Hendricks County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1914 (part 2 of 19)

was honored and respected by everyone. The parents of Captain Fleece were Charles and Mary (Harlan) Fleece, who came to this county from Kentucky and settled in Eel River township in 1836. Here Captain Fleece was reared to manhood and in October, 1853, married Lettie B. Ashby, the daughter of Silas and Nancy (Radford) Ashby. Silas Ashby was the son of Thompson and Lettie (Van Meter) Ashby. The Ashby family is a remarkable family. They trace their ancestry back to England where for centuries they have been people of honor. Thompson Ashby was born in Virginia and at the age of fourteen, with two older brothers, came to Kentucky where he grew to manhood and then married Lettie Van Meter. Her father was given a large grant of land for his services in the Revolutionary War, but lost part of it by defective title. Thompson Ashby lived the remainder of his life in Kentucky, and upon his death his widow sold his farm and brought her children to Indiana and settled between Ladoga and Roachdale in Putnam county. There she entered land, managed wisely and reai-ed her children to useful lives. They prospered and became large land owners and today their descendants are numerous about Ladoga and are among the most highly respected people of the various communities in which they live. I>ettie N. Ashby, the wife of Capt. J^cob Fleece, was born and reared near Roachdale and lived there until her marriage. After his marriage. Captain Fleece and his brother John engaged in the mercantile business at Ladoga in Montgomery county, but a year later he returned to his farm in Eel River township in this county. In 1859 he. was elected county recorder of Hendricks county and served until the fall of 1861 when he resigned and entered the army. In September, 1861, he was commissioned captain of Company A. Fifty-iirst Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and remained in the service as captain until his resignation in September, 1862. He then returned to this county and resumed farming. In 1882 he was elected to represent this county in the lower liouse of the State Legislature, and was re-elected in 1884 and again in 1886, serving six years in the Legislature. He waS' a very successful farmer and at the time of his death owned two hundred and seventy acres of land, which he farmed until within the last fifteen years of his life when he moved to North Salem. He was a Mason and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He and his wife belonged to the Christian church, in which he was an elder for many years. Captain and Mrs. Fleece were the parents of three children: Silas F. ; Joseph B., whose history is herein presented; and Lulu C. Silas F. Fleece is in the hardware business at Tuxedo, the eastern part of Indianapolis. He married Francis Davis and had three children, Aletha, Alta and Verner. Lulu married L.

Joseph B. Fleece grew up on the farm, attended the di.strict schools and then took a course in a business college at Indianapolis. In 1888 he engaged in the merchandise business at North Salem in partnership with his brother-in-law, L. C. Moore, under the firm name of Moore & Fleece. The firm continued in business for ten years, when it was dissolved and Mr. Fleece went to Indianapolis and entered the real estate business. Two vears later he returned to North Salem and became interested in the North Salem Bank with Charles W. and George B. Davis and has continued in the banking business ever since. In addition to his banking interests, Mr. Fleece owns about two hundred acres of land in the southern part of Texas near Houston and Brownsville.

Mr. Fleece was married in 1897 to Emma Williams, the daughter of Alexander and Martha (Griggs) Williams. Alexander Williams was born in Marion township, this county. June 26, 1840, the son of James B. and Eliza (Ramsey) Williams. James B. Williams and his wife were born, reared and married in Kentucky, coming to this county in 1836 in wagons. Thev bought one hundred and twenty acres of land in Marion township from a man who had entered the land, but was not able to make an\' improvement. They started in the wilderness, built a real pioneer calkin of round logs, puncheon tloor. clapboard roof and stick-and-mud chinine>-. .Alexander Williams had two sisters and five brothers, of whom he is the only one living at the present time. His mother died when he was about fourteen years of age, and his father married Eliza Tamplin, who is now living near Danville with four children by his second marriage ; Matilda, Sarah, Eleanor and Tilman. James B. Williams died in 1878. In October, 1863, Alexander Williams enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry and was immediately transferred to General Sherman's command in the Atlanta campaign. Later his company was ordered to return to General George Thomas in Tennessee and was in the attack on Nashville, December, 1864, and followed Hood's army until they crossed the Tennessee river in the early part of 1865. Shortly afterwards his regiment was ordered to Washington, D. C, and was there compelled to camp in an open field without shelter in zero weather. Thence his regiment was taken by boat to the coast of North Carolina and landed at Moorhead City. His regiment was sent there in order to repair the railroad in North Carolina to connect Sherman with A'irginia and ship him supplies. In North

Carolina he was in several skirmishes of a minor character. He took part in the Grand Review at Washington, D. C, in the summer of 1865 and was later mustered out at Indianapolis in July. Immediately after the close of the war he returned to Marion township and resumed farming. In 1871 he moved to Eel River township where he bought land and, by gradual addition, has now accumulated three hundred and twenty-one acres of land in that township. In 1907 he retired from active life and bought a home in North Salem, where he is now living a retired life. Alexander Williams was first married in January, 1867, to Anna Fassett, the daughter of Isaac and Unity Fassett. To this union one son was born, Harry. His first wife died about fifteen days after the son was born. Harry now lives two miles north of North Salem on a farm. He married Pearl Speers and has one son, Aubry, who married August Gaines and lives on a farm north of Danville. Alexander Williams was married the second time in June, 1871, to Martha Griggs, the daughter of David and Emeline (Webster) Griggs. She was born in Clark county. Kentucky, and came to Marion township in this county, when she was a babe. To this second marriage five children were born: Emeline, the wife of Joseph B. Fleece. Anna, the widow of Clarence Bryant. Flora, who received a fine education, attending the State Normal at Terre Haute and later the State University at Bloomington. She taught several terms in Hendricks county, and also at Indianapolis, but is now making her home with her father in North Salem. Dicey, the wife of Frank Branch, lives at Stockton, California, and has three children, Helen, Doris and Frances. Urban L. lives on his father's farm. He married Lydia Davis, the daughter of Smith R. and Martha Davis, and has one son, Roger. The second wife of Mr. Williams died March 8, 19 10.

Mr. and Mrs. Fleece are the parents of four interesting children, Pauline, Eugene, Maurice and Harlan. Mrs. Fleece is an accomplished musician and a pleasant woman in every way. For some years before her marriage, she was a teacher of instrumental music, having received her training in the music department of the Central Normal College at Danville. Mr. and Mrs. Fleece are loyal members of the Christian church and Mr. Fleece has been a deacon in the denomination for many years. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias. In the civic life of his community, Mr. Fleece has always taken an active interest, giving his support to all movements having for their object the advancement of the general welfare of his town and vicinity. He is a genial and agreeable man to meet and enjoys a justly merited popularity among his many acquaintance^.

Among the strong and influential citizens of Hendricks county, Indiana, the record of whose lives have become an essential part of the history of this section, the gentleman whose name appears above occupies a prominent place and for years has exerted a beneficial influence in the locality where he resides. His chief characteristics are keenness of perception, a tireless energy, honesty of purpose and motive and everyday common sense, which has enabled him not only to advance his own interests, but also largely contribute to the moral and material advancement of the community.

Charles P. Hornaday was born June 12, 1866, in Washington township, Hendricks county. Indiana. His parents were Anson D. and Sarah (Hanna) Hornaday, both of whom were natives of Indiana. Anson Hornaday was a farmer by occupation during all of his life and settled in Hendricks county in 1865, having come to this county from Indianapolis, where he had been a contractor. He engaged in agricultural pursuits in Washington township, and continued to reside there until his death, which occurred in 1908 at the age of eighty years. His widow is still living in Plainfield at the age of eighty-one. Anson Hornaday was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church from his boyhood. Mr. and Mrs. Anson Hornaday were the parents of si.x children: Ella, deceased; James P.. who is now the special correspondent of the Indianapolis News with headquarters at V\^ashington City; Charles P., the immediate subject of this sketch; W. D., of Austin, Texas, where he is engaged in the newspaper business; Mrs. Mary L. Hadley, of Plainfield, and John, who died in infancy.

Charles P. Hornaday was reared on the home farm and educated in the common schools, finishing his educational training at Plainfield Academy. He then took a course in the Indianapolis Business College, and after his graduation from that institution, engaged in the mercantile business in Indianapolis for a short time. In 1889 he came to Danville, where he followed the feed and grain business for two years. He next engaged in the grocery business and operated a grocery store for the next seventeen years, at the expiration of which time he retired from the grocery business and went to Indianapolis, where he engaged in the real estate business for three years. He then returned to Danville and in 1910 was appointed postmaster by President William H. Taft, a position which he held until 19 14.

daughter of Clark Blair, of Washington township in this county. To this union there have been born four children, Howard B., Sarah Josephine, Mary Louise and Charles P., Jr. Mr. Hornaday is a Republican in his political views and has always taken an active interest in politics, although he had never held any public office until his appointment as postmaster of Danville. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and, with his wife, is affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church of Danville. He is also a member of the Chamber of Comm'efce of Indianapolis and the Commercial Club of Danville. He is activefy interested in all civic matters and is prominent in all movements looking toward the betterment of his home town. He is a man who has won a large circle of friends and acquaintances and is universally regarded as one of Hendricks county's leading citizens.

Wesley Brady

The gentleman whose name appears at the head of this article is well and favorably known throughout Hendricks county and particularly in the vicinity of Danville. This is not because he can claim great wealth nor because of remarkable accomplishments in mercantile life, though he has been a successful business man; but because of the fact that he is genial in manner, warm hearted, charitable and kindly to man and beast. Li addition to these qualities he is a recognized authority upon the care and breeding of horses ; and his proverbial kindness to the animals in his charge has shown marked results. These animals are docile and well trained, and could they speak, they would probably say, "We do our best for him because he is so kind." And this quality in him has appealed to his fellow men.

Wesley Brady is a true product of Hendricks county, having made it his home since the day of his birth, in the year 1858. His parents, George W. Brady and Delilah ( Selch ) Brady, were among the early inhabitants of the county, and his maternal grandparents were among the first to brave the terrors of the unbroken forest.

His father. George W., was born in Morgan county, Indiana, near Moores\ille, in the year 183Q, but during his childhood his parents, Merrill Brady and wife, emigrated to Hendricks county. Here, near Carter.-burg, they took up their abode, and the remaining days of their lives were spent upon this homestead, he cultivating the soil and toiling diligently to ac(|uire sustenance for the family. JMr. Brady was particularly successful as a breeder of and dealer in live stock, and the love which he bore for domestic animals, jDarticularly the horse, was inculcated into the mind and heart of his son.

His wife, Delilah Selch, was a native of Hendricks county also, her parents being one of the early families to brave the terrors of the long, tedious journey by wagon from Kentucky, through the forest country infested by wild animals. Near the present site of Cartersburg in Hendricks county, they selected their abode and entered from the government eighty acres of land. This tract was later doubled in size, and the arduous labor of clearing away the grand old forest trees, which to-day are so highly prized, was gladly endured as they saw the cabin raised which was to he their home. During the time of building, one of the workers shot a deer at the hour for noon day rest, and at night the howling of wolves trying to get their sheep disturbed their slumbers. Here they lived the life of the pioneer, the father and sons hewing the huge trees to clear space for the garden and grain, and the mother and daughters spinning and weaving, and later, knitting and sewing by hand the products of the wheel and loom. Baking and broiling were accomplished by the open fireplace, and their table was replete with game.

Hence, we see that the subject of our sketch is truly a son of Hendricks county. His childhood and youth were spent on the farm of his father, and he was busily engaged in all the activities of the place. At the age of twentyfour years, his marriage to Kate Riggen was solemnized. She, also, is a native of Hendricks county, having been born and reared near Cartersburg. His parents took the long journ6y from North Carolina by wagon in the early days of this county, and purchased the tract of lantl which has been their homestead throughout their days.

Soon after they were united in marriage. ^Ir. and Mrs. Brady established their home oh a farm in the vicinity of their former homes, and here he engaged in the pursuit of agriculture until the }'ear 1900, supplementing this work, however, with the purchase and sale of horses. In this year he brought his family to Danville and entered the livery business with John W. Ader, under the firm name of Ader & Brady. In this vocation he has been at liberty to exercise all his talents in the care and training of horses, for which he is eminently fitted by heredity, experience and environment, for the love of this work is inherited from several generations of ancestors. He is now the possessor of "Guy Princeton," a horse that has sired .more speed and high class road horses than any other stallion in Hendricks county. Many of his offspring have sold for sums ranging from fifteen hundred to twentyfive hundred dollars. His pedigree runs back three generations to Hambletonian Ten.

But dearly as Mr. Brady loves his horses, his home and family are of paramount importance in his life. His one daughter, Lela, is now the wife of Raymond Miles, and resides near Clayton. Though a man of few words, he is proverbially a good neighbor and stanch friend ; and his many kind acts have won for him a more desirable reputation than could the possession of large wealth. He is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, among whom he has many devoted friends.

Fred B. Soper

In the early days the Middle West was often a tempting field to energetic, ambitious, strong-minded men, and Indiana was filled with them during the time she was struggling up to a respectable position in the sisterhood of states. There was a fascination in the broad field and great promise which this newer region presented to activity that attracted many men and induced them to brave the discomforts of the early life here for the pleasure and gratification of constructing their fortunes in their own way and after their own methods. It is this class of men, more than any other, who give shape, direction and character to the business of a community. Fred B. Soper, well known citizen of Center township, this county, is the son of one of the pioneer citizens of this community, his father, the late Charles Soper, for many years being one of the most substantial and prominent citizens of Hendricks county. He became identified with this section at an early date and for many years wielded a potent influence in local circles.

Fred B. Soper was born in Marion township, this county, on December 31, 1869, about one and one-half miles north of New Winchester, the son of Charles and Sarah (Underwood) Soper. Charles Soper was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, on December 5, 1823, and came to this county in 1853. He was twice married, his first wife, whom he married in Kentucky, being Nancy Bryan. Their marriage took place in 1844 and she died after coming to this county, in 1867. She left three children, namely; James, deceased; Mary Alice and Charles Clay. Mr. Soper took as his second wife Sarah Underwood, to whom were born two children, the eldest being the immediate subject of this sketch, and the youngest, William Ken- dricks, who departed this life July 13, 1902. Sarah Underwood was a native of Decatur county, this state, her parents originally coming from Kentucky and later coming to this county, where her father entered from the government one thousand acres of land in Marion township. She died in Lake county, Illinois, on September 13, 1909.

Charles Soper, the subject's father, was one of the leading farmers of his day, being thoroughly progressive in his work at a time when many tillers of the soil rather hesitated to depart from old established methods. He was a firm believer in modern ideas in agriculture and ever endeavored to keep right in the front rank in his chosen vocation. He first settled in Marion township, this county, on a farm of about five hundred acres, where he had excellent opportunities to work out some of his advanced theories. There he lived until the fall of 1870, when he moved to Danville, where he resided for about thirteen years. Becoming wearied of town life and hungering for the country again, he returned to the farm where the subject now lives. This homestead contains one hvmdred and seventy-four acres, all buildings and improvements being modern, and is one of the best conducted farms in the county. On this farm Charles Soper passed his declining years, his death occurring on January 20, 1909. He was quiet and unassuming in manner, yet with a quality of firmness and determination rarely equaled. Highly successful in his chosen field of endeavor, he won his way by his neverceasing effort, tireless energy and rare judgment and ability, yet, with all his large interests, he found considerable time to devote to his home and family, being a man of marked domestic traits. His fraternal affiliation for some years was with the Independeent Order of Odd Fellows, but he dropped his membership in this society shortly before his death. He was a stanch Democrat in his earlier years, but later endorsed the principles of the Prohibition party and was active in its affairs as related to his community, but never aspired to office in either party. He was one of those splendid men of brains and brawn who always prove themselves such strong factors in the improvement of a new country, for, by reason of their varied qualities, they lead in the moral, educational and material advancement of their community and their influence for general uplift can never be estimated.

Fred B. Soper spent his early years at home, assisting his father in his labors and imbibing from him the principles of life and business which make him one of the leading citizens of today. He received his elementary education in the township schools, later attending the high school at Dan- ville, from which he was graduated in due time. He chose the vocation of his father as that of his own and all the efforts of his manhoqd years have been spent in this direction, until he is considered one of the most progressive farmers of the county. He gives considerable attention to the breeding and raising of cattle and hogs, principally the latter. Mr. Soper has never married and he and his sister, Mary Alice, who also remains single, make their home together on the old homestead, and she unites with him in a determined effort to make their business an unqualified success.

Both Mr. and Miss Soper are members of the Christian church, being interested in its welfare and they contribute liberally of their means toward its support. Mr. Soper's fraternal affiliations are with the Knights , of Pythias, being identified with the local lodge at Danville. He is a stanch Republican, firmly believing in the principles laid down by that party, and takes an active interest in political matters in his community. While never aspiring for office, his influence at the polls is a thing reckoned with by those who do seek such honors. Mr. Soper is a quiet, unassuming man, with sterling qualities of heart and mind and well liked and respected throughout a wide acquaintance. His sincere interest in those with whom he comes in contact has won for him many warm friends and both he and his sister hold an enviable position in the estimation of their friends and neighbors. It is such men as he who are the saving class in any comnumity and of whom it can truly be said they are the "salt of the earth."

Miss Soper deals in White Leghorn chickens and has the finest poultry farm and equipment in the Middle West. She is also a club woman, belonging to the Modern Priscilla and New Era clubs at Indianapolis, and to the Lawrence School Girls' Club.

Edgar M. Blessing

There are individuals in nearly every community who, by reason of pronounced ability and force of character, rise above the heads of the masses and command the unbounded esteem of their fellow men. Characterized by perseverance and a directing spirit, two virtues that never fail, such men always make their presence felt and the vigor of their strong personalities serves as a stimulus and incentive to the young and rising generation. To this energetic and enterprising class the subject of this sketch very properly belongs. Having never been seized with the wanderlust spirit that has led many of Hendricks county's young men to other fields of endeavor and other states, Mr. Blessing has devoted himself to his adopted profession and to the public duties to which he has been called, and because of his personal worth and his accomplishments, he is clearly entitled to representation among the enterprising and progressive men of his locality.

Edgar RI. Blessing, the son of George A. and Margaret ( Ladd ) Blessing, was born in Wadena, Indiana, in 1876. He was given a good common school education, graduated from the high school at Wadena and later from the Indiana State Normal at Terre Haute in iSgg. Between the time he entered the State Normal and his graduation he taught two years, and after his graduation was principal of the Plainfield high school for two years. During the summer of 1900 he was in attendance at Cornell University, Ithaca. New York. In 1901 he was for five months clerk of the Indiana Bovs' School at Plainfield. In the fall of 1901 he entered the law department of the University of Michigan, and graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Law in June, 1904. In January, 1905, he opened a law office in Danville for the practice of law. A year later he was elected prosecuting attorney, and was re-elected in 1908. January i, 1912, he became county attorney, which office he now fills very acceptably. He has been distinguished by his work in the office of attorney in the well known Asher and Moon cases. As county attorney he is official attorney for the board of county commissioners, and has had work of great importance for them, which he has creditably performed. He prepared all the papers for the board of commissioners in the new court house matters and prepared the transcript for the sale of the bonds for two hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars for the proposed new court house. The bond attorneys who examined the transcript pronounced it legally perfect and could make no corrections or amendments and went so far as to compliment the work he did. In this high and difficult service for the puljlic he evidenced capacity in his profession.

Mr. Blessing was married October 5, 1905, to Geraldine M., the daughter of Mr. and Mrs^ Dr. C. A. White, of Danville. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Danville, and are interested in all its activities. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and is worshipful master of the Western Star Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons at Danville. He is also a thirty-second-degree Mason and a Shriner of Murat Temple, Indianapolis.

Mr. Blessing loves the law liecause its purpose is the preservation for each citizen in the state of his rights for his 'own u-e. The practice of the true lawyer is the practice of patriotism, and Mr. Blessing has the high ambition to be a true lawyer. There is no nobler ambition, no greater field for usefulness, and all that is needed is time to make him eminent in his profession. He is now assistant to Prof. Solon Enloe, the head of the law department of Central Normal College, of Danville.

William W. Trotter

Among the men of Hendricks county who have seen it emerge from a virgin forest to its present state as one of the finest agricultural counties in the state, there is no one who can give a more vivid picture of the steady growth of the county than William W. Trotter, who was born February 19. 1833, about two miles east of North Salem, and has spent his entire life in this county. His parents were James and Sarah (Whitt) Trotter, and his father was born in Lee county, Virginia, June, 1813, the son of James and Elizabeth (Culton) Trotter. In 181 5 the Trotter family came from Virginia to Indiana and settled in Monroe county, where they remained for two or three years; from thence they went to Greencastle, Indiana, and still later to Lafayette, in this state. They finally settled in Hendricks county, where thev bought a farm of two hundred acres south of North Salem. Here James Trotter, Sr., died on October 27, 1857. James Trotter, Jr., was a young man when his parents moved to this county, and shortly after coming here he married Sarah Whitt, who was a native of Montgomery county, Virginia. She had come to Indiana with the family of James Hedge, who only stayed a short time in Indiana, when they returned to their old home in Virginia. After his marriage, James Trotter, Jr., bought a farm east of North Salem, and lived there the rest of his life. He built a cabin in the woods and started life like all of the pioneers of early Indiana. William, whose history is here portrayed, remembers distinctly of the clearing of that farm and all of the incidents which surrounded their pioneer home. James Trotter died February 16, 1878, his wife having passed away November 12, 1872.

William V/. Trotter was married February 28, 1857, to Nancy E. Keith, who was born December 9, 1838, in Putnam county, in this state, the daughter of Bird and Hannah (Stigleman) Keith. Bird Keith was a native of Virginia, the son of James Keith and wife. He married Hannah Stigleman in Wayne county, Indiana, when he was about thirty years of age, and shortly afterwards moved to Putnam county, where they lived until 1852.

They then moved to Hendricks county and located east of North Salem, although his wife had died before he came to this county. His death occurred later at Indianapolis.

After Mr. Trotter married he engaged in farming on rented land for several years and then purchased a farm two miles east of North Salem, where he lived until February 19, 1901, at which time he retired from active farming and bought a home at North Salem, where he has since maintained his residence. Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Trotter are the parents of seven children living and two who died in infancy, the ones deceased being Jesse and Arthur T. Those living are Allen F., who lives with his father; James, a hardware merchant of North Salem; Silas B. and Oliver W., who are in the dry goods business in North Salem, and whose histories are given elsewhere in this volume; Charles M., a dentist of North .Salem; Clarence H., agent for the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railway Company at North Salem, and Nora B., who is at home with her parents.

Mr. Trotter was assessor of Eel River township from 1865 to 1867, and again from 1883 to 1891, and on several different occasions acted as treasurer for the land in his township; His father, James Trotter, had been township trustee of this same township for nine years, beginning in i860. Mr. Trotter and his whole family belong to the Christian church, and give to this denomination their most earnest support. Mr. Trotter has been a loyal member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since April, 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Trotter have lived useful and busy lives in this county and have reared a family of children, all of whom have became useful members of the community.

David A. Higgins

It is a well authenticated fact that success comes as the result of legitimate and well applied energy, unflagging determination and perseverance in a course of action when once decided upon. She is never known to smile upon the idler or dreamer and she never courts the loafer, and only the men who have diligent!}' sought her favor are crowned with her lilessings. In tracing the history of David A. Higgins, of Danville, Hendricks county, Indiana, it is plainly seen that the .success which he enjoys has been won by commendable qualities and it is also his personal worth that has gained for him the high esteem of those who know him.

David A. Higgins, deputy state oil inspector, was born in Hendricks county, Indiana, June 30, 1850. His parents were Michael and Elizabeth (Plasters) Higgins, his father's birth having occurred in Putnam county, this state. He came to this county when he was a boy with his parents. His mother was born in Kentucky and came to this county with her parents when a small child. Michael Higgins. was a farmer in Marion township, where he lived on the same farm until his death in 1904, at the age of eighty-one years. He was a member of the Christian church at New Winchester, and served as trustee of Marion township for three terms. His wife died at the age of sixty in 1882. They were the parents of six children: William, of Marion township; David A., the immediate subject of this sketch; Mary J., wife of J- I- Wilson, of Marion township; Cassandra, wife of Henry Hunt; Charles E., of Marion township, and ]\Iay, the wife of Willard Kellum, who lives on the home farm in Marion township.

David A. Higgins was reared on his father's farm and received the education which was afforded by the district schools of his home town.-hip. He had more than the ordinary taste for knowledge and after finishing the common school course in his township, he attended the academy at Ladoga for two years when it was in charge of Professor M. B. Hopkins, later superintendent of instruction for Indiana. Upon the completion of his education he returned to his father's farm and followed agricultural pursuits until 1893. In addition to carrying on a general system of diversified farming he was actively engaged in the buying and shipping of live stock. In fact, this was the main source of his income. In 1893 he moved to Danville, where he engaged in the hardware business for the next ten years. In 19 10 he was appointed deputy oil inspector for Indiana, a position which he is still filling.

i\Ir. Higgins has long been identified with the Democratic party in his county and his worth as a man is shown by the fact that he has been the county chairman of the Democratic central committee for the past eight years. Hendricks covmty was formerly Republican, but is now practically in the hands of the Democratic party, onh' two of the county officers being Republicans.

Mr. Higgins was married Decemlaer i, 1881, to Angeline Hunt, the daughter of Ithamer and Fanny Jane Hunt, who were also residents of Marion township. Mr. and Mrs. Higgins are faithful and consistent members of the Christian church at Danville and are generous in their support of its various activities. Mr. Higgins is a member of the order of Eree and Accepted Masons. He has ever enjoyed the respect and esteem of those who know him because of his friendly manner, markerl ability in public affairs and upright living, and he is regarded by all as one of the substantial and worthy citizens of this locality.

Silas B. Trotter

One of the influential citizens of North Salem is the gentleman to whose career the attention of the reader is now directed, a man who is ranked with the city's leading merchants and representative citizens. A man of excellent endowments and upright character, he has been a valued factor in local affairs and has ever commanded unef|uivocal confidence and esteem, being loyal to the upbuilding of his community and ever vigilant in his efforts to further the interests of his city along material, moral and civic lines.

Silas B. Trotter, of the firm of Trotter Brothers, of North Salem, was born in Eel River township, in this county, on March i6, 1861, and is the son of William W. and Nancy E. ( Iveith ) Trotter, whose family history is given elsewhere in this volume.

Silas B. Trotter was gi\-en a good practical educatinn and continued to reside on the home farm until 1886, at which time he went to the state of Alissouri, where he spent one year, being employed in the railway round house. He then returned to North Salem and took up the stud)- of telegraphy, and from 1890 to 1904 was a telegraph operator on the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton railway at Montclair, Dana and North Salem. In 1904 he went to Rush county, in this state, and engaged in the mercantile business until 1907. On April ist of that year he and his brother, Oliver W., formed a partnership in North Salem, and have continued there in business under the firm name of Trotter Brothers until the present time. They handle dry goods, shoes and millinery and have built up a large and lucrative trade in the town and vicinity, owing to their courteous and gentlemanly treatment of their patrons. They purchased this business of B^master & Company, a firm which had been established in North Salem for twenty years in the same hne. Since taking over this business they have doubled the amount of stock in different lines and have improved the store in various wavs. In 191 2 they erected a new brick store room, into which they moved in January, 191 3.

Silas B. Trotter was married in 1894 to Louisa J. Pritchett, the daughter of Thomas C. and Marv ( Stigleman ) Pritchett. Her father was a farm- er and one of the early settlers of the county, having come here in 1826, when he was less than one year old. His parents were natives of Kentucky, and made the overland trip from that state to this county on horseback. Mr. and Mrs. Trotter are the parents of one daughter, Mary Geraldine.

Fraternally, Mr. Trotter is a member of the order of Free and Accepted Masons, while religiously, he and his wife are both loyal members of the Christian church of North Salem, and are regarded by all with confidence and esteem in the community in which they live.

Otis E. Gulley

In no profession is there a career more open tQ talent than is that of the law, and in no field of endeavor is there demanded a more careful preparation, a more thorough appreciation of the absolute ethics of life or of the underlying principles which form the basis of all human rights and privileges. Unflagging application and intuitive wisdom and determination fully to utilize the means at hand are the concomitants which insure personal success and prestige in this great profession, which stands as the stern conservator of justice, and it is one into which none should enter without a recognition of the obstacles to be encountered and overcome and the battles to be won. Success does not perch on the banner of every person who enters the competitive fray, but comes only as the legitimate result of capability. Possessing all of these requisite qualities which stamp the able lawyer, Otis E. Gulley stands today among the eminent practitioners of Hendricks county.

Otis E. Gulley, one of Danville's best lawyers and president of the board of trustees of Central Normal College, is a native of the county, having been born at North Salem on March 22, 1867. Reared to the life of a farmer's boy, he knows what kind of a life the farmer leads and this has been no small factor in his success as an attorney. The farmer in search of legal advice feels that he can have a sympathetic helper in Mr. Gulley and he finds that he is not mistaken. Mr. Gulley received his elementary education in the common schools of his township and in preparing himself for teaching he attended Franklin College for one term. He came to Danville in 1891 and was shortly after admitted to the practice of law and has continued to follow that profession, for which he seems to be especially gifted. He is peculiarly gifted in the capacity of the investigator who is never satisfied until he gets to the bottom of things. He goes around, under, over or through obstacles, revohitionizing his methods if the old ways dn not meet the exigencies of the situation. Old ways may do for some men, but if a new way is better he digs it up out of the limitless field of opportunity and presses it into service. His philosophy is that there is a way to do everything if the way can but be found.

Mr. Gulley's life has been a bus)' one and he has had discouragements and disappointments to meet many times. Starting out as a school teacher at seventeen, he has received his education with his work. He lived in Arkansas two years and was living in that state in 1890 when the United States census was taken. He was census supervisor of the second district, which covered about half of the state. Coming back to Danville, he was elected to the office of county prosecutor two terms and was one of the best prosecutors the county ever had.

;\Ir. Gulley was married in 1895 t(T Alary Tilford, of Martinsville, Indiana, and has a handsome home two and a half miles east of Danville. Mrs. Gulley died on July 2, 1907. He is a loyal member of the Christian church and is interested in the many activities of that society. He was a stanch Republican and his high standing among the men of the state is shown in the fact that he was nominated on the Republican ticket, in 1910, for secretary of state. At the organization of the Progressive party, he became actively identified with that organization, by which he was honored with a nomination for Congress. In his fraternal relations he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, a thirty-second-degree Mason and a Mystic Shriner. He has been the president of the board of trustees of the Central Normal College for some years and takes a very active interest in the affairs of that institution. A man of sterling qualities, his honest and strictly square dealings, his u])right principles and genial disposition have won for him numerous friends thrdughout the communit\' in wlu'ch he lives.

Tohn A. Showalter

The following is a sketch of a plain, honest man of affairs who by correct methods and a strict regard for the interests of his patrons has made his influence felt in Danville and won for himself distinctive prestige in the professional circles of that city. He would be the last man to sit for romance or become the suljject of fancy sketches, nevertheless his life pre- (^5) sents much that is interesting and valuable and ma}' be studied with profit by the young, whose careers are yet to be achieved. He is one of those whose integrity and strength of character must force them into an admirable notoriety which their modesty never seeks, who command the respect of their contemporaries and their posterity and leave the impress of their individuality deeply stamped upon the community.

John A. Showalter, of the firm of Shirley & Showalter, was born in Henry county, Indiana, seven miles west of Newcastle, on July 15, 1854. His parents were Ashbury and Susan Ruth (Cooper) Showalter, the father being a native of Indiana, and the mother of Ohio. Ashbury Showalter was a contractor and is now living retired in Kennard, Henry county, Indiana. His wife died in 1898. Mr. and Mrs. Ashbury Showalter were the parents of five children, all of whom are living: John A. Showalter, the oldest of the family and the immediate subject of this sketch; Mrs. Anna Bouslog, of Kennard, Indiana; Mrs. Mary Cook, of Newcastle, Indiana; R. R. Showalter, of Knightstown, Indiana, and Ada, who lives with her father in Kennard.

J. A. Showalter received his common school education in the district schools of Henry county, Indiana, and when a mere boy, began clerking in a grocery store near his home. In 1880, when he was twenty-six years of age, he came to Danville, where he became a member of the firm of Shirley, Showalter & McCoun. The business was conducted under this name for about four years and a half, at the expiration of which time the firm name was changed to Shirley, Showalter & Company, Mr. McCoun retiring from the firm. This firm, starting in a modest way, has expanded both in size and stock until it is now one of the leading stores in Danville. The company employs a large number of clerks and the stock is one of the lai-gest and most complete in its line to be found in any city the size of Danville. Courtesy and an evident desire to please all who patronize the store have been the strongest elements in the success which has accompanied the firm's efforts, and it has enjoyed at all times the full confidence of all who have done business with it.

Mr. Showalter was married September 10, 1891, to Belle C. Conrad, of Florence, Boone county, Kentucky, and to this union there has been born one child, Mary Agnes. Mr. and Mrs. Showalter are devoted and consistent members of the Christian church, of which denomination Mr. Showalter has been a deacon for many years. Politically, he is an earnest supporter of the Republican party, but his business interests have precluded his taking an active part in political affairs. Mr. Showalter is regarded as a good business man and excellent manager, and a man who possesses sound judgment and foresight, and who believes in ever pressing forward, so that his success is but the legitimate result of the efforts which he puts forth. He enjoys the respect and esteem of those with whom he mingles for his friendly manner, his business ability, his interest in public affairs and his upright living. He is regarded by all as one of the substantial and worthv citizens of the city honored by his residence.

Edward V. Ragland

It is not an easy task to describe adequately a man who has led an eminently active and busy life and who has attained a position of relative distinction in the community with which his interests are allied. But biography finds its most perfect justification, nevertheless, in the tracing and recording of such a life history. It is. then, with a full appreciation of all that is demanded and of the painstaking scrutiny that must be accorded each statement, and yet with a feeling of satisfaction, that the writer essays the task of touching briefly upon the details of such a record as has been that of Edward V. Ragland whose eminently successful career is now under review.

Edward V. Ragland. a prominent real estate and loan agent of Danville, Indiana, was born February 2-j, 1863, in the southwestern corner of Marion township, Hendricks county, Indiana. His parents were James and Ann (Cord) Ragland, his father being a native of this county, born March 28, 1838. The parents of James Ragland were Dudley and Ailsey (Flynn) Ragland, both of whom were born and reared in Kentucky, near Winchester. Dudley Ragland and wife came from Kentucky to Hendricks county in pioneer time and located on the Rockville road in the eastern edge of Marion township, where Dudley Ragland kept a tavern in the early days. Later he sold this farm and bought a farm near Reno, in the southwestern corner of Marion township, and later bought a farm three miles southwest of Coatesyille on which he lived until his death. Jaines Ragland was born in Marion township, and upon reaching man's estate he was married to Ann Cord, the daughter of John and Christine (Cay wood) Cord. Her parents were from New England, but came to this county early in their married life and lived here the remainder of their lives. In 1868 James Ragland and wife moved to Illinois and remained there nine years. They then came back and bought

Edward V. Ragland was reared on his father's farm and remained there until his marriage. He completed his education in the common schools in this county and then attended the Indiana State Normal at Terre Haute, after which he taught for nine years in Morgan and Putnam counties, Indiana, and in Edgar county, Illinois. He retired from his teaching profession in 1891 and engaged in the general merchandise business at Broad Park, a village in the eastern part of Putnam county, which he named. There he built up a lucrative business and remained two years, whereupon he and the man w.th whom he had gone into partnership dissolved and he moved his stock to Lake Valley in the northwestern part of Morgan county, where he remained for the next five years, three of which he was postmaster. In 1899 he sold his store to S. M. Johnson and after a one year's residence at Martinsville, where he dealt in live stock, he bought a farm in Franklin township in Hendricks county, where he resided three and one-half years. His wife owned a farm in the immediate vicinity, part of the farm known as the Green Valley farm. In February, 1904, Mr. Ragland moved to Danville and engaged in the real estate, loan and insurance business, which he has followed up to the present time. In this line of work he has been uniformly successful, listing valuable property and building up a loan and insurance business which is netting him very handsome returns. Nearly all his life Mr. Ragland has engaged in dealing in horses, even while principally interested in other lines of business. He is a breeder of high-grade road horses and owns some iine animal.-; at the present time.

While attending the State Normal at Terre Haute, Mr. Ragland became acquainted with Rusba E. Hadley, the daughter of Jehu and Jerusha (Stiles) Hadley, and before moving to INIartinsville they were married. Jehu Hadley was one of the most prominent farmers of Hendricks county. He was born in Chatham county, North Carolina, October 19, iSio, and in 1825 went with his parents, James T. and Mary ( Richardson ) Hadley, to Hendricks county and located in Center township. He \yas married August 3, 1837, to Jerusha Stiles, who was born July 18, 1819, in Vermont, the daughter of Jeremiah and Sibyl Stiles. Her father v>'as the founder of Stilesville, locating there in 1821. Mrs. Stiles died in 1828 and was the fir.'^t married woman who died there. Mr. Stiles was married again and shortly afterward died of cholera at Savannah, Missouri. In March, 1838, Jehu Hadley bought three hundred and twentv acres in section 11, Franklin townshi]). which at that time \v;i- a swamp. The only arable part of his farm was covered with a heavy growth of timber, and many of the old settlers pronounced the farm valueless and predicted starvation for the owner, but they did not reckon with the industry and perseverance of Jehu Hadley. By incessant toil and energy he cleared the farm and drained the swamp, putting in two thousand rods of tile drainage and four hundred rods of open ditches, in addition to building a mile of levee on Mill creek, which ran through the farm. It is toda}- known as the Green Valley Farm and is one of the show places of the county. A fine park containing an amphitheatre is on the farm and for the past thirteen years the old settlers have held their reunions there, as many as six thousand persons being present on these annual occasions. Mr. Hadley owned, at one time, six hundred and fifty acres, nearly all of which he had brought under cultivation. In 1876 he built a beautiful brick residence, probably the most costly country home in Hendricks county, costing him over ten thousand dollars. He was yvidely known and well respected for his many fine qualities of character. He was not only just, but a man who was generosity itself. Honorable himself, he never distrusted another man, till proved unworth}- of trust. He was strong in his likes and in his dislikes, too, and \-et a charitalile man who was always true to his friends. He died in 1891 and his wife seven years later. He belonged to the Christian church and his wife to the Missionary Baptist.

Rusha E. Hadlev was born in Danville, where she attended the public school, and later the State Normal, where she and her husband became acquainted. After leaving the State Normal School she taught for two years, making a very creditable record as a teacher. Mr. and Mrs. Ragland have two children, Sibyl, age twelve, and Christine, age eight. Christine, although only eight years of age, is an expert little horsewoman and has been entered as a pony rider in girls' riding contests since she was a very small girl. She has already participated in four horse shows and in each she won the first premium. In speaking of the event at Greencastle, where she was entered, the Indianapolis Star said, "The entry that attracted the most attention was one where the girl riders were under fourteen years of age. The prize was won by Christine Ragland of Danville, who is only eight years of age. The little girl rode a black Shetland pony and took the crowd by storm. She rode like a veteran, and, indeed she is, having taken three other prizes by her riding." She rode several times arotmd the puljlic square at break-neck speed and thrilled the crowd by her daring.

church at Stilesvihe and are generous in their support of their favored denomination. Since moving to Danville they have won a host of friends who admire them for their many qualities of head and heart. They are interested in all public enterprises which tend to promote the welfare of the town, and are considered valuable acquisitions to the society of Danville.

In this day of specialization the world demands experts in every line and he who would make the most pronounced success along any particular line of endeavor must concentrate all of his time, attention and energy on his chosen field. In the field of medicine the work of the old family doctor is now in the hands of a hundred different specialists, each treating some particular ailment and no others. There' has also arisen within the last twenty-five years a new field in the department of therapeutics and medicine and one which is of great importance. This new departure will not only be the means of saving the health of hundreds of thousands of people, but it has an influence which will affect the very life of the nation itself, striking as it does at the foundations of our social fabric. The home, the school, the industrial world and every phase of society is going to be changed for the better because of this new phase of the medical profession. Inebriety is now recognized as a disease and there has been discovered by Dr. Leslie E. Keeley, a treatment which, properly administered, results in a complete relief from the craving or appetite for alcohol and narcotics. Nearly half a million persons have been treated within the last twenty-five years and the success which has attended the use of Dr. Keeley's remedies has made his name a household word in thousands of homes. For the past twenty-three years there has been a branch of the Keeley Institute a1 Plainfield, Indiana, and during all but five years of that time it has been under the charge of Dr. A. P. W. Bridges, who has achieved a notable success in handling thousands of cases of inebriety and morphineism.

Dr. Bridges, the son of Rev. M. C. and Sophia J. (Doyle) Bridges, was born September 27, 1856, in Owen county, Indiana. His father was a native of Indiana and his mother of North Carolina. Rev. Bridges was born near Abington, Wayne county, his ancestors having come to Indiana from Virginia by way of Kentucky. They settled in Wayne county in the twenties and in the thirties moved to Owen county and lived there the remainder of their days, the father dying in 1900 at the age of seventy-five, the mother having passed away several years before. They reared a large family of children, but Dr. Bridges is the only one living.

Dr. Bridges received a good common school education and then took the course in the Indiana Medical College, at Indianapolis, graduating from that institution in the spring of 1892. He started to practice at Cloverdale, Indiana, and shortly afterwards removed to Alaska, Morgan county, where he remained until he took charge of the Keeley Institute at Plainfield. Under his efficient administration the institute has made a steady growth and is now recognized as one of the best in the United States. In 1912 the buildings were completly overhauled and put in first class condition in every particular.

Dr. Bridges was first married to Emma F. Alverson, of Spencer, Indiana, in 1883, and to this union there were born five children: Ralph, who is a graduate of Depauw and Indiana Universities, and is now a professional chemist, at Plainfield; Alta, who is a graduate of Depauw University, and now a teacher in the high school, at Plainfield; and three who are still at home, Joyce, Willard and James. Mrs. Bridges died in April, 1908, and January 7, 1913. Dr. Bridges married Minnie Morgan, of Plainfield, to which union Ruth Adelaide was born, February 19, 1914.

Dr. Bridges is a thirty-second-degree Mason, a Shriner, and also holds membership in the tribe of Red Men. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has been a trustee in the church for many years. He is a stanch Democrat and takes an active interest in the affairs of his party and was nominated by his' party in 1914 for the office of county clerk. He has been the precinct committeeman from Guilford township ever since he lived there. He has been identified with the Plainfield Building and Loan Association as its vice-president for many years. He is a member of the library board of Plainfield.

It is safe to say that the work being done by Dr. Bridges is conferring a boon upon thousands of homes and the sphere of his influence is constantly increasing. His work is highly indorsed by men in every profession who see in the service he is rendering to afflicted humanity the positive means of ameliorating untold suffering and misery. Dr. Bridges is a widely read man and one whom it is a pleasure to meet, and his friends are truly numbered by the thousands.

Judge George W. Brill

It is scarce less than supererogation in outlining the leading facts in the life of Judge Brill to refer to him as a lawyer in the ordinary phraseology which meets the requirements when dealing with the average member of the legal profession. He is indeed much more than eminently successful in his legal career, as is indicated by his long and praiseworthy record at the bar and his efficient service on the bench. He is a master of his profession, a leader among men distinguished for the high order of their legal talent, and his eminent attainments and ripe judgment make him an authority on all matters involving a profound knowledge of jurisprudence and vexed and intricate questions growing out of its interpretation.

Judge George W. Brill, the son of ^Villiam and Jeannette (Matthews) Brill, was born in Hendricks county, Indiana, December 15, 1859. His father was a native of Virginia and his mother of Scotland. William Brill was a millwright by trade and came west when a young man, settling in Hendricks county, Indiana. Here he lived until his death, in April, 1873, his widow surviving him until 1907. They were loyal and consistent members of the Lutheran church of Pecksburg. To Mr. and Mrs. William Brill were born six children : George W., the immediate subject of this sketch ; William Henry, deceased; Rachel Jeannette, the wife of L. F. Sparks; Bess, who lives with her brother, and William T., who is a furniture dealer in Danville.

Judge Brill was born on the farm near Center Valley, Liberty township, this county, and received his education in the common schools of this township. He finished his education by taking the course in the Central Normal College, at Danville, and has been granted two diplomas from that institution. Following his graduation from the college, he taught school for four years, in the meantime reading law with Hadley, Hogate & Blake in Danville. He was admitted to the bar in June, 1883, and was in continuous practice until November 16, 1913, when he went on the bench of the fifty-fifth judicial circuit of Indiana. He formed a partnership with Col. George T. Harvey in 1890, which continued until he went on the bench. This firm was very successful in every way and was in most of the important litigation of the county and central part of Indiana for the past twenty years.

Judge Brill was elected judge at the general election in November. 1913, on the Democratic ticket, and gave up a law practice of eighteen thousand dollars a year to take the judgship at three thousand five hundred. He did this only at the earnest soHcitation of his friends. This was his first ofifice, although about twenty years ago he was the party nominee for joint senator of Marion and Hendricks counties, when, though he carried Marion county by over seven hundred, he lost his home county and was defeated.

Judge Brill was married on November 23, 1883, to Emma L. Gregg, the youngest daughter of Martin and Mary Jean Gregg. Martin Gregg was county commissioner when the old court house was built and was a very estimable and substantial citizen of the county. Two children have been l:)orn to Judge and Mrs. Brill, one of whom died in infancy, while the other daughter, Gertrude Holt, is still under the parental roof. Mrs. Brill died on October 11, 1913.

Fraternally, Judge Brill is a member of the Knights of Pythias and has been in that order since 1882, during which time he has held every office in that lodge. He is also a member of the Free and Accepted Masons at Danville. Judge Brill is the owner of considerable real estate in the county, having several town properties and also farm lands scattered throughout this section. His career indicates what can be done by the y(iung man who starts out to make his own way through life. He had no influential or rich friends or relatives to help him and can be truly called a self-made man.

Fred Creech

One of the youngest and most progressive farmers in this county is Fred Creech, who, although he has been a farmer only a short time, is already regarded as one of the coming agriculturalists of the county. He has had a very interesting career, during which he has traveled o\er a large part of the United States. He was born September 2, 1886, in Wolfe county. Kentucky, the son of Frank L. and Nancy (Riggs) Creech. His father is a Methodist minister and is now living at Van Wert, Ohio. His parents were both born in Wise county, Virginia. Fred grew up in Kentucky, and after receiving a good common school education, started to work on a farm. About ten years ago he became acquainted with a man from Hendricks county, and as a result the whole tenor of his life was changed. He came to this county, learned the structural iron worker's trade and then went to Cincinnati where he learned the marble setter's trade. He then followed these two trades until 1909, working in cities scattered all o\er the United States.

In 1909 he came back to this county and was married on December 28th, to Florence Hardwicke, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Hardwicke. A. history of the Hardwicke family is given elsewhere in this volume. To this happy union there has been born one son, Everett Farrell, a bright lad of three years.

Mr. Creech is now farming a fine eighty-acre farm in the northeastern part of Marion township and is fast picking up the intricacies of the farming profession. He is full of energy and enthusiasm and has won the respect of the entire community in which he lives.

Hiram T. Storm

Among the highly honored veterans of the Civil War, who are still living in Hendricks county, is Hiram E. Storm, who lost one of his legs twelve days after he was mustered into the service, in one of the hardest fought battles of the Civil War. Although he was nearly seventeen years of age when he enlisted, he came back and started to common school in order to prepare himself for some useful profession. Handicapped as he was, he was determined not to be a charge upon anyone and with grit and determination he set about to prepare himself for the profession of teaching and thirty-six years of his useful life have been spent in teaching in this and other counties in Indiana. His life history is very interesting and instructive to the coming generation and is well worthy of mention in this volume.

Hiram T. Storm, the son of Isaac and Sarah (Lunsford) Storm, was born in Putnam county, Indiana, November 26, 1845. Both of his parents were natives of Monroe county, Indiana, and when his father, Isaac, was about seventeen years of age, he left his home in Monroe county, because the surroundings of his community were such as not to be conducive to the best development of a young man. Nearly everyone was addicted to the use of strong liquor and having had a repugnance to the use of intoxicating liquors from his childhood days, he decided to settle in some place where he would be under a different environment. Accordingly he went to Putnam county and found work with a farmer by the name of Lunsford, who was a strong temperance man, an abolitionist and a worthy man in every way. It so happened that Isaac Lunsford had a daughter and, as it has often occurred before and since, the youthful Isaac fell in love with his employer's daughter, Sarah. An interesting story is connected with the life of Peter Lunsford. When he first entered government land in Putnam county, he killed one hundred and forty rattlesnakes the first spring and got so disgusted with the farm that he sold it and bought another one in the same county. Isaac and his young wife, Sarah, began life under truly primitive conditions in Putnam county, and were worthy people, who reared to large usefulness thirteen children, four boys of whom served gallantly in the Union army during the Civil War. Isaac Storms died in 1904, at the age of eighty-seven, while the bride of his youth is still living on the old home farm at the advanced age of ninety.

Hiram T. Storm lived on the home farm until the breaking out of the Civil War and on August i8, 1862, enlisted in Company C, Seventy-first Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry. The next twelve days were probably the most exciting which have ever happened in the career of Mr. Storm. His regiment in 1863 was transferred to the Sixth Indiana Cavalry, and he was rushed to Kentucky and on the 30th, tweh'e days after he was mustered in at Indianapolis, he was engaged in the battle of Richmond, Kentucky, one of the severest battles in that state during the whole war. Here he was severely wounded in the leg and in order to save his life, his leg was amputated. As soon as he was able to return to his home, he came back to Putnam county and started to school. Things must have looked discouraging to him at this time, but with pluck and perseverance he applied himself to his books with such diligence that he was soon recognized as one of the best educated men in his county. As soon as he applied for a teacher's license he successfully passed the examination and for the next six years taught in Putnam county.

In 1869, Mr. Storm moved to Eel River township, in this county, and bought a farm, where he made his home until 1912. Before coming to this county he married the widow of William F. Harper, another gallant soldier, who lost his life in the Civil War. Mrs. Harper had two children by her first marriage, Melvin and Melvina Eva Harper, whose interesting careers are delineated elsewhere in this volume. After removing to this county, Mr. Storm continued teaching until 1872, when he was elected treasurer of Hendricks county on the Republican ticket. After leaving the office of county treasurer he returned to the farm and continued teaching until 1909, having completed a total of thirty-six years in the school room. He has taught the children of former pupils and in fact a few grandchildren of former pupils. He has been very successful as a business man and now

Mr. and Mrs. Storm are the parents of two children, May and Orville T. May was the wife of Frank West, and died in January, 1897, leaving two children, Lester V. and EvaHna. Orville T. was born October 31, 1869, and after graduating from the high school at Danville attended Purdue University for a term, after which he returned to the old home farm where he has since resided. Upon his marriage, in 1898, his father gave him fifty acres and since that time he has added one hundred and thirty more to his farm in this township. He was married in 1893 to Ida West, the daughter of Simpson and Julia (Weddle) West. Her father was born in Kentucky and came here with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hiram West, in infancy. Hiram West entered land in the southeastern part of Eel River township and lived there until his death. Julia Weddle was born in Putnam county, the daughter of Benjamin and Nancy Weddle, who were natives of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Orville T. Storm have one daughter, Nellie, who is now attending the Central Normal College at Danville.

Hiram T. Storm has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since 1872, holding membership in both subordinate lodge and encampment. He has been a life-long member of the Christian church and is now an elder in that denomination at Lizton. Personally, Mr. Storm is a man of great force of character and enjoys a high degree of popularity in his community, possessing, as he does, those cfualities of mind and heart that win and retain warm friendship.

Senator Horace L. Hanna

Senator Horace L. Hanna, of Plainfield, Indiana, was born at Greencastle, Indiana, April i, 1874. His parents were Hon. John and Emma (Hobbs) Hanna, his father being a native of Marion county, and his mother of Jennings county in this state. His father was for many years one of the most prominent lawyers not only of Indiana, but of the middle West, and had a national reputation as a man of extraordinary ability. John Hanna was a member of Congress from the seventh district of Indiana, was an elector on the first Lincoln ticket, was appointed jjy President Lincoln as United States district attorney for Indiana, was a member of the territorial Legis-

Senator Horace L. Hanna received a good common school and high school education in Plainfield, graduating from the Plainfield Academy in 1873. His parents had moved to Plainfield when he was about eight years of age. After graduating from the academy at Plainfield, he worked on the farm for four years, and then spent one year in DePauw University. While in DePauw he was a member of the Sigma Chi Greek-letter fraternity, and has always taken an active interest in this organization of his college days. After leaving DePauw he taught school for one \-ear in the country near his home and then became a traveling salesman for the next four years, traveling for the Baker-A'awter Company, of Chicago. He then entered a law school in Indianapolis and graduated from the Indiana Law School in 1904 and immediately located for the practice of law at Plainfield. In 1905 he was elected to the lower house of the Indiana Legislature and re-elected in 1907. In 1909 he, was elected to the Senate from Boone and Hendricks counties, having served in all, through four sessions of the Legislature, the sixtyfourth, the sixty-fifth, the sixty-sixth and sixty-seventh sessions. Senator Hanna was appointed in 1909 by Governor Hanly as chairman of the legislative committee to visit and investigate the needs of the various state institutions. While in the Legi.slature he took a very prominent part and was the author of many bills. He feels that the bill of most importance with which he was connected was the one making the boards of the various state institutions nonpartisan. He does not assume the entire credit for this bill, but was one of the prime movers in its passage.

Senator Hanna was married to Hortense B. Aloore, December 23, 1909. She is a daughter of Patterson F., deceased, and Willie A. Moore, of Plainfield. He is a member of the order of Free and Accepted Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the United Commercial Travelers of America. It is interesting to note that in the list of legislative celebrities which was published from time to time in the Indianapolis Star that Senator Hanna figured in a very interesting sketch in this newspaper on February 24, 1913. In this sketch he is referred to as a man who carries his point as often as any other Republican could carry it in the Indiana Senate. In fact, his optimistic and cheerful demeanor at all times has won for him a host of warm friends, who are glad to see him making a name for himself in the political arena of Indiana. He is rapidly building up a lucrative legal practice in Plainfield and surrounding territory and is universally recognized as a man of keen analytical mind who has a good grasp of the law.

John W. Ader

The farmer is the bulwark of the nation and investigation has shown that a large majority of our best business and professional men were reared on the farm. Presidents of the United States and governors of our own fair state have often come from the rural districts. George Washington was a farmer and was proud of the fact; Abraham Lincoln was reared on a farm in Spencer county, Indiana. Probably the most popular Democratic governor Indiana ever had was "Blue Jeans" Williams, who prided himself on being a farmer and defeated Benjamin Harrison for governor with the campaign cry that Harrison was a "Blue Stocking;" the Republican party has never had a better governor in this state than that plain, unostentatious farmer, James A. Mount. Verily, the farmers of to-day are the bulwark of the nation, the salt of the earth.

John W. Ader, the son of Jacob and Mary (Springer) Acjer, was born March 2, 1863, in Putnam county, Indiana. His father was a native of Putnam county and his mother was born in Schenectady, New York. Jacob Ader was a farmer all his life, as was his father, Solomon, before him. The Aders, it is believed, came originally from Ireland, Solomon coming to this country from Ireland with his parents, and at first settled in Virginia. From Virginia they went to North Carolina, and Solomon, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, came from that state to Indiana with his family and all his possessions in a two-wheel cart. Jacob Ader died in 1872 and his widow, some years later, married B. G. Edmundson and is still living at Clayton, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Ader were the parentss of three children : Solomon, a farmer in Putnam county ; Jacob, who died at the age of two; and John, the immediate subject of this sketch.

John W. Ader was given a good practical education in the common schools of his township and has supplemented his early training with wide reading and close observation of men and events. In other words he is well schooled in the affairs of the business world, an education that teachers and books cannot give. He spent his summers on the farm while he was still of school age and continued to work on the farm until his marriage, at the age of twenty-one. His father had died when he was only nine years of age and this necessitated him taking considerable responsibility on his shoulders at an early age.

James P. and Margaret (Waller) Shepherd. She was born and reared near Mr. Ader's home in Putnam county. To this happy union there have been born six children, four of whom are living: Tressie Olive, who is a music teacher, and lives at home; Jacob, who is a student in the School of Medicine, of Indiana University, will receive the degree of Bachelor of Science in June, 1914, and the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1916. He is taking the full seven years' course which is prescribed by the university, the last three years of which is given at Indianapolis. He is a member of the Greek-letter, fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta and the medical fraternity of Phi Rho Sigma ; the third child of Mr. and Mrs. Ader is Shirley Florence, who is a graduate of the high school, at Danville, and also of both the scientific and the classic courses of the Central Normal College. During the year 1913-1914 she is teaching English and art in high school at Jonesboro, Indiana; the youngest child is Helen, who is now a sophomore in the Danville high school.

Immediately after his marriage Mr. Ader went on a farm and was successful from the start, and within four years was able to purchase a general store at Groveland, which he managed no less successfully for the next five years. While he was on the farm he became interested in the buying and selling of horses and when he went into the mercantile business he continued to handle horses. In fact the handling of the horses interfered with the operation of his store, so he sold it and engaged in the buying and selling of stock exclusively. He went into partnership with Henry Underwood at Groveland in Putnam county and in the next few years laid the basis of his present substantial holdings. In 1893 he moved to Danville where he continued in the same business and in the next fourteen years became known as one of the most substantial business men of the county. He invested in land and owns some of the finest farming land to be found in the state. He also bought town property in Danville and has recently built one of the most modern and up-to-date houses in the town. In 1908 he was elected sheriff on the Democratic ticket, by a good majority, despite the fact that the county is normally Republican. His administration of the office was so satisfactory that he was re-elected in 1910 without any difficulty; his last term of office expires. January i, 1913. It is safe to say that Hendricks county never had a more efficient and popular sheriff than John Ader.

Mr. Ader is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, at Groveland, and has been a close student of Masonry for many years. He and all the members of his family are devoted and consistent adherents of the Presby- terian church, at Danville, and contribute freely of their means to the support of the various organizations of that denomination. Mr. Ader is a man who makes friends everywhere he goes and probably has as wide an acquaintance throughout the county as any other man. Personally, he is a splendid specimen of manhood, more than six feet in height and tipping the scales around two hundred and fifty. His life has been a busy and useful one and no citizen in the county is held in higher esteem by his fellow citizens than Mr. Ader. His career shows what may be accomplished by the exercise of tireless energy and upright dealings.

James E. Humston

Whether the elements of success in this life are innate attributes of the individual or whether they are quickened by a process of circumstantial development, it is impossible to clearly determine. Yet the study of a successful life, whatever the field of endeavor, is none the less interesting and profitable by reason of the existence of this same uncertainty. In the life record of James E. Humston, who for many years has been identified with various interests in Hendricks county, Indiana, we find many qualities in his make-up that always gain definite success in any career if properly directed. The splendid success which has crowned his effoi-ts has been directly traceable to the salient points in his character, for he started in life at the bottom of the ladder, which he mounted unaided. He comes of a splendid ;\merican family, one that has always been strong for right living and industrious habits, for education and morality, for loyalty to the national government, and for all that contributes to the Avelfare of a community, and, because of his success in life and his high personal character, he is clearly entitled to specific mention in the annals of his county.

Among the Civil War veterans of Hendricks county, who have not yet answered the final roll call, is James E. Humston. who was born in Lawrence county, Indiana, August 13, 1844, the son of William M. and Lovina E. (Glover) Humston, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Kentucky. William Humston came to Lawrence county, this state, from Tennessee when a young man and resided in that county until his death, which occurred in 1872, his wife surviving him several years. !Mr. and Mrs. William Humston were the parents of seven children, only three of whom

James E. Humston was educated in the old-fashioned schools which were in vogue in his day and spent his boyhood days helping his father on the farm. When a mere lad of seventeen, he enlisted in Company A, Sixtyseventh Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served for three full years. He took part in the siege of Vicksluirg, in the summer of 1863, and participated in seventeen engagements of the war. He was twice taken prisoner, first at Munfordsville, Kentucky, and held at Alexander, Louisiana, later on, having been taken prisoner twenty-seven days after he enlisted. He was never sick a day during his whole service and never missed a single roll call, excepting during time he was in prison. He participated in the battle of Champion's Hill, which history says was one of the bloodiest battles of the whole Civil War, and yet was one of the fortunate few who went through the whole service without being wounded in any way, or having his health impaired in the slightest. After the close of the war he came back to Lawrence county, Indiana, and remained there until 1868, when he went west for a short time. Upon his return to Indiana he was married in 1870 and came to Danville, this county, where he has since lived. As a farmer he has been very successful and has accumulated a comfortable competence for his declining years. While in the active work of directing his farm he raised all of the crops common to this section of the state, and also added to his income by the sale of live stock.

Mr. Humston was married February 24, 1870, to Philista T. W^ood, who was born and reared in Hendricks county, and to this union were born five children: Ora Minta, the wife of Joseph M. Miller, of Clermont, Indiana; Everett E., of Beech Grove, Indiana; Lee W., of Indianapolis; Cly R., assistant cashier of the Danville State Bank, and Hallie H., who lives in South Dakota.

Mr. Humston has always taken a prominent part in Republican politics and has served his party on several occasions in conventions. He was elected assessor of Franklin township for three terms, and in 1890 was elected recorder of Hendricks county. He is financially interested in the Danville State Bank and is a director in that institution at the present time. After his term of office as county recorder expired in 1895, he moved back to his farm in Washington township, but did not take a very active part in the management of the farm. He moved back to Danville in 1905, where he has since resided. (16)

Mr. Humston is a faithful and consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and one of the gradually diminishing number who belong to the Grand Army post at Danville. His record has been one replete with duty well and conscientiously performed in every relation of life. He has been an advocate of wholesome living and cleanliness in politics as well, and has always stood for the highest and best interests of the community in which so many of his active years have been passed and wnich has been honored by his citizenship. The life history of such a man shows what industry, good habits and sound citizenship will accomplish.

William H. Nichols

The career of William H. Nichols has been a strenuous and busy one, entitling him to honorable mention among the representative citizens of his day and generation in the county with which his life has been so'long identified. Although his life record is nearing its close by the inevitable fate that awaits all mankind, his influence still pervades the lives of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances throughout the county. It is very probable that he has a larger speaking acquaintance in this county than any other living man, due to the fact that he has been identified with the ofifice of auditor for so many years. As a private citizen, as a soldier in the Civil War and as a public ofiicial he has always been true to himself and his fellowmen and the tongue of calumny has never touched him. As a soldier he proved his loyalty to the country he loved so well and in the long marches in all kinds of situations, on the tented fields and amid the flame and smoke of battle, where the rattle of musketry mingled with the deep concussions of the bursting shell, he was always found to be a man who could be depended upon. To such as he the country is under a debt of gratitude which it cannot repay and in centuries yet to come posterity will commemorate their bravery in fitting eulogy and tell their deeds in story and in song.

William H. Nichols, one of the most highly respected citizens of Hendricks county, was born near Danville, February 24, 1841. His parents were Thomas and Patty (Hadley) Nichols, his father being a native of Virginia, who came to this county in 1821. Thomas Nichols settled southeast of Plainfield, where he lived for a short time and then removed to a farm near Danville, and later into Danville, where he lived until his death at the advanced age of ninety-two years. Thomas Nichols was one of the most important men of the county during his time. He was elected sheriff on three different occasions, being one of the first sheriffs ever elected in the county. The Black Hawk war was disturbing the settlers in 1832 and in that year he joined the local militia and went to the front, but did not see any fighting. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he was a charter member of the Danville lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, being initiated at Indianapolis. Mr. anrl Mrs. Thomas Nichols were the parents of nine children, only three of whom are living: O. E. Nichols, of Danville; Mrs. Julia A. Harney, who taught for thirtyeight years in Lebanon, Indiana, and W. H. Nichols, the immediate subject of this sketch.

W. H. Nichols was reared in Danville and attended the public schools of this place. After finishing the course in the common schools, he became a student at Danville Academy and graduated from that institution. Upon the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted for service in Compan\' B, One Hundred Seventeenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and ser\ed with distinction until the close of his term of enlistment. When a young man he started as a carpenter, learning the trade from his father, but subsequently he entered a printing office, where he worked for two years. His first public office was that of township assessor, \\hich he held for one term. Upon the expiration of his term of office as assessor, he became deputy auditor for three years. The next four years, from 1875 to 1879, were spent in the employ of the Hadley-Homan Banking Company, of Danville. In 1878 he was elected county auditor and served from 1879 to 1883. As auditor he was very efficient and his work in this office has been recognized b}' every auditor from 1883 down to the present time. He was deputy for a time after 1883 and was then elected for two more terms as auditor, after which he again served as deputy auditor until January, 1912, a period of thirty-six years, and during all that time he rendered the same faithful and efficient service in this important office. It is probable that he holds the record along this line, and that no man in Hendricks county will ever again hold a county office for the same number of years.

Mr. Nichols was married in 1868 to Laura F. Cash, of Danville, and to this union two children were born, both of whom are deceased, and his wife's death occurred in June, 1899.

Mr. Nichols has been a life-long Republican and has always taken an active interest in politics. Fraternally, he is a member of the order of Free and Accepted Masons, and a charter member of the lodge of Knights of Pythias at Danville. In his religious affiliations he is connected with the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Nichols is a genial and unassuming gentleman who is spending his declining years in the city where he has lived all of his long and busy life. His career has been an eminently busy and useful one and during all of his public career no action of his has ever brought upon him the censure of his fellow citizens. For this reason he has won the admiration and respect of a large circle of friends and ad-

Joseph N. Hargrave

The subject of this review is a representative farmer and stock raiser of Clay township, Hendricks county, Indiana, and is known as one of the alert, progressive and successful agriculturists of this favored section of the Hoosier state. In his labors he has not permitted himself to follow in the rut in a blind, apathetic way, but has studied and experimented and thus secured the maximum returns from his enterprising efforts, while he has so ordered his course at all times as to command the confidence and regard of the people of the community in which he lives, being a man of honorable business methods and advocating whatever tends to promote the public welfare in any way.

Joseph N. Hargrave, son of Nathaniel H. and Matilda (Powers) Hargrave, was born in Johnson county, Indiana, November 6, 1873. Both his parents were natives of North Carolina and lived there until after the Civil War.^ Nathaniel Hargrave was in the Confederate service and served throughout the war in a North Carolina regiment. After the close of the war Nathaniel Hargrave and his wife came to Tipton county, Indiana, where they rented a farm, but within a short time moved to Johnson county, in this state, where Joseph N. was born. After a few years' stay in Johnson county the family moved to Tennessee, but in a short time returned to Tipton county, where they lived until about ten years ago. Nathaniel Hargrave then retired from active farm life and is making his home now with his children. Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Hargrave were the parents of eleven children: Susan, wife of Thomas Hendricks ; Bgtty, who married Granville Cunningham; Thomas, who married Ida Gordon; John, who married Ollie Brown; Ida, who became the wife of Frank Winders; Dora, the wife of George Smith; Grover, who married Alda Graham; Arlie and Michael, both deceased : Delia, the wife of John Samuels, and Joseph N.

Joseph N. Hargrave attended the pubhc schools of Tipton county and received a good practical education. He then started to work on the home farm and continued to assist his father until he was about twenty-six years of age. He then married and began farming operations for himself and has proved to be a very successful and enterprising agriculturist.

Mr. Hargrave was married November 3, 1898, to Maude Johnson, daughter of Jesse and Phoebe (Law) Johnson, and to this marriage there have been born six children : Inez, Paul, Stella, Beryl, Raymond and Martha. Mrs. Hargrave's parents had a family of three children: Maude, the wife of Mr. Hargrave; Alta, who died when young, and Stella, who married Clem Watson. The paternal grandparents had two children, and the maternal grandparents had six children : Wilson, Joseph, Jesse, James, Sarah and Phoebe.

Mr. Hargrave is a Democrat in politics and takes an interest in the local public affairs of his party. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while religiously, he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and contribute liberally of their means to the support of this denomination. They are firm believers in the efficacy of church work and are very sympathetically inclined toward all movements which seek to better the welfare of the community in which they live.

Seth T. Huron

The men most influential in promoting the advancement of society and in giving character to the times in which they live are of two classes, to-wit, the men of study and the men of action. Whether we are more indebted for the improvement of the age to the one class or the other is a question of honest difference in opinion; neither class can be spared and both should be encouraged to occupy their several spheres of labor and influence, zealously and without mutual distrust. In the following paragraphs are briefly outlined the leading facts and characteristics in the career of a gentleman who combines in his makeup the elements of the scholar and the energy of the public-spirited man of affairs.

Seth Thomas Huron, son of Benjamin A. and Katharine Huron, was born in Washington township, Hendricks county, Indiana, June 26, 1850. His entire life, except for a few brief trips away, has been spent on the farm where he was born. He received his education in the public schools of his home district, supplemented by a review course in the National Normal School, at Lebanon, Ohio. Afterwards he taught school four years, three of them being in his old home district. He belongs to a family of teachers, his father and all his brothers and sisters having been teachers. One of his sisters. Mrs. A. Kate Gilbert, made it her life work, having taught in district and city schools, and in the normal schools at Ladoga, Danville, Mitchell and Marion, Indiana, and at Central City and Fremont, Nebraska. At the latter place she is still teaching, lacking only a year of half a century engaged in her chosen profession.