Grant County, Indiana - The whole text, 1914 (part 27 of 32)

Mr. Thrawl is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. In politics he is a Republican, has voted for the support* of those principles for many years, and on the Republican ticket was elected to the office of township assessor. For the past nine years he has been one of the directors of the Swayzee co-operative Telephone Company. As a farmer he raises a general crop and also a large number of stock. When he was married he was a poor man, and he and his wife had to deny them¬ selves many comforts during the early years of their union. They began as renters, and he also worked for some time in the gas fields in this section of Indiana. His industry and thrift both outside and inside of the home caused prosperity to gradually come to him, and he has long since been regarded as one of the successful men of Green town¬ ship. He is the owner of eighty acres of land and operates altogether one hundred and sixty acres in farming.

Darius Nesbitt. The president of the First National Bank of Swayzee, an institution which was organized in 1907, and which has had a very successful career, with a group of the most substantial citizens in western Grant county, as its officers and directors, Mr. Nesbitt himself is a sub¬ stantial farmer citizen, a man who has resided in Grant county for more than fifty-five years, and whose industry and integrity and fine business ability are well known matters to all citizens in Sims, Green and Liberty townships and indeed to most of the people of the county.

Darius Nesbitt began life with such capital as his own ability and his physical strength supplied, and has proven the rule that success can be won by honest labor. He was born October 5, 1838, in Adams county, Ohio, and as a boy attended the local schools of his native county. He was reared on a farm, began work when only a boy in years, and at the age of eighteen accompanied his parents to Green township, Grant county, Indiana, in 1856. Green township at that time was a new region, and no railroads had yet bisected the county's boundaries. The father bought a farm, cleared it up through his labors, and remained upon it until his death in 1873. There were nine children in the family, two of whom are living in 1913, Darius and this twin brother, Cyrus. Darius Nesbitt also attended school in Grant county for some time.

He was a young man when the war came on, and in August, 1862, enlisted in Company H of the One Hundred and First Indiana Volun¬ teer Infantry. He remained in service until his honorable discharge on September 7, 1864, as a result of illness and disability, and now draws a pension for his service in preserving the Union. Returning to Grant county, he resumed his work as a farmer, and has always been identified with agricultural affairs, and lias never been ashamed of the title farmer.

In January, 1867, Mr. Nesbitt married Miss Mary A. John, who was bom and reared in Wayne county, Indiana. Seven children have been bom to their union, six sons now representing their living household. Alva A., who was a student in the Marion Normal College, the Danville Normal, and State University, is now a prosperous farmer. B. F. Nesbitt is in the bridge business, being a graduate of the State University and Purdue University. Edith Nesbitt, who was a student in Fairmount Academy, married Dr. C. N. Brown, and her death occurred in 1904. John L. Nesbitt studied at the Fairmount Academy, graduated at Purdue University, and is now a scientific farmer in Liberty township. Edgar D. and Elmer C., twins, have had identical experiences and careers, both being graduates of the Swavzee high school and Purdue University, and both spent one year at Cornell University at Ithaca, New York. They have been employed in the government service in work in Costa Rica and in Panama, and are now employed in the steel plant at Gary, Indiana. Verlin S. Nesbitt is a graduate of the Swayzee high school, and is now a fourth-year student in the Purdue University. It has been the policy, as above illustrated, of Mr. Nesbitt and wife to give their children the best of schooling, and their careers prove the value of educa¬ tion and stimulating family influence.

Mr. Nesbitt is the owner of two hundred and forty seven acres of land in Liberty township, and that estate represents the early efforts and thrift of himself and wife. He is a member of the Christian church and in politics has taken an independent position in local affairs. He is the largest stock holder in the First National Bank of Swayzee, and much of the success of that institution is the result of his effective management and control. For two terms he served in the office of trustee of Green township, and is one of the best known citizens in Green, Sims and Liberty townships. His wife, after forty-four years of happy married companionship, died March 21, 1911. Mr. Nesbitt is a man* of broad experience, is liberal in his views, and through his own career has man¬ aged to perform much beneficial service to his home county.

Hon. William M. Jones. At the November election of 1912 Grant county sent to the lower house of the State Legislature, one of the most popular and able citizens and stock farmers of the southern half of the county, William M. Jones, best known in Liberty township, as proprie¬ tor of the Poplarium Farm in that locality. Mr. Jones has been a life long resident of Grant county, and his success in his chosen vocation and his standing as a citizen were the factors which brought about his election to his present office. At Indianapolis he has done effective work in the legislature and is one of the valuable members of the present state administration.

William M. Jones was born in Fairmount township, of Grant county, March 17, 1882. His parents are David and Sarah (Thomas) Jones, who now live in Madison county. Mr. Jones was the oldest in a family of eleven children, nine of whom are still living, and mentioned as follows : Dr. R. B. Jones, a practicing physician at LaPorte, Indiana ; Rev. T. E. Jones, now active in the ministry and a graduate of Earlham College, and having also spent a year abroad at Oxford University, England ; Eli S., who is a student in the Indiana State University ; Ora S., a sophomore in Earlham College ; Orpha A., a graduate of Fairmount Academy ; Rene A., a student in the Fairmount Academy ; Francis in the common schools ; and Fred.

William M. Jones spent his boyhood on a farm, had an education first in the common schools, and later graduated from the Fairmount Academy. After leaving that old and splendid institution of education, he took up work as a teacher, and was for three years very successful. After that he turned his energies to farming and stock raising and the Poplarium farm in Liberty township has since become recognized as a center for the raising of thoroughbred polled Durham cattle, Duroc Jersey hogs, and Oxforddown sheep. Among his other business interests, all of which have been accumulated within a few years of successful industry, Mr. Jones is a director in the Citizens Telephone Company of Fairmount. At the age of thirty he has reached a success in politics, and in business such as would be creditable to a man in middle life.

On October » 12, 1904, he was united in marriage with Lucy L. Winslow, a daughter of Webster J. Winslow of Fairmount, Indiana. Mrs. Jones is a graduate of the Fairnlount Academy. Three children have been born to their marriage ; Mary L., aged seven years ; Bob W., aged five, and Pauline, aged two. The family are members of the Friends church, and Mr. Jones is a teacher in its Sunday school. Fratern¬ ally Mr. Jones is affiliated with Fairmount Lodge of the Masonic Order, and also with the Knights of Pythias Lodge at Marion and of the I. O. O. F. In politics he is a Democrat, and was elected on the Democratic ticket, to his present place as a member. of the Indiana State Legislature.

Harlan Haisley. For three-quarters of a century the Haisley family has been established in Grant county, its different members have for the most part been successful as farmers, and all have borne honorable names and helped to give substantial character to the social and civic life of this county. In Liberty township on section fourteen is located the fine homestead of Harlan Haisley. He is the owner of two hundred and forty-six acres of fine land in that place, and for many years has devoted his labors with good results to general farming and stock raising. While he has provided for the material things of life for both himself and family very liberally, he has always manifested a great interest in local affairs and improvements, and is now serving as trustee of Liberty township, in which capacity he is looking after the interests of the school, and all other matters under his jurisdiction.

Harlan Haisley was born on a farm in Liberty township, October 14, 1857, a son of John and Ann (Hawkins) Haisley. John Haisley was born in North Carolina, a son of Jesse Haisley. Jesse Haisley entered land in Grant county, but the four hundred and eighty acres which he thus acquired was given to his sons shortly afterward, and he never resided in Grant county. All of that land except eighty acres lay in section fourteen of Liberty township. Many years of toil on the part of the Haisley family converted this wild land into profitable homesteads. John Haisley, who was reared in Grant county from the year 1838 married in Wayne county, and spent his latter years in Marion, where his death occurred. He and his wife were members of the Friends church. Of the nine children three are living in 1913, namely: Allen Haisley, a resident of Cincinnati, Ohio; Harvey, a farmer of Liberty township, and Harlan. Susanna, wife of Rev. Elwood Scott, died in June, 1913.

On the old home farm in Liberty township Harlan Haisley grew up, attended one of the old fashioned schools conducted in that district, and got his education by study in that temple of learning about three months of each year, while the other months were devoted to the duties of the home place. He remained at home until after his marriage, and since starting out on his own account has steadily prospered, and for many years has been recognized as one of the substantial men of his community.

Mr. Haisley was married in October, 1888, to Miss Anna McCoy. Mrs. Haisley was born in Liberty township, and grew up and was educated in the district schools. To their marriage eight children have been born: Murven, a graduate of the common schools and the Fairmount 'Academy ; Clarence, a graduate of the common schools; Icy F., a graduate of the local schools, and now the wife of Arthur PhiUipy, of Franklin township ; Joseph C., who completed his course in the local schools; Clistia, who is attending school; and Burr L., Lester, and Wayne, who are the youngest of the family.

Mr. and Mrs. Haisley are active members of the Friends church at Oak Ridge. Fraternally he is affiliated with Fairmount Lodge No. 381 I. 0. 0. F., and is a past grand and member of the Grand Lodge of the state. In politics he supported the Republican ticket consistently up to the campaign of 1912, when he voted with the Progressive party.

Charles S. James M. D. At the little village of Radley in south¬ western Grant county, Dr. James was for many years one of the successful local physicians. At the present time he is conducting a prosperous store and manufacturing establishment there. He is engaged in the manufacture of a number of farm novelties, and other goods, which are gaining a growing reputation over a large territory, and though the business is still in its infancy, its prospects are such that many an older established concern might well be proud of. Dr. James has spent nearly all his life in Grant county, and belongs to one of the old families.

Charles S. James was born in Van Buren township of this county, May 19, 1867, a son of David and Weimer Hayes James. David James, his father, was also a native of Grant county, bom in Center township, September 19, 1842. The James family was established in the county during the pioneer days. The Hays family is likewise of a very distant date of settlement in this section of the state, and the mother of Dr. James was bom in Van Buren township. Both parents are still living in the latter township, and have been prosperous and substantial farm¬ ing people. There were seven children in the family, six of whom are now living: Dr. Charles .S., Harvey H., George W., John A., Rosella, wife of Charles Troyer and Joseph H.

Dr. James was reared on a farm in Van Buren and Center town¬ ships, and it was in the district schools of those localities that he learned his first lessons in books, while on the home farm, he was trained to industry and developed his physical vigor. His later education was in the Fairmount Academy, and the Ladoga Normal School. Taking up the work of teacher, he was a popular school master in Center and Monroe townships for three years. With the earnings from that work he entered Medical College at Marion, took the full course and was graduated M. Dt. in 1892. His first practice was at New Maysville in Putnam county where he built up a good patronage during the four years of his residence. The following two years were spent in the west, and in 1899 he returned to Grant county and located at Radley. For eight years he was active in his profession, and might have continued to the present but for the failure of a local hardware business in which he became interested and which led to his taking its manage¬ ment, and he now conducts a first class store with a general stock of hardware and groceries. He owns the building in which his business and manufacturing are carried on, and he is a man of substantial interests and influence in this part of the county. After he had conducted the store for a short while he became interested in the manufacture of novelties for farm use, and has promoted his output with a big sale throughout the surrounding countries.

Dr. James married Miss Laura Stephenson. He had met Miss Stephenson while attending school at Ladoga. Their one daughter is Ruth M., born March 3, 1898, and now a student in the Radley schools. Dr. James and wife are members of the Christian church, and in politics he is a Republican.

Hon. Ancil E. Ratliff. In addition to being one of the leading political figures in Grant county for years, Ancil E. Ratliff is dis¬ tinguished as one of the most successful farming men in these parts, his fine farm of one hundred and seventy acres being one of the most prosperous in the district. Mr. Ratliff is a native of Miami county, it should be said, born there on a farm on March 27, 1862, and he is a son of Joseph and Mary (Lamb) Ratliff.

Joseph Ratliff was a son of Gabriel of the same name, who came to Indiana from North Carolina and located in Henry county, Indiana, there passing the remainder of his days. When Joseph Ratliff was a boy of twelve he accompanied his widowed mother to Miami county, and there he grew to manhood, attending in his boyhood the country schools, common to the time and place. He married young and in 1872 came to live in Grant county, where he yet makes his home, and where he is accounted one of the leading citizens of the township of Fairmount. He became the father of five sons and two daughters, three of the same being today alive. Charles M. is a farmer and lives near Vandalia, Michigan ; Dr. M. E. Ratliff is another of the sons, residing in

In 1872 when his parents moved to Grant county, Ancil E. Ratliff was ten years old. He gained his education in the Fairmount schools, Amboy Academy and Earlham College. When he had finished his schooling he turned his attention to teaching, and for six terms the young man taught in Grant county. He later turned his attention to farming, and gradually began to acquire a farming property in the county that gave him place as one of the prosperous and successful men of the community.

Public life has claimed a share in the attention and activity of Mr. Ratliff, and as a Republican of the stanchest order he has given praise¬ worthy service on many occasions. He served one term as surveyor of Grant county, and represented the county in the state legislature in 1909 and 1910, as well as in other important capacities.

In 1885 Mr. Ratliff married Ruth Harvey, a daughter of Mahlon Harvey. She was bom and reared in Liberty township, Grant county, Indiana, and gained her education in the schools of that community and in the Fairmount Academy. They have a family of six children: Ina M., the first bom, is a graduate of Earlham college, and she has charge of the Friends' Mission in Cuba; Carrie, who was a student at Earlham College, is the wife of Dr. J. P. Seale and has two children, Ruth and Joseph ; Alice who studied in Earlham College, was at one time a teacher in Fairmount academy and now at Earlham College ; Pauline is a stu¬ dent at Earlham College ; Willis was graduated from Fairmount Academy in 1913 ; and Eurah is a student at the Academy at the present time.

The family are members of the Friends church, and Mr. Ratliff is clerk of the meeting on ministry and oversight of the Indiana Yearly Meeting. He is also chairman of the Sunday School Committee of the Indiana Yearly Meeting, and is a member and treasurer of the Bible School Board of the Five Years Meeting. He has led a life wholly com¬ mensurate with his regard for matters of a religious nature, and his career is one without a blemish. In educational matters, too, he has shown a wholesome and intelligent interest, giving to his children excellent edu¬ cational advantages, and having a genuine regard for the best educational interests of the county. As president. of the board of trustees of the Fairmount Academy he has been especially active.

Beach Grove Farm, which is the name of the altogether splendid place which Mr. Ratliff keeps up, is one of the finest farms of its kind in the county. It lies one mile south and two and a half miles west of Fairmount, on R. F. D. No. 21, and general farming and stock breeding is carried on here on an extensive scale. Mr. Ratliff has demonstrated in no uncertain terms his capacity as an agriculturist, and his place in the general confidence and esteem of his fellow men is one of the highest order, and one which none will question in these parts.

Emery Yon Goodykoontz. The fine farm of Emery Von Goodykoontz, one of the representative and most successful farming men of Liberty township, lies eight miles due south of Marion, Indiana, and four and a half miles northwest of Fairmount, comprising one hundred and sixty acres of the fairest and most productive soil in the county. Here Mr. Goodykoontz was born, reared and trained in the business of farming, and here he came into ownership of the property in due season, contin¬ uing in the work to which he was bred in his boyhood. The place known as Heimat Farm, was the property of his parents, Abram and Eliza (Moore) Goodykoontz, and here the subject was born on October 1, 1874.

His father was a Virginian, born in Grayson county, and the mother was bora in Marshall county, Indiana. Both are now deceased. Abram Goodykoontz came to Indiana when he was a boy of eight years. He was for the most part dependent upon his own initiative and resource for the educational advantages he received, and it is worthy of mention that he worked his way through Franklin College, earning the money by cutting cord wood in his spare hours. He carried his education for¬ ward to the point where he was able to teach school, in later years identifying himself with farming activities. He was married three times. His first wife was Margaret Phelps, who died young and left four children, Eugene, G. B., Leah A., and Jonathan. He later married Eliza Moore, who bore him one son, the subject of this necessarily brief review, and after the death of his second wife he married Malinda (Mil¬ ler) Conger and left no children by this third marriage.

Emery V. Goodykoontz was reared on his father's farm, and as a boy attended the district schools, finishing his educational training with a term in Fairmount Academy. He was fitted for the work of a teacher, but farming made a stronger appeal to him than educational work, and when he was ready to set out in life on his own resources, he elected to devote himself to the soil, and has so continued, with a generous meas¬ ure of success. As a breeder of Jersey cattle, he is well known in these parts, and Spotted Poland-China Hogs are also bred on his place, while he has a handsome flock of Black Langshang chickens on the place, in which he manifests a pardonable pride.

On September 13, 1903, Mr. Goodykoontz was married to Miss Myrtle Davis, the daughter of N. F. Davis. She was bom in Fairmount town¬ ship and is a graduate of the Fairmount Academy. Mrs. Goodykoontz, prior to her marriage, was engaged in educational work, and was at one time an instructor in the W. C. T. U. Industrial School at Hadley, Indiana, and she was for three years an instructor in the Friends' Mis¬ sion at Matamoras, in Mexico, her work being that of a missionary teacher. She is a woman of much refinement and learning, and her influence in her home community is one of the highest order. Mr. and Mrs. Goodykoontz have three children. Olive is now seven years of age ; Harold is five, and Kent is aged four years.

Mr. Goodykoontz is a member of Amana Lodge No. 82, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he is Past Noble Grand, and he has rep¬ resented his lodge in the Grand Lodge of the State. Politically, he main¬ tains an independent viewpoint, and is guided by the exigencies and demands of the occasion when he is called upon to exercise his right of franchise. The family is one that enjoys the fullest confidence and regard of their fellow citizens, and they have a host of stanch friends in and about the township.

Oliver Banister. At the little village of Hackleman in Liberty -township in southwest Grant county, Mr. Banister has the distinc¬ tion of being the only local merchant. Most of his career has been spent in this part of Grant county, and he has been known to the citizen¬ ship as a man of integrity and industry, and has been a valued factor in affairs for many years. At the present time he is giving an excellent administration of the office of township assessor.

Oliver Banister was born in Fayette county, Indiana, January 26, 1851, a son of John and Mary (Treadway) Banister. Both parents still reside in old age in Liberty township, having moved from Fayette county to Grant county, in February, 1868. In their family were five children, three of whom are living at the present time. The son George

Oliver Banister was seventeen years old when the family moved to Grant county. Most of his early education was acquired in the schools of Fayette county, and he also attended school after coming to Grant county. During his early years he took up the trade of painter, and followed that as a workman and also did a good business as a contractor for some years. A number of years ago he established a stock of general merchandise at the village of Hackleman, and now enjoys a large trade in that section of Grant county, and enjoys the confidence of his many patrons in this vicinity.

Mr. Banister was first married to Sarah A. Buller, who was born in Liberty township, was educated in the local schools, and was a devoted wife and mother. There was three children by the marriage: Walter, who married Eva Wilson, and lives in Liberty township; Myrtle, the wife of Otto Newhouse; and Maude, wife of J. W. Dill. The mother of this family died in 1879. In 1883, Mr. Banister married Mary A. Felton. They have no children. Fraternally Mr. Banister is affiliated with Hackleman Lodge No. 551, I. 0. 0. F., with the Encampment at Point Isabel, and both he and his wife are active in the Rebekahs. Mr. Banister is a past grand of the Grand Lodge of the State. In politics a Republican, he has been active in local politics for a number of years, was chosen on the Republican ticket to his present office.

Bert S. Todd. The Todd family has long been identified with Grant county, especially with Liberty township. As farmers and stock raisers, they have been peculiarly successful, and several farms in Grant county brought to their high state of development through the work and management of the Todds. On section twenty-three of Liberty township is the Kewanee Stock and Grain Farm, owned by the father of Bert S. Todd. Bert S. Todd is one of the very progressive and energetic young farmers of Grant county. His home is on the rural free delivery route No. 15, out of Jonesboro, six miles west and three miles south of that town.

Bert S. Todd was born on the farm where he now lives June 11, 1886, a son of John and Mary E. (Powell) Todd. He grew up in this neighborhood, and while living at home and assisting in the farm labors attended the district schools, where he gained a substantial education. On August 31, 1905, Mr. Todd married Eva Kirk, who was born and educated in Grant county. They are the parents of two children, Gladys M., who was born May 27, 1908 ; and Mildred A., born December 7, 1911. Mr. Todd and wife are active members of the .Friends church, Mr. Todd is an elder, and he is a teacher of the young people's class. In politics a Democrat, he has never sought or held office. His home farm consists of one hundred acres, and he has given special attention to the raising of high grade stock. Already the Kewanee Stock & Grain Farm has an established reputation among the farmers of Grant county, and under the enterprising management of Bert S. Todd, its productive¬ ness and value are bound to increase from year to year. Mr. Todd was one of five children, only two of whom are now living. His brother is William D. Todd.

John Todd, the father of Bert S., was born in Rush county, Indiana, October 14, 1843, a son of Andrew J. and Elizabeth (David) Todd. Andrew J. was a son of John Todd, who in turn was a son of John Todd, who immigrated from Ireland to Pennsylvania, many years ago, and died in Mercer county. Andrew J. Todd, moved out to Rush county, and was among the early settlers and died there. Mr. John

Todd was reared and educated in Rush county. Previous to his marriage he bought some land in Liberty township, and by clearing and improving made of it a fine estate. He is the owner of one hundred and forty-two acres, most of which has received its value through his personal labors. His wife died May 7, 1906. Mr. John Todd is a member of the Christian church at Normal, Indiana. He is a Democrat, but has never participated in political affairs. Mr. John Todd has been a resident of Liberty township since 1879. His mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth David was bom in Bourbon county, Kentucky, a daughter of Jacob and Katherine (Rosier) David, who were of German parentage. Jacob David was born in Delaware, and was thoroughly educated in the German and English languages.

Samuel M. Kirk. The Kirk homestead is located on section fifteen of Liberty township. It is the birthplace of Samuel M. Kirk, who now occupies it, and has been in the possession of the Kirk family since it was settled in the midst of the green woods during the pioneer days of Grant county. Mr.. Bark has given many years to the industry of agriculture in Grant county, has prospered and provided well for his family, and has always stood high in the estimation of the community.

Samuel M. Kirk was born on the Kirk home in Liberty township, April 18, 1853, a son of Joseph and Malinda (Moore) Bark. The paternal grandparents were John and Lydia (Fisher) Kirk. Few residents of Grant county have an older American ancestry than the Kirks. The line of descent goes back to one Timothy Kirk, who came to the United States with the Colony of William Penn, and settled in what is now the great city of Philadelphia. All the Kirks now living in the United States are descended from this original immigrant. The family bore useful part in the winning of independence from Great Britain. Grandfather John Kirk was a soldier in the War of 1812, another great-grandfather William Fisher was drafted in the Revolu¬ tionary war, was taken before General Washington but, being a Quaker he was allowed to return to the farm. On the maternal side great-grand¬ father Andrew Jack, when only a boy of 16 crossed the Delaware river on ice with General Washington, was commander of a battery in the American army, and fought in the battle of Trenton, New Jersey. He was born June 30, 1756, and died January 23, 1846. Thus Mr. Kirk has unusually well founded claim to membership in the patriotic order composed of descendants of the Revolutionary veterans. Joseph Kirk father of Samuel M. immigrated from Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, to Clinton county, Ohio. There he and his wife had their home for about seventeen years. He was a farmer by occupation. From Ohio they moved to Grant county, and established their home nine miles south¬ west of Marion, along the road which is now known as the Marion and Liberty Pike. In the midst of the woods he bought sixty acres of land, and after clearing away a spot among the trees he built a house of hewed logs. All the timbers were poplar, and the residence was considered at that time one of the best homes in that section of the county. It stood there about half a century, and was an old land mark, which had witnessed many remarkable developments in the country round about. It was finally torn down by Samuel M. Kirk. The father remained on this farm, clearing and improving it, and was a prosperous and influential citizen. He and his family were communicants of the Friends church, and he always interested himself in politics, but never for the purpose of acquiring official honors. He was satisfied to have his friends in office, and he worked in their interests. There were three children in the family : Mary Elma, is the widow of Lewis Jones, served in the Civil war, was discharged at Vicksburg, returned home and died in 1869 ; Eveline E., is deceased ; and Samuel M. Kirk is the only son.

Born on the homestead farm, in Liberty township, Samuel Kirk is a product of the early schools and social conditions of Grant county. After he was old enough he attended school for about two or three months each year, and the school house was one of those primitive institutions in which the curriculum consisted entirely of the three R's, and oftentimes the instructor was but ill equipped for teaching. Those old schools apparently did a good work in behalf of their pupils, since many of the worthiest and most useful citizens of the later generation all acknowledged their indebtedness to similar instruction.

On January 19, 1878, Mr. Kirk married Miss Mary Murry. She was born in Liberty township June 5, 1859, a daughter of Andrew and Phenia (Beman) Murry, both of whom were old settlers of Liberty township. Mrs. Kirk grew up in the same township with her husband, and was also educated in the local schools. There are two children now living of the marriage of Mr. Kirk. Carlos Kirk, who was born January 20, 1881, graduated from the common schools at the age of fourteen and later became a graduate of the Marion Normal college, in the teacher's and business courses. He is now a successful teacher in Liberty township. He married Cora E. Flora, who before her marriage was also a teacher. Eva, the second child of Mr. and Mrs. Kirk was born July 16, 1883, graduated from the local schools, and is now the wife of Bert S. Todd, a well known stock farmer in Liberty township.

Mr. and Mrs. Kirk are active members of the Friends church. In politics he is a Republican, has always supported the party and its candidates, and like his father has worked in behalf of his friends but never for himself in the direction of local offices or other political honors. Mr. Kirk owns a well improved homestead of thirty-three and a half acres, located nine miles southwest of Marion.

William Harvey Rybolt. A native son of Grant county, Mr. Rybolt grew up in Green township, was at one time a teacher in the country schools, began married life with little money, and by steadily following his chosen calling as farmer, has contrived to prosper and now enjoys a fine rural home and has done well by his family. His country estate is located at Point Isabel, in section twenty-seven of Green township, six miles south* of Swayzee on the rural free delivery route No. 32.

William Harvey Rybolt was born in Green township, Grant county, June 24, 1859, a son of Jarret and Rachel (Foster) Rybolt, both of whom were bora in Brown county, Ohio, where they were reared and educated and married. They came to Grant county, in 1850, and the father bought his land from the government, a portion of that original estate being now owned by his son, William Harvey, and never having had any owner except the Rybolts. The father was a man of exceptional industry, and business judgment, prospered, and at one time owned three hundred and twenty acres in Green township and eighty acres in Sims township. The family were members of the Methodist church at Point Isabel, of which organization the father was one of the charter members and always a liberal supporter. In politics he was a staunch Republican, and was always considered one of the influential men in this community. When he first settled in Grant county, he built a cabin of round poles, in the midst of the woods, and that was the first home of the Rybolts in Grant county. There were seven children in the family, and four are now living. The father died in May, 1907, and the mother in June, 1911. Of their living children Frank is a farmer' in Siras

Mr. And Mrs. J Arret Rybolt

William Harvey Rybolt was reared on the old farm in Grant county, had a common school education, and fitted himself for the career of teacher, an occupation which he followed for three terms in Green town¬ ship. Then when he was twenty-one years of age on January 13, 1881, he married Laura 0. Noble, who was born in Rush county, but was reared from the age of eleven in Madison county, in which locality she received most of her education. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Rybolt set themselves resolutely to carve their fortunes, and made a beginning without a great deal of money, but have managed to live well and enjoy things as they went along, and have a nice property for their declining years. Mr. Rybolt taught school during the winter seasons for several years after his marriage and farmed in the summer. At the present time he is the owner of two hundred and thirty acres in Green township. His farm adjoins the village of Point Isabel. He raises the general crops and also considerable stock.

The two children of the family are Ben E., a graduate of the common schools, married Goldie Burgan, and has one child, Morris B. He is a farmer in Green township. Ansenia, a graduate of the common schools, is the wife of Carl Livezey of Green township, and has one son, Earnest. The family are members of the Methodist church and Mr. Rybolt is a trustee and has also served as Sunday school superintendent. In politics he is a Prohibitionist and has given all his influence to the promotion of temperance and the cause of his party.

J. W. Smalley. In Grant county, where they have spent nearly fifty years of their lives, Mr. and Mrs. Smalley have long had a place among the most prosperous citizens, have through their efforts and good management acquired large possessions, and along with material pros¬ perity, their names and characters have increased in the esteem of all those who live about them. Their home is in Liberty township.

Joseph W. Smalley is a native of Adams county, Ohio, where he was born on the twenty-seventh of February, 1838, a son of William and Elizabeth (Eakins) Smalley. The parents were reared and spent all their lives in Adams county, where the father died December 14, 1860, and the mother in 1880.

Mr. Joseph W. Smalley received his early training in Adams county, grew up on a farm and lived there until his marriage on November 7, 1866, to Maria Flora, who was born in Rush county, Indiana, May 14, 1847, but her family was also from Adams county, Ohio. Her parents were Joseph and Dorothy (Keever) Flora. Joseph Flora was reared in Adams county, and was a son of Joshua Flora, who moved from Adams county to Rush county, Indiana, where he entered land from the govern¬ ment, and was one of the pioneer settlers. Joseph Flora was sixteen years old when the family moved to Rush county, and there grew up and married Dorothy Keever, who was born near Cincinnati, Ohio, and was brought to Rush county by her parents. Maria (Flora) Smalley was reared on a farm in Rush county, was educated in the common schools and was eighteen years old when her marriage occurred.

Mr. and Mrs. Smalley spent the first year of their married life in Adams county. From there they moved to Grant county, and bought three hundred and twenty acres of land in Liberty township. That land comprises their present home farm. Afterwards they acquired one hundred and twenty acres in another location. All of this land repre¬ sents their united efforts and enterprise, excepting a small nucleus of capital given to Mrs. Smalley by her father. Mr. and Mrs. Smalley have one son Joseph A. Smalley, who was born January 1, 1879, had an education in the local schools and married Jennie Campbell. To their marriage have been born two sons John D., aged four, and Joseph R., aged one year.

In politics Mr. Smalley is a Democrat, , but has never been an office seeker, though always public spirited in his attitude toward community growth and welfare. Besides his possessions in Grant county, Mr. Smalley owns two hundred and forty acres in Oklahoma. He and his wife have always been money makers, and they are pleasant and affable people, honest and honorable in all their relations, and enjoy the complete respect and esteem of their fellow citizens.

Woody F. Clark. In the present enterprising citizenship of Grant county are a number of men, comparative newcomers who have brought with them the ideas and methods of other localities, and have served to modify and strengthen community life and activity. From the old commonwealth of Virginia, comes Woody F. Clark, now prosperously established at farming in Liberty township.

Born in Virginia, May 5, 1878, Woody F. Clark is a son of William H. and Temperance (Vaughan) Clark. The mother is now deceased, while the father still lives in Virginia, in Grayson county. There were four children : Woody F. ; Dal S. Clark of Green township ; Bertha B., wife of Mont Vaughan of Virginia, and Sallie, wife of Elbert Vaughan.

Woody F. Clark was reared and educated on the old homestead in the state of Virginia, attending the district schools there. He spent the first twenty-one years of his life in Virginia, and then came west and located in Grant county, where he found employment on a farm for four years. On October 9, 1907, he married Pearl Flora, a daughter of George W. and Mary (Blue) Flora. Mrs. Clark was educated in the common schools, and attended the Marion Normal College, having received a license to teach in Indiana. Two daughters were bom to their marriage, Mary T., born December 19, 1908 ; and Blanche F., born November 22, 1912. In politics Mr. Clark supports the Democratic ticket, but has never been a politician. He is the owner of a fine and well improved estate of one hundred and ten acres on section twentynine, in the west half of the northwest quarter of that section in Liberty township. The farm is situated six miles west of the Fairmount Academy. Under the able supervision of Mr. Clark it is devoted to general farming and stock raising and is a fine home and a prosperous enterprise.

Oliver M. Small. Practically all the married career of Mr. and Mrs. Small has been spent on their present homestead farm in Liberty township. They own one of the attractive places in the beautiful landscape in this section of Grant county, and for many years have industriously cultivated and prospered as farming people. Their home estate comprises eighty acres in section five of Liberty township, located three miles east and two miles south of Swayzee. General farming and stock raising are the industries most in vogue on the Small farm, and while they possess material prosperity Mr. and Mrs. Small have always stood high in the esteem of their neighbors, and have done their share of the social and civic duties which fall to the lot of every family in a rural community.

Oliver M. Small was born in Franklin township, of Grant county, December 19, 1866, a son of Samuel and Ruth Marshall SmalL The parents still live in Franklin township, a venerable old couple, who represent a family long established in this county. Oliver M. Small was reared on the home farm, and at the proper age entered the district . schools, his education being attained in the school at Maple Run. After his school days were ended he took up his part in th$ working of the home place until he was twenty-two years of age. At that time occurred his marriage to Martha E. Poe, a daughter of Robert L. and Kate (Cabe) Poe. Her parents are likewise respected citizens of Franklin township. Mrs. Small received her education in the schools of Rhodesburg. After their marriage they lived for one year on his father's place and then occupied his present farm, which with its modern improvements represents the united labors and management of himself and wife.

Twelve children were born to the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Small, and the older ones have already finished their education and taken useful places in the world. They are named as follows : Lawrence, a graduate of the common schools, the Swayzee high school, and a student for a time in the Marion College, and now living at home. Harold, a graduate of the common schools and the Swayzee high school ; Ruth at home; Verna, now a student in the Swayzee high school; Orpha, a graduate of the common schools in 1913; and Jessie, Luther, Claude, Nina, Marguerite, and Herman, who are the youngest of the family. Mrs. Small is an active member of the Friends church at Maple Run. In politics Mr. Small always consistently supported the Republican ticket, up to the campaign of 1912, when he voted with the Progressives.

Isaac N. Eaves. One of the old and respected residents of Grant county, Mr. Eaves is a veteran of the Civil war, between the states, and for many years has been one of the well known farmers of Sims town¬ ship, his home being on section thirty-four.

Isaac N. Eaves was the only son of William and Rachel (Jones) Eaves, and was bom in Knox county, Ohio, May 7, 1847. His father and mother were both Pennsylvanians by birth, and moved to Ohio early in their lives. The father died in Ohio, and the mother was cared for by her son until her death, July 4, 1905.

At the age of fourteen Isaac N. Eaves went to Howard county, Indiana, and lived there until his marriage. He was educated in the local schools, and grew up in such surroundings and with such advantages as the young men of the forties and the fifties enjoyed. At the age of eighteen he became one of the boy-soldiers of Indiana, enlisting in Company F of the Thirty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was a soldier until the close of the struggle, participating in the last general engagement of the war. He is now drawing a modest pension as a recognition of his services in preserving the integrity of the Union.

In 1869 Mr. Eaves was married in Howard county to Mary Lewellan, who died in 1881. There were four children in the family and all are now deceased. For his second wife, Mr. Eaves married Mary C. Mor¬ gan, who was bom in Sims township of Grant county. They have one son, Simon, who was bom February 7, 1899, and is now in the eighth grade of the public schools. Mr. Eaves is a member of the Christian church at Swayzee and is affiliated with Swayzee Lodge No. 637 A. F. & A. M. He is a Democrat in politics, but has never been very active in party affairs. He started the battle of life a poor young man, and all he has made represents his industry and good management. Besides the present accumulations he has provided well for those dependent upon him. He is the owner of a nice farm of fifty acres, two miles south and a quarter mile west of Swayzee, on the township line between Green and Sims township.

Nathan J. Leisure. A successful career has been that of Nathan J. Leisure. Many things constitute success, and it is not alone in his material possessions, ample though they are, that the success of Mr. Leisure is measured. When just entering manhood he went away to the war, was fighting for the union three years, and came out with the rank of lieutenant. He then began a farming career in Grant county, and with the help of a noble wife accumulated the rewards of industry and good management, until he ranks as one of the largest land owners and most substantial men of the county. At the same time he has discharged the obligations of citizenship, and dealt squarely with all men, so there are none to begrudge him his well-won prosperity.

Nathan J. Leisure, whose home is on section thirty-three of Green township, being proprietor of what is known throughout this part of the county as Sugar Grove Stock Farm, was born in Rush county, Indiana, February 18, 1841. His parents were George W. and Lucinda (Myers) Leisure. The parents were bom near Staunton, Virginia, moved out to Kentucky, and later to Rush county, Indiana, where the father entered land, from the government and both he and grandfather Leisure lived there until their death. The grandfather was a very popular citizen and had hosts of friends, wherever he lived. The father was a good business man, and a public speaker of local reputation, but divided his activities and interests in such a way that he never prospered greatly financially. He was Democratic in politics and one of the active workers. There were fourteen children in the family, twelve of whom lived to have families of their own.

Nathan J. Leisure was reared on a farm, and assisted his father. His father was a stock buyer and shipper, and the son thus became well versed in all the details of handling stock. While growing up in Rush county, he attended the district schools, and was twenty years old when the first events of the great war between the states occurred. He en¬ listed in Company H under Captain Dyke,, in the Fifty -second Indiana Infantry, in 1861, and was with his company and regiment for one year. Illness then compelled him to return home, and he received an honorable discharge at Indianapolis. Then in the fall of 1863, having been restored to health he again enlisted, and assisted in the raising of a company known as Company M of the Ninth Indiana Cavalry. He continued with that command until after the close of the war, and was mustered out at Vicksburg on September 20, 1865. In the course of his second service he was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant. At Sulphur Springs, he was wounded in the right leg, and came out of the war a veteran who had seen much arduous service in behalf of the Union.

On his return to Rush county he spent only two weeks there and then moved to Grant county, where he bought eighty acres of land and started out to make a living on somewhat of a humble scale. Since then he has prospered year in and year out until he is the owmer of about two thousand acres of land in this state. He has a section of land in Pulaski county, Indiana. At the present time he is farming seven hundred acres of land in Grant county, and all of this property represents the accumulations of his own thrift and industry, though like many suc¬ cessful men he owes and gives credit to his wife for her encouragement and practical assistance.

On September 23, 1866, Mr. Leisure married Miss Sarah J. Moore, who was born in Rush county, Indiana, and who died July 21, 1895. She was the mother of ten children, six of whom are still living, as fol¬ lows : George W. Leisure, a farmer in Tipton county ; B. F. Leisure, a

Mrs. Nathan J. Leisure

B. H. Leisure, whose farm is in Tipton county; Gertrude A., wife of John A. Peterson ; and 0. E. Leisure, who lives at home with his father. They also raised a girl, Sarah King, now Mrs. Charles Reel, of Point Isabel.

Mrs. Leisure, the mother of this family, was bora on a farm in Rush county, Indiana, September, 1846, and when a girl attended the district schools. Her father died when she was a child, and her early life was not altogether one of luxury. She developed many fine traits of char¬ acter, and gave liberally of the riches of her heart and practical assets to her husband and children, who will always revere her memory. Her death made a great gap in the family life, and was also widely re¬ gretted among the friends and acquaintances who had esteemed her during her many years of residence in Grant county.

Mr. Leisure is a member and liberal supporter of the Christian church. In politics he is a Democrat and has served two terms as town¬ ship trustee of Green township. He is a man of broad interests both in business and civic affairs. He is a stock holder and one of the directors of the Elwood State Bank, and is the second largest stock holder in the State Bank at Fairmount, is a stock holder in the Curtisville Tile & Brick Works, a stock holder in a fertilizer plant at Indianapolis, and also a stock holder in the Franklin, Madison County Bank.

Charles Morten Echelbarger. For upwards of sixty years the Echelbarger family has lived in Grant county, their labors having been chiefly identified with the honorable arts of agriculture. The -original Echelbarger homestead on section twenty-two of Green township, five miles south and half a mile west of Swayzee is now occupied by C. M. Echelbarger, who has spent all of his years on this place, and in his time has witnessed and assisted in development from an area of timber and lowland to a farm measuring up to all the high standards of Grant County agriculture.

C. M. Echelbarger was born on this homestead, September 6, 1863, a son of Michael and Frances A. (Bell) Echelbarger. His father was a native of Brown county, Ohio, and the mother was born in Henry county, Indiana. The father moved from Brown county to Henry county, where he met and married his wife, and about 1856, they came to Grant county, locating on the farm which is now the property of

C. M. Echelbarger. The father gave himself energetically to the improvement of his land, cleared and ditched a large portion of it, and was the owner of a nice homestead of eighty acres. He was the father of eight children, four of whom are living, in 1913, namely : Phoebe C., wife of William Eakens; John, who married Ellen Eakens; Thomas, who married Emeline Hawk; and C. M., the youngest. The father died August 11, 1886 ; the mother died August 3, 1893.

Mr. Echelbarger was reared on the homestead, attended the district school in the neighborhood, and has been a tiller of the soil practically all his life. He has always lived on the home place and took care of his father and mother as long as they lived. On January 10, 1884, Mr. Echelbarger married Flora Williams, who was born in Liberty township of Grant county, May 14, 1855. Her parents were Ben F. and Mary (Jackson) Williams, the father a native of Kentucky, and the mother a native of Wabash county, Indiana. Her father came from Kentucky, and located in Wabash, Indiana, where he was married. From this state he enlisted for service in the Union army, during the Civil war, and was through a small portion of the hostilities. He was the father of four daughters, all of whom are living in 1913, the other members of the Williams family besides Mrs. Echelbarger being: Nancy - B., wife of Hiram Bolton ; Anna, wife of Homer G. Hale of Elwood ; and Elizabeth, wife of Lewis Bates, of Jennings county, Indiana. Mrs. Echelbarger 's father, Ben. F. Williams, died in 1887, and the mother is still living.

To Mr. and Mrs. Echelbarger have been born two daughters: Verdie, a graduate of the common schools, and on February 11, 1904, became the wife of D. M. Wimmer; Minnie is the wife of Orvil Stevenson, of Green township. They were married March 18, 1913. The family are mem¬ bers of the Methodist church at Point Isabel. Fraternally Mr. Echel¬ barger is affiliated with Point Isabel Lodge No. 510, I. 0. 0. F., and has also taken the encampment degrees of the order and is past chief patriarch. He and his wife are also members of the Rebekah Lodge, and Mrs. Echelbarger is past noble grand in the organization. In politics Mr. Echelbarger is a Republican, and has been one of the influential men in his section of the county. On his farm he does general farming, and is the owner of one hundred and thirty-two acres. He has also bought and shipped stock a considerable extent, and is an enterprising and shrewd business man.

John F. Pinkerman. A native son of Grant county, John F. Pinkerman gave the greater part of youth to assisting in the labors of the home farm, and when he was married he and his wife started out with no capital, and by earnest effort and good management year in and year out, they established for themselves a good home, reared and pro¬ vided well for their children, and Mr. Pinkerman is now one of the most highly respected residents of Liberty township. His wife is deceased, and he now lives among his children enjoying the fruits of a well spent and altogether happy and prosperous career.

John F. Pinkerman is a native of Grant county, born in Green town¬ ship, January 31, 1857, a son of William and Rebecca (Titus) Pinker¬ man. Both parents died many years ago. They came from Pennsyl¬ vania to Ohio, afterwards settled in Grant county, some years before the war, from here went back to Ohio, and afterwards moved out to the state of Missouri. They both died in Grant county, Indiana. The five children of the family were: James Pinkerman, a farmer in Nebraska; Vina, wife of William Bayless; John F. ; Warren C., of Marion; and Lydia, wife of Charles Leer.

When John F. Pinkerman was five years old, the family made their removal to the state of Missouri, and he spent most of his boyhood days there. His education was acquired partly in Missouri and partly in Indiana, and he had the advantage of a common school until he was about eighteen years old. He continued at home farming with his father, until the latter's death. Thirty-two years ago Mr. Pinkerman married Mary Ball. She was born in Rush county, Indiana, but grew to womanhood in Grant county, where she met and married Mr. Pinkerman. As already stated, they began without money and lived as renters for a number of years, gradually accumulating enough capital to buy a farm of their own and set up a home and establishment. Mrs. Pinkerman died Sep¬ tember 24, 1912. She was the mother of four children: William is a graduate of the Marion Normal College, followed teaching for a number of years, and is now married and has a home of his own ; George B. grad¬ uated from the high school, is a teacher by profession, and is also mar¬ ried ; Bertha, after graduating from the local schools, took up the work of teacher, and is now the wife of Ben Steele, of Green township; Rebecca graduated from the Marion Normal College and is now the wife of Berness Dickey. Mr. Pinkerman has ten grandchildren.

In 1904 Mr. Pinkerman bought his present farm, and has made all the improvements and has a comfortable modern dwelling. The farm comprises eighty acres of first-class Grant county land, situated half a mile from the village of Hackleman. Mr. Pinkerman, as was his wife, is a member of the Christian church at Leisure. Fraternally he is affiliated with Hackleman Lodge No. 551, I. 0. 0. F., and with the Improved Order of Red Men at Rigdon. In politics a Democrat, he has never taken any special part in public affairs, although as a good citizen he has cast his vote according to his judgment, and has been willing to cooperate in any movement for the welfare of his home locality.

Garrison L. Hood. A native son of Grant county, of a family that has borne a respected name in this section for sixty years or more, Mr. Hood has applied the efforts of his adult years to agriculture, and while not the richest citizen, nor largest land holder in Green township, yet he possesses a good homestead, has reared and provided well for his children, and is held in high esteem throughout his neighborhood.

Garrison L. Hood, who resides on Section twenty-one of Green town¬ ship, and is proprietor of what is known as the James Rhodes farm, was born in Liberty township of Grant county, February 10, 1856. His parents were Wiley and Sarah J. (Reeves) Hood. His father came from North Carolina, first locating in Rush county, Indiana, spending a short time on a farm north of Rushville, and in 1852 moved to Grant county, finding his home in Liberty township. Afterwards he moved to the vicinity of Point Isabel, which continued to be his home until his death. He was an honored and substantial man in his home community, served as trustee of Green township for one term, and in politics was a supporter of the Democratic principles. He was the father of twelve children, ten of whom are living at the present time, named as follows : Mary A., wife of Wash Wood, of the same name, but no relative ; Nancy, wife of William Main, of Grant county ; William A., a resident of Swayzee; Alfred W., a carpenter, and a member of the township advisory board; Albert M., of Monroe county, Indiana; Garrison L; Rebecca, wife of James Noble, of Madison county, Indiana; Ida, who died in infancy ; James F. ; Ellen ; and one that died unnamed in infancy ; Tina, wife of Jacob Bach; and Oscar L., of Swayzee.

Garrison L. Hood was reared on a farm in Liberty township, until he was ten years old, and then moved with the family to Green town¬ ship. He had a substantial education in the district schools, and was reared to habits of industry and honest dealings. He has followed farm¬ ing practically all his career, and at the age of twenty-six, in July 10, 1881, married Miss Nancy B. Brand. Mrs. Hood was born in Hamilton county, Indiana, April 29, 1862, and was educated in the schools of Green township of Grant county. Mr. and Mrs. Hood became the parents of two children. Rena is a graduate of the common school, and was a teacher for some years before her marriage to Marcus Lane. They have one child, Hanley. William is a graduate of the common schools, is a farmer of Green township, and married Flossie Webb; they have two children, Helen and Wayne.

The family are members and attendants of the Christian church at Leisureville. Mr. Hood is one of the elders in the church and fraternally he is affiliated with Point Isabel Lodge No. 510, I. 0. 0. F., of which he is past noble grand, and a member of the Grand Lodge of Indiana. In politics a Democrat, he has never taken much part in purely political affairs, although always a good friend of local enterprise and publicspirited effort. Mr. Hood is the owner of fifty acres of well cultivated and improved land in section twenty-one, one mile west and five and a

Hon. Harvey M. McCaskey. Present trustee of Green township and a former member of the legislature, Mr. McCaskey is a substantial farmer and citizen, a resident for half a century in Grant county, and has had a career of exceptional activity, including service when a boy as a Union soldier, and the many years spent in educational work. He has provided well for the temporal necessities of life, and is rich in the esteem paid by a community to its leading citizens.

In Ripley county, Indiana, Harvey M. McCaskey was born January 19, 1849, a son of William and Jane (Salyers) McCaskey. The father was a native of Ohio and the mother of Indiana, and both moved to Grant county in 1862, locating in Green township. The father lived here until his death in 1885, and the mother passed away in 1874. They were the parents of seven children, four of whom are living in 1913. Jeremiah lives in Missouri; Robert has his home in Green township; and Elizabeth is the wife of James Byrd of Oklahoma.

Harvey M. McCaskey was thirteen years old when the family moved to Grant county, and he completed his education in the schools of this locality. The Civil war was in progress when the family moved to Grant county, and he was one of the boys whose patriotism flamed higher and higher at each succeeding campaign, until in 1863, when he was fourteen he could resist the passion no longer and enlisted in Company K of the One Hundred and Thirtieth Infantry. He served from the time of his enlistment as one of the very youngest Union soldiers, until December, 1865. He saw a great deal of hard service, too, and partici¬ pated at the battle of Resaca, at Burnt Hickory, the siege of Atlanta, the great battles at Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee, was sent around through Washington to the Carolinas, and fought his last battle at Kingston, North Carolina.

After he had returned home he remained on the home farm at work for several years, and in the meantime had determined to fit himself for teaching, and finally entered the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio, where he was graduated in the scientific course in 1875. Both before and after his graduation there he taught school in Grant and Madison counties, and altogether gave sixteen years of his effort to educational work. In 1876 Mr. McCaskey married Miss Harriet Noble, who was born in Rush county, Indiana. The five children of their marriage are mentioned as follows: Dr. Carl H. is a graduate of the Indiana College of Medicine at Indianapolis, and now practices in Indianapolis, where he specializes in the nose, throat and ear diseases; Dora is a graduate of the common schools and the wife of Charles Wardwell ; Carrie is a graduate of the common schools and the wife of B. H. Leisure; Pearl graduated from the common schools and lives at home; Dr. G. H., the youngest, has also taken up medicine and is a successful practitioner at West Newton.

The family are members of the Methodist church at Rigdon. of which Mr. McCaskey is one of the trustees. He is past noble grand of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and also belongs to the Encamp¬ ment, having passed the chairs in both degrees. A Republican in poli¬ tics, he has long been active in public affairs, and in 1893 and 1895 was elected representative from Grant county in the lower house of the legis¬ lature. The first term he was elected by a majority of fifteen hundred, and the second time approval was given to his candidacy by a majority of twenty-five hundred. He is now serving as trustee of Green town¬ ship, and was chosen to the office by a plurality of twenty-five votes. Re- calling old army associations, he is a member of Beason Post of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. McCaskey owns and operates one hundred and sixty acres of land in section thirty* six, his farm being the south¬ west quarter of that section, and its location is ten miles southwest of Fairmount.

George W. Black. The primary accomplishment of a successful career is the establishment of a home and a suitable provision for a family. This itself is a creditable performance, especially when the circumstances of the early life have been those of poverty and privation. One of the most estimable citizens of Swayzee, Mr. Black started life a very poor boy, and before he was in his teens was contributing to the support of his father and mother, and dutifully cared for them until their death. Besides this he has built up a splendid estate as a farmer, in Sims township, and is one of the most influential citizens in Grant county.

George W. Black was bom in Fairfield county, Ohio, in February, a son of Henry and Charlotte (England) Black. The grandparents on both sides came from Germany. The parents spent their last years in Sims township, at the home of their only son, George, who gave them all the comforts during their declining years.

In his boyhood days his attendance at the common schools was very much limited owing to the impoverished condition of the family and when nine years of age he began earning his first money. He then went to work for Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Sites in Fairfield county, Ohio, and lived there until twenty-one years old. When he was eighteen he had saved two hundred dollars and paid that amount upon a home in which he established his parents and in two years more had the place paid for. In 1878 he came to Grant county for the first time, and in 1882 was married' and returned to Ohio for a few months. He then estab¬ lished himself permanently in Sims township. He was married to Miss Eliza M. Mauler of Grant county, daughter of Seth and Ursula Mauler, who entered land in Sims township, and began making a home for themselves. They went in debt in order to secure some land, and both worked very hard and deprived themselves of all but the necessities of life, in order to get a start. After locating here Mr. Black sent for his parents, and also kept them above the line of want. At the present time Mr. Black is owner of two hundred and forty eight acres of land, ninetyfive acres of which is in Green township. It is regarded as some of the best and most productive soil in Grant county, and its improvements are hardly second to any to be found in this section. Mr. Black as his resources have increased, has invested nearly all his surplus in land, and included in his estate are eighteen acres adjoining the town of Swayzee. On that place he has his beautiful modern home, fitted up with all the conveniences and facilities which make living comfortable and attractive.

Mr. and Mrs. Black are the parents of eight children, seven of whom are living in 1913. Pearlie is a graduate of the common schools and the Marion Business College and is the wife of Frank Retz. They have two children, Ruth and Charles. Clifford is a farmer in Green town¬ ship. He married Lena Mahoney, and they have two children, Bertha and Ava. Minnie is the wife of David Fansler, and they have three chil¬ dren, Lucille, Yera and Walter G. Ernest is a farmer in Sims township. He married Hazel Knee, and they have one child, Signa. Dale was killed by a stroke of lightning a few years ago. Lottie is a graduate of the Swayzee high school and lives at home. Fay was born in 1902, and is a school girl, and the youngest is Ada.

Mr. Black is affiliated with Swayzee Lodge, A. P. & A. M., with the Knights of Pythias, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and is past noble grand of the Odd Fellows. Some years ago Mr. Black was appointed by the United States Commissioner of the general land office as assistant superintendent of the Indian Reservation in northern Min¬ nesota, and discharged the duties of that office for about two years, at the end of which time he returned to Grant county. He is an active member of the Republican party, and for twenty-four years has been a member of the County Central Committee of Sims township. He has never been an active seeker for office, but some time ago was a candidate for sheriff. Besides his farming interests, Mr. Black has built up a large business as a contractor, and has an excellent organization and all the facilities and experience of a successful worker in the construction of gravel roads and streets. He has constructed a great deal of this class of public improvement, and his business is growing each year.

Boyd Ladd, Sr. Sixty years of residence in Grant county constitute in Mr. Ladd one of the men whose view comprehends a greater and by far the most important time in which this county has been growing under the impetus of white men 's efforts. The obligations which fall to man in the course of such long years have been worthily discharged by Mr. Ladd, and now when well beyond the limits of three score and ten, he enjoys peace and contented days, and the regard of many friends.

Boyd Ladd, Sr., has his home in section fifteen of Sims township, his dwelling being one mile north and one and one-half mile west of Swayzee. He was born in Wayne county, Indiana, on July 19, 1837, and comes from one of the old families of this state. His parents were William and Isabelle (Boyd) Ladd. William Ladd, who was born in North Carolina in 1796, was brought to Wayne county, Indiana, at the age of eighteen years, in 1814, two years before Indiana was admitted to the Union. His death occurred near Jonesboro in Grant county. Grandfather Wil¬ liam Ladd was a Revolutionary soldier, and first moved out to Indiana in 1812, bringing his family three years later. The maternal grand¬ father was Samuel Boyd, who had also seen service on the American side in the Revolutionary war, and came to Wayne county, Indiana, in 1814, passing his remaining days in that county.

Boyd Ladd, Sr., is the only one living in 1913 of a family of nine children. When he was sixteen years old the family moved to Grant county, and since that time he has been continuously a resident of this locality. He went to school in Wayne county and finished in Grant county. In 1860 he married Mary H. Powell, who was born in Ohio and came to Grant county at the age of eight years. They are the parents of seven living children, named as follows: Olive, the widow of William Bryant; Margaret, wife of James Life; Frank J., of Sims township; Carrie, wife of Ulysess Minor, of Lafayette, Indiana; Lindy, unmarried and living at home ; Arlington, a teacher in a high school in Texas, was graduated from high school in Grant county, and was a student in DePauw University; Boyd Ladd, Jr., is a mail carrier on the rural free delivery route No. 31 out of Swayzee.

The family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Swayzee. In politics Mr. Ladd has voted the Republican ticket since 1860, and during his early career did his share toward preserving the union of states. He enlisted in Company B of the One Hundred and Fifty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and saw nine months of service during the closing period of the war. Mr. Ladd is the owner of fifty acres of land in Sims township, but is now living retired and enjoying the fruits of a well spent life. He gets a pension as an old soldier of twenty-two dollars and a half per month.

* Isaac F. Lawshe, M. D. For many years a physician in western Grant county, though now retired, Mr. Lawshe at the present writing has just closed a long term of service as postmaster at Swayzee, and is also owner of a fine country home and farm on the outskirts of this little city of Grant county.

Isaac F. Lawshe is a native son of Indiana, bom at Somerset, in Wabash county, January 18, 1859, a son of Henry D. and Hester A. (Richmond) Lawshe. The father was born in New Jersey, and the mother in Switzerland county, Indiana, and they were married in south¬ ern Indiana by Rev. T. A. Goodwin, a minister of the Methodist church. After the marriage the parents located at Connersville, and about 1850 settled in Wabash county at Somerset. The father, who was a cabinet maker and undertaker, spent fifty years in the village of Somerset in those occupations, and was one of the most honored men of his com¬ munity. His latter days he spent in the home of his son, Dr. Isaac, at Swayzee. The father was a man of quiet, upright character, did his part in his community, and provided well for his family who have since lived to do him credit. Of his eight sons three died in early life, one at the age of twenty-one, and three are living in 1913. Thomas Lawshe lives at Converse, in Miami county. Isaac* F. is the second in age of those living; and A. L. Lawshe is the most prominent of the family in larger affairs, having formerly been third assistant postmaster general at Washington, and since resigning that place on account of ill health went west and is now superintendent at San Carlos, Arizona, of the Indian Reservation and school.

Isaac F. Lawshe spent his boyhood in the village of Somerset, where he grew to manhood and received such education as the public schools could give him. When he had definitely decided upon a career he took up the study of medicine, and afterwards matriculated in the Kentucky school of medicine, where he pursued a full course and was graduated in 1881, with the degree of M. D. His first place of practice was at Syca¬ more, in Howard county, Indiana, where he remained from August, 1881, until March, 1885. At the latter date he came to Swayzee, and continued in active practice there until 1895, in the latter year selling out to Dr. Fisk. In 1899 Dr. Lawshe was appointed postmaster at Swayzee, and has held that place until in May, 1913. Three different commissions by three different presidents have been given him, as title to the office since he began his service. Dr. Lawshe has always taken an active part in local politics, and is one of the stanch supporters of the old time Republican party, a firm believer in its principles and fallacies, which through half a century have kept the nation whole and prosperous.

On November 17, 1881, Dr. Lawshe married Sarah F. McConn, who was born in Wabash, and was educated in the public schools of that city. Her father, Thomas C. McConn, was a contractor and builder in Wabash. To the marriage of Dr. Lawshe and wife have been bom two children. Gertrude M. is the wife of George A. Newkirk, of Sims township, and a graduate of the public schools, they have one son, George Lawshe New¬ kirk ; Charles H. is a graduate of the high school, and of the pharmacy department at Purdue University, and now the leading druggist at Swayzee; he married Rachael L. Spears, and has two sons, Charles H. and Leland M. Dr. Lawshe is one of the deacons in the Christian church at Swayzee, and fraternally is affiliated with Swayzee Lodge No. 65, 1. 0. O. F., of which he is past noble grand, and a member of the Grand Lodge of Indiana, and is also a member of the Modem Woodmen of America. His career has been a prosperous one, and one of the most satisfying evidences of the same is his fine farm of eighty acres, half a mile east of Swayzee on the Marion & Roseburg pike. This estate is known throughout this part of the county as the East Lawn Farm. The Kokomo and Marion Traction line runs it cars close to the home, and the Clover Leaf Railway also bisects the land. Dr. Lawshe devotes practically all his attention to his farm. He occupies a beautiful home in what is known as the Clover Leaf addition to Swayzee.

David P. Drook. The oldest building contractor in Grant county is D. P. Drook, whose home is at Mier, in Richland township. Mr. Drook began business as a contractor in 1879, and a detailed list of his work would include a large number of the gravel roads and other important public enterprises. He has built a great many highways in both Grant and surrounding counties. For the past twenty years his home and headquarters have been in Mier. In 1897 he built from Anderson to Alexandria the interurban railroad, a line which has the distinction of connecting the first two cities by electric interurban in America. This road was begun and finished in the same year, 1897. Mr. Drook also operates a large mercantile enterprise at Mier.

David P. Drook was born in Richland township of Grant county, February 14, 1854, a son of Jacob and Nancy (Taylor) Drook. His mother died in 1875 and the father is still living. There were fourteen children in the family, seven of whom are yet living: James M., John, Sam, Jacob, Saloma, wife of Eli Ward, Cynthia, widow of Jack Davis of Swayzee and David P.

David P. Drook was reared in Richland township, had a district school education, and early learned the value and necessity of hard work. At an early age, on September 2, 1872, he married Ruth Barnes, a daughter of Cyrus and Matilda Barnes. Four children were bom to their union, namely: Forest E., of Marion, Indiana; Rhoda, of Indianapolis; Dolphia, and Edna, of Indianapolis. The mother of these children died Septem¬ ber 24, 1891. In September, 1894, Mr. Drook married Hattie Rethford. Her death occurred August 30, 1909, and she left three children, Paul C., Delores and Catherine. In 1911, Mr. Drook married Julia For¬ sythe, of Gas City. They are active members of the Methodist Protestant Church, and fraternally Mr. Drook is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias at Converse. He is a Democrat in politics, and has taken much part in public affairs.

Oscar D. Melton. Editor and proprietor of the Swayzee Press, Mr. Melton since 1906 has been a successful Grant county newspaper man. The Swayzee Press was established in 1894, and is now issuing its twentieth volume. Under Mr. Melton 's management it has been brought to its highest standard of influence and patronage, and has an excellent circulation over the western side of Grant county. Mr. Melton is an experienced printer and publisher, learned the fundamentals of his trade when he was a boy ; is a University graduate, for a number of years was connected with public school work, and has brought to the conduct of his paper not only experience, but a broad and liberal knowledge of books and affairs.

Oscar D. Melton was born in Jerome, Howard county, Indiana, May 14, 1871. His parents were John F. and Mary C. (Ellis) Melton. The Melton family came from Rush county to Howard county, Grandfather Melton having been a native of Virginia, while his wife was from North Carolina. On the Ellis side the family was from Tennessee, established in Howard county many years ago. John F. Melton, the father, was reared in Rush county, where he had a public school education, and became a successful teacher in Howard county. Later he took up the carpenter trade, and for ten or twelve years was a harness maker at

Jerome. After that he moved to Amboy, in Miami county, where he still resides. He was the father of four children : Oscar D. ; Laura, who graduated from the Amboy high school, and is now a teacher of music at Amboy ; Hiram L., a graduate of the Amboy high school, formerly a teacher in the public schools, and now editor of the Amboy Independent; Esta, the wife of Charles A. Warae of Middletown, Indiana.

Oscar D. Melton spent his boyhood at Jerome, in Howard county, until he was eight years old, and attended the public schools there. He completed his public school course in the grades and high school at Amboy, graduating from the latter in 1889. In the meantime he had learned something of printing, and by that work and by teaching was enabled to pay most of his way through the University. Entering the Indiana State University in the spring of 1893, he completed the course and received the degree of A. B. with the class of 1901. Mr. Melton has been connected with different schools, and with different publication enterprises. He was the founder of the Amboy Herald, a monthly paper at first, but after two years enlarged to a six column folio and made a weekly, and at the same time conducted a job printing office. While in the newspaper business at Amboy he also taught school during the win¬ ters. He was for one year employed in a printery at Indianapolis. For three years he was assistant principal of the Amboy high school, and later was a teacher of science at Peru and also at Bloomington, Indiana. Moving to Swayzee in 1906, he bought the Swayzee Press , and has since given all his efforts to making this a first class paper.

Mr. Melton married Elizabeth Douglass, who is an educated and accomplished woman, and has been of great assistance to her husband both in home and his business career. They are the parents of one son, John D., born in 1904. Mr. and Mrs. Melton have membership in the Methodist Episcopal church at Swayzee, and he is superintendent of the Sunday school. Fraternally he is affiliated with Amboy Lodge No 664, I. O. O. F. His politics is Prohibition, and recently he was his party's nominee for the office of county treasurer of Grant county.

David Wallace Leisure. Among those citizens of Grant county, Indiana, who have made a success in agricultural lines, may be men¬ tioned David Wallace Leisure, of Sims township. Mr. Leisure is a native of this state and has lived practically all of his life in Grant county, where he has gained many friends during his long years here. He comes of farming stock and has worthily upheld the traditions of his family by making a success in this line himself. He is not only prominent as a farmer but has also taken a keen interest in public affairs and has served his township in more than one capacity.

Mr. Leisure was born in Hancock county, Indiana, on the 25th of July, 1855. His father was Ben Leisure, whose birth took place in Kentucky. The latter removed from Kentucky to Rush county, Indiana, in his young days and there met and married Miss Martha A. Loer, who was a native of Ohio. She died in Rush county in 1856, her little son, David, being only a year old. One other son was bom of this union, Oliver A., who is a farmer and miner of Arizona. After the death of his first wife Mr. Leisure married again in Grant county and lived in this county until his death.

David W. Leisure lived in Rush county until he was twelve years of age having gone there with his father just before the death of his mother who died in Rush county. He then came to Grant county, Indiana. Here he attended school, receiving a good common school education. He remained with his father on the farm until he wras twenty-three years of age when he began farming for himself. With the exception of the time which has been required for the performance of his duties in public offices he has devoted himself ever since to farming. He now owns eighty acres of land, this being located a mile west and a half mile north of Swayzee, Indiana. Mr. Leisure also owns stock in the Sims Telephone Company.

A stanch Democrat in politics Mr. Leisure has served his party well. He is at present a member of the Township Advisory Board and for four years he served as deputy assessor of Sims township. His father served as trustee of Sims township for twelve years. Mr. Leisure has taken an active and prominent part in the affairs of the various fraternal societies of which he is a member. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, is a Past Noble Grand in the order and has been a member of the grand lodge three times. He is also a member of the Red Men and has been in their grand lodge twice. In the first mentioned fraternity he belongs to Swayzee Lodge No. 625.

On the 28th of March, 1878, Mr. Leisure was married to Miss Marv E. Maple, of Sims township, this township being her birthplace and the scene of her childhood and girlhood. It was directly after his marriage that Mr. Leisure settled on the farm where he has lived ever since. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Leisure : Eva L.? after being graduated from the public schools, taught four terms of school and then married Charles E. Knote of Wayne county, Indiana; they have two children, Horace L. and Harold Thayer; Ross W., a graduate of the grammar school of the township, married Ora L. Curless and lives in Wabash county, Indiana ; they have two children, Edgar C. and Marine Delight; Clyde B., after being graduated from the common schools and from the Swayzee high school, attended the University of Indiana for one term and then taught eight terms of school. He is married to Verna Sheek and lives in Green township, Grant county. Mrs. Leisure is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Sims, Indiana.

James Shanahan. Those who know nothing of the matter think that anyone with average ability can make a good farmer, but to be a successful farmer requires the patience of the scientist, the perseverance of the lawyer, the care of the doctor, and the wisdom of all three com¬ bined with the energy of the business man. Such a man is James Shan¬ ahan of Sims township, Grant county, Indiana, one of that county's successful farmers. Of Irish ancestry, Mr. Shanahan has laughed at ill fortune and has steadily made his way upward, improving and mak¬ ing more profitable the old farm where he has spent most of his life and where his father lived before him. /

James Shanahan was born in Wabash county, Indiana, in Lagro township, on the 3rd of September, 1845, the son of Michael and Lydia (Ozenbaugh) Shanahan. The former was born in Ireland and came to the United States in 1828 or 1829. He had a hand in building the canals that meant so much to this section of the country in the early days. He was a foreman on the Wabash and Erie Canal that went through Wabash county, Indiana. It was during the construction of this canal that he married Lydia Ozenbaugh, who was born near Lan¬ caster, Pennsylvania, and after the canal was finished the young couple came to Lagro township, Wabash county, and there Mr. Shanahan entered forty acres of land, entirely covered with timber. He cleared this land and after a few years had it under cultivation. It was in 1840 that they settled on this place and they lived here until 1858 when Mr. Shanahan traded the farm for eighty acres in Sims township, Grant county, the farm where his son, James Shanahan, now lives. Here he lived until 1885 when he died, his widow surviving him five years, her death occurring in 1890. Twelve children were bom to Michael Shana¬ han and his wife, five of whom are now living, as follows : Mary, who is the widow of William Clover; James; Catharine, who is Mrs. Friermood, of Wabash county; Elizabeth, who married Allen Pence, of Sims township; William, who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. Two of the sons, John and Nicholas, gave their lives for their country during the Civil war. John was a member of the Twelfth Indiana Infantry and he died in Winchester, Virginia. Nicholas was in the One Hundred and First Indiana Infantry. He was taken prisoner at Chickamauga and was in Libby prison at Richmond as well as other Southern prisons. He was drowned in the Mississippi river.

James Shanahan was reared in Wabash and Grant counties, being thirteen years old when his parents came to Grant county. He had attended school for a time in Wabash county and now he went to the little log school house in the newer county where he learned to read and write and mastered the rudiments of arithmetic. This completed his education but he has always been a student of life as well as books and is a well read and well informed man. He began to farm or rather to aid his father on his farm as soon as he was able to handle a hoe and he has been a farmer all of his life. He lives on the farm once owned by his father, this being located two miles north and a quarter of a mile east of Swayzee, Indiana. His only business interest outside of his farm is as a stockholder in the Swayzee Telephone Company.

In politics Mr. Shanahan is a member of the Democratic party and has been an active member of his party. He has served as supervisor of Sims township. Mr. Shanahan was married to Miss Nancy Buroker, on the 26th of January, 1866. Mrs. Shanahan was bom in Champaign county, Ohio, on the 5th of September, 1844, and came to Grant county in 1846 with her parents, Josiah and Catharine Buroker. Here she received her education and here she was married. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Shanahan, four of whom are now living. Of these, Dr. A. A. Shanahan, the eldest, after studying in the schools of Valparaiso, Indiana, attended the College of Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana, from which he was graduated. He is now a practicing physi¬ cian in Marion, Indiana. Jeanette is a graduate of the common schools and is the wife of Selby Mullen of Swayzee, Indiana. S. S. Shanahan after completing his education in the public schools married Hettie Friermood and lives on the home farm. Chlora is the wife of William S. Glessner, of Sims township. Noah, the eldest child, died, aged five years, two months and ten days.

William S. Glessner. Among the successful farmers of Grant county, Indiana, is William S. Glessner, who comes from a long line of farming stock, and has also behind him the strength and hardihood of a German lineage. He is the owner now of a fine farm in Sims town¬ ship and he is of that class of farmers who realize how much the life of the farm is to be preferred to that of the city, for he is a man of education and breadth of thought.