Hancock County, Indiana - Chapter 27: Biographies and Sketches, 1882

Chapter 27: Biographies and Sketches

was born in East Virginia, September 30, 18 18. Wben quite young be moved witb bis parents to West Virginia, and settled in Nicols county, wbere be resided until eigbteen years of age, wben be moved to Union, tbe county seat of Monroe county, and engaged as clerk in tbe general store of Carpenter & Alexander, in wbicb be remained until 1845, at wbicb time be became a partner. He was also tbe proprietor of an extensive tobacco manufactory until tbe late civil war. In 1852 be was married to Mary J. Campbell, wbo died in 1880. In 1869 be emigrated to Indiana, and settled in Hancock county, wbere be farmed for one year, after wbicb be became proprietor of tbe Guymon House botel of tbis city. In tbe spring of

1874 ^^^ ^'^^ elected Recorder, and re-elected in 1878, wbicb position be filled till tbe date of bis deatb, wbicb occurred July 7, 1881. Mr. R. was a liberal, consistent member of tbe Presbyterian faitb, baving joined tbe cburcb when but a bov, and also an bonored member of tbe F. and A. M., according to tbe rites and ceremonies of wbicb be was decently and respectfully interred in tbe new cemetery in Greenfield.

"Colonel" R., as be was usually called, bad been declining in bealtb for sometime, and bad tberefore, like a wise man, arranged bis business and set bis bouse in order for tbe anticipated call, and, in order tbat bis cbildren migbt have a means of support, be bad, a short time prior to bis death, purchased and presented to Mary tbe only abstract of titles in the countv.

Mr. R. was a vcn- kind-hearted, accommodating man, who would suffer himself imposed upon rather than not seem courteous and obliging. In official life he was ever faithful and efficient, as tlie many neat and complete records of his own making are competent, unimpeached witnesses, ever ready to testify in his behalf.

was born in Clermont countv, Ohio, July 27, 1826. Her education was received at the common schools of her neighborhood. Being of a pious turn of mind, she joined the M. E. Church in Julv, 1842, at the earlv age of sixteen, and has since been an earnest, consistent and faithtul member, always contributing liberally with her means and influence for the promotion of truth and the advancement of the church. At the age of eighteen she was married to

- Nelson Bradley, a poor but promising young man of her native county. In 1852 she came with her husband to McCordsville, and was there a useful member in society and one of the sisters in the church from whom many

no children of her own, has kindly furnished a home, educated and given a mother's care to two orphan children. Mrs. B. is naturally of a charitable, philanthropic turn of mind, and, having the means at her command, has done much to alleviate the wants of the worthy poor of our city. She has been an earnest worker in the M. E. Sunday-school for a great many 3'ears, and has done much for its advancement by a liberal support thereof. She was President of the W. C. T. U. for two years.

was born in South Carolina in the year 1796. When quite young his parents moved to Tennessee, where he was reared. He emigrated to Indiana in 1816, and first located at or near the present town of Bloomington. He was employed as an assistant to the Government surveyors for several years. He removed to Shelb}' county, near Wolf's Mill, in 1821. In 1824 he was married to Miss Aberilla Tyner. In the year 1829 he came to Hancock county, and settled in Greenfield. He afterward removed to the country, and engaged in farming, which occupation he followed until the time of his death, which occurred April

Mr. Foster filled man}- places ot honor and trust in the county and State, among which were the following: He was the first Sheriff of the county, being elected in 1828 and 1836. He represented the lower house in the Legislature in 1838 and 185 1, and was Treasurer of the county in 1854.

The portrait which we present ot him on page 255 was cut from a daguerreotype taken while he was a member of the Legislature. He belonged to the Presbyterian Church in this city, and was one of the earliest members thereof.

the son of a free mulatto w^oman and a colored Baptist preacher, was born September 16, 1841, and, though legally born free, was held in bondage and treated as a slave until the taking effect of the emancipation proclamation, in 1863, when, by quietly leaving between two days, travelinji at ni<;ht and hiding' in the bushes and under old houses in the day, he finally reached the land of freedom, arriving at Indianapolis in 1864. At the age of four, young Knox was sold to one of the heirs of his master's estate for $300. Being a portly, promising " darkey," his new master was offered for him, at the age of sixteen, the neat sum of $i,6oo in gold, cash down, but, being a kind of favorite in the family, the offer was promptly rejected. He worked on a farm until eighteen 3'ears of age, when he went to the town of Statesville, Wilson county, Tennessee, and engaged in shoemaking for two years, after which he entered the Union armv for a vear as a teamster.

October 2, 1865, Mr. K. was married to Miss Arilla Harvey, of Marion county, with whom he is still living. He at once moved to Greenfield, and opened a barber shop in the Gooding Corner, where he is still holding forth.

its support. He became a Mason in 1S68 and an Odd Fellow in 1879, is an enthusiastic Republican and a good citizen, honored and respected by all.

the iirst colored teacher in Hancock county, was a Christmas present, in 1853, to Moody and Julia A. Gilliam, early settlers of 15oone countv. He attended a district school for six months ; was two terms in Union High School at Westfield, but the principal part of his education was received at Spiceland, Henry county. He contemplated entering Wilmington College, Ohio, but was not admitted on account of color. His early life was spent on a farm, and in the school room. In the spring of 1873 Mr. G. joined the Grangers, and was elected chaplain. In politics he is a Republican, and though not a member of any religious denomination, he leans toward the Methodists. Mr. G. is a modest young man, and is well liked as a teacher by his pupils and patrons, with whose interest he seems fully identified.

was born in Zanesville, Ohio, March 20, 18 16, and removed with his parents to Indianapolis in 1822. There his boyhood days were passed and his early education received. In 1834 ^^^ settled at Greentield, Hancock county, and soon entered upon an entensive and profitable practice. At that time he was a Whig in politics. Young, talented and ardent and a partisan in temperament, he entered zealously into the political discussions of the da}'. In 1836 he was elected to the Legislature when barely of the requisite age, and he was also a member of the twent}'- second session, which convened in the year 1S37. ^^ the excited canvass of 1840 he took an active part, and was elected to the Senate from the district composed of the counties of Hancock and Madison : in the twenty-sixth session, 1841-2, the twenty-seventh session, 1842-3, and the twenty-eighth session, 1843-4. In the twent^'-seventh session, Hon. Samuel Hall, who had been elected Lieutenant Governor, having resigned, Mr. Walpole was elected President of the Senate, and filled the position with dignity and impartiality during that and the subsequent session. Mr. Walpole was also elected to the Senate in 1847, and ser\ed in 1848, 1849 and 1850 in the thirty-second, thirt\- lliircl and thirtx'-fourth sessions of the General Assembh".

In 1848 he was Presidential Elector, and canvassed the eastern part of the State' for Taylor and Fillmore, In 1850 he was elected to the Constitutional Convention from his Senatorial district from the counties of Hancock and Madison, He was a statesman as well as a politician, and thoroughly understood our theory of government. Although a member of the Whig party, he was watchful of the rights of the people, and any attempt to circumscribe the liberty of the citizens was sure to rouse to fierce invective the fiery eloquence which burned on his lips. He was an active, influential member of the convention, and left his impress upon its proceedings.

In 1852 Mr, Walpole joined the Democratic party, and entered zealously into the canvass for Franklin Pierce. He bitterly opposed the Know-Nothing partv, and labored as earnestly to uphold the Democratic banner as he had formerly done to sustain the measures advocated bv Clay and Webster and other great lights of the old Whig party. Mr, Walpole afterward represented Hancock countv in the lower branch of the Legislature, being in the thirt3'-eiglith session in 1855 and in the thirty-ninth session in 1857. The people demanded his services, for as a legislator he was watchtul and careful of their interests, and he really accepted the trust and honor at a pecuniary sacrifice.

Mr, Walpole was never defeated in his county. Men of all parties acknowledged his worth and integrity as a legislator, and, whether as a Whig or Democrat, he received the suflVage of the people among whom he lived whenever his name was presented.

As a lawyer Mr. Walpole stood high in his profession. He was quick and clear in his perceptions, fertile in resources and ingenious in his management of points in his case. As an ad\ocate before a jury he was very successful. His knowledge of human nature enabled him to read his auditory at a glance, and few could withslaiul the charm of his eloquent periods.

i860 he removed with his family to Indianapohs, where he continued in the active practice of his profession up to his death, in October, 1863. He left a wife and four children, two sons and two daughters.

youngest son of Dr. N. P.- Howard, Sr,, was born in Greenfield, February 6, 1856. His early literary education was received at the Greenfield public schools, after which he was a student of Asburv University for a considerable time, during all of which training he had in view the medical profession, and on leaving college at once entered the office of the well-known medical firm of Howard & Martin, where he took a course of reading preparatory to a course of lectures in a medical college of Indiana, from which he graduated in 1879, soon after which he was married to ' Miss Elizabeth E., youngest daughter of John W. Rvon, of Greenfield, and at once began the practice of medicine, forming a partnership with his preceptors, and is now the junior member of the firm of Howard, Martin & Howard. He was recenth- appointed

Secretary of the County Board ot Health, and entered at once upon his duties. Probably no young physician of the county ever entei"ed upon the practice under more favorable circumstances and auspicious surroundings.

son of Joseph Wright, was born in Buck-Creek township, Hancock county, Ind., November 28, 1838. His education was principally received at the public schools of his neigborhood, attending one term at Oakland Graded School, after which he began teaching, and followed this occupation through twenty terms. He was deputy Auditor under Hon. A. C. Handy for a time. In October, 1875, he was elected Auditor of Hancock county, and entered upon his official duties November 2, 1876. In October, 1879, he was re-elected, and entered upon his second term November 2, 1880. He was married March 13, 1877, to Miss Dora E. Davis, a native of Kentuck3\ Mr. W. has been a member of the orders of Red Men, Patrons of Husbandry and Workingmen, and has been an honored member of the Masonic order since i860. Mr. W., through his official life, has been a kind and accommodating officer.

was born in Hancock county, Indiana, on the i8th day of October, 1850. His earl}' education was received at the common district schools, attending in the winter and workiniT on the farm in the summer. His father, William New, , one of the county's industrious farmers, endeavored to teach his children that farming and manual lal^or were ///r prerequisites to success; but "Jim." being of a ditlerent opinion, earh^ began to prepare himself for his chosen course in life. His last days as a pupil in the country schools were spent under the tutorage of the writer. Here he was fitted for college, having completed the common branches, algebra, geometr}', trigonometry, philosoph}-, and other branches of e(^ual grade. At the age of sixteen he entered Bainbridge Academy, in Putnam count}-, Indiana, for one year, and the following year entered Asburv University, at Greencastle, Indiana, where he continued his studies for a similar time, when he was compelled, on account of failing health, to take a year's rest, after which he entered the State University at Bloomington, Indiana, where he finished his collegiate studies in the year 1872. Mr. New had early in life formed the desire of becoming a lawyer, and, much against the wishes of his parents, began study with that view. After the close of his college training, he entered the law office of Hamilton J. Dunbar. Here he made rapid progress, and on the ist day of June, 1873, was admitted to the bar of the Hancock Circuit Court, and began the practice as a partner of his preceptor, and continued as such until the 5th of September, 1876, the date of Mr. Dunbar's death. In 1869 Mr. New was elected County Examiner for this county, and discharged the duties of said office with credit to himself and honor to the people. Feeling that his professional duties needed his entire attention, he declined to become a candidate for a second term, and has since been whollv eniraffed m the law.

On the 8th day of November, 1876, Mr. New was married to Miss Emma Swope, of this city, the fruits of which union are two sprightly children - a bo}- and a girl. Mr. N. is a member of the M. E. Church, and contributes liberally to the support thereof. He has been a life-long Democrat, though never aspiring to otlice, believing that law and politics cannot be successfully wedded. He has an excellent librar}-, stands high in the profession, and is recognized as an able debater and a tenacious opponent. He is a genial gentleman, always ready for a good joke and a heart}' laugh, and by industry and close application has acliieved a handsome competence.

the late John Dye, who came to Indiana in 1809 from Kentucky, where he was born in 1803. He came to Wayne county in 1836, where he resided for a short time ; thence to Sugar-Creek township, his future home to the date of his death. John E. received a fair Enghsh education at home and at Knightstown. He taught two terms of school in Sugar-Creek and Buck-Creek townships, and was five 3'ears in the drug store at Philadelphia, Indiana, terminating in 1877. He was married in 1864 ^*^ Miss Henrietta, daughter of Dr. M. M. VanLaningham, He is a farmer, a staunch Democrat, and a social gentleman. In person, he is of a bilious temperament, dark hair and eyes, six feet two inches in height, and one himdred and eighty-five pounds in weight. Mr. D. was elected Commissioner of the Third Commissioner's District in 1880, which position he is still holding.

youngest son of Joseph and Eli>:ubeth Wright, was born June 19, 1850; attended the common schools of tiic district three months in the }'ear, until he began teaching in 187 1, which he followed during the winter season i'ov eight or nine terms, mostly in liis native township. He was married April 20, 1873, to Miss Mary C, daughter of Hamilton Welling, of . Buck-Creek township. He was elected Trustee of Buck-Creek township in 1876, and reelected in 1878. He is an honored member of the F. and A. M. ; was appointed Deputy Auditor in 1880, which position he still holds. Mr. W. is a young man, a good Democrat and an affable gentleman.

son of Dr. William H. Martin, of Rush county, was born in Rushville, Indiana, March 7, 1842. His father being a pln'sician and literary man, and at one time, as previously stated. Secretary' of the Board of Examiners of the Indiana Medical Institute, endeavored to give his children favorable opportunities for an education. Young Martin early espoused the idea of following in his father's footsteps, and embracing the medical profession, but while in the midst of his study of medics, the thrilling accounts of the civil war enthused his mind, hred his patriotism, and carried him to the scene of carnage, where he remained until discharged for a gun-shot w'ound through the left side of the body, at the battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, March I, 1862. He now turned his thoughts in his chosen channel, and had the honor, in 1865, of graduating in the Cincinnnati College of Physicians and Surgeons. The following year he was married to Miss Florence F., only daughter of Dr. N. P. Howard, with whom he formed a partnership, and at once entered upon tlie practice of his chosen profession.

1869, where she received a common school education. She learned readily, and in 1876 entered the County Recorder's office as deputy under her father, where she has since been employed. On the death of her father, b}- unanimous consent, it was agreed that she should have the emoluments of the office for the unexpired term, and at a public meeting of citizens of the county a non-partisan committee was appointed, who agreed on John Ryon as nominally Recorder, in whose name she should act. In addition to her work as deput}', she has devoted much of her time in furnishing abstracts of titles, in all of which duties she has ever been recognized as accommodating, faithlul and efficient.

was born in Randolph count}', Indiana, July 29, 1842 ; moved to Blue-River township, Hancock county, Indiana, October, 1856, and remained on the farm with his father until 1861, when he became an apprentice in the office ot The Hancock Democrat. lie remained there one year, when he enlisted as a prixatc soldier in Company G, 79^^ Reiriment of Indiana Volunteer Infantrv. He served w'ith his regiment, participating in tlie battles of Chicamauga,

Hiocjrai'Iiies And Sketches. 42 1

Lookout Mountain, Knowille, the lii\st Tennessee campaign. Tunnel Hill, Dalton, Resaca, Cassville, Lost Mountain, and Kenesaw Mountain, being so severely wounded in the latter, June 23, 1864, that he was discharged February 5, 1.865. I^ March, 1865, he was appointed Deputy Recorder of Hancock county, and elected Recorder in 1865, being the only Republican ever elected to that position. He resigned August 1, 1879, having purchased an interest in the Winc/icstcr yoiirnal, one ot" the oldest and leading local papers in Eastern Indiana, of which paper he is still the editor and sole proprietor. In March, 1881, he was elected, by the Legislature of Indiana, as one of the Directors of the Prison North, aiid on the organization of the Board of Directors was elected its President, which position he still holds. Was married in 1867 to Miss Maggie Marsh, of Plue-Ri\-er township, and his family consists of two little bows. Masters Willie and Charlie.

was organized about 1874 in the upper story of the fi'ame building on North State street, opposite Morgan's li\ery stable, bv Rev. J. II. James. The lirst members were G. L. Knox. Jane and Martha Hunt, Eliza Brazelton, Daniel Jenkins c/ al. Their next meetings were held in the new room of the two-story frame building on South State street, owned bv L. W. Gooding. Thence to the present place of worship, a neat one-story frame in the south part of tb.e city. Present minister, George W. Zeigler. In connection with this church is an interesting Sunda3--school, G. L. Knox^ Superintendent.

of the Knights of Universal Brotherhood was instituted December i, 1881, by John T. Francis, Grand Deputy, assisted bv the Sir Knights of the Continental Commandery of Indianapolis. The ollicers are: A. L. Sullivan, Illus- trious Commander ; R. ITagen, Captain General ; John S. Hiintsinger, Master of Ceremonies ; Warren Comstock, Registering Chief; A. N. Fitz, Chief of Records; A. C. Hamilton, Herald at Arms ; S. S. Spangler, Junior Warden ; John R. Smith, Outer Warden ; James II. Bragg, James Wilson, Jackson Bridges, Trustees ; Dr. J. A. Hall. Examining Physician. This order is founded on the principle of fraternity and mutual aid, and claims to elevate humanity, advise, encourage and assist its members. Charter members, about forty ; nigiit of meeting, Thursday of each week, in the third storv of Masonic building.

It was in the summer of 1874 ^^^'"^^ New Palestine, a place then noted for "running out" teachers before their terms had expired, in selecting a principal for the coming vear, decided to make a change and elect a lady for the position, the like of which had never been done in that place. As the result ot their choice they decided on Mattie J. Binford, a graduate of Earlham College, who had served as principal at Walnut Ridge, Rush county, the preceding year, with such success that they would have raised her wages considerably rather than to have lost her services. There were some of the employers at New Palestine prejudiced from the beginning. They said /it> ladv could govern their boys. The new principal knew but verv little of the circumstances until she was engaged. Then she was determined there should be no "backing out*' on her part, but that she would strive to do them all the good in her power. With these pure motives she began her school, a term of a little over six months. She visited the school-house two or three days before school was to open in order to get fully ready. The walls had been newh' whitewashed, the floor scrubbed, and the stoves blackened ; so when the new eight-day clock, several pictures, mottoes, surrounded by wreaths of evergreen and corner bouquets, all had suitable positions on the walls.

the room looked real coz\'. Several visitors were present at the openintjj, and expressed themselves as well pleased with the rules and regulations given by the principal. School progressed hnely, and all seemed to work with a will. Qiiite a large number visted the school, especially on Fridav afternoons, when there were literary exercises, and they nearly always expressed themselves in the Visitor's Record as well pleased. Still there was opposition, and fault-finders were not scarce. They said there was no sense in her trying to keep the house so neat, that the " big boys " might as well spit on the tioor all they wished, that so many ornaments in a school-room was a useless expenditure of money (just as though the teacher had not borne all the expense), and that she had so many nczi< methods of instruction, &c. However, things moved along until after the holidays without more than has been mentioned. Two weeks of holidays were granted, and when the principal returned to her duties she treated the school on candy, raisins and wedding cake as a token of her good will to all : but it was not many weeks until it was manifest that trouble was brewing. The first case occurred one morning not long after the opening exercises, when a tall young man, whom the principal had temporarily suspended the preceding day for positiveh' refusing to do as she bade him, came at her with clenched tist, and threatened to knock her brains out. Doubtless he thought that he could scare her out of the room, but he was mistaken this time. She said not a word, but stood her ground. He soon quieted down and took his seat. It was not many minutes until the trustee came in, and she informed him of her trouble. He ordered this pupil to take his books at once and go home, but instead of obej'ing he came at the trustee with a large iron poker. The latter swerved not an inch, however he was not struck. At recess the teacher and trustee stepped over to the 'Squire's office, and the former filed an affidavit against this young man for abusing her in the presence of her school, &c. Accordingly he was fined near twenty dollars.

In the afternoon of the same day the school was very unexpectedly visited by the mother of one of the pupils, a little boy about seven years of age. The teacher had been obliged to correct this pupil, so his little sister slipped home at recess and informed his mother of it. So in a few minutes, while a class was on the floor reciting, in she came, quite a large woman, shaking her lists at the principal, and bemeaninii her before the school. When asked bv the teacher to take a seat and be quiet, she heeded not, but said she had as much right in there as she had. On being told that there was a section in the school law forbidding such conduct, she said she was not afraid of the school law, of the teacher, or of all Palestine. She even assumed authority, and went to changing her children's seats to suit herself. The teacher seeing no other alternative to rid the school from the annoyance, asked one of the grown pupils to take charge, and stepped over to the 'Squire's office for assistance, as the director would not act in former cases ; but before she got biick this woman was out and gone. The teacher at once changed her children's seats as they were before her visit, and recitation went on as usual until the common time for closing.

After school, the teacher, seeing that her school would be broken up if such an offense should go unpunished, went again to the 'Squire's office, and laid in complaint against this woman for visitinsf the school with the avowed purpose of insulting and upbraiding her in the presence of her pupils. A lawyer was emplo^-ed on each side, and a jur}'' called. The verdict rendered was against this woman, and of course she was thrown into the costs. A dear visit it proved to her. Then she and her husband had the principal arrested for '"assault and battery," but the verdict rendered was not guilty. The people of that district then saw that a teacher had some rights which they were bound to respect, and they have had good schools there ever since. The principal taught her term out, and also taught a subscription term of two months. The next 3'ear she had the opportunity of teaching grammar and geography at Earlhani Collei^e, and has been engaged in teaching in other phices every year since, until one year ago last August she accepted a school of one scholar, \iz : Clarkson Elliott, of Fountain City, Wayne county, and is now located eight miles north of Richmond.

Sheriff of Hancock county, was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, April 14, 1842. His early education was received in his native State, after which he attended the common schools of Indiana for a time, and was six months in the graded schools of Lafayette. At the age of eighteen he removed with his parents to Brandywine township, this county, where he resided until his appointment as deputy Sheriff under William Tliomas, in 1875, position he tilled for two terms. In 1878 he was elected Sheriff of the county and re-elected in 1880.

Mr. T."s parents were at one time in good financial circumstances, but lost their all by indorsement. Thus early in life he was thrown upon his own resources and brought face to face with the stern realities of life, and. aside from supporting himself, he was ever readv to lend a helping hand to his parents in their declining years. His father died in 1876 and his mother in 1878. Mav 8, 1881, he was married to Miss Malinda E., daughter of the late Robert Smith, of Brandvwine township. As an officer, Mr. Thompson is recognized as impartial, faithful and efficient.

one of the most prominent men in the early historv of Hancock county, who had iilled the various positions of tarmcr, county officer, legislator and soldier, died in the service of his countr}^ April 3, 1848, in Mexico, at the age of fifty-seven. He was a native of the Buckeye State, lived for a number of years in Rush county, and came to Hancock county in 1829. He was twice married, first to

Miss Jane Curry, b_\' whom he had six children ; the second time to Miss Matilda Agnes, by whom he had five children. His first wife was buried in the old cemetery in Greenfield.

Mr. Chapman was elected Clerk of the county in 1832, and represented the county in the lower house of the Legislature in 1837, 1839, ^^4^' 18^2 and 1843. In person he was square built, dark hair and eyes, of a bilious temperament, medium in height, and about one hundred and sevent}^ pounds in weight. In politics he was a Democrat, and was often pitted against Thomas D. Walpole, a prominent Whig at that date. He was a member of the Methodist Church, and died in the faith.

Mv Dear Wife and Children : Again I am placed in my tent, very tired, but cheerful and happv as ever I was in my life, and I suppose that I need not say that I hope that these few lines may find you enjoying the same state of health, as I do think you will be ready to acknowledge and believe that my very soul has always been wrapped up in the love of my famih'.

We have traveled six hard days' march towards the City of Mexico, and will have some ten or twelve more before we get there, as it is very laborious moving a large army. The whole country through which we have passed is hilly, mountainous and rocky, but looks romantic, and in some places very pretty, as the trees are now covered with blossoms, but there is but little fruit. There is but little danger here, or indeed do I think there is but little danger any place in this country, as we can hear of no army any place in the government. There are a few guerrillas along the road, but dare not appear or show fight. I saw one who had just been killed, and some of the boys say that they saw six or eight more. I was out hunting and saw a few black fellows, but they run like devils, and I got no shot. There w^as but two of us, A. Pauley and myself, but it appears as though one can chase a dozen. There is still no immediate prospect of peace.

On the ascent from Vera Cniz to Mexico the chniates succeed eacli other as it were by stories, and in our travel we have passed through every variety of vegetation. The tropical plants are succeeded by the oak, and the salubrious air of Jalapa replaces the deadly air of Vera Cruz. The sky is generalhcloudless, and but very little rain, and a succession of hills, seemingly at some day the boundary of lakes, are now the limits of extensive plains or rolling prairies, but the rocks or stones all very near the surface. The country is barren because it is very dry and stony, but every stream is accompanied with some fertile land. The snow is in sight on the mountains, and contributes much to cool the air now, as it is cloudy ; and it is said to be the coldest day ever experienced in this country. It would be called cold in our country' in May. The coffee bush grows here. The berries are now ripe, and is a small red berry, very juicy, and as poisonous as can be.

The timber is low and crooked. I have seen no tree in the country that would have made a rail cut. Everything, weed, bush and tree, except the scrubby oak and orange bush and coffee bush, has thorns on. The thorns resemble the thorn on the honey locust, but they are more crooked, and as thick as they can grow from top to bottom, leaf and all.

was born near Abbington, Virginia, January 26, 1808. In 1818 he moved with his parents to Indiana, first settling in Clark county, afterwards in Rush, and in about 1830 came to Hancock, entering the farm on which he lived and now owned by the family. With his own hands he cleared away the dense forests, the home of the deer, wild turkey, and wild hog that at that early day could be found on almost every farm in our county. His father coming w^ith him to this county, entered land, and was one of the early pioneers of the county, and served at one time as County Commissioner.

Mr. Smith's opportunities for acquiring an education were limited, as school-houses were then few and terms of school short, yet he was ever a firm friend of schools, and always sought to g-ive his children "' a better bringing up than he had had," and he lived to see most of them receive .a good education. He was married March 9, 1S40, to Power, with whom he lived pleasantly until his death, which occurred July 22, 1877, at his residence.

Mrs. Smith, his widow, still lives, and is enjoying lair health. Her teachings and her Christian example had much to do in directing both husband and children in the right way, and to that mother is due, in a large degree at least, the present standing of her children in society.

Mr. Smith in politics was a Democrat and in religion a Methodist. In Ml. Lebanon Cemetery- a suitable monument is found marking the last resting place of Mr. S., a devoted Christian and a a"ood citizen.

We often hear of the sad iuul neglected condition ot~ the cemeteries of the different sections of our country, but nowhere could this painful fact be illustrated better and in all its most repelling features than in this county, the home of intelligent, liberty-loving American people. I need not say, as Anthon}- said, " Ye who have tears prepare to shed them now," but you who have yourselves seen the shameful condition in which the last resting places of friends who are loved by you, can you not but reflect a moment and say to yourself, this must be changed. I must pa}' more respect to those who were near and dear to me. When you pass along and behold the fences decaying, rotten and falling down ; when you see the bushes and briers which are covering the graves ; when you see the beasts of the field treading unmercifull}^ through the inclosure ; when you see what were once tombstones broken and scattered into fragments upon the ground, can you feel anything but a shudder come over you, and that you have not done your duty or shown any more respect to dear departed kindred

Our cemeteries, like our otlicc-seekers, are too numerous, and some must be ncjxlected. One of the worst features in the ease is the Tiiany jirixate burial gTouncls. What think \ou, dear husband, of burying- your wit'e where the cows and sheep will be pastured in years to come? What think vou, noble, kind-hearted mother, ol' buryint^ your dear children where the plow will hereafter turn up the soil Irom over their heads, and leave nothing to show where was their resting place? "S'et this is done, and has been done frequenth', in (hu" county. Ever^'thing must change, and lands must change owners. Do you think that a man, knowing nothing of the parties buried on his place, no diflerence how^ near and dear they ma}- be to others, will show them an\- respect? lie will not, and he will not hesitate to desecrate them. Then, my dear friends, as the past has taught its lesson, profit by it ; as the present has its duty, come Ibrward and do it. You are not all expected to erect monuments, but lessen the number of your cemeteries, and give what few tliat remain more attention. Think that if you were there, would it not be better to show some mark of attention and respect. "We are all swit'tly gliding down the stream of time, and the places which now know us will know us no more, but our bodies will be consigned to similar abodes to those of dear friends who have passed bel'ore.""