Hendricks County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1914 (part 8 of 19)

Reverend and Mrs. Harvey have ijeen the parents of three children, the youngest, Frank Lincoln, dying at the age of eight months, the other two children being George A., of Clayton, and Dr. W. D. Harvey, who is president of the Indianapolis Regalia Company. Doctor Harvey was a successful physician before he went into his present business, and is equally successful in his new profession. Doctor Harvey married Cecelia Hadley, who died leaving one child, and he afterwards married Lydia Theal. George Harvey, the oldest son of Rev. R. N. and Mrs. Harvey, was for many years a dealer in threshing machines and engines at St. Louis, Missouri. He now lives in Clayton and has a fine farm two and one-half miles southwest of that town. He was married in 1875 to Lucy M. West, the daughter of Columbus and Tabitha (Staley) West. Columbus West was bom one mile south of Pecksburg, this county, and was the son of Abraham and Sina (Hadley) West. Tabitha Staley was born in Morgan county. Indiana, the daughter of Eli and Mary (Tripps) Staley, who came to Morgan county, Indiana, from North Carolina in pioneer times. George Harvey and wife have one child, Herbert S., born in 1877, who married Fannie Harkrider, and they have one son, Raymond.

Mr. and Mrs. Harvey have been married over sixty-three years. All the friends of their youth have passed away and gone. He is the last one of the family living. During the course of his life of nearly four score years in this state there has never been raised the breath of suspicion against his name. He has taken a prominent part in public life during his whole career and has been county commissioner and for years was justice of the peace of Clay township. No case which he tried was ever appealed, showing that he used good judgment in his decisions. He married hundreds and hundreds of couples and only five of them were ever divorced. On his eighty-second birthday he was remembered by people from all over the United States, and one hundred and sixty-three cards of congratulation from his church members, showing the high esteem and afifection in which he is regarded by his many friends. It is interesting to note that in all of the churches in which he has officiated there has never been any quarrel in the church, a fact which speaks well for his tact and good judgment in handling his congregations.

Rev. R. N. Harvey has always been interested as a public citizen in politics and cast his first vote in 1852 for Scott, and has never missed voting for a Republican candidate for President since that time and only missed two elections in the township. He attends all primaries and local conventions and, all in all, he is a man who has devoted his high talent to worthy purpose and when he "wraps the drapery of his couch about him and lies down to pleasant dreams," the community will have lost one of its best loved characters.

Jesse S. Ogden

It is eminently fitting 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 it has been truly said that "actions speak louder than words." It is safe to say that no man in Hendricks county wielded so much influence for a man of his age as did the late Jesse S. Ogden, who died in that county in 1877, at the early age of thirty-seven years. He was a man among men and "the elements so mixed in him that the whole world might stand up and say. This was a man."

Jesse S. Ogden, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Ogden, was born in West Virginia, near Winchester, in 1839, and died February 10, 1877, just at the time when he was at the height of his success and popularity. The Ogden family trace their lineage back to colonial times and the members of his family occupied many places of trust and responsibility in the history of early Virginia. John Odgen and his family came to Indiana and settled in Hendricks county early in its history. Jesse S. Ogden was educated in the public schools of Danville, the Danville Academy and the Northwestern Law School at Indianapolis. His education was interrupted by the opening of the Civil War and he laid aside his books for the musket and answered the call of Governor Morton for troops. He enlisted in Company H, Seventh Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served until he was wounded at the battle of Winchester, Virginia. After he was mustered out of the service ijii account of disability he returned to Hendricks county, Indiana, where he continued to reside until his death. He completed his legal education in Indianapolis and then formed a partnership with Judge John V. Hadley. Immediately after the close of the war he was elected recorder of Hendricks county and later prosecuting attorney of his home county. He was always interested in the principles of the Republican party and was honored by being elected to the House of Representatives in 1874. He had a brilliant career before him and would undoubtedly have occupied a much higher place in the political and official life of Indiana had he not died at such an early age. He was a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and in his church affiliations was identified with the Methodist Episcopal church. His widow is still living and makes her home with her son, Rev. Horace G. Ogden, at Jamestown, New York.

Jesse S. Ogden was married to Mary A. Carter, of Danville, and to this union were born three children. Rev. Horace G., D. D., of Jamestown, New York, who is now pastor of the first Methodist Episcopal church of that place ; Mrs. Adella L. Duvall, of Delaware, Ohio, who has won renown as a soprano singer, and James M., a successful lawyer of Indianapolis.

That Jesse S. Ogden was a remarkable man in more ways than one, is indicated in the striking document which he wrote a short time before his death. When he was told that he did not have much longer to live, he accepted the inevitable decree like a martyr, and, looking calmly into the face of death, he composed a creed for the guidance of his little children, whom he was about to leave. In all the range of literature and in all the annals of philanthropy there may not be found a more comprehensive summary or a stronger code of morals than he composed under such strange conditions, and it is safe to say that this document, teeming with a father's love, has fulfilled the mission for which the fond father wrote it. In view of the exquisite beauty of language and the lofty purity of thought which are embodied in this remarkable document, and believing that future generations may profit by the words, it is reproduced here just as it was given to his children on January 18, 1877, less than one month before his death. "My Dear Children :

"If I were to undertake to tell you how much I love you and how solicitous I am for your welfare and happiness in this life and in the life to come, you could not understand me, for you are too young to comprehend it. It was my sincere wish to live long enough to superintend your educa- tion and see you fairly started on the perilous journey of life. This coveted pleasure will be denied me. You will never know what it is to have a father to assist and guide you. You will be compelled to struggle unaided and alone, against the many vicissitudes and hardships of this life without light or counsel from me. I can not leave you any great patrimony and even if I could it might prove to you a curse rather than a blessing. Since I leave you nothing more substantial, I thought it prudent to cull out of my own limited wisdom and experience some plain and simple maxims which, if practiced, I am sure will make you estimable citizens of society and prepare you for that eternity whose shadow ever encompasses your footsteps.

"Avoid all pomp and bigotry in religion. All true religion is embodied in one word - Charity: charity that embraces God with one arm and all humanity with the other. All else is counterfeit.

"Now let me call your attention more particularly to some plain rules of conduct in your relations to society, and for your own personal guidance.

"Above all things be truthful. And if you are truthful, then you will be honest - and these two constitute the cardinal virtues of a good life.

"Again, be industrious. Labor assiduously, and complete with thoroughness whatever you undertake. Indolence is the mother of poverty, unhappiness and crime.

"Pay as you go. I repeat it, pay as you go ! This is the true secret of all substantial success. The percentage of your creditor will make you a bankrupt if you run in debt.

"If possible, secure for yourself a competency, without striving to become rich. Get no wealth at the expense of conscience. If fortune should favor you, in your prosperity do not forget the poor and needy.

"Seek the society of the pure and learned; avoid the low and vulgar. Your position and standing in society depend on the observance of this rule.

"Read good books, such as have received the commendation of competent critics. Do not stuff yourselves on the current trash of the day - it is

"Govern your temper. It is a fiery steed, and, unless put under severe discipline, will carry you into all manner of dif^culties. Coolness is the ballast of a wise head.

"Be cleanly and dress neatly, without ornamentation. The sloven carries with him the highest evidence of his thriftlessness and ill breeding, while on the other hand the brainless fop is equally abhorrent.

"Economize your time; do not procrastinate. Remember that you can not recall a single moment of your lives. There are no pauses in the steady, ceaseless revolutions of the ponderous wheel that hurries you on to the end. Make sure, then, of each moment, and out of it extract something for your moral, intellectual or financial progress. Recreate your minds with manual labor, your bodies with study.

"Remain at home at night. Let me entreat you not to mingle with the vile gossiping crowd on the street corners or in some den of iniquity. It is in such company that bad habits are contracted and moral depravity has its origin.

"Obey your dear mother in all things. She understands your rights and duties, and will make no unreasonable demands of you. Strive to make her life pleasant and happy.

"Last of all, revere your country and obey her laws. Cherish her institutions of freedom and the rights of man. If these should be threatened, sacrifice your lives rather than see them perish.

"I might multiply indefinitely the minor duties of life; but I hope by the observance of these maxims, you will be actuated by higher motives, a higher faith, a broader philanthropy and a sublimer patriotism than myself. God knows how sincerely I yearn for such a consummation. If I only knew you would grow up into perfect manhood and womanhood I would die content.

"On each recurring anniversary of my death, I desire you to read this and resolve that you will observe these simple precepts with renewed fidelity. As you read them, may they be to you as a message direct from my home in that celestial city where I expect to take up my everlasting abode.

"J. S. Ogden. "P- S. - I desire Horace to keep in his possession this original manuscript, and that he furnish James and Adella each with a copy when they grow up and separate from each other. - J. S. O.

It is not always easy to discover and define the hidden forces that move a life of ceaseless activity and large professional success; little more can be done than to note their manifestation in the career of the individual under consideration. In view of this fact, the life of the successful physician and public-spirited man of affairs whose name appears above affords a striking example of well-defined purpose, with the ability to make that purpose subserve not only his own ends but the good of his fellowmen as well. Doctor Reynolds holds distinctive prestige in a calling which requires for its basis sound mentality and intellectual discipline of a high order, supplemented by the rigid professional training and thorough mastery of technical knowledge, with the skill to apply the same, without which one cannot hope to rise above mediocrity in ministering to human ills. In his chosen field of endeavor, Doctor Reynolds has achieved a notable success and an eminent standing among the medical men of his county. In addition to his creditable career in one of the most useful and exacting of professions, he has also proved an honorable member of the body politic, rising in the confidence and esteem of the public, and in every relation 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.

D. Monroe Reynolds was born at Georgetown, Illinois, on August 28, 1877. the son of William P. and Angeline (Holliday) Reynolds, the former of whom was born at Bloomingdale, Parke county, this state, in 1844, and was the son of Mahlon and (Reubottom) Reynolds, who came to Indiana from North Carolina and passed the remainder of their lives in Parke county. William P. Reynolds grew to manhood on his father's farm, in Parke county, and later went to Vermillion county, Illinois, where he purchased a farm and also worked at the carpenter's trade. It was there he met and married Angelina Holliday, who was a native of that county and a daughter of WilHam and Elizabeth (Hayworth) Holliday. Her parents came to Illinois from North Carolina. William P. Reynolds and wife remained in Illinois for a number of years and about the year 1904 they returned to Indiana and located near Mooresville, where they now reside.

D. Monroe Reynolds passed his boyhood days on the homestead in Illinois, attending the township schools, where he received his elementary education, and later attending the Vermillion Academy, at Vermillion Grove, that state. Having decided to make the practice of medicine his life work, he matriculated in the Indiana Medical College, at Indianapolis, from which seat of learning he was graduated in the year 1900. For one year after graduation he was an interne at Saint Vincent's Hospital, in Indianapolis, and after completing his course there he located in Clayton, Hendricks county, Indiana, where he has since resided in the practice of his chosen profession. In 1902 Doctor Reynolds was united in marriage with Joanna Buchanan, born at Huntington, this state, a daughter of Samuel Buchanan and wife. She passed her girlhood in her native town, attending its schools and, being a young woman of intelligence with a broad outlook on life, decided to enter the ranks of trained nurses. She was received for training in Saint Vincent's Hospital, Indianapolis, and it was there she and Doctor Reynolds first met. Doctor Reynolds and wife have one son, Russell Perry, a remarkably interesting child of four years. In addition to his professional duties. Doctor Reynolds gives attention to the operation of a farm, comprising two hundred acres, which he owns near the town of Mooresville, this state. Up-to-date methods of agriculture are followed in handling the business of this farm. Doctor Reynolds is also interested in the People's Bank, at Clayton, which he assisted in organizing in the fall of 1912. Doctor Reynolds' career, since locating in Clayton, has not only been successful from a scientific standpoint, but he has gained for himself the sincere regard and confidence of the entire community. A high order of skill in his calling, a broad-minded sympathy with the sick and suffering and an earnest desire to help others, have combined to make him unusually successful and he is held in the highest esteem by his brother physicians because of his genuine worth. Genial and cheerful, he carries sunshine and comfort into every sick-room which he enters, winning at once the confidence and co-operation of his patients. Indeed, he is a welcome visitor in any company which he chooses to enter, for he possesses to an eminent degree those c[ualities which commend a person to the good will of others.

Fraternally, Doctor Reynolds is affiliated with the Free and Accepted Masons, having attained the Royal Arch degree in the York Rite bodies, has the thirty-second or Scottish Rite degree and is a Noble of the Mystic Shrine. Doctor Reynolds was reared in the Quaker faith, his father being a member of the Old-Style church and his mother of the progressive branch, but in 1913 Doctor Reynolds identified himself with the Presbyterian church, of which Mrs. Reynolds also is a member, both taking an active part in the affairs of the church and doing all within their power to forward its work. Doctor Reynolds is still a young man and his useful life, as one of the world's workers, has been one of devotion to his calling, with an earnest desire to assist in the betterment of his community along moral, educational and material lines as well. The opening vista of years holds much of promise for him and, through him, for the community honored by his residence.

William Cosner

Among the men who have been material factors in the development of Hendricks county, there is no one who occupied a more prominent position than the late \\'illiam Cosner. In every community there are some men who are known for their upright lives, strong common sense and moral worth rather than for their wealth or political standing, and among such men was Mr. Cosner, who was not only a progressive man of affairs, successful in business pursuits, but a man of modest and unassuming demeanor, a fine type of the reliable, self-made American, a friend to the poor, charitable to the faults of his neighbors and ready to unite with them in every good work and active in the support of laudable purposes. He was a man who in every respect merited the high esteem in which he was universally held, for he was a man of public spirit, intellectual attainment and exemplary character.

William Cosner was born in Wayne county, Indiana, August 25, 1835, and died in Clay township, Hendricks county, Indiana, April 3, 19 12. His parents were Anthony and Catherine (Phillips) Cosner, both of whom were born and reared in North Carolina. After their marriage they moved from that state to Indiana, settling in Wayne county, where they lived for five years, at the expiration of which time they moved to Hendricks county and located near Amo. Anthony Cosner here entered government land and started to carve out his fortune from the virgin wilderness. He built a log cabin, cleared the land and started to make a comfortable living for his large family. To Anthony and Catherine Cosner were born nine children : John, who married Eliza Whicker and, after her death, Louise Roily; Mahlan marmied first, Catherine Boswell, second, Susan VVeavel, and after her death, Elizabeth Bloom; Samuel, who married Nancy Walls; Lucinda, who became the wife of Moses Stanley, and after his death married Austin Williams; Sarah married William Page and, after his death, William Wilhite; Ann and Elizabeth died in infancy. The paternal grandparents of William Cosner reared a family of seven children, Anthony, father of the subject of this sketch, Mary, Hannah, Lovey Peggy, Elizabeth, William and Sarah. Anthony Cosner died in 1889, while his wife died in 1873.

William Cosner received his education, which was very limited indeed, in the schools of his home township. While still a small boy he started to work on his father's farm, where he continued to labor until his father's death, in 1889. However, before that date he built a home of his own and his father made his home with him.

William Cosner married Sarah E. Mine, the daughter of Winfiekl and Catherine (Reed) Hine. They were married during the Civil War, in April, 1862, and to this imion were born two children, Elma Leota and Alda Ketura. Elma Leota married Phineas Purcell, and has two children, Roy and Flora; the latter lives with her grandmother; Roy married Elizabeth Miller and has three children. Max, Elma L. and Dorothy. Alda married Walter Moon and has three children, Wilbur, Adna and Larue.

Mrs. Cosner's parents came from North Carolina to this state and first located near Coatesville in 1852. After remaining there for a short time they moved to Franklin township, this county, where they lived until their death. They were the parents of nine children: Sarah, the wife of Mr. Cosner; Mary, wife of Scott Askren; Loren married Nettie Wilcox; Leroy, deceased in infancy; Emma, wife of Albert Masten; Lucinda, wife of Milton Patterson; Jane, wife of James Hollowell; Laura and Roxey, who are unmarried, live in Danville. The mother of these children died January 17, 1899, and the father two days later. M^r. Cosner's maternal grandparents reared a family of eight children, Joseph, Winfiekl, Eli, Nathaniel, Louis, Roginia, Nancy and Jane.

Mr. Cosner was a life-long Republican and cast his first vote for John C. Fremont in 1856. He never asked his party for public office, being content to serve p.s a private in the ranks, doing what he did in the local caucuses (28) and primaries. His religious faith was that of the Baptists and throughout his long life he was a strong believer in the teachings of that denomination and lived according to these doctrines.' His life was characterized by its Christian beauty and character and it should be a model for coming generations in Hendricks county.

John Henry Hall

Clearly defined purpose and consecutive efifort in the affairs of life will inevitably result in the attaining of a due measure of success, but in following out the career of one who has attained success by his own efiforts there comes into view the intrinsic individuality which makes such accomplishment possible, and thus there is granted an objective incentive and inspiration, while at the same time there is enkindled a feeling of respect and admiration. The qualities which have made Mr. Hall one of the prominent and successful men of Clayton, have also brought him the esteem of his fellow townsmen, for his career has been one of well directed energy, strong determination and honorable methods.

John Henry Hall, who is living in comfortable retirement from the active duties of life, in his commodious home in Clayton, was born in 1837, at Zanesville, Ohio, the son of Greeneberry and Lydia (Thomas) Hall. He was a posthumous child, his father's death having occurred before his birth and he had the misfortune to also lose his mother before he was three years old. At his mother's death he was taken into the home of his maternal grandfather, Joseph M. Thomas, who was born and reared in Reading county, Pennsylvania. When the subject was about three and one-half years old, his grandfather moved to McConnellsville, Morgan county, Ohio, where he followed his trade of carpenter and millwright. There they remained until the subject was sixteen years of age, when the family removed to Clayton, where the years intervening until the outbreak of the Civil War were passed in quiet pursuits. Fired with a love of country, late in August, 1861, Mr. Hall enlisted in Company B, Seventh Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was with that regiment all through the three years service. In the winter of 1862 he was for several weeks confined in Windmill Hospital, and in June, 1864, at the crossing of the North Anna river, in Virginia, he was wounded while starting a skirmish line, running onto a rebel enforced skirmish line. He engaged in many of the leading battles of the war, among them being Green Brier, in West Virginia, Kernstown (generally called the battle of Winchester), and Port Republic. He was then placed in the Army of the Potomac and with that division was in the engagements at Fredericksburg, Cedar Mountain, the second battle of Bull Run, under General Pope, South Mountain and the battle of Antietam. He also was at Gettysburg and after that spent the winter in Virginia and on May 5th their division was brought into the battle of the Wilderness, that seven days of terrific fighting. He was also at Petersburg when the "Crater" was blown up and distinctly saw the explosion, being comparatively near at the time. In the latter part of September, 1864, he was mustered out of the service and came back to his home in Clayton, having come through his severe experiences in an exceptional manner. While still a youth and prior to his service in the army, he had learned the painter's trade and had worked at it for about three years. After his return home from the front, he engaged in the sewing machine business for a couple of years and then became connected with a Philadelphia publishing house, for whom he was on the road for about twenty-five years. They were publishers of maps, and his work took him all over the eastern, central and middle western states, preparing new maps and making corrections in ones then existing. After he severed his connection with his firm, on account of failing health, he settled down at Clayton again, where his home and family had always been.

Mr. Hall's political sympathies were with the Republican party and after quitting the road he began taking an active interest in local politics and was elected township trustee, which position he held for five years, the term having been extended by a Democratic Legislature, although he was of the opposition party. Then for six years thereafter he served as president of the county council and otherwise served his party. He was engaged in the coal business for four or five years and about the year 1908 retired from active business. Mr. Hall is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Clayton, a broad-minded man, well posted on current events and with a farreaching influence for good in his community.

In October, 1867, Mr. Hall was united in marriage with Angeline Sherman, born in Fall Creek township, Hamilton county, this state, near the town of Fortville. She is the daughter of Alonzo D. and Sarah (Hammond) Sherman and grew to womanhood on the place where she was born, but was living with her uncle, George Hammond, at the time she met Mr. Hall. To their union was born one daughter, Ora May, who passed from this life in 1891, at the age of twenty-two years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hall are devout members of the Christian church and give liberally toward the support of the local organization. Mr. Hall's fraternal affiliations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Hail is widely known as one of the most sagacious business men of his community and as a citizen of much public spirit, always interested in the common good. He has many friends and is a pleasant, sociable gentleman. He has always stood for progressive ideas, wholesome living and patriotism, and although his life has been without incident of a marked unusual nature, it has shown that steady, consecutive endeavor, coupled with honesty of purpose, will accomplish large results in the end..

Robert A. Edmoxdson

It IS the progressive, wide-awake man of affairs that makes the real history of a community and his influence as a potential factor of the body politic is difficult to estimate. The examples such men furnish of patient purpose and steadfast integrity strongly illustrate what is in the power of each to accomplish and there is alw ays a full measure of satisfaction in adverting, even in a casual way, to their achie\ements in advancing the interests of their fellowmen and in giving strength and solidity to the institutions which make so much for the prosperity of a community. Such a man is the worthy subject of this sketch, and as such it is proper that a review of his career be accorded a place among the representative citizens of the town and county in which he resides. Additional interest attaches to his career owing to the fact that his entire life has been passed within the bounds of this county.

Robert A. Edmondson was born on December 18, i86o, about two milesouth of Clayton, the son of Benjamin G. Edmondson. When he was si.x or seven years old they moved to within a short distance south of Clayton, and there he grew to manhood, attending the schools in Clayton, where he received his elementary education, and later studying at the Central Normal College. After completing his studies at Danville, he taught school for two terms. On April 22, 1883, he was united in marriage with Delia Appleby, born in Owen county, this state, the daughter of John and Rachael (Reitzel) Appleby, both of whom were reared in Hendricks county and were descendants of some of the earliest pioneer families of this locality. John Appleby was a farmer and lived for a time in Owen and Greene counties, later returning to this countv about the year 1880. For one year he lived on the John

V. Hadley farm, also resided near Belleville and later near Plainfield and finally purchased a farm near Avon, where he passed the remainder of his life, his death occurring there, where his widow continues to live.

After marriage, Mr. Edmondson went to farming for himself, spending about twelve years in Morgan county, where he purchased one hundred acres of land to begin with and has since added fifty-four more. He also owns more land adjoining it on this side of the county line. In the fall of 1895 he purchased a farm of thirty-six acres about a half mile south of Clayton, near where his boyhood days were passed, and there he erected a comfortable home right in the midst of a beautiful walnut grove, where he has since resided. Later he added eighty-five more acres to this tract and in all is possessed of some three hundred and fifty acres of land, all in an excellent state of cultivation, each acre attesting to the ability of the owner and marking him as one of the most up-to-date agriculturists of the county. In addition to his farming interests, Mr. Edmondson finds time to devote to other lines and since 1888 has been a notary public and has served se\eral times as executor or administrator of estates. During the summer of 1912 he took an active part in organizing the People's Bank and Trust Company of Clayton, which institution he has served as president since its organization. This company opened for business October 16, 1912, Clement Earl Kelley having been largely instrumental in bringing it into existence. The officers of the company are R. A. Edmondson, president: Amos L. Mitchell, vice-president; C. E. Kelley, cashier. The directors are R. A. Edmondson, Amos L. ]\Iitchell, W'illiam G. Peck, W. F. Martin, Charles B. ^^^orrell and Charles M. West. The company does a regular banking business and also acts as administrator, executor or trustee, sells insurance and deals in real e.-tate, etc. The capita! stock is twentj'-five thousand dollars, fully paid up, and the total assets in September, 1913, were nearly ninety thousand dollars. It owns its own building, built expressly for its occupancy and being a thoroughly modern business block.

Politically. Mr. Edmondson is a Democrat and active in local politics. In 1900 he was elected trustee of Liberty township, this county, which office he held a little over four years, his term expiring January i, 1905. He was the first Democrat to be elected trustee of that township, receiving a majority of sixty-five votes, when previously it had been going to the opposition by a majority of something near two hundred. Mr. Edmondson, therefore, was entitled to feel some elation over his victory, which was a distinct tribute to the popularity which he so richly deserves.

To Mr. and Mrs. Edmondson have been born five sons, the eldest, Clarence \^irgil, who married Mary Hopkins, residing two miles south of Clayton on the national road, where he is engaged in farming. He has two children, Walter and Esther. John Benjamin married Pearl Richardson and lives on the southern line of this county, where he owns a home of his own and is engaged in farming. He graduated from the agricultural department of Purdue Uni^-ersity in 19 11, and spent one year under the state geologist in soil survey work in Owen and JMorgan counties and for one year was assistant editor of the Farmers' Guide, a periodical published at Huntington, this state. Ralph W, married Osie Scott and lives on the subject's farm in the northern edge of Morgan county, which farm he operates in connection with his father. He is the father of one son, Lowell Robert. Samuel is attending Purdue University and will graduate in the spring of 1914 from the agricultural department, and Roy is also taking the agricultural course at the same university.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Edmondson are members of the Presbyterian church at Clayton, to which they contribute liberally of their means, having a sincere desire in seeing the rapid advancement of that society. Fraternally, Mr. Edmondson is afKliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in the workings of which order he takes a quiet interest. He is a man of excellent business ability, strict integrity and fine personal address and. because of his genuine worth and high character, he has long enjoyed a splendid reputation in the community honored by his residence. He gives his support to all movements for the advancement of his fellow citizens and is today numbered among the representative men of Hendricks county.

Columbus F. Edmonson

The biographer takes pleasure in presenting a few facts in the career of the gentleman whose name initiates this paragraph, one of the best known citizens of Hendricks county, Indiana, who by industry, perseverance and integrity has won for himself an enviable position in the financial standing of the community, and at the same time has so closely followed the correct principles of life that he stands today high in public estimation and regard. He has worked his way from an humble beginning to his present situation, which fact renders him the more worthy of the praise that is duly accorded him by his fellow men.

Columbus F. Edmonson is a native of Hendricks county, having been born in 185^ about two miles south of Clayton, the son of Benjamin G. Edmonson and wife, the sketch of whose lives appear at length elsewhere in this volume. The subject remained on the home farm until the time of his marriage on September 9, 1877, to Amy Thrift. She was born near Mount Ayer, Ringgold county, Iowa, the daughter of James and Sarah jane (Brown) Thrift. Both her parents were bom and reared in North Carolina, being natives of Randolph county, and were married before coming to the Hoosier state, where, in 1856, they located in Hendricks county in Eel River township, near North Salem. James Thrift was a son of David and Lydia (Parsons) Thrift, and his wife, Sarah Jane Brown, was the daughter of William and Susan Brown, all of whom were natives of North Carolina and came to this county at the same time. The Browns located near Avon and the thrifts in Eel River township. James Thrift and wife moved to Iowa after a short residence here, but returned because of his mother's failing health. After his mother's death, they returned to Iowa, where he purchased a farm and passed the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1899. His widow returned to this county and made her home with the subject and wife until the time of her death, March 13, 1913. Mrs. Edmonson remained with her parents in Iowa until the time of her marriage to the subject, after which event they began farming for themselves on a farm owned by Mr. Edmonson's father, which was located about two and one-half miles south of Clayton. There they remained imtil 1879, when they bought the Mitchell farm of one hundred and seven acres on the National road, where they remained until 1905, at which time they moved to Clayton, where they have since resided. Mr. Edmonson has been signally successful in his endeavors and has acquired considerable real estate. He has in all about two hundred and eighty acres in his homestead south of Clayton, he owns two hundred and sixty acres in Henry county near New Castle and is also interested in the Coldwater Land Company, which corporation owns cotton lands in the Mississippi delta. In addition to his general farming, he for many years bought and shipped live stock and became widely known in this connection. He is now actively interested in lumber yards located at Amo and Ben Davis, this county.

To Mr. and Mrs. Edmonson have been born four children. Alva, the eldest, married Florence Hanna, of Plainfield, daughter of Congressman Hanna. They reside in Chicago, where he is associated with the White Steamer Automobile Company as a salesman. He received his early education in the schools of Liberty township, later graduating from Plainfield

Academy. He then entered the mechanical engineering department of Purdue University, having been graduated therefrom in 1904, when he immediately became associated with the automobile company above mentioned. He is the father of one little daughter, Cornelia. Blanche, eldest daughter of Mr. Edmonson, attended Milliken University at Decatur, Illinois, after graduating from Plainiield Academy. She is the wife of Walter Thompson and lives on a farm on the National road. She is the mother of two children, Elizabeth and Luanna. Frank, who was graduated from Purdue University in 1909, is also engaged in farming, being located about two and one-half miles southwest of Clayton. He married Ollie Swearingen, of Mooresville. Ruth, the youngest daughter, is at present attending high school at Clayton. The family is one of the most highly esteemed of the community, being known as people of broad minds and laudable ambitions, and many are the influences for good which radiate from their home circle. The family is identified with the Presbyterian church, of which both Mr. and Mrs. Edmonson are members and to the support of which they contribute generously. Mr. Edmonson's fraternal affiliation is with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he has been a member for some time. He is aligned with the Democratic party and takes a keen interest in the administration of that party's affairs. While not desiring office for himself, he is known to wield a definite influence at the polls and is, therefore, reckoned with by those seeking the honor of public service. Mr. Edmonson has always been regarded as a man of high principles, honest in every respect and broad-minded. A man of good character, kindness of heart and ever willing to aid in any way any cause for the betterment of the community and the public with whom he has to deal, he is held in high favor and the utmost respect by all who know him.

John H. Bunten, Jr

That the plenitude of satiety is seldom attained in the affairs of life is to be considered a most beneficial deprivation, for where ambition is satisfied and every ultimate end realized, if such be possible, apathy must follow. Effort would cease, accomplishment be prostrate, and creative talent waste its energies in inactivity. The men who have pushed forward the wheels of progress have been those to whom satisfaction lies ever in the future, who have labored continuously, always finding in each transition stage an incentive for further efi:ort. Mr. Bunten is one whose well-directed eft'orts have gained for him a position of desirable prominence in the agricultural circles of Hendricks county, and his energy and enterprise have been crowned by a gratifying degree of success.

John H. Bunten, Jr., one of the most prominent stock breeders in central Indiana, was born September 2, 1869, in the township where he has resided all his life. His parents were John and Rebecca (Call) Bunten, his father being a native of Kentucky, coming to this county with his parents when he was five years of age. John Bunten, Sr., was born in 1818, and when his parents came to Marion townhip, this county, in 1823, his father, William Bunten, entered six hundred and forty acres of land from the government, where John H. now lives. John Bunten, Sr., married Rebecca Call, the daughter of John and Julia Call, who also were natives of Kentucky. They came to this township early in its history and entered a large tract of land here. John Bunten, Sr., died in 1895, and his wife passed away at the age of eighty. They reared a family of twelve children, eight of whom are still living: Mrs. Anna M. Wright; Laura B. ; Elmer, deceased; Oliver M., deceased; John H., the immediate subject of this sketch; Nora M., deceased; Thomas O. ; Edgar, deceased; Alice R. ; Obediah; Roscoe G., and one who died in infancy. Laura B. Bunten is a successful breeder of pure-bred Buff Rock and Buff Orpington chickens.

John H. Bunten has never married and now lives with his sister, Laura B., on the old homestead farm. He received his common school education in the district schools of Hendricks county, and has spent his entire life on the farm where he was born. He has made a fine reputation as a breeder of fine live stock and makes a specialty of Poland-China hogs, handling only the best and purest breeds. He also handles Shropshire sheep and keeps his herd to a high state of efificiency. For several years he also kept pedigreed Shorthorn cattle, but recently dispoised of his herd and now deals only in hogs and sheep. He has yearly sales for his stock, at which there are large crowds of buyers present and high prices are paid for his stock. He advertises his sales widely and thus brings together prominent buyers from all parts of the state, who are anxious to secure some of his well bred stock. Mr. Bunten is considered an expert judge of hogs and is a member of the National Association of Poland-China Breeders. On his farm of two hundred acres he raises considerable grain and other crops, but his main attention is devoted to live stock.

Mr. Bunten is Republican in politics, but has never taken an active interest in the affairs of his party. He has never felt inclined to indulge in the various political fights which feature campaigns, preferring to devote his at- tention to his live stock and other interests. He is well known throughout the county and is regarded everywhere as a man of his word and one whose integrity is never questioned in the slightest degree. He is a quiet, unassuming and genial man and has many warm personal friends throughout the county. His sister, who lives with him, is also interested in the success of her brother and has contributed in no small measure to his success. They are very hospitable people and are highly esteemed by every one in their neighborhood.

Amos L. Mitchell

Although not an old man in years, the gentleman whose life record is herein outlined has in no uncertain manner stamped his individuality upon the locality where he resides, being an excellent representative of that type of the much-heralded American business man - the type that does things. He is one of the most progressive agriculturists of the county, conducting his business along lines approved by science and good usage. He believes that for a greater amount of money invested in a business and properly managed, one earns a greater per cent, of profit, and, therefore, all facilities for the conduct of his business are the most up-to-date obtainable. There are individuals in 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 personality serves as a stimulus and incentive to the young and rising generation. To this energetic and enterprising class the subject of this review very properly belongs.

Amos L. Mitchell was born on October 21, 1871, in Liberty township, this county, the son of William C. and Elizabeth (Wills) Mitchell. William Mitchell was a native of Tennessee and when five years old was brought to this state by his parents, Samuel and Polly Mitchell. The family settled in Liberty township, where Samuel engaged in farming. He was also a minister of the Presbyterian church and preached in Hendricks and Carroll counties. He later moved to Carroll county and there his death occurred as a result of injuries received in a runaway accident. His son William, father of the immediate subject of this sketch, passed the days of his boyhood and youth in Liberty township and all his life was engaged in farming. During the dark days of the sixties he gave three years of service to the Union. He enlisted as lieutenant of Company C, Seventieth Regiment Indiana \'olunteer Infantr}-, and a short time after enlistment was made captain. His regiment was part of the division known as the Army of the Potomac and went all through the various engagements of the Cumberland campaign, later going with General Sherman on the famous march to the sea. He received his honorable discharge from the army in July, 1865, and immediately returned to his home in this county, where he gathered up the threads of life where he had laid them down to answer the nation's call. He owned a farm of two hundred and forty acres and there lived out the remaining number of his days. In this farm the subject of this sketch now owns a half interest. William Mitchell's death occurred in 1897, in his sixty-third year. He was the father of seven children. Those, beside the subject and a little son Alva, who died in infancy, are: Alary L. (Mrs. Candy) ; Charles, deceased; Nanny Garrison (Mrs. Reid), who is now a widow; Howard, and Belle, who married Vinson S. Hamlin and lives west of Clayton. In his early manhood Mr. Mitchell had united with the ancient order of Freemasonry, in which order he kept his membership until a short time before his death. He was also a member of the -Grand Army of the Republic and his religious affiliation was with the Presbyterian church. Politically, he was a Democrat, but had never taken an active interest in politics.

Amos L. Mitchell spent his early days on his father's farm, learning from him the secrets of successful husbandry and in his boyhood days attended the district schools of the township, where he received his elementary education. Later in life he took the three-year philosophical course at De- Pauw University, Greencastle, this state. He chose farming as his life's vocation and all his efforts have been expended along this and kindred lines. In addition to his home farm, located a short distance north of Clayton and comprising some hundred and twenty acres, he also owns three hundred acres of cypress timbered land in Obion county, western Tennessee. About one hundred and sixty acres of this is now under cultivation, the entire acreage being turned to the production of cotton. His home farm is in perfect condition, showing the master mind, and all buildings, etc., are in the best possible condition and thoroughly modern. On this farm is what is considered the best barn in the county. In it is every possible convenience, including two large silos and a modern machine milker. Mr. Mitchell operates a fme Holstein dairy, having sixty-six head of partly pure bred stock. On January i, 19 14, he purchased at Toledo, Ohio, a number of these tine bred cattle, which came to him from one of the famous homes of the breed in Canada. In addition to his dairy herd, he is also a breeder and has some fine specimens of this excellent breed to dispose of. Mr. Mitchell is progressive in every sense of the word and this, coupled with his untiring energy and high ambition, marks him as a business man of unusual ability. He is a man of genial temperament and a most delightful companion. He is a friend to all and gladly extends a helping hand wherever he sees an opportunity to do good. Any cause having as its object the promotion of the moral, social or educational life of the community finds in him an earnest advocate and, needless to add, such a man stands high in public estimation, while by a large number of close friends he is held in warm regard.

On October 2, 1896, Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage with Myrtle Rains, daughter of Hiram and Sarah (Owen) Rains. She is the granddaughter of Hiram Rains and is his adopted daughter, having been adopted by him at the age of nine months. To Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have been born two sons, Owen and Richard. Both Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell are earnest and sincere members of the Presbyterian church at Clayton and give liberally toward the support of the local society. Mr. Mitchell is a Democrat, but does not find much time to devote to his party, having his hands well filled with his large and growing business.

Mark Mills Short

Among the best-known citizens of Hendricks county is the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. A member of one of the old and highly esteemed families of this part of the state, he is a public-spirited man of affairs and, while still young in years, has stamped the impress of his individuality upon the community and added luster to the honorable name which he bears. Always scrupulously honest in all his relations with his fellow men, he has left no stone unturned whereby he might benefit his own condition as well as that of his neighbors and friends and consequently he has long ago won the favor of a great number of people of this county. Among the progressive young business men of this section, there is none who stand higher than he and, in view of what he has already accomplished, it is safe to predict that his kindly influence will grow through the coming years, bringing still greater good to the locality honored by his residence.

Mark M. Short was born on May 22. 1879, in Center township, this countv, the family at that time residing just north of Clayton, and is the son of Benjamin Franklin and Lydia Jane (Coble) Short, the former of whom first saw the light of day on June 24, 1834, at Centerville, Wayne county, this state, and the latter being a native of this county, born on March 31, 1843, on what used to be known as the Coble farm, located about three miles east of Stilesville. Benjamin Franklin Short was the third in a family of seven children, and, when a small child, was taken by his parents to Missouri, where for a year they resided near Hannibal. However, being dissatisfied with the conditions of that region, they returned to the Hoosier state, this time taking up their residence in Hendricks county, where the family since resided. He attended the early subscription schools of his day, pursuing his search after knowledge alone and unaided through many difficult subjects, and when a young man he labored as an instructor of youth, beginning first at Hall, Morgan county, in 1857 and later teaching at the Lake David, Christie and Spicklemire school houses, all being old educational landmarks. He later gave his attention to farming, at which he passed the majority of his years, and a few years before his death he retired from active labor on the farm and became a citizen of Clayton, there to pass his remaining years in quietude. He passed from this life on October 2, 1908, being in the seventy-fifth year of his age. He was twice married, his first wife being Mary A. Stephenson, to whom he was united on September 2, 1858. She died at Danville on February 15, 1872, their union being without issue. On April 13, 1873, Mr. Short was again united in marriage, his bride being Lydia J. Coble. To their union were born three children, namely: Otis William, now living in Missouri ; Charlees Young, who lives in Coatesville, this county, and the immediate subject of this sketch. At his death these three sons and the widow survived. For many years he had been a devout member of the Christian church and ordered his life in accordance with the tenets of that faith.

Lydia Jane Coble, mother of the subject, was the youngest in a family of ten children, being the daughter of George and Mary Coble. She was of a quiet, retiring disposition and of great strength of character. When young she availed herself of all possible opportunities for improvement and acquired a good general education as well as skill in all the arts and duties that fall within the sphere of a devoted wife and mother. On December 4, 1865, she united with the Cherry Grove Methodist Episcopal church, later transferring her membership to the Clayton church when they took up their residence there, and remained a devout and faithful member of the church militant until her passing away. After the death of her husband, she remained in her home in Clayton until failing health made her dependent on the loving care of children. She died March 17, 191 1, in her sixty-eighth year. She had lived to see her sons established in life, and, happy in their happiness, had been content to go the way of all mankind. She was also survived by a brother, Elihu Coble, of Stilesville, and a sister, Mrs. John Worrell, of Clayton.

Mark M. Short spent his boyhood days on the homestead farm in Center township, near the Liberty township line. He attended the district schools of that locality, where he received his elementary education, finishing his studies at Clayton. In 1895 he left Center township and moved north of Clayton, where he farmed for about one year, when he disposed of his holdings and moved to Clayton. On September 11, 1901, Mr. Short was united in marriage with Ruth A., daughter of Thomas J. and Tilitha (Tudor) Miles. After marriage he took up his residence on the farm where he now makes his home and carries on general farming in addition to operating a dairy. He owns in all about three hundred acres of land, seventyfive of this being in his residence farm. In addition to his farm duties, he owns and operates the health resort known as Camp Short, located on his farm about three miles northeast of Clayton. This is a beautiful spot, in an ideal stretch of country, and is known for its sparkling spring of artesian water of rare qualities. There are many visitors to this place throughout the year who come for the waters and Mr. Short now has a summer home there. It is a very attractive place and especially conducive to recreation during the summer season.

yir. Short's fraternal affiliations are with the Free and Accepted Masons and also the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding his membership in these two bodies through the local lodges at Clayton. In politics, Mr. Short is a "stand-pat" Republican and an earnest advocate of the principles of that party, although not taking any active part in the administration of his party's affairs. He is a man of quiet and retiring disposition, but genial and friendly and counts his friends and acquaintances in great numbers. The family is regarded among the first of their community, a charming family circle wherein the two children, Paul M. and Helen L., are being trained so as to fit them for useful and happy lives when they come to years of maturity. Mr. Short is a man of sterling honesty and strict integrity who has the trust and confidence of all with whom he comes in contact. His past record and personal character justify the belief that the future holds in store for him far greater success than he has already achieved and a wider range of usefulness to mankind than has 3'et been his privilege.

Thomas Howard Mitchell

Almost all of the great men of history come from the farm. Few heroes have come from the slums and fewer still from palaces. To call a man a farmer is to class him in the same scale as George Washington, our tirst President; Abraham Lincoln, our martyred President, or any one of a dozen governors of Indiana. It is plain common folk who have characteristics. In cultured, select society every one is alike ; they all appear to have been poured into the same mold. In a wealthy club all men's clothes are new, they all look alike, and especially since they are all cut by the most fashionable tailors, while among people who have but one week-day suit the garment becomes creased and molded to the body. Indeed, it is the farmer who is to save our nation today, as his is the hand which holds the purse-strings of the land.

Thomas Howard Mitchell, the son of Columbus and Elizabeth (Wills) Mitchell, was born May 22, 1869, on the National road south of Clayton, Hendricks county, Indiana. Since the family history of the Mitchells has been traced in the sketch of Amos Mitchell, a brother of Thomas H., in another part of this volume, the reader is referred to that sketch for the genealogy of the Mitchell family.

Thomas H. Mitchell has lived all of his life on the farm where he was born. He received a good, common-school education and early began the life of a farmer, and is now the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land which he has well improved in every wa_v. While raising all the crops common to this locality, he has made a specialty of the dairy business. He keeps thoroughbred Holstein cattle for his dairy herd, and has a barn which has been built especially for dairy purposes. It is equipped with all the nioilern conveniences and contrivances for the sanitary protection of milk. He has patent milking machines installed in his barn and this is the only dairy in the township which has them. His equipment in the barn is run by gas engines. In addition to his farming and dairying, he also manages a threshing machine outfit during the summer season, and for the past four years has added not a little to his annual income from the operation of this outfit.

Mr. Mitchell was married September 30, 1891, to Ella Givan, the daughter of George M. and Ann Givan. George Givan was born Time 19, 1827, in Dearborn county, Indiana, and was a lifelong farmer and carpenter. His parents were Gilbert T. and Sarah (Merrill) Givan, who were natives of Maryland and Virginia, respectively. They came to Dearborn county, Indiana, earlv in its historv and lived on a farm there for over fiftv years

George Givan died May 29, 1906, his wife having passed away several years previous, on November 11, 1902. Mr. and Mrs. George Givan were the parents of eleven children, John F., Mrs. Mary Bell Bruce, Sanford E., Mrs. Harriet J. Smith, Sarah E., Mrs. Eva A. Farquer, Charles M., Mrs. Ella J. Mitchell (the wife of Thomas H. Mitchell). Harry R., Erving, deceased, and Mrs. Cora A. Slater.

Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have one child, Carl Columbus, born April 26, 1894, who is still with his parents. The family are all members of the Presbyterian church at Clayton, Indiana, and Mr. Mitchell has been an elder in the church for the past ten years. Politically, he is a Democrat, but has never been inclined to take a very active part in politics. Fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and is now serving his fourth year as master of the lodge at Clayton. He is a man of splendid characteristics which have won for him a wide circle of friends in the community where he has lived his whole career.

Samuel Barber

A review of the life of the honored subject of this biographical sketch must of necessity be brief and general in its character. To enter fully into the interesting details of the career of ]\Ir. Barber, touching the earnest and persistent efforts of his earlier years and successes of later days, would far transcend the limits of this article. He has filled a large place in the ranks of the enterprising and public-spirited men of his day and has been an important factor in the growth and development of North Salem's industrial and commercial interests.

Samuel Barber, a prominent retired business man of Xonh Salem, Indiana, was born April 25, 1840, in Montgomery county, this state, the son of John and Annie (Cunningham) Barber, both of whom were born in Botetourt county, Virginia, where they grew up and where they were married. Shortly after their marriage, they came to Indiana and entered government land near Ladoga, Moiitgomer}' county, where they lived for about thirty-five years. Some years before the Civil War they came to Hendricks county and settled about one and one-half miles north of North Salem, but after a short time they went back to Montgomery county, and still later went to Boone county, this state, where they located on a farm near Jamestown, where they lived for the remainder of their Hves. John Barber and his wife were the parents of two children, Samuel and Eliza. Eliza married Roland Alexander and died about the year 1878.

Samuel Barber lived with his parents until his marriage, at the age of twenty. He was married September g, i860, to Mary Ann Robbins, a native of North Carolina. Her parents, Jacob and Barbara Robbins, came from North Carolina and settled three miles south of North Salem when Mrs. Barber was only about one year old. After his marriage Mr. Barber operated a farm near North Salem for about fifteen years, after which he engaged in the lumber business at North Salem, which he followed for the rest of his active life. He was in partnership with F. M. Davis until the latter's death, which occurred in 1887, and from that time until 1909 he managed the business alone. In the latter year Smith Davis became a partner and the business is still continued under the firm name of Barber & Davis. In addition to his lumber interests, Mr. Barber owns a farm of eighty acres north of North Salem, and also formerly owned two hundred acres of good land in addition, which he gave to his daughter, Annie, the only child of his first marriage. The first wife of Mr. Barber died July 9, 1908, and on February 2, 1910, Mr. Barber married Mrs. Mary Jane Cusick, the widow of Joseph Cusick, who was born at Freeburg, near Belleville, Illinois, the daughter of George W. and Martha (Smith) Smith. In 1865 her parents moved to Douglas county, Illinois, where she grew to womanhood and married Mr. Cusick. After her marriage she lived at Terre Haute until her husband died, in July, 1907, after which she moved to Newman, Illinois, where she remained until her marriage to Mr. Barber. Annie, the only child of Mr. Barber, married Elbert Hays, and has one daughter, Hattie. Mr. and Mrs. Hays live on the home farm of Mr. Barber which he bought.

Mr. Barber has been a life-long Republican in politics, and has alwa}"^ taken an active part in the councils of his party. He and his wife are consistent members of the Christian church and he is a member of the board of trustees. For a man of seventy-four years, Mr. Barber is remarkably well preserved and active, and would easily pass for a man twenty years younger. His long life in this community has made him an influential factor in the growth of the town and vicinity and because he has always been ready to lend his aid and support to all laudable measures and enterprises for the welfare of his community, he is very popular with the people of his town and vicinity.

John C. Rynerson

It is ahvays pleasant and profitable to contemplate the career of a man who has won a definite goal in life, whose career has been such as to command the honor and respect of his fellow citizens. Such, in brief, was the record of the well-known agriculturist whose name heads this sketch, than whom a more whole-souled or popular man it would be difficult to find within the limits of Hendricks county, where he maintained his home and where he labored not only for his individual advancement and that of his immediate family, but also for the improvement of the entire community, whose interests he ever had at heart.

John C. Rynerson, whose death occurred on May 17, 1914, was born on March 7, 1835, in Liberty township, this county, the son of John and Elizabeth (Cunningham) Rynerson, the former of whom was a native of Salt River, Mercer county, Kentucky, and was a life-long farmer. He was born in Kentucky in 1795 and died in Owen county, this state, in 1864, at the age of sixty-nine years. When he first came to Hendricks county it is thought that he probably entered government land about one mile northeast of Clayton. He later returned to Kentucky, but after a short time again came to Indiana, this time locating in Belleville, this county, at the time when the immediate subject of this sketch was four years old. In addition to his duties as a farmer, he was a minister in the Missionary Baptist church, devoting all the time possible to the work of the Gospel in different counties in the state. He took an active part in politics during the dark days of the Civil War and was an extremist against slavery. He was a stanch Republican, being among the first to affiliate with the party at its birth. He never held any offices, but was at one time active in the race for delegate to the constitutional convention. He did not belong to any secret orders, giving all his time to his ministerial labors and the work of conducting his farm. He had an excellent farm in Liberty township, which he had wrested from the grasp of the wilderness. He was twice married, his first wife being Elizabeth Cunningham, by whom he became the father of eleven children, namely : William L., deceased, as are also James H. and Thomas Christopher. The fourth child was Ary Adeline (Mrs. Willis) and the fifth child in order of birth was the immediate subject of this sketch. Mary Ann (Mrs. Worrell), Sarah Frances (Mrs. Worrell), Laura (Mrs. Goss), and Elizabeth (Mrs. Moon), all deceased. Two other daughters are Jane (Mrs. Worrell) and Martha (Mrs. Cooper). The first Mrs. Rynerson was a native of ]\Iercer county. Kentucky, and died at the age of forty-one years, in 1853. Her parents were also natives of the same county in Kentucky.

Mr. Rynerson chose as his second wife Sarah Goss, daughter of George and Mary (Goss) Goss, both of whom were natives of Owen county, this state. To this union were born five children, three of whom are dead. These are Justin, Jessie (Mrs. Eaton) and Eddie (Mrs. Goss) ; the surviving members of the family are Merlin and George.

John C. Rynerson received his schooling in the township schools of this county and when quite young began to take an active interest in the home fami. He has devoted the entire efforts of his life to the vocation of farming and is unusually well informed along this line. He owns one hundred and three acres of excellent land located close to the Pennsylvania railroad tracks in Liberty township, this county.

On October 24, i860, Mr. Rynerson was united in wedlock with Sarah Jane, daughter of James and Salinda (Darnell) Ferguson, the former of whom was a native of Virginia and the latter born at Mount Sterling, Kentucky. He was a carpenter and also farmed some. When but fourteen years of age, he came with his father from their native state. He was born in 1816 and died in Liberty township in 1872. With his parents he settled about two miles northeast of Clayton. On February 28, 1839, he was united in marriage with Salinda Darnell, whose parents had come to the Hoosier state from Mount Sterling, Kentucky. Her death occurred in 1863 on the homestead in Liberty township. They were the parents of nine children, the eldest of whom was Sarah Jane, wife of the immediate subject of this sketch; iNIartha A. ("Sirs. Jackson), Frank C., Mary (Mrs. Robinson), Alonzo, all of whom are living. Those who have passed away are Louisa E. (Mrs. Haynes), Alice (Mrs. Thompson), Emma, who died when seven years old, and one babe which died in early infancy.

To Mr. and Mrs. Rynerson have been born a family of seven children, two of whom, John Lucien and Jennie Belle, died when young. Viola, the eldest daughter, married Milo McCormick, who is a farmer and trader and resides in Clayton. They have no family. Minnie became the wife of Ora Mountain (now deceased), a hardware and impjement merchant at Clayton. He died in 1913, leaving two children, Paul and Carl, both of whom reside at home and Paul now manages the business for the widow. Elizabeth is the wife of John Lucas, of Des Moines, Iowa. He is now retired from active labors, but has filled various offices for the past sixteen years, being ex-treasurer of his county. They are the parents of two children, Xoble and Chester. William took as his wife Anna Downing and they have two children, Hazel and Calvin. He is an operator for the Western Union Telegraph Company and is at present stationed somewhere in Colorado. Ernest married Maude Pruitt and lives on his father's farm in Liberty township. He is the father of one son, Max.

Mr. Rynerson's political affiliation was for many years with the Republican party. His first vote after reaching his majority was cast for Fremont, the Jiepublican nominee for President in 1856, and during his earlier manhood he was a most enthusiastic Republican, but of later years he has been rather independent in his politics, choosing the man in preference to the party or platform. Mr. Rynerson is a member of the Christian church at Clayton and, together with his wife, does all within his power to promote the cause of the church. He has served his society as deacon for many years. His fraternal affiliation is with the ancient order of Freemasonry, being a member of Lodge No. 463 at Clayton. Mr. Rynerson is a man of unusually fine character, standing "four-scjuare to every wind that blows." His is a well-rounded and useful life, showing true blue in all his relations with his fellow men. He is quiet and unassuming, a man of sterling qualities and well grounded principles, and during the years of his residence here he has endeared himself to a great circle of friends and acquaintances who regard him with all confidence and esteem. While Mr. Rynerson has exceeded man's allotted span of three score- years and ten, being seventy-nine years old at this time, he is hale and hearty, unusually well preserved both bodily and mentally.

David B. Wills

David B. Wills belongs to that class of men who win in life's battles by sheer force of personality and determination, rather than by the influence of friends or freak of fortune, and in whatever he has undertaken he has shown himself to be a man of ability and honor, true to whatever trusts have been imposed in him. Mr. Wills was born in Clayton, Hendricks county, Indiana, on October 25, 1856, the son of Amos Stewart and Lucinda (Tateman) Wills.

Amos S. Wills was born in Montgomery county, Kentucky, in 1809, and came to Hendricks county in 183 1 where he settled north of Clayton and entered land from the government. He had received a fairly good education in his native state and was by natural ability a leader among men. He was a stanch advocate of the principles of the Republican party and a devout member of the ancient order of Freemasonry, of which order he became a member soon after attaining his majority. Prior to coming to this state, he was united in marriage with Lucinda Tateman, born in his native county on May 8, 1815. Shortly after coming to Hendricks county, Mr. Wills was elected to the office of justice of the peace, which office he held for sixty consecutive years, a truly enviable record. So wise and impartial was he in his administration of justice that in all his years of service he had never had a decision of his reversed on appeal. His death occurred at Clayton in 1892, and was a distinct loss to the community. In every community some men are known for their upright lives, strong common sense and moral worth, rather than for their wealth or political standing. Their neighbors and acquaintances respect them, the younger generations heed their examples and when they "wrap the drapery of their couch about them and lie down to pleasant dreams,"' posterity listens with reverence to the story of their quiet and useful lives. Among such men of a past generation in Indiana was the late Amos Stewart Wills, who was not only a progressive man of affairs, but a man of modest and unassuming demeanor, a fine type of the reliable, selfmade American, a friend to the poor, charitable to the faults of his neighbors and who always stood ready to unite with them in every good work and active in the support of laudable public interests. He was proud of the grand state of Indiana and zealous of its progress and prosperity. He was a man who in every respect merited the high esteem in which he was universally held, for he was a man of public spirit, intellectual attainments and exemplar)- character. During the latter years of his life, both he and his good wife made their home in Clayton with the immediate subject of this sketch, and there she, too, passed away in 1897. While Amos S. Wills never united with any church, yet throughout his life he lived the life of a devout Christian and no communicant could order his life more carefully nor more in conformity with the principles laid down by the Master than did he. He was a regular attendant on the services of the Christian church and contributed liberally of both time and means to further the great cause. In all his activities in this direction he was ably assisted by his devoted wife. They were the parents of thirteen children, one of whom, William Henry Harrison, died in infancy and Lena Leota passed away at the age of sixteen years. Several others of the family have passed away, being James Irwin, Elizabeth (Mrs. Mitchell), John W., Parker, Mary Ruth and another infant. Those remaining, in addition to the immediate subject of this sketch, are Eldridge, Nancy Jane (Mrs. Garrison), Taylor Allen and Lilly Belle (Mrs. Farcjuer).

David B. Wills passed the years of his early boyhood on the home farm, attending the township schools and assisting in the home work. Deciding against the vocation of farming as his life work, at the age of fifteen he was apprenticed to the carpenter's trade, which he followed for nearly thirty years, confining his efforts largely to work within the limits of this county. . About 1901 he associated himself with a partner and engaged in the lumber business, later purchasing his partner's interest. He has continued alone in this enterprise and by his ability and energy has built up a large and thriving business. Mr. Wills is a worthy son of his excellent father and has come to his position as one of the leading business men of Clayton through the practice of the principles implanted in him during his childhood. Mr. Wills' religious afiiliation is with the Presbyterian church, of which he is an active and devout member. His fraternal affiliation is with the Free and Accepted Masons, being a meml^er of Lodge No. 463 at Clayton. Politically, he is a Republican with decidedly progressive views. His integrity has ever been unassailable, his honor unimpeachable, and he stands now, as he has stood in the past, one of the successful men and representative citizens of the day and generation. He is a busy man, but he finds time and opportunity to take an interest in matters pertaining to the progress and growth of his communitv and county and keeps abreast of the times on all questions of vital interest. Mr. and Mrs. Wills are the parents of seven children, three of whom have passed away. These are Carl, Esther and Helen, who died in infancy. The others are Eva, Luella, George and Frank, the last three named remaining at home.

The gift of life is so mysterious that when that other mystery which we call death interrupts the current of human hopes and aspirations, we know not in what new channel the spirit may be turned, but if the life has been characterized by uprightness and honor everything that it has touched in its onward passage must have received a beneficent inspiration.

In the various relations of life the late Leander M. Campbell, of Danville, gave to the world the best of an essentially strong, noble and loyal nature; his life was guided and governed by the highest principles of integrity and honor; he was humanity's friend and his nature was attuned to tolerance and sympathy. Mr. Campbell was a pioneer member of the Hendricks county bar, and for a long lapse of years he was recognized as one of the leaders of his profession, figuring prominently in nearly all the important litigation of the county. His fine capabilities and upright character endeared him to a large circle of friends, and he was honored by a lucrative clientele and called to positions of high official trust, being at different times a member of both houses of the Indiana Legislature.

Leander M. Campbell was a native of Lewis county, Kentucky, 'born February 12, 1833, and he was a son of Lewis and Susan Campbell, both of whom died in the state of Kentucky. Leander was educated in the common schools of his community, and studied law with his brother in Maysville, Kentucky. He came to Indiana before attaining his legal majority, and settled on section 17 in Middle township, Hendricks county, in 1852. He was too young to be admitted to the bar, and so he taught school for a few years, being at one time principal of the Belleville school. A few years later he was admitted to the bar and was actively engaged in the practice of his profession up to the time of his death. As a lawyer he showed abilities of the most solid and definite order, gaining success by close application and the effective employment of his talents, and ever observing those unwritten ethics through whose influence the dignity and honor of the profession are maintained. He was not long in attending high prestige as one of the representative members of the bar of Hendricks county, a bar notable at the present time, as in the past, for the professional brilliancy and marked precedence of its general personnel. Broad and comprehensive knowledge of the law and a distinct facility in its application, both as a trial lawyer and a counselor, enabled him to build up a very substantial practice. This success in the work of his profession was cumulative and his prestige grew apace, so that at the time of his death he stood in the front ranks as a lawyer.

As a citizen Mr. Campbell occupied an equally high place in the community, being ever mindful of those moral obligations that the highest citizenship entails. His long residence in the county gave him an extensive acquaintance and endeared him to many people who will be moved to appreciation and admiration of this brief tribute to a man essentially simple and unostentatious in his tastes and habits, one of the world's faithful and producti\e workers whose success was worthily won.

Leander M. Campbell was first married September 19, 1852, to Matilda Hammond, by whom he had four children, only one of whom is now living, Mrs. Cora Campbell Barnett, of Indianapolis. On June 15, 1867, he was married to Lucinda Hamrick, a daughter of A. D. and Eliza (Simpson) Hamrick, both natives of Mason county, Kentucky. The Hamrick family is one of the most prominent families of Putnam county, Indiana, members of the family figuring largely in the political and civic life of the county for several generations. A. D. Hamrick was a prosperous farmer and lived to the venerable age of ninety-two. He was a prominent politician and Republican party worker, being a special friend of Governor Oliver P. Morton. His father was in the Revolutionary War.

Leander M. Campbell was a stalwart in the camp of the Republican party, and he was an effective exponent of its principles and policies. Fraternally, he was a prominent Odd Fellow. Mr. Campbell died at his home in Danville June 16, 1890. Mrs. Campbell, a woman of rare culture and charming personality, still resides in the Danville home, a home endeared to her by the associations of the past, long known for its generous and refined hospitality.

Viewed in its clear perspective, the life of Leander M. Campbell counted for much. He made for himself a secure place in. popular confidence and esteem, and while he now rests from his labors, his name is graven deeply in the hearts of a legion of friends who came in touch with his large and generous influence.

Jonathan F. Phillips

In placing the late Jonathan F. Phillips in the front rank of the leading men of his community, justice is rendered a biographical fact universally recognized throughout the locality long honored by his citizenship by those at all familiar with his history. Although a quiet and unassuming man, with no ambition for public position or leadership, he contributed much to the material, civic and moral advancement of his community, while his admirable qualities of head and heart and the straightforward, upright course of his daily life won for him the esteem and confidence of the circles in which he moved, and, although he is now sleeping the "sleep of the just," his influence still lives and his memory is greatly revered.

Jonathan F. Phillips, who was the owner of one hundred and fifty acres of fine farming land in Clay township, this county, was born in the township where his entire life was spent, on April 16, 1840, and died in the home where he spent so many happy years, October 28, 1907. He was the son of Samuel and Rachel (Newm.an) Phillips, his father being a native of North Carolina, his birth having occurred there on July 6, 1808, while his mother also was born in the same state on March 16, 1818. When Samuel Phillips was a young man he and his parents came to Wayne county, Indiana, where they remained until the death of his father, which occurred about one year later. He, with his mother, came to Hendricks county, settling in Clay township, where he remained until his death, which occurred July 31, 1880. Samuel Phillips was married to Rachel Newman, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Pool) Newman, and to this union were born nine children: Jonathan, the immediate subject of this sketch; Susannah, born November 11, 1841, who married Enoch Harlan; Albert Lorenzo, born March 27, 1844; Lewis, born December 12, 1846, married Rozella Masten ; Samuel E., born November 5, 1849, deceased; Sallie, born July 10, 1852, married William Shirley; John N., born June 24, 1855, married Joanna Ratclifif ; Oliver P., born October 28, 1858, first married Ella Swain, and after her death he married Addie O'Neal; Emery, born November 3, 1863, first married Rosa Justice, and after her death, Martha Parker.

Jonathan F. Phillips received all of his common school education in the district schools of Clay township, and when still a very young man he began to work on the farm. He continued to reside on the home farm, helping his father, until his marriage, which occurred on March 23, 1868, at which time he was married to Makina Couch, who was a daughter of Samuel and Lydia (Hunt) Couch, and to this union were born five children: Alma C, who is a teacher and a very cultured woman; Lora, the wife of Milton West; Aldus W., who married Edna Atkins and has three children, Myron A., Mary M. and Edith Alma; Amanda died at the age of twenty-two years; Olney W. is unmarried and at home with his mother.

The parents of Mrs. Phillips were both natives of North Carolina, where they lived all their lives. They reared a family of five children: Tilghman, who married Eusebia Stanley ; Steven, who married Rena Nowlin ; Makina, the wife of Mr. Phillips; George married Mary Peratt, and Walter, who is unmarried. Mrs. Phillips' father died in 1847 a^nd her mother in 1893.

Mr. Phillips was a life-long Republican and, while favoring the principles of that party, he was not a partisan to the degree that blinded him to the faults of local candidates on his own party ticket. He always reserved the right to cast his vote in local elections for the best candidate, irrespective of party. He was always a loyal member of the Grand Army of the Republic, having served for sixteen months during the Civil War in Company B, One Hundred Seventeenth Regiment Volunteer Infantry. His service was eminently satisfactory and upon an honorable discharge from the service he returned to Hendricks county. He and the members of his family were loyal and devoted adherents of the Methodist Episcopal church, and during his life he was a regular attendant on the services of that denomination. He was always a sympathetic and ready helper in all enterprises which had for their object the welfare of the community. His upright and manly life won for him a large circle of friends throughout the township who sincerely mourn his loss.

Mordecai Carter

A review of the life of the honored subject of this biographical sketch must of necessity be brief and general in its character. To enter fully into the interesting details of the career of Mr. Carter, touching the earnest and persistent efforts of his earlier years and successes of later days, would far transcend the limits of this article. He has filled a large place in the ranks of the enterprising and public-spirited men of his day and has been an important factor in the growth and development of Danville's industrial and commercial interests. Within the past few years he has become identified with banking and other financial institutions in Indianapolis, although he still retains a part of his interests in Danville.

Mordecai Carter, vice-president of the Continental National Bank and president of the State Savings and Trust Company, both of Indianapolis, was born near Plainfield, Hendricks county, Indiana. His parents, Newlin and Beulah (Hunt) Carter, were both natives of this county, his father living the life of a farmer until his death, in July, 1912. Mr. and Mrs. Newlin Carter reared a family of eight children, seven of whom are living: Dr. Amos Carter, of Plainfield; Mrs. Lydia H. Cope, of Plainfield; Mordecai, the immediate subject of this sketch; Mrs. Sarah S. Gilbert, of Grand Junction, Colorado; Caleb H., vice-president of the American State Bank of Indianapolis; Mrs. Margaret Mills, of West Newton, Indiana; Alonzo J., of Yorba Linda, California, and Rachel Elina. who died in February, 1912. Mr Carter was born on his father's farm and lived there until he was nearly grown. He received his common-school education in the district schools of his home township and then entered the high school at Plainfield. Immediately after leaving high school he engaged in the hardware and' lumber business at Plainfield, where he remained for two years. He then went into the implement and buggy business, which he followed for the next two years, at the expiration of which time he was appointed deputy auditor of Hendricks county under John Kendall and served in that capacity from 1885 until 1888,

Upon retiring from this position, he was offered the position of general bookkeeper in the First National Bank of Danville and served in that capacity until 1895, when he succeeded Capt. B. F. Thomas as cashier of the bank. He proved to be a close student of the banking problem and such was the confidence of the directors of the bank in his abilit}' that in 1899 he was elected president of this institution. He was also elected secretary of the Danville Trust Company, which positions he held until 1909, when he was instrumental in the organization of the Continental National Bank, of Indianapolis. Since the organization of the latter institution he has become its vice-president and is occupying that important position at the present time. In 1913 he was elected president of State Savings and Trust Company, which was organized in June of that year. The directors chose Mr. Carter on account of his ability and practical banking experience. He was the first secretary for two years of the Indiana Bankers' Association upon its organization in 1897. He is also president of the Lindhurst Realty Company, of Indianapolis, and a director and one of the incorporators of the Klondyke Milling Company, of Danville.

Mr. Carter has always taken a great interest in public affairs and has allied him.self with the Republican party. In 1908 he was elected to the lower house of the Legislature from Hendricks county, and was re-elected in 1910. While in the Legislature he was appointed one of the four commissioners to investigate and report on a state penal farm.

Mr. Carter was married in 1888 to Laura Kellum, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. \\'esley Kellum, of Friendswood, Indiana. They have two children, Lucile, who is now a student in the University of Illinois, and Leland K., who is a student at ^^^esttown, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Carter died on March 15,

Mr. Carter has been a life-long member of the Friends church and contributes liberally to the support of that denomination. In his fraternal afTfiliations he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. Socially, he is a member of the Columbia and Marion Clubs of Indianapolis. He is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the board of directors, and of the finance and house committees. While living in Danville he took an active part in every movement which had to do with the welfare of the town. He has been for many years a trustee and one of the stanchest friends of the Central Normal College. He was one of the organizers and prime movers of the movement to get the Carnegie liljrary in Danville, and was

It is readily seen that Mr. Carter has l^een a very busy man all of his life and yet, in spite of the multitudinous activities of his life, he has never allowed the pursuit of wealth to warp his kindly nature. He is indeed a representative of that sterling type of the world's workers who have furnished much of the bone and sinew of the country and added to the stability of our country and its institutions. He has preserved his faculties and the warmth of his heart for the broadening helpful influence of human life and is a kindly genial friend and a gentleman whom it is always a pleasure to meet.

George T. Pattison

The life history of him whose name heads this biographical sketch has been for many years closely identified with the history of Elendricks county, Indiana. Throughout the years his life has been one of untiring activity and it has been crowned with success both as an instructor in school and college, and as a lawyer. Years of conscientious work as a lawyer have brought with them not only increase of practice and reputation, but also that growth in legal knowledge and that wide and accurate judgment the possession of which constitutes marked excellence in the profession. His life affords a splendid example of what an American youth, plentifully endowed with good common sense, energy and determination, can accomplish when accompanied by good moral principles. From the beginning, he has been intensely methodical and unswervingly persistent in search of the true light and of the essentials of the legal foundation and sources of legal conception and thought, holding devoutly to the highly embellished record of equity and the sure, certain, invincible methods of practice.

George T. Pattison, one of the leading attorneys of Danville, was born in Henry county, this state, July 18, 1857. His parents were William B. and Susan A. (Colville) Pattison, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. His father is still living with his son, George T., at the advanced age of eightynine years, while his mother's death occurred in 1912, at the age of eightyfour. Mr. and Mrs. William B. Pattison were the parents of four children, two of whom are living, Mrs. Keturah Keitner, of Indianapolis, and George T.

Elwood, Indiana, and later attended school in the city of Elwood, his father having moved from Henry county to Madison county, Indiana, during his boyhood. Subsequently he attended the National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio, for eighteen months, after which he taught school for three years, making a successful record in that profession. In 1883 he entered the Central Normal College at Danville, Indiana, and graduated from that institution two years later. He then engaged in the teaching profession and followed it continuously and successfully for the next twelve years, all of his teaching being in the Central Normal College. He had full charge of the commercial work in the college until he began the study of law and abstracting in 1897. In 1904 he began to devote his entire time to his law practice and associated with Judge J. L. Clark until Judge Clark went on the bench.