometime, began his active career as a clerk on a steamboat, plying between Cincinnati and New Orleans, serving in that position for a period of eight years. Twelve years of Mr. Hill's life were spent in the revenue service of the United States government. After he liad resigned his position as clerk on the steamboat he was stationed at Lawrenceburg as deputy United States intemal revenue collector, and served in that capacity for four years, after which time he served for eight years in the capacity of cashier in the revenue office at Lawrenceburg, resigning that position to become cashier of the Dearborn National Bank, at the time of its organization in 1905, and has been continuouslv connected with that bank since that date. The Dearborn National Bank is one of the strong financial institutions in the city of Lawrenceburg and to Air. Hill is due much of the credit for its growth.

On October 23, 1S89. Lew W. Hill was married to Ella C. Hubbartt, daughter of Asa B. and Palace (Harbaugh) Hubbartt. The one child, a son, Harley H., who has been born to this union, is assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Aurora, and is one of the best-known and most popular young men of Dearborn county.

Mrs. Hill's father, Asa B. Hubbartt, served during practically the entire period of the Civil \\'ar as a Union soldier, giving four of the best years of his life to the cause of his country. He died in 1902 at the age of sixtyfive. His widow lives with her daughter, Airs. Hill, in Aurora. Richard Hubbartt, the paternal grandfather of Airs. Hill, was a native of Virginia, and an earl}- settler in Dearborn county, wlio lived to a venerable age. His seven children were Thomas R., William, Arminus, Hiram, Rebecca, Rjarker and Mrs. Lida ]\liller. Jacob Harbaugh, who married Betsy Ilnrrel, and who was the maternal grandfather of !Mrs. Hill, was an earl\- settler in Dearborn connty, ha\ing come to this state from Pennsylvania. Both v»erc loiig past the meridian of life at the time of their death. He passed away during the eighties and she was nearly ninety years i>ld at the time ot her death. They were the parents of six children. }vlrs. John Cheek, ]Mrs. Ida West, Fran'-; HarliauL^h, George. ]\Irs. Palace Hubbartt and two or three others who died before reaching maturity.

Although 'Sh'. Hill is first and foremost a banker, he and his brother, Adam K. Hill, own two farms near Aurora, and, incidentally, he devotes some of his time to looking after the management of these farms.

Mr. and Mrs. Hill are members of the ]\Iethodist Episcopal church in Aurora and acti\"e in the affairs of that congregation. Mr. Hill is a member of the }ilodern \\'oodmen of America. He has always been a Republican, and during the past few years, when the Republican party has been more or less divided, he has been identified with the conservative, or so-called "standpat," wing of the partv.

Lew W. Hill is a capable, courageous and well-rounded Ijanker and a successful farmer, but more than all that, a good citizen, especially for the reason that he has always taken an earnest part in the best interests socially, politically and morally of the county where his life has been spent and where his friends are leg^ion.

George F. Busse

Xo class of farmers ranks higher in the state of Indiana than those of Dearborn county, standing at the head of which we find the name of George F. Busse, wdiose ancestors emigrated from Germany at an early day, and whose labors hav^ profited the community in whicli he lives, as well as himself and his family. He is of a quiet, retiring disposition, and is looked upon as one of the most substantial men in the agricultural district.

George F. Busse was born on March 15, 1S68, in Hogan township, on the farm w'here his brother John now lives. He is a son of Flenry Christian and. Angeline (Gesell) Busse, a biography of whom is presented elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Busse was reared on his father's farm in Hogan township. He was five years old when his parents moved into the new brick house built from tlie brick made by his father on the place. Mr. Busse has been a farmer from the time of his marriage, and now owns a fine fann of one hundred and one acres, on which there is an exceptionally comfortable house, a good bam with a substantial stone foundation, and the whole place is substantially improved and well cared for. He divides his attention between general fanning and stock raising, and is one of the most progressive citizens of the community.

George F. Busse was married on April 21, 1S93, to Mary Reinking, daughter of Henry and Mary (Wolber) Reinking. She was born in Miller township, Dearborn county. To Mr. and ]Mrs. George F. Busse has been born one daughter, Laura Louise. They have two other children whom they took to bring up, as their only other child, Albert, died in early infancy. Mr. Busse and his wife have long been members of the Lutheran church.

Henry Reinldng, father of Mrs. George F. Busse, was born in Prussia, coming to America with his parents when but five years old. He has followed farming all his life near Lawrcnceburg. and now makes his home with ;i son in Manchester township. His wife, Mary (\\'olber) Reinking, was a native of Franklin county, Lidiana. Her death occurred on September 15, 190S.

The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Busse were Ernest and Wilhelmina Reinking, natives of Prussia, who were early settlers in Manchester township, moving later over on the state road near Lawrcnceburg, where they spent their last days.

The Braun family has been identified with the financial life of the city of Lawrcnceburg for nearly sixty years. Peter Braun was cashier of one of the Lawrcnceburg banks continuously from 1S55 to 1905. His son, Philip C., began his career as a banker in 1S90, when he was appointed assistant cashier of the old People's National Bank. LIpou the consolidation of the Citizen's National Bank with the People's National Bank in 1905, Philip C. Braun became cashier of the consolidated banks, and still holds that position. It is a coincidence that his father, Peter Braun, retired from active life in 1905, the same year in which Philip C. was appointed to his present position. Xaturally the Braun family is well known in this section of Indiana.

Peter Braun, who was born on May iS. 1S26. was edncated in Germany and came to America at the age of eighteen, landing- in New ^'ork City. He worked on a farm near that cit_\- for little niorc than a year, and then came to Indiana, lijcating at Lawrcricehnrg-, where he took a cnntract for furnishing wood for the engines on the old Ohio & ^Mississippi railroad. He had seven stations between Lawreneeburg and \"inccnncs and operated saws run by Ixv/^c power. In 1856 he, in comjian}- with William Probasco, established the People's Bank at La\\rcnceljnrg. under the proiirietorshi[) of William Prr)')asco, Braun tS: Company. As heretotVire noted, Peter Braun was in the bankingbusiness continuously from iS-,6 m 1005, a period of forty-nine years, lie was cashier all of that time, and at the time of his retirement was the olrjest cashier in the state of Indiana. .\t one time he had been connected w itii a branch liank of the state of Indiiana, and he was also connecte<l \vith th,e ^M City National Bank at Lawreneeljurg. ha\'ing- been cashier of that institution. Both he and his wife are still li\-ing-, he at the age of eighty-nine years, and she at the age of se\-ent}--four. Peter Braun was reared as a Lutlieran, but }\Irs. Braun is a Presbyterian and her husband w-as a trustee of that churcli for man}- years.

Peter Braun's parents were natives of Germany and died there. Flis father was a farmer and mayrir of the village of Nister. Peter hin-iself was one of a good-sized family, among tlie other children being William, Philip and Christian. Mrs. liraun's fcUher was Frederick Browneller. who married a Miss Kuhns. fioth natives of Pennsyh'ania. Frederick Bniwneller was engaged in the tanning business with former Governi:)r Durbiii's father on the present site of the saw works of George H. Bishop 1!^ Company at Lawreneeburg. Both he and his wife died in Evansville. They had two children, Sarah R. and To'm K.

Philip C. Braun was reared in Lawreneeburg. and has lived there all his life. He attended the public schools and then went to Cincinnati, where he was a clerk for the Pullman Car Ciimpany until 1S90, leaving that position to become assistant cashier of ihe People's National Bank at Lawreneeburg, and when the Citizen's Xati^nal Bank was consolidated with the Peiiple's National Bank he became cashier of the consolidated institutions, a p(-isition which he now occupies.

Mr. and Mrs. Braun are nieml)crs of the Presbyterian churcli, lie being a trustee of the church, having succeeded his father in liiis posilidn. Mr. Braun is a member of Lawrenceburg Lodge Xo. 4, Free and .Vccepted Ma>ons, and is treasurer of the lodge. He also is a member of Dearborn Lodge Xo. 49, Knights of Pythias. Politically, he is a Republican. Pie is a member of the board of school trustees of the city of Lawrenceburg, having served in that position since 1905.

Mrs. Braun \vas born in Lawrenceburg on April i, 1877. Tier father was a wholesale grocer in Cmcinnati. associated with her grandfather. Mrs. Braun was one of three children born to her parents, she having a sister, Laura F., and a brother, l^dwin P. ^Nlrs. Braun's paternal grandfather was John Wymond, the seventh son of his parents, who were natives of England. i\Irs. Braun's maternal grandfather was Myron IL Harding, among whose children were Dora, Hector, Hollie and Laura F.

Bankers who are broad-minded and puljlic-spirited are able to do very much for the city and county where they live. The Braun family liavc been well known, not only for their generosity, but for their public spirit and keen interest in public enterprises and worthy movements. Philip C. Braun in every wav is carrying on the worthy public duties so well discharged for nirun- years bv his father, and enjoys the confidence and respect of the entire community.

Charles A. Downey, now a well-known railway postal clerk, livir.g at Aurora, this county, was born on July 26, 1S68, in Ohio county, this state, a son of Erastus S. and Elizabeth (Cloud) Downey. When his parents came to Aurora he was a small lad of eight years. There he attended the [luiilic schools, and when througli school kept bouks for liis father for several years, after which he followed various pursuits, until he was employed in the radway mail service, where he has remained for the past t\venty-f<jur _\e;'.rs or more. Politically, Mr. Downey has always been an ardent Republican, and he and his wife are earnest members of the Baptist cluu'cli.

Erastus S. Dowiiev was l)nrn in Ohio cfi'Linty, wliere lie was reared cm a farm. He later learned the cabinet-ir.aker's trade, and was at one time superintendcnt of the Ohio c.mnty jioor farm. In 1S76. Mr. Downey moved to Anrora, where he was engaged in the hardware business and in the sale of farm implements until his death, which necnrred in July, lyio, caused by a stroke of paralysis, he then being seventy-one years of age. His widow, who also is a native qf Ohio county, sui-\dves him, at the age of seventy-four }-ears. They were th.e parents of two children. Cora, who became the wife of Thomas Haines, and is now a widow, and Charles A. Downey. A'Irs. Elizabeth (Cloud) Downey is an ardent member of the Baptist church. E^astns S. Downev was a son of George and Betsey (Van Dusen") Downey, the former born in Cincinnati, early pioneers in Ohio county, where George Downey followed farming, and where he died well advanced in years. The}- were the parents of the following children: Erastus S., King, Susanna, Belle, .\delmore E., Ernma and Eliza. George Downey was the sou of James Downe\-, a native of Ireland. The maternal grandparents of Mr. Downey, Daniel a!id Elizabeth (Drake) Cloud, were natives of Indiana, and followed farming in Ohio county, where th.ey died well advanced in years. Their children \vere Daniel. Benjamin. Elizabeth. Henry, Lida, Edward and William.

On Jt'lv 1 1, 1895, Charles A. Downey was united in marriage to Ella Snvder, who was born at Columbus. Indiana, on April iS, 1S73. daughicr of Robert and Caroline ( Slienk) Snyder, to which union have been born six children, Elizabeth. Lucille, Frank. Alvira. Carlotta and William, all of whom are living save EHzabeth, the eldest, who died when ten years old.

Robert and Caroline (Shenk) Snyder w^ere natives of Indiana, ^h. Snyder was a photographer, and \A-hen the Civil War broke out he enlisted as a private in the Union army, serving three years. They are both now dead,. They were the parents of four children, Robert, Ella, Frank, and one who died early in life. Robert Snyder was the son of the Rev. William W. Snyder, a Methodist minister. Both he and his wife, Catharine Elizabeth, were natives of Indiana, and both lived to advanced ages. They were the parents of six children, Robert, Flettie, Jennie, William, Edmund and Frank. Mrs. Downey's Grandfather Shenk and his wife, Elizabeth, were both natives of Indiana, and lived at Wilmington.

Charles A. Downey has always discharged his duties with satisfaction to the postal authorities, and is an active and energetic citizen, standing high in the esteem of all who know him. ,, i. :, ,;',,;> 1 '

George W. Johnston

Descending from one of tlie oldest and best families of Dearljorn county, the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch has always been one of the most successful and public-spirited citizens of the rural district, never allowing politics to interfere with good administration, and ha^ done his share, as a county commissioner, in serving the public in an official capacity. Mr. Johnston is wonderfully well informed on the history of the county, and one could be entertained indefinitely with the incidents with which he personally has been associated.

George W. Johnston was born at what is known as Johnston's [Mill, about five miles from Aurora, this county, on February 25, 1839, a son of George and Catherine (Kearney) Johnston. He grew to manhood on liis father's farm, helping at the mill in his younger days. His education was obtained at the common and graded schools at Wright's Corners. During the Civil War, Mr. Johnston went to Indianapolis and drilled a company, of which he was first lieutenant, but was never called out to service. In 1863, he started to farm for himself, but after the first year, went back to the old home farm, taking entire charge for a time, and moving, in 1866, to where he now resules, in Center township, at the line of Hogan township, and has for a number of years been cultivating a fine tract of one hundred acres. In earlier life, Mr Johnston took an active interest in politics, and in 188S was elected on the Democratic ticket to the office of county commissioner, to which office he was re-elected, serving in all si.K years, and held various local offices for a period of twenty-five years, among these being that of township assessor, to which he was elected over his protest.

Mr. Johnston's father, George Johnston, was born on IMay 23, 1790, in Frederick countv, \^irginia. He was a well-educated man, having a scholarly knowledge of the subjects of geometry and trigonometry, as well as having a good general knowledge. He married Catherine Kearney, who was born near Lexington, Kentucky, and to this union were born ten children, William, Henry, Nancy, Joseph, Robert, James, Elizabeth, Nora, Lucy and George W. The senior George Johnston was the son of David and Elizabeth (Kyle) Johnston, the former of whom died in Virginia in 1796, leaving a wife and the following children: John, David, George, Joseph, Nancy, who married a Mr, Griffin in Virginia ; Rosanna, who became the wife of John Griffin, and Margaret, who married a Mr. Mills. In iSio Elizabeth Johnston, with her four sons and daughter, came west across the mountains, and after crossing- the Ohio river at W'lieehng, proceeded o\erland to Hamilton, where George, father of the subject of this sketch, taught school for several months. Later the faniih' went to V'inccnnes. where George became priwate secretary to Gii\'. William IIenr_\- Harrison. Sliortly before the battle of Tippecam.ie the faniil}' nio\e<l tu Kentuekw having been warned to get out because of t!ie danger frojii Indians. In 1S13 lhe\- again crossed the Ohio ri\'er and lived for a time at a town called Salem, hitei' moving' to .Middletown, Kentucky. In 181 5 tlie}' returned to Indiana an.rl made a permanent settlement in Dearborn comUw John, the eldest son, had previously entered go\-ernment land northwest of Aurora, along the line of Hogan and Center townships. He had a large tract of land, and set out a fine apple orchard, and also had a large sugar camp, his farming being on a much larger scale than A\a^ usual in ilioso davs. The other lirothcrs, Da\'id, George and Joseph,, settled in Alanchester township, on north Hogan creek, at a time when the country was almost uninhaliitable, on account of swam]is, brush and a generalh' rough country, l.ini they chopped and dug out a hrane and later established the noted Johnston's Mill, making a success of a business that later became widely known. George and Joseph married sisters, and David remained single, making his home with his married brothers. George afterward sold out his share, and he and Joseph built a mill in the southwestern part of Manchester township, which is still standing.

On ]\Iay 14, 1S63, George \\'. Johnston, was united in marriage with Mary Jane F.ainum, who was born in Hogan township, this county, dauglitrr of Ci.inwa}- and Sarah (Deshiell) P.ainum, and to this union six children have been hijrn, l-'rank, Ella, Robert, Oda, Maurice and Jessie. Frank Johnston is parole officer for the Indiana Reform Schoiil for Bo}s, at PlainfieM. He married Mattie Grubbs, by whom he has had three children, Lorene, Loren and Donald. Robert Johnston, a biographical sketch of whom will be found in another part of this volume, is in the hardware and implemer.t business at Aurora. [Maurice J(jhnst<>n. a well-known farmer of tliis counry, married Xellie Weislcigel, e>f IndianaiJDlis, and has r.ine daughter, Catherine. Ada Johnston became the wife of William Memlell, a grocer, and resides at Indianaiiolis. She has two sons, Jose[)h and William. Jessie Johnst'.n became the wife oi C. A. White, and niC'ved to Indianapolis, but later settled at Aurora, where she died in 1899, leaving two daughters, Florence and Lillian. Miss Ella Johnst(5n taught school for a number of years, but since her sister's death has remained at home, caring for her sister Jessie's two daughters, who are now attending high school. She has in her possession se\-eral books of problems, wriUen by her grandfatlier, George Johnston, in a very fine hand, under date of 1813. and also has a letter written in Xoveniber, 1812. to her aunt in \'inceunes. fruni a young man in Danville, kentuck}-, who had previously ridden un horseljack all the way to Vincennes to see the, then, voung lady. In addition U< the above prized ancient articles, she has in her cohcction a letter written by Jolin Washiugiun, a cousin of George Washington, to one of the Johnston family, after he became the husband of Nancy lohnston. a sister of David Johnston, of Virginia, her great-grandfather.

The esteem in which Mr. Johnston is held by the citizens of Center township is fully attested by the great number of loyal friends, who never fail to sive him a cordial social call, when in his locality. ,

Fortunatelv there is no caste system in this country, which requires the bov to take the same jjlace in society occupied Iw his father and his grandfather. This is a democracy, and here the individual is the arbiter of his own fortimes. Among those who by their own efforts have attained a position of responsibility and rendered praiseworthy service in this cominunity is George Foster Smith, the subject of this biograjjliy.

Dr. George Foster Smith, a well-known physician and surgeon of Lawrenceburg, Indiana, is not descended directly from a line of physicians, but on the maternal side of his family he had an uncle who was a physician. On his paternal side he is descended from substantial stock that came from old Virginia, and on his mother's side he is descended from ecjually substantial stock, which came from the state of ^Massachusetts. Since coming to Lawrenceburg, some ten years ago, Doctor Smith lias attained an enviable position, not only as a practicing physician and surgeon, but as a man and as a citizen. As coroner of Dearborn county, as township physician, and president of the Lawrenceburg citv board of health. Dr. Smith h.Ts filled positions in line with his professional activities. He is well known in this section and enjoys a large and lucrative practice.

Dr. George Foster Stuith is a native of Kentucky, having been born in Boone county on February 2, 1S75. His father, Robert Smith, was six years old when his parents, Fleary and Xancy (Batten) Smith, came from Madison a native of Kentucky, who survived him more than twenty years, was a devout Baptist. Robert and Amanda Smith were the parents of two children: George F., and Julia, wife of Otto Rector, of Boone county, Kentucky. Amanda (Foster) Smith married, secondly, Benjamin Hensley, wlio now Hves on the old homestead in Boone county, which has been in the family for more than one hundred years. Doctor Smith's mother is deceased, having passed away at the age of forty-nine years.

Henr}- .Smith, a blacksmith by trade, and his wife, who before her marriage was Nancy Batten, both of Madison county, Virginia, and early settlers in Boone county, Kentucky, lived to advanced ages, and reared a family of nine children, as follow: John, William, Lystra, Whitfield, Fayette, Sarah Ann, Mary EHza, Laura and Elivira. Others died early in hfe. }>Irs. Nancv (Batten) Smith v.as ninety years old at the time of her death. The Foster family, the maternal ancestors of Doctor Smith, came west from ^Nfassachusetts. Charles and America (Payne)' Foster, the maternal grandparents of Doctor Smith, and farmers by occupation, were early settlers in I'oone county, Kentucky, where they died in middle life, after having two children, Amanda, who is Doctor Smith's mother, and Alfred, who was educated in medicine and who became a physician.

Born and reared on his father's farm in Kentucky and educated in the district schools of Boone county, and in the Lawrenceburg high school. George Foster Smith has been a resident of Dearborn county for eighteen years, eight j-ears of which were spent at Weisburg, and ten years at Lawrenceburg. After completing the course in the Lawrenceburg high school. Doctor Smith entered the ]\riami Medical College at Cincinnati, in 1S94, and was graduated on April i, 1S97, after which he began practicing at Weisburg, removing to Lawrenceburg. Indiana, in 1905. His prominence as a physician and surgeon in Dearborn is attested by the fact that although a resident of Dearborn a comparatively short time, and a resident of Lawrenceburg for only ten years, he has served as county coroner for tAvo terms, as president of the Dearborn County Medical Society for one term, and is at present the township physician and president of the Lawrenceburg city board of health. He was the surg-eon for the Shutt Improvement Company when they reconstructed the Big T^our railroad from Sunman to Lawrenceburg Junction. He is an active member

George Foster Smith was married on June 30, 1897, to Etta Mriody, daughter of John and \Mary (Ilotts) bloody, who were natives of Kentuc!<y and who are now deceased. Mrs. Smith and her eight brothers and sisters, I^aura, AHce, Emma, Hattie, ^\nna, William, John and Eugenia, were born in Boone county, Kentucky. Dr. and Mrs. Smith have had two children, Amy and Ruth.

Mrs. Smith's paternal grandparents, also natives of Kentucky, died in the .<50uthern part of that state. Her maternal grandfather, Richard Botts, who married a Miss Ryle, was the father of three children, Xewton. Jasper and Mary. They were also natives of Kentucky.

Dr. George Foster Smith and wife are members of tlie Baptist church at Lawrenceburg. They are regular attendants at the services of this church, and are liberal contributors to its support. They likewise take an active interest in the affairs of the congregation. Doctor Smith is a member of Sunman Lodge No. 590, Free and Accepted IMasons, the Knights of Pythias, the ]Modern Woodmen of America, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He is a Democrat.

A man of scholarly attainments, of democratic tastes and manners, of earnest and sincere purpose in life. Doctor Smith has won for himself a place in the hearts of his fellow townsmen and the people of Dearborn county. His election to two terms as coroner of Dearborn county, his presidcnc}- of the city board of health and to other positions of professional responsibility are evidence, not only of the confidence placed in his professional attainments by the people of his adopted city, but also the warm feeling of friendship bestowed upon him by the leading men of Lawrenceburg and Dearborn county. Doctor Smith is a capable physician, a warm friend and a gQod citizen.

From his first initiation into the business world of Dearborn county, Robert L. Johnston has displayed a marked degree of executive ability, which has continued to increase with his wide scope of experience, until now. he is one of the most progressive and successful merchants in Aurora, where he conducts, in partnership with Paul A. Smith, a remunerative and up-to- date hardware establislinient. \\'ith a gond education and careful trainiii:^' in liis vouthtul ilays, he started out in life \vell prepared to "conquer an\- foe," and has met with llie success in his Imsiness career tliat his energ'etic and enterprising- course so well merits.

Robert L. Johnston was liorn on Januar_\- 13, 1S72, about two miles northwest of Auri:>ra, on Xorth Hogan creek, Cer.ter township, this county; a son of Gei^rge W. and ]\Iarv ]. (I.jainum) Johnston, prominent residents of that vicinity. His education \^'as secured at the district schools and tlie Xormal University at Lebanon, Ohio, and at the age of twenty-two, he went to Wcisburg, where he taughl one term of winter school, after which he to'ik over the management of a retail lumber yard at Xewtown ( l.awrenceburgj, and was thus engaged for a period of four years, at the end of which time he formed a partnership with T. J. Cobb and Henry A. Bobrink, under the firm name of the John Cobb Chair Company, which arrangement was continued from 1900 to 1909. when the firm was dissolved, Mr. Johnston selling his interest. He then formed a partnership with Paul A. Smith, under the firm name of Johnston & Smitli. dealers in hardware and farm implements, of which they carr}- a large stock. Politicalh-, yir. Johnston is a Democrat, and his religiijus views are th(ise of the Baptist cinuxh, he being clerk of the congregation with which he is associated. He has also done considerable singing in the church choir, and is very fond of music. Fraternally, ]Mr. Johnston belongs to the Improved Order of Red I\Ien, and is a member of the Commercial Club. In 1905 Mr. Johnston was elected clerk of the city of Aurora, taking his otTice in September, 1906, and served until May 20, 1907. On the resignation of JMayor Louis E. Beinkamp, ]\Ir. Johnston filled out the unexpired term, as mayor of Aurora, vacating this office on January i, 1910.

In a biographical sketch of George \\'. and Mary J. (Bainum) Johnston, presented elsewhere in this volume, is set out in detail the genealogy of the Johnston family. Robert L. Johnston's paternal grandparents, George and Catherine (Kearney) Johnston, nati\'es of \'irginia, were among the early settlers in Dearbcrn county, coming here in 1S15. George Johnston, witii two other brothers, cleared a farm and started the first mill on Llogan creek. Mr. Johnston's maternal grandfather was Conway Bainum, a farmer of Hogan township, this county, who was born on August 9, 1S09. in Virginia. He followed farming, and made fref|uent flatljoat trips to Xew Orleans with produce, and at odd times cut cordwood and sold it to boats along the river. In addition to his otiier sources of income, Mr. Bainum built a lime kiln. He developed a fine farm in Hogan township, where he reared his family, and where he died at tlie age of eighty-nine }ears. His parents were William and Elizabeth (Bryan) Bainuni, natixcs o\ Wilmington, l)cla\\are, the former liaxing been l.iorn on }'\-l)ruary _'0. 17'>5- ^'ml the latter in October. 1790. Cc-tnuay Bainum was niariaed on April ii, 1832. to Sarah Deshiell, who \\as born on b^ebrnary 10, 1812, in Alaryland, and ti^ this nnion there were boi'n fonr children, ^frs. Elizabeth Canfield. .Mfrtd IB, Mary J. (mother of the snbject of this sketch) and Charles W. Mrs. B.ainnni died on October 15, 186S, and Air. Bainnm married, secondly, on October 21, iHOq. 3>Irs. Harriet (Hayes) Swing, who was born on P"el)rnary 2j. 1834, near D^lhi, Kentucky. As a leading- citizen of Am-ora, Robert L. Johnston is eminently entitled to representation in a work of snch valne as the history of Dearborn ci.anity. He has not only given the most thoughtful attention to his business, l)ut has invariably shown liis acti\'e interest in all good works in the city of Aurt)ra and is held in high esteem bv all who know him.

John Be Stier

John BE Stier, undertaker and li\-eryman, .Vnrora, Bidiana, was born in that city, September 13, 1866, and is a son of John P. and Erances ( Stedman) Stier. Ble was reared and educated in his home town, where he graduated from high school in the class of 1884. After leaving school he engaged his services as a furniture carver, and later as a designer, and for twelve years traveled for the firm by whom he was employed, H. H. Wigger^ & Sons Company, mannfacturers of mantels and hardwood furniture, of Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1894, Mr. Stier organized the firm of Sanks & Stier, furniture merchants and undertakers, of Aurora, of which he was a member. and in 1897 he resigned his position and became sole owner of the new company, until 1912. when he disposed of his interest in the furniture business, and has since de\'oted his entire time and atteniion to the undertaking and livery business.

John P. Stier was born and reared at Natchez, Alississippi, \vhere he followed various pursuits for a time, and then came to Aurora, where he engaged in general merchandise, and for the last twenty years of his life was a bookkeeper. He was a lieutenant in the Confederate army during the Civil War, serving in a ]Mississippi regiment. He was a member of the Baptist church. His death occurred in 1S87, at the age of forty-five years. His wife. Frances-

(Stedimn) Stier, \vas born in May, 1S44, and is a native of Indiana. Sii.e survi\x^s her husband at the age of seventy-one \cars. This union was b!e>L with four children, as follow: John H., of Aurora; ^^^i]lard P., of Omaha, Nebraska ; Ethel, who is the wife of Frank Clark, of Aurora ; and one who died in infancy.

The paternal grandparents were John H. Stier, a native of Germany, and his wife, Mary (Schwarts) Stier, a native of Iowa. They were early settlers at Natchez, Mississippi, where they died well along in years. Mr. Stier followed the vocation of a hotel keeper. There were two children to this union. John and Julius. Mr. Stier was married a second time, to Caroline Schwartz, a sister of his first wife, by whom he had the following children: Julia, Xora and Virgie.

John H. Stier was married in September, 1894, to ]\Iarv Kassebaum. daughter of Fred W. and Merther (Vandevcr) Kassebaum, and four children have been born to this union, namely: Donald, Rachel, ^larjorie ami Eleanor. Donald Stier is attending Purdue University. Rachel is a graduate of the yVurora high school and is now attending Butler College, at Indianapolis.

Mrs. Stier was born at Indianapolis, in i.S/i. Her father was born in Germany, and her mother was a native of Indiana. They were both residents of Aurora for twenty-seven } ears, and tlieir children were : Louis, Xannie. Callie, Mary. Bert, Ernest. Jesse. Frederick and Drewerv.

John H. Stier docs a larg-e undertaking business. ha\'ing buried to date nearly eighteen hundred persons and his painstaking efforts and commendable methods in all his business ventures are largely responsible for his present success.

]\Ir. Stier and his wife are members of the Methodist church. Air. Stier belongs to Aurora Lodge No. 5 1 . Free and Accepted Masons ; Aurora Chapter No. 13, Royal Arch Masons: Chosen Friends .Lodge No. 13, Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; Bethlehem Encampment. Tribe No. 229, Improved Order of Red Men: Union Lodge No. 34, Knights of Pythias, and served for two years as grand regent of the Rciyal Arcanum of the state of Indiana. Originally, Mr. Stier was a Democrat, but is now giving his support to the Republican party. He served as Sunday school superintendent for several years, and was on the official board of the church. He was president of the Dearborn Club of Aurora, in 19 14, and is a member of the Aurora Commercial Club.

Although the parents of Dr. Joseph Leonard Axby were natives of Indiana, he is of English descent on his paternal side, both of his paternal grandparents having been born in Devonshire, England. On his maternal side he is of Pennsylvania-Dutch descent. Two generations of the .Vxlnfamily already have been pron-;inent in the political and civic life of Dearliorn county. Dr. Axby's father was a well-kriown citizen and held many riffices of trust and responsibility in Dear1)orn county. Doctor Axljy himself has filled no inconsiderable niche in the political and official life of Lawrenceburg. As a veterinary surgeon he has during the period of nearly fifteen years cnjovcd a large practice in this section of the state. In fact he is regarded as one of the foremost veterinary surgeons in southern Indiana, though Ins practice is not confined to the state of Indiana alone. An evidence of h'S professional equipment was liis long service as a lecturer in the Cincinnati \'eterinary College. A farmer by proxy. Doctor Axby has given his be^c tlmught and attention to the profession into which he came from educational work.

Joseph Leonard Axby was born on July 28, 1876, in ^Miller township, Dearljorn county, Indiana, and was reared on his father's farm in ]\Iilier township. He attended the district schools and completed his education at the National Normal University, at Lebanon, Ohio, and the Southern Indiana Normal School, now extinct, at ^Mitchell, Indiana. After a successful career as a school teacher, which profession he followed for six years, he entered the Chicago Veterinary College, at Chicago, Illinois, and was graduated with the class of 1903. Beginning the practice of his profession immediately after graduation he located in Lawrenceburg and has lived in this city and practised his profession ever since. During the period of 1903 to 191 1 he was a lecturer in the Cincinnati Veterinary College, Dr. Joseph Leonard Axby belongs to the Indiana, Ohio and National Veterinary societies, and for many years has been a prominent member of these organizations.

Among the successful farmers of Dearborn county, who by reason of efficient service and genial relations with the public arose to positions of prominence in the political life of Dearborn county, was John Axby, who married Melissa Grubbs, and who was the father of Dr. Joseph Leonard Axby. After having been reared on the farm in Dearborn county, John Axby began fanning on his own account, owning a sixty-acre farm in ^vliller township, which he very greatly improved and where he reared his children. Being a good judge of horses and mules he became an extensi\-e dealer, and this business brought him into contact with a gre.al many people. His popularity grew from year to year, and after serving- two terms as township assessor of Miller township, he was elected a member of the board of county eomiuissioners of Dearborn county, ant! subsequently was elected sheriff, which office he held for two terms. Afterwards he removed to the farm, and passed away the day after having reached his sixty-fifdi year, November 4. 19 14. Eiglit years previously his loyal and devoted wife, ^Nlrs. INIelissa (Gruliljs) Axl.)}- had passed away at the age of fift}--three. Her death occurred on February 22, 1906. It is a matter of interest that their two children, both sons, are now veterinai'}- surgeons. Dv. William .V. Axby is a veterinary surgeon, located at Harrisiin. Ohio: Dr. Joseph L. is the subject of this sketch. The parents were beVih members of the ?^Iethodist church.

Idle cholera epidemic of 1849 took away many men and women in the prime of life and among the victims of this dread plague was Joseph Axliy, the foiuider of the Axby famil}- in America and the paternal grandfather of the subject of this re\'iew. Ilaxdng come to this countr\- to engage in farming, he arri\-ed in the spring of 1S49. and died in the frdl of the same year. His wife, Mary Axby, lived to be seventy-five years r)ld, and was married, secondly, to William Brown, by whom she had no children. John Axby, the Doctor's father, was the only child born to the first union.

The Grubbs family, from which Doctor Axby is descended on his maternal side, came from renns_\I\ania, and are believed originally to have come from Ilolland. Allen Grublis, the maternal grandfather, and his wife, a Miss Beule, nati\es of Penns\l\ania, were pioneers in Dearl.wrn countv. Indiana, where he owned and operated a little farm and where he was a cooper. Although he died in Dearborn count}-, and his wife in Rush county, binh were buried in Dearborn. The}- li\-ed to rear a family of six children : Melissa, Susan, Joseph, John, Eva and Nettie, and to see them grow to niaiihood and womanhood and establish homes of their own. Allen Grul.ibs hail been married formerly and by the previous marriage had one son, Josliua.