Fayette County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1885 (part 6 of 7)

LIEUT. SAMUEL J. SHIPLEY, retired farmer and ex naval officer, Harrison Township, was born in Wilmington, Del., December 24, 1813; son of Joseph B. and Mary H. (Test) Shipley, the former born near the Brandywine, Del., November 14, 1780, and the latter near Salem, N. J. They were married April 16, 1804. Samuel Shipley, the grandfather of Samuel J., and for whom the latter was named, was born December 5, 1755. His wife, Jane (Bennett) Shipley, was a sister of Caleb Bennett, who commanded a company at the battle of the Brandywine, and at one time was Governor of the State of Delaware. The brother and sisters of Samuel J. were named and born as follows: Mary A., born February 29, 1805; Charles, born August 17, 1807, and Eliza J., born October 15, 1811. Their ancestors came to America from England soon after William Penn colonized Pennsylvania, and were of his religious faith. Our subject, when a school-boy near the Delaware Bay watching the ships going down to the ocean, early evinced a desire to go to sea, and in 1833 he made application for an appointment as Midshipman, the application being indorsed by his friends Daniel Rench, Samuel W. Parker and others, and in the following year his appointment was received'through Gen. Jonathan McCarty, then Member of Congress from the Connersville District. The young naval aspirant was soon ordered to the brigantine "Enterprise," at Norfolk, Va., and from thence sailed for the Brazilian Station, South America, soon after reaching which he was transferred to the flagship "Erie" and remained on that station nearly three years, returning to the United States in the fall of 1837, when he was granted a leave of absence. He returned home and soon after purchased the farm on which he now resides and has ever since made his home when not engaged in the naval service. After the expiration of his furlough he was ordered to the receiving ship " Hudson " at New York, and not long thereafter was transferred to the line-of battleship " North Carolina " that was used as a school for apprentices. The class of 1834, to which he belonged, was the first to pass an examination at the Naval Academy established at Philadelphia in 1889 (subsequently changed to Annapolis, Md. ) In June, 1840, soon after passing his examination, young Shipley was ordered to the West India Station and joined the United States ship "Warren" at Pensacola, Fla. He made a cruise with that vessel to the Spanish Main and the Gulf of Mexico; thence went to New York, where he was granted a leave of absence, and on his return home was united in marriage, November 14, 1841, with Martha Holton, daughter of Rev. Jesse and Jane Holton. On the expiration of his leave of absence he joined the United States ship "Falmouth" as Sailing Master, and made a cruise of over two years to the Gulf of Mexico and West Indies, returning home in 1844, when he was permitted to remain with his family more than one year. In 1846 his wife died at the age of twenty-four years, leaving a daughter - Jennie - who has been a great source of comfort and a stay to him in his declining years. Soon after the death of his wife Master Shipley received orders to join the United States ship "United States" as Sailing Master, bearing the broad pennant of Com. Read, ordered to the coast of Africa. (At that time our Government was bound by treaty with, Great Britain to keep up a force of eighty guns for the suppression of the slave traffic.) After taking on board a new battery of fifty-two guns and stores they started for the Cape Verd Islands via the Azores, going from Pico south, passing the Canary Islands, sighting the Peak of Teneriflfe in the distance. On their arrival at Porto Praya, Cape Verd Islands, their place of rendezvous, they took on board stores and provisions and proceeded down the coast, visiting Sierra Leone, Cape Mount (a noted slave mart), stopping some time at Monrovia, at which place Com. Read, Master Shipley and other officers dined with President Roberts, whose hospitality they had been invited to share. While here they visited Mission House School and other public buildings. From Cape Mesurado they sailed for the GuJf of Guinea, anchoring off Cape Palmas, thence down the Ivory and Gold Coast, passing Cape Three Points, and anchoring at Cape Coast Castle, an English station sti-ongly fortified, and which in times past they had hard work in holding against the war-like Ashantees. At this station within the enclosure of the fort is the tomb of the wife of Gov. Maclean, a Scotch gentleman then in charge of the station. She was an English poetess who had written over the initials L. E. L. Also here it was that Elisha K. Kane, the Assistant Surgeon and enthusiastic young friend of our subject, took his first lesson in navigation, and a few degrees to the east, in the kingdom of Dahomey, near the mouth of riyer Quorra Niger, came near losing his life from exposure in exploring that benighted and God-forsaken land. They cruised in the Bight of Benin to the mouth of the river Gaboon. From thence they sailed to Prince's Island, anchoring at West Bay (an island belonging to Portugal), a resort for whale ships, and while there the crew of the United States vessels witnessed the capture of a whale with her calf. They next sailed for their place of rendezvous, St. Jago, Cape Verd Islands, and en route there, while in the Gulf of Guinea, upon examination it was found that they were at a point where there was neither latitude nor longitude; in other words, they were on the meridian of Greenwich at the equator. On arriving at Porto Praya, Master Shipley was appointed to take charge temporarily of the depot of supplies, at which post of duty he remained several months. Dr. Kane, who was quite sick, remaining for a time with him. About June 1, 1847, Mr. Shipley returned to duty on board the ship, which soon afterwai'd sailed, and they made their third and last cruise down the coast, stopping several days at the mouth of the river Congo, keeping near the coast line, so near that they could see the impenetrable jungles and forests with occasional openings and villages. At this time the United States had four vessels - the flagship "United States," the sloops of war "Marion," "Dolphin" and "Boxen" - cruising along the coast, the English having about the same number, so that it was almost impossible for the slave-runners to evade their vigilance. From the river Congo they sailed down the coast, stopping at St. Paul de Loanda; from thence to Benguela in latitude 13 degrees south of the equator; thence to within a short distance of the island of St. Helena (noted as the place of exile of Napoleon Bonaparte); and then steered for the Cape Verd Islands, and on arriving at Porto Praya fell in with the brig " Dolphin," which had on board, with other documents from the Navy Department, the commission of Master Shipley as Lieutenant in the United States Navy. He was then transferred to the United States brig " Dolphin." In 1861 Lieut. Shipley tendered his services to the United States Government and went to Fortress Monroe as executive officer of the " Brandy wine," returning home on account of sickness in 1863. Since retiring from the navy our subject has lived somewhat of a retired life on his farm in Harrison Township, esteemed and respected by the community at large.

THOMAS R. SHIPLEY, farmer, Harrison Township. This highly respected citizen was born in Harrison Township, Fayette Co., Penn. , November 15, 1821. His father, Thomas Shipley, was born in Maryland, February 16, 1772; served in the war of 1812, and died Janaary 7, 1846. His mother, Eleanor (Morgan) Shipley, was born in Virginia in 1782, and died October 3, 1857. They came here in 1821. The paternal grandparents of our subject were Adam and Rachel Shipley, the former of whom died November 20, 1818, the latter September 16, 1820. Thomas R. received a common school edncation. He was married, February 1, 1849, to Sarah P. Groves, born in Rush County, Ind., May 9, 1828, daughter of Donavan and Sarah (Hixx) Groves, natives of Ken- tucky, where the former was born December 5, 1799, and the latter May 22, 1798; they came to Indiana about 1821. Donavan Groves was a son of Robert Groves, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He died May 28, 1851, his wife having preceded hira December 19, 1829. This union has been blessed with seven children: John T., died June 20, 1853 (he fell into a "kettle of hot water and only lived thirty hours afterward) ; Donavan, who died February 7, 1874 (was thrown from a horse and lived but thirty hours); Hiram; Martha E. ; Matilda; Eunice, and James. Mr. Shipley has been a School Director and Supervisor. He is a member of the Christian Church-

MARY A. SHORTRIDGE, widow of James Shortridge, Fairview Township, was born at Reading, Hamilton Co., Ohio, December 29, 1819, daughter of Thomas and Rebecca (Young) Keaton, natives of Maryland and Pennsylvania, respectively; the former of whom was born in 1782, the latter in 1788. They were married at Philadelphia, Penn., where they remained for some time; thence moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, and subsequently to Reading, Ohio, and in 1820 to Connersville, Ind. Mr. Keaten subsequently entered land in Fairview Township, where he resided until 1854, when he moved to Madison County, Ind., and there remained until his death, February 28, 1866, his wife having preceded him September 15, 1863. Their children were William, Benjamin, Thomas, James, John, Mary A., Ambrose, Susan and Joseph. Mary A., our subject, was united in marriage in this county, January 8, 1841, with James Shortridge, who was born in Fayette County, Ind., April 80, 1818, son of Samuel and Eleanor Shortridge. To this union were born the following children: Samuel, Rebecca J., Sanford, Louisa, Mary E., George T., and Emma B. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Shortridge settled near Bentonville, this county; about seven years later they moved on the farm where he died December 26, 1872, and where his widow still resides.

SAMUEL SHORTRIDGE. farmer, Harrison Township, was born in Posey Township, Fayette Co., Ind., February 26, 1842. His father, James Shortridge, was born in Wayne County, Ind., in 1818, and died December 26, 1872. His mother, Mary A. (Keaton) Shortridge, was born in Ohio, and is now a resident of Fairview Township. Samuel Shortridge was favored with a graded school education. He was married, July 28, 1870, to Miss Isabella Rea, who was born in this township July 8, 1845, a daughter of James C. and Mary A. (Stockdale) Rea. Mr. Shortridge taught school in 1862, 1868 and 1864. He was Township Assessor in 1.871 and 1872. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a jovial gentleman and enjoys life.

DANIEL SHORTRIDGE, farmer, Fairview Township, was born in Wayne County, Ind., April 80, 1821, one of the eleven children of Samuel and Eleanor (Hulse) Shortridge, the former of whom was born in Kentucky in 1795; the latter in Pennsylvania in 1795. They were married in Kentucky and afterward settled in Powell County, same State. In 1815 they moved thence to Wayne County, Ind., and in 1825 came to Fayette County, Ind., settling in Harrison Township, where they remained until death. Mr. Shortridge died in 1844, his widow in 1879. Their family were Price, Fanny, James, Daniel, Elisha, George, William, Jesse, Jane, Mercy and Hester. Daniel, our subject, was married in this county, February 5, 1845, to Elizabeth King, born near Cincinnati, Ohio, July 19, 1823, daughter of Joshua and Anna (Force) King. After marriage Mr. Shortridge settled on the farm which he afterward purchased, and on which he now resides. In 1860 he was elected Township Trustee, which office he held for a number of years. His family consisted of five children: Amanda E., Martha A., Corydon (deceased), Altha (deceased) and one that died in infancy.

MAJ. THOMAS SIMPSON, retired, Waterloo Township, was born in Tennessee, June 20, 1800, and is a son of Thomas and Sarah (Mabry) Simpson, natives of Maryland and North Carolina, respectively, who located in Tennessee. In 1805 or 1806 they moved to Ohio, and in 1809 (see history proper of Jennings Township) settled in this county on the line between Jennings and Waterloo Townships, where they resided the rest of their lives. Mr. Simpson died in 1848, aged seventy-five years; his widow in 1865, aged nearly ninety-two years. They had ten children, three of whom are now living: Elizabeth, Solomon and Thomas. The deceased are Tabitha, Joshua, Nathaniel, John, Sarah, William, Henry and Jesse. This pioneer couple were Chi-istians in every sense of the word, and members of the Regular Baptist Church. The subject of this sketch has a recollection running back three-quarters of a century in the history of Fayette County, a length of time probably equaled by none now living. He was married August 2, 1826, to Joanna S., daughter of Joseph and Mary (Heaton) White. They started in life with no other moans than willing hands and stout hearts, and together they have journeyed over fifty-eight years. Eight children have been born to them, three of whom are now living: Nancy F. Thompson, Elizabeth W. Cris, and Mira M. Smalley. The deceased are Sarah E., Mary H. , Cynthia A., Amanda M. and Salome. Mrs. Joanna Simpson can remember seeing seven generations of her relatives - her great-grandmother, Mary Chinneth; her grandmother, Joanna Sutton; her mother, Mary Heaton; Joanna White;

Cynthia A. Simpson, her daughter; Alvetta Hurst, her grandchild; Melvin Crawford, her great-grandchild. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson are members of the Regular Baptist Church, with which he has been connected since 1816 and his wife since 1834. They have been devout Christians and untiring workers in the army of the Lord. He served as School Trustee of Waterloo Township, sixteen years, thirteen of which he was without a bond. In militia days he held an Ensign's commission of a troop of Shelby County volunteers. He also took an active interest in local militia matters.

B. F. SIMPSON, farmer, Waterloo Township, was born in Jennings Township, this county, January 4, 1830, and is a son of William Simpson, who died in 1883, aged eighty-one years. He was married, August 31, 1851, to Jane, daughter of Richard and Susanna Strong, after which he learned the plasterers' trade, which, in connection with farming, he has followed twenty-six years. He began life a poor boy, but by close attention to business has acquired a good property, owning 145 acres of land. In 1884 he constructed seven ponds for the culture of German carp, which are well stocked. He is also largely engaged in the cultivation of strawberries. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1880, and has held other offices of the township. In 1857 he became a member of Brownsville Lodge, No. 70, F. & A. M. Fifteen children have been born to him, and those now living are Frank, Nancy, Susan, Emma, Charley, John, Thomas, Alvah, Vincent G., Josephine, Rosa. The deceased are Mary, William D., Henry A. and Alice. Our subject's father was twice married, and by his first wife had seven children, three now living: W. J., B. F. and F. M. By his second wife he had seven children, six of whom are now living: H. C, J. T., Daniel, O. M., Jane and Nancy. Ellen is deceased.

DR. R. W. SIPE, Orange Township, was born in Jefferson County, Ind., April 8, 1840, son of William I. and Mary J. (Wasson) Sipe, the former born in Hamilton County, Ohio, October 1, 1814, one of six children born to Frederick and Margaret (Ervin) Sipe. William I. Sipe came with his parents to Jefferson County, Ind., when quite young, and was there married to Mary J. Wasson, born in Ireland, Ind., January 1, 1819, and daughter of Richard and Mary J. Wasson. After marriage they settled in Jefferson County, where the father died August 11, 1866, and the mother September 11, 1867. Their family consisted of the following children: John A., Frederick, Thomas J. , Jane G. and Richard W. Our subject, who is next to the eldest, was educated at Hanover College, in Jefferson County, Ind., and in 1862 began the study of medicine under Dr. W. A. Morrison, of Lexington, Ind., remaining with him about one year. He then went to Kent, Ind., and read under Dr. William Copland's instructions, until the fall of 1864. During the winter of 1863 and 1864 he attended lectures at the Ohio Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio. In the fall of 1864 the Doctor came to Fayetteville, Ind., and began the practice of his profession, which he has since continued. He was married in Jefferson County, Ind., May 23, 1866, to Sarah A., daughter of William and Nancy (Hearn) Phillips, born in Jefferson County, Ind., September 9, 1844. In the winter of 1874 and 1875 he attended the Medical College of Indiana at Indianapolis, where he graduated February 26, 1875. To the union of our subject and wife seven children have been born: Mary E. (deceased), William P., John A. , Clara B., Frederick, Florence M. and Richard V. Dr. Sipe has met with the most flattering success during his whole practice, and is highly respected. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

DANIEL SKINNER (deceased), late of Waterloo Township, was born in Washington County, Penn., September 15, 1780, son of Walter Skinner, a native of Maryland, and who moved, after the Revolutionary war, in which he took part and was severely wounded, to Pennsylvania, where he lived till 1785, thence went to Ohio County, Va. , where he died. Our sub ject was married to Nancy Ricketts, a native of Maryland, and in 1819 they, with their children, four in number, came to this county and settled where their son William R. now resides. Seven children were born to this union, five being natives of Virginia: Mary, Sarah, Jeremiah, William R., Rebecca, Nancy and Joseph; Mary and last three named are deceased. He bought 160 acres, for which he paid $2.75 per acre, and on this land he remained the balance of his life, and prospered. Mr. Skinner died June 26, 1870; his wife December 24, 1865, aged eighty years. Mr. Skinner was the first elected Justice of the Peace of Waterloo Township, his jurisdiction extending to Indianapolis, and the duties of this office he successfully discharged for over sixteen years. He possessed resolution to a large degree, was strong in his convictions of right and wrong, honest in his dealings, and had the respect of all. He was a consistent Christian, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Chui-ch, and one of the founders of Methodism in the county. His devoted wife was a member of the same church. Our subject was of Democratic proclivities, and thoroughly adhered to the principles of the party. William R. Skinner was born in Ohio County, Va., August 1, 1818, grew to manhood on the old homestead, and in the common schools obtained, by diligent stud}', a practical education. When twenty-three years of age he began the study of medicine under Drs. Trimbley & Ruby, of Alquina, this county, with whom he remained four years, after which he matriculated in Miami Medical (now Ohio State Medical) College at Cincinnati, taking a full course of lectures, save one. At Hollansburg, Darke Co., Ohio, he entered on the practice of his profession, in which he was eminently successful. Failing health compelling him to yield, an absolute abandonment of his profession soon followed. He was twice married, on first occasion December 26, 1847, to Hannah, daughter of David Wilson, and by this union was born one child - Roxiana. After his marriage he located in Johnson County, Ind., for seven years, when he removed to Wapello County, Iowa, where, July 13, 1857, his wife died at the age of thirty years, two months and four days. Deprived of his companion he returned to his father's house, which a second time became his home. His second marriage occurred March 31, 1863, the lady beidg Mrs. Mary Casteel, daughter of Isaac Dillon, of Iowa, since which time he has resided on his father's homestead, he being sole owner. He is a worthy and acceptable member of Brownsville Lodge, No. 70, F. & A. M. A Democrat in politics, he cast his first for Martin Van Buren.

URIAH SMALLWOOD, farmer and stock-raiser, Jackson Township, is a native of Virginia, born in Loudoun County, October 20, 1828. His father, John Smallwood, was born in Maryland, September 15, 1781; married, in 1812, Margaret Emison, who was born in County Down, Ireland, February 28, 1793. They came to this county November 12, 1846. Mr. Smallwood followed farming all his life, excepting when he served in the war of 1812. He died December 23, 1857; his .widow October 18, 1877. They were both members of the Lutheran Church. The subject of this sketch received a limited education. He was united in marriage with Miss Amanda J. Mcllwain, and unto them were born four children: John W., Charles E., Henry L. and Sarah M. Mr. Smallwood's farm consists of ninety-two acres of land situated on Section 25, and by his ovm industry and economy he has accumulated a competency. He served as Road Supervisor for eight years. He is a member of Nulltown Grange, No. 1883, and of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

JAMES L. SMALLWOOD, farmer, Jackson Township, is a native of Virginia, born in Loudoun County, November 26, 1830, son of John and Margaret (Emison) Smallwood, former born in Maryland, September 15, 1781; latter born in County Down, Ireland, February 28, 1793. They were married in 1812, and came to this county November 12, 1846, where John Smallwood farmed all his life. They reared nine children, five of whom are now living.

The father died December 28, 1857, the mother October 18, 1877. They were both members of the Lutheran Church. Our subject received an ordinary school education in Virginia, and completed his course at Valparaiso, Ind., in 1877. He began teaching in the fall of 1856, and continued in that profession for twenty-one years. He resides on a farm of 129 acres, located on Section 12. Mr. Smallwood served as Township Assessor from 1866 to 1871. He is a member of Everton Lodge, I. O. O. F., and ConnersTille Encampment.

JAMES SMITH, farmer, Jackson Township, residing on Section 35, is a native of South Carolina, born in the old Pendleton District, October 17, 1803. His parents, Ebenezer and Margaret (Chambers) Smith, were born in Georgia. They came to Indiana in 1813, and located on Section 35, Jackson Township, where Mr. Smith farmed until his death, June 10, 1829; his widow died March 18, 1839. They raised ten children. Our subject enjoyed the advantages of a common school education. He was married April 26, 1827, to Mary Belk, who was born in South Carolina, September 10, 1807, and unto them were given ten children: Samuel, born February 2, 1829, died April 14, 1875; Ebenezer A., born September 5, 1830, died February 26, 1862, in the army, a member of Company H, Thirty-sixth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry; Jane, born August 30, 1833, died November 11, 1862; Elizabeth A., born November 29, 1835, died January 25, 1871; Sarah A., born October 12, 1837, died October 12, 1838; Emily, born November 24, 1839; Jemima, born January 10, 1842, died December 22, 1861; James E., born January 25, 1844; Mary C, born November 17, 1846, and Sarah A., born July 19, 1850, died June 19, 1880. Mr. Smith is a member of the Universalist Church, and of Ireland Grange, No. 1749.

WILLIAM L. SPARKS, farmer, Connersville Township, a son of William Sparks, was born in this county in 1837. He resided chiefly with his parents till twenty-seven years of age, when he married Miss Martilla King, also a native of this county, and daughter of Benson and Esther (Robinson) King. Her parents died of typhoid fever (only seven minutes difference in their deaths) while she was an infant, and both are buried in the same grave in Boone County, Ind. Our subject and wife have three children: Kate, now wife of William Hanson, son of A. Hanson, a prominent farmer of this county, Hattie and Stephen. Mr. Sparks spent his earlier years at home on the farm and in receiving a practical educatiou in the district schools, and after marriage purchased a farm of eighty acres in Jennings Township, selling the same about six months later at a hand- some profit. He then rented land for several years, in the meantime purchasing sixty-three acres, which, in 1877, he traded for his present property of 130 acres, one of the most productive farms in the county. He has been very successful in his dealings, and by industry and business tact has acquired a handsome competence. He is a member of the Village Creek Regular Baptist Church. In politics he is a Republican, firm in the support of the principles of his party.

IVnLTON T. SPARKS, farmer, Connersville Township, son of William Sparks, was born in this county in 1843. He grew up with his parents, who gave him a good common school education, and at the age of twenty-two began business for himself by purchasing a farm of sixty-three acres in this township, where he resided about seven years. He then rented his farm one year and embarked in mercantile trade in East Connersville in partnership with S. Beck, the firm being known as Beck & Sparks, dealers in groceries and provisions. Their establishment was the first founded on the east side of the river. After about one year spent in this business, Mr. Sparks sold his interest in the store to his partner and returned to the farm, where he resided nearly three years. He then moved to the homestead, remaining there about three years, and in 1883 purchased his present farm, on which he erected a fine frame dwelling in 1884 Mr. Sparks also owned a tract of land in Kansas, but he disposed of his interest in that State. He was married, in 1873, to Minnie Campbell, a native of Preble County, Ohio, and daughter of John Campbell; her parents died while she was a child. By this union four children were born, three now living: Willie E., Bessie and Milton. Walla W. is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Sparks and all their children but one are members of the Regular Baptist Church. He is a Republican in politics, and votes with that party on all questions of a national character.

MRS. JANE SPIVEY, widow of Adam Spivey, was born in Butler County, Ohio, January 22, 1810. Her parents were David and Letitia (Guard) Sutton, natives of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, respectively, the former born December 14, 1774, and the latter March 26, 1773. They were married in Pennsylvania, where they remained until 1807, when they moved to Butler County, Ohio, and in 1828 to Rush County, Ind., where they resided until their demise, Mr. Sutton dying in 1862, and his wife in 1830. David Sutton was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was the father of twelve children: Jacob, Rachel, Samuel, Hannah, Rebecca, Jane, Polly, Sarah, Benjamin, Phebe, John, and Sarah, who died in infancy. Janei our subject, was married, in Butler County, Ohio, May 25, 1826, to Adam Spivey, who was born in Pennsylvania May 5, 1803, one of the twelve children of John and Jane (Vinage) Spivey, both natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. They moved to Butler County, Ohio, in an early day, and there remained until their death. Their children were as follows: James, Bersheba, Elizabeth, Margaret, Jane, John, Rebecca, Nancy, Rosanna, Emily, Lucy, and Adam, the husband of our subject, who was the third child, born May 5, 1803. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Spivey settled in Butler County, Ohio, where they remained until 1829, and then moved to Fayette County, Ind., settling in Orange Township. Here Mr. Spivey died November 30, 1869. He was the father of one child - John - born in Butler County, Ohio, January 11, 1828, married in Rush County, Ind., May 16, 1850, to Rhoda Long, born in Hamilton County, Ohio, December 27, 1830, and daughter of Daniel and Rachel (Sparks) Long. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Spivey settled in Orange Township, this county, where he died July 12, 1879. To this union were born eight children: Luella J., Estella R., Daniel L., Martin V., John T., James R., Jessie F., and Adam V., who was bom in Fayette County, Ind., May 10, 1859, and was married, in Rush County, Ind., November 30, 1882, to Grace, daughter of Clinton and America (Amos) Blacklidge, and who was born in Rush County, Ind., April 9, 1863.

JOHN O. SPIVEY, farmer, Jennings Township, was born where he now resides, in this county, September 3, 1839, and is a son of John B. Spivey, who was born in Virginia in 1802. When a child his parents removed to Butler County, Ohio, where his early life was passed upon a farm. There he was married to Hannah Frazee, who bore him eleven children, five of whom are now living: David, William, Anchor, John O. and Mary J. (wife of John Petro); George, Rebecca, Margaret, Hannah, Susan and Samuel are deceased. In 1839 Mr. Spivey moved to the farm in Fayette County. Ind. , now occupied by his son John O. He held some of the offices of the township, among which was that of School Trustee. He was a self-made man, and a successful farmer, 217 acres of land being the result of his labors. He died October 26, 1879; his wife died in 1873, aged sixty-nine years. The subject of this sketch was united in marriage, in 1864, with Charlotta, daughter of Zachariah Camaway. To this union six children were born: Oliver, Edward, Kate, Myra, Daisy, and Mollie (deceased). After marriage Mr. Spivey removed to Effingham County, 111., where he resided for six years. He then returned to this county, and settled permanently on the old homestead. He votes with the Democratic party. His wife is a consistent member of the Baptist Church.

a son of Harvey and Nancy (Skinner) Squires, the latter of whom was a daughter of Daniel Skinner, a pioneer, of whom mention is elsewhere made. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Squires: J. E., H. N. and Nancy E. Mr. Squires died in September, 1853; Mrs. Squires in May, 1854. The subject of this sketch was married, February 2, 1871, to Sarah M. , daughter of Daniel Burris, an old settler, by whom he has one child - Elwood, aged twelve years. After his mother's death Mr. Squires went to live with an uncle in Rush County, Ind., with whom he resided till 1870, since when he has lived in Fayette County. He was elected Assessor of Waterloo Township at the spring election of 1884. His farm consists of eighty acres of good land, upon which are commodious buildings. Mrs. Squires is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

NATHAN STANLEY, farmer, Jennings Township, was born in Campbell County, Tenn., in 1810, son of Garland and Eleanor (Noble) Stanley, of North Carolina descent, former of whom died in Tennessee in 1813. In 1822 his widow, with four children - Preston, Nathan, Sarah and Elizabeth - settled in Union County, Ind., where they lived two years, then came to Jennings Township, this county, settling on the quarter-section Nathan now resides on. Here Mrs. Stanley died in 1840. Coming into the then wilderness of Indiana in an early day, our subject obtained but a meagre education. In 1838 he was married to Mary Ann Golden, by whom he had eight children: Sarah E., John P., Edwin, Rusia J., Eliza, Lewis, Stephen G. and Lizzie. Mrs. Stanley dying in 1855, our subject married, for his second wife, in 1856, Elizabeth Grimes, who has borne him five children: Frank, Samuel B., Laura, Robert and an infant son (deceased). Mr. Stanley has had no aspirations for the empty honors of office, preferring rather to attend to his own affairs than to those of an unappreciative public. In early life he was allied with the Democratic party, but for many years he has voted the Republican ticket, being now one of the few living old Abolitionists of anti-slavery days. He is well posted in the affairs of the day, and possesses to a rare degree that strong natural ability that makes some men conspicuous among their fellows. Mr. Stanley has a large farm of over 300 acres, kept in fine order, and which is largely the reward of his labors.

JAMES O. STEELE, farmer, Jackson Township, is a native of Jackson Township, this County, born November 14, 1848. His parents, James and Sarah (Belk) Steele, were born in Abbeville District, S. C, the former December 2, 1802, the latter February 14, 1810. They were married October 27,1844- Their parents moved to Franklin County, Ind., in

1814, and they moved to this county in 1830. James Steele followed farming all his life. As a reward of true merit he was elected County Commissioner, also Township Trustee. He was a Master Mason. A member of the Presbyterian Church, he led an exemplary life, highly respected by all who knew him. He died May 3, 1881, his widow following him April 21, 1882. James O., our subject, received a good common school education. He was married, July 11, 1876, to Miss Florence E. Hamilton, who was born in Jennings Township, this county. May 20, 1853, and to them have been born two children: Bessie H. and Corie. Mr. Steele resides on a farm of ninety acres, on Section 26. He is a Master Mason; a member of the I. O. O. F., Subordinate and Encampment, and of Ireland Grange, No. 1749.

HENRY J. STEVENS, farmer, Columbia Township, was born in this county October 17, 1826, son of Elijah and Nancy Stevens, natives of North Carolina, where they were married. They were the parents of the following children : Elizabeth, Solomon, Isaac, Enoch, Edmond, Oliver, Amanda and Henry J. In an early day they moved to this county, where they remained until their death. Henry J., the subject of this sketch, was married in this county, October 19, 1847, to Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph and Mary A. (Kindwell) Stevens. After marriage they settled on their present farm, where they have since resided, and which Mr. Stevens has improved. He owns 150 acres of fine land.

JOHN H. STEVENS, farmer. Orange Township, was born in Payette County, Ind., June 15, 1828, son of Wells and Agnes (Carwile) Stevens, natives of North and South Carolina, respectively. Wells Stevens was a son of Robert and Sarah (Bean) Stevens, who emigrated from North Carolina to Franklin County, Ind., about the year 1810; thence moved to Union County, Ind., subsequently entering and settling on a part of the farm where our subject now lives, and here Mr Stevens remained until his death, which occurred in 1853. He was the father of twelve children: Allie, King, John, Jane, Nathan, Henry, James, Mary A., Jemima, Isaac, Isom, and Wells, the father of our subject, who was next to the eldest. He moved with his parents to Franklin County, Ind., in 1810, and was there married, after which he came to this county, settling on what is known as Garrison's Creek, Columbia Township, where he remained until 1838, when he moved to Jay County, Ind., and in 1845 returned to this county, remaining until his death in 1884. His children were Levi, Elizabeth, John H, Keziah and Henry. John H, our subject, was married in Franklin County, Ind., November 4, 1848, to Mary J., daughter of Amos and Hetha (Jeffrey) Neptune, who was born in Union County, Ind.,

October 16, 1832. The children born to this union were Eliza J., James G-., Hannah E., Lena L., Amos W. and Jonathan (latter deceased). After marriage Mr. Stevens settled in Orange Township, where he has chiefly remained since.

COLVILLE STEVENS, farmer, Orange Township, was born in Fayette County, Ind., September 2, 1836, son of James and Hannah (Pierce) Stevens, natives of Indiana, where they were married and remained until 1869, when they moved to Henry County, Mo., where James Stevens died in 1881. His widow is still living. Their children were Col vi lie, King H., Sarah, Rachel, Enoch, Mattie, Jesse B. , James, Emma and William. Our subject was married in Wabash County, Ind., February 19, 1858, to Elizabeth Scott, born in Wabash County, Ind., November 10, 1837, daughter of Charles R. and Mary (Chumley) Scott. To this union were born four children: Charles R., Kate (deceased), Rhoda and Jesse- After marriage Mr. Stevens settled first in Columbia Township, this county, but in the fall of 1870 moved to Orange Township, and settled on the farm where he has since resided. He owns 100 acres of good land.

JOHN STEPHEN, farmer. Orange Township, was born in Fayette County, Ind., September 7, 1838, one of eleven children born to Thomas G. and Hannah (Sutton) Stephen, the former born November 23, 1796, in Pennsylvania, and the latter October 2, 1805, in Ohio. They were married in Ohio, and in an early day moved to Fayette County, Ind., where they remained until their death. Thomas G. Stephen was an extensive farmer, owning over 500 acres of land. He died February 19, 1867; his wife in October, 1865. Their children were Delilah, Matilda, Elizabeth, Mary, Lovina, John, Martin, Lovisa, Thomas, Ellen J. and Rhoda F. John, our subject, was married in Fayette County, Ind. , January 29, 1862, to Mary M. Siders, born in Rockbridge County, Va., April 4, 1841, daughter of David and Sarah (Knick) Siders. After their marriage they settled on the farm where they have since resided. They have had the following children: Sarah E. , Mary J. (deceased), Thomas A., John W. , Jesse E., Rhoda F., Matilda A. and an infant son, Martin Cleveland (deceased).

MARTIN V. STEPHEN, farmer, Orange Township, was born in Fayette County, Ind., January 9, 1841 ; son of Thomas G. and Hannah (Sutton) Stephen, who were the parents of twelve children. Our subject was married in Rush County, Ind., March 23, 1865, to Rachel Graham, a native of that county, where she was born November 12, 1842. Her father, Hezekiah Graham, was born in Pennsylvania in 1798, was married in Ohio to a Miss Sarah Smith, and in an early day moved to Rush County, Ind., where his wife died. He subsequently married Elizabeth Stamm. He died in 1870, the father of nineteen children: Rebecca A., John, Elizabeth, Phebe, Susan, Samuel, Moses, Isaac, Sarah, by first wife; and Rachel, Laura, Hezekiah, Ellen, Emily, Charlotte, Harriet, Joseph, Abigail and Anna by his second wife. After their marriage our subject and wife settled on the farm where they have since resided. Their family consists of four children: Chester, born June 19, 1866; Laura M,, born March 4, 1868; Frances L., born April 12, 1871, and Daisie E., born March 31, 1878, died January 13, 1879. Mr. Stephen owns 270 acres of fine land, all improved.

J. P. STILTZ, Orange Township, dealer in choice groceries, queensware, glassware and clothing, Glenwood, Ind., was born near Baltimore, Md., August 13, 1844, son of Nicholas and Eleanor (Foster) Stiltz. Nicholas Stiltz, who was one of the nine children of John and Catherine (Sigler) Stiltz, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., in the year 1803. In his early life he worked at blacksmithing, after which he engaged in farming and milling. Mrs. Eleanor Stiltz was born in Baltimore County, Md., in 1811, and was one of a family of twelve children born to Nicholas and Sarah Foster. Our subject's parents were married in Baltimore County, Md., in 1833, where they settled and remained until their death. Their children were Martha E., Edwin N. , J. Emory and James P. Our subject, who is next to the eldest of the children, is a graduate of the Iron City Commercial College, of Pittsbiu-gh, Penn. In 1865 he went to Baltimore, where he clerked in the store of D. W. Darrah for seven years. During this time he visited Connersville, Ind., and was married May 25, 1871, to Margaret Nichols, who was born there August 12, 1845, daughter of H. W. and Margaret (Wegerle) Nichols. Two children have been born to this union : Harry E. (deceased) and Rollie P. In the fall of 1872 Mr. Stiltz moved to Connersville, where he remained until the following spring, when he came to Glenwood, and there clerked in the store of H. C. Wilkinson for a short time, and afterward for J. S. Nash about two years. He then went on the road as a commercial salesman a short time, and January 1, 1880, purchased a stock of goods and opened up the business which he has since conducted. He is at present carrying on an extensive trade. Mr. Stiltz is one of the most live business men of Glenwood. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

ELIJAH STITES, farmer. Orange Township, is a native of Pennsylvania, born April 8, 1807, son of John and Christena (Steward) Stites, natives of New Jersey, and of English and French descent. They were married in their native State, and from thence in an early day moved to Pennsylvania, and in 1813 to Cincinnati, Ohio, purchasing a farm where the Twenty-ninth Ward of that city now is, and where Mrs. Stites died in 1874. Mr. Stites subsequently moved to Madison County, Ind., and there died in 1879. Their children were Phebe, Sarah, Mary, Elijah, Christena, Elmira, Enoch, John, Alexander, and others that died in infancy. Elijah, our subject, came with his parents to Cincinnati, with whom he remained until his fourteenth year, when he began work for himself. In 1825 he commenced the carpenter's trade at Cincinnati with Daniel Stagg, with whom he stayed over three years as an apprentice. He was married in Cincinnati, August 21, 1829, to Malinda Colvin, a native of Kentucky, born August 16, 1807. In 1849 Mr. Stites moved to Fayette County, Ind., and settled on the farm where he has since resided. He owns 182 acres of good land, principally improved by himself.

CHARLES M. STONE, with a twin sister, was born in Columbia Township, Fayette Co., Ind., May 26, 1821. His father, Martin Stone, was a native of Massachusetts; his mother, Eliza (Klum) Stone, was a native of Vermont. They were married about the year 1814, and moved from Pittsburgh, Penn., in the winter of 1820, and settled in Fayette County, Ind. The father was a blacksmith by trade, also a contractor on public works, having superintended the building of the first macadamized road that led into Pittsburgh. He was killed by the falling of a tree, October 17, 1821. The mother afterward taught school a number of years in the neighborhood where she lived, and died March 25, 1849. Y^oung Stone worked on a farm and attended the district schools, mostly under the tuition of his mother until eighteen or nineteen years of age, when he entered the seminary at Connersville,and was one year under the instruction of the late Harvey Nutting, after which he taught a country district school one year. He was married to Miss Lovisa Carver, September 18, 1842, and soon after settled on the farm where he now lives. Mr. Stone was elected Justice of the Peace in the year 1844, and served continuously up to 1850, when he resigned and was elected to the Legislature, being re-elected in 1851 ; was again elected Justice of the Peace in 1854, resigned in 1856, and was again elected to represent his county in the Legislature. In 1858 he was again elected Justice of the Peace and served up to 1876, when he received the nomination of his party for County Auditor. Though his legal term as Justice expired before the date for the election of Auditor, the pretext of ineligibility was made against him on account of the commission he already held, and to save his friends and his party from any trouble that might possibly occur he quietly withdrew from the race, and has since lived in retirement on his farm. Mr. Stone was originally a Whig in politics, and afterward a Republican. Through life he has always given a helping hand to every interest of his country, and especially to his own township and county. To him are the people indebted for his efforts while in the Legislature in securing the enactment of laws, and the making of appropriations for the encouragement and benefit of the agricultural interests of the State.

JOHN W. STONE, farmer. Orange Township, was born in Fayette County, Ind., March 21, 1846, son of Silas H. and Martha S. (Dicken) Stone, the former born in Boyle County, Ky., November 9, 1801, and the latter in Scott County, April 2, 1807. They were married in Fayette County, Ind. , December 23, 1822, and have remained here principally ever since. Mrs. Stone died of heart disease January 6, 1885. They were the parents of twelve children: Evin S., Nancy A, Allen T., Eliza F., James M., Henry S., Elizabeth I., Desdemona, Matilda, John W., Catherine and Spencer. John W., our subject, was married in this county, February 15, 1871, to Mary E., daughter of James D. and Elizabeth Henry, born June 21, 1842. Four children were born to this union: Jesse O. , Flora I. (deceased) and two that died in infancy. After marriage Mr. Stone settled in Orange Township, on his father's old homestead, which he now owns, and in 1882 moved t6 Fayetteville, where he has since resided.

JOHN H. STOOPS, farmer and stock-raiser, Jackson Township, was born in Franklin County, Ind., May 3, 1834, son of John and Eda (Martin) Stoops, the former born in Alabama, May 3, 1802, the latter in South Carolina, November 15, 1804. They were married December 20, 1822, and settled in this county in 1836. They reared a family of eight children, live of whom are now living. The father died October 22, 1869. The subject of this sketch received a common school education; was married, December 31, 1857, to Miss Sarah F. Corbin, who was born in this township May 2, 1838. He resides on Section 7, on a farm of 175| acres of land; also owns 167 acres on Sections 7 and 18. He farmed up to 1879, when he engaged in the dairy business, continuing in same up to April, 1884, at which time he closed out the business. In 1870 Mr. Stoops purchased over a sixth interest in the Fayette & Franklin Turnpike Company, which has proved a profitable investment. He is also interested in the co-operative store at Everton. He is a member, with his wife, of Fayette Grange, No. 1673; he is a member of the I. O. O. F., No. 39, and Fayette County Protection Society. Mr. and Mrs. Stoops are members of the Baptist Church.

J. M. SUTCLIFFE (deceased), Waterloo Township, was born in Kentucky in 1821, a son of Eev. John and Mary Sutcliife, natives of England, who came to America in 1812, and to this township in 1828. Rev. John Sutclifife was a man of education and talent, and a valuable worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church in its early history in this locality. He died in 1843, aged about sixty years; his wife preceded him several years. They had ten children, two of whom are now living: John, and Mrs. Maria Thomas, in Iowa. The deceased are Frederick, Mary A., Eliza, Julia, Elizabeth, Alice, Senica and Joseph M. Our subject, who received a good education, was married to Cynthia Ann Robinson, in 1842, by whom he had four children, two of whom are now living: John A. and Emma C. Mary E. and Mary M. are deceased. Mr. Sutcliffe was an exemplary member of the Methodist Chui'ch, in which he served his Master forty years. He served as a Commissioner of the county, and was a gentletnan universally respected. Matthew Robinson, father of Mrs. Cynthia Ann Sntcliffe, was born in Morgantown, Va., in 1781. He settled in this township in 1814, and spent the rest of his life here. He was one of the founders of the Robinson Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church, and a devoted Christian. Eleven children were born to him, four of whom are now living: Cynthia Ann, George W. , Bigelow and Hanson. The deceased are Sarah, William, Nathan, Jesse, James, Elizabeth and Mary. Mr. Robinson died in 1841; his widow, Eleanor Robinson, died in 1864, aged eighty-four years. Mrs. Sutclifife is a lady of refinement, a zealous worker in the Methodist Church.

DAVID SUTTON (deceased), Jennings Township, was born in Pennsylvania, and there married Anchor, Fox, who bore him ten children: Mary, Iva, Absalom, Rebecca, Jabel, David, Nancy, Abram B., Eliza and William. In 1816 Mr. Sutton settled in the then woods of this township, entered the four quarter-sections of land now occupied by his son, Abram B., and there lived and died. He was very successful in life. He reared a large family, and at his death left them in comfortable circumstances. He departed this life August 15, 1845, aged seventy-nine years and five months; his widow died August 11, 1855, aged eightytwo years, eleven months and seventeen days. Both were members of the Baptist Church, with which they had been connected for many years. Abram B. Sutton, the only surviving member of his father's large family, was born March 5, 1809, in Warren County, Ohio. He was united in marriage, in 1831, with Sarah, daughter of James Conaway, who bore him nine children: William, Thompson, Lafayette, Jane, Samantha, Sarah, living; and James, Elizabeth and Adeline, deceased. Mrs. Sutton died in 1874. Our subject has lived on the place where his parents first settled for sixty-eight years. He has reared his large family and has lived to see most of them married. Mr. Sutton has made life a fair success, and now owns fifty-nine acres of good land. He cast his first Presidential vote for Andrew Jackson - "Old Hickory." Our subject's father was a cousin to Gen. Sutton, a distinguished military man and pioneer in the early settlement of Ohio.

O. H. SWIFT, retired farmer, Posey Township, was born near Connersville, Ind., January 24, 1831. He is a son of John Swift, who was born at Centervillo, Ohio, September 12, 1806, a son of Robert Swift, a native of New Jersey, who moved to near Lebanon, Ohio, and afterward to the vicinitj' of Cincinnati, at an early day in the history of Ohio. In 1818 he settled in Connersville, then comprised of three log-cabins. Here he lived until his death, following his trade - shoe-making. He was a man of strong religious convictions, and the first preaching of the Methodist Episcopal Church was held at his house. Five children were born to him, one now living - Mary Grace. The deceased children wore named John, Sarah (wife of Robert GrifiSs), Mary J. (wife of William Sparks), and Artemesia. John Swift married Mrs. Elizabeth Lockwood, whose maiden name was Thorp, by whom he had four children: O. H., W. R., Sarah J. and A. C. Mrs. Swift died April 6, 1841, aged thirty-six years. Mr. Swift married for his second wife Mrs. Maria McColley, whose maiden name was Dale, who bore him three children: Charlotte, America (deceased) and M. D. Mrs. Swift dying September 26, 1849, aged thirty-two years, Mr. Swift married for his third wife Sarah Ann Smith. John Swift died October 15, 1882. The subject of this sketch has been twice married, first to Malinda Daugherty, in 1861, by whom he had two children: Mary E. and James O., the latter deceased. Mrs. Swift died March 21, 1866; born May 15, 1844. His present wife, Mary A. Clifton (wee Lake), he married December 31, 1867, and by her has had one child - Florence Ada. Nine years ago Mr. Swift located in Bentonville, where he kept a grocery store and postofBce eight years. Abandoning these, he returned to his farm of 108 acres good land. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

WILLIAM R. SWIFT, farmer and trader, Jackeon Township, is a native of this county, born in Connersville Township, June 14, 1833. His father, John Swift, was born in Centerville, Ohio, September 12, 1806, and with his father, Robert Swift, moved in 1818 to Connersville, then only a few log-houses. Robert Swift stands at the head of the list of Methodists in Connersville. In his house the first society was organized for class meetings, he being appointed

Leader. Preaching was also held at his house for some time. John Swift in early life was a merchant and kept a hotel; in middle life he was a farmer and trader in stock and real estate. In his older days he lived a retired life, having accumulated considerable wealth. He died in the Methodist faith, October 15, 1882. William R., our subject, enjoyed a good common school education. He farmed until he was of age, and then traded in stock. He was married, December 17, 1867, to Mrs. Cassie G. Snowden, who was born February 28, 1840, daughter of William G. and Sarah Smith, natives of Maryland, where the former was born August 3, 1796, the latter January 27, 1802. Mr. Smith, during the war of 1812, participated in Perry's victory, and took charge of 300 prisoners, escorting them to Philadelphia for safe keeping. He and his wife came to Indiana in 1835, and spent their declining years with Mr. Swift. Our subject has been successful. His farm of ninety acres is located on Section 7. He and his estimable wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JAMES H. TATE, farmer, Connersville Township. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is a descendant of one of the earliest settlers of this county. He was born four miles southwest of Connersville, July 20, 1830, and is a son of William A. H. Tate, who is still living, in his eightieth year (see sketch of John Tate). He spent bis early years upon the farm with his parents, and obtained a fair education in the district schools. At the early age of nine years he began working for himself as United States Mail Carrier, an occupation which he has since engaged in to a greater or less extent. A.t the age of twenty-one he entered into his iirst contract with the Government, for carrying a triweekly mail between Connersville and Eushville, having charge of several other routes at the same time. This constituted his principal occupation up to 1857, on December 23 of which year he was married to Miss Louisa Holstead, also a native of this county, and a daughter of Hickson and Eliza (Jones) Holstead, who were among the first settlers here from Kentucky. Mr. Holstead is a native of New York State; is in his eighty-fifth year and very spry. After his marriage Mr. Tate turned his attention to farming, gardening, etc., and this occupation has chiefly engaged him since that date. He was engaged in the carpenter's trade from 1856 to 1861, however, and in that interval contracted for and erected most of the schoolhouses in this township. In 1852 he and his father purchased fifty-two acres, and on this farm Mr. Tate has lived ever since his marriage. He received ten acres of the farm and the house which was erected in 1843-44, and here he brought his young bride, with whom he was ever after to dwell in the independent pursuits of farm life and the discharge of his official duties. From about 1860 Mr. Tate served as Assessor for twelve years. He was gate-keeper at the county fair for twenty-eight consecutive years, and served seven years in the same capacity at the State fair at Indianapolis. He has also served as Deputy Sheriff, and is in every sense a very useful citizen, always discharging his duties with credit and satisfaction. Mr. Tate has eight children living: John E., Emery E., Maud M., William H., Curtis F., James H., Jr., Orley and " Tip,'' the last mentioned only nicknamed. Maud M. and E. E. are engaged in teaching school. " Tip," after the nomination of Mr. Cleveland for President, named himself Grover C. Tate. He is, perhaps, the first child in the United States named for Cleveland, who now occupies so prominent a position. The paternal side of the family is essentially a family of musicians, and most of the above-named children, as well as the father, are devotees of Apollo, the house furnishing an orchestra of eight pieces - three horns, four violins and one organ. Mr. Tate is a Republican of the old Whig stamp, and one of the most wide-awake citizens of the county. His possessions have increased to 172 acres, and this is well improved and cultivated.

JOHN TATE, farmer, Connersville Township. The gentleman whose name introduces this sketch is a son of W. A. H. Tate, one of the pioneers of this county, and was born in Connersville Township, this county, Oct. 1, 1832. His mother was Louisa Cunningham. His parents came to this township from Virginia in a very early day. On the farm where they endured their frontier trials and hardships, the old cabin which first sheltered them still stands, surrounded by a remnant of the old orchard which they planted. William Tate, the greatgrandfather of our subject, was an officer in the Revolutionary war, and the latter has in his possession a silver button, on which is engraved the initials " \V. T." and dated 1775, the same having been taken from the old Revolutionary hero's uniform. Our subject resided on the farm with his parents till twenty-seven years of age. He obtained a good common school education, and this he has supplemented by several years of careful self-culture gleaned from his own private library, being thoroughly up to the times, on the topics with which he is remarkably conversant. On arriving at his majority Mr. Tate began business as a United Slates Mail Contractor, and continued in the employ of the Government four years, doing some farming in the meantime. He was next engaged in carpentering, erecting school buildings in various parts of the county, assisting his father and brother. December 23, 1858, he married Miss Mary A. Conaway, a native of Orange Township, and daughter of A. S. and Elizabeth (GrifiSn) Conaway. After his marriage Mr. Tate resided on the farm of his father-in-law three years and then removed to his present home of 117 acres, which he purchased in 1864. Here he has since resided, and although variously engaged during the time, has given his chief attention to agricultural pursuits, always being alive to the best interests of his community. He was a prominent worker in the organization of the Greenback party at Indianapolis, in June, 1874, and for the past thirty years has been an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which he has been connected oflicially twenty-five years. In its day he was a prominent leader in the grange movement, but of late years has not given much attention to public affairs. Mr. Tate is a man of decisive character and a very useful citizen in his community. His family of children are four in number: William A., Mary L., John C. and Myrtle M. Two infants are deceased. The eldest son is engaged in the study of law at Connersville.

SYDNEY J. TAYLOR, farmer, Harrison Township, was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., January 8, 1819. His father, Joseph Taylor, was born in Hampden County, Mass., December 2, 1791, and died May 26, 1828. His mother, Abigail (Thomas) Taylor, was born in Saratoga County, N. Y., September 8, 1794, and died April 2, 1872. They came to this county in February, 1825. Our subject received a common school education. In 1830 he commenced farming, which he followed till 1850, then engaged in carpentering until 1863. He was married, April 10, 1862, to Miss Harriet Ludlow, who was born in this township December 25, 1823. By this union two children were born: Joseph H. and Morvin J. Since 1863 Mr. Taylor has resumed farming. He has served as Road Supervisor; has been a member of Harrison Lodge, No. 84, I. O. O. F., since 1852. His father was drafted in the war of 1812, but as his employer could not spare him from the business, was obliged to hire a substitute.

BENJAMIN THOMAS, farmer, Harrison Township, is another of the pioneer settlers of the valley, who came to it when it was almost an unbroken forest, and for a period of upward of sixty years has he been cognizant of the wonderful changes wrought by the onward march of progress, in which he has played his part. His birth occurred in Allegany County, N. Y., on the 22d of August, 1802, son of John and Sarah N. (Beardroufif) Thomas, natives of New York State, whore the mother died in 1810. About the year 1818 the father removed to Ohio and in 1822 to Indiana, locating in what is now Fayette County. He was twice married. By his first wife were born Benjamin, Jesse, Gilbert and Stephen. His second wife, Sarah Simons, bore him one child - Sallie. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, an honorable citizen, much respected. Our subject was reared to agricultural pursuits, and received but meagre educational advantages. In 1829 he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Savage, a native of Maine. To this union were born Jesse H., Sarah A., Eliza J., Oliver C, Margaret, Samuel, Mary A., Austin, Benjamin W., Winfield S. and Hannah E. Sarah A. died November 9, 1851, and Oliver C. died in the hospital September 13, 1862, of erysipelas, while serving his country as a member of Company L, Second Regiment Indiana Cavalry. The wife of our subject died February 22, 1857, and he subsequently married Francena Reed, whose death occurred two years later. His third marriage was with Mary A. Keener. Mr. Thomas and a portion of the family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a well-to-do farmer aod a most excellent citizen.

JAMES THOMAS, farmer, Connersville Township, was born in this county in 1827, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Fixley) Thomas, natives of Ohio and Kentucky, respectively, and who married in this county and resided here most of their lives. The father died in Huntington County, Ind., in 1860, the mother in Logansport in March, 1881. Our subject resided with his parents till he was twenty-four years of age, and in 1851 married Margaret A. Jones, also a native of this county and daughter of William and Lucinda (Ginn) Jones, who settled in this county during the period of its Indian history. After his marriage Mr. Thomas engaged in farming up to 1860. He then worked at the stone-mason's trade at Huntington, Ind., for five years, returning to this county in 1865, and purchasing his present farm of seventythree and one- half acres in 1874. He has since been chiefly employed on the farm, doing an occasional job of stone work for his neighbors when called upon. He has been quite successful in pursuits, and by hard labor has earned for himself a comfortable home. Mr. Thomas is the father of five children: Josephine, Eliza A., Lucinda, John and Edward - all married but the latter. In politics Mr. Thomas is a Republican, not aggressive in his sentiments, but choosing to let every man think and vote as he pleases.

BUEL J. THOMAS, farmer and stock-dealer, Harrison Township, was born September 21, 1835, in Harrison Township, Fayette Co., Ind., son of William W. and Folly (Trobridge) Thomas, natives of New York, and who emigrated to this township in 1819. They were married August 23, 1827. The father was born June 24, 1800, and died August 21, 1883; the mother was born August 24, 1805, and died October 1, 1875. Our subject acquired a common school education, and has farmed and dealt in stock all through life. He was married, May 27, 1857, to Miss Martha Caldwell, who was born in Fayette County, Ind., January 14, 1837. They have had four children born to them: Elmer, born May 5, 1858, died March' 5, 1865; Charles I.; Hubbard T. ; Harry H. Mr. Thomas is a member of the Baptist Church. WILLIAM D. THOMAS, farmer, Fairview Township, was born in Tipton County, Ind., December 26, 1843, son of Minor L. and Cynthia P. (Jeffrey) Thomas, natives of Fayette County, Ind. Minor L. Thomas was bom in 1820, a son of David F. Thomas, a native of New York, born in the year 1795, a soldier in the war of 1812, and one of the early pioneers of Fayette County. He was twice married, and was the father of three children: Harriet, Erasmus, and Minor L. Our subject's father was married in this county to Cynthia P. Jeffrey, born in 1822. After their marriage they moved to Tipton County, Ind., where they remained about four years, then returned to this county, and in about two years later moved to Tipton County, but subsequently came back here, settling at Connersville, where he engaged in merchandising for some time, after which he moved the store to Tipton, and carried on business there about three years, then sold out and engaged in keeping hotel at that place until 1857, when his wife died. He subsequently returned to Fayette County, and was again married, this time to Elizabeth Shisler. In 1861 he enlisted in Company E, Fiftyfourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until 1863, when he came home on furlough, and died July 20, 1863. He was the father of five children: William D., Henry H., Caroline, Mary and Erasmus. Our subject, the eldest child, enlisted October 19, 1863, in Company A, One Hundred and Twentyfourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until September 16, 1865, when he was discharged, and returned to Fayette County, Ind. He was married, November 21, 1867, to Amanda E. Shortridge, born in this county July 19, 1846, and daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth Shortridge, of Fairview Township, this county, and to this union have been born four children: Altha C, Emma J. (deceased), Elmore and Martha P. In 1875 Mr. Thomas purchased and moved on the farm where he now lives.

HON. WOODSON W. THRASHER, farmer, Fairview Township, was born in Pendleton County, Ky., February 4, 1812. His parents, John and Elizabeth (Rush) Thrasher, were natives of Kentucky and of English and Irish extraction. John Thrasher was a son of Josiah Thrasher, a native of Maryland, and his father, John Thrasher, Sr., was one of three brothers who emigrated from England to the United States during the Revolutionary war. He first settled in Maryland and was there manied to Elizabeth Hooker, and subsequently moved to Kentucky, where he remained until hi-s death. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war; was the father of a large family, of whom Josiah (the grandfather of our subject) was the eldest. He was married in Pendleton County, Ky., to Nancy Bonar, and about the year 1830 moved to Rush County, Ind., where she died shortly afterward. He survived her several years. Their children were John, Josiah, Sarah and Stephen. John Thrasher and Elizabeth, daughter of Peter and Mary Rush, were united in wedlock in Pendleton, Ky., and in 1824 moved to Rush County, Ind., where she died in 1855. He subsequently married Mary Copland, and died in 1876. He was the father of ten children: Woodson W., Mary, Nancy, William, Josiah, Maria, Lucinda, Caroline, Joseph and an infant son who died unnamed. Our subject with his parents moved to Rush County, this State, in 1824, and resided with them until his marriage in 1831, with Barbara, daughter of Philip and Barbara Daubenspeck, born in Bourbon County, Ky., February 14, 1811. After his marriage Mr. Thrasher settled just over the line from his father in Fayette County, where he has since resided, giving his attention to agricultural pursuits, having been extensively engaged in breeding and raising improved stock, and to him are the people of this section of Indiana largely indebted for the fine stock with which the farms abound. He has as prominently, too, been connected with all enterprises and interests of the county which have had a tendency to develop the resources and to educate and Christianize her people. The subjects of education and Christianity have ever been close to his heart and to their advancement he has given much of his mighty energy and liberally of his means, being largely instrumental in establishing the academy at Fairview and the Christian Church near by, with which both himself and wife have been connected for forty years or more; he having been an Elder therein during the greater part of the time. As an evidence of his interest in Ihe subject of education we have but to state that all his eight children are collegiate graduates and among them are a prominent physician in Cincinnati, a Professor of Mathematics in Butler College at Indianapolis, and another a graduate of the profession of law. The father of Mr. Thrasher before him was a Whig, with which party our subject was in his younger life identified, casting his first vote for Henry Clay. Since the organization of the Republican party he has been a warm advocate of its principles. He at one time was one of the County Commissioners, and in 1867 was chosen by the citizens of the county a Representative in the State Legislature, where he at once became conspicuous and was identified with the leading measures that came before the Legislature during his term of service in the years 1867 and 1868. He was Chairman of the Committee on Eoads and Highways; he also served on a committee appointed to visit and report the condition of the Southern prison at Jeffersonville; the Chairman's report he refused to sign, and with another colleague drew up a minority report, which was accepted by the Legislature. He was largely instrumental in securing the passage of the Indiana drain or ditching law enacted during his service, which bill he was greatly interested in. His name is also prominently connected with other important measures of which for the want of space we must here leave unmentioned. Mr. Thrasher has been evidently successful in life, and has been blessed with most excellent health. Seldom, if ever, has he been confined to bed dui-ing his long life on account of sickness; and it is greatly to his credit to remark that he has never been engaged in a lawsuit He started in life with small means, but by thrift and industry he has accumulated a handsome competency. His children all grew to manhood and womanhood. Their names are William M., Elizabeth, John P., Marion, Harriet, Sarah, Allen B. and Oliver.

WILLIAM R. TYNEB, farmer, Harrison Township, is a native of Indiana, born May 3, 1835. His father, Samuel G. Tyner, was born in Brookville Ind., and died June 3, 1883. He farmed all his life. Our subject received a common school education. He was married, February 13, 1873, to Miss Elizabeth Williams, a native of Indiana. To this union has been born one child - Sadie. Mr. Tyner has been Road Supervisor. He has spent his life in farming, and is an industrious, reputable citizen.

GEORGE VAN BUSKIRK, farmer, Posey Township, was born in Kentucky, July 9, 1802, son of George, Sr., and Mary (Rulony) Buskirk, who settled in Wayne County, Ind., in 1815, where both died. They had six children, all now deceased but our subject. He was married, in 1826, to Rachel Helm, who was born in Ross County, Ohio, October 9, 1805. In 1830 he left Wayne County, Ind., and settled in Posey Township, Fayette County, same State, where he has since resided, and has prospered. He is the father of twelve children, nine of whom are now living: Harriet, Tillman, Daniel, Ruben, Martha, Nancy, Martin, Catherine and Perry. Sidney, Elizabeth and Mary are deceased Daniel is a minister of the Christian Church, and is called the " Beecher of the West." Mr. and Mrs. Van Buskirk are members of the same church, with which they have been connected over half a century.

JAMES VANHORN, farmer, Connersville Township, one of the wealthiest and most prominent colored men of this county, was born a slave in Pendleton

County, Ky., January 15, 1804. His father was a white native of Germany, which fact perhaps accounts for the persevering and industrious habits which have characterized Mr. Vanhorn's whole life. Mr. Vanhorn passed his early years in his native State on the plantation of his master, Josiah Thrasher, by whom he was retained till nearly twenty-two years of age. He then made his escape to the North and located in Rush County, Ind., where he resided but a few years, when he came to this county. For one year he made his home with John Thrasher, a son of his former master: from there he went to Billy McCarty's, where he resided two years; thence he moved to John Caldwell's, also to Gen. Caldwell's, where he was engaged chiefly in teaming goods from Cincinnati to this section of the county for the resident merchants, and where he bought his freedom for 1250, his own money. About 1840 he purchased 160 acres in Blackford County, Ind., trading this tract for eighty acres of his present farm about 1854. By hard and continued labor he has since been able to add to his original possessions till he now owns 121 acres of valuable land. Previous to his marriage, Mr. Vanhorn was employed as bar keeper on the steamboat "Adriatic," plying between Cincinnati and New Orleans, and although constantly engaged for some time in mixing and dealing out liquors of various kinds, was never kaowu to taste them himself. Mr. Vanhorn was married, July 3, 1842, to Miss Nancy Foster, who was born in Ohio. Nine children blessed this union, seven now surviving: Oliver, John A., Francis M., Harriet, Malinda, Charles and Cordelia. AVesley and Eliza are deceased. Mrs. Vanhorn passed away January 3, 1880. Mr. Vanhorn may well be regarded as one of the successful farmers of this county. He is a most worthy example to his race, and his life furnishes abundant proof of the advantages of freedom of thought and action. He is regarded as one of the most reliable citizens in this community, and is entitled to great credit for his industry and good character.

JOHN WALKER, farmer, Jennings Township, was born on the old homestead, April 13, 1828, son of William Walker, who was born in Virginia in 1777. The latter, a son of Charles Walker, also a Virginian, settled near Chillicothe, Ohio, among the Indians, at a very early day in the settlement of Ohio, and there died. William Walker was married in Ohio to Jane Corbet, by whom he had twelve children, four of whom are now living: Joseph, James, Samuel and John. The deceased are Jane, Henry, Willis, Alexander, William, Frances, Eliza J. and Lewis. In 1819 Mr. and Mrs. Walker, with their two childi-en, Henry and William, removed to and settled in Jennings Township, this county, entering 160 acres of land. Mr. Walker was poor in purse, depending entirely on his own exertions for a living, bnt he was energetic and made good progress from the start, accumulating, with the aid of his family, about 3,500 acres of land. He was a man of honor, sterling character, and whose word was as good as his bond. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Church, in which they worked for Christ and their soul's salvation till called to a higher reward. Mr. Walker served in the war of 1812. He was a Jacksonian Democrat at one time, but joined the Whig party, and died in the ranks of the Republican party. He died May 17, 1859, aged eightytwo years, his wife having preceded him June 15, 1855, aged seventy-two years, six months. Our subject was married, in 1853, to Mary E., daughter of David and Elizabeth (Lemmon) Berry, by whom he had three children: Eugene J., Frances S. and Albert S. He has always lived within half a mile of his birth-place. He has prospered, and now owns 230 acres of good land. He is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which he has been connected for many years. He is an uncompromising Eepublican, and takes more than an average interest in j)ublic affairs.

FOREST M. WEBB, farmer, Columbia Township, is a native of Fayette County, Ind., and is descended from an old and well respected family of the county. His parents were Forest M. and Clarissa (Bryant) Webb, natives of Kentucky, who emigrated to this county in a very early day. The former was born in Boone County, April 4, 1802, a son of Edward Webb, who wa.s born in Virginia, November 21, 1769, and who emigrated thence to Boone County, Ky., in a very early day. From there he moved to the Territory of Indiana, first settling near Harrison, Ohio, and in 1814 came to Fayette County, Ind., settling in Columbia Township, where he remained until his death, which occurred July 29, 1851. He was a man of considerable ability, and figured conspicuously in the early affairs of the county. He was chosen on the organization of the county one of its Associate Judges, which position he filled for twenty-seven years consecutively - see history proper of Columbia Township. Forest M., his son, and the father of our subject, came with him to this county in 1814, and was here united in marriage with Clarissa Bryant, who was born near Georgetown, Scott Co., Ky., November 18, 1806. To this union were born: Mary F., February 12, 1825; Sarah A., May 17, 1827; James E., October 8, 1831; Robert L., March 31, 1835: Catherine, May 19, 1838; John P., August 19, 1841; Theodore F., April 2, 1844, and Forest M., our subject, February 2, 1848. After his marriage Mr. Webb settled in this county, where his wife died November 25, 1883. He is now a resident of Kokomo, Ind. Our subject was married November 17, 1870, to Cornelia, daughter of Homan and Lydia (Hughes) Jones, whose sketch will be found elsewhere. She died May 24, 1880, having borne three children: Forest M. (deceased), Nellie M. and Paul J. Mr. Webb was again mairied in this county, January 1, 1884, this time to Gertrude Burgoyne, who was born in Franklin County, Ind., December 28, 1864, daughter of J. C. and Georgiana (Hazard) Burgoyne.

THOMAS WEST, farmer, Connersville Township, is a native of County Armagh, Ireland, born in March, 1811. His parents, William and Eleanor (Patterson) West, were natives of Scotland, and emigrated from that country to Quebec, Canada, in 1828. From there the family moved to Vermont, and soon after to Pennsylvania, from which State about four years later they moved to Franklin County, Ohio, where the father purchased 170 acres of land, and subsequently attained an enviable position of wealth. In 1830 Thomas West began the trade of stone-cutter in Beaver County, Penn. , where he was employed four years. He next spent one year as an operator in the rolling mills of Pittsburgh, and then moved down the Ohio River to Cincinnati, from which cit}- he came to this township, where he has since resided. In 1847 Mr. West purchased his present farm of eighty acres, on which he has since been toiling for the improvement of his worldly interests. In 1831 he married Margery Moore, a native of County Donegal, Ireland, a daughter of John and Sophia (McNutt) Moore. They have no family.

GEORGE J. WICKERD, farmer, Connersville Township, a native of Franklin County, Ind., was born September 26, 1835. His father, Jacob Wickerd, was born in the State of Delaware, September 14, 1815; and his mother, Susan (Stams) Wickerd, was a native of Pennsylvania. They were married November 28, 1834. Jacob Wickerd was a shoemaker, and came to Indiana in 1836. The means the subject of this sketch had for obtaining an education were limited. He was united in marriage, December 20, 1865, with Miss Mary J. Martin, who was born June 22, 1844, in Franklin County, Ind. , and by this union three children have been born: William D., Minnie E. (deceased August 11, 1878, aged two years and ten months) and Edward. Mr. Wickerd is a member of the Fayette County Protection Society, and Everton Grange. He and bis wife are members of the Baptist Church. Our subject is an indiistriouB, quiet citizen, highly respected by all who know him.

County, Ind., born December 11, 1845, son of Ralph and Eliza (Bougham)Wildridge, who were born in New Jersey, the former October 13, 1806, the latter July 0, 1814. They were married November 20, 1831, and reared a family of eight children. Ralph Wildridge died September 25, 1850. Our subject received a common school education. He was united in marriage, April 28, 1869, with Miss Hattie Roberts, a native of Franklin County, Ind., born March 1, 1850, and by this union one child, Mary, was born May 2, 1874. Mr. Wildridge came to this county in 1870) and now resides on Section 33, his farm comprising seventy-six acres. He is a member of Everton Grange, No. 1670, and Fayette County Protection Society. He and his wife are adherents of the Methodist Church.

RICHARD W. WILLIAMS, farmer, Columbia Township, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, October 31, 1815, and is one of the nine children born to Thomas and Mary (Newcomer) Williams, natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania respectively, and who were married in Hamilton County, Ohio, where they afterward settled, remaining there until their death. Their children were as follows: William W., Rachel A., Thomas N., Sanford S., Peter C, Richard W., Elizabeth, Mary and Catherine J. Our subject was married in Franklin County, Ind., January 24, 1849, to Phebe Carter, born in Franklin County, Ind., October 1, 1821, and daughter of Abraham and Margaret (Hitchner) Carter. To this union were born ten children: Margaret E., Thomas W., John N., Newton (deceased), Hester A. (deceased), Arthur E., Alice A. (deceased), Abraham C, Phebe J. (deceased), and Oliver M. After marriage Mr. Williams settled in Hamilton County, Ohio, where he remained until 1850, thence moved to Fayette County, Ind., settling in Columbia Township, where he has since resided. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

MARY A. WILLIAMS, widow of the late Jeremiah Williams, Orange Township, was born in Fayette County, Ind., August 5, 1828, daughter of John and Sarah (Logan) Mcllwain, natives of Ireland. John Mcllwain was a son of John Mcllwain, Sr., a native of Scotland, where he married Jennie Hughston ; thence they emigrated to the north of Ireland about the time Cromwell raled England, Ireland and Scotland, settling near Belfast, where they remained until 1798, when they immigrated to the United States, settling in South Carolina, where they remained until their death. Mrs. Mcllwain died shortly after their arrival here, and Mr. Mcllwain subsequently married Ann Logan. He was the father of eight children: James H., Thomas, John, Mary, William, Hugh, Samuel, by first wife; and James, by last wife. John, the father of our subject, was born in 1786, and came with his parents to South Carolina in 1798, where ho and Sarah, daughter of Samuel and Deborah (Steele) Logan, were united in marriage. She was born in 1784. After their marriage they first settled near Abbeville, S. C, and in 1814 moved to Fayette County, Ind., where he remained until his death, which occurred June 25, 1870. His widow died June 14, 1872. Their children were John, Thomas, William, Jane, Elizabeth, Hugh, Oliver, Jamesi Nancy, Sarah and Mary A. Our subject was united in marriage, in Fayette County, February 25, 1849, with Jeremiah Williams, who was born in this county June 21, 1828, son of Elisha and Martha (Baker) Williams. To this union were born Leander C. (deceased), Terrissa L., Emma Z., Martha J., Sarah J., John (deceased) and Elisha. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Williams settled near Everton, this county, but moved in 1861 on the farm where the widow now lives, her husband dying May 23, 1875.

FRANK T. WILLIAMS, general merchandise, Harrison Township, was born in Harrison Township, Fayette County, March 31, 1852, son of Hon. Charles R. Williams, ex-County Auditor, a sketch of whom is given among the biographies in the city of Connersville. He was raised a farmer, and received a good common school education. In May, 1876, he purchased hie present business from John W. Foster, and has been very successful in the enterprise. June 4, 1878, he was married to Miss Florence M. Williams, who was born May 31, 1858. Mr. Williams, to prepare himself for his present business, took a thorough course and graduated in Bryant & Stratton's Commercial College. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.

MADISON WILLIAMSON, farmer, Jennings Township, was born on the place where he now lives in Fayette County, in the year 1836. He is a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Connoway) Williamson, who were married January 19, 1832, and had a family of thirteen children: Adeline, Elmon, Franklin, Madison, James, Mary, Daniel, Sarah, Theresa, Nancy, Elizabeth, and two that died in infancy. Samuel Williamson was born in Ohio July 3, 1807. His parents were Moses (born in Virginia September 23, 1774,) and Jane (Riggs) Williamson (born December 25, 1778,) who had only one child. The father of our subject, Moses Williamson, was a man of good executive ability, and held for several years the office of Justice of the Peace. During the war of 1812- 15 he served on the frontier. He died January 5, 1850. His wife was a good Christian lady, a member of the Methodist Church. They located here in 1830. Samuel Williamson came with his parents to this township about 1830. He was a progressive man and a respected citizen. He died September 10, 1855; his widow died November 27, 1884. Our subject was twice married; on first occasion, in 1857, to Martha, daughter of David Ross, by whom he had three children: Samuel, Elsie, David (deceased in infancy). He was married, December 22, 1882, to his second wife, Sarah, daughter of John and Lydia (Behney) Rudy, the latter a daughter of Valentine Behney. Mrs. Sarah Williamson was born January 18, 1851, in North Lebanon Township, Lebanon County, Penn. , and was baptized June 23, 1851; she came to Indiana in 1871; is a member of the Evangelical Methodist Church. By this union there is no issue. Mr. Williamson owns seventy -five acres of land, which is well improved.

FRANKLIN M. WORSHAM, farmer, Fairview Township, was born in Fayette County, Ind., April 9, 1829, son of Jeremiah and Nancy (Fulliu) Worsham, who were among the first settlers of this county. His father was born in 1786 in Washington County, Va. ; thence, in 1811, he moved to Brookville, Franklin Co., Ind., and the same year entered land and settled on the banks of Whitewater River, two miles south of CQnnersville. At that time Indiana was a Territory. There were but few families in Connersville, and the Indians who were encamped in the river bottoms were very troublesome. Mr. Worsham was married, while residing on this farm, to Nancy Fullin, a native of Tennessee, born in 1795, and who came with her parents to this county in 1811. To this union were born William W., Elizabeth, Ruth, Malinda, Samuel, Robert, John J., George W., Franklin M., Jeremiah, Charles W., Joseph T. and Sarah. Mr. Worsham resided on his farm on the banks of the Whitewater about ten years, then purchased another west oF Connersville, where he remained until his death, which occurred October 20, 1861, his wife having preceded him July 16, 1859. He owned at the time of his demise over 500 acres of land. Franklin M., our subject, was married, in Rush County, Ind., March 13, 1856, to Mary S., daughter of Robert H. and Jemima (Messersmith) Newbould. She was born in this county March 5, 1835. They have a family of nine children: Armilda, Samantha A., John T., Robert F., Martha M., Albert H. S., Alva P. B., William M. and Daisy E. After our subject's marriage he settled on the farm where he has since resided. He owns at present about 200 acres of excellent land.

JOSEPH T. WORSHAM, farmer, Connersville Township, was born in 1835, a native of this county, son of Jeremiah and Nancy (Fullin) Worsham, who were born and married in Virginia, and moved to Franklin County, Ind., in 1811, moving to this county soon after. Here the father died in 1861, the mother having preceded him in 1859. Jeremiah Worsham was among the first settlers of the county, a successful and wealthy farmer, owning at one time 354 acres of land. Joseph T. Worsham, the subject of this sketch, was employed at home on the farm with his pareats until he was twenty-five years of age. He obtained a practical education in the district schools, and made farming his chief occupation through life. In 1862 he married Sarah Hartzel, a native of Pennsylvania and daughter of John Hartzel, and two children have been born to this union: Edwin T. and Oscar. Mr. Worsham is still residing on the old homestead purchased in 1861. He took care of his parents till their death, thus rewarding them for their care of him in his childhood and youth. He does a general farming business, and has on his farm one of the finest limestone quarries in the State, and this he has operated quite extensively. In politics he is a Democrat.

JAMES WORSTER (deceased), late of Jennings Township, was born December 31, 1782, in Pennsylvania, son of Rev. Robert and Mary (Gorman) Worster, the former a native of England, the latter of German descent. Rev. Robert Worster came to Indiana some time after his son James. It is said that he preached the first Methodist sermon delivered west of the Alleghenies. He was a forcible preacher, whose labors ended only with his life. He also taught the first school in Jennings Township. His children, eight in number, were Sarah, Daniel, James, Margaret, Hugh, Nellie, Jennie and Thomas. He died in 1830, aged one hundred and one years; his widow in 1832, aged seventy-five. Our subject went with his parents to Bracken County, Ky., where he was married, August 8, 1805, to Nancy Milner, born in Kentucky September 1, 1789, daughter of Amos and Hannah (Rice) Milner, of Pennsylvania, who settled in Bracken County, Ky., in an early day, and in 1819 moved thence to Fayette County, Ind. They were parents of three children: Sarah (wife of Elijah Corbin), John and Nancy. Amos Milner was one of the heroes of the Revolutionary war. He died September 1, 1851, aged ninety-one years, one month and twenty-two days. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Church. In 1814 Mr. and Mrs. James Worster, with their three children, moved to Indiana Territory, selecting a location in what is now Jennings Township. (Before settling here Mr. Worster had served in the war of 1812-15). They had nine children: Hannah, Mary J., Amos M., Robert, John O., Sarah E., Lucinda A., Thomas W., Elizabeth M. Mr. Worster died September 29, 1849; his widow September 24, 1876, aged eighty-seven years and twenty-three days. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal

Church. Thomas W. Worster, son of our Bubject, was born February 8, 1828. He was married, in 1851, to Mary A. Blue, who has borne him six children; James A., John O., Charles S., Thomas L. (deceased), Mary J. and Grace H. He i.s the owner of 485 acres of excellent land. Is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically a Republican. Richard R. Nuzum (deceasedj was born in Virginia in 1803, and was a son of William and Martha (Reece) Nuzum. He came to this township in 1S29, and August 4, 1831, he was married to Mary J., daughter of James Worster, who bore him one child, James W., who enlisled, in 1861, in the three months' service. In August, 1862, he re-enlisted in the Sixty- ninth I. V. I. for three years, and was killed at Richmond, Ky., August 30, 1862. Richard R. Nuzum died October 21, 1858.

THOMAS WRIGHT, Columbia Township, is, perhaps, the oldest resident of this county living at this date. He was born in Gloucester County, Va., October 11, 1793, and is of English and French parentage. His parents, Thomas and Mary (Pointer) Wright, were born in England, both dying when he was but a child, and he was reared to the age of sixteen by an elder brother. He then began a sea-faring life, embarking on a vessel owned by John Gressett. He continued on the wave about thirteen years, being promoted from one position to another till he became Captain of a vessel of his own, which same ship was used by the citizens of Yorktown on the occasion of welcoming LaFayette when on one of his visits to this country. It was also honored by the presence of the celebrated Irish poet, Thomas Moore, who was one of its jiassengers while on his tour to the United States. Mr. Wright was married, June 5, 1822, to Catharine W. Stubbs, a native of Gloucester County, Va., born July 20, 1805, daughter of Francis and Ann (Hall) Stubbs, of English and French descent respectively. Her grandfather was born in England find married there. Her maternal grandmother was named Mildred Du Vail. Her parents were married in Gloucester County, Va. and reared two children, Mrs. Wright being a daughter by her father's second wife (his first wife was a Miss Robbins, by whom he had one son). Her father died in Virginia before she was born, and her mother died in this State in 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Wright have four children living: Matilda, Laura, Willa A. and Julia E. Soon after his marriage Mr. Wright gave up the life of a sailor, sold his vessel, and settled down to the peaceful pursuit of agriculture in Virginia. In 1837 they sold their property there and moved to this county, where Mr. Wright purchased his present farm. Here he has since resided and played his part in the great drama of life. His faculties were well preserved till recently, but nature has run its course, and the vital forces are well-nigh spent. Ninety years have sufficed to dim the eye, dull the ear and enfeeble the mind; and a few more years must end the long eventful race.