Fayette County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1885 (part 2 of 7)

OLIVER CLAUDE PIPER (deceased), late of East Connersville, was born April 25, 1868, died November 19, 1884, aged sixteen years, six months and twenty- five days, and was buried at the City Cemetery. Just two weeks previous to the day he was laid to rest he met with the accident which caused his death. On that fatal evening Claude was giving vent to his patriotic heart, together with a large number of others, and when firing a small cannon, it burst, a portion of it striking his leg, tearing away the knee cap, and badly fracturing the limb, from the effects of which he died. Claude was a model young lad, just emerging into manhood and surrounded by all the comforts of life that are calculated to make one happy. He was beloved by all who knew him, and left a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn his untimely taking away. Claude was a bright and affectionate boy, whose ways had won for him a warm place in the hearts of many outside of the home where he was loved by kind parents, brothers and sisters. He was a son of Oliver S. and Sarah E. (Edwards) Piper, the former of whom was born in Warren County, Ohio, January 11, 1837; the latter, a native of Fayette County, Ind., was born April 12, 1839. They were married February 26, 1857, and have been blessed with six children: Charlie, born January 13, 1858; Lola Delle, born August 16, 1865; Oliver Claude; Hettie J., born May 7, 1870; Lewis W.,born April 26, 1873; James C, born December 10, 1877. O. S. Piper is selling fruit trees for the W. & J. Ashworth Nursery. The subject of this sketch received a good common school education, and began clerking for John L. Bailey, in November, 1882. He improved his leisure moments by running a neat little job office, printing cards, etc., for the elite of the city, and he turned out some excellent work.

GEORGE P. PRATT, one of the leading boot and shoe dealers of Connersville, was born in Albany County, N. Y., in 1832. He is a son of David and Margaret (Passage) Pratt, natives of Massachusetts and New York State, respectively. His parents resided, most of their lives, in Albany County, where his father engaged in mercantile pursuits and farm ing until his death in 1842. Mr. Pratt remained with his mother after the death of his father till nineteen years of age. He then engaged in mercantile trade about three years in Albany, after which he purchased a farm and devoted some ten years to agricultural pursuits. In 1862 he came West and located in Connersville, where he has since resided. He at once established himself in the dry goods trade and later added boots and shoes, which he now handles exclusively, doing considerable manufacturing. He was married September 28, 1854, to Helen M. Ferguson, of Duanesburg. Schenectady Co., N. Y. , a daughter of John Ferguson, and five children were born to them: Jennie C. (now Mrs. Dr. Morrison), Maggie L. (now Mrs. E. V. Hawkins), David L., who died in 1864, Mary H. and Elsie M. Mr. Pratt is a member of the Masonic fraternity; the family are all associated with the Presbyterian Church. He

CAPT. ALFRED J. RALPH, ex-manager of the Western Hosiery Mills, Connersville, is one of the prosperous and enterprising manufacturers of this city. He was born near Hillsdale, Mich., May 22, 1840. His early training was on a farm and he had the benefit of a good common school education. His father, Stillman Ralph, who was born in Vermont, moved to Michigan while young. He was the first physician in this county, being one of the earliest settlers. Our subject's mother, Betsey (Nethaway) Ralph, was born and raised in the State of New York. Capt. Ralph farmed up to 1861. Being a loyal, law-abiding citizen, upon the call of the President for troops to defend the flag of our Union, he recruited Company I, Sixth Michigan Volunteer Infantry, of which he was elected First Lieutenant, and left at once for the Department of the Gulf, serving under Gen. Ben. Butler. In 1863 he was promoted to Captain for gallant services, after which he was taken prisoner and confined in Libby prison for six months. Being exchanged, he returned to his command and served until the close of the war. He then engaged as commercial traveler for an Indianapolis notion house, continuing up to 1882, when he was engaged as manager of fhe Western Hosiery Mills. April 21, 1864, our subject married Miss Ridie Roache, a native of Maryland, born December 7, 1842, and by this union was born one daughter - loda B. Capt. Ralph is a member of the I. O. O. F.

PROF. JASON L. RIPPETOE, Superintendent of Public Schools, Connersville, was born in Vigo County, Ind., December 6, 1839; son of Pleasant B. and Catharine V. (Shuey) Rippetoe, natives of Virginia, the former born February 8, 1811, and the latter December 13, 1818. They now reside in Effingham, 111. The early life of our subject was spent upon a farm and at the age of eighteen he entered Asbury University, taking a collegiate course, and graduating in 1863. After this he taught for three years in Danville Academy, two years as Principal. In 1867 he came to Connersville and took charge of the Union Schools as Superintendent, which position he has filled ever since, excepting in 1881 and 1882, when he acted as County Superintendent. Prof. Rippetoe was married September 26, 1865, to Miss Sarah E. Allen, who was born in Greencastle, Ind., September 26, 1844, and by this union three children were born: Kate A., Emma J. and Bessie L. The Professor enlisted in the Eighteenth Indiana Battery, under Capt. Beck, Gen. Wilson's Corps, serving two years. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and G. A. R. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the

Sabbath-school of which he is a particularly active and enthusiastic worker (at present the Superintendent), and in the other branches of church work. As an educator Prof. Rippetoe has been successful, and as an evidence of his popularity we have but to refer to his long term of service in the schools of Connersville, which are in a prosperous condition under his efficient and judicious management. The affable and genial manners of our subject, especially in kindness of heart shown to strangers in the city, one of whom will not soon forget him, have endeared him to a large circle of friends.

THOMAS J. KITTENHOUSE, Treasurer and Secretary of the Cooley-Morrison Manufacturing Association, Connersville, was born in Harrison, Ohio, August 31, 1846, son of Jefferson and Mary (Moore) Rittenhouse, old residents of Hamilton County, Ohio; his father having been one of the first merchants of Harrison, and one of the most prominent. Mr. Rittenhouse grew to maturity in his native county. In 1868 he came to Connersville and opened a grocery and provision store, taking stock soon after in the Cooley- Morrison Furniture Manufacturing Association, to which, since 1880, he has devoted his entire attention, having abandoned the grocery trade at that date. He is at present Secretary and Treasurer of the Association, and has materially aided it in its ascent to the commanding position which it now occupies among other institutions of its kind. Mr. Rittenhouse has also been identified with most of the other enterprises which have been inaugurated in the town of Connersville since his residence in the place, and is regarded as one of its most energetic and efficient business men at the present time. He was married December 5, 1872, to Miss Jennie Garside, of Harrison, Ohio; a daughter of Joseph and Martha Garside, an old and esteemed family of that place. September 27, 1881, his wife passed away. Mr. Rittenhouse is a member of the I. O. O. F. Grand Lodge and Encampment, in which he has passed all the official chairs. He is a man of shrewd business qualifications, and his past success is a worthy guarantee for his future prosperity.

AUSTIN READY, of the firm of Downs, Ready & Co., Connersville, is a native of Ireland, and son of John and Mary (O'Mally) Ready. He was born August 24, 1850, and in 1852 was brought by his parents to this country. The family located in Medina, N. Y., resided there about three years and then came to Franklin County, Ind. , where the mother died in 1862. Soon after this the remainder of the family removed to Glenwood, Rush County, and in 1868 came from that place to Connersville, where they have since resided. Our subject spent his early years on the farm. He clerked in Groflf's grocery store and restaurant about four years, was employed about eighteen months in the Stock-yard Hotel at Cincinnati, was engaged in the liquor business at Connersville about two years, piu'chased stock in the Cooley-Morrison Manufacturing Association, and became its President two years, and then purchased an interest in the establishment, in which he is still a partner. His first partnership in the planingmill business was with F. W. Martin, whose interest was purchased by Downs & Wait in the winter of 1882. The company does a large business in the manufacture of doors, sash, blinds, moldings, etc. In 1867 Mr. Ready was married to Mary Welch, a native of Connersville, Ind.

FRANCIS M. ROOTS, manufacturer, and President of First National Bank, Connersville, was born in Oxford, Ohio, October 28, 1824. In 1816 his parents removed from the State of Vermont to that place, where the father, Alanson Roots, established a woolen manufactory, in which he was assisted by three of his elder sons, our subject giving his time in the summers and attending school in the winters. At the age of sixteen years he entered Miami University, located in the village, and pursued a scientific course. Mr. Roots' ancestors were descended from the old Puritan stock who fled to the shores of New England that they might have the privilege of worshiping God according to the dictates of their own consciences. In 1845 Francis M. and his brother. Philander H., began making arrangements to move their woolen mill to Connersville, Ind., being attracted by its fine water power and other business facilities, where they erected a building 100x40 feet, five stories high, with a capacity, during the war, of employing 100 hands on army supplies. This building was consumed by fire in 1875. In 1860 their greatest invention was patented, which is known all over the world as Roots' Rotary Blower, since which time they have made and sold in this country over 10,000 machines, and as many more in Europe - over 5,000 in England alone. They have been awarded first premiums at three international expositions - in 1867 at Paris; in 1873 at Vienna; and at the Centennial Exposition of our own country at Philadelphia in 1876. In the prosecution of his business Mr. Roots made four trips to Europe, and expects to make another tour this season, taking his family along. Our subject was married October 8, 1850, to Miss Esther E. Pumphrey, born in Connersville February 29, 1830. By this marriage six children were born, thi-ee now living. At home Mr. Roots has endeavored to be in sympathy with the best interests of the community, and has cheerfully borne his pai't in all public enterprises. He has been an active member of the Presbyterian Church from early youth, and an earnest worker in the Sabbath -schools, Young Men's Christian Association, and the various temperance organizations. He is President of the Connersville Furniture Manufacturing Company, employing 150 operatives, and also President of the Connersville Hydraulic Company, extending from Cambridge City to Connersville, and is one of the principal owners and manager of the blower manufactory; is also engaged in various other enterprises.

FRANCIS T. ROOTS, banker, Connersville, is one of the active, enterprising young men of the city. He was born in Connersville July 17,' 1857. He attended the city schools and completed his education at Chickering Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was the recipient of two gold medals for proficiency, one in the mathematical branch, and the other in science and valedictory effort, which he prizes as sacred, above all other boyhood possessions. P. H. Roots, our subject's father, was born in Rutland County, Vt., November 17, 1813, and in 1818 his parents moved to Oxford, Ohio, where he received a collegiate education in Miami University. October 27, 1837, he married Miss Susan C. Brown, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and came to Connersville in 1849. He formed a partnership with his brother, F. M. Roots, in 1851, which was severed by death. In 1834 he united with the Presbyterian Church, soon after which he was chosen Ruling Elder. He was a leading active member of the church and Sabbath-school up to his death. In 1873 he was elected President of the First National Bank, which position he held up to his death, which occurred May 22, 1879. Our subject read law under Snow & Kumler, and attended law school at Cincinnati, Ohio, thereby completing his preparatory course for business, after which he engaged in the wholesale boot and shoe trade, with Crane & Lupton, in Cincinnati, for two years; then, at the death of his father, he was called home and was elected Vice-President of the First National Bank, which position he has filled ever since. November 16, 1880, he was united in marriage with Miss Sallie M. Hileman, daughter of Hon. William Hileman, of Evansville, Ind. By this union one child was born - Clarence S. Mr. Roots is Treasurer of Connersville Furniture Manufacturing Company, also Treasurer of Connersville Hydraulic Company. He and his estimable wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he was elected Trustee in 1884. Mr. Roots is also an inventor, and, with his many valuable patents secured and in progress, his future is bright and enviable.

MAJ. JOHN W. ROSS, Postmaster, Connersville, was born in Franklin County, Ind., September 30, 1837, received the best common school education the surroundings aflfbrded, and was raised on a farm. His parents, John S. and Hannah (Masters) Ross, were natives of Pennsylvania, former born September 13, 1805. They were married in 1827, and came to Indiana in 1834, locating in Franklin County; then moved to Fayette County in 1853. Mr. Ross, July 29, 1861, enlisted in Third Indiana Battery, under Capt. W. W. Frybarger. October, 1862, he was promoted to Lieutenant, and February, 1863, at Knoxville, Tenn. , he was appointed Assistant Chief of Artillery, and Chief of Ordnance Department of Ohio, with rank and pay of Major. He served his country, in all, over three and a half years. After his return home he was married, December 18, 1865, to Miss Sarah M. Hanson, born October 10, 1837. By this union one child has been born - Mary A. March 28, 1866, Mr. Ross engaged in the grocery business with M. C. Buckley, continuing up to February 1, 1868, at which time he sold out. After a short season of rest, our subject formed, in 1869, a partnership with Mr. Leonard in same business, and this firm existed up to 1871, when he purchased Mr. Leonard's interest, conducting the business alone up to"1873. He then sold a half-interest to Mr. Morrison, a clerk whom the Major had educated to the business. The "firm of Ross & Morrison existed up to September 12, 1882, when our subject sold out and accepted the appointment of Postmaster February 1, 1883. ' Maj. Ross was also Assessor of Internal Revenue from December 23, 1871, to February, 1873, and Revenue Collector from March 10, 1874, to February, 1876. Our subject prospered in all his undertakings. He has tilled all the positions of trust with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the people. He is a member of I. O. O. F. and Encampment, also Q. A. R.

JOHN B. SALYER, Connersville, is the honored Superintendent of Fayette County Infirmary. He is known as one of the most placid-tempered men of the county, and is therefore made the subject of many practical jokes, which he is ever able to reciprocate with a completeness and facility peculiar only to himself. His even temper is perhaps hereditary rather than acquired, as his father and uncle (to him ever equal masters during his minority) dwelt together and reared families in the same house, holding their property in common, with twenty children as the result of their respective unions. His parents were Charles and Margaret (Waters) Salyer, natives of Carolina and Virginia respectively, and of English and Irish descent. They came to this county in an early day, and purchased a large tract of land, which the two brothers cultivated in common, at their father's request, as related above. John B., whose name heads this sketch, was born February 14, 1827. He spent his early years in the common family of his father and uncle, employed in the arduous labors of the farm. At the age of twenty-two he was married to Adeline O.sbon, also a native of this county, and by this wife ten children are now living: Andrew J., Richard, Lewis, Ham, Theo, Bode, May A., Belzura, Flora and Maria. For several years after his marriage Mr. Salyer resided on the home farm. He then purchased 140 acres in Jackson Township, where he also lived a number of years. He at length disposed of his farm, however, and embarked in the grocery trade, at Everton, conducting this business three years, holding the office of Postmaster at the same time. After a few years spent in the milling and lumber business, Mr. Salyer returned to the farm, where he was engaged till 1879, in which year he was appointed to his present position of Infirmary Superintendent, an office which he has since retained, and the duties of which he has most faithfully and efficiently discharged.

CHARLES B. SANDERS, City Treasurer, Connersville, Notary Public, insurance and real estate agent, and possessor of the only abstract of titles in the county, is a native of New York, born August 26, 1827. He received a common school education, and at the age of eleven years was taken with necrosis of the left tibia, which confined him to his bed for three years. In 1869 he had his leg amputated three inches below the knee, which gave relief. His father, Eliphalet Sanders, was born in Connecticut, February 22, 1790; died May 19, 1853. His mother was born in New York, September 17, 1794; died April 18, 1881. In early life Charles B., as far as health would permit, followed the woolen-mill business. In 1864 he began machinists' work for a livelihood, at which he continued up to 1872, when he was elected County Recorder, and his work being regular he was reelacted in 1876. Mr. Sanders was married April 10, 1853, to Miss Ann P. Caswell, a native ot Ohio, who was born - May 12, 1833, and by this union there is one child - Clinton A. - now a resident of Richmond, and a machinist with the Hoosier Drill Company. Our subject came to this county March 27, 1857. He is a member of I. O. O. F., Subordinate and Encampment; a member of the Presbyterian Church.

JOHN SAVAGE, Connersville, was born in Bangor, Me., December 7,1815;8on of John and Margaret (Campbell) Savage, natives of that vicinity. The family, in company with Daniel Campbell, Jacob Nelson (related) and Henry Welch, in 1815 left Maine for the West, first locating at Columbia, near Cincinnati, where John Savage, Sr., died in the fall of that year. In 1817 the widow and family, with the families of the others mentioned, removed to what is now Fayette County. In 1822 the Widow Savage was married to John Adams, a farmer of Harrison Township, and their home was also the home of our subject until he reached the age of twenty-three years. In March, 1839, Mr. Savage was united in marriage with Melissa Thomas, a native of the State of New York, and a daughter of Jacob Thomas, who settled in Fayette County, Ind., about 1822, having emigrated from Dutchess County, N. Y. By the union of our subject and wife seven children have been born, three of whom are deceased. The living are named Martha v., Margaret C, Ruel I. and Emma. Mr. Savage in early life learned the painting trade, which occupation he has in the main followed through life. In 1859 or 1860 he was elected Sheriff of the county, the duties of which office he performed for four years to the satisfaction of his fellow citizens and with credit to himself. He has also filled other offices of trust. In politics he is a Republican. He is a F. & A. M., one of the oldest members of the fraternity now living in the county.

THOMAS SHAW, grocer, Connersville, was born in Butler County, Ohio, August 1, 1829. He was reared on a farm and received a common school education. His parents, Albin and Ruth (Welch) Shaw, were natives of Butler County, Ohio. The former was born July 6, 1808; the latter was born December 10, 1807, died in July, 1879. The subject of this sketch followed farming up to 1848, in which year he took up the carpenter's trade, following same for a livelihood. In 1862 he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment, from Rush County, Ind. He served two years as a private, receiving slight scalp and hip wounds as lasting mementos of Decatur and Atlanta. In 1864 he retirrned to Connersville and worked for Roots in the foundry, then for Cooley, Morrison &Co., after which he was received as partner. In 1879 he sold out and returned to the foundry, working for one year. In 1881 our subject engaged in the grocery business, continuing in same up to the present time. He was married, August 2, 1850, to Miss Margaret Willie, a native of Butler County, Ohio, and to them were born four children: James E., Alonzo, Martha M., Ida C, all now deceased. His wife died March 16, 1860. Mr. Shaw was again married, on this occasion February 1, 1863, to Caroline Knapp, a native of Rush County, Ind., born October 2, 1829. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Subordinate and Encampment, also of the K. of P. Uniform Rank. He is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

AUGUSTUS M. SINKS, editor and proprietor of the Connersville Times, was born in Bethel, Clermont Co., Ohio, March 27, 1838. He received a common school education in his native village, and subsequently entered what is now known as the National Normal University, at Lebanon, Ohio, where he pur- sued a course of study which completed his scholastic education. Mr. Sinks in early life was engaged in school teaching, during which period he read law under the instruction of Hon. R. W. Clark, of Batavia, Ohio. He was admitted to the bar in 1863, and the same year was honored by the citizens of the county in his election to the office of Clerk of the Courts of the county, the duties of which office he performed with credit to himself and honor to his constituents, for three years. In 1867 he removed to Connersville, Ind., and purchased the office of the Connersville Times, which paper he published in connection with his brothers until in the spring of 1871; he then resumed the practice of law, forming a partnership with Hon. J. M. Wilson, which continued xxntil in the fall of 1876. November 9, 1881, Mr. Sinks, in connection with J. C. Ochiltree, purchased the office of the Times, which paper they together published until July 1, 1884, at which time Mr. Sinks became the sole proprietor. From 1872 to 1878 Mr. Sinks was City Attorney for Connersville. He was also for many years Attorney for the (J., H. & I., Ft. W., C. & M. and W. W. V. Railroads. He has been twice married; first, June 23, 1859, to Miss Mary M. Quinlan, a native of Missouri, born in Weston, May 8, 1842. To this union was born one child - May. Mrs. Sinks died September 10, 1865, and October 18, 1870, Mr. Sinks was united in marriage with Miss Birdie Spangler, at New Liberty, Ky., where she was born May 23, 1850. Our subject is a genial and affable gentleman of scholarly attainments; he possesses a thorough knowledge of law, which eminently qualities him for the field of journalism, which he is successfully following. In politics he is a Republican; his paper, the Times, being the official organ of that jsarty in the county. Mr. Sinks is a member of Chapter and Council; is also a member of the 1. O. O. F. His parents, Randolph M. and Eleanor H. (Clarke) Sinks, are natives of Ohio, born October 15, 1809, and August 5, 1816, respectively. His mother died July 16, 1850.

JOSHUA D, TATMAN. member of firm of Cooley & Tatman, photographers, No. 522 Central Avenue, Connersville, was born near Franklin, Warren Co., Ohio, July 7, 1828. He received a common school education. His father, Stephen Tatman, was born in Delaware, and his mother, Nancy (Ross) Tatman, was a native of Kentucky, born October 16, 1800; died October 10, 1876. They were married November 26, 1815, and came to Indiana in 1841, where he located as a farmer in Franklin County, and there died. In 1865 the subject of this sketch abandoned farm life and learned photography under his brother James. He started in business on his own account in 1872 with his present partner, A. C. Cooley. Mr. Tatman was married, January 11, 1872, to Miss Mary Morris, who was born July 25, 1838, and to this union have been born two children: Willie D., and Frankie M.

THOMPSON F. THOMAS, proprietor of livery, sale and feed stables (with accommodations for 150 horses), located on Central Avenue, between Fifth and Sixth Streets, Connersville, is a genial and courteous young man, born in Benton County, Ind. , October 1, 1857. His parents. Sexton E. and Martha (Alexander) Thomas, are both natives of this county and State, having descended from old pioneer families of this vicinity. Sexton E., with little exception, has followed agricultural pursuits, though for a few years he lived in Connersville, where he followed his son's business, but he has again returned to his farm in Columbia Township. Our subject was raised on the farm, receiving a good common school education. In addition to the above business he conducts a first-class undertaking establishment, and January 26, 1885, he bought the furniture store of W. H. Moyer, and is now carrying on the largest retail furniture store in Connersville. He was united in marriage, July 1, 1878, with Miss Rose Hudson, who was born in Franklin County, Ind., June 2, 1859, and to this union have been born three children: Clair, Lessa and Flosie. Both our subject and his father are Republicans in politics.

ROBERT UTTER, County Treasurer, Connersville, is a native of Fayette County, Ind. , born January 2, 1843; son of Zimri and Susan (Winchel) Utter, natives of New Yoi-k, former born August 14, 1796, the latter born June 11, 1798; they located in this county in 1816; were married December 25, 1817. Zimri Utter died January 30, 1880, his wife November 6, 1864. Robert Utter received a good common school education. He farmed until August 22, 1862, when he enlisted in Company L, Third Indiana Cavalry, under Capt. O. M. Powers, in Gen. Kilpatrick's command, serving until July 20, 1865, when he was mustered out of service and returned to the farm. January 17, 1867, Mr. Utter was married to Miss Mary F. Jones, a native of this county, born July 12, 1842, and to this union were born three children: Ottis, Eva (deceased May 30, 1884) and Nellie. In the fall of 1880 Mr. Utter was elected County Treasurer and re-elected in 1882. He was elected Trustee of Columbia Township two terms - 1868 and 1869. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and G. A. R.

RICHARD G. WAIT, a third member of the firm of Downs, Ready & Co., was born in Ohio in 1850; son of Richard and Mary (Woolison) Wait, natives of England. They came to this country when young, were married in the State of New York, and about 1839 moved to Ohio and settled in Hamilton County, where they are still residing. Six of their nine children are now living: John, Charlotte, Carrie, Ann, Mary and Richard G. The subject of our sketch remained the usual twenty-one years with his parents. He learned the carpenter's trade with his father, and was two years engaged at Indianapolis. In 1875 he came to Connersville, and since that time has been continually engaged in contracting and building. In 1877 he purchased an interest in the mill with which he is now connected, sold out a year later, and in 1882 repurchased. Mr. Wait was married, in 1871, to Lizzie White, a native of Dearborn County, Ind., and daughter of James and Esther White. Her father was born in South Carolina, from whence he came when a youth to this State, and her mother was born on the voyage to this country from England. Her parents are still living at Harrison, Ohio. By this union three children are living: Harry, Essie and an infant not named; two others died in infancy. Mr. Wait is a Republican in politics, and may be classed among the most energetic and industrious of Connersville's business men.

ANTHONY WATT, general manager of Connersville Gas Light Company, is a native of Penn.sylvania, born in Philadelphia, March 1, 1823, and had a common school education. His father, John Watt, was born in Ireland; his mother, Edith (Rue) Watt, in Bucks County, Penn., in 1793, and died in 187-4. In the spring of 1844 Mr. Watt located in Connersville and clerked for Elliott & Bro. ; was sent to Alquina with a branch store, remaining one year, thence went to Harrisburg. In 1848 Elliott & Bro. moved their stock to Connersville, and Mr. Watt engaged in general business at Harrisburg for himself, carrying on a farm in addition. In 1867 he moved his business to Connersville, but lived in Harrisburg. In 1873 he closed out his business and moved his family to Connersville, where he accepted the position of Deputy Auditor, in which he continued for eighteen months. December 25, 1875, he engaged in his present business. During Mr. Watt's sojourn at Harrisburg he was Postmaster. Our subject was maiTied in October, 1852, to Miss Malinda Murphy, who was born in July, 1833, and to this union was born one son - John R - who is now engaged in Indianapolis as book-keeper. Mr. Watt is a member of the I. O. O. F. and Encampment, of which he is Financial Scribe; also Warren Lodge No. 15, F. & A. M., Maxwell Chapter No. 18, R. A. M., and Fayette Council No. 6, R. & S. M., acting as Secretary of all these Masonic branches. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

ELIAS WEBSTER, physician, Connersville, was born in Fayette County, Penn., October 31, 1805, son of William and Mary (Marsh) Webster, natives of New Jersey, the former born January 3, 1773, the latter February 5, 1779. They moved to Ohio, May 1, 1806, locating in Butler County, twenty-five miles north of Cincinnati. Mr. Webster died December 29, 1846; his widow May 8, 1864. The subject of this sketch received a common school education and in 1822 embarked in the tanner's trade, which he followed for ten years. He then prosecuted farming in connection with other enterprises up to 1871, when he moved to Connersville. In November, 1804, he came to this county. Our subject read medicine at home, and attended lectures at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1850 and 1851, receiving his diploma February 12, 1874, from the Homaopathic college. The Doctor began the practice of medicine in 1835 and has continued up to the present. He was married, September 8, 1825, to Miss Mary Kain, who was born in Warren County, Ohio, January 5, 1809, and to this union were born nine children: William, physician at Dayton, Ohio; Samuel, born September 10, 1829, died November 11, 1832; Hugh, born March 3, 1832, died October 1, 1833; James K., a physician in Florida; Joseph M., farmer near town; Taylor, born August 7, 1841, died September 11, 1882; Daniel, born July 10, 1843, died May 11, 1883; Sarah A., born January 13, 1846, now the wife of Rev. A. H. Jevis, and Mary J., born December 23, 1854, died August 11, 1855. Mrs. Webster died September 28, 1867, and our subject was again married October 31, 1871, on this occasion to Mrs. Mary P. Doughty, a native of Kentucky, born October 15, 1818. The Doctor is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

THOMAS WHITE (deceased) one of the early settlers of this county, was born in Tennessee in the year 1803. In 1813 his father with the rest of the family crossed the Ohio River from Tennessee, but trouble with the Indians made it necessary for them to return to the fortifications at Hamilton. In 1815, however, they located in this county and for some time were much annoyed by the Indians, who were then savage and troublesome. They purchased 160 acres of land in the east part of this township, Mr. White making some of the payments by cutting cord wood in the vicinity of Cincinnati. They resided here until about 1838, when they moved to Madison County, Ind., where the father died a few years later, the mother about 1852 or 1853. Thomas White resided with his parents till grown to maturity. In November, 1830, he married Elizabeth Douglass, who was born in Preble County, Ohio, in 1813, a daughter of William and Cora N. (Cassady) Douglass, also natives of Ohio. Her grandfather came from Wales and was a lineal descendant of the old Douglass family so famous in history and romance. The Cassadys were of Irish descent and of an old and prominent fam- ily. After his marriage Mr. White inherited a portion of the old homestead in this county, and pixrchased the remainder. He followed farming till 1861, when he retired from active service and moved to Connersville, where he died in 1863. He was a man of tirm convictions, scrupulous honesty, and greatly reverenced by his family. Mr. and Mrs. White reared no children of their own, but adopted a sister's son, John T. White, who has always lived with the family. John T. was born in 1843 and in 1876 married Anna R. Halbert, a native of Maryland, and daughter of Samuel Halbert. By this marriage three children were born: Thomas H., Elizabeth R. and James D. Mr. White is a carpenter by trade; a member of the K. of P., Uniform Rank; is a member of the Christian Church. The family has been identified with the history of the county from the earliest periods, and its name will long be remembered and cherished.

CHARLES R. WILLIAMS, Deputy Auditor, Connersville, was born in Fayette County, Ind. , June 10, 1830, and received a good common school education. His father, Charles, was born in New York, November 23, 1791, and died March 1, 1868. His mother, Lydia (Jobs) Williams, was born in Pennsylvania,. April 16, 1800, and now resides with her son Ambrose, in Harrison Township. These old pioneers came to Indiana in 1814, and located in what is now Fairview Township. The subject of this sketch taught school from 1848 to 1869, in the winter season, farming during the summer. He was married, August 3, 1851, to Miss Caroline Ellis, of this county, who was born November 11, 1833. They have been blessed with the following children: Frank; Rose E. ; Alice C; Olive, died September 27, 1861; Manor L., died September 30, 1861; Laura; Eliza E.; Harriet E. ; Roy L. ; Bert and Charles. In 1858 our subject was elected County Surveyor, serving two years. In 1864 he was drafted three times, furnishing two substitutes, but finally went in person, serving five months in Company C, One Hundred and Thirtieth Ind. V. I. returning with no worse damage than a depleted pocket-book. As a reward of merit, in October, 1874, Mr. Williams was elected County Auditor, and re-elected in October, 1878, discharging the duties of the office with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents.

CASS WOLF, brick-maker and Street Commissioner, Connersville, is a native of Germany, born in Baden, June 29, 1846; son of Ignatz and Magdalene (Ufheil) Wolf, also natives of Baden. Our subject received a good common school education, and with his mother came to America in 1854, locating in Huntington County, Ind. In 1864 he went to Indianapolis, where he remained until 1878; thence moved to Jennings County, where he farmed for three years; thence to Rushville, where he opened up a brick-yard, and in 1881 he came to Connersville, where he engaged in the manufacture of brick. Mr. Wolf was married June 6, 1872, to Miss Kate Cullins, a native of Marion County, Ind., born March 14, 1854, and three children were born to this union: Nannie G , born August 30, 1873; Bessie L., born July 1, 1876; and Daisy, born May 28, 1883. Mr. Wolf was appointed Street Commissioner in May, 1884.

GEORGE W. WOOLSEY, druggist, Connersville, was born in Evansville, Ind., March 8, 1847, and received a good education. He was raised in a drug store, and has followed no other business for past twenty-five years. In 1860 he went to LaSalle, 111., and clerked in his father's drug store. In 1871 he engaged in business at Toledo, Ohio, where he remained four years; thence went to Carroll, 111., where he was with Barclay Bros. In 1881 he came to Connersville, and purchased D. W. Andre's drug store, where he has established a lucrative wholesale and retail trade, carrying a general line of drugs and patent medicines, Sherwin paints, oils, varnishes, window glass, toilet goods, pure wines and liquors for medical purposes only. He also devotes his time to compounding the following valuable medicines for the trade: Penetrating oil, compound syrup wild cherry, extract Jamaica ginger, elixir buchu, juniper and acetate potash, Woolsey's salve, camphor ice, bouquet cologne, compound syrup sarsaparilla with iodide potassium, cocoanut hair oil, etc., etc., on which he gives liberal discount. Mr. Woolsey was married January 30, 1881, to Miss Mary Kinzle, a native of Pennsylvania, who was born May 10, 1860. He is a member of the K. of P. and I. O. O. F.

CURTIS WRIGHT, Connersville, formerly Secretary and Treasurer and now President of the Cooley-Morrison Furniture Manufacturing Association and now one of its principal stock -holders, was born in 1844, in Stark County, 111., where his early days were spent. He is a son of Capt. W. W. Wright, who lost his life in the battle of Resaca, in 1864. His mother, Mrs. Ann M. Wright, now resides at Champaign, 111. At the age of eighteen Mr. Wright enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer Infantry (T. J. Henderson, Colonel; W. W. Wright, Captain,) and continued in the service three years. He participated in thirty-five recorded battles, receiving his discharge in 1865. Soon after leaving the army he began railroad work as bill clerk, at Cincinnati, and by his fidelity and efficiency rose through the various positions in the company's service to that of Superintendent of the telegraph department, also having charge of the general ticket office during a part of that time. He remained in the employ of the railroad company about ten years, and then embarked in the furniture business, in which he has since continued. He purchased an interest in the Cooley-Morrison Furniture Manufactui-ing Association, became its Secretary and Treasurer, and exerted a leading influence in bringing it up from virtual bankruptcy to its present standing of prosperity. The institution is the outgrowth of the firm Cooley, Morrison & Co., and the Cooley, Gregg & Go's establishment, and was incorporated under the law of the State. It was formerly a stock company enterprise, but is now controlled by C. Wright, T. J. Rittenhouse and R. 0. Wright, with a capital of 150,000. The factory gives employment to about one hundred workmen, and has a capacity of 350 pieces per week. Mr. Wright was married in 1869 to Nira Koogler, daughter of Dr. Koogler, of Connersville, and a native of Ohio. She is a niece of Gen. Crook, of Indian fame, and who, dxiring the summer of 1883, received so much notice from the newspaper world. The fruits of this marriage are seven children, all now living: Bessie C, Nira, Annie M., Curtis, Jr., Nathaniel W., May and William W. Mr. Wright is a member of the G. A. R., also of the Presbyterian Church. He is an industrious, practical business man, and possesses in a large degree those qualities of character in which the elements of success are inherent.

ROBERT C. WRIGHT, the junior member of the Cooley-Morrison Furniture Manufacturing Association, Connersville, was born in Stark County, 111., in 1852 ; son of Capt. W. W. Wright. His early years were devoted to farming in his native county, where he remained till his twenty-fifth year. He then studied law with Judge Wright, of Toulon, 111., and practiced his profession till 1881, when he came to Connersville and purchased an interest in the manufacturing establishment already referred to in sketch of Curtis Wright. Our subject is a young man of sterling qualities, both of mind and heart.

WILLIAM N. YOUNG, County Recorder, Connersville, is a native of Wayne County, Ind., born December 7, 1845. He was raised on a farm and had a common school education. His fatber, William, was a farmer and school teacher, born in Maryland, August 2, 1822; moved to Indiana in 1837; died October 2, 1851. His mother, Rebecca Y. (Bennett) Young, was born in Wayne County, Ind., August 12, 1823; died October 19, 1863. They were married February 25, 18-i4, and in the spring of 1846 they moved to this county, where they resided until their death. William N., at the age of sixteen, enlisted in Company H, Thirty-sixth Regiment I. V. I., served three years and was discharged as Corporal. He then attended school until the spring of 1865, when he enlisted in Company F, Fifth U. S. Vet. V. I., serving till March, 1866. He then went to school and taught until 1880, at which time he was elected Recorder, being re-elected in 1882 for four years. Mr. Young was married, September 3, 1868, to Miss Eliza J. Chrisman, a native of Fayette County, born June 9, 1849. By this union two children were born: William G. and Alva L. Mr. Young is a member of the I. O. O. F., K. of P. and G. A. R. In politics he is a Republican.

S. ADAMS, farmer and manufacturer, Connersville Township, is a native of the State of New York, born April 14, 1825, son of W. T. and Elizabeth (Fruits) Adams, natives of New York and Kentucky respectively; married in Indiana. They subsequently moved to the State of New York, remaining until about 1845 or 1846; then returned to Indiaaa, where they resided during the rest of their lives, respected and honored. W. T. Adams was by occupation a pump manufacturer, and did a largo business. The early years of our subject wore passed in his native State, and at about the age of nineteen or twenty he settled in Franklin County, Ind., where he remained about one year; then removed to Fayette County, where with little exception he has since resided and been engaged in manufacturing and dealing in pumps, in which line he has done an extensive and successful business. He has been four times married. His first wife was Mary A. Barlow, who lived but two years. His second wife was Eleanor P.Clark, by whom he had four children, three of whom are now living: Mary M. , Elnora and Queen. After the death of this wife Mr. Adams married Phoebe J. Crandel, and after her death he was united in marriage with Amelia J. Enos, his present wife, who is a native of Butler County, Ohio, a daughter of William and Rebecca Enos. Mr. Adams, one of the substantial men of Fayette County, has served as Treasurer of East Connersville, and was several years School Trustee. In politics he is a Republican.

Mary (Tucker) Ayers, former born in Pennsylvania, latter in Ireland, being three years old when her parents came to America. In 1828 Henry Ayers with his family settled two miles north of Connersville, where they lived live years. He was a cooper by trade. In 1833 he settled on the present Jeffrie farm, same township, living there till 1837, at which time they settled permanently on the land now owned by Levi Ayers, Posey Township. Henry Ayers died in 1848 in the sixty-sixth year of his age. His widow died in 1851, aged sixty -two years. They had nine children: Harriet, Levi, Henry W., Mary, Israel, Henrietta, Phoebe, Julia and Jane. Mr. Ayers served in the war of 1812 and 1814, being stationed at Detroit. Our subject passed his boyhood days under disadvantageous circumstances, and of learning he acquired but little; of hard work and privations he had plenty. In 1835 he was married to Susan, daughter of Alexander Jennings, and by this union were born eleven children: Sarah J., William, Mary, Phoeba A., Eliza, John, Jonathan, America, Emma, Flora, Minerva (deceased). Mr. Ayers owns an excellent farm of 128 acres, splendidly improved and in a high state of cultivation. The family hold membership in the Christian Church and are among its stanch supporters. Politically Mr. Ayers is an uncompromising Republican.

OSCAR M. BACKHOUSE, farmer, Connersville Township, was born in Fayette County, Ind., May 31, 1855, son of Samuel B. and Nancy (Milner) Backhouse, the former born in Harrison County, Ohio, October 2, 1815, and the latter in Fayette County, Ind., March 18, 1822. They were married in this county and here they settled. Mr. Backhouse died May 30, 1881; his widow is still living with her son> our subject. Their children were as follows: Ella W., Helen S., Josie M. (deceased), Captolia and Oscar M., who is the third in point of age, and the only son. He was married in this county July 18, 1870, to Mollie E., daughter of Joseph W. and Almira(Tyner) Caldwell, who was born in this county July 16, 1858. After our subject's marriage he settled on the farm where he now lives. Their children are as follows: Lena M., born May 29, 1877; EvaF., born June 9,1879; Willie O., born January 24, 1881; and Carl M., born August 16, 1883.

JOHN BAKER, farmer, Fairview Township, was born in Bourbon County, Ky., February 14, 1803. His parents, Abraham and Elizabeth (Fife) Baker, were natives of Maryland and Kentucky, respectively. Abraham Baker, born July 7, 1764, was a son of John and Mary Baker,who, in an early day, moved from Maryland to Kentucky, and there resided the balance of their days. His wife was a daughter of Abijah and Ellen Fife. They were married in Mason County, Ky., March 18, 1800; after marriage they settled in Bourbon County, Ky., remaining until 1824, when they moved to this county, where Mrs. Baker died October 5, 1826. They had a family of eight children: David, John, Harrison, Mahala, Nancy, Ellen, Eliza, and Daniel. Mr. Baker subsequently married Margaret Stephens. They were exemplary members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Baker was a Jacksonian Democrat in early and middle life, but subsequently became a Whig. He died January 17, 1842. John, our subject, the second in the family, came with his parents to this county in 1824. In 1826 he returned to his native county, and there married, December 12, same year, Mary Hannah, born in Bourbon County, Ky., October 30, 1801, daughter of Joseph Hannah, a native of Ireland. To this union were born the following-named children: Elizabeth, John H., Eliza M., Sarah M., Harriet, James S. , Mary J., and David. In February following their marriage our subject and wife moved to this county, settling on the farm where he has since resided. Mrs. Baker died December 2, 1858. Our subject began life at the foot of the hill, but by judicious use of his time, and hard labor, he gradually worked his way up until he had amassed a landed estate of 260 acres. August 7, 1882, he met with a painful accident, dislocating or breaking his hip bone, and has since been deprived of the use of his body. Politically he is a Republican.

AZARIAH T. BECKETT, farmer, Jackson Township, was born in Franklin County, Ind., December 16, 1816; son of William and Doshia (Thorn) Beckett, natives .of Pennsylvania. The father of William and grandfather of Azariah T. was a native of Ireland, and was in that country educated for a Catholic priest. On immigrating to America he settled in Pennsylvania, abandoned the priesthood, and was married. He subsequently removed to the vicinity of Hamilton, Ohio, where his death occurred. The father of our subject settled in what is now Jackson Township, this county, in 1814, where he entered some 320 acres of land. He succeeded well in life and at one time had accumulated considerable property, which, however, was subsequently lost. He was a Captain in the Militia during muster days, and for some years served as Justice of the Peace. He was three times married, having by his first wife six children, by his second (nee Katie Lynch) four, and by his last wife four. Our subject commenced life a poor boy, and had the advantages of only a very limited common school education. He worked by the month, and by such earnings was enabled to begin the purchase of the property where he at present resides. He owns now over 500 acres of excellent and well-improved land, and has besides settled about 350 acres on his children.

which furnishes a fair illustration of the thrift and enterprise of this gentleman. On December 27, 1838, Mr. Beckett was united in marriage with Miss Emily Ross, who was born July 17, 1814. To this union were born seven children: William E., born November 8, 1839; Joseph, born July 9, 1841; Clementine, born January 8, 1843 (died March 17, 1801); Caroline, born December 7, 1844; Theodore, born March 11, 1847 (died August 30, 1848); Marian, born September 25, 1849 (died April 11, 18G1), and Azariah T., Jr., born January 31, 1852. Of the sons, Joseph was a member of the Thirty-sixth Regiment, Ind. V. I. ; died at Nashville, Tenn., in defense of his country and the flag he loved. The mother died October 28, 1881. Mr. Beckett has been twice appointed to the office of County Commissioner to fill out two vacancies, and was subsequently elected by the people to serve four terms, officiating in all about fourteen years. He has also been chosen to till minor offices - as School Director, Township Trustee, etc. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., having been the first man initiated in that order in Everton. He is a F. & A. M. Politically, Mr. Beckett votes the Republican ticket. In every way he is a good citizen, one of the substautial men of Fayette County. He is public-spirited, and generous to a fault in giving to the church and other worthy enterprises.

THEODORE BEESON, farmer, Posey Township, is a native of Fayette County, Ind., born March 17, 1845; a descendant of an old and highly respected family, his parents being Templeton and Sarah A. (Loder) Beeson, natives of Indiana. They were married in Wayne County, and shortly afterward moved to Rush County, where they remained a short time, and from thence came to this county, settling in Posey Township, where the father died in January, 1881. His widow is still living, and resides on the old homestead. Their family were: Isabelle, Leroy, Theodore, Edgar, Charles, and Williard. Our subject was married in Wayne County, February 18,

1874, to Malinda, daughter of Benjamin and Nancy (Sellers) Harvey, and born in Wayne County, Ind., February 14, 1853, and to this union one child - Harvey T. - was born in Rush County, Ind., May 9,

1875. After his marriage Mr. Beeson moved to Rush County, where be owned land, and in 1881 came to this county and settled on the farm where he now lives, and which he had purchased previously. He owns 128 acres of land in this county and 160 in Rush.

B. L. BENSON, dealer and importer of fine-bred hogs, Fairview Township, was born in Rush County, Ind., July 11, 1842. His parents were John H. and Mary (Minor) Benson, the former born in Maryland, March 2, 1802, and the latter in Kentucky, December 23, 1809. They were married in Pendleton County, Ky., and moved thence, in an early day, to Rush County, Ind., where they resided. Mrs. Benson died January 28, 1868. Mr. Benson is still a resident of Rush County, this State. Their children were John S., Ann, Martin, Walter M., Emily, Pendleton A., Beverly L., Luther and Richard. Our subject wa8 married in Rush County, Ind., November 10, 1869, to Ellen G., daughter of Garrett and Nancy (Groves) Wikoff, and born in Rush County, Ind., February 10, 1847. To this union were born two children: Lena and Gertie. After marriage Mr. Benson settled in Fairview Township, where for four years he engaged in the manufacture of carriages. After this he moved on the farm where he at present resides.

D. E. BEVER, farmer, Orange Township, was born in Rush ('ounty, Ind., November 12, 1832; son of John and Elizabeth (Heaton) Bever, natives of Kentucky and Indiana, respectively. John Bever was a son of Michael Bever, Sr., a native of Kentucky, born in 1779, and immigrated in 1817 to Rush County, Ind., where he remained until death. He was twice married, and had eleven children (five by his first wife); Susan, John, Elijah, Isaac, Elizabeth, David, Margaret, Nancy, Anna, Jane, and one who died ia infancy. The father of our subject was born near Lexington, Fayette Co., Ky., in 1806, and came with his parents to Rush County, Ind.', in 1818, where he and Elizabeth, daughter of John and Rachel H. Heaton, were united in marriage. They afterward settled in Orange Township, Payette Co., Ind., remaining some time, and subsequently purchased and moved on a farm in Rush County, where he has since resided. His wife died in 1864 and he subsequently married Mary Hildreth. His children were as follows: Paulina (deceased), David E., John, Michael (deceased), James, Margaret H., Alice (deceased), Thomas, Morrison, George, Benjamin by his first wife and one by his second marriage, who died in infancy; our subject being the second in the family. He was married in Fayette County, Ind., January 4, 1853, to Elizabeth Stephen, and shortly afterward settled on the farm which he now owns and where his wife died March 27, 1855. He subsequently married Lavina Stephen, a sister of the first wife, and who died August 23, 1863. Mr. Bever was again married, March 29, 1864, this time to Martha E. Stephen, a cousin of his previous wives. His children were Vincent (deceased), by first marriage ; Amanda, Samuel T., Rhoda J., by second wife, and Elizabeth, Lepha, Edis, Clifford W., Daisy, Mattie, Adolph (deceased), and Orville by his present wife.

5, 1830; Bon of Stephen C. and Jane (Ludlow) Bilby the former born in Pennsylvania, September 26,1802, a son of John Bilby, a native of England, and vyhose father, a very v?ealthy man, was an officer of the King's Bench. John Bilby, when a young man, was invited to participate in a ball given on the occasion of the christening of a new ship. A large crowd of wealthy young people were present (he was the only member of his father's family) and, all intent on having a good time, did not notice that the vessel had set sail, until, in the morning, they found themselves out of sight of land. They were relieved of their fine clothes, jewelry and other valuables and brought to the United States, then involved in its war with Great Britain. John Bilby participated in the Revolutionary war; subsequently settled in Pennsylvania, where he remained until his death. He was twice married and had a large family of children. Stephen C. (father of our subject) when quite young went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and learned the blacksmith's trade of George 0. Miller. He was married in New Richmond, same State, to Jane Ludlow, born in Clermont, Ohio, March 3, 1805, daughter of Henry and Sarah (Williamson) Ludlow. To this union were born Julia A., Viola, Salone, Francis M. , Albert G., Jasper N. and Elizabeth J. After marriage Stephen Bilby settled in Newtown and engaged in his trade until 1829, when he moved to Fayette County, Ind., and here died January 16, 1873. His widow survived him until February 24, 1884. Our subject was educated at Fairview Academy, Rush County, Ind., and taught school for several years. He was married, December 10, 1854, to Dorcas A. Atlierton, born in Hamilton County, Ohio, February 17, 1832, daughter of Stout and Mary A. (Sater) Atherton. They have ten children: Charles M., Emerson A., Florence J., Clara O., Elmore W., Mariannia, Alva E., Morten L., Palmer T. and Sherman. After marriage they settled in Harrison Township, but in a year moved to Posey Township, remaining there until 1866, when he purchased the farm in this township on which he has since resided. He owns over 600 acres of land.

EMERSON A. BILBY, farmer, Columbia Township, son of Francis M. and Dorcas A. Bilby, was born in this county, November 13, 1856. He was here married, September 6, 1881, to Rboda J., also a native of this county, born June 6, 1862, daughter of David E. and Lovina Bever, of Orange Township. One child deceased in infancy was born to this union. After marriage Mr. Bilby settled on his father's farm and after remaining one winter purchased and moved on his present farm, where he has since resided. He owns 116 acres of well-improved land. He is an energetic and much respected young man.

Township, was born June 4, 1814, ou the well cultivated farm where he has ever since resided. His parents, Benjamin and Sarah (Harwood) Booe, were natives of one of the Carolinas, and soon after their marriage removed to Green County, Ky., where they resided some five years, then settled in Boone County, Ky., where Mr. Booe entered the United States service in the war of 1812. In December, 1813, he located on the farm where George W. now resides, and here the parents passed the remainder of their lives, the father dying in 1839, and the mother in 1844. Our subject, strictly speaking, is one of the pioneers of this section, and has passed through the many privations usually undergone in the clearing up of a new country. It is claimed for him that he was the first white child born in the county west of the West Fork of Whitewater River. He is familiar with the Indian scenes of his early life, having frequently come in contact with the various bands then roaming through this country, well knowing the Chief Ben Davis, elsewhere referred to iu this work. In October, 1836, Mr. Booe was united in man-iage with Elizabeth Moffett, a native of Tennessee, daughter of Samuel and Mary (Doddleson) Moffett, natives of Ireland, and to them have been born eight childi-en.

ROBERT C. BRATTEN, Superintendent of Cemetery, Connersville Township, was born in Staunton, Va., September 28, 1810, son of Peter and Frances (Patterson) Bratten, natives of Pennsylvia and Virginia respectively. When our subject was qaite young his parents moved to Boone County, Ky., where Robert C. grew up and learned the brick and stone mason trade, which he followed until 1866. In 1831 he removed to Grant County, Ky., and in 1835 to the State of Indiana, locating at Lawrenceburg, where he remained until 1841, when he removed to Connersville, and here, since 1866, he has been occupied as the Superintendent of the City Cemetery, a position he has filled so long very acceptably to the citizens of the city and vicinity. On the 6th of March, 1832, Mr. Bratten was married to Harriet Woody ard, which union has been blessed with ten children, all of whom except one are deceased. In politics Mr. Bratten is a Republican. His first Presidential vote was cast for Jackson. He voted the Democratic ticket until the birth of the Republican party, with which he has since affiliated. Both himself and wife have been for forty years or more members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They are respected and esteemed citizens.

MICHAEL BROWN (deceased), late of Jennings Township, was born in Lebanon County, Penn., where he resided till 1835, when he removed with his family in a one-horse wagon to this county, but subsequently settled in Union County, Ind. He had nine children, four of whom were born in Pennsylyania: Samuel, Cyrus, Mary, Catherine, Elizabeth, Daniel, Hettie, Henry and John. Mr. Brown died November 13, 1879, his wife having preceded him August 19, 1879. Both were members of the Lutheran Church. Samuel Brown, one of the two representatives of their father's family in this county (the other being his brother Daniel, in East Connersville), was born in Lebanon County, Penn., January 21, 1822. His education was received principally in the subscription schools of Indiana. Being a poor boy, these advantages were very much curtailed by his having to work for a living. He started out in life working in the harvest lield at $6.00 per month and thus got a start. His lirst marriage, in 1841, was with Elizabeth, daughter of Garland Stanley, by whom he had two children, Albert S. and Preston, and Mrs. Brown dying in 1848, at the age of thirtyone years, he married in 1849, for his second wife Sarah Stanley, sister of his first wife. By this union were born two children : Nathan and Joseph. This Mrs. Brown died in 1867, aged sixty- four years. In 1869 Mr. Brown then married for his third wife Sarah Ellen, daughter of Nathan Stanley, who has borne him one child - Charley. Samuel Brown has prospered in life, and now owns 174 acres of excellent land, after settling his children in good homes. He is a self-made man in the strongest sense of the word, and is a respected and progressive citizen. He has held the ofiEce of Township Trustee seven years, and in the transaction of public business has shown good executive ability.

CHARLES H. BROWN, farmer, Connersville Township, was born in Connersville, Ind., August 28, 1840. His parents, William S. and Nancy (Martin) Brown, were natives of Pennsylvania and Indiana, respectively, the former born April 15, 1816, and the latter November 30, 1818. They were married at Connersville, Ind., July 29, 1839, where they remained until 1850, at which time they moved to Connersville Township and purchased a farm on Section 4, where he engaged in farming and remained until 1862, when he moved to a farm on Section 5, which he had purchased previously, and there remained until his death, which occurred April 24, 1883. His widow still lives on the farm. Their children are Charles H., Thomas M., George W., Sarah J. and Mary E. Our subject was married in this county, August 29, 1861, to Margaret E., daughter of Richard W. and Phoebe (Carter) Williams, who was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, February 9, 1840. Their family numbers seven children: Edwin F., Laura Y., William E., Richard E., Mary E., Cora B. and Alva M. In 1870 Mr. Brown moved on the farrn where he has since resided. He owns 160 acres of fertile land, well-improved, with a fine residence and a magnificent fish pond in front, which he constructed in 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOHN W. BROWN, farmer, Jackson Township, a native of Fayette County, Ind., was born December 2, 1842; son of Barnet and Sarah A. (Smith) Brown, former a native of Maryland, latter of Pickens District, S. C, and immigrated to Indiana in 1812, where Barnet Brown followed farming until his death. Our subject received a common school education. He was married May 19, 1867, to Miss Adelia I. Campbell, who was born June 2, 1849, which union has resulted in the birth of seven children: Charles M., Cora M., Minnie, William, Gertrude (died in infancy), Jasper and Ada. Mr. Brown is a F. & A. M., and a member of Ireland Grange, No. 1749. He belongs to the Universalist Church; an industrious, honest, upright citizen, highly respected by all his neighbors. He resides on Section 26.

JOHN BUCHANAN (deceased) was born in Washington County, Va., July 25, 1784. His parents, Joseph and Ann (Wilson) Buchanan, were natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania respectively. Mr. Buchanan was engaged in farming in his native county till about twenty-five years of age. In 1818 he moved to Indiana and located in this county, where in 1820 he was married to Maria Smith, also a native of Washington County, Va., born in 1804 and a daughter of Tobias and Martha (Washam) Smith, who were born in the same county; came in 1812 to this county, where the mother died in 1818, the father in 1836. About 1821 Mr. Buchanan purchased fifty acres of land, where his widow still resides, and to this he added till he owned 140 acres. Here he closed his life about 1867. He was always of a quiet disposition, and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. Mrs. Buchanan is still living and is well preserved for one of her years. They were among the first settlers of the county and endured many hardships through their long lives of earnest toil. Mrs. Buchanan has given the charge of her farm to her nephew, Tobias Smith, who was born in Marion County, Ind., in 1855. His parents, Robert and Nancy (Sweeney) Smith, were natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively, and came to this State in 1811. They are still living in Marion County. Mr. Smith resided with his parents till he was twenty-one years of age, and then began operations for himself. In 1878 he assumed charge of Mrs. Buchanan's farm, where he has since been engaged. He was married, in 1882, to Lizzie Sesserman, a daughter of Adam and Nancy (Bryant) Sesserman, and they have one child - Edward - born in 1883. Mr. Smith is an in-

C. H. BUNDRANT, farmer, Connersville Township, one of the early settlers and old residents of this township, was born in Virginia, March 12, 1822, son of Thomas and Susan (Lockett) Bundrant, also natives of Virginia, and who came to this county in 1830, where they died live years later, former in May, latter in September, 1835. Thomas Bundrant was a soldier in the war of 1812, and marched on foot from Harper's Ferry, Va., to Natchez, Miss. The paternal ancestors of our subject immigrated to this country from France ])rior to the Revolutionary war. At the death of his parents Mr. Bundrant was " bound out," as was the custom of those days, to William Brown, a tanner, whose widow still resides in Connersville. He served an apprenticeship of six years at this trade, and was subsequently Mr. Brown's partner in the business five years. He then purchased his present farm of eighty-five acres, on which he has since been engaged in the quiet pursuits of agriculture. He was married, May 13, 1852, to Misa Jane Branson, of Henry County, Ind. , daughter of William and Sarah (Pickering) Branson, and this union is blessed by one child - Edward L. Mr. Bundrant is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; was formerly connected with the order of Sons of Temperance. His father's family, which was large, was early scattered among various States. Mary, wife of Mr. Waters, now resides in Kansas; Frances, wife of Mr. Williams, resides at Muncie, Ind. ; Adaline, now Mrs. Jordan, resides with her brother C. H. Mr. Bundrant has always lived a quiet life, and is highly esteemed in the community. In temperance work he has ever been a warm advocate; in politics an uncompromising Republican.

JOHN JONES BURK, farmer, Jennings Township, was born in Baltimore County, Md., October 2, 1803. He is a son of Ulie and Rachel (Jones) Burk, natives of Maryland, who removed to Hamilton County, Ohio, in October of 1809, the trip being accomplished by team, consuming one month's time. Here they died at advanced ages. Our subject was six years old then, and was eai'ly inured to the hardships of the pioneer's life, with little or no advantages for securing an education. He was manned, in Hamilton County, Ohio, September 14, 1826, to Nancy Snyder, born in Pennsylvania March 6, 1809, a daughter of John and Frances (Barr) Snyder, Pennsylvanians of German descent. In 1832 Mr. Burk left Hamilton County, Ohio, and settled in Dearborn County, Ind., and in October, 1835, he moved to this township, having, the previous March, purchased 160 acres of land for which he paid $15.55 per acre. He began life poor, but with the help rendered him by his estimable wife, with whom he lived fifty years, he overcame every obstacle and at one time owned 1,260 acres of land, 300 of which were in this county. He has tilled the offices of Justice of the Peace three terms and Township Trustee two terms. Mr. Burk has belonged to the Baptist Church for twenty years; his wife was also a member of the same denomination, as are the most of his children, eleven in all, ten of whom are now living; Mary J., Andrew J. (deceased), Sarah, Nancy, Rachel A., Maria F., Rebecca E. , Emily A., John S. , Greene and Stephen. Mrs. Burk died July 7, 1878. Mr. Burk has been a life-long Democrat and cast his first vote for " Old Hickory," Andrew Jackson.

DANIEL BURRIS, farmer, Waterloo Township, was born in Fauquier County, Va., in 1817; son of Philip and Susan Burris, who located in Washington Township, Wayne Co., Ind., in 1830. They had seven children, two of whom, Thomas and Nancy, live in Wayne County, and two, Daniel and William, in this township. The father died in 1848 aged seventy years, and the mother four months previously at the age of sixty-eight years. Both were consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their deceased children are Thornton, Bartley and Mary. Our subject was married in 1838, to Mary, daughter of John M. Layson. He resided in Wayne County till 1849, at which time he came to his present place. Eight children have been born to this union, six of whom are now living: John, Sarah, Nancy A., Mary E., Isaac and Ffancenia; Elmira and Susan are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Burris have been members of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years. Our subject owns at present 350 acres of good land, but before settling homes on his children he was one of the largest land-holders in the county. His fortune is the result of his own enterprise, he being a selfmade man.

CALVIN BURTON, farmer, Connersville Township, one of the earliest settlers of this county, was born in South Carolina, July 29, 1805; son of Douglas and Nancy (Osborn) Burton, who settled in Kentucky in October, 1813, and resided there till October, 1819, when they moved to this county. Here on the wooded farm Mr. Burton's father died July 26, l820. There were twelve children in the family, eleven of whom came with their parents to this county, and most of whom became actual settlers of the same. The mother died February 12, 1853. She was a woman of many graces of character, an exemplary member of the Christian Church. After her husband's death, with a heroism worthy of a pioneer mother, and by the help of her two sons, Calvin and Thomas, she kept her children together and the wolf from the door till they grew to manhood, respectability and usefulness. Calvin, our subject, was fourteen years old when he came to the wilds of Indiana. His father dying, the care of the family large ly devolve! upon him, and this prevented him from obtaining the ordinary common school education. He was married January 0, 1828, to Anne A., daughter of John D. and Marian (Scott) Stewart, who came to this locality in 1821. After his marriage Mr. Burton located upon the present site of the Connersville Cemetery, where he remained about two years, and then moved to his present farm, which he rented until he purchased it in 1836. Here he has since resided. He began life with little save a good wife and a willingness to work, and right well they have done their part. Mr. Burton has seventy-six acres of well-improved land, and enjoys all the necessary comforts of life. He is a Republican, though his first Presidential vote was cast for Andrew Jackson in 1828. John D. Stewart, father of Mrs. Burton, was born in Maryland, May 8, 1782. Ho was reared in his native county, and in 1802 was married in Delaware to Miss Marian Scott, by whom seven children were born, two only now living - Anna and John. Mr. Stewart died February 21, 1823, his widow June 29, 1839. His son William was at one time editor of the Connersville Observer, and became noted as a journalist. Mrs. Burton was born in Delaware, February 21, 1810. She is' a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and possesses much vigor of mind. Her memory is very retentive, and from her store of local facts the writer has largely drawn.

JOSEPH CALDWELL, farmer, Harrison Township. This highly-esteemed citizen and pioneer settler of the county is a native of Preble County, Ohio, where his birth occurred August 15, 1809. His parents were Joseph and Miriam (Chadwick) Caldwell, natives of North Carolina, and both members of the Society of Friends. Joseph Caldwell, Sr., in the early part of the century immigrated to Ohio, stopping for a season or so in the vicinity of the Great Miami River, in Warren County; from thence he removed to the vicinity of Fair Haven, in Preble County, the same State. In 1811 he located in what is now Harrison Township, this county, where on Christmas Day he completed his cabin; but the Indians becoming troublesome, the family returned to Preble County, Ohio, for a time. Finally a fort was built one mile north of what is now Harrisburg, and soldiers sent to garrison it, and the family then went there, living in this part until peace was restored, when they moved into the cabin. The sons and daughters born to Joseph Caldwell, Sr., and wife were: Margaret, John, Mary, James, Ann, Lydia and Joseph, all deceased save Lydia and Joseph. The father was a successful farmer and a resj)ected citizen. Politically he voted with the Whig party, being a strong anti-slavery man. His death occurred in the fall of 1850, his wife having preceded him in 1836. Our subject received the benefit of a practical education in the district schools of his time, and through his long life has been a tiller of the soil, in which vocation he has been reasonably successful. He now possesses the old homestead, some 156 acres of land finely improved. January 31, 1888, he was married to Miss Asenath Powell, and to them were born: Enoch, Martha (wife of Buel J. Thomas), Caroline and Alexander. Mrs. Caldwell died November 3, 1844, and our subject was married on the second occasion, October 7, 1847, to Miss Salenah Saxon, a native of Indiana, by whom he had two children: Horace F. and Alice, now the wife of Homer L. Broaddus. Mr. Caldwell as Deputy once appraised the real estate of the township, has several times assessed the personal property thereof, and has served as Inspector of Elections. In 1850 he took the census of one of the three districts of the county, comprising the Townships of Connersville, Harrison and Orange; also enrolled Harrison Township during the last war. He cast his first Presidential vote for Gen. Jackson, but has since voted with the Whig and Republican parties. He is well preserved for one of his years.

ENOCH CALDWELL, farmer and cheese manufacturer, Harrison Township, was born in Harrison Township, this county, October 29, 1833; a son of Joseph Caldwell, who located in Fayette County in 1811. Our subject received a common school education, and has farmed all his life, excepting in the winters from 1855 to 1865, during which time he taught school. He was married. May 17, 1864, to Miss Sarah J. Scott, a native of Wayne County, Ind., born September 14, 1843. To this union were born five children: Cora C, Sylvia M., Myrtle E., Alice M. and Scott. Mr. Caldwell, his wife and daughter Cora C, are members of the Christian Church. He was Justice of the Peace for eight years. His enterprising spirit induced him to establish a cheese factory in 1878, in connection with the farming business; he now milks from thirty to fifty cows, and produces fine cheese, for which he finds ready sale.

WILLIAM CARNEY, farmer, Orange Township, was born in Indiana County, Penn., December 3, 1801; son of John and Ann (Cameron) Carney, natives of Pennsylvania, former of whom was born in 1782, son of Richard and Ruth (Clark) Carney, natives of Ireland, who in an early day (prior to the Revolutionary war) emigrated to the United States, and settled in Pennsylvania, where they remained until their death. The father and mother of our subject were married in Indiana County, Penn., whore they settled, and the mother dying, Mr. Carney married a Mrs. Smith. He was the father of nine children: Elizabeth, William, Findley, John, Thomas, Phebe, Julia A., by first marriage, and Martha and Smith by second marriage. William Carney, our subject, was married in Indiana County, Penn., in 1823, to Martha, also a native of Indiana County, born in 1801; daughter of Samuel Thompson. To this union were born nine children: Eliza, John (deceased), Findley, Martha, Jane (deceased), William, Mary (deceased), Sarah (deceased), and Elizabeth. After his marriage our subject settled in his native county, where he remained until 1834, when he moved to Rush County, Ind. , and about four years later to Fayette County, subsequently returning to Rush County; from there he went to Wabash County, where he remained but a short time, and then returned to Fayette County, where he purchased and settled on the farm on which he has since resided. His wife died in November, 1865. He is a member of the United Brethren Church. He is highly respected by all who know him.

E. I. CHANCE, merchant, Columbia Township, was born in Dearborn County, Ind., March 19, 1847; son of Hiram and Eliza (Thompson) Chance, latter a native of Indiana. Hiram Chance was a son of John Chance, a soldier of the war of 1812-14, who moved from Pennsylvania to Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1817; then moved to Dearborn County, Ind., in 1821. He was the father of twelve children: Thomas, Robert, Jessie, Lucinda, Catharine, Hiram, John, Perry, Lucetta, Mary, Elizabeth and Jackson. Hiram, the father of our subject, was born in Hamilton County Ohio, in 1819, was brought to Dearborn County, Ind., in 1821. He was there united in marriage in 1842, with Eliza Thompson, born in Dearborn County, Ind., in 1822, daughter of Dorus and Sarah (King) Thompson, who came from New York to Dearborn County, Ind. in 1816, where they remained till their death. They were the parents of seven children: Emeline, Alonzo, Eliza, Edgar, Levinas, John and Euretta, Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Chance had a family of six children: Virgil Eugene, Euphrates Irvin, Eldorado, Leander Vandaman, EfBe Nevada, and Sarah, who died in infancy. Our subject was educated at Moore's Hill College, Moore's Hill, Ind., and there engaged in teaching school for twelve successive years, after which he was Deputy Postmaster at Lawrenceburg one year, and served as agent for the Adams Express Company some time. In 1880 he with his brother Leander V. came to Alpine and purchased a stock of goods of J. D. Newhouse, and has since engaged in mercantile business. He is at present Postmaster at Alpine, and agent of the American Express Company; is Trustee of Columbia Township. Mr. Chance is a member of the I. O. O. F.

SAMUEL CLAWSON, farmer, Orange Township, was born in Fayette County, Ind., April 25, 1833, son of William G. and Charlotte (Huston) Clawson, natives of Montgomery County, Ohio, where they were married. They subsequently moved to Montgomery County, Ind., and from thence, in an early day, to Fayette County, Ind., where they remained until their death, Mr. Clawson dying in February, 1882, his wife, December, 1880. Their children were: Nancy, Elizabeth, Samuel, Eunice, Alfred, George, Isaac, Gan-et, John W., William, Jesse, James and Lee. Samuel, our subject, was married at Glenwood, Ind., in November, 1857, to Francenia, daughter of William H. and Sarah (Diurbon) Oliphant, having by her three children: William, Mary A. and Susan. Mr. Clawson was married on second occasion, April 18, 1872, to Mary A., daughter of Samuel and Ursula (Calfee) Clark, and who was born in Franklin County, Ind., September 23, 1848. Our subject owns eighty acres of excellent land in this county. He is a worthy citizen and highly respected.

AUSTIN B. CLAYPOOL, farmer, Connersville Township, was born in Connersville, Ind., December 1, 1823, son of Newton and Mary (Kerns) Claypool, whose lives are referred to elsewhere in this work. Our subject grew up in his native town and on his father's farm near by, receiving the advantages of the good common schools the town afforded. May 20, 1846, he was united in marriage with Hannah A. Petty, a native of Wayne County, this State, where she was born January 2, 1828, being a daughter of Williams Petty, one of the most successful pork traders and packers in the locality at that time. To them wore born eight children, four of whom are living, viz : Virginia, Marcus, Lizzie and Frank, all of whom graduated from good institutions of learning. The greater portion of the decade succeeding his marriage Mr. Claypool resided in Wayne County, Ind., and up to its close he had speculated quite extensively in land, having in 1845 purchased 240 acres in Fayette County, which were not held long. Subsequently he made a purchase of 560 acres in Wayne County at $30 per acre, which he disposed of at $70 per acre. Mr. Claypool removed to Connersville and purchased a controlling interest in the branch of the old State Bank located there, and for a period of three years served as its President. During the war his business life was again marked by another extensive land purchase and sale which involved considerable money and none the less business judgement and foresight, yet he was not wanting in the latter nor in nerve for so great an investment, for time proved the success of the speculation, which was the purchase of 900 acres of land in Fayette County for $52,000 and its disposal for $72,000. Subsequently he purchased an extensive paper mill at Milton, Ind., and which within a year and a half thereafter was destroyed by tire, entailing a loss of $50,000. He having (1865) organized in the village of Miltou the Citizens' Bank, which (being its acting President) he carried on four years, when he closed it up. Mr. Claypool was conspicuously identified with many of the internal improvements of the Whitewater Valley, and closely allied with agricultural interests of the county and to the public has given his great energies and broad business capacity. In 1861, during the building of the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Indianapolis Eailroad through Connersville, he was chosen one of the Directors and was one of the few men that stood good for all the iron to lay the tracks from Liberty to Connersville. He was also one of the few men that organized the Connersville & New Castle Junction Eailroad, being an active Director during its construction. He assisted in the organization of the Fayette County Joint Stock Agricultural Society, and for a period of eight years was an active member of the State Board of Agriculture. He was instrumental in the organization of the Bentonville & Lockport Turnpike Company, and in the construction of its pike. On the death of his father, in 1866, Mr. Claypool inherited the old country homestead and moved upon it, where he has since resided, in the meantime having platted that portion of the homestead where the beautiful village of Maplewood is located. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and Masonic orders, having represented both in their respective Grand Lodges. In politics he is a Republican. He is a very affable gentleman, unostentatious and unassuming.

BENJAMIN CLIFFORD, Harrison Township, was born near Sheffield, Vt., August 21, 1815. His parents, Jonathan and Sarah (Pierce) Clifford, moved to E''ayette County, Ind., in 1825, locating in Harrison Township, where the former farmed. He died in 1826, and his widow in 1846. Our subject obtained a common school education. He embarked in the dry goods business with two of his brothers in Fairview and there remained till the spring of 1839, when he sold out and engaged in the same line of business by himself in Rawley till the fall of 1843, and in 1844 moved to his present farm. He married, October 19, 1837, Miss Mary Smith, born in Kentucky, January 25, 1820, and to this union were born nine children: Sarah A.,Pamelia A., Irvin L., Margaret J., Mary E., Ambrosia, John F., Fremont, Horace A. Our subject was School Director from 1870 to 1874. The Connersville and Fairview Pike was built in 1859, and in 1860 he was elected one of the Board, which office he continued to fill most of the time to the present, and has been President of the company for the last seven or eight years. He was a prominent member of Harrison and Highland Granges. He is a member of the Universalist Church. Irvin L., the eldest son, enlisted in Company B, Fifth Indiana Cavalry, in 1861, and served until the close of the war. He was in prison at Andersonville, Charleston and Florence, but was finally liberated by Sherman on his march to the sea. He was a private soldier, lost his health and never again will be well in the flesh.

IRVIN L. CLIFFORD, farmer, Fairview Township, was born in Rush County, Ind., June 10, 1843. He is a son of Benjamin and Mary (Smith) Clifford, of Han-ison Township, this county, whose sketch appears above. During the late war of the Rebellion, August 12, 1862, our subject enlisted in Company B, Fifth Indiana Cavalry, and served until July 16, 1865, when he was discharged and returned home. During his service he participated in several hardfought battles. At Macon, Ga., where the company surrendered, Mr. Clifford was taken prisoner and confined in Andersonville and other Rebel prisons for seven months. He was married August 16, 1866, to Catherine D., daughter of John V. and Catherine (Miller) Lindsey, and born in this county July 1, 1846. To this union were born the following children: Lola L., Mary K. C. , Lena and Josie. After his marriage Mr. Clifford first settled in Harrison Township, but in about one year moved on the old Lindsey farm in Fairview Township, and two years later purchased and moved on the farm where he now lives. He is a tine man, a member of the Odd Fellows and of the G. A. R.

JOHN V. CLIFFORD, farmer, Fairview Township, was born at Connersville, Fayette Co., Ind., November 26, 1846, son of William and Elizabeth A. (Lindsey) Clifford, natives of Indiana and Kentucky, respectively. William Clifford was a son of John Clifford, who was born in Barnet, Caledonia Co., Vt., June 12, 1797, and in an early day immigrated to Kentucky, where he was married, October 5, 1823, to Lucretia Tibbets, born at Bangor, Penobscot Co., Me., Septembers, 1806. Shortly after marriage they removed to Rush County, Ind., where Mrs. Clifford died February 9, 1837. He subsequently went to Hamilton County, Ind., where he was again married, November 20, 1837, this time to Nancy Hall, and shortly afterward removed to Indianapolis, where he died February 14, 1884. He was the father of ten children: William, Amanda M., Amos, Edward H, Harrison, Almeda, John E., Miles, Benjamin F. and Vincent G. William, the eldest (father of our subject), was born in Rush County, Ind., August 29,

1824, and married in Fayette County, December 28, 1845, to Elizabeth A. Lindsay, born in Garrard County, Ky., October 4, 1829, daughter of John V. and Catherine Lindsey. Shortly after their marriage they settled at Connersville, Ind. , but subsequently moved on a farm near Fairview. Later he opened a store at Fairview which he kept for about ten years; then moved to Rush County, Ind., and engaged in farming until 1860, when he moved to Jackson County, Mo., remaining about three years; thence returned to this county, and in 1862 removed to Indianapolis, where he still resides. His family numbered six children: John v., Alice A., Josie A., Belle, William L. and Lucretia. Our subject, the eldest, was married in this county, January 10, 1871, to Sarah J., daughter of David and Sarah (Knick) Siders, and born in Buckingham County, Va., April 4, 1841. To this union were born two children: Walter D. and Ida M. In the year following their marriage they settled on the farm where they have since resided. They are both members of the Christian Church.

ANDREW M. B. COLE, retired, Posey Township, was born in Botetourt County, Va., November 27, 1804, son of Samuel and Catherine (Bryan) Cole, natives of Virginia, who settled in Posey Township, Fayette Co., Ind., in 1826. They had nine children, of whom two, Andrew M. B. and William, are now living. Samuel Cole died January 1, 1849, aged eighty years; Catherine, his wife, died September 7, 1844, aged seventy -seven years. Andrew M. B. came to this township with his brother-in-law, E. K. Hunger, in 1822, but remained only a short time, when he went back to Virginia, and returned with his parents in 1826. Our subject was married, in 1828, to Mahala, daughter of Jeremiah Gard, who came here from Butler County, Ohio, in 1824. To Mr. and Mrs. Cole were born eleven children, ten of whom are now living: Perry, Philip, Melvin, Catherine, Elizabeth, Jeremiah, Sarah Jane, Sanford, Benjamin and Morrison V. Alvin is deceased. Mrs. Cole died May 8, 1882, aged seventy -two years. The entire family are members of the Christian Church. To Mr. Cole belongs the credit of building the first cabin in Bentonville, and having helped to erect the first church. Ho was an adherent, at first, of the Whig party, and cast his first vote for Henry Clay; since the organization of the Republican party he has voted with it upon all questions at issue. He started in life poor, followed carpentering a number of years, and in the main has been successful.

JOSEPH COLE, retired farmer, Waterloo Town ship, was born in Maryland, February 7, 1808, son of Joseph and Sophia Cole, natives of Maryland, where they lived and died. The boyhood of our subject was passed on the farm and in the woolen miile.

His parents dying when he was young, he was put at a trade which did not agree with him, and which he abandoned. In November, 1838, he removed to Ohio, and, in the following February, to Wayne County, Ind., adjoining the Fayette County line, where he lived eight or ten years, after which he settled where his son J. J. now resides. Subsequently he settled in Waterloo, where of late he has enjoyed quiet retirement. At one time Mr. Cole owned 1,000 acres of as good land as there was in the county. He has settled his children well in life, all of whom are wellto-do and respected citizens. He is a self-made man, having inherited only $500 from his father. Industry, perseverance and economy, with excellent business judgment, enabled him to cope successfully with the affairs of life, in which he has been abundantly rewarded. Mr. Cole was married in 1831, to Patience Foster, who bore him sis children, three of whom were born in Maryland: Anna M., wife of W. C. Forey; Frances M., wife of George M. Harland; Alfred G. ; Sarah F., wife of Jacob Stephens; Sophia E., wife of I. A. Lavrrence, and Joseph J. Mrs. Cole died in 1866, aged about sixty years. Joseph J. Cole was born in Wayne County, Ind., August 27, 1843. He received a good education in the district and graded schools. He was married, August 3, 1864, to Margaret, daughter of Benjamin Thomas, of this county, who has borne him five children, four of whom are living: Lillie Maude, Effie P., Joseph J. and Benjamin W. Harry C. is deceased. Mr. Cole's farm contains 160 acres of good land. He is one of the enterprising and public spirited young farmers of the county, and keeps well up with the times in which he lives.

A. S. CONAWAY, farmer. Orange Township, was born near Uniontown, Fayette Co., Penn., March 1, 1813. His parents were Reuben and Amelia (Shipley) Conaway, both natives of Maryland and of Irish and German descent. The former was a son of Charles Conaway, also a native of Maryland, and whose father, Samuel Conaway, a native of Ireland, immigrated to Maryland when quite young and there married Ruth Howard, subsequently moving to this county, where he remained until death. He was the father of a large family, of whom Charles, the grandfather of our subject, was the eldest. Charles was born in Maryland about the year 1764, was there married in 1785 to a Miss Shephard and subsequently moved to Fayette County, Penn. From there he moved to Monongalia County, Va., where he died in 1831. He was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years previous to his death. He was the father of five children, of whom Reuben, the father of our subject, was second. Reuben was born in Maryland in 1788, and came with his parents to Fayette County,