Delaware County, Indiana - The whole text, 1908 (part 6 of 15)

Mr. Mcintosh is a Republican in politics, and has been postmaster at Gaston since September i, 1903. He has been a member of the I. O. O. F. since January 17, 1879, and of the Odd Fellows* Encampment since October, 1892, having represented both branches of the order in gran<\ lodges. He has been a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church since 1876, and has acted in the capacity of Sunday school superintendent for many years.

On May 20, 1877, Mr. Mcintosh was united in marriage to Miss Alice J. Paterson, of Marengo, Indiana, the eldest daughter of Dr. J . J. Paterson. This union has been blessed by four children, three of whom died in infancy. The oldest child, Frederic B., is associated with his father in the publication of the Gaston Gazette,

Samuel E. Markle, engaged in the drug business in Gaston, comes from one of the sterling old pioneer families of Madison county, the name he bears being indissolubly connected with its early annals and subsequent prosperity. The ancestry is traced to Scotland, from whence John Markle, the great-grandfather of Samuel E., came to the United States before the Revolutionary war, and for seven years served as a soldier in Washington's army during that conflict, being twenty-one years of age when independence was declared. John D. Markle, a son of this Scotch highlander, was bom in the state of New York, from whence he removed to Darke county, Ohio, later to Wayne county, Indiana, and thence to Madison county, this being a very early day in the history of the county and the town of Markleville was named in his honor.

John D. Markle, Jr., a son of the above, was born in Wayne county, Indiana, near Milton, December i8, 1829, and he became a prominent and successful farmer of Madison county, this state, whither he removed on the 17th of January, 1868, and purchased eighty acres of land three miles east of Alexandria. The county was but a wilderness at the time he took up his abode within its borders, and his first home was a little log cabin, but gradually he transformed his farm into fertile and well cultivated fields and added to its acreage. His death occurred on the 5th of May, 1891, dying in the faith of the Baptist church, of which he had been long a member, and he was a Jackson Democrat in his political affiliations. Near Markleville Mr. Markle was united in marriage to Sarah J. Adams, who was born in Madison county, Indiana, February 13, 1835, and her death occurred June 21, 1888. Thirteen children were born to them, of whom the following nine are now living: Henry H., David J., Samuel E., Charles C, Thomas B., Daniel C, Noah M., Luie B. and James A.

During the early years of his life Samuel E. Markle assisted his father in the work of the home farm during the summer months, and in the winters attended the district schools until twenty-one years of age, after which he was employed at carpenter work for a time. His first knowledge of the drug business was obtained by studying pharmacy. He was associated with N. W. Edwards at Fairmount, Indiana, for a while. He then engaged at the carpenter's trade, at the same time keeping up his study of his chosen profession. He then entered the employ of Jesse S. Munsey at Gaston in 1898, with whom he was associated from the ist of October until the 6th of February, following, the date of his employer's death. Mr. Markle then had charge of the business until the stock was purchased by Powers & Company, who retained his services until December 5, 1900, Mr. Markle then purchasing the business. He entered upon his proprietorship with but a small amount of money, but prosperity has attended his well directed eflforts and the Markle drug store is now one of the leading establishments of its kind in Gaston. Mr. Markle is a practical pharmacist, having learned the details of the profession by actual practice.

The marriage of Mr. Markle was celebrated on the 21st of November, 1885, when Emma F. Painter became his wife. She was born in Madison county, Indiana, July 17, 1862, the daughter of William B. and Sarah J.

Ohio, February 5, 1835, and died October 16, 1891. Mrs. Markle and William M. were the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Painter. Four children, three now living, have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Markle, - William E., S. Iva, Virgil T. and Anna F. Mr. Markle was made a Mason in Alexandria Lodge No. 235, from which he was transferred to Lake City Lodge No. 73, at Warsaw, Indiana, and in the spring of 1907 was demitted to Delaware Lodge No. 46, at Muncie. The Democracy receives his political support and cooperation.

WiCKLiFF B. HoLSCLAW engaged in the livery business in Gaston, was born in New Castle, Henry county, Kentucky, January 12, 1853, ^ son of Joshua and Zerelda (Caplinger) Holsclaw. The father was bom in Pennsylvania December 25, 1825, and learning the saddle maker's trade he followed that occupation in Oldham county, Kentucky, from whence he removed to Louisville, that state, in the early '60s. During the three or four years in which he was engaged in work at his trade in that city he made his home in Orange county, Indiana, from whence he later removed to his farm in Bedford, this state, but his last days were spent in Orleans township. Orange county, Indiana, passing to his final reward on the 20th of March, 1865. He was a member of the Missionary Baptist church, in which he served as a deacon for many years, and his political affiliations were with the Democratic party. Mrs. Holsclaw was born in Kentucky October 21, 1829, and died in Chicago on the 23d of November, 1901. Both she and her husband lie buried in Paoli, Orange county, Indiana. They were married in Ballardsville, Kentucky, in 1843, ^"^ of the eleven children born to them four are now living, namely : Wickliff B., the subject of this review ; Thomas P., who married Elizabeth MuUer; Eliza, the wife of Emil Bruzenwitz, of Chicago; and Laura A., the wife of J. G. Straub, living in Pennsylvania.

Wickliff B. Holsclaw was but a lad of fourteen years when his father died, and he thereafter worked out as a farm hand until the 3d of August, 1872, the date of his enlistment for services in the U. S. Regulars, becoming a member of Company I, Eighth Regiment of United States Infantry, entering the service for five years. He was mustered into the ranks under Colonel Dunham and went with his regiment to Fort Carman, Utah, where he remained for about two years, going thence to Fort Grant, Arizona, and was mustered out of service June 9, 1877, as corporal of his company. Mr. Holsclaw then re-enlisted in Company K, ist Regiment Infantry, U S. A., July 30, 1879, ^t St. Louis, Missouri, for five years, entering the ranks as a corporal. Going to Fort Mead, Dakota, he was there from September i, 1880, until May 10, 1881, when he was ordered to Fort Davis, San Antonio, Texas, and two years later to Holbrook, Arizona, to quell the Indiat* troubles. He was promoted to provost sergeant of his regiment at Fort Whipple, February 7, 1883, serving as such for about two and a half years, wnen he received his discharge at Fort Whipple July 29, 1884. Returning thence to West Baden, he served as a police officer there for about one year, and in 1889 <iinbarked in the teaming and contracting business in that city, thus continuing until 1895. In that year he sold his business, and on the 18th of October of the same year bought the livery business in Gaston which he has ever since conducted with such good success. He is also extensively engaged in the buying and selling of horses, and was formerly a director in the Gaston Oil and Mineral Company.

Mr. Holsclaw married Miss Nellie J. Wilson September 29, 1887. She was bom near West Baden in Orange county, Indiana, October 8, i860, a daughter of Nuby and Elizabeth (Reel) Wilson, both also natives of this state, the father bom near West Baden September 6, 1830, and the mother near Marengo, Crawford county, March 25, 1832. They were married in Orangeville township, Orange county, Indiana, in 1856, and became the parents of seven children, but only six are now living: John H., who married Belle Stackhouse and is living near West Baden ; Nellie J., the wife of Mr. Holsclaw ; Mary F., the wife of John T. Johnson, of Orange county ; Albert, who married Emma McFarlin and also makes his home in Orange county, and Wilbert, twins, and the latter married Jennie Frazier and is living in Orange county ; and Delia, the wife of William Cook, of French Lick, Indiana.

Mr. Wilson, the father, is the son of John H. Wilson, who was born in North Carolina but came to Indiana in a very early day in its history and became a pioneer resident of Orange county, where he bought his land from the Indians. Mr. Nuby Wilson erected for his first home a log cabin, in which all of his children were bom, and he transformed his farm from its primitive state of a wilderness to its present high degree of cultivation, and here he is spending the declining years of his life. He enlisted in Company C, Ninth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers for three years or during the war, and served his full term of enlistment. He now holds pleasant relations with his old army comrades by his membership in Decker Post, G. A. R., at West Baden. He was reared as a Quaker, but is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and his political affiliations are with the Republican party. Mrs. Wilson died on the 5th of July, 1907.

Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Holsclaw, Fred H., Maud E., Lucy C. (who died in infancy), Elmer C, Emmett P. and Hollis M. Mr. Holsclaw is a member of Paoli Lodge, K. of P., and his political affiliations are with the Republican party.

John W. Foster was bom in Washington township, Delaware county, Indiana, January 22, 1862, and is of German descent. His father, Henry W. Foster, was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, April 10, 1832, and is now living a retired life in Fairmount, Indiana. In 1852, when twenty years of age, he came with his parents, Thomas and Margaret Foster, to Washington township, Delaware county, where he secured fifty acres of wild and unimproved land in section 12, but in time he cleared the land of its dense growth of timber and erected a hewed log house, which later was super- seded by the frame dwelling in which he resided until the spring of 1907. He at one time was the owner of one hundred and sixty acres, but gave ninety acres of this to his children, leaving him the possessor of seventy acres at the present time. He built him a home in Fair mount in the spring of 1907, and there he is now living retired from the active cares of a business life, enjoying the rest which former years of earnest labor has brought. At her father's home in Washington township Mr. Foster was married to Mary Ann Hazelbaker, who was born in this township on the 17th of June, 1842, and her death occurred on the i6th of November, 1896, after becoming the mother of twelve children, ten now living : John W., of this review ; Harriet L., the wife of James M. Lewis; William H., who married Emma Bennett; Clarencey, the wife of H. Mack Hazelbaker ; Nancy E., the wife of David Paine ; Lenora, the wife of Charles Jones ; Fred A., who married Estia Cole ; Jesse O., who married Nellie Sells; Eva, the wife of Joseph Zeller; and Mary. Mr. Foster married for his second wife, Mrs. Sarah J. Ice, nee Lewis. He cast his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont, and has since remained a stanch supporter of Republican principles, but has never cared for the honors or emoluments of public office. He is well known and highly esteemed throughout Washington township, where his name is enrolled among the early and honored pioneers.

The boyhood days of John W. Foster were spent in assisting his father to clear and improve his farm, and soon after his marriage he engaged in agricultural pursuits for himself. In 1888 he removed to Middletown, Ohio, residing there until 1896, when he returned to Washington township, and has since been engaged in farming and stock raising. In 1896 his fine modem home was erected, and in 1903 the homestead was further improved by the erection of a commodious bam, his farm being one of the attractive places of the township, surrounded as it is by many shade and fruit trees.

On the 14th of October, 1886, Mr. Foster married Sarah H. Corcoran, who was born in Blueball, Warren county, Ohio, June 17, 1861, a daughter of Thomas and Mary (McCune) Corcoran, both of whom were born in County Mayo, Ireland, the father born in 1824 and the mother in 1836. They were married in Middletown, Ohio, and became the parents of nine children, the three now living being: Sarah H., the wife of Mr. Foster; Margaret, the wife of John Sibold, of Middletown, Ohio; and James, also a resident of that city.

Mr. Corcoran lost his father by death when he was a lad of twelve years, and one and a half years later he was made an orphan by the death of his mother. Being the eldest of their six children, the support of the family fell upon his young shoulders. He left Ireland when twenty years of age with his youngest brother, starting on the voyage to this country on a sailing vessel, but the brother died en route and was buried at sea. Alone, a stranger in a strange land, Mr. Corcoran landed at New Orleans after a voyage of seven weeks, and after spending a short time in that city he came up the river to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he secured employment as a pork u packer. Later on he removed to Middletown, where 'his marriage occurred, and there he also worked at pork packing. In that city he spent the remaining years of life, dying on the 6th of August, 1906, while in the employ of the Sorg Manufacturing Company. He deserved much credit for the success which he achieved in life, and not only did he care for himself and family and rise to a position of affluence, but he also cared for his brothers and sisters and sent them all money with which to come to the United States. He was a member of the Roman Catholic church, and affiliated with the Democratic party. Mrs. Corcoran came to this country with her parents when but six years of age, and her death occurred in the year 1892.

Mr. Foster has fraternal relations with the Masonic order, affiliating with Mathews Lodge, and he is a stanch Republican in his political views.

Henry Sweany. Numbered among the progressive and prominent agriculturists of Washington township, Delaware county, Henry Sweany was born within the borders of the township February 6, 1842, a son of Samuel and Nancy (Hazelbaker) Sweany, natives of Ohio. In their native commonwealth they were also married, and their union was blessed with nine children, four of whom are now living : Henry, of this review ; Daniel living at Summitville, Indiana ; John W., who makes his home in Mathews ; and Sarah, the wife of George Acker, of Marion, Indiana. Mr. Sweany, the father, came overland with team and wagon to Washington township, Delaware county, Indiana, in 1839, where he entered eighty acres of land in the dense wilderness. With the aid of his sons he succeded in clearing his land and placing it under an excellent state of cultivation, and there he spent the remainder of his life, dying at the advanced age of eighty-seven years. During his early life he was a Jackson Democrat in his political affiliations, but afterward voted with the Republicans. He was loved and honored by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance, for he was one of the grand old pioneers who assisted in paving the way for civilization in Delaware county.

Henry Sweany was born in the little log house which first sheltered the family on their arrival in Washington township, and during his boyhood days he assisted his father in clearing the homestead farm, his educational training having been received in the neighboring district schools, which he attended during the winter months. After his marriage he began farming for himself, and he is the owner of a fertile and well improved farm n section 19, where he is extensively engaged in general agricultural pursuits and the breeding of a srood erade of stock.

Hendricks ; Charles, who died when just past twenty-one years of age ; Arlie Otto, who married Bertha Grimes; Thomas E., who married Ethel Glass; Belle, who died after attaining to mature years; and Bessie, who died in infancy. On the 28th of September, 1903, Mr. Sweany married Sarah Jones, who was born in Salem township, Delaware county, Indiana, January 24, 1852, a daughter of David W. and Vesta (McLanahan) Jones.

David W. Jones was bom in Fayette county, Indiana, March 6, 1824, and died on the 25th of May, 1893, ^^^^ sixty-nine years, two months and nineteen days. He was a son of James M. and Mary Jones, the former of whom was born on the ist of May, 1779, and died December 10, 1845, and the latter, born March 10, 1783, died December 31, 1873. They came from the Carolinas to Franklin county, Indiana, in March, 1809, and in 181 1 they removed to Fayette county, the birthplace of their son David. On the 6th of February, 1831, they arrived in Delaware county, where they lived on a farm during the remainder of their lives. David W., the youngest of their nine children, came with his parents to Delaware county in 1831, and on the 4th of January, 1846, he married Jane Kepper, who died April 15, 1848. On the 2 1 St of April, 1851, he married Vesta McLanahan, who was bom in Randolph county, Indiana, August 20, 1826, and died June 20, 1900. They became the parents of twelve children, of whom four are now living: Sarah, the wife of Mr. Sweany; Nettie, the wife of William Rozelle ; John N., who married Louisa Fleming, now deceased ; and Willis E., who married Ellen Duflf.- Mr. Sweany is a member of the Christian church, and his political affiliations are with the Republican party.

John M. Harris, one of the most prominent farmers and stock raisers of Washington township, was bom in Madison county, Indiana, on Fall creek, January i, 1838, a son of Samuel and Nancy E. (Copeland) Harris, both of whom had their nativity in the southland of North Carolina. They were married in their native commonwealth, from whence with their two oldest daughters they journeyed in a two-wheel cart to Indiana, where the husband and father entered three eighty-acre tracts of land from the govemment in Fort Wayne, he having had to blaze his way to that city so he could find his way back to Madison county, where he had established his home. The first home which he erected was a little cabin of round poles, but later on he built him a hewed log house, which continued as his home during the remainder of his life, dying in Van Buren township at the age of thirty-five years. His wife survived him many years and died in that township at the age of seventy-two years. Of the seven children bom to Mr. and Mrs. Harris four are now living: John M., the subject of this review; George W., Delila and Martha. Mr. Harris was a Jeflferson Democrat in his political affiliation.

John M. Harris in early life became inured to the arduous labor of clearing and improving a new farm, he having assisted his father in the work of the old homestead from an early age, attending school only about three months during the winter seasons. His father died when he was a little lad of nine years, and thereafter he helped to take care of his widowed mother and the other children. Soon after his marriage he took up his abode in Washington township, Delaware county, purchasing one hundred acres of wild and unimproved land in section 24, where he first erected a hewed log house, this continuing as the family home until the erection of their present dwelling in 1872. He has cleared all of his land with the exception of forty acres, and in addition to his general agricultural pursuits he is one of the largest stock raisers of Washington township, breeding Black Poland cattle, which he feeds and ships to Buflfalo, New York, first purchasing in Chicago. At the present time he has a carload of fine cattle ready for market. He is also extensively engaged in the raising and shipping of hogs, marketing from forty to fifty carloads each year. In 1902 the Chicago Gas Company built on Mr. Harris' farm one of the largest pumping stations in the entire state of Indiana.

On the 1st of January, i860, Mr. Harris was married to Margaret E. Broyles, who was born in Washington township, Delaware county, October 25, 1841, the daughter of Thomas and Sarah Ann (Lyon) Broyles. Thomas Broyles, deceased, was born May 6, 1817, in Virginia, and when a young man came to Rush county, Indiana, and engaged in teaming, hauling goods from Cincinnati to Richmond. After his marriage he gave up that occupation and went to work on his uncle's farm by the month, thus continuing for two years, when he came to Delaware county. This was in 1830, and he located near his parents' farm in Washington township, entering forty acres of wild and unimproved land. He was obliged to borrow fifty dollars with which to begin life here, but by hard work and good management he made a success of life, owning at the time of his death four hundred acres of land. He was married on the 22d of February, 1838, to Sarah Ann Lyon, who ^yas born February 10, 1817, in Bourbon county, Kentucky, the daughter of John L. and Margaret (Sharp) Lyon, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. They came to Rush county, Indiana, in an early day and entered eighty acres of land, and Mr. Lyon, who was a carpenter, worked at his trade in connection with farming. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Broyles voted the Democratic ticket up to the beginning of the war, when he joined the Republican party and remained loyal to its principles until his death, which occurred a number of years ago, and Mrs. Broyles is also deceased. They were the parents of three children: Margaret E., the wife of Mr. Harris; Joseph W., who is also married; and John L., deceased.

Twelve children, seven sons and five daughters, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Harris, of whom eight are now living: Emma, the wife of J. W. Richards ; John L., who married Nettie Janney ; Martha, the wife of Calvin Bookout; Belle, the wife of Herber Thomas; Omer O., who married Iva Keefer; Murley, who married Edith Marine; Otto O., who married

Stella Sheilds ; and J. Clarence, who married Irena Spence. Mr. Harris is a stanch Republican in his political affiliations, and has served as a supervisor of roads.

Asa B. Sanders was borA in Henry county, Indiana, near New Castle, December 28, i860, a son of Arthur and Elvira (Bogue) Sanders. The father, who was born in North Carolina in August, 1825, was brought by. his parents to Indiana May 7, 1827, fifty-two days having been spent on the road, and the family located in Henry county, three and a half miles northwest of New Castle, where the little son spent his boyhood days. Attaining to young manhood he became owner of a part of his father's farm, he having previously assisted in clearing the old homestead, and in 1873 he purchased a farm near Springport. After living there for a number of years he sold his possessions and returned to a farm near the old homestead, which he purchased, and spent the remainder of his life there, dying August 4, 1885, when past the sixtieth milestone of life. He devoted his entire business career to general agricultural pursuits, and was a Republican in his political affiliations. Near New Castle, in Henry county, Indiana, Mr. Sanders married Elvira Bogue, who was a native daughter of the Hoosier state, born in 1836, and her death occurred in 1895, ^^ the age of sixty-one years. Six children were born to this couple: Ella, wife of Dr. Brown; Matilda, the wife of Thomas Jefferson; Mary A., the wife of Charles Cowgill ; Asa B., the subject of this review ; Margaret, the widow of Holcom Wright; and Nancy, the wife of William Cowgill.

Asa B. Sanders was reared as a farmer lad, and soon after his marriage he engaged in farming for himself in Madison county, but in the spring of 1902 he removed from there to Washington township, Delaware county. After three years spent in agricultural pursuits here he returned to Madison county, and two years later came again to Washington township, purchasing the farm where he now lives. At the present time he is remodeling his home, making it one of the attractive places of the township.

The marriage of Mr. Sanders was celebrated on the nth of January, 1890, Miss Mary E. Johnson becoming his wife. She was born near Summit\'ille, Madison county, Indiana, June 24, 187 1, the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Allen) Johnson, both of whom were also born in Indiana, the father in Randolph county, on the i6th of June, 1841, and the mother in Hancock county, August 9, 1845. They were married in Hancock county in 1861, and became the parents of ten children: Manson U. ; Minerva, the widow of William Beeson; Jesse A., who married Laurj^ Plackard; Daniel M. ; Mary E., the wife of Mr. Sanders; Lewis W., who married Laura Cory, now deceased; Etta, the wife of Ezra Webster; Amanda, the wife of Otis Cramner; John C. and Delia M.

Mr. Johnson, the father, was reared to years of maturity in his native county of Randolph, also following agricultural pursuits there eight years after his marriage. He then took up his abode near Summitville, in Madison county, Indiana, where he is numbered among the leading farmers of the community, as well as one of the largest stock raisers, he having shipped large quantities of stock to the Buffalo and New York markets. He upholds the principles of the Republican party, although as a Democratic representative served in the office of township trustee for two terms. Two children have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Sanders: Hallett A. and Hazel Pearl. Mr. Sanders casts his ballot with the Republican party, and has fraternal relations with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 475, of Summitville, and also with the Knights of Pythias, Castle Hall Lodge, No. 361, of Summitville. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which Mr. Sanders holds the office of trustee.

Daniel Richards was born in Grant county, Indiana, February 18, 1839, a son of John and Effie (Roberts) Richards, natives, respectively, of Virginia and Ohio, the father born in 1806, and died in March, 1863, ^^ Grant county, Indiana, while the mother passed away in death in 1848. They were married in Ohio, but in a very early day in its history took up their abode in Grant county, Indiana, where Mr. Richards entered government land and became a prominent factor in the early history of that community. The little log cabin in which the family first resided in time gave place to the frame residence in which he spent the remainder of his life. He erected two saw mills in that county and also had the distinction of purchasing the first McCormick reaper in Grant county. He was a worthy and consistent Christian gentleman, a member of the old-school Baptist church, and he served as a minister in that denomination for many years, also donating the ground on which the church was built. He was a Jackson Democrat politically. Of the nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Richards seven are now living : Henry, a resident of Oklahoma ; L. G., who is living on the line separating Grant and Delaware counties; Abraham, Daniel, Jacob, Martha and Isaac.

The early years of Daniel Richard's life were spent on the homestead farm and in his father's saw mills, and when he had attained the age of twenty-three years he began farming for himself on eighty acres of land. His farm was then a wilderness, but in time he placed it under a fine state of cultivation, and the frame house which he first erected gave place in 1864 to his present dwelling. He carries on the general work of the farm and also raises a good grade of stock.

On the 1st of August, 1863, Mr. Richards was united in marriage to Catherine E. Millspaugh, who was born on the 13th of September, 1844, and died on the 25th of November, 1878. She was the daughter of Gilbert

On the 19th of November, 1879, Mr. Roberts married Susannah McCormick, who was born in Washington township, one mile west of Wheeling, September 19, 1838, the daughter of William and Susannah (Woolverton) McCormick, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, the former born on the 27th of September, 1793, and the latter on the 22d of January, 1795, but both died in Washington township, Delaware county, Indiana, the father October 14, 1868, and the mother December 2^, 1871. They came to Delaware county in 1833 and theirs were the only deaths on that farm. They were married in Preble county, Ohio, April 10, 1817, and to them were born ten children, all of whom are now deceased, with the exception of Mrs. Richards, who was the youngest of the family. Mr. McCormick was taken to Ohio by his parents, John and Katherine McCormick, when but two years of age, attaining to years of maturity in that state, and there five of his children were also bom. In February, 1832, he removed to Fayette county, Indiana, and on the 22d of March, 1833, to Delaware county, purchasing a farm of David Conner, one mile west of Wheeling, while later on he entered government land, becoming in time the owner of six hundred acres. There was a log house on the land he purchased from Mr. Conner, which contained port holes from which to shoot at the Indians. Later Mr. McCormick erected a house of hewed logs, and in the early *40s built the frame residence in which he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. He served as a judge of the county court for many years, the court house in those days having been built of logs, and for a long period he was also a minister in the old-school Baptist church, he having united with that church during his boyhood days. He was one of the most prominent factors of the early life of Delaware county, and was a Jackson Democrat in his political affiliations.

For over thirty years Mr. Richards has been a prominent and worthy member of the old-school Baptist church, and he is an earnest Christian man, his path having been marked by good deeds, by honest purpose and worthy motives. His wife is a member of the same church. His political support is given to the Democratic party.

John R. Tuttl£^ M. D. Dr. Tuttle is one of the best known physicians of Wheeling and vicinity. He was well prepared to enter the ranks of this profession by a thorough training, which was received first in the Muncie Academy, graduating therein with the class of 1874, and with the class of 1879 he graduated in the Methodist Episcopal College at Fort Wayne, Indiana. He then pursued a course in German in the German Concordia College, after which, in 1880, he matriculated in the Medical College of Indiana, at Indianapolis. - In the following year he entered upon a special . course of study with Dr. Gobrecht, while in 1883 he attended the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati. During the intervening period from 1890 to 1894 Dr. Tiittle attended the Medical department of the Chicago University. He was thus ably prepared to become an active practitioner in the profession which he had chosen as his life work, and on the 2d of July, 1883, he took up his abode in Wheeling, where he has ever since remained in practice with the exception of six months spent in Davenport, Iowa, and a similar period spent in Terre Haute, Indiana. He is a member of the District and County Medical Associations.

Dr. Tuttle was born in Monroe township, Delaware county, Indiana, April 5, i860, a son of Thomas and Elizabeth J. (Rose) Tuttle. The father, who was bom in Ohio in 1829, was a farmer and local minister in the Methodist Episcopal church, and his death occurred in 1900, when he had reached the age of seventy-one years. His political affiliations were with the Republican party. The mother was born in North Carolina in 1835, and is now living, aged seventy-two years. Ten children were born to this couple, four sons and six daughters - Emma, Louisa, John R., Charles M., Drusilla, Belle, William W., Effie, Clay H. and Elizabeth.

On the 20th of November, 1901, Dr. Tuttle married Zina Beuoy, who was bom in Washington township, Delaware county, January 12, 1864, a daughter of Edward and Sarah (Milhollin) Beuoy. The father died on the loth of June, 1905, and for a further history of his life see the sketch of Edward Beuoy. Dr. Tuttle is a member of Wheeling Lodge No. 325, I. O. O. P., and also of the Wheeling Encampment at Mathews. His fraternal relations also connect him with the Sioux Tribe of Red Men, Lodge No. 125, at Gaston. His political affiliations are with the Republican party.

Dr. Tuttle is not only a successful physician and surgeon, but he is an original man in the way of ingenuity. His beautiful 'modern residence was planned by himself. It is beautifully finished in an up-to-date manner, and the interior decorations would do justice to a city home. The Doctor has a well selected library of choice literature, and every nook and comer of the pretty home betokens taste by him and his estimable wife. His grounds are laid out with flower beds and fountains, and he has his own private water works, as well as modern lighting. His bam or carriage house is a model of greatness and convenience, and it demonstrates that the genial Doctor is a busy man even when he is not pursuing his profession. His home is a haven for entertainment for his and his wife's guests, and all find a cordial welcome. His home is a credit to Wheeling as well as the township of Washington.

Ohio, and became the parents of twelve children, of whom the five now living are : Margaret, Catherine, who married Robert L. Egnew and is living in Washington township; Henry Harrison; Martha Ann, who married Samuel Rench, and makes his home in Washington township, as does also David, who married Jane Campbell. Mr. Williams, the father, was a farmer in Ohio, and from that state in 1840 he journeyed with team and wagon to Washington township, Delaware coimty, Indiana, purchasing eighty acres of land in section 25. The country was then a wilderness, game of all kinds, including deer, wolf, bear and wild turkey, being plentiful, and with the other brave pioneers of Delaware county he reclaimed this vast wilderness for purposes of civilization. His first home was a little log cabin, and later on he added forty acres of timber land to his first purchase, but this he lost on account of illness in 1845. He was a member of the Old School Baptist church, and was a Whig in his political affiliations.

When but a babe of six months Henry Harrison Williams was brought to Delaware county by his parents, so that nearly his entire life has been spent within its borders and he has been prominently identified with the early and subsequent history of Washington township. When he had reached the age of twenty-nine years he began farming for himself on forty acres of timber land, first erecting the little log cabin which yet stands near his present home, which was built in 1893, and is one of the. pleasant and commodious residences of the township. He is now farming sixty acres of land. He cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln and has since supported the Republican party, serving for two years as its representative in the office of road supervisor.

On the 2ist of September, 1869, Mr. Williams married Jane Russell, who was born March 27, 1846, and died on the 9th of November, 1883. She was a daughter of one of the early pioneers of Delaware county, Joel Russell, who cleared and farmed one hundred and seventy acres of land and spent the remainder of his life here. He was a Jackson Democrat. For his second wife Mr. Williams married Miss Lucinda Nixon April 24, 1890. She was born in Washington township October 20, 1846, the daughter of Benjamin and Mar>^ Ann (Iseley) Nixon. The mother was born in Preble county, Ohio, and died Februar}- 21, 1885, aged fifty-six years, while her husband was fifty-nine years of age when called to the home beyond. They were married in Mount Pleasant township, Delaware county, and became the parents of eleven children, eight of whom are now living, namely: Lucinda, the wife of Mr. Williams; Lewis, who married Catherine Worls and is living in Muncie ; Jennie, the wife of George K. Lewis, of Washington township ; Martha, who married Thomas Batt, of Gaston ; Emily, who married John Cristy ; Alice ; George, who married Emma Jones and is living in ]\Iarion, Indiana : and Bertha, who married Henry McCreery. Mr. Nixon, the father, was another early and honored Delaware county pioneer, where he owned one hundred and thirty acres of land which he had cleared from its dense growth of timber, and the remainder of his life was spent in the log house upon this land. He was a member of Wheeling Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and affiliated with the Republican party. Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Williams only two are now living: Francis and Louisa. The daughter married Henry Broyles, and they have three children. Francis A. wedded Miss Ella June Parkison, a member of one of the prominent families, and he resides in Washington township.

John W. Wills. A well-known and respected citizen and a practical and enterprising agriculturist of Washington township, John W. Wills is engaged in farming and stock raising to a considerable extent, and is contributing his full share towards developing and advancing the industrial interests of the commimity in which he resides. Energetic and observing, he never allows anything to escape his attention that might improve his methods of carrying on his work or increase the value of his land as a crop producer. He was born March 7, 1857, in Grant county, Indiana, a son of James H. Wills.

Beginning the battle of life for himself at the age of twenty-one years, Mr. Wills worked by the month for his father on the farm, the following year farming in company with his father. The next two years he farmed for himself on rented land, but desiring a change, then sold off all of his stock, machinery, etc., and went westward to Colorado, where he spent one summer. Returning as far east as Iowa, he again began working for wages, after which he carried on farming with his father for a while in Audubon county, Iowa. Marrying then, Mr. Wills farmed for himself for about four years, and then bought a home in Audubon, Iowa, where he resided a year. Coming to Delaware county, Indiana, in 1893, he bought his present farm in Washington township, and has carried on general farming in a most remunerative manner. He has one hundred and fifty-eight and one-half acres of land, which, under his intelligent care, has been highly cultivated and improved. In 1905 Mr. Wills built a fine residence for himself and family, and his other buildings are convenient and kept in excellent repair, everything about the place bespeaking in no uncertain terms the thrift and good judgment of the proprietor.

On March 17, 1887, Mr. Wills married Alice A. Lacher, who was born in Marengo, Iowa, February 17, 1862, a daughter of John A. Lacher. Mr. Lacher was born in 1823, in Baden, Germany, and there lived until after his marriage, in 185 1, to Eva C. Castner, also a native of Baden. Soon after his marriage, accompanied by his bride, he left the Fatherland and came across the ocean to the United States in a sailing vessel, being thirty-three days on the water. Landing in New York city, he remained there four back, carrying his stock home on his back. Subsequently investing his money in land, he bought one hundred and sixty acres and into the threeroom frame house which he erected moved with his family. He succeeded well in farming, and after a while built him a fine frame house, one of the best in the neighborhood, and there carried on general farming for several seasons. Returning after a time to Marengo he was there engaged in mercantile pursuits for five years, when, his health failing, he returned to his farm, and there spent his remaining years, dying in 1894. He was a man of honest integrity, a Democrat in politics, and a member of the German Lutheran church. His wife, now a woman of eighty-two years, is still enjoying life, being bright and active physically and mentally. She bore him ten children, of whom seven are living, as follows : Charles, John, Sophia, Lucy, Mrs. Alice A. Wills, Henry and Albert. Mr. and Mrs. Wills have had six children, namely: Harry H., who died in infancy; Bessie M., S. Eva, L. Gladys, L. Ernest and C. Dewey.

James A. Bryan. The name of James A. Bryan is inseparably associated with the history of Washington township, for here he passed nearly his entire life and was prominently identified with its farming and stock-raising interests. He was bom, however, in the commonwealth of Virginia, April 2^^ 1831, a son of George and Nancy (Jones) Bryan, who were numbered among the earliest pioneers of Washington township. They came to this community during a very early epoch in its history, and they lived in their wagon until their little cabin home was erected. They were also among the first members of the Methodist Episcopal church here, and they lived lives of usefulness and helpfulness. They were both born in the old Dominion state of Virginia, and the father gave his political support to the Whig party.

James A. Bryan was a lad of nineteen years when he suffered the loss of his father by death, and throughout his entire business career he was engaged in farming and stock-raising, breeding Jersey hogs and Polled Angus cattle. He was numbered among the prominent business men of Washington township, and when his busy and useful life was ended in death, October 17, 1900, the community mourned the loss of one of its truest and best citizens. He was a worthy and acceptable member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Wheeling, in which he served as a trustee for many years, and was one of the pillars of the church. His political support was given to the Republican party.

Mrs. Bryan bore the maiden name of Sarah C. Hale. She was bom in Delaware county, Indiana, south of Muncie, May 10, 1853, ^ daughter of John T. and Mary E. (Olum) Hale. The father was born in Ohio January 25, 1829, but during his boyhood days he came to Delaware county, Indiana, and was here married, December 25, 1848, to Mary E. Olum, who was bom in Ohio November 31, 1831. Their two children are Sarah C. and Peter. The son married Viola Mitchell, and is living in Washington township. The parents died on their old homestead farm in E^laware county, the father on the 6th of January, 1856, and the mother on the 29th of March, 1907. Mrs. Bryan has been twice married. On the 8th of April, 1876, she wedded Jacob Swain, who was born in Washington township, Delaware county, and his death occurred July 8, 1879, ^^ ^^^ ^S^ of forty-three years. Two children were born of that union, Charles and Katy Ann. On the 28th of August, 1880, Mrs. Swain gave her hand in marriage to James A. Bryan. He had also been previously married, Rebecca Ginn becoming his wife, and they had eight children, of whom four are now living - Nancy J., Rachel A., Mary M. and Julia E. The wife and mother was born March 29, 1836, and her death occurred on the 2d of October, 1877. Her marriage was celebrated on the 20th of September, 1855. Three children were bom t^ Mr. Bryan by his second marriage : Carl E., born in 1881 ; Minnie A., bom November 19, 1885, and Arab, born January 19, 1891, and died August 29 of the same year. Mr. Bryan was a lover of music, and he seems to have imparted this love to his children. His son Carl is serving as the organist in the Methodist Episcopal church at Wheeling, having served in that position for about eight or nine years, and the daughter Minnie A. has been the organist of the Baptist church during a similar period. Mrs. Bryan has four of the old patent deeds, one executed under the date of March 3, 1853, by President Buchanan, and three executed April 24, 1820, under the hand of President Martin VanBuren, relics of the early settlement of Delaware county.

Oliver E. Webster. Although prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Delaware county for many years Oliver E. Webster is a native son of Madison county, Indiana, born in its township of Boone November 12, 1864. His father, Daniel W. Webster, was born in Dalaware in 1848, a son of Robert W. Webster, who when his little son was only six months old started with the family on the overland journey to Indiana, coming with team and wagon to Rush county, which continued as their home for two years, when the journey was resumed to Madison county, Indiana. They established their home in Boone township, where Mr. Webster erected a log cabin in the wilderness, but in the early '60s he removed to Van Buren township and spent the remainder of his days there, enrolling his name among its revered and honored pioneers. His political affiliations were with the Whig party. In this state Daniel W. Webster attained to mature years, and he has lived on the old homestead to the present time, building in 1873 his pleasant and commodious country home. He has served his township as its supervisor and during the early days he taught school. He has always been engaged in the breeding of graded stock and is a lover of fine horses, while on his farm he has a deer park.

Episcopal church at Summitville, and is a Republican politically. Mrs. Webster, a native daughter of Indiana, died in 1876, aged thirty-six years. In their family were seven children, of whom four are now living: Oliver E., the subject of this review ; Robert E., who married Etta Johnson and is living in Madison county; Rebecca Jane, the wife of Thomas Cannup, of Van Buren township, Madison county; and Daniel P., who married Bertha Dunham, and resides in Monroe township, Madison county.

During the early years of his life Oliver E. Webster worked with his father on the old homestead farm, attending the neighborhood schools during the winter months, and he lived with his parents until his twentyseventh year. He then bought the farm where he now lives in Washington township, Delaware county, and is engaged in general farming and stock raising. He has one of the finest roadsters in the county, and breeds from two to three fine draft horses each year. He has inherited from his father the love of mechanics, and has assisted him in much of his work. Mr. Webster had the misfortune to lose his home by fire in June, 1901, but he has now in the course of construction a fine residence, and his is one of the most valuable estates of Washington township.

On the i8th of June, 1892, he wedded Cora B. Dickey, bom in Alexandria, Indiana, March 14, 1871, a daughter of William and Mary (Perdue-Groves) Dickey. Mrs. Webster is their only child, and her father, who was a farmer in Madison county, died when she was but six years of age, in 1877. Three children have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. Webster, - Gladys, bom August 8, 1894 ; Violet, born April 25, 1902 ; and Clarence, born January 23, 1905. Mr. Webster is a member of the order of Red Men at Summitville, Lodge No. 149, also of the Knights of Pythias, Castle Hall No. 361, at Summitville, and has membership relations with the Methodist Episcopal church. He votes with the Republican party.

Oliver A. Broyles. The Broyles family is one of the oldest in Delaware county. The paternal grandfather of Oliver A., Anderson Broyles, was born in Greenbrier county, Virginia, and his grandmother, Harriet Broyles, in Bourbon county, Kentucky, one in January and the other in April of 1812. They met in Rush county, Indiana, were wedded, and in 1837 moved from Rush county to Delaware county and settled upon a tract of land in Washington township near what is known as Pipe creek. They started with their Virginia and Kentucky strain to conquer the forest and help to make a civilization on this tract of land. Qearing a spot of ground, they cut and drew together round logs enough to build them a log cabin of one room. In this room they cooked, ate, slept and lived. In the garret were beds for the boys who had attained the dignity of graduation from the trundlebed. This was accessible only by a ladder made from two saplings flattened and rounds put in about two inches apart.

Such was the home of James Thomas Broyles, the father of Oliver A. He was the eldest of a large family of children and was born in the little log cabin just described January 25, 1840, growing to manhood amid the surroundings, privileges and privations incident to a life in the pioneer epoch of a country's history. At the inauguration of the Civil war he placed his name on the volunteer roll of Company B, Thirty-sixth Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and had splendid opportunity to show his loyalty at Pittsburg Landing and Shiloh. Failing health caused his discharge in 1863, after two years of service, and he returned home to be ^ civilian. He was married to Miss Sarah A. Janney September 3, 1863, but becoming more and more desirous to assist in the quelling of hostilities at the front he in the spring of 1864 took an active interest in organizing Company G, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Volunteer Infantry, and was chosen its first lieutenant. Again he went to the southland and remained until the war was over and the south partially reconstructed. In the fall of 1864 he returned home, and with his young wife returned to the farm and began the clearing, improving and beautifying of his home. His death there occurred November 19, 1902, but his widow yet survives and is now residing at 1 19 West Main street, Muncie. In their family were the following children: Oliver A., Joseph R., Albert L., George W., Sherman A., Oren E., Walter G., Nelson (who died in 1895), Mrs. Carrie B. Benbow, Hattie A. and Lula B. About thirty years before his death Mr. Broyles was made a member of the Odd Fellows' fraternity, and he also took an active interest in the G. A. R. Post. He united with the Methodist church in 1857, and served as its district steward, collecting steward, class leader, trustee and Sunday-school superintendent. He was also enterprising and public spirited and won the confidence of his fellow townsmen. He served as the assessor of his township for twenty years, and then became the county assessor, being the first incumbent in that office in Delaware county.

The boyhood days of Oliver A. Broyles, the subject of this review, were spent as other lads on the farm, working in the fields during the summer months and attending the district schools during the winters, and he remained at home with his father until twenty-one years of age. During the following two years he was in his father's employ, and soon after his marriage he began farming for himself on his homestead in Washington township, his first home being a little four-room house. In 1900 the residence which now adorns the homestead was erected, as was also a modem bam, and he is extensively engaged in the breeding of graded cattle, hogs and horses in addition to his general agricultural pursuits.

at the present the owner of an QState of two hundred and fifty acres of rich and well improved land, and is one of the leading citizens of Madison county. Mrs. Thurston was bom in Madison county June 26, 1848, and on her father's old homestead there she gave her hand in marriage to George R. Thurston March 21, 1867, and three children were bom to bless their union: Ida E., Harrison S. and Alpheus L. Mr. Thurston is a member of the Christian church and votes with the E>emocratic party. Mr. Broyles supports the principles of the Republican party, and has served his township as a member of its advisory board. For many years he has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has served as president of its board of trustees and as one of its stewards. Mrs. Broyles belongs to the Christian church in Summitville, Indiana.

John W. Gilmer. Numbered among the native sons of Washington township, Delaware county, is John W. Gilmer, who is a representative of one of its promhient early families. His birth occurred on the 19th of February, 1865, and he is a son of Abraham and Isabelle (Jones) Gilmer, both of whom were born in Rockingham county, Virginia, the father on the 4th of April, 1823, and the mother on the 22d of January, 1831. They were married in their native county of Rockingham January 11, 1851, and in the fall of 1853 they made the overland journey with team and wagons to Indiana, spending about five weeks on the road and establishing their home in Washington township, Delaware county, where Mr. Gilmer purchased eighty acres of timber land in the dense wilderness, on which had been erected a little log cabin. After two years in this township they removed to Henry county, Indiana, where he followed his trade of wagonmaking, which he had learned in Virginia. Four years later they returned to Washington township, and here the husband and father spent the remainder of his life, dying on the 24th of May, 1874, when fifty-one years of age. Since his death Mrs. Gilmer has built a frame house upon the farm, and she is now living with her son, John W. When age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Gilmer joined the ranks of the Whig party, from which he transferred his allegiance to the Republicans, and he was honored and revered by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. Six children were born to him and his wife, three sons and three daughters, and all are yet living, namely: Elizabeth M., the wife of Conrad Lovet; Mary Jane, the wife of Henry Paxton; Sarah C, wife of James Linsey; William H., who married Emma Hamilton ; John W., the immediate subject of this review ; and James M., who married Zina Thorn.

John W. Gilmer was left fatherless when but a lad of nine years, and the period of his youth and early manhood were spent upon the old homestead farm, which he assisted to clear and cultivate. In fact, his entire life has been spent upon these parental acres with the exception of three years, from 1889 to 1892, when he was engaged in farming and stock raising in IlHnois.

On the nth of October, 1900, Mr. Gilmer was united in marriage to Miss Ida Haney, who was born November 19, 1871, the daughter of Bennett and Lydia (Owens) Haney, both of whom were born in Hancock county, Indiana, the father March 2, 1837, and the mother February 25, 1845. They were also married in Hancock county and became the parents of twelve children, seven now living : George, who married Goldie Cox ; Ida, the wife of Mr. Gilmer; Arthur E., who married Loretta Case; Cora A., Jesse H., Marshall G. and Fernie. Mr. Haney has devoted his entire business career to agricultural pursuits and is now living in Gaston. He casts his ballot with the Democratic party. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gilmer: James Paul Bennett and Jesse Leon. Mr. Gilmer is a member of the Christian church, and his political affiliations are with the Democratic party.

Benjamin H. McKinley is numbered among the prominent and well known business men of Washington township. His birth occurred in Edenburg, Pennsylvania, March 28, 1839, but his educational training was received in the schools of Nilestown, Ohio, where he was a schoolmate of the lamented President McKinley, his cousin. He is a son of John and Eliza (Boyle) McKinley, the former of whom was bom in Pennsylvania April 20, 1818, and died in Muncie, Indiana, August 22, 1896, while the latter was bom in Seclonesville, Ohio, August 12, 1818, and died on the 8th of April, 1864. They were married June 2*], 1836, in Ohio, and became the parents of the following children : James, born March 4, 1837, <^i^d in infancy; Susan, born February 28, 1838, also died in infancy; Benjamin H., the subject of this review; Alexander, born August 8, 1841, served nearly three years during the Civil war in the Ninth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, when he returned home on account of a broken arm, and re-enlisted in the One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment, serving until the close of the war, and his death occurred January 11, 1877; Mary, born June 6, 1843, ^s the widow of Thomas Anderson and a resident of Jay county, Indiana; John, born September 9, 1845, served his country in the One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment during the Civil war, married Rebecca Burgess, and their home is in Muncie; Louis B., born June 2, 1848, married Anna M. Brewboker, and is a Baptist minister in Goshen ; William W., born August 20, 1850, is married and lives in Muncie; Sara Elizabeth, bom April 5, 1855, married John Putnam, who is a printer and lives at the Old Soldiers' Home; Ira, born February 29, 1858, died November 12, 1861 ; and Henry, bora December 12, i860, received his education in Earlham College, of Richmond,

Gaston, then called New Corner, where he spent the remainder of his life as a minister in the Methodist church. He first gave his political support to the Whig party, from which he transferred his relations to the Republicans, and later became identified with the Democracy.

Benjamin H. McKinley accompanied his parents on their removal to Delaware county in 1855, and as a boy he worked on the homestead farm here and attended the district schools. In i860, the year of his marriage, he engaged in farming for himself, continuing in that occupation until 1894, when he became identified with the general mercantile business at Stockport, and was thus engaged until the isth of January, 1907. He had sold his farm in 1893.

Mr. McKinley married, October 25, i860, Arah Bryan, who was born in West Virginia June 11, 1835, the daughter of George and Nancy (Jones) Bryan, both of whom were also natives of that commonwealth, the former bom February 11, 1800, and the latter August 19, 1801. The father passed away in death on the 2d of January, 1850, but the mother long survived him and passed away December 25, 1874. They were married in Virginia and Ijecame the parents of the following children: Samuel, Natlian and Abraham, all deceased ; William, who lost his life while in the service of his country during the Civil war; Anthony, Betsy and Alfred, also deceased; Arah, the wife of Mr. McKinley; and Rebecca, the wife of William B. Woodring, of Gaston, Indiana.

Mr. Bryan was born in Randolph county, West Virginia, but in the early year of 1839 came to Indiana and established his home in Washington township, Delaware county, where the family lived in a wagon until their little log cabin home could be built. He cleared his land and made him a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, having been long numbered among the leading agriculturists and business men of the township. He was also a prominent member of the Methodist church, and affiliated with the Whig party. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McKinley, namely: Nancy Jane, born August 4, 1861, died in infancy; William I., bom January 17, 1862, married Katie DriscoU, and is engaged in business in Stockport, Indiana; John W., born September 22, 1864, married Ethel Trowbridge, and is a merchant of Canon City, Colorado; James A., born September 8, 1865, married Carrie Turner, and is engaged in the lampblack business in West Virginia; Samuel, bom Febmary 11, 1868, married Ella Rarach, and lives in Union township, Delaware county; Thomas M., bom September 12, 1870, married Millie Rarach, and is also living in Union township; Mary N., born September 13, 1871, married Creed Broadwater, of Stockport; George M., born March 8, 1873, married Pearl Melvin; and Robert N., born November i, 1875, married Minnie Adams, and is living in Muncie, Indiana.

member of Wheeling Lodge, No. 325, L O. O. P., of Gaston Encampment, No. 424, of that order, of which he was one of the organizers, and is also a member of the State Grand Lodge. His religious affiliations are with the Methodist Episcopal church, and he is a stanch Prohibitionist in his political affiliations.

Samuel Milhollin. Throughout his entire life Samuel Milhollin has been a resident of Washington township, prominently identified with its farming and stock-raising interests, and his birth occurred within its borders September 18, 1856, a son of Nathan and Mary (Carmin) Milhollin. The father was born in Grant county, Indiana, in 1834, and his death occurred on the 25th of January, 1902. He purchased his brothers* and sisters* interest in his father's estate, and moved into the old log house which stood upon the homestead, there residing for about sixteen years. At the close of that period he bought a farm of George Beuoy, about three miles east of his former place, in section 24, Washington township, there spending the remainder of his life engaged in farming and stock-raising pursuits. During a number of years he was extensively engaged in buying and selling stock, shipping to the Buffalo, Cincinnati and Cleveland markets. He first drove his stock to Muncie or Eaton, and then shipped by rail, and he was also well known as a wool buyer for a number of years. Washington township numbered him among her most useful and prominent citizens and honored him with many of her public offices, he having served as a constable and also acted as an attorney for some of his neighbors, trying his cases before the justice of the peace. He was a member of the Parmers' Grange and affiliated with the Whig party. In December, 1854, Mr. Milhollin married Mary Carmin, who was born in Washington township, Delaware county, January 29, 1836, and she now makes her home with her son Samuel. Pour children were born to them : Samuel, William L., Anna, who died in infancy, and Allie, who married Charles Beuoy.

Samuel Milhollin spent the early years of his life in assisting his father in the work of the home farm, and during his subsequent years they farmed in partnership until the father's death. Since then he has conducted his operations alone, and at the present time he is farming three hundred and three acres of land of his own and also superintends the work on two hundred acres belonging to his mother. In 1904 he remodeled his residence, making it one of the most modern and pleasant homes of the township. In addition to his general agricultural pursuits he breeds fine horses, both driving and draft horses, and in his pastures he keeps about twenty head or three years of age he came with his parents to Indiana, where his father, John M. Smith, followed his trade of coopering. During his younger days the son Henry conducted a lime kiln near Muncie, but later purchased a farm in Center township and continued its cultivation for a number of years, later buying eighty acres of timber land in Hamilton township. This he cleared and improved and made his home there until 1901, when he moved to Muncie and has since lived retired from active labor. During his boyhood days he assisted in driving stock through to New York city. During the Civil war he served as a dispatch carrier, serving as a member of Company I, Thirteenth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers. He has been both a Whig and Republican in his political affiliations, during a number of years held the office of school director, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Smith was bom in Muncie November 2, 1831, and in that city they were also married, becoming the parents of seven children, of whom five are now living: Julia, Lydia E., E. James, Cordelia K. and William H. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Milhollin: Nathan H., Corna and Ralph. Where national issues are involved Mr. Milhollin upholds the principles of the Republican party, but locally votes regardless of party ties, and he is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Thompson Sharp^ a prominent farmer of Washington township, Delaware county, is a native of Indiana, born in the county of Henry, November 12, 1827. His father, Edward Sharp, was bom January 4, 1801, in Tennessee, and his mother, who bore the maiden name of Anna Thompson, was a native of Virginia, where her birth occurred on the i8th of January, 1808.

Edward Sharp in an early day accompanied his parents, William and Elizabeth Sharp, to Ohio, this being in 1813, where they remained for a few years, and then came further west, locating in 1820 in Henry county, Indiana. Subsequently Mr. Edward Sharp purchased a farm in Salem township, Delaware county, where in time he became the possessor of a large tract of real estate, owning at the time of his death in 1855 six hundred and forty acres, the result of his own energy and thrift. In addition to the pursuit of agriculture he dealt quite extensively for a number of years in live stock, purchasing in various parts of Indiana and driving to Cincinnati, making of this a very profitable business. He was recognized as one of the leading citizens of the community in which he resided, was a member of the Christian church, and exerted a wholesome, moral influence upon all with whom he had business or other relations. His wife, a most estimable Christian lady and a member of the Protestant Methodist church, departed this life in 1862-, and was laid to rest by the side of her husband in the Sharp cemetery on the old homestead in Salem township. Thirteen children were born of this union, all of whom attained to years of maturity,

Thompson Sharp remained under the parental roof until his majority, working on the farm during the summer months, clearing the wilderness, and attending school about three months of each year until reaching the age of thirteen years. Consequently he is not an educated man in the knowledge of books, but in the practical aflfairs of life possesses a knowledge such as institutions of learning fail to impart. Immediately after his marriage, which occurred on the 15th of November, 1849, he removed to his present farm in Washington township, where he has since resided, actively engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. At that time the farm consisted of one hundred and twenty acres of timber land, with a little log house. He cleared the land and added to it until he had three hundred and twenty acres, while in 1868 he built him a fine brick house, in which he now lives, and his improvements upon the farm make it among the best in the township and county. Mr. Sharp has surrounded himself with all the modern improvements and conveniences of agriculture and home life. He is recognized as one of the intelligent and substantial pioneers and citizens of the community, and he manifests a lively interest in everything that pertains to the material and moral well being of the township of which he has so long been a resident. As an active worker in the Republican party he is widely and favorably known through the community. As a reward of his party service he has been twice elected to the responsible position of county commissioner, first in 1888 and second in 1892, the duties of which he discharged with ability and most commendable fidelity.

His marriage, as already noted, was solemnized on the 15th of November, 1849, with Miss Christena Bowers, who was bom March 20, 1828, the daughter of Jacob and Susannah (Andes) Bowers, who were natives of the state of Virginia, bom respectively in the counties of Shenandoah and Rockingham. They became residents of Salem township, Delaware county, Indiana, in 1841, purchasing a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, upon which the remaining years of their lives were spent, the father dying at the age of sixty-two years, and the mother when she had reached the advanced age of eighty years. They were members of the Presbyterian church, and he was a Jackson Democrat politically. In their family were seven children. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sharp have been born the following children: Jemima A., Florence O., Otto, who married Kate Stradling, Ora L., the wife of John Hall, Noah, who married Amanda Prim, George, Nelson Grant, Dora, the wife of James Lewis, and Ozora T., who is a graduate of one of the leading literary and law schools of the county, and was admitted to the Federal and Supreme courts of Indianapolis in June, 1893. He married Miss May White and at the present time superintends the work of the home farm. Mr. and Mrs. Sharp also have twenty-three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. His retentive memory recalls to mind many pleasant reminiscences of the early days of Delaware county, when the deer and other wild game were plentiful, and his mother saw two different droves of deer. Mr. Sharp cast his first vote for General Scott for president.

John Clark was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, February 19, 1847, ^ son of John and Susannah (Webb) Clark, natives respectively of Lincolnshire, England, and Camden, New Jersey, the father bom on the loth of January, 1810, and the mother on the 17th of March, 1810. Both ended their lives at Indianapolis, Indiana, the mother dying there in 1872, aged sixty-two years, and the father survived until 1883. They were married in Camden, New Jersey, and became the parents of seven children, of whom six grew to years of maturity and four are now living : Hanna, the widow of Jacob Tressler and a resident of Johnson county, Indiana ; Susannah, the wife of William Owens, also of Johnson county; Josiah, who makes his home in California; and John, the subject of this review.

Mr. Clark, the father, was a miller by trade, having learned that vocation in England. In 1831 he left the mother country for the United States, making the journey by sailing vessel and landing in the harbor of New York city after an ocean voyage of seven weeks. Making his way to Camden, New Jersey, he was there married, and after the birth of his two oldest children he moved to Ohio and followed agricultural pursuits for one year. Transferring his residence to Indianapolis, he resumed his trade of a miller, and thus he spent the remainder of his life with the exception of the two or three years when he was employed as a retail grocery merchant. He had fraternal relations with the Odd Fellows' order, was a member of the Episcopal church, and affiliated politically with the Whig party.

When he was a lad of sixteen years Mr. John Clark removed from his native city of Indianapolis to near Franklin, in Johnson county, Indiana, where he learned the miller's trade under his father's able instructions, and continued that occupation until his removal to Washington township, Delaware county, in 1873. After his arrival he became identified with agricultural pursuits on a new and heavily timbered farm, where his first residence was a little log dwelling, but later on, in 1906, this was superseded by a modem and commodious home, the one in which he now resides. His homestead farm consists of two hundred and eighty acres of fertile and well improved land. He has never cared for the emoluments or honors of public office, preferring to give his time to his business interests, but he affiliates politically with the Democracy. He is a member of Delaware Lodge No. 46, A. F. & A. M., at Muncie, and he is also a member of the Odd Fellows' order, joining Johnson Lodge No. j(:), at Franklin, Indiana, from which he was transferred to Wheeling Lodge No. 325, and is a member of the Encampment No. 229, at Gaston, and the Rebekah Lodge No. 134, also of that city. He is a member of Canton Muncie No. 4, being major of the Third Battalion, Third Regiment, Patriarchs Militant. He is a member of the Grace Episcopal church at Muncie.

born in Shelby county, Indiana, October 12, 1851, and died September 21, 1896. Her parents, David and Lurinda (Laing) Thurston, were bom in Franklin county, Indiana, the father November 11, 181 1, and the mother August 29, 1821. They died December 7, 1889, and Januar>'^ 25, 1891, respectively. They were married in their native county of Franklin July i, 1838, and became the parents of twelve children, but only five are now living : Mary, the widow of Enos Thurston and a resident of Gaston ; Arthur J., who married Mary J. Hackney and is living in Shelbyville, Indiana; Abner ; Firman F., who married Zella Ross and resides in Shelby county ; and George B., also a resident of that county. Mr. Thurston, the father, was a son of Flavial Thurston, a weaver by trade. The former became a farmer in Shelby county, Indiana, residing on his homestead there until about two years before his death, when he removed to Shelbyville and spent his remaining days retired from active business pursuits. He was a member of the Baptist church, and was a Jackson Democrat politically. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Clark were bom three children : William Angus, born June 30, 1870, married Amy McRae; John Talbot, born September 5, 1871, married Edna Rector, and they have two daughters; and Lucy Emma, bom September 29, 1873. Mr. Clark also has two grandchildren.

John Wesley McCreery. Delaware county numbers among her native sons John W. McCreery, whose birth occurred in Harrison township on the 24th of December, 1842. His parents, Samuel and Elizabeth (Maynard) McCreery, were natives respectively of Virginia and Maryland, but were numbered among those braVe pioneers who established their home in Delaware county in a very early day in its history and assisted in the reclaiming of its wild land for purposes of civilization.

Samuel McCreery, whose natal day was the 9th of July, 1801, emigrated when a young man to Carroll county, Ohio, and purchased one hundred acres of land, continuing its cultivation and improvement until his removal to Delaware county, Indiana, in 1838. Here he entered three hundred and sixty acres of land at the government land office then located at Ft. Wayne, paying one dollar an acre. His farm was heavily timbered, and in fact the entire county at that time was but a wilderness, where wild game was found in abundance. His first home was the typical log cabin of the early days, but this in time gave place to a modern frame residence, the homestead was transformed into a fertile and well improved farm, and Mr. McCreery became one of the most prominent residents of Harrison township. He was an earnest Christian gentleman, a member of the Methodist Episcopal clearing the old home farm and placing its fields under cultivation, and in the meantime he received his educational training in the district schools. At the age of twenty-three years he began farming for himself on a tract of eighty acres which had been given him by his father, but previous to this time, on the 19th of December, 1863, he enlisted for service in the Civil war, becoming a member of Company G, One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment of Indiana Volunteers. This was the Ninth Cavalry Regiment, and he enlisted at New Corner for three years or during the war, receiving his honorable discharge on the 28th of December, 1865, at V^icksburg, Mississippi. His regiment left Delaware county with twelve hundred and forty men and officers, but at the return of this brave band its ranks had been depleted to three hundred and sixty men and officers. During his army career Mr. McCreery took part in the following hard-fought battles : Pulaski, Tennessee, September 25, 1864; Bentwood, November 7, 1864; Nashville, December 15, 1864; Wilson's Pike, December 17, 1865, besides numerous skirmishes.

When his country no longer needed his services Mr. McCreery returned to' his home and to his farming pursuits, and the little eighty acre tract which his father gave him at the commencement of his business career was increased by subsequent purchases until he became the owner of one hundred and seventy-six acres. In 1897, however, he put aside the active work of the farm and removed to Gaston, where he purchased a home and has since lived a quietly retired life, at the present time being a member of the town council.

Mr. McCreery married September 25, 1865, Mary A. Trout, whose death occurred on the 9th of June, 1879. She was the daughter of Washington and Carmilla (Christy) Trout, who were nafives of Ohio, but became residents of Delaware county, Indiana, in a very early day, and Mr. Trout was prominent in the early history of this community, where he followed agricultural pursuits. He voted with the Whig party and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Of the ten children born to Mr. and Mrs. Trout eight are now living. For his second wife Mr. McCreery married, March 17, 1881, Nannie J. Pond, whose birth occurred in Clinton county, Ohio, September 29, 1850, the daughter of David and Eleanor (Gregory) Pond. The father, who was born in Ohio, died in Clinton county, that state, at the advanced age of eighty-four years, and the mother passed away in death at her home in that county March 3, 1885, aged sixty-nine years, seven months and four days. Mr. Pond was one of the most prominent men of his community, well known in both its professional and business circles, where he was a school teacher, farmer and minister. He was a graduate from Harvard College and a fine Bible student. Two weeks before his death he preached in the Clarksville, Ohio, Methodist Episcopal church, thus continuing an active worker in the cause of his Master until his life's labors were ended. He served as president of the Old Settlers' Association of Ohio, and was a Whig politically. The following seven children were born to Mr.

and Mrs. Pond : Mary C, Sylvester, Levi, Nannie, Virginia and Rosa. Of the four children born to Mr. and Mrs. McCreery three are now living: Etta P., born October 29, 1866, married to David Cole, and resides in Muncie ; Osee O., born January 14, 1870, married Leroy Hiatt; and Dorsey O., born January 18, 1876, married Nellie Law son. Mr. McCreery *s political affiliations are with the Republican party, and both he and his wife are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

William Hiatt. A well-known farmer and stock-raiser, William Hiatt, residing on section 24. Harrison township, has met with deserved success in his chosen vocation, and is to-day one of the prosperous and progressive agriculturists of this part of Delaware county. He comes from honored pioneer stock, his grandparents, John and Charity Hiatt, having been among the earlier settlers of Henry county. His parents, Solomon and Elizabeth (McCollester) Hiatt, spent their entire lives in Indiana, during their active years being identified with the agricultural prosperity of town and county. Further parental history may be found on another page of this volume, in connection with the sketch of Alexander Hiatt, brother of William Hiatt.

A native of Delaware county, William Hiatt was born in Harrison township, April 24, 1864, and acquired his preliminary education in the district schools. On the parental homestead he was early initiated into the work attendant upon agricultural pursuits, and when ready to begin the battle of life for himself chose the occupation of a farmer. In 1899 ^^ P"^" chased his first farm, and, having added improvements of value, sold it at an advantage in 1906. Mr. Hiatt immediately bought the land upon which he is now living, and has continued his agricultural labors. He has one hundred and ten acres of rich and fertile land, and in the prosecution of his independent calling is reaping a generous reward, being numbered among the successful farmers and stock-raisers of his community.

On October 28, 1888, Mr. Hiatt married Addie M. Brunton, who was born in Decatur county, Indiana, March 23, 1866. Her father, Noah L. Brunton, was born May 5, 1828, in Jefferson county, Indiana, and died March 2^, 1905, in Harrison township. The son of a pioneer of Jefferson county, Noah L. Brunton early became iimred to the hardships and privations incident to life in an undeveloped country, and as a boy and youth assisted his father in the arduous labor of clearing a homestead from the wilderness. Soon after the breaking out of the Civil war he enlisted, September 18, 1861, in Company H, Thirty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served bravely for a little more than three years, receiving his honorable discharge October 27, 1864. He was very faithful in the performance of his duties, and with the exception of the time that he was in the hospital at Nashville, Tennessee, he actively participated in all of the battles and skirmishes in which his regiment was engaged. Locating in Decatur county on his return, he was there a tiller of the soil until 1884, when he bought forty acres of land in Harrison township and came here to reside. The land was covered with brush and timber, but he cleared it, erected a house, and here spent his remaining days, an esteemed and respected citizen. He was a member of Bethel Lodge No. 731, L O. O. P., and of the G. A. R. Post. On January II.. 1853, ^^' Brunton married in Decatur county, Louisa H. Bentley, who was born January 4, 1835, in Butler county, Ohio, and is now living in Delaware county. She bore him five children, of whom four are living, as follows : Caroline, wife of William J. Colson ; James married Sarah E. House ; Addie M., wife of Mr. Hiatt, and Gilbert A., who married Larma J. Hutson. Pive (Children have been bom into the household established by Mr. and Mrs. Hiatt, namely: Carl, who died in infancy; Porest E., Clifford M., Gilbert A. and a child that died in infancy. A Republican in politics, Mr. Hiatt is recognized as an honest man and good citizen, always ready to perform his part in advancing the general welfare of the community, and is a member of the Cemetery Association at Bethel, Indiana, of which he is secretary and treasurer. Religiously he is a member of the New Light Christian church, belonging to Kings Chapel, and socially he is a member of Bethel Lodge No. 731, I. O. O. P., in which he has filled all the offices, and of the Tribe of Red Men at Gaston, Indiana.

Samuel J. McCreery, prominently identified with the business interests of Gaston, was bom in Harrison township, Delaware county, Indiana, January 25, 1851, and received his educational training in the 'public schools of his native county. His father, Thomas McCreery, a son of Samuel and Elizabeth McCreery, was bom in Carroll county, Ohio, October 7, 1826, and departed this life on the i6th of March, 1906. When twelve years of age he came to Indiana with his parents and located on the farm now owned by his son William, one-half a mile south of Gaston. The county at that time was a dense wilderness. His father located on a claim of four hundred acres, eighty of which he gave to Thomas and he cleared it himself and helped to blaze the way from his father's house to a neighbor's, which was no small job. He endured the hardships and enjoyed the triumphs of pioneer days. When quite a >'Oung man he became a Christian, his father having been a charter member of the Pirst Methodist Episcopal society in the neighborhood, which was organized in 1843, and about 1849 Thomas McCreery and his wife became members, joining the church in Levi Miller's house west of Gaston, and from that time on he was a faithful Christian. He was also very much interested in the public welfare and the country's civilization, and he helped to make the countr}', highways and schools what they are now. There is scarcely a church around the country that he did not give of his means to build.

In 1849 Mr. McCreery married Miss Catherine Brown, and they became the parents of nine children, four sons and five daughters, namely: Samuel J., James W., Nathan A. and John W., also Hannah E. Janney, Phoebe J. McCreery, Rebecca A. McMahan, Sarah L. Kirklan and Effie

Hannan. On the 14th of April, 1886. his companion, who had been his coworker in life, passed to her final rew^ard. He was married to Margaret Anderson December 16, 1898, and on February 19, 1901, married Martha J. French, all of his companions preceding him in death, also two of his daughters, Phoebe J. McCreery and Rebecca A. McMahan. He lived alone during a portion of his life, but the last four weeks were spent with his son Samuel, where, after a continued attack of illness, he passed quietly away. He was a good husband, a kind and loving father, an affectionate brother, an energetic and noble man and a representative citizen.

During his boyhood days Samuel J. McCreery, the immediate subject of this review, worked on the farm with his father during the summer months, helping to clear the place from its virgin state, and attended the schools of the neighborhood during the winters. When he was twentyone years of age he learned the painter's trade, but being the ow^ner of eighty acres which his father had gfiven him he abandoned his trade after nine months and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He was also married about this time, and his first home was a frame house of two rooms, but later on he built additions thereto until he had a good eightroom house on his farm, and in the meantime he also added to his land until he is to-day the owner of about two hundred acres, all of which is fertile and well improved, while in addition to his agricultural labors he was also quite extensively engaged in stock raising, breeding Poland China and Jerse5^ hogs. In 1899 Mr. McCreery left the farm and removed to Gaston, where he erected a pleasant home and in 1902 engaged in the canning business with others, he being one of the directors of the business. In 1893 he with others built the New Corner and Anthony pike, and was also one of the charter members of the Gaston Banking Company, in which he served as one of the directors.

On the 25th of December, 1873, Mr. McCreery married Martha Trout, whose death occurred on the 19th of January, 1903. She was bom in Licking county, Ohio, November 21, 1847, the daughter of Washington and Carmilla (Christy) Trout, both of whom were also natives of the Buckeye state, but both passed away in death in Harrison township, Delaware county, the father when he had reached the age of sixty-five years, and the mother at the age of seventy-five. Of the ten children born to this couple nine lived to years of maturity and four are now living: Henry B., Francis M., Emma R. and Orlena. The parents came to Delaware county in the early '30s, locating in Harrison township. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and gave his political support to the Republican party. On the 25th of December, 1905, Mr. McCreery married Martha J. Jackson. She was born in Hancock county, Indiana, the daughter of Andrew and Katura (Boulden) Jackson, both of whom were

He was born in Wayne county of this state March lo, 1823, a son of Levi and Elizabeth Jackson. When he was seven years of age the family moved to Madison county, Indiana, and in a very early day they established their home in Hancock county. He united with the Methodist Episcopal church during his boyhood days, and thereafter lived a true Christian life, becoming one of the leading members of his church and for many years served as its class leader. He became the father of five children by his first marriage, but only four are now living: Thomas J., Sarah H., John W. and Martha J. By his second marriage, to Priscilla Haney, Mr. Jackson became the father of eight children, but only two of this large number now survive, Pearl E. and Lottie. On the sth of August, 1885, Martha J. Jackson married Ivens P. Curtis, whose death occurred on the ist of July, 1897, and to them were bom two children, Annie E. and Roy E., the elder dying in infancy. Three children have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. McCreery, but the first born died in infancy, Birdella, the second married George W. Miller, and died February 16, 1906, aged twenty-six, and Lloyd E. married Winona Manring and resides in Gaston.

Mr. McCreery was made a Mason in New Corner Lodge No. 524, from which he transferred his membership to Muncie Lodge No. 334, and he was also a charter member of the order of Red Men, but is not now a member of that fraternity. He affiliates with New Corner Lodge No. 425, I. O. O. P., of which he is a past noble grand, and is also a member of Encampment No. 223, in which he has passed all the chairs and has been a representative to the Grand Lodge of Indiana. Since seventeen years of age Mr. McCreery has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the meantime having assisted in the erection of two churches in Gaston, and for twenty years or more served in the office of steward, while at the present time he is the president of the board of tmstees. He is a stanch Republican in his political affiliations.

William C. Hoffman. For forty years a resident of Delaware county, William C. Hoffman has been closely identified with its industrial and agricultural growth and progress, and is widely known as a citizen of sterling worth and integrity. A veteran of the Civil war, he is distinguished for his military record as a soldier, while in private life he is recognized as a true, upright man, one to whom will be said when "taps" are sounded for the last time, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." A son of William H. HoflFman, he was born, March 8, 1846, in Montgomery county, Ohio, and there spent his early years.

William H. Hoffman was bom in Pennsylvania, in 1807, and died in 1852, in Ohio, while yet in manhood's prime. With his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Hoffman, he moved to Ohio, where he was reared and educated. He began life on his own account as a merchant in Dayton, Ohio, but afterwards settled on a farm, and from that time until his death was actively employed in agricultural pursuits. He was a Whig in his political affiliations, and in religion belonged to the United Brethren church. He married in Ohio Maria Camp, who was born in 1819 in New Jersey, and died in 1893 in Delaware county, Indiana. Seven children were born to them, five of whom survive, as follows: William C, the special subject of this sketch; Harriet, wife of J. J. McCarter; George W. married Delia Bliss ; Lucetta, wife of Noah Sinks ; and Elizabeth, wife of Perry Waymier.