Hendricks County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1914 (part 7 of 19)

Elmer L. Fuson. the son of R. A. and Elvira (Allison) Fuson, was born in Crawford county, Illinois, January 20, 1872. R. A. Fuson was educated in Crawford county, Illinois, and after leaving school worked, for a time, on the farm. He then began preaching in the Missionary Baptist church, and continued in the service of the ministry for the remainder of his life. He married Elvira Allison, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Allison, and to this union four children were born, Thomas C, Elmer L., Martha A., who married Thomas Smork, and Mary, who died at the age of seven.

Elmer L. Fuson was fortunate enough to be educated in several dififerent states, his father's occupation as a minister taking him to many different localities. He attended school in Kansas, Illinois and Indiana, and several schools in each state. Upon reaching mature years he took up the barber trade, at Brownsburg, Indiana, and after he had mastered the trade, he located in Amo, this countj,v where he worked for about six years. He then took up the insurance business, life, fire and accident, and has continued in that line of endeavor since. He has made a special study of the insurance business and is now recognized as one of the prominent insurance men in the central part of the state. He is claim agent for the Farmers National Life Insurance Company, of Chicago, Illinois, an organization incorporated under the laws of Indiana. He has made a wonderful success as an insurance man and has built up a very lucrative business.

Mr. Fuson was married February 14, 1894, to Flora Garrison, the daughter of Joel and Amanda (Bryant) Garrison, and to this union have been born four children, Madeline and Gwendolene, who died m infancy; Wendall and Wenfred, twins, born March 5, 1901.

The paternal grandfather of Mr. Fuson was Judson A. Fuson, a native of Ohio, who came as a young man to Illinois, locating in Crawford county, where most of his children were born. He then went to Missouri, where he lived until his death, at the age of eighty-six years. He was a minister, in the Missionary Baptist church, during all his life. He was married to Elizabeth Taylor and to this union nine children were born, John L., Stephen A., William, George B., Roland A. ( father of the immediate subject of this sketch), Alvin, Mary, Jane and Alice. William Fuson, the great-grandfather of Elmer L. Fuson, was a nati\^e of Virginia and was a minister in the Missionary Baptist church for sixty-five years.

Mr. Fuson has been a prominent Republican and has taken an active interest in politics, both in local and state conventions. He was appointed deputy state oil inspector by Governor Frank J. Hanly and served in this capacity for three years. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, at Coatesville, Indiana, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, being treasurer of the latter lodge. Mr. Fuson has made a pronounced success of his new line of work and deserves great credit for branching out in a new line of business. He is rapidly building up a list of clients in Amo and vicinity, and in the course of a few years he promises to be one of the most prominent and influential insurance men of the state. With his genial personality and cheery way of talking there is no reason why he should not continue to be as successful in the future as in the past. By his honest dealings he has won the confidence of his associates and it is confidence that spells success. His life shows what a young man can do who starts out with nothing, and is determined to succeed in spite of all obstacles and hindrances.

Leon Eaton

One of the best known and most enterprising of the younger agriculturists of Hendricks county is Leon Eaton, now in the very prime of life and usefulness, and his influence as an honorable, upright citizen is productive of much good upon all with whom he comes in contact. His past success gives assurance of something yet to come, and he is evidently destined to continue a potent factor for substantial good for many years to come. The farm he is tending, now belonging to his mother, is one of the fine farms in Brown township, which he conducts in a manner that stamps him as fully abreast of the times.

Leon Eaton is a native of Brown township, having been born here on October i, 1881, the son of Henry L and Allie (Herring) Eaton, both of whom were also natives of Brown township, Hendricks county, the former being the son of Greenup and Cynthia (Watson) Eaton and the latter the daughter of Jackson and Isabelle (\Vorrel) Herring, who were both natives of Harrison county. Kentucky. When quite small, both were brought to Indiana by their respective parents, both families locating near Clayton in Hendricks county, where the young people in question grew to manhood and womanhood and where their marriage was later solemnized. There were four children in their family, Allie, mother of tlie subject of this sketch, remaining under the parental roof until the time of her marriage.

Henry 1. Eaton, father of the subject, remained on his father's home, some two miles north of Brownsburg, until the time of his marriage in 1879, when he took up his residence on a farm about five miles northwest of Brownsburg, living there about a year and a half, .\fter that, they made several changes in their place of residence, at one time residing in Indianapolis, again in Danville, where he owned a livery stalile, which he later sold and returned to the farm. In November, 1898, he was elected sheriff of Hendricks county on the Republican ticket, having always taken an active interest in that party's affairs. He served as sheriff for two years, after which he received the appointment as superintendent of the Hendricks county farm. There he lived for eighteen months, resigning before the expiration of his term. He then became deputy sheriff under Sheriff Figg, serving in this capacity until September, IQ04, when he removed to the home now occupied by his family and where he passed the remainder of his life, his death occurring January 20, 1906. Henry I. Eaton was a man of great force of character and was rightly regarded as one of the leading citizens of his com- munity. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias and, although not affihated with any reUgious body, he was a loyal supporter of the Baptist denomination, doing all within his power to further the interests of that organization.

Leon Eaton has lived under the paternal roof all his life, attending the schools of Hendricks county when a boy. In March, 1906, he was united in marriage with Edna M. Herring, daughter of Thomas and Tira (Watson) Herring, natives of Hendricks county, residing near Brownsburg. He brought his bride to his mother's home and there they have since resided. To their union have been born four children, Wallace Edward, Keller Allen, Mary Constance and Lawrence Leon. Mr. Eaton is an active member of the Republican party, serving as township committeeman and also serving as a deputy sheriff both imder his father and Sheriff Figg, although never having been sworn into that office. His fraternal affiliation is with the Knights of Pythias, Mrs. Eaton being a Pythian .Sister. Mrs. Eaton is a charming woman with a host of friends. She is a graduate of Brownsburg high school and active in social affairs of the community. Mr. Eaton is wide awake to the best interests of the community and gives a wholehearted support to all movements for the good of his fellows. He has a wide acquaintance and is well liked by all who know him.

Perry Hunt

One of the conspicuous names on the list of Hendricks county agriculturists is Perrv Hunt, owner of two hundred acres of excellent land in Marion, Center township, a gentleman of high standing, to whom has not been denied a full measure of success. Long recognized as a factor of importance in connection with the farming and stock-raising industries here, he has been prominently identified with the material growth and prosperity of this part of the state, his life having been closely interwoven with the history of the county where he has been content to live and follow his chosen vocation throughout his life.

Perry Hunt was born on August 8, 1858, on the old homestead farm in Marion township, this county, the son of Ithamer and Fanny Jane (Bush) Hunt. Ithamer Hunt came of an old American family of English ancestry. Both his grandfathers were named Hunt and were distantly related. Eliezer Hunt was a farmer in Guilford county. North Carolina, where he passed away at the age of eighty years. His son Asher was born in that count_\-, was reared a Quaker and married Jane Hunt, daughter of Aliner and Mary (Starley) Hunt, who was a very distant connection. Asher Hunt came westward into Indiana, where he settled in SuUivan county and entered about two hundred acres of government land, which he put into cultivation and where he lived for about sixteen years! At the- end of that period he came to Hendricks county and purchased a farm in the eastern part of Marion township, where he passed the remainder of his life, his death occurring in his eighty-fourth year. He was twice married. His first wife died in Sullivan county and he again married, his second wife being Abigail Foster. Both he and his wives were Quakers, honorable and industrious and highly respected by all.

Ithamer Hunt, son of Asher Hunt and father of the immediate subject of this sketch, was a Hoosier by birth, born while his father was living in Sullivan county, and was fourteen years of age when his father came tu Hendricks county. He passed his youth and early manhood under his father's roof and when twenty-five years of age was united in marriage with Fanny Jane Bush, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Norton) Bush, the former of whom was one of the pioneers of this county, having come here from Kentucky at an early date. He was an honorable and upright citizen who did much for the community at that early date. He died at the age of fifty-three years. Ithamer Hunt was a thoroughly good man, absolutely honest both with himself and others. He lived a strictly religious life, adhering firmly to the principles of his life. He was a very prosperous man and won his way through persistent energy and excellent management. He was a life-long farmer and at his death owned something over six hundred acres. His death occurred on May 14, 1903, at his home on the New Winchester road, at the age of eighty-one years. He had a birthright in the Friends church for twenty-one years, but afterwards became a member of the Baptist church. He was a consistent and faithful member and a liberal contributor to all benevolent and religious objects. He never sued nor was sued, avoiding all controversies and litigations, and never paid a cent of interest, so conducting his business, which was considerable, that interest was not incurred. He was a devoted husband and, while a strict disciplinarian, was a kind and loving father and a genial and helpful neighbor. He was a thoroughly manly man and a devout Christian, absolutely without ostentation, cant or hypocrisy. He was a man of peace, quiet and unobtrusive, never used profane language nor intoxicating liquors in any form. In poli-

Perry Hunt grew from childhood into manhood on the homestead, remaining under his father's roof until the time of his marriage, in the meantime receiving from his father instruction in the secrets of successful agriculture and having firmly implanted on heart and mind the right principles of life. After marriage he came to his present farm, or, more properly speaking, eighty acres of it. He has increased the size of his farm to two hundred acres, winning his increase by persistent effort, untiring energy and good management. His farm is one of the best in the conmiunity, with excellent residence and other buildings, and all attest to the up-to-date methods of the owner. He is progressive in his work, putting brains as well as brawn into whatever he undertakes. In addition to his general work, he gives particular attention to two excellent strains of cattle, Polled Dtirhams and Shorthorns. He raises for the market and also breeding purposes and is now giving especial attention to a herd which he intends to exhibit. He is an excellent judge of stock and takes great interest and pride in this phase of his business.

In politics Mr. Hunt is an old-line Republican and takes an interest in local politics, while never desiring an office. Both he and his wife are members of the Friends church at Hadley and contribute generously of their time and means to fostering the principles of that society.

On August 21, 1882, Mr. Hunt was united in marriage with Loretta E. Hadley, daughter of Mathias and Matilda Hadley, the former of whom was a native of Hendricks county and died at his home in Clay township in 1895. The wife preceded him one year into the great beyond. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hadley were members of the Friends society and lived quiet, useful lives. While earnestly desiring every good for the varied life of his community, ]Mr. Hadley chose to do his share quietly. He did not care for public office, nor for any lodge. They were the parents of eleven children, two of whom died in infancy. Those beside Loretta, wife of the subject, are Leora (Mrs. Harvey); Alzora, who died in CaHfornia, where she had made her home; Orlando, who died at his home near Indianapolis; Ozella (Mrs. Furnace); Orien, who lives on the homestead farm in Clay township, this county; Ozro, deceased, who lived in Plainfield ; Orvis, who resides at Amo, and Elnora (Mrs. Shirley), who also lives in Clay township, just west of the old homestead.

Fauna, who married Cla_\' A. \'annice, a native of this county, born near New j\Ia}-sville. He is a farmer and the_\' reside in Center towsnhip, south of DanviHe. l'he\- have no chi}dren. Ona R. is a school teacher, teaching one year in Marion. The two years previous she taught in .the schools of Center township. Her early education was received in the township schools near her home; later she attended the high school at Danville, from which she was graduated, and later she studied for a year at Earlham College, Richmond, this state. Later on, she took a twelve-weeks teachers' course at the Danville Normal College. Ray, the youngest of the family, remains at home. However, he has taken the short course at Purdue University, Lafayette. Two children died in infancy.

Perr}- Plunt is a worthy son of his father and stands high in public estimation. He is a kind and loving husband and father and an excellent neighbor in every respect. He has proven himself an honorable member of the body politic, proving himself thoroughly worthy of confidence and esteem in every phase of life. He has never fallen below the dignity of true manhood nor in any way resorted* to methods that have invited criticism or censure. As a citizen he is easily ranked with the most influential of his compeers and is ever looking toward the betterment of his community. His course has ever been such as to win from those who know him nothing but praise for his broad-mindedness and excellent qualities of heart and mind.

Agriculture has been the primal source of man's dominicm on earth ever since the existence of labor and has been the pivotal industry that has controlled, for the most part, all of the fields of action to which his intelligence and energy have been devoted. Among the sturdy element of Hendricks county whose labors have ])rofited alike themselves and the community in which they live is the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch and, in view of the consistent life record lived by the subject, it is particularl}^ fitting that the following short record of his career be incorporated in a book of this nature.

A.ndrew S. Garner, enterprising citizen and successful farmer of Brown township, Hendricks county, Indiana, was born on the family homestead, the home which he now occupies, on March 9, 1852, being the son of Harrison and Frances (Lowder) Garner. Harrison was a son of Solomon and

Deborah Garner, who came originally from Kentucky. Francis Lawder, mother of the immediate subject of this sketch, was a daughter of Solomon and Jane (Leonard) Lowder, and was born in the state of North Carolina, being brought to Indiana by her parents while still a small child. Harrison Garner was eight years old when his parents came to Indiana and his father entered one' hundred and sixty acres of land in Brown township, Hendricks county, part of which tract the subject now resides on. This land was then in virgin forest and Solomon Garner began the laborious task of converting his wilderness into well tilled fields and a comfortable home. Before his death Solomon Garner deeded the forty acres south of the road to his son, Harrison, who lived thereon until his death. Harrison Garner never had advantages in the way of schooling, and grew to manhood wholly untutored in the way of books. However, he was of an ambitious and inquiring turn of mind and after his marriage he attended a night school, where he learned to write, and became still more determined to educate himself. He becarne, through his own efforts, a man who w^as considered well read, for his time and community, and was regarded as one of the leading men of his day. He was an earnest advocate of the principles of the Democratic party, and took an active part in the administration of its affairs in his locality. He was one of the first road officers in Brown township, and, through his efforts, much was accomplished in this line. He served as road supervisor for a number of years. He was married to Frances Lowder, in 1851, and to their union was born a family of nine children, the subject of this sketch being the oldest child of the family.

Andrew S. Garner attended the district schools of Hendricks county when a youth, and remained at the family home until the time of his marriage, in the meantime receiving, under intelligent direction of his father, the secrets of successful agriculture. His marriage to Marguerite Adams, daughter of John Adams, took place on February 14, 1877, and they took up their abode on a fann about one mile northwest of his father's home, residing there until the time of the wife's death in 1880. After the death of his wife he came back to his paternal home where he remained for ten years. In 1890 he chose as his second wife, Emily J. Leonard, daughter of Lindsey and Amanda (Spencer) Leonard, both of whom are natives of North Carolina. They came to Indiana about 1861, locating in Hendricks county, where Emily J. was born, near Amo, on June 2, 1872. After his second marriage Mr. Garner again moved to his farm and there remained until the death of his parents, when he came back to the old homestead and has since resided there. Mr. Garner has two children by his second wife, namely : Mary F., who was graduated from the Brownsburg high school and is now studying music at the IndianapoHs Conservatory of Music, Indianapolis. The second child is Walter Lee, now a student at the Brownsburg high school.

Politically, Mr. Garner is a staunch Democrat, as was his father before him, and he also takes an active interest in the party's work. Some years ago he was road supervisor and the highways, under his care, were in as excellent a state as it is possible to keep them. While not a member of any church. Mr. Garner is interested in the affairs of the Baptist church, of which his wife is a member, and to the support of which he contributes. Mr. Garner's career has been one of honor and trust. He has been a consistent man in all that he has undertaken and his actions in all the relations of life have been absolutely without pretense. He has ever been anxious to do all in his power to further the moral or material interests of his community and his family stand high in the regard of all who know them. He is, therefore, eminently entitled to representation in a work of the scope of the one in hand.

William Pennington

An enumeration of the representative citizens of Hendricks county would be incomplete without specific mention of the well known and popular gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. A member of one of the old and highly esteemed families of this locality and for many years a public-spirited man of affairs, he has stamped the impress of his individuality upon the community and added luster to the honorable name which he bears, having always been actuated by a spirit of fairness in his dealings with the world in general, and leaving no stone unturned whereby he might benefit his own condition as well as that of his friends and the favored section of the great commonwealth in which he has been content to spend his life. Straightforward and unassuming, genial and obliging, Mr. Pennington enjoys the good will and respect of a wide circle of friends throughout this part of the state.

William Pennington, who enjoys an enviable reputation in his part of the county because of his eminent success as a farmer, is a native of the Hoosier state, having been born in Boone county on August 12, 1841, the son of Isaac and Delpha (Guilliams) Pennington, the former of whom was a native of Kentucky, the latter being from Virginia. When nine years old she was brought by her parents to Putnam county, and from there they went to Hendricks county, locating in the northern portion of Brown township. She was a daughter of Richard and Rosani (Scott) Guilhams, both nati\es of Germany, who came to this country while yet children. Richard Guilliams was a son of William and Delpha (Hunter) Guilliams, and was a patriot in the War of 1812. Rosani Scott Guilliams was a daughter of ^Villiam and Christena (Sellers) Scott, \\'illiam Scott also being a hero of the War of 181 2. Isaac Pennington, father of the immediate subject of this sketch, came with his parents to Jamestown, Indiana, when he was about ten years old. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, on September 18, 1836, when he took up his residence on a farm in Boone county, just west of Fayette. He was a stanch supporter of the principles of the Democratic party and was considered one of the leading men, of his community in his day. He was the father of a family of seven children, of whom the subject of this sketch was one.

William Pennington passed his boyhood in Boone county, receiving his education in the district schools of that county, and later assisting his father in the work about the home place. In 1862, near the beginning of the Civil ^^^ar, he enlisted for service in Company G, Seventy-ninth Indiana \^olunteer Infantry, and saw much active service. He was in the battles of Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Perryville and other engagements. During the battle of Stone's River he was taken prisoner and was confined in Libby prison for sixty days. He was sent to Annapolis, Maryland, from there, and thence home. Four months after his capture he was back with his regiment and served without special incident until the close of the war, being mustered out of service at Nashville, Tennessee, in June, 1865. He returned to his father's home, where he remained until in 1868, when he was united in marriage to Lucinda Doyal, born October 5, 1852, a daughter of Edward and Sarah Ann (Howard ) Doyal. They were natives of Lewis county, Kentucky, who had come to Indiana in 1839, and settled in Hendricks county in the northeast part of Brown township. Edward Doyal was a son of John and Christena Ann (Davis) Doyal. John Doyal was a native of the state of Pennsylvania, where his father had settled when he emigrated from Ireland. Christena Ann Davis was a native of Maryland and was of French ancestry. Sarah A.nn Howard, mother of Mrs. Pennington, was born in Kentucky, but both her parents, Samuel and Ellen (Fort) Howard, were from Baltimore, Maryland. After his marriage the subject of this sketch lived on a rented farm in Boone county for two years and at the end of that time he removed to the farm where he now resides, which farm was left to him by his wite's father, Edward Doyal. There they have passed a great many years, rearing and educating their family of eight children, having lost but one. Charles F., the eldest son, took as his wife Lela Shirley, daughter of Levi and Jane (Roberts) Shirley, and they make their home in the northeastern part of Brown township. They are the parents of two children, Ova and Hazel, both of whom are attending school in Indianapolis. Ova graduated from Manual Training high school in 1914. Charles F. Pennington is one of the leading men of his community and is at present serving as trustee of Brown township, the duties of which position he is discharging in a manner highly satisfactory to every one. He is engaged in teaching in the public schools, having taught twenty-five consecutive terms. Dora F., a daughter of Mr. Pennington, is a teacher of English in the city schools of Indianapolis, having received her higher education at the State Normal School, at Terre Haute, and also being a graduate of Indiana University at Bloomington. Ernest L. married Ava Brouhard, daughter of Marion Brouhard, of near Zionsville, Indiana, and lives at Wichita, Kansas, where he is a carpenter and contractor. He is the father of one daughter, Frances. Bertha also is a teacher in the public schools of the state, being stationed at present at West Baden, Indiana, where she is instructor in domestic science. She is a graduate of Shortridge high school at Indianapolis, spent three years in study at Butler College, Indianapolis, and took her special training in domestic science at Bradley Institute, Peoria, Illinois. Three of the children, Edward I., Clarence O. and Harley \Y.. remain at home with Mr. and Mrs. Pennington.

Mr. Pennington's mother is still living, at the advanced age of ninetyseven years, and has the distinction of being the oldest woman in the county. She is hale and hearty in spite of her years and still retains an excellent memory. For many years she has been a member of the Baptist church. Mrs. Wi41iam Pennington is a member of the Christian church, to the support of which Mr. Pennington contributes, although not a professor of religion himself. He is considered among the foremost farmers in the county and his farm of one hundred and fiftv-flve acres shows what u]>to-date methods in agriculture can accom])lish. ^Ir. Pennington stands in the frunk rank as a man who honors his calling in the present day and, because of his industry, integrity and genuine worth, he stands high in public estimation. As a citizen he easily ranks with the most influential in his community and is ever looking toward the betterment of those about him. Upright in every relation of life, he is eminently worthy of mention in a biographical work of the scope intended in the present one.

James L. Darnell

There could be no more comprehensive history written of a city or county, or even of a state and its people, than that which deals with the life work of those who, by their own endeavor and indomitable energy, have placed themselves where they well deserve the title of "progressive,"' and in this sketch will be found the record of one who has outstripped the less active and less able plodders on the highway of life, one who has not been subdued by the many obstacles and failures that come to every one, but who has made them stepping stones to higher things and at the same time that he was winning his way in the material affairs of life gained a reputation for uprightness and honor.

James L. Darnell, the proprietor of the "Yaller Front," was born in Danville, August 25, 1S54. His parents were John F. and Virginia ( Dicks ) Darnell, his father being a native of Kentucky and his mother of Indiana. John F. Darnell came to Hendricks county when a small boy with his mother and located in Danville. He was a carpenter by trade, but later went into the mercantile business, which he managed until his death, in 1897. His wife died about four years later. Mr. and Mrs. John F. Darnell were the parents of eight children, six of whom are living: Charles S., of Indianapolis, Indiana; Dora, the wife of A. S. Pierce, of Colorado; Kate, the widow of Frank Gladden, of Texas; Rhoda May Howell, of St. Louis. Missouri; Mrs. Jennie Calvert, of Texas, and James L., the immediate subject of this sketch.

James L. Darnell was educated in the public schools of Danville, and at the age of eighteen became a salesman in an Indianapolis clothing store, remaining there for eight years. He then began to indulge his desire for travel and for the next two years was salesman for the Famous Shoe and Clothing Company, of St. Louis. Following this he worked for mercantile establishments in New Orleans, Denver, Springfield, Missouri, and other places in the West, spending a short time working in San Francisco. He then returned to Indianapolis, where he remained for a short time, but the wanderlust seizing him, he went west again and took service with a farmer near Keokuk, Iowa, at fifteen dollars per month. He had the management of twenty to thirty farm hands, and he had the native ability to do his work well. The owner recognized his capacity and increased his salary to forty dollars per month and gave him the entire management of the farm. However, he soon returned to Indiana because of his father's declining health.

and for five years before his father's death he was in his father's store. Upon the death of the latter he continued the grocery business and has been remarkably successful. He is a very popular and prosperous grocer and is one . of the busiest and most enterprising merchants "in this part of the state.

Mr. Darnell was first married in 1878 to Nancy Reed, of Danville, and to this marriage there were born three children: Edith, the wife of C. P. Bond, of Boston, Massachusetts; Ralph, deceased, and Bessie, the wife of Rev. George Kline, of Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Mrs. Darnell died in 1 89 1, and in 1895 Mr. Darnell was married to Margaret Cook, the daughter of Silas and Mary Cook, of Danville.

James Darnell is a Democrat in politics, but has never taken an active part in the political game. Paternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pvthias and, religiously, is affiliated with the Presbyterian church, having long held the office of deacon in that denomination. Mr. Darnell is one of the most active members of the Danville Commercial Club and is one of the most enthusiastic boosters for a greater Danville. He has given a great deal of thought and energy in organizing the Business Men's Club, of Danville, in order to bring factories and capital to his local town. He is interested himself in the Danville Creamery and Danville Canning Company, lieing a stockholder in both companies. He is a broad, generous and worthy business man and citizen. His store, familiarly known as the "^'aller Frrmt," is rapidly becoming a household word in Hendricks county, and b}- his accommodating, genial and Ixisiness-like way, he has built up a large Inisiness.

Joel B. Garrison

Among the men of Hendricks cuunty who ha\-e lieen important factors in the building up of the county is Joel B. Garrison, who, as a farmer and blacksmith, has been a prominent citizen of the community in which he lives for more than a half century. He was born in Putnam county, Indiana, December 6, 1845, the son of Jeremiah and Rebecca (Shaw) Garrison, both natives of New Jersey, who, after Iheir marriage on January 24, 1826, came to Indiana and settled in Hendricks county early in the thirties. They remained in this county only a short time, when they moved to Putnam county, but after a short stay in that county they returned to Hendricks count\', where thev remained for the rest of their li\es. Jeremiah Garrison was a shoe- (26) maker and followed this trade all his life. He was married three times, and to him and his wife, Phoebe Whit, were born three children, Phoebe, Edward and Jane. His second wife was Ruth Erskine and to this marriage were born three children, Archibald, Mary J. and Sallie. His third marriage was to Rebecca Shaw and to this last marriage nine children were born, Ann, Eleanor, Arminda, Rebecca, Joseph, Charles W., Francis, Eliza and Joel. Ann married Thomas B. Borders; Eleanor died in childhood; Amanda married James Vermillion, and after his death, William Alley; Rebecca, deceased; Joseph married Susan Zearing; Charles W. married Jerush Wilcox ; Francis married Josie Laton ; Eliza married Jesse Brazer.

Joel B. Garrison attended the common schools, near Stilesville, Indiana, for only a short time. When he was eighteen years of age he enlisted in Company B, Fifty-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served from February 25, 1864, to July 7, 1865. He then returned to his home and engaged in the blacksmithing trade, which he followed for about thirty-five years. He then purchased a farm and since that time has devoted himself to agricultural pursuits.

Mr. Garrison was married January 19, 1869, to Amanda Bryant, the daughter of Silas and Matilda (McCormack) Bryant, and to this union were born four children: Flora Alice, who married Elmer Fuson, and has two children, Winifred and Wendall; Rossie became the wife of Osro Hadley and has one child, Ethelyn; Don A., who married Bernice Owen and has one child, Helen Lucile; Elsie, who married O. Harper.

Mrs. Garrison's parents had a family of nine children: Lucy, the wife of Martin Sims; John married Ruth Sharp; Amanda, wife of Mr. Garrison; Nancy, wife of Mr. Balldock; Clementine, deceased; William, who married Helen Stingier; Anderson, deceased; Albert, and Woodford, who married Mary Clark. Mrs. Garrison's father had the distinction of being the first white child born in Hendricks county. His death occurred in 1899 and his wife died in 1913.

Joel Garrison, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Jeremiah Garrison, the father of Joel B., died June 5, 1857, his wife having died ten years previously, October 15, 1847.

Mr. Garrison has been a life-long member of the Republican party, although he has never had any political office. He is. a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and holds his membership in the Baptist church of Stilesville. During his long and busy life in this community he has so conducted himself as to win the sincere respect and esteem of all who know him.

The two iiKjst strongly marked characteristics of both the East and West are combined in the residents of Indiana. The enthusiastic enterprise which overleaps all obstacles and makes possible almost any undertaking in the comparatively new and vigorous Western states is here tempered by the stable and more careful policy that we have borrowed from our Eastern neighbors, and the combination is one of unusual force and power. It has been the means of placing this section of the country on a par with the older East, at the same time producing a reliability and certaintv in business affairs which is frequently lacking in the West. This happy combination of characteristics is possessed to a notable degree by the subject of this review, R. M. Hadley, of Plainfield. He is too well known to the readers of this work to need any formal introduction here, for he not only comes of a family whose name is deeply engraved in the financial, commercial, professional and industrial history of this section of the state, but he himself is filling a large place in the public affairs of his community. Recognized as a man of strong and alert mentality, deeply interested in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community along material and civic lines, he is regarded as one of the progressive and enterprising men of his city and county.

Among the native sons of Hendricks county, Indiana, who have risen to a place of prominence in their community, there is no one who has filled a higher niche in his home town than R. M. Hadley, who was born November 23, 1863, in Washington township, this county. His parents were Hiram and Mary Elizabeth (Martin) Hadley, the father being a native of this county and his mother of Fulton county, this state. His father was a farmer by occupation and after his marriage Avent to Nebraska, where he lived the remainder of his life. Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Hadley were the parents of seven children: Ollie and Efifie, both deceased; R. M., the immediate subject of this sketch; C. L., of Plainfield, Indiana; Lucinda, deceased; James G., of Plainfield, and D. P., of New York.

R. M. Hadley was educated in the district schools of Washington township, this county, and spent his boyhood days when not in school working on the home farm. He accompanied his parents to Nebraska, and upon reaching his majority he engaged in the grocery business at Fairmount, Nebraska, and subsequently conducted the same business in Lincoln, that state, for a number of years. Later, for a few years, he traveled out of Lincoln for a wholesale grocery house, afterwards being transferred to Indianapolis, and after traveling out of Indianapolis for six years lie came to Plainfield in February, 1908. and purchased the dry goods store of A. J. Shaw, which he has conducted since that time. Mr. Hadley carries a large and well-elected stock of dry goods and kindred lines, caters to the trade and by his courtesy and evident desire to please his customers has succeeded in building up a large and lucrative patronage in Plainfield and surrounding country.

Mr. Hadley was married December 31, 1883, to Adah Keith, of Fairmount, Nebraska, the daughter of Calvin and Al^bie Keith, and to this union there have been born two children, Claude, deceased, and Hiram Irvin, twenty-two years of age, who is now in the piano business in Plainfield. Fraternally, Mr. Hadley is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and, with his wife, is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Plainfield and for many years has been one of its trustees. Politically, Mr. Hadley is a Republican, but has been too Im.-y a man to devote much attention to public affairs, though his party did elect him to the office of town treasurer, in which he rendered valuable service for his fellow citizens. Also he was prevailed upon to accept the office of town clerk and is now filling that position in a very satisfactory manner. In the civic life of the community Mr. and Mrs. Hadley have been potent factors for the development of the best interests of the people. Mr. Hadley i.-. a man of pleasing address and easily makes friends with all with whom he comes in contact. Because of his upright character and marked ability and pleasing disposition he is numbered among the most popular residents of Plainfield.

Edward F. Xash

Among the earnest men whose enterprise and depth of character ha\'e gained a prominent place in the community and the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens is the honored subject of this sketch. A leading farmer of the township where he resides, and a man of decided views and laudable ambitions, his influence has ever been exerted for the advancement of his kind, and in the vocation to which his energies are devoted he ranks among the representative agriculturists of the county.

Edward F. Nash, member of a family who for years have been numbered among the good citizens of this county, was born on December 24, 1853, and has the distinction of having lived his entire life within the bounds of Hendricks countv, one of the favored regions of the state. He is a son of

Isaac C. and Celicia (Wilson) Nash, the former being a native of the Buckeye state, being born in Madison county on March 27, 1817, and when only eight years old he was brought to Indiana by his parents, Thomas and Hannah (Brown) Nash, the family locating about two and one-half miles south of Brownsburg. Isaac remained under the paternal roof until the time of his marriage, attending the early schools of Hendricks county in his ' boyhood, and later being instructed in the secrets of successful agriculture, under the tuition of his father. He was twice married, his first wife being Celicia Wilson, mother of the immediate subject of this sketch, to whom he was united in marriage on January 28, 1841. Celicia Wilson was a native of Virginia, born on March i, 1817, the daughter of William J. and Nancy Wilson. They came to Indiana when Celicia was twelve or fifteen years of age, and settled on a farm some four miles south of Brownsburg, where they reared a family of eleven children. Celicia always resided at home until the time of her marriage. Her death occurred on December 13, i860, and she left a family of nine children, the youngest a babe but tb.ree days old. About that time three deaths occurred in the Nash family, coming quite close together. At the time of the marriage of Isaac C. and Celicia Wilson Nash his entire family, including parents, brothers and sisters, moved' out west, leaving him the sole representative of the family in Hendricks county. His parents he never saw again, their deaths occurring while they were residents of Missouri.

On April 19, 1864, Isaac Nash was united in marriage with his second wife, Eliza Jane Faucett, daughter of Joseph and Rebecca N. (Hurron) Faucett. This union was without issue. Mrs. Nash's death occurred on July 24, 1909, lacking a short time of attaining her eighty-seventh year. Isaac C. Nash died September 25, 1897. He was regarded as one of the leading men of his community and was one of those unselfish men who did all within his power to advance the moral and material welfare of his friends and neighbors, often neglecting his own work to assist in something partaking of a public nature. He hauled the logs used in the erection of the first business house in Brownsburg, driving a yoke of oxen. In his later life he enjoyed telling of how he would help his neighbors all day, in rolling logs, returning home near nightfall and would work until midnight on his own land endeavoring to get it into proper shape for cultivation. He was a rigid churchman, being a member of the Presbyterian church, and took an active part in futhering the cause of that society.

his community, remaining with his father until twenty-six years old, at which time he was united in marriage with Sarah C. Garner, daughter of Harrison B. and Frances (Lowder) Garner. The Garners were originally from Kentucky, the Lowders coming to Indiana from the Carolinas. After marriage Mr. Nash took up his residence on a farm owned by his father and about three-quarters of a mile from the old home place, being some two miles northeast of Brownsburg. There they lived until 1881, when they removed to the present home, about two and one-half miles northwest of Brownsburg. Mrs. Nash died on March 27, 1896, leaving two children: Bertha, wife of Benjamin C. Weddle, son of Simon and Angeline (Bishop) Weddle, of Hendricks county. Bertha has one son, Marion, living and a little son, Paul, died when seven years old. The second child of Mr. Nash is Effie, who became the wife of Thomas L. Burns, son of James and Rebecca (Patterson) Burns, of Hendricks county. Effie is the mother of five sons. Laurel, Louis, Leroy, Norman and Aubrey.

Mr. Nash's religious affiliation is with the Baptist church, the family identifying itself with the workings of same. He is also a member of the Brownsburg Horse Thief Detective Association and does all within his power to further the interests of all in his community. He is a man of sound practical intelligence who is keenly alert to everything relating to his interests and, in fact, with all that concerns the prosperity and advancement of his community. Because of his splendid personal characteristics and his genuine worth, he enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him and is eminently entitled to representation in a work of the character of the one at hand.

Nathan H. Kendall

In every district we find a few sturdy families who grow up and develop with the country, by their industry and steadfastness adding to the stability of the community as a whole, becoming an integral part of the social and business life of the place, and by their inherent conservatism adding a dignity to those undertakings with which they are associated.

To such a family belongs the subject of this article, Nathan H. Kendall. Long a resident of Liberty township, though unassuming and unaggressive, he has been closely associated with the educational and religious growth of the surrounding country imtil his name is well known far beyond the confines of his immediate neighborhood. He is the only son of Ahimaac and Minerva Kendall and descends from a long line of sturdy, industrious tillers of the soil. Like his ancestors, he has established himself as a substantial member of the commonwealth, well known and highly esteemed.

More than a century ago, before the days of steam and electricity, Mr. Kendall's grandparents, Nathan and Ruth Harvey, left their home in North Carolina, taking the long and perilous journey westward, finally selecting for their abiding place a spot in Parke county, Indiana. To them, in 1832, was born a daughter, Minerva, who grew to maturity and married Ahimaac Kendall, a young farmer. His parents, James and Sally (Bayles) Kendall, were also natives of North Carolina. They, too, braved the terrors of the long, lonely journey westward, obtaining land from the government in Morgan county, Indiana, near the present site of Mooresville. Here their son, Ahimaac, was born in 1833. Six years later they moved to Hendricks county and here their son was married to Minerva Harvey. Like their parents, the young people spent their days upon the farm, becoming substantial members of society. To them were born four children, Nathan H., Sallie A. (Robinson), Mary A. (Stipe), and Lydia E., single and living with her mother.

Though he belonged to no lodges and aspired to no political office, Ahimaac Kendall was esteemed by all who knew him as an intelligent, loyal citizen and an influential member of the Friends church at Mill creek. Death came to Mr. Kendall at the ripe age of seventy-nine years, on November 11, 1912, he being at that time near Danville, Hendricks county. His widow now resides with a daughter near New Winchester. Nathan H., his only son, was born November 30, 1856, in Clay township, Hendricks county, Indiana, two miles southeast of Amo. Here Nathan spent his boyhood and received his schooling, and here, in 1877, he was married to Mary E. Smith. At the age of thirty years he came to Liberty township, his present home, where he purchased one hundred sixty acres of good land. This is now a beautiful country home in that most ideal setting, a well cultivated, liberally stocked farm. Surrounding Mr. Kendall are the fruits of his toil, the tangible evidence of a life well spent - surroundings which say to the most casual beholder, "Within abides a man of sterling worth."

That Mr. Kendall has the highest confidence of his fellow men is evidenced by the fact that he was selected for ten consecutive years as director of the schools of his district, before the present system of graded schools was introduced into the township. For twelve years, also, he has been an elder in the Christian church at Clayton, where Mrs. Kendall is also an influential member In politics, he was known as a Republican until the formation of

Mr. Kendall is the father of five children, Owen, Milber, Marcena, Goldie and Ethel. Owen, the eldest son, married Nellie Ratliff, and resides in Liberty township. He, too, follows the pursuit of agriculture, and has one child. Villa. Milber, the second son, married Effie Woods, and lives on a farm two miles southwest of Pecksburg. He holds a position of responsibility in the First National Bank of Amo. Goldie, the eldest daughter, is the wife of Cecil Martin, a farmer, and lives near her father. She is the mother of one daughter, Audrey. Ethel is in far-away South Dakota, her husband, Earl Given, being instructor in the Indian school at Smithwick. Two children, Dean and Elenore, have been born to them.

This history would not be complete without further mention of Mr. Kendall's most faithful ally in all his undertakings, his devoted wife, and her family. Mrs. Kendall was the second of nine children born to Asa and Julia (Trullinger) Smith. These were Emma, who married George Beemer, Mary (Mrs. Nathan Kendall), Margaret (Mrs. Hitchens), Frank, Catherine (Mrs. Kenneth), Theodore, Edward, Charles and Delia.

Asa Smith, the father, was born in Kentucky, but while yet an infant was brought by his parents to Covington, Fountain county, Indiana. Here they remained until he grew to manhood, moving to Vermillion county and later to Danville, Illinois, when ;\sa was aliout twenty-five years of age, their son accompanying them. This was his home until death called him, October 15, 1910. He led the life of a farmer, taking no active part in lodges nor political affairs, giving his energies to his home and family. He and Mrs. Smith were both affiliated with the Missionary Baptist church.

Henry Simpson Cox

Among the citizens of Clay township, Hendricks county, Indiana, who have built up comfortable homes and surrounded themselves with valuable landed estates and personal property, few have attained a higher degree of success than the subject of this sketch. With few opportunities except what his own efforts were capable of mastering and with many diicouragements to overcome he has made an exceptional success in life and in his old age has the gratification of knowing that the community in which he resides has been benefited by his presence and his counsel.

Henry Simpson Cox, one of the largest landowners in Clay township, Hendricks county, Indiana, was horn in the township where he has lived for the past sixty-six years. He is the son of William and Lucy ( Plasters) Cox, and was born on September 12, 184S. William Cox was a native of Morgan county, and his wife was born in this county. William Cox moved to this county when he was a young lad with his parents and after leaving school he worked on his father's farm until he was twenty years of age. He then married Lucy Plasters, the daughter of William and Polly (Cleveland)' Plasters, and rented land for a few years, after which he purchased a farm in Middle township, where he lived until his death, April 15, 1881, his wife surviving him until 1884. To Mr. and Mrs. William Cox were horn six children: John M., who died in childhood; \Villiam D., who died from injuries received from being kicked by a horse; Mary C, the wife oi Ste|)hen ^lorl.)- ley; James M., who died in infancy; Charles, who married Fanny Leachman, and Henry Simpson.

Henry Simpson Cox attended school in the rude log structures of his day, and received a practical education in the three "R's," which were the only subjects in the curriculum at that time. He was early taught all of the ins and outs of farming life by his father, and when he married and started to operate a farm of his own, at the age of twenty-five, he was well equipped 'for the profession of farming. As a successful tiller of the soil he has few peers in the county and his farm of two hundred and nineteen acres bears glowing testimony to his success along agricultural lines.

Mr. Cox was married, February 3, 1874, to Mary Frances Flynn, daughter of Alfred and Artemesia (White) Flynn, and to this happy marriage have been born four children : Eva, who married Gus Bartholomew, and they have two children, Edgar and Hazel; Jennie married Frank Stanley; William Dayton, who is unmarried and still at home, and Alice, who also is under the parental roof.

Mincher Cox. the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was one of the thousands of North Carolinians who came to this state. He came here as a young man and first settled in Morgan county, near Mooresville, where he farmed and engaged in the buying and trading of horses. He seemed to have been an adventurer of more than ordinary pretensions. We are told that on one of his numerous horse-selling trips he took a small pacing horse and drove it from Morgan county to Chicago, but when he reached the outskirts of that city a trapper offered him twenty acres of land for the horse.

but' his offer was refused. It is not related, however, just what he did get for the horse. Mincher Cox married in Morgan county and afterwards moved to Clay township, in Hendricks county, where he remained for about eight years. The wanderlust then seized him and he moved to Grant county, Indiana, where he remained until his death. He married Sarah Nichols, and to this union six children were born, all of whom are deceased : William, the father of Henry Simpson; Lydia, who married John Scharey; Harriett Daniel Hollingsworth; Louisa became the wife of Austin Williams; James A., who married Lena Hathaway, and Thomas, who died unmarried.

The mother of Henry Simpson Cox was the daughter of William and Polly (Cleveland) Plasters, and was one of nine children, the others being as follows: John, who married Rebecca Bullard; Betsy became the wife of Michael Higgins; Eveline became the wife of Cyrus Moore; Phoebe married Alfred Stanley; Jackson; Polly became the wife of Buckner Highton; William married Mary Burgner; Sallie became the wife of Bunk Burnett, and Lucy, who married William Cox.

The father of Mrs. Henry S. Cox was Alfred Flynn, a native of Kentucky. He was reared on a farm in that state and after his marriage moved to Clinton county, Indiana, where he remained for about six years. He then moved to Hendricks county and located on a farm in Middle township, where he remained until his death, November lo, 1908, his wife having preceded' him in death in 1898. He had married Artemesia White, the daughter of William and Polly White, and to that union were born nine children : Mary Frances, the wife of Henry S. Cox; John, who married Martha Arnold; Nancy, who became the wife of Thomas Day; Louisa, who married Frank Burchman; George; William; Frank; Ella, who married William Smith; Ollie, who married Josie McCall.

Mr. Cox has been a life-long Democrat and has taken an active interest in the deliberations of his party. Some idea of the popularity which he has throughout the county is shown by the fact that he was elected in November, 1912, as commissioner of Hendricks county, despite the fact that Hendricks is a strong Republican county. In this important office he has shown that he has that admirable judgment and good common sense which is the making of a good and efficient public official. JNIr. Cox is a man of genial personality and numbers his friends in e\ery corner of the county. He is a man who has the welfare of his county at heart and is using his best efforts to improve his home county in every possible way.

It is one of the beauties of our government that it acknowledges no hereditary ranl< or title, no patent of nobility save tliat of nature's, leaving every man to establish his own rank by becoming the artificer of his own fortune. Places of honor and trust, rank and preferment thus happily placed before every individual, high or low, rich or poor, to be striven for by all, but earned alone by perseverance and sterling worth, are most always sure to be filled with deserving men, or at least by those possessing the energy and talent essential to success in contests where public position is the prize. A. Enimett Ely, the subject of this review, affords a conspicuous example of the successful, self-made American, who is not only eminently deserving of the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens, but also possesses the necessary energy and talent that fits him to discharge worthily the duties of the responsible place with which he has been honored by the people of his county. A man of vigorous mentality and strong mental fiber, he finds those qualities the chief factor in the carving out of a career that has been above the suspicion of reproach and of honor to the county which he so ably and acceptably serves.

A. Emmett Ely, one of the most successful business men of Plainfield, Indiana, was born three miles southeast of Danville, Indiana, on November 24, 1878, the son of Joseph and Lydia (Morgan^ Ely, who were both natives of this county also. His father is a farmer and lives north of the depot in the same house where Judge John V. Hadley, the editor of this work, was born. He was a huckster by trade for eighteen years, but within the last few years he has been operating a farm, which is owned jointly by himself and son, A. E. Ely. The grandfather of Mr. Ely was Joseph Ely, a native of Crab Orchard, Kentucky, who came to this county when a" young man and settled at North Belleville, where he followed the occupation of a farmer all his life. He was married to Mary Powers, and to them were born several children, Joshua, Joseph, William, John, Jane, Lizzie and one child who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Ely reared a very interesting family of eight children: Alta, the wife of Frank Stout, of Indianapolis; John Dott, who died November 29, 1905, at Phoenix,' Arizona, had been associated with A. Emmett in the dry goods business for some years. They started in business together in August, 1896. The two brothers had been agents for' the Indianapolis Nevjs, Sun and Journal, and their mercantile success 'was formed upon the pennies earned and saved in the sale of newspapers. They won the state prize from the Indianapolis News for the largest number of sales. John Dott Bly was born July 22, 1877, and was cut off in early manhood when he was giving great promise of a brilliant career. He was superintendent of the Suuday school, very active in the fraternal order of the Knights of Pythias, and an exceptionally bright young man. The third child of Joseph Bly is A. Emmett, the immediate subject of this sketch ; Daisy, the wife of Robert Copeland, of Plainfield; Ralph, assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Plainfield; Robert, who is employed in the Boys' Reform School at Plainfield; Okal, wife of Frank Waggoner, and an infant child who died at the age of three weeks.

A. Emmett Bly. was born on his father's farm and educated in the public .schools of his home county and attended the Central Academy at Plainfield. At an early age he engaged in the mercantile business, purchasing the small stock of dry goods owned by W'. E. Phillips, when he was onl}^ seventeen years of age. A few days later his brother, John Dott, eighteen years old, who had been mentioned before, came into the business as an equal partner and the store was a money maker from the beginning. The two youthful merchants seemed to have the innate ability which characterizes successful business men and their success was assured from the start. No more popular young men ever started in business in Plainfield than the two Bly brothers, and their business transactions were such as to win for them the confidence of their rapidly increasing patronage. Mr. Bly now carries a large and well selected stock of goods, valued at fifteen thousand dollars, and enjoys his full share of the patronage of the people of his vicinity in the lines which he handles. He is splendidly qualified in every respect for a business career, and by his unfailing courtesy and untiring and persistent industry, systematic and honorable methods, he has gained the confidence and respect of all with whom he has come in contact.

A. Emmett Bly was married on June 25, 1905, to Louise Juanita Lowry, the daughter of Orville and Frances (Utterback) Lowry, and to this happy union there have been born two children, Karl- Dott, born February 26, 1910, and Melba, born March 4, 1912. The family residence is one of the most attractive and comfortable modern homes in Plainfield, and here the many friends of the family are delighted to gather, where they are always assured of a hearty welcome and an enjoyable hour. Mrs. Bly is a woman of many grafcious qualities' of character and possesses intellectual ability of a high order. She is an ideal wife and mother, and her husband attributes no small amount of his success to the comfort and counsel of his wife.

ATr. BIy's remarkable success in 1)iisiness has brought him into close connection with the financial life of his community. He is now a director in the Citizens State Bank of Plainfield, has landed interests in Texas, Georgia, and in his home county, where he and his father own one hundred and four acres. His interest in education and the intellectual advancement of his community is shown in the fact of his live interest in the pulilic library of his town. He is now a member of the library board. Officially, he is connected with the township advisory board of Guilford township as its secretary. His father was trustee of this township in 1904, and made an excellent record in that important office. When he took charge of the office, the township was in debt, and he not only repaired the roads of the township and made manv improvements, but cleared off the indebtedness of the township and left a large surplus at the end of his term of office. I\Ir. Bly is a member of the Friends church and contributes generously of his means to its support. Fraternally; he is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Free and Accepted Masons. His political party has recognized his influence and ability by selecting him as a delegate to the state convention, and he has for many years been a delegate to the Republican conventions, both county and state.

The success of A. Emmett Bly is a real story and needs no flattering statements to show what may be accomplished by a genuine lover of good, honest work. His rise from a country newsboy to a leading merchant and substantial citizen while yet a young man is a story of fact rarely equaled even in this day of phenomenal successes, and yet through it all he has maintained that sympathy with his fellow citizens which endears him to everyone with whom he comes in contact. Personally, he is a pleasant gentleman and is not only held in high esteem for his abilities, but for his public-spirited nature, his wholesome private and social life and his position is secure as one of Hendricks county's most influential citizens.

There is no class to whom greater gratitude is due from the world at large than the self-sacrificing, sympathetic, noble-minded men whose life work is the alleviation of suffering and the ministering of comfort to the afflicted, to the end that the span of human life may be lengthened and a great degree of satisfaction enjoyed during the remainder of their earthlv sojourn. There is no .standard by which their beneficent influence can be measured; their helpfuhiess is hmited cjnly Ijy the extent of their knowledge and skill, while their power goes hand in hand with the wonderful laws of nature that spring from the very source of life itself. Some one has aptly said, "He serves God best who serves humanity most." Among the physicians and surgeons of Hendricks county, Indiana, who have risen to eminence in their chosen field of endeavor is the subject of this review, who.-:e career has been that of a broad-minded, conscientious worker in the sphere to whichhis life and energies have been devoted and whose profound knowledge of his profession has won for him a leading place among the most distinguished medical men of his day and generation in the city of his residence.

Dr. Ernest Cooper, the son of William B. and Rachel ( Ritter) Cooper, was born in Guilford township, Hendricks county, Indiana, June 8, 1870. His father was a native of North Carolina and his mother of Hendricks county, Indiana. William Cooper came to Hendricks county in 1850, when about eighteen years of age, driving" through in a wagon. He was a farmer all his life and continued that occupation until his death, which occurred in 1893, at the age of sixty-one, his wife having preceded him in death in 1879, at the age of thirty-eight. To Mr. and Mrs. William Cooper were born twelve children, four of whom are living: Mrs. Etta Wolfe, of Clearwater, Florida; G. A., of Oregon; Everett, of Escondido, California, and Ernest.

Ernest Cooper was reared on the home farm and enjoyed all the pleasures Avhich fall to the lot of the ordinary farmer's boy. He secured his elementary education in the district schools of his township, and at the age of nineteen entered the Central Academy at Plainfield, this county, working his way through the four-years high school course. After his graduation, in 1893, he taught school in his home township for two years and worked on his uncle's farm in the summer seasons. While he was attending the school at Plainfield he slept in a doctor's office and here he got his first taste of medical life. Although he had but little money, he was determined to secure a medical education, and with that end in view he entered the Indiana Medical School at Indianapolis in 1895 and worked his way through, finishing with the class of 1898. Upon the outbreak of the Spanish-American war he enlisted as a private in the hospital corps of the regular army and served during the summer and fall of 1898. Within the first four weeks of his service he was promoted to acting hospital steward and mustered out as such. Returning to his home county, he began the acti\-e practice of medicine at Plainfield as a partner of Doctor Carter and continued this partnership for the next seven years, since which time he has practiced alone. He has built up gradually a large and lucrative practice, and in 1911 he built his present modernly equipped office brick building, which is fully equipped for general practice and all kinds of surgical work. At the present time he is in charge of the Boys' Reform School at Plainfield, and has had this important position for the past five years. He has served four years on the pension board, several years as health officer, and is also surgeon for the Terre Haute, Indianapolis & Eastern Traction Company at Plainfield.

Doctor Cooper was married on June 12, 1900, to Eleanor Hanna, daughter of Hon. John Hanna, ex-congressman and one of the notable men of Indiana. Doctor and Mrs. Cooper are the parents of two daughters, Portia E., aged ten years, and Lucia V., aged seven.

Doctor Cooper is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Knights of Pythias and Improved Order of Red Men, and takes a very active interest in lodge circles, for the past seven years having been treasurer of the Masonic lodge at Plainfield. He is a member of the Hendricks County, State and American medical associations. He and his wife hold affiliations with the Friends church and contribute generously of their means to its support. He has been a life-long Republican in politics, but, in accordance with the usual custom of physicians, he does not take an active part in politicav affairs, deeming it better to devote all of his time and attention to the medical practice.

Doctor Cooper has won his success only through hard work and diligent study. His life history is the history of a man who has struggled through his boyhood and manhood to attain the position which he holds today. He met with a very unfortunate mishap on July 22, 1910, when an accidental discharge of a shotgun so crippled his left leg that it was necessary to amputate it. The fortitude which he showed upon this occasion is characteristic of the indomitable courage of the man and stamped him as a man of unusual character. His whole life has been one of struggle, and now that he has reached a place where his practice is sufficiently lucrative to enable him to enjoy life he takes a supreme pleasure in helping those less fortunate. He and his good wife are the centers of a happy home and dispense hospitality to a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

Jacob E. O'Neal

Tlie office of biography is not to give voice to a man's modest estimate of himself and his accompHshments, but rather to leave upon the record the verdict establishing his character by the consensus of opinion on the part of his neighbors and fellow citizens. In touching upon the life history of the subject of this sketch the writer aims to avoid fulsome encomium and extravagant praise; yet he desires to hold up for consideration those facts which have shown the distinction of a true, useful and honorable life - a life characterized by perseverance, energy, broad charity and well-defined purpose. To do this will be but to reiterate the dictum pronounced upon the man by the people who have knov^'n him long and well.

Jacob E. O'Neal, the son of William H. and Elizabeth (Keller) O'Neal, was born in Putnam county, Indiana, January i8, 1863. He died August 2-j. 1907, and she lives with her children. William O'Neal was not fortunate enough to receive very much schooling, but was given a practical education at home. He hired out by the month until grown, then was married and at the beginning of the Civil War he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred Forty-eighth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. Prior to the war he married Elizabeth Keller, the daughter of John Keller, and to this union there were born nine children: Naomi, wife of Mahlon Sechman; Florence, wife of John Robinson; Lorenzo, who married Sarah Knetzer; Alary, wife of Phillip Masten; Robert; William S. married Ida Bryant; Julia, wife of Oliver P. Phillips; Nora B., wife of Dayton Kersey, and Jacob E., the immediate subject of this sketch.

Jacob E. O'Neal received his elementar\r education in the district schools of Putnam and Hendricks counties and after leaving school worked on the farm with his father until his marriage. He then rented a farm and, by strict management and sound judgment, he was sufficiently successful to enable him to purchase his present farm of one hundred eight acres in 1900. As a farmer he has made a pronounced success and is considered one of the successful stock raisers of the county.

Mr. O'Neal was married to Anna J. Harlan, the daughter of Jesse E. and Jemima (Robinson^ Harlan, and to their marriage have been born three children, Claude E., Frank H. and Sadie F. Claude, who is a profe:?sor in the Ohio Wesleyan University at Delaware, Ohio, married Mabel Hostetter. Frank is still under the parental roof. Sadie married Schuyler Arnold and will live in Stilesville.

Jesse Harlan, father of Mrs. O'Neal, was born in North Carolina and his wife, Jemima Robinson, was a native of Kentucky, and they were the parents of twelve children: William R., who died in infancy; Benjamin F., who married Ella Kendall ; Levi, who married Flora Pike ; Henry, who married Ella Lisby; Lydia, who became the wife of Willett Klein; Sarah, wife of Frank Snodgrass; Mary, who became the wife of Smith Harlan; Charles, who married Lora Wise; Anna, wife of Jacob E. O'Neal; Clara, wife of Marion Grimes; Retta, wife of Virgil Rollings; Lnla, unmarried. Mr. Harlan lives in Clay township; his wife died on July 30, 1895.

The paternal grandparents of Mr. O'Neal had a family of seven children, James, George, William H. (the father of Mr. O'Neal), Henry, Lavina, Elizabeth and Emmeline. Mr. O'Neal's maternal grandparents reared nine children, John, Steven, Jesse, Enoch, James, Elizabeth, Melinda, Marion and Rachel.

Mr. O'Neal is a member of the Progressive party, having allied himself with that new organization in the fall of 191 2. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America, while, religiously, he and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Coatesville, Indiana, and are actively interested in the various organizations of that church. Mr. O'Neal has always taken an active interest in political life and has been assessor of his home township for four years and county treasurer for two years, performing the important duties of these offices in a very satisfactory manner. In his public career, as well as in his private life, he has been a man who conducted all of his business in a straightforward and upright manner, thereby winning the esteem of his fellow citizens.

Sanders Smith

The following is a sketch of a plain, honest man of affairs, who, by correct living and a strict regard for the interests of his patrons, has made his influence felt in Plainfield 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 subject of fancy sketches, nevertheless his life presents much that is interesting and valuable and may 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 (27) their modesty never seeks, who command the respect of their contemporaries and their posterity and leave the impress of their individuaHty deeply stamped upon the community.

Sanders Smith, the restaurant man of Plainfield, and one of the most piiblic-spirited citizens of that little city, was born February i8, 1854, near Hall, Morgan county, Indiana. His parents were Henry B. and Jane (Carder) Smith, his father being a native of Kentucky and his mother of Indiana. Henry Smith was one of the best farmers of Morgan county, and spent all of his life tilling the soil in that county, his death occurring there Ma}- 13, 1910. Henry Smith was a Democrat of the old school and was a man of more than ordinary education and strength of character. He and his wife were loyal members of the Christian church and great students of the Bible. His wife was one of the best informed Bible students in the county where they lived and was a daughter of John Carder, who was probably the best Bible student in this section of the state, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Smith were the parents of nine children, five of whom are living: Sanders, the immediate subject of this sketch; Harvey M., of Mooresville, Indiana; Stephen, of New Orleans; Henry K., of Hall, Morgan county, this state; Rena Smith, of Indianapolis.

Sanders Smith was born and reared on his father's farm and received all his education upon the farm and in the district schools of his home neighborhood. He continued working on the home farm until he was twentyfour years of age, at times working for farmers in the vicinity of his home for a few months at a time. He also clerked in a store at Hall, Indiana, for about two years, and in 1881 he came to Plainfield and established a restaurant and confectionery store. In 1886 he concluded he could better his fortunes by removing to Danville, and the next four years of his life were spent in that city, where he operated a restaurant and confectionery store on the east side of the public square. However, in 1890, he decided to return to Plainfield, and he has continued in the restaurant and confectionery business in that place since. He now has a building of his own and has one of the most complete and fully equipped restaurants and soda fountains in the state. He freezes his own cream by electricity and has installed all the latest devices for the convenience of his patrons, having an equipment which will compare favorably with any town of the size of Plainfield in the state.

Mr. Smith was married March 25, 1875, to Olive L. Seaton, daughter of George W. Seaton, of JNIorgan county, this state, and to this union there has been born one daughter, Iva E. Seaman, the wife of Dr. H. L. Seaman,

Mr. Smith takes an active interest in poHtics and is a Democrat of the Bryan-Wilson stamp, beHeving thoroughly in the motto of having the people rule. He attended the Denver convention in 1908. and also the inauguration of President Wilson, in March, 191 3. His party has tried to prevail upon him to accept office, at different times, but he has always refused. He is well posted on all public questions of the day and has a knowledge of all the important issues, which makes him a very entertaining conversationalist. He is one of the mo;t influential factors in the councils of his party in his section of the county, and his opinion is always sought during the campaigns. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and at present is master of exchequer of Plainfiekl Lodge No. 50. He is also a member of Uniform Rank No. 33, of P'lainfield. He has been active in the Knights of Pythias work for many years and helped to build the present castle hall in his home town. Mr. Smith is one of the most progressive civic workers in the town and helped to get the present town incorporated and was one of the men who led the fight for water works and electric lights, sidewalks and other improvements. During his whole life in Plainfield he has tried to make the town a better place to live in and how well he has succeeded is very apparent to the casual visitor. Such men as Mr. Smith are a blessing to the community in which they live, and the study of the career of such a man should be of help to the young men who are to become the future citizens of Plainfield and the surrounding community. Mr. Smith is a genial man in his relations with his fellow citizens, and because of his high character has won the esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances which he has scattered thoroughout the county.

William W'. Sawyer

It is proper to judge of the success of a man's life by the estimation in which he is held by his fellow citizens. They see him at his work, in his family circle, in church, hear his views on public questions, observe the operation of his code of morals, witness how he conducts himself in all the relations of society and civilization and are, therefore, competent to judge of his merits and demerits. After a long course of years of such daily observation, it would be out of the question for his neighbors not to know of his worth, for, as has been said, "actions speak louder than words." In this connection it is not too much to say that the immediate subject of this sketch has passed a life of all unusual honor, that he has been industrious and has the confidence of all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.

William W. Sawyer, a life-long farmer, now living in comfortable retirement in Clayton, Hendricks countty, Indiana, was born on October 23, 1846, near Hazelwood, this county, the son of John and Nancy (Martin) Sawyer. John Sawyer was a native of Randolph county, North Carolina, born in 1794, and died in this county in 1869 at the age of seventy-five years. He received his early education in the schools of his native state, coming to Indiana soon after his marriage. He first settled in Marion county and entered land from the government in different places in the state, and some time in the thirties he came to this county, where he passed the remainder of his life. He was twice married. By his first wife he became the father of six children, namely: Iredel, Eli, Irena, Nathan, Elizabeth and John, Jr., all of whom have passed from this life. His second wife was Nancy Martin, also a native of North Carolina and the daughter of John B. and Jane (Cravens) Martin. She died in the winter of 1892, on January 2 1 St, at the age of seventy-seven years. She was the mother of eight children, but one of whom besides the subject is living, Araminta. Those deceased are Eliza, Mary, Rhoda, Theodore, James C, and Daniel C, who died at the front during the Civil War. John Sawyer followed the vocation of farming all his life and was an honored man in the community. After the Republican party came into existence he was a strong advocate of its principles, but never took an active part in the administration of its affairs. He was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a man of influence in his locality.

William W. Sawyer passed the years of his early youth on the homestead, in this county, and at the opening of hostilities, at the beginning of the Civil War. fired with love for his country, he enlisted in August, 1862, for three years in Company G, Ninety-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He served in the Army of the Tennessee under General Sherman and also, under the leadership of that great man, he made the famous march to the sea. He was captured en route at Statesboro, Georgia, on December 4, 1864, and sent to the rebel prison, at Florence, South Carolina. At the time of his capture he was detailed as a mounted scout and as such was taken by the enemy. On March i, 1865, he was paroled and remained as a paroled prisoner until the close of the war, when he was mustered out of service and received his honorable discharge, at Camp Chase, Ohio, on June i8, 1865. On August 13, 1864, during the siege of Atlanta, he was wounded in the leg and received an injury in the head at the battle of Jonesboro, on September i, 1864. However, he did not go to a hospital with either of these injuries. After the close of the war, Mr. Sawyer returned to his native county, where he engaged in farming, which line of work he followed all his active life, living in the vicinity of Hazelwood, Liberty township, this county. He has been highly successful and has owned land in both Hendricks and Morgan counties. In 1913 he disposed of his farming interests and, with his family, moved to Clayton, there to spend his remaining days in well deserved rest from the active duties of life.

On April 16, 1867, Mr. Sawyer was united in marriage with Martha York, a daughter of Nathan and Rebecca (Folgeman) York, born on December 9, 1849. Nathan York was a native of North Carolina and came to this state, and perhaps this county, with his parents when but a young man. His father, Barney York, entered land from the government, in Liberty township, and there it was that Nathan York grew to manhood. He was born in North Carolina, in 1820, and died on his farm, in this county, on August 30, 1896, at the age of seventy-six years. In this county he met and married Rebecca Fogleman, also a native of North Carolina, who had come with her parents to this state, making the journey overland in a cart. They settled first in Morgan county. When her grandfather, Barney York, arrived in this county he found himself possessed of but ten cents, not considering his most valuable assets in the way of unlimited energy and ambition. He succeeded so well in his efforts that he became possessed of considerable land and at his death left forty acres to each of his children. Rebecca (Fogleman) York, who was born in 1833, died in this county in 1884. She was the mother of twelve children, three of whom have passed away, being Francis Marion, Laura and Oscar. Those remaining besides Martha, wife of the immediate subject of this sketch, are: Amanda (Mrs. Richardson), Asbury, Sylvester, Lucinda Ella (Mrs. Kwitt), Mary Alice (Mrs. Rhodes), Louisa (Mrs. Brantlinger), Dayton and Myrtle.

Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer are the parents of twelve children, as follows : Jerome T., born in 1868, died in 1872; Ida Belle, born in 1870; Dayton M., born in 1872; Minta A., born in 1874 and died the same year; Walter, born in 1875; Arlington, born in 1878 and died in 1881 ; Charles, born in i88r and died the same year; Mary Myrtle, born in 1882 and died in 1897; Oscar, born in 1885 and died the same year; Vonnie O., born in 1886 and died in 1888;

Arthur, born in i88S, and Viola, born in 1891. Ida Belle, the eldest daughter, became the wife of Robert M. Kwitt, a farmer living close to Hazelwood, this county. They are the parents of six children, one of whom, Edward, died in infancy. The ones remaining are Mattie, Mamie, Mary, Dewey and Fernando. Mattie, their eldest daughter, is the wife of John McDade and resides in Clayton. She is the mother of four children, Dessie, Sylvan, Jewel and Hobart. Mamie, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Kwitt, is the wife of Walter Rushton, a farmer living in Putnam county. She also is the mother of four children, Lawrence, Ethel, Dorothy and Walter Glenn. Mary, the third daughter, is the wife of Edgar York and resides in Irvington, Indianapolis. They have two children, Mary Etta and John Robert.

Dayton, eldest living son of the subject, married Annie Duncan and lives at Hazelwood, this county. They are the parents of seven children, two of whom, Dovey and Claire, have passed away. The others are Maude, Hubert, S3'lvia, Doris and Lowell. Sylvia is the wife of Archie Johnson and lives near Hall, in Morgan county. She has one child. Walter, another son of the subject, married Grace Lewis and lives at Martinsville, Indiana. They are the parents of six living children and have lost a babe which died in infancy. Their children are Archie, Martha, William, Howard, Merrill and Lloyd. Arthur, youngest son of the subject, resides in the capital city and is connected with the Indianapolis Life Insurance Company, with offices in the Board of Trade building. Viola, the youngest daughter, became the wife of Guy Boyd, a farmer of Franklin township, this county. She is the mother of one child, Rita Virginia.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer are consistent members of the Missionary Baptist church at Clayton, and have reared their familv in strict accordance with the tenets of that faith. The family is one of the most highly esteemed in the community, and the home radiates kindliness and good cheer even to the passing stranger. Mr. Sawyer's fraternal affiliation is with the time-honored body of Free and Accepted Masons, holding his membership in blue lodge No. 463, at Clayton, in the workings of which he is keenly interested. Politically, he is a Democrat and has ever had an active interest in local politics. ]\lr. Sawyer is a most agreeable man to meet, of pleasing personality and kindly address. These are merely the outward indications of a heart in tune with the world and with broad sympathies for his fellow men. He is a man well informed on current events of the day, both at home and abroad, and takes keen delight in promoting any cause having, at its ultimate object.

the uplift of mankind in any way whatsoever. Mr. Sawyer has the unquahned admiration and esteem of all who know him, which is a fitting tribut; of which he is eminently worthy. To live for years in one communify and steadily rise in public estimation indicates that the recipient of ths gratifying regard has so lived as to be truly worthy of it. It means a life, the principles of which have been the highest along all lines; it means helpfilness and charit}' in the broadest sense for friends and neighbors.

No estimate of the immense amount of good that comes from a long, acive and useful life like that of Rev. Robert Nathan Harvey, the well kiown minister of Clayton, Hendricks county, Indiana, can be made, for it is far-reaching in its effects and will continue through coming generations, l:<e the "light that shines more and more unto the perfect day." Few lives lave been so unselfish, so pregnated with good deeds and so controlled by in insatiable desire to be kind and beneficial to his fellow men, but, notwithstanding the unbounded influence he wields in moulding public opinion and of the high tributes of praise freely accorded him by a vast horde of admirers wherever he is known, he is entirely unassuming and unpretentious, content in the thought that he is continuously putting forth his best efforts in following the footsteps of the lowly Nazarene.

Rev. Robert Nathan Harvey, a retired minister of the Baptist church, was born in \Vayne county, Indiana, April 26, 183 1, and is now living in quiet retirement at Clayton, Hendricks county, this state. His parents were Robert and Abigail (Sumner) Harvey, the father a native of North Carolina, where his birth occurred July 12, 1789, and his mother was born in Virginia, July 4. 1791. They were married August 25, 1814, and soon after their marriage they came west and settled on Noland's fork, in Wayne county, Indiana, where they lived until September, 1836, when they moved to Hendricks county. They came in wagons and drove their live stock with them. They located a half mile north of Pecksburg, where they bought three hundred and twenty acres of land from Jehu Hadley, only a few acres of which had been cleared. There they reared a family of seven daughters and three sons. The mother spun the flax and carded the wool to make the clothes for the family and was regarded as one of the experts in this line. In 18^6, at the third annual fair of Hendricks county, she won the first and second premiums on linsey, which was woven by herself. The oldesl son, Jonathan S., studied law and practiced for years in LaPorte county, Indiana, going then to Danville, where he was elected to the Legislature. He ,\vas a member of both the House of Representatives and the Senate and several years before the war was elected treasurer of state on the Whig tickej. At the time he made his race for this office, one of his political opponents ^id of him that "God never made an honester man than he." Robert Harve3, Sr., farmed all his life on the farm where he first settled in 1836, his deaji occurring in 1871, his wife surviving him one year.

Rev. Robert Nathan Harvey grew up on his father's home farm and early in life learned the blacksmith's trade at Danville, after which he erected a blacksmith shop at Clayton before the town was laid out. He was at Gayton when the town was platted and laid out and bought a town lot, and sqne time afterward traded his town lot for furniture to go to housekeeping wih.

Mr. Harvey was married September 26, 1852, to Sarah Ann Shirlp,-, who was born at Gosport, Indiana, October 20, 1833, the daughter of Wiliam and Mary (Worrell) Shirley. Her father and mother were boti reared in Kentucky and married there. Her father followed the trade of , tailor until late in life. When Mrs. Harvey was seven years of age hei parents moved to Belleville, in this county, where her father gave up his trade as a tailor and engaged in farming near Clayton. After his children grew up he went into the dry goods business at Pecksburg, and was engaged in. that line of business until his death. After Mr. and Mrs. Harvey were married they lived on the farm and he farmed and operated a blacksmith shop, which occupations he continued to follow for the next twelve years, at which time he bought forty acres of land near the village of Pecksburg and on this farm lived until December 28, 19 12, at which time his house and all its contents were destroyed by fire, causing a loss of three thousand dollars, with only an insurance of eight hundred dollars. At that time he bought his present home in Clayton.

Mr. Harvey joined the Baptist church at Clayton in 1861, at a time when the church at Amo was being organized. He and eight others became the charter members of this church in 1866 at Amo, and now there are only three of the charter members of this church left, Mr. Harvey and his wife and Melissa Justus. On July 29, 1869, Mr. Harvey was ordained to the ministry of the Baptist church and was stationed at New Bethel, Putnam county, Indiana. From that time for the next thirty-five years he was never without a charge and during his entire pastorate was in charge of four- teen of the twenty-one churches in the \\'hite Lick Association, spending eleven years as pastor of the Lawrence Baptist church and eight years at Brookfield. For twenty-three consecutive years he was moderator of the White Lick Baptist Association and for three )ears was moderator of the IndianapoHs Baptist Association.