Hancock County, Indiana - Chapter 29, 1882

Chapter 29

son of Asa and Matilda Gooding, and grandson of Col. David Gooding, a captain in the war of 1812, was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, January 20, 1824. In the fall of 1826 or 1827 he came with his parents to Indiana, and settled in the green woods of Rush county. In 1836 they moved to Hancock county and settled in Greenfield.

Mr. Gooding's early education was received in Rush and Hancock counties, after which he entered Asbury University at Greencastle, where he continued his studies for about two years, but his finances beinrj very limited, health poor, and finally the death of his father, compelled him to leave college before graduation. At the age of fifteen he united with the M. E. Church, and was afterwards licensed an exhorter, w^hich license was renewed for five consecutive years. He was several years superintendent of the M. E. Sunday-school, and also lor five years president of the County Bible Society.

In 1847 he represented the county in the lower house of the Legislature, being elected by a majority of fortytwo votes over Dr. J. W. Ilervey, now of Indianapolis. In 1848 he was elected County Prosecuting Attorney. In

1 85 1 he was Circuit Court Prosecuting Attorney in the Indianapolis Judicial Circuit, composed of Marion, Boone, Hendricks, Johnson, Shelb}- and Hancock counties. In rebel forces under Gen. John Morgan in their raid through Indiana, and was severely wounded, while marching in line of duty, near Lawrenceburg, which ended his career

In 1864 he resigned his office as Judge of the Common Pleas Court and accepted the position assigned him by the Union State Convention at the head of the Lincoln and Johnson Presidential Electoral ticket as Elector at Large. He thoroughly canvassed the State, was elected, and cast his electorial vote for Lincoln and Johnson.

In 1864 President Lincoln nominated Judge Gooding to the Senate of the United States for a United States Judgeship in New Mexico, which (at the request of said Gooding) the President withdrew, but not until after the proper committee had directed a report recommending his confirmation.

In June, 1865, President Johnson, without recommendation or solicitation and on his own option, telegraphed Mr. Gooding asking his acceptance of the United States Marshalship for the District of Columbia, which position he accepetd, and entered at once upon his duties. He soon become the only executive officer of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia; also of the Supreme Court of the United States.

In Januarv, 1866, Mr. Gooding was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate as such Marshal. He held the full confidence of President Johnson to the end of his term, and immediately after the inauguration of President Grant he personally tendered his resignation, which was accepted, though not to take effect until a successor was duly appointed and qualified. He soon after returned to his old home, and resumed the practice of law in Greenfield in 1869.

Referring to his earl\- history, he was licensed to practice law in the year 1845. In 1867 he was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States on the motion of Hon. Ilenrv Stansburry, Attorney General of the I'nited States. He was reared a Whig, and was a great admirer of Henry Cla\', adherin<^- to the principles of the Whiles until 1850, when he withdrew from his old party and united with the Democracy. Differing from the leaders of his party, he opposed the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, and in i860 was for Douglas and Popular Sovereignty. When the Great Rebellion threatened this cormtry with destruction Mr. Gooding came forward for the defense of the Union. His war speeches aroused enthusiasm among the people, and in co-operation with Wright, Douglas, Johnson and man}' other war Democrats he continued to stir the people to action.

Since 1866 he has been in lull sympathy with the principles of his party, and has had great influence in conducting its campaigns. He is strongly opposed to the national banking system, and is in accord with the rights and interests of the people. His extensive work for the people and in politics has made him one of the leading political men of Indiana. He prides himself on the canvass of 1880 for General Hancock, and seems inclined to close his political life with that campaign.

Judge Gooding is the first Democrat of this county ever elected State Senator, Count}' Prosecuting Attorney, Circuit Court Prosecuting Attorney, Common Pleas Judge, and the only citizen of the county ever a Presidential Elector for the State at laro'e or a United States Marshal tor the District of Columbia.

was born in Greenbrier count}', in what is now know n as West Virginia, on the 17th da}' of April, 1794. In 1815 he was married to Miss Mary Barrett, a sister of the Revs. Joseph and Samuel Barrett. In 1827 he came on horseback to the wilds of Indiana prospecting for a nu>re suital-)le jilace of abode. Bhie-River townshi]-) attracted his attention, and in 1828 he and family came oxer the seklo:ii-tra\eled route and settled in the green woods of this county. Soon a rude cabin, without chimney or Hoor, was erected to shelter them iVom the inclemenc\' of the weather. Their furniture was of the rudest kind, and their prospects not very bright, still they bore their trials bravely, hoping for better times in the future. The sound of the loom and ax could be heard earl}- and late tbr ^-ears. Churches had not yet been erected, but the rude cabins furnished a place to worship God and sing His praises. James Sample was always an energetic worker at these meetings.

Mr. S."s mother came to this countw and li\-ed to the remarkable age of one hundred and two, being the oldest person buried in the old Gilboa Cemetery. " Grandmother Sample," as she was usuall}' called, could read tine print without glasses for sometime before she died, and the most remarkable circumstance occurred just three or four months i-)efore her death. As perfect a set of teeth as ever filled the mouth of any person came through her gums. Strange but true this rare circumstance.

an e.\tensi\e farmer and stock-raiser, now of Rush count\-, but for more than tifty years a citizen of Blue-River township, and consequently one of the iirst settlers thereof, is a native of North Carolina, Northampton county, born July 2, 1813. In 1826, at the age of thirteen, he came with his parents and other Binford families to the new free State of Indiana, and settled in the green woods of what is now ]31ue-River township, but then Madison count}', in the " New Purchase."

The Binfords had once been well otY, and owned large jilantations and numerous slaves, but becoming convinced that the trafficing in human souls was a sin airainst Heaven, and that slaverv and the bondao-e of either blacks or whites was contrar}- to the principles of our tVee institutions, which in sjiirit dechire that all men are born free and equal, with certain inalienable rii;iits. amon^^ whicli arc life, liberty and the pursuit of hapjiiness, they \oluntarilv freed them, one and all, and endeaxored to reinstate them in their primiti\-e moral rights b}- dividing witli them what propertN' the}' had helped to accumulate. Selling their lands at a sacrltice, they determined to seek a home in a free State, free from the blighting influences of human slaver}', and hence sought an as\lum in Hancock count\'. where they could begin lite's battles anew.

March 30, 1837, the subject of this sketch was married to Martha, daughter of John Hill, one of the {-)rominent pioneers of Rush county. A little cabin was soon erected in the green woods, and the two, made one, set about in earnest to make an honest living by the sweat of the brow. Although Mr. B. had plenty of land for a biginner, ha\'ing received one hundred and sixty acres bv his wife and a similar amount from his parents, yet there was not an acre cleared, and he v;as really poor, too poor to buv a second horse, hence had to tend the iirst crop with a single team. His first crop consisted of two and a half acres of corn, which was worth twelve and a half cents a bushel, but he had none to sell. His first wheat crop was on the same two and a half acres, but it was "sick wheat," so called bv the early settlers, because it made them sick to eat it in any manner whatever, even in limited quantities, hence it was worthless, and he received nothing lor it. His first hogs were sold at a dollar per hundred, which brought him eighty-seven dollars, the most money he had ever had. Farm hands were worth seven to eight dollars per month ; calico, forty cents per yard ; coffee and tea too expensive to buy, hence used rye and other substitutes.

By great industry and rigid economy Mr. B. has succeeded in accumulating considerable propert\'. He has given most of his children, nine in number, a college education and eighty acres of land each, and has done much for educational and charitable institutions, and

In poHtics Mr. 15. is a Republican : in church relations an orthodox Friend or C^iaker. Naturally timid, modest and unassuming, he avoids publicity, never aspiring to office, preferring the quiet walks of life. Though one of the early settlers of the county, of unblemished character, one of the heavy tax-payers, a charitable, Christian gentleman, and a good citizen, nevertheless he would never have consented to the notice herein, and this entire sketch and the accompanying portrait are wholl}- without his knowledge or consent.

was born in Klos, (jermany, on the 13th day of October, 181 1. His father and family embarked on a ship for America in 181 7. After sailing one week, a severe st<M-m came up and drove the vessel, a total wreck, into the English Channel. The captain of the unfortunate ship was ruined, and the father of Mr. Slifer lost the amount which lie had paid for their passage, and being in limited circumstances, his two oldest children were sold to pay their tare. After seventeen weeks at sea they landed in America, where voung Slifer attended school tor a short time, was then bound to a farmer until eighteen years of age, after which he worked at the shoe-maker's trade for three vears, clerked in a store in Philadelphia tor twelve months, and came to Hancock count}- in 1834 ; was married to Miss Jane Lewis and settled in the wilds of this county in ver}' limited circumstances, where he endured the privations of pioneer life. He has served two terms as County Commissioner, and is now bountiful!}' supplied with this \^-()rld's goods.

Personal Sketches And Brief Biographies

lion was received in the common schools of his native count}', during the winter terms, when he could not be profitably employed on the farm. He came to Shelby count}^ Indiana, in 1843 ; served an apprenticeship as tanner and currier in Franklin county. At the close of his apprenticeship, he began teaching school in connection with farming, which he has followed ever since. In 1853 he moved to Center township, Hancock county, where he now resides. In i860 he was elected Township Trustee. In 1864 ^^^ represented the county in the lower house of the Legislature. In 1866 he was re-elected. He has been President of the Hancock Agricultural Society. He was formerU' a Whig, but has been a Democrat since 1854. ^^ 1862 he became a member of the Christian Church. He was married December 23, 1845, to Miss Sarah Potts, of Franklin count}-. He is the father of nine children, all of whom are useful members of society.

dates his nativity April 3, 1834, Union county, Indiana, where he received a primary education in the common schools. At the age of fourteen he entered Farmer's College, near Cincinnati. Here he pursued his studies for a time, but finally went to Bloomington, Indiana, and became a student in the State University. Returning to Brownsville, his native town, he taught school for two terms, and acted in the capacity of county surveyor at the same time. He studied law with Hon. John S. Reid, of Connersville, Indiana, for a short period, and then returned to Bloomington, and studied for one term in the law department. He subsequently taught school in Wayne county and Greenfield, after which he read law with the Hon. Thomas D. Walpole, of this place, and soon entered upon the active practice of his chosen profession.

In 1862 he was elected Joint Representative for Hancock and Shelby counties to the State Legislature. In 1864 he was elected State Senator. In 1862 he was mar- ried to Miss Emma R. ^lilHkan, who lived but six weeks thereafter. In 1867 he was married to Miss Rebecca Julian,* daughter of Judge Jacob B» Julian, of Indianapolis, who died October 22, 1877.

Mr. Mason joined the Masonic fraternit}' in 1853. He is a steadfast Democrat, the owner of two thousand acres of land, and one of the wealthiest men in the county.

a native of Hancock county, was born September 13, 1846. His parents were Jonathan and Mary Dunbar, who were respectively of Scotch and Irish descent. The early life of young Dunbar w^as characterized by love of amusement and fondness for athletic sports. He availed himself of the educational advantages, of the Greenfield schools in his youth ; but his ambition reaching beyond these, he entered Asbury University at Greencastle, where he graduated with high and special honors in the class of 1866, and immediately thereafter began the practice and study of law in this city. March 31, 1868, he w^as married to Miss Florence M. Jones, of Greencastle. Mr. D. died September 5, 1876, leaving to mourn him a \\idow and one child, in whose hearts he is enshrined, not only as a prominent lawyer and polished debater, but as an affectionate husband and kind father.

As an evidence of the hijjh esteem in which Mr, D. was held b}- the legal fraternity of the State, we quote briefly from the resolutions of the Marion county bar on his demise.

''It is seldom that one so young. as he had won so extended a practice at the bar, and yet more seldom that one so young had won so deep a hold upon the hearts of those about him, and wic'Iclcd such an inlluencc in the coniniunil\' in which lie lived. As a bar, we will remember his talents and success with pride, and seek to emulate his nianv virtues. In his earlv death \ve sec but another illustration of the sad results of over labor, of the straini'nq' be\"ond their utmost tension the nerves of the practicing- lawyer."

Chaules E. Barrett

His opportunities for a literary education were limited,, but making the most of them, and being apt and of a practical business turn of mind, he lias, ^while emplo3-ed in the various departments of mercantile life, acquired a good, practical business education. Mr. B. began the study of law at odd times, and looked forward to it as a profession as early as at the age of sixteen, and on quitting the store he entered the law office of Messrs. New & Poulson, and took a course of reading, after which he bought out Mr. Poulson and formed a partnership with Mr. James A. New, one of the leading attorneys of the city. Here he enjo3'ed a lucrative practice for three years. During all this time he was also a hard student. This we say from personal knowledge as to two years of the time, being a student in the office. Mr. B. was admitted to the bar of the Hancock Circuit Court December 31, 1879, being the first opportunity after having arrived at his majority and becoming admissible.

In the fall of 188 1 the firm of New & Barrett was by mutual consent dissolved, and Mr. B. removed to Sullivan,, supplied himself with an excellent library, and put out his shingle. He shortly, however, formed a co-partnership with Senator Briggs, and is now consequently the junior member of the law firm of Briggs & Barrett. The cut accompanying this will be recognized and acknowledged by those acquainted with him as a good portrait.

a daughter of Lemuel Hunt and wife of Asa Gooding, was born in Nicholas county, in the State of Kentucky, and was married to Asa Gooding on the 31st da}' of August, 1822. They removed to Rush county, in the State of Indiana, in the fall of 1826, where they settled in the green woods, after building a log cabin in which to reside, Asa Gooding having entered forty acres of land at the price of $1 25 per acre. They were both industrious and happy. In 1836 they removed to Greenfield, Hancock county, and for a time kept hotel. Asa Gooding died in 1842, leaving surviving him Matilda Gooding, his widow, who, though absent for a few years at Greencastle, Indiana, for the purpose of educating some of her children, still resides in the same dwelling-house, long known as the Gooding Corner. She is the mother of sev^en surviving children, five sons and two daughters, to-wit : David S., Lemuel W., Oliver P., Henr}- C, and William IT. and Elvira M. Gooding and Cindrella J. Howard, wife of Dr. Noble P. Howard, Sen. For one of her age she is in fair health, reasonably comfortable and happy, with a consciousness of having been a good wife and mother and useful in her day and generation, respected by all who know her and loved and honored by her relatives and friends. She is patiently and contentedly awaiting the Master's call.

Avas born October 30, 1835, ^" the county of Buckeburg and Duchy of Schaumburg-Lippe, Germany. His father was a Prussian subject, and named after Frederick Wilhelm the Third. Being a blacksmith by trade, all the boys had to work in the shop as soon as they could take hold of the bellows-pole, as it is well known in Germany that all the children have to attend school from the age of seven to fourteen.

In the year 1848 the revolution broke out in that country, and the people clamored for liberty, and thought everything oppressive, even the compulsory school system. His father had the idea that his son Ernst would be of more benefit to him in the blacksmith shop than in the schoolroom. An application was gotten up to the highest school authority for his release, which had to be approved by the subordinates before it was presented to the supreme authority. This approval read as follows : " His knowledge will do, and his father needs him badly." This application was presented, and in a few days after granted. The cause of this was that the official authorities of the Government were scared about the revolution in the country at this time, and they were willing to grant almost anvthing at that critical moment, but Ernst was cheated out of his proper schooling. From that time he had to work in the blacksmith shop with his lather. Several of the neighbors who had emigrated to this country- wrote letters home to their friends, relating the great advantages of this countr}- over their native home for poor and laboring people. This impressed him favorabh", and he solicited his father to give him the privilege and means to come to America, but his father hesitated on account of his age. Finally, after a few years of continued solicitation, he consented, and on April 29, 1854, '^^ ^^^^ ''^S^ of eighteen 3'ears, he left the parental roof, and embarked at Bremen on a sailing vessel, as ocean steamers were rare at that time. After a voyage of sixty-six da3's he arrived in New York city on August 4th. Having an imcle living in New Palestine whom he had never seen, his attention was directed that way, and he concluded to pay him a visit. Here he arrived August 14th, and got emploj^ment at his trade, and he remained there until April-, 1856, when he went to Indianapolis^ and, finding no work at his trade, he took a job as a hod-carrier. Soon after this he succeeded in finding emplovment at liis regular business.

In the fall of 1857 he made a set of horse-shoes for the State Fair, on which he took the first premium. In November he returned to New Palestine, and formed a partnership with his cousin, Ernst W. Faut. They carried on the blacksmithing business for several years.

In the spring of i860 lie was married to Miss Mar}' E. Eickman, the fruits of which union are eiglit sprightly children, two boys and six girls, who are all living.

In the winter of 1861 and 1862, Mr. LN'sander Sparks, then Auditor of this county, appointed him Assessor for Sugar-Creek township. In the fall of 1862 he was elected to the same position for two years. In thj spring of 1866 he was electe.l Township Trustee, and was subsequently re-elected for «ix consecutive terms, as the elections were

After the expiration of his term as Treasurer he formed a partnership with his brother Chai^les in the manufacture of carriages, buggies, wagons, &c. Their establishment is doing an extensive, thriving business, and gives employment to a large number of hands. Mr. F. is one of the most enterprising citizens of the country, sociable, hospitable and iienerous.

Oliver Paul Gooding was born the 29th day of Januar}^ 1835, ^^ ^^^^ village of Moscow, Rush county, Indiana. In 1837 ^^^ moved with his parents to Greenfield, Hancock county, Indiana. At the age of eighteen, he entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, where he graduated in 1858. He was attached to the Fourth United States Infantry as Brevet Second Lieutenant, serving as such at Fort Columbvis, New York Harbor. The 5th day of February, 1859, ^^'^ ^^''^-'^ pi"omoted to a Second Lieutenancy in the Tenth United States Infantry, and joined that regiment at Fort Bridges, Utah Territory, in August of that 3'ear, and served on the expedition ;igainst the Mormons in 1859 and i860. In 1861 he was ordered to the defense of Washington, D. C, and served in the war for the suppression of the great rebellion from 1 86 1 till 1865.

During the war he held several important commands, among which was the Thirt3'-first Massachusetts Volunteers (converted into the Sixth Massachusetts Cavalry), which regiment he led as the advanced guard of the Union army at the capture of New Orleans, the first day of May, 1862. On the Teche campaign and the Port Hudson campaign, in 1863, '^c commanded the third brigade of the third division, nineteenth army corps. In the battle of Fort Bisland, or battle of the Teche, as it is sometimes called, he commanded the Union forces on the north bank of Ba3^ou Teche, and captured an outwork of the enemy and some prisoners. The loss of life in his command was heavier and its success greater than that of all the rest of the army, the brunt of the battle falling on his command. The battle was stopped by darkness, and the enemy abandoned his works and retreated during the night, and was pursued in the morning. At Port Hudson, General Gooding gallantly led his brigade in the terrible and bloody assaults made on the enemy's works on the 27th day of May, 1863, and the 14th day of June, 1863. His brigade suffered heavily. On the Red River campaign, in 1864, he commanded the Fifth Brigade, Cavalry Division, Department of the Gulf, and at the end of that campaign was assigned to the command of the division. In command of the Union troops at Campti, on the north bank of Red River, the 4th da3^ of April, 1864, General Gooding, in a hotly contested cavalry action, defeated the enemy under General Siddell. At the battle of Pleasant Hill, Louisiana, in command of his brigade, the 9th day of April, 1864, General Gooding gallantly fought and held the enemy in check till the Union army came into position, his hat being shot off his head, the bullet grazing his scalp. At the battle of Kane River Crossing he commanded the advanced cavalry, and was highly complimented on the field by Major-General William H. Emory, commanding Nineteenth Army Corps, for the able manner in which he handled his command and developed the enemy's position. On the retreat of the Union army, he was constantly under fire with his brigade, covering either the flank or rear of the army. While serving in the volunteer service, his promotion in the regular army went on to the rank of Captain, the 27th day of June, 1862, which regular rank he resigned on entering civil life in 1865. Entering the war as a Second Lieutenant of Regulars, by his own merits he rose to the rank of Maior-General by brevet of United States Volunteers, which last rank was conferred on him the 13th day of March, 1865, for, as his commission recites: ^^GaUant conduct in the assaults on the enemy's works at Port Hudson^ Louisiana ^ in 186 j, and gallant and distinguished conduct throughout the Red River campaign ^ in 186^.''^

In the fall of 1865, he located in Washington, D. C, and resumed the study of the law, which he had commenced in the regular army before the war. He was admitted to the bar of the District of Columbia, the 4th day of Januar}', 1866, and practiced law there till 1869, having in the meantime taken a trip to California, when he returned to his old home at Greenfield, Indiana, where he lived in retirement till February, 1874, when he located in St. Louis, Missouri, in the practice of the law. In 1881 he was appointed General Attorney of the Insurance Department of Missouri. General Gooding is the author of the new national anthem, America^ the chorus of which is : "Wave on, wave on! The old flag forever!"

According to the records in the old family Bible, I am the fourth son, second living, of Robert and Martha Binford, now of Rush county, but formerly of Blue-River township, this county, where I was born, April 13, 1844, and am consequently in my thirty-eighth year.

The first impressions made on my mind of which I have any recollection were of a serious nature, occasioned by the death of m}' grandfather, John Hill, in 1847, while I was yet not three years old. I remember the circumstance distinctly, the scene at the funeral and how sad my parents were.

At five my mother began to teach me to spell, read and write. The first writing consisted in making "straight marks," followed by patient practicing on the " pot-hooks." At six I entered school, and continued therein for about sixmonths in the year till I was large enough to plow and do light work on the farm, after which I had school privileges for a short term in the winter only imtil the fall of 1862,

The following winter of 1863 and 1864 I taught my first school at Hopewell, Blue-River towship, a four months' term of eight3-seven days, for $100, or $25 a month, and boarded myself. The school was large and the classes advanced ; history, physiology, philosoph}-, algebra, rhetoric and a few other extra branches being studied, hence m}^ time was fully 3^et pleasantl}^ employed. I have taught about forty terms since then in graded and ungraded schools, in normals and colleges, in this and other States ; but never did I teach another term around the memory of which there clusters dearer and more vivid recollections. Among my students that winter were boys and girls that have since become useful men and women, and are now filling positions of trust and profit with credit to themselves and honor to their instructor.

After teaching a few terms in the district schools and attending school in the meantime at home, at Walnut Ridge and Spiceland, T finally entered the National Normal wSclu)(?l in Ohio for two years, but, owing to declining health, quit school, went Soutli, and was for two years principal of the Third-Ward graded, schools of Little

Rock, Arkansas. While here, during the first year, I had the honor of aiding in organizing the first County and State Teachers' Association of the State, acted as secretarjr of the same, and was sent as a delegate to the National Teachers' Association at Trenton, New Jerse}'^, and also the State Teachers' Association at Ithica, New York, both of which I had the pleasure of attending. In going and returning I visited Mammotli Cave, Kentucky, Niagara Falls, Saratoga and Ballston Springs, New York Cit}^ Philadelphia and numerous other points of interest. Returning to Little Rock, I entered upon my second year's superintendency at $133^ per month, and also engaged in merchandising, but, not being able to give the latter business my personal attention, I abandoned it after less than a year's useful experience.

Being now fully recovered in health, I determined on completing my prospective normal course, and therefore declined further emplo^-ment, though earnestl}' solicited, at $1,500 a 3'ear or $8jy per day for time emplo3'ed.

In 187 1 I had the honor of graduating from said Ohio Normal, and among my classmates and co-graduates in this school were II. B. Brown, now Principal of Valparaiso Normal, F. P. Adams, Principal of the Central Normal at Danville, and Prof. John Burke, of Covington, Kentucky.

The following ^^ear, while Principal of the New Garden High School, I was elected by the township trustees, on the first Monday in June, as Count}- Superintendent of my native count}' under the new school law providing for County Superintendent, Institutes, &c., and abolisliing the office of County Examiner. I at once gave bond, took charge of the office, and on the close of mv school entered upon the active duties of my new field of labor. This position I filled as best I could for two years, without fear or fa\'or, endeavoring to raise the standard of education, and by every available means to make our teachers and schools more efficient and effi^ctual and the instruction more practical and profitable.

August 26, 1874, while County Superintendent, I was appointed by J. C. Denn}-, Attorne}' General, as his assistant in and for this count}^ under the act of March 10, 1873.

In the summer of 1875 I organized and with the aid of competent assistants held and conducted in the Greenfield Graded School building "The Hancock County Normal," the first normal school ever held in the county.

During the long summer vacation of 1875, May 27th I was appointed deputy Treasurer, or tax collector, by County Treasurer E. H. Faut for the townships of Blue- River, Brandywine and Center, including Greenfield.

The following summer, 1876, with increasing advantages and a larger corps of instructors, including Prof. W. A. Yohn, of Valparaiso, I conducted the largest normal ever held in the county, though several ver}^ interesting and well attended ones have since been held in difterent parts thereof.

In the fall of 1875 I was elected Principal of the Greenfield Graded Schools, which position I held for two years. In the meantime occurred the Centennial year, and all educational men were called upon to aid in " Indiana's Educational Exhibit at Philadelphia." I laid the matter before our teachers and schools, and suggested a series of exhibitions, with a reasonable admittance fee, which was promptly responded to in such a liberal manner as to give the school and city the credit of doing more than all others in the county and of placing herself in the front rank of cities of her size in the State. Our exhibit at the Centennial was also respectable, and I speak from personal knowledge, being in attendance thereat for a few weeks.

In the spring of 1875, while County Superintendent, after the per diem was reduced by the Legislature and the work was not crowding, I employed Lee O. Harris to do the necessary work of the office, and started on a tour through the Southern States, determined to learn b}^ observation something of tiie method of conducting schools. On this trip of a few weeks I visited the best schools of

Nashville, Memphis, Vicksburg, New Orleans, Montgomery, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Florida; Charleston, South Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia, and other points, a full account of which I gave in the Indiana School 'Journal^ which I represented.

In 1877, for various reasons, I resolved on abandoning my chosen profession for the more healthful, equally honorable and more remunerative profession of law-. The first year I read at home, on the farm, while rusticating and rejuvinating. I then returned to Greenfield, read in the office of New «& Barrett for the succeeding two years, was admitted to the bar of the Hancock Circuit Court in the meantime, and had entered upon the practice of my new profession, when I received a call from the Central Indiana Normal College, of Montgomery county, to take charge of the Law Department, and teach Theory and Practice, Zoology and Civil Government, which oflTer I accepted for one year. Returning for the third time to Greenfield, I opened up an office, put out my shingle, and while patiently awaiting for a client, contracted to write this " History of Hancock County" for King & Harden ; accepting a proposition to buy out the interest of Mr. Harden, I became fully identified with the interest of the work, and have given it my spare moments from m}^ legal duties for the past six months.

one of the leading attorney's of this cit}-, was born in Georgetown, Kentucky, October 4, 1845. He is the son of Lloyd and Elizabeth Offutt, respectively of Maryland and Kentucky. His early education was confined to the common schools of his adopted State, whither he had removed with his parents when quite small. At the early age of seventeen he entered the dry goods store of Samuel Heavenridge, then a merchant in the town of Greenfield, where he remained for about two years. He then taught one term in the county district schools, after v.hich he engaged in the employ of Towsey & By ram, merchants of Indianapolis, where he continued for the following two years.

About this time Mr. Oftutt conceived the idea of adopting the legal profession, in pursuance of which he returned to Greenfield and entered upon a course of reading with the Hon. James L. Mason, which he faithfulh^ continued tor about three years. He then formed a partnership with Judge Joseph S. Buckles, and continued that relation until the fall of 1873, when, by mutual consent, the firm was dissolved. Thencetbrward he continued the practice alone until 1876, at which time the law firm of Oti'utt & Martin w^as established, of which Mr. Offutt was the senior member. This partnership was continued until 1880, since which he has been alone. In 1872 he represented the county in the Lower House of the Legislature, Though one of the younger members of that august body, he did credit to himself and his constituents. In 1876 he was elected Democratic Elector for the Sixth Congressional District of Indiana.

Mr. Offutt was married July 15, 1874, ^^ Miss Anna, oldest daughter of Frederick Hammel, late of this city, the fruits of which union are two sprightly children, a bo}' and girl.

Mr. Offutt is a man of rare native ability, portly and promising, of pleasing address, and stands high in his profession both as a counselor and practitioner.

Leonidas p. Newby was born near Lewisville, Hendricks county, Indiana, April 9, 1856. He came with his parents, when quite young, to Greensborough, where he remained till the year

Personal Sketches And Brief Biographies. 47 I.

1862, thence to Brown township, this county, where heresided till 1872. But desiring better facilities for an education, he went to Knightstown, entered the High School, from which he graduated in 1874, being the first graduate from the Knightstown Academy, after which he took two year's private instruction under Prof. Charles Hewitt, completing the catalouge course of Asbury University. He then taught one year at Fortville, two years at Warrington and a similar time in the Knightstown Academy-. In 1873 he began the study of law with Charles M. Butler, then Prosecutor of this district. He continued to study and teach till 1877, when he entered into a partnership with Walter B. Swaim for one year, since which he has been alone. At the tall election of 1880 he was elected Prosecuting Attorney for the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, and on the resignation of Charles M. Ikitler,' Prosecutor, he was appointed to fill his unexpired term.

Mr. N. was married December 21, 1876, to Miss Mary, daughter of R. B. Breckenridge, one of the first families of Knightstown. He has two sprightly children, a pleasant home, and a splendid new brick residence in Knightstown, his present abode. I a native of Carlisle, Penns3dvania, came to Greenfield in 1832 and was one of the most energetic public spirited men of the county. He was ever making improvements, and urging others to do likewise. By trade he was a hatter, and carried on business for a number of years in the house which he built for the purpose, on the - north-w^est corner of Main and Pennsylvania streets. About this time he erected a handsome brick residence, at the time the best in the county ; the same is now occupied as the dwelling of A. J. Banks. He then beautified the grounds with trees, shrubbery and flowers till it equalled the finest grounds in the cities at that time. On the breaking out of the Mexican war he entered the service ; was elected

First Lieutenant of a company raised in this county, as seen from our list of Mexican soldiers further on. He remained in the arm}- till the close of the war, when he returned, broken down in health. As soon as he recruited somewhat he sold out, being discouraged with the slow progress of the town and county during his absence, and determined to go West, which resolution located him in Davenport, Iowa, where he amassed a fortune, and was honored and respected by all, irrespective of party. He represented his county in both Houses of the Legislature. From there he went to Carthage, Missouri, where he now resides, an honored member of society, and surrounded bv all that tends to make life pleasant.

Mr. P. and our much esteemed friend, A. T. Hart, are perhaps the oldest business men of Greenfield now living. To the latter we are indebted for the above facts.

a native of Henry county, was born January 26, 1846. His early education was received in the common schools of his neighborhood, after which he attended, for a time, the New Castle Academy.

He was raised, principally, in the rural districts, during which he spent two years in his father's store at Millville, Henry county. He early conceived the idea of adopting the legal profession as his life calling, and, in accordance therewith, began reading law with Lewis Dale, of New Castle, May 10, 1864. In the spring of 1865 he came to Greenfield and continued his legal studies for a time, when he returned to New Castle, and still employed his golden moments in the prosecution of his chosen profession, with Joshua H. Mellett, till the fall of 1866, supporting himself in the meantime by teaching school in the winter. In the fall of that year he was appointed Deputy District Attorney for Henry county, by Calvin D. Thompson. On the resignation of Mr. T., R. A. Riley was appointed to fill the vacancy, who continued Mr. F. as Deputy.

In the spring of 1867 he formed a partnership with Judge Mellett, which continued till 1870, the date of Mr. jVI.'s election to the bench. Mr. Forkner next associated himself with Senator Eugene H. Bundy, with whom he remained till the fall of 1876, since which time he has been alone. He represented his native county in the Lower House of the Legislature in 1874 "^^'ith credit to himself and honor to his constituents, being a member of the Judiciar}' and other important committees.

May II, 1881, he was appointed Judge of the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of the late Robert L. Polk. This appointment was made just seventeen years and one da}^ from the date on which he began his legal studies.

He was married June 22, 1869, to Miss Rebecca A. Donahue, the fruits of which union are two promising children - a bov and a girl. Judge Forkner is an able lawyer, an efficient judge ; fearless and impartial in his decisions.

was born October 17, 1818, in Jefferson county, Indiana, within four miles of an Indian camp, and was called by the red men "a pale-face pappoose." The Indians often visited at his father's house, and invariably slept with their knives and tomahawks under their heads.

When the subject of this sketch was six 3'ears old his father moved to Garrard county, Kentuck}^ ; here he learned his A, B, C's, and remained four years, then returned to Jefferson for two years ; thence to Decatur county, in the green woods with his father, where he attended school in the winter until his seventeenth year ; he then taught for a time, and attended school for three terms at the Greensburg Seminary. In 1839 he was joined in wedlock with Miss Irene Wilson, in Decatur count}', sister of H. B. Wilson, of Green township. In 1840 he moved to Hancock county and settled in the native forests. In 1847 he located in Warrington and engaged in the goods and stock trade until 1857, when he failed. In 1852 he joined the Masons. In i860 he was elected County Surveyor, and re-elected in 1862. In 1861 he located in Greenfield, since which he has acted as Deputy Sheriff' for about four years and Assessor for eleven 3'ears. In 1875 ^^^ published "King's Map of Hancock County." In 1881 he associated himself with Samuel Harden, of Madison count}', under the firm name of King & Harden, for the purpose of publishing the History of Hancock County.

During the late ci\'il war and tor a time thereafter there was more larceny, burglary, robbery, arson and other violations of the criminal code than during any other period in the history of our county and country. It was a favorable time for the development of the worst elements of society, and evil cropped out occasionally, even where it was least expected ; political prejudices, sectional feelings and party strifes were current. Tramps, tricksters, traitors and treacherous villains flourished during those perilous 3'ears, and escaped unhurt, and their sins were heaped on the shoulders of innocent parties ; but in the case under consideration, though the guilt\' parties were never discovered to a moral and h^gal certainty, yet the innocent were fullv^ able to sustain themselves. No one occurrence of this period seemed to interest the people of the covmty more than this one. All felt an interest in this matter, and ever\' effort was made to discover the perpetrators, but in vain.

" Whereas, It lias been shown to the full satisfaction of the County Commissioners of Hancock county, Indiana, by competent and sufficient evidence, that on tlic night of the I2tli of January, 1866, the Treasurer's oflice of this, Hancocls; county, was feloniously entered, the iron safe broken open and a large sum of money stolen therefrom, of which five thousand dollars was money belonging to Hancock county, the same having been

Personal Skktches And I5Rief Hiographies

"Therefore, Be it ordered by the board aforesaid that said Nelson Bradley, Treasurer of Hancock county, be and is hereby released and discharged from the payment of said sum of Hvc thousand dollars so felonious! v taken from the count v safe as aforesaid in 1S66."