Henry County, Indiana - Chapter 14, 1906

Chapter 14

Biographical Sketches of Collins T. Bedford and Family - William R. Fleming and Family - Samuel A. ^Iitchell and Family - Leyi P. Shoemaker AND Family - Cyrus Van Matre and Family - John W. Whitworth and Family.

This chapter is made up entirely of biographical sketches of Henry County soldiers who served in Company E, 8th Indiana Infantry (three years), namely: Collins T. Bedford, Sergeant ; William R. Fleming, Private ; Samuel A. Mitchell, Lieutenant ; Levi P. Shoemaker. Lieutenant ; Cyrus V^an Matre, Lieutenant ; John W. Whitworth, Corporal.

They were among the most gallant of Henry County's soldiers and on many a hard-fought field vindicated the courage and patriotism of Henry County's sons. The lives of such men are not only of interest to their comrades, who fought the fight with them, but are an example and an inspiration to every young man of the present time. Their sacrifices in war, their industry, probity and character in peace, and their age distinguished by a glorious youth render them and their comrades worthy of enduring fame. Our great Commonwealth, strong and indivisible, is their fitting monument. Let the edifice, cemented with their blood and consecrated by their valor, be maintained in undiminished grandeur by future generations, even to the end of time.

Collins Thomas Bedford was born October 7, 1840, at Springsboro, - Warren County, Ohio, a son of Joseph A and Amy (Collins) Bedford, of English ancestry but natives of New Jersey. His early education was received in his native State but at the age of twelve he was sent to Hagerstown, Indiana, and became for a time a student in the public schools of that city.

The alarm to arms in 1861 found him at Hillsboro, Fountain County, Indiana, but having a brother, William Savory Bedford, living at Middletown, Henry County, who was about to obey the call of duty, Collins T. joined him there and both enlisted in Company E, 8th Indiana Infantry (three years) and were mustered into the service of the United States, September 5, 1861, Collins T., as Corporal, and William S., as private. Collins T. was later appointed Sergeant and served continuously with this famous regiment until mustered out, September 4, 1864. He participated in all the battles and skirmishes of the regiment from Pea Ridge, Arkansas, March 5-8, 1862, to Berryville, Virginia, September 3-4, 1864.

Upon muster out of the service, September 4, 1864, the brothers returned to Middletown, where Collins T. started to learn the shoemaker's trade under his brother. Collins T., however, had even then determined upon a professional career, and early and late, while plying his trade, he prosecuted the study of medicine. His savings, while working at his trade, enabled him, in 1873, to enter the Physio-Medical School of Indiana, located at Indianapolis, where he continued his study of medicine, and in the Spring of 1875 was graduated from that institution. He commenced the practice of his profession in New Castle, where he remained for several months and then removed to Franklin, Johnson County, but Dr. Bedford had now become a man of solid attainments and his ability was soon recognized by his election in the Fall of 1875 to the professorship of Chemistry and Toxicology in his alma mater. He filled this chair about five years when he was elected to the chair of Obstetrics and Diseases of Women and Qiildren. Dr. Bedford has been continuously connected with the college, since his first election in 1875, and for the past eighteen years has been secretary of the faculty. He is a member of the Board of Trustees and is at present Secretary and Treasurer of that body. He is also a member of the American Medical Association of Physio-Medical Physicians and Surgeons and the Indiana State Physio-Medical Association in which he has filled all important positions.

In 1885 he engaged in the wholesale and retail drug business at Indianapolis under the name of "C. T. Bedford Drug House." This place enjoys the distinction of being the only Physio-Medical Wholesale Drug House in the United States and, besides its extensive retail trade, does a wholesale business which reaches every part of the Union. This business is under the able management of the Doctor's brother, George T. Bedford. Besides his other interests. Dr. Bedford also finds time to devote to a large medical practice.

Dr. Bedford has not been so absorbed in business, however, as to neglect his duties as a citizen. He takes that intelligent interest in the public affairs of his

City, State and' Country, as can be expected of one who has risked his Hfe to maintain the national integrity. While in no sense a politician, he has been a member of the City Council of Indianapolis (1881 to 1884, both inclusive) and has been chairman of the committee on health and president of the City Hospital Board. He afifiliates with the Republican party and is influential in its local councils.

At Middletown, in 1865, Dr. Bedford married Narina P. Fink, daughter of William and Margaret (Toops) Fink, of German ancestry, but natives of Pennsylvania. They were old settlers at Middletown and were esteemed among the substantial citizens of the place. Dr. and Mrs. Bedford have had four children born to them of whom Bertie alone survives. She was educated at Indianapolis and is now the wife of Walter S. Ballenger, a prominent young business man of Indianapolis.

Dr. Bedford is an enthusiastic "Old Soldier," as the veterans of the Civil War are called, and is a member of the George H. Thomas Post, Grand Army of the Republic, Indianapolis, and of the Union Veteran Legion of that grand organization. He is also identified with the Royal Arcanum and other similar organizations. Both himself and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Qiurch.

The career of Dr. Bedford, from the shoemaker's bench to his present position of usefulness and influence, illustrates the versatility of American character and shows the strong moral fibre of the man himself. He is in every way and in the best sense, a self-made man. As a citizen he is public spirited and helpful toward all public interests, for no man has the prosperity and welfare of the mass of his fellow citizens more nearly at heart than he.

William Savory Bedford

William Savory Bedford, elder brother of Collins Thomas Bedford, was born April 9, 1833. He settled at Middletown prior to the Civil War and from that time to the close of his life lived continuously in Henry County, either at Middletpwn or New Castle. He fulfilled a soldier's duty during his three years' enlistment in the 8th Indiana Infantry, and after his return to civil life, he met with universal esteem for his purity of character and Christian virtues. He died suddenly, at his home in New Castle, on March 13, 1903, and was buried on the following Sunday in South Mound Cemetery, New Castle, with solemn and impressive services. The funeral was largely attended by citizens, generally, and by his comrades of the Civil War, from nearly every locality in the county. His conduct in life had merited the perfect confidence of the people of the county and he was elected sheriff, serving in that position from August 23, 1869, to August 22, 1 87 1. He was afterwards elected treasurer and served as such from August 5, 1875, to August 4, 1877. At the time of his death and for some years previous, he had been connected with the United States Postoffice Department as a rural route carrier from the New Castle Postoffice. He left no children but his widow, a most estimable lady, survives him.

This native born citizen of Henry County, Indiana, had his nativity on the site of his present home in Fall Creek Township, June 23, 1838, and is of Virginia extraction and ante-Revolutionary descent. His parents, William and Sarah (Miller) Fleming, were natives of the Old Dominion, having been born long before the new State of West Virginia was partitioned off from the old, and W'illiam Fleming was the first child to see the light of day in the fort at Fairmont in [Marion County, W^est Virginia, his birth having taken place in 1787.

Bose Fleming, the father of William, was a soldier in the patriot army during the war for American independence. William, the father of William R. Fleming, the subject of this sketch, was first married in Mrginia and came to Indiana with four children, about 1830. He first located in Delaware County, four miles north of Middletown, Henry County, where his wife died two years later. A year or so after this event Mr. Fleming was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Miller, daughter of William Miller. This lady was a native of the Shenandoah valley, A'irginia, and was a child of three years when taken to Clermont County, Ohio, but was a woman grown when she accompanied her parents to where Tabor, Delaware County, Indiana, now stands. Mr. Fleming thence came to Henry County and purchased the tract of land to which he brought his newly made bride, which tract was improved with what was then considered to be a large frame house, but which would now be looked upon as a small affair, and in this house William R. Fleming was born. The original farm was increased to about four hundred acres before the death of the elder Mr. Fleming, to which he added still more, of which he gave his eldest son a fair share and cleared up two hundred acres for his Own use, being still the owner of four hundred at the time of his death. November 24, 1862.

To the first marriage of William Fleming were born the following named children, who reached mature years : George, who was a farmer in Delaware County and died about 1862 at the age of seventy years ; JMary, who was married to William Jones and died when past sixty ; David H., who had lived on a part of the old farm as a bachelor and died at seventy ; Norville, a veteran of the IMexican War, who resides at Sulphur Springs.

To the second marriage, two sons were born, William R., born June 23, 1838, and Beniah, born March 24, 1843. I" the Autumn of 1861, both enlisted in the Union cause as private soldiers in what became Company E, 8th Indiana Infantry (3 years) and were mustered into the service of the L^nited States at Indianapolis, September 5, 1861. Beniah died at Middlebrook, Missouri, from disease caused by hardship and exposure, March 9, 1863. His remains were brought home from the army by his brother and interred in White Union Cemetery, Fall Creek Township. William R. Fleming served a full enlistment of three years in the famous regiment to which he belonged, and its history is the history of Mr. Fleming during those three eventful years. He was never absent a day from the service, except on the occasion of his sad mission home with his

When Mr. Fleming returned to his home he bought out the interest of the heirs to the old homestead of two hundred and forty acres, but it required about twenty years for him to clear up his indebtedness. On this farm he has made all the improvements, building the dwelling in 1870. He now owns two hundred and eighty acres, on which he grows grain chiefly and fattens hogs, depending on the latter for his profits.

June 22, 1865, Mr. Fleming married Miss Nancy J. Harvey, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Ball) Harvey, who at that time resided near Sulphur Springs. Mrs. Fleming was born April 28, 1840, in Delaware County, Indiana, and when a child was brought to Henry County by her parents, who originally came from Monroe County, West Virginia.

Mrs. Fleming was never of a robust constitution, and for two years preceding her death, she was a confirmed invalid. She passed away March 31, 1887, the mother of five children, namely : Harvey B., a farmer living near the parental homestead ; Henry Everett, who died in infancy ; Ludoska, who died at the age of fifteen years ; Maude, wife of Rutherford B. Harter, who lives on the Fleming homestead, and Nellie, who passed through the common school course, was well educated in music and is now the housekeeper for her father. When he was twenty one years of age (1859), ^^- Fleming went to Pike's Peak, Colorado, where he passed nine months prospecting for gold but the results were not satisfactory and he returned to his home in Fall Creek Township.

In politics Mr. Fleming is a Democrat and stands on the Chicago and Kansas City platforms of the party. Fraternally he has been a Mason since June, 1865, and is a member of Lodge No. 271, at Middletown, but attends meetings only when it is necessary to take part in the work on the "trestle board." He is also a member of the George W. Rader Post, No. 119, Grand Army of the Republic, Middletown.

Mr. Fleming is in fact the "architect of his own fortune," his success in life being the result of his individual efiforts, and no residents of Henry County stand higher in the esteem of their fellow citizens than Mr. Fleming and his family, of Fall Creek Township.

There were four Flemings in Company E, 8th Indiana Infantry (three years), all relatives, viz : William R., Beniah, Andrew J., and Charles A. The two first named were brothers, as already stated. Andrew J. Fleming was a first cousin to the two first named and Charles A. Fleming was a second cousin of the other three. The death of Beniah has been noted. Charles A. was discharged from the service for disability, October 25, 1861. William R., and Andrew J., each served a full enlistment of three years and were mustered out September 4, 1864.

Qiarles Mitchell, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Montg-omery County, Virginia, where he was born May 8, 1797. In early life, he emigrated with his parents to Clarke County, Ohio. Although very young, he was a soldier in the War of 1812-15. Returning from the war, he acquired a fairly good education for the times and taught school in Ohio. Later he learned the trade of a tanner with a man named Guncle, and afterwards became a partner in the business. On March 14, 1824, he married Mary Black, born Aug'ust i, 1808. She was the daughter of Andrew Black, who was one of the first settlers and became one of the most substantial citizens of Clarke County.

Soon after his marriage, Charles Mitchell came to New Castle, leaving his wife in Ohio. She joined him in the Spring of 1825. He first taught a primitive school in New Castle, but being a tanner by trade and there being- great need of a tanyard in the new county of Henry, on September 5, 1826, he purchased of Ezekiel Leavell, land agent for Henry County, for the nominal sum of one dollar, all the property now embraced on the south side of Broad Street, New Castle, extending from the east side of Fifteenth Street to witliin forty feet of the track of the Panhandle Railroad, and south from Broad Street, twenty four rods, containing in all, three acres of land. This property is all a part of the original plat of New Castle. It was sold for the small sum mentioned, as an inducement to Mr. Mitchell to establish a tanyard. The tannery was a profitable investment and was probably the first one established in the county. It afterwards became known as the John Powell Tanyard, John Powell becoming the complete owner under a deed dated June 14, 1830, the purchase price being four hundred dollars. The property had been sold to Powell under a bond for a deed upon which all the payments had been made.

After the sale of the tannery, Mr. Mitchell left New Castle and moved his family to Pendleton, Madison County, Indiana, where he built and operated another tannery. He also purchased a large tract of land close to Pendleton. He built and operated the mills at the falls of Fall Creek at Pendleton, and was the proprietor of the hotel or as it was then called tavern, at that place. He was also Captain of a militia company. In short he was the all around important inan of the settlement, and was at one time one of the heaviest taxpayers in Madison County. Being a man of affairs and possessed of the confidence of his friends and neighbors, he was elected one of the Associate Judges of Madison County, to fill a vacancy, and was commissioned to sen^e from August 18, 1832, to September i, 1837. He was elected without opposition. '

In building and operating the mills at Pendleton, he had lost considerable money and never recovered financially, and about the time his ofiice as Associate Judg-e expired, he moved to a farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Madison County, situated two and a half miles west of Mechanicsburg, now known as the Franklin farm. In 1843 he sold this farm and returned to Henry County, locating about two and a half miles southwest of ]\iiddletown, on what is now known as the Jacob Fattic farm, where he built a tannery, the remains of which are still plainly visible. In the Winter he taught school in the southwestern part of Fall Creek Township and, perhaps, at other points. He bought this land under a deed dated March 2, 1843, fo^ the sum of two thousand dollars. Here he continued to reside until his death, March 20, 1863. His widow remained on the farm for several years, dying February 10, 1878. The remains of these two old pioneers are buried side by side in the Cemetery at Mechanicsburg. In politics he was a Whig and afterwards a staunch Republican. He had four sons in the Union Army as noted below, and was always present to bid the boys God speed, as they started for the front and his home was always open to them on their return. He ardently supported the war and himself and wife worked and contributed according to their means in forwarding sanitary and other supplies to the front.

To Charles and Mary (Black) Mitchell were born eleven children, namely: Mathew W. ; James E. ; Julia A., afterwards Mrs. Elza D. Fleming, now deceased ; Cyrus M. ; William A. ; Samuel A. ; Mary ; Susan ; Charles L. ; Leander P. ; Emily C, now Mrs. James M. Rittenour, residing in Madison County, near Emporia. Of the foregoing, all are now living, except Mary, Susan, JuHa A., James E. and Cyrus M.

Samuei. Alexander Mitchell

Samuel Alexander Mitchell, the subject of this sketch, was born at Pendleton, Indiana, October 18, 1835. As a boy he lived at home with his parents and attended school at and in the vicinity of Mechanicsburg. In 1852 he commenced work in a combined flour and saw mill, run by water power, operated by John Swope. This mill was situated on Deer Creek, about half way between Mechanicsburg and Middletown, and just west of the well known farm now owned by James Rice Connell. Today no vestige of this mill remains. In 1858-9, Mr. Mitchell assisted Mr. Swope in building at Middletown, the first steam flour mill ever erected in Fall Creek Township. This mill still stands near the crossing of Locust vStreet and the Panhandle Railroad, and is known as the Middletown Mills, owned and operated by John C. Daniels and Company. The mill has from the beginning always done a prosperous and profitable business. After the mill was put in operation, Mr. Mitchell became, for a number of years, the head miller. He was with Mr. Swope, both before and after the Civil War, for about sixteen years, excepting some eight months spent in Kansas in 1857, just following the "Border Ruffian" period in that State.

On April 13, 1861, Mr. Mitchell was united in marriage with Margaret, the second child of John and Mary Ann Swope. To this union was born one son, Walter P. Mitchell, March 2, 1862. He is a physician of the old school, a graduate of Rush Medical College, Chicago, and is now practicing his profession at Gaston, Delaware County, Indiana. Dr. Mitchell was married to Luella C, daughter of T. F. and Dorzina Smith, on April 13, 1889, at Charlottesville, Hancock County, Indiana, and to them was born, July 6, 1892, one daughter, Halcyon Margaret.

When the Civil War broke out, three men who were working for Mr. Swope, in the mill, namely : Samuel A. Mitchell, George W. Shane and Benjamin F. Elwood, signified their intention to enter the army. They enlisted in Company

B, 8th Indiana Infantry (three months), but Mr. Swope felt that he could only spare two of them, whereupon, choice being made by lot, it fell to Shane and Elwood to go, leaving Mr. Mitchell at home, much to his regret. When the second call for troops was made, in 1861, Mr. Mitchell could no longer be restrained. He assisted in organizing what became Company E, 8th Indiana Infantry (three years), and was mustered into the service of the United States, as a private, September 5, 1861. He served with the regiment in its campaigns, marches and battles, without exception up to and including Fort Esperanza, Texas, which was the last battle of the regiment before he left the army.

So great was the confidence of his ofificers in his capacity and qualifications as a soldier, that he was steadily promoted from private, without the intermediate rank of Corporal, to Sergeant and then First Sergeant. He afterwards won by merit his commission as Second Lieutenant of his company and was mustered in as such, March 9, 1863. He continued with his company and regiment until February 28, 1864, when on account of failing health he was compelled to resign. The history of the 8th Indiana up to the time of his resignation is the military history of Samuel A. Mitchell and should be taken as found in the preceding chapter, following the roster of Henry County soldiers, in connection with this sketch, to complete his military career. Following the history of the regiment is a list of the battles in which it was engaged from which can be ascertained the battles in which he participated from Pea Ridge, Arkansas, to Fort Esperanza, Texas.

Returning to Middletown in March, 1864, he rejoined his wife, who had made her home with her father during her husband's absence in the army. After regaining his health, he resumed his duties in the mill of his father-in-law, where he continued until 1868, when he moved to the old home farm, near Mechanicsburg, where he remained some three or four years, and then moved in the Fall of 1 871 to a farm in Madison County, Indiana, near Markleville. He resided there for several years and then moved to the farm which he now owns, situated a short distance north of Emporia, and seven miles from Anderson, Madison County. This farm comprises a quarter section of land and is highly improved and well cultivated. Its buildings are all of modern construction and the whole place bears the marks of superior management. It is one of the best farms in Madison County.

Mr. Alitchell is a stalwart Republican and cast his first presidential vote in 1856 for the noted explorer, soldier and citizen. General John C. Fremont. He is a member of the Masonic order, which he holds in high regard. He is also a member of the George W. Rader Post, Number 119, Grand Army of the Republic, Middletown.

In the Civil War, the Mitchell family, which was a numerous one, rendered valuable and patriotic service to the Union cause. William Mitchell enlisted in Company E, 8th Indiana Infantry (three years), and was mustered into the service of the United States, as a Corporal, September 5, 1861 ; he was mustered out September 4, 1864. Charles L. Mitchell served during the Morgan Raid into Indiana, as Corporal in Company K, 105th Indiana Infantry (Morgan Raid). He afterwards enlisted in Company E, 9th Indiana Cavalry, and was mustered into the service of the United States, as a private, January 8, 1864; he was mushazzard's history of henry county. 279 tered out August 28, 1865. Leander P. Mitchell enlisted in Company B, 139th Indiana Infantry, and was mustered into the service of the United States, as a private, June 5, 1864; he was mustered out September 28, 1864.

The first record of Mrs. Samuel A. Mitchell's ancestry in Henry County, Indiana, is found of entry, December 16, 1823, when Michael Swope, her paternal grandfather, was commissioned by Governor William Hendricks, a Lieutenant in a militia company, organized in the southeastern part of Henry County. Of this company, Achilles Morris was Captain and William Hough, Ensign. It is otherwise well established that when the Swopes first came to Henry County, probably from Virginia, they settled on Symons Creek, in Dudley Township. In 1835 Michael Swope moved to what is now Jefferson Township, where he entered eighty acres of land, one mile north of Sulphur Springs, which is now known as the Albert N. Yost farm. He accumulated other lands in that locality and continued to reside there until his death. His remains and those of his wife are buried in the Sulphur Springs Cemetery.

John Swope, the father of Mrs. Mitchell, was born December 14, 1818, and died June 27, 1876. He was married April 29, 1841, to Mary Ann StCAvart, who was born May 5, 1825, and died November 13, 1881. Their remains are interred, side by side, in the Miller Cemetery, east of Middletown.

John Swope was in his day one of the most progressive and prosperous of Henry County's large list of prominent citizens. He was a pioneer in the milling business in the county, his first venture in that line being made in 185 1. On November 25th of that year, he purchased of Washington Franklin, for the sum of twenty five hundred dollars, the combined flour and saw mill, situated on Deer Creek as above stated in the sketch of Samuel A. Mitchell. After the building of the present Panhandle Railroad through Middletown, he purchased the site of the Middletown Mills, from Joseph Yount, for one hundred and ten dollars, and erected the mill there as above stated in the Mitchell sketch, and had it in operation in 1859. He continued as proprietor of the mill until February 11, 1876, when he sold it to Martin Painter for four thousand dollars. While Mr. Swope will always have the credit of having established this mill, it has, nevertheless, been remodeled from time to time to meet modern conditions.

John Swope and his wife were both earnest, active members of the Christian Church, and did all that lay in their power to strengthen that large denomination. Mr. Swope had the confidence of the entire community, among whom his word was regarded as good as his bond. He was active in his support of the Civil War; warm in his allegiance to the Government, and contributed liberally of his time and means to the forwarding of sanitary and other supplies to the soldiers in camp and field and hospital. His son, Joseph A. Swope, enlisted in Company C, 109th Indiana Infantry (Morgan Raid), and served until the invasion of Indiana soil was ended. He afterwards enlisted in Company G, 17th Indiana Infantry, and was mustered into the service of the United States, as a private, March 9, 1864, and was mustered out August 8, 1865. He is now a resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Mr. and Mrs. Swope were the parents of eleven children, namely: Eleanor, now Mrs. George W. Shane; Margaret, now Mrs. S?muel A. Mitchell; Joseph Arthur ; Louisa, afterwards Mrs. Francis M. Sanders, now deceased ; Jonas B. ; Perthena, now Mrs. John Weesner, of New Castle ; George W. ; Charles ; Sarah Jane and Sophia, both of whom died in infancy.

The ancestry of Levi Perry Shoemaker takes root in Germany, whence his progenitors came to this country in early days, settling in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This German element became very strong in that Colony, and its steadfast support of the cause of the colonies during the Revolutionary War, in no small degree contributed to their success. The original German immigration to America was largely from the lower or Rhine and the upper or Bavarian Palatinate, during the disastrous wars concerning the succession to the Palatinate (1689-1697). This immigration steadily increased in later years, until the large infusion of German blood, especially in Pennsylvania, produced a distinct type of American manhood, commonly called the Pennsylvania Dutch. They were a sturdy, industrious and courageous people and have contributed much of value to American character and institutions.

The grandparents of Levi Perry Shoemaker were John and Elizabeth Shoemaker, who came from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1833, and settled one mile north of what is known as the "Cross Roads," in Delaware County, Indiana, where they lived and died. Their remains lie buried in the Saunders Cemetery, east of Daleville, in that county. They belonged to the German stock above mentioned and neither could speak much English. They were the parents of the following children : Michael, John, Jonas, Jacob, David, and two girls, who were married and remained in Pennsylvania. Elizabeth Shoemaker died October 19, 1861, and John, her husband, died January 22, 1865. They were very religious people.

The parents of Levi Perry Shoemaker, the subject of this sketch, were David and Amanda (Wall) Shoemaker. The former was born in Pennsylvania, June 22, 1816, and died August 8, 1859. The latter was a native of Kentucky, where she was bom June 30, 18 19. She died January 31, i860. They were married April 30, 1840, and to them were born the following children : Levi Perry, May 30, 1842; Sanford Harrison, November 3, 1844; Silas Marion, September 17, 1846; died August 21, 1871 ; Franklin Taylor, August 24, 1848; Mary Elizabeth, born December 13, 1850, now Mrs. William F. Painter, of Delaware County; Jonas Fillmore, April 16, 1853 ; William Francis, June 3, 1855 ; and Louisa Clarabelle, afterwards Mrs. David W. Kabrich, now deceased. She was born January 28, 1858, and died January 16, 1887. All of the above, who are deceased, are buried in Saunders Cemetery.

Levi Perry Shoemaker was born in Delaware County, Indiana, on the home farm, one mile north of the "Cross Roads." near Richwoods Lutheran Church, four miles northeast of Middletown, Henry County, Indiana. Lentil he volunteered in the service of his country, he remained on his father's fann. working during the farming season and going to school in the Winter. Here he grew to young manhood and when the tocsin of war sounded its loud alarm throughout

He enlisted in Company E, 8th Indiana Infantry (three years), and was mustered into the service of the United States, as a private, September 5, 1861. He was a brave soldier and a remarkable circumstance connected with his service is the fact that he was never absent a day from the army, during his service of four years, except when at home on a thirty-day furlough, after the regiment had veteranized. He never missed a roll call and was in every battle in which his regiment was engaged. For historical purposes, a list of the battles in which Mr. Shoemaker participated is here given : Pea Ridge, Arkansas, March 5-8, 1862 ; Cotton Plant. Arkansas, July 7, 1862; Austin, Mississippi, August 2, 1862; Port Gibson, Mississippi, May i, 1863; Jackson, Mississippi, May 14, 1863; Champion Hills, ^ilississippi, May 16, 1863 ; Big Black River, Mississippi, May 17, 1863 ; Vicksburg, Mississippi, May 18, to July 4, 1863 ; General Assault on Vicksburg, May 22, 1863 ; Siege of Jackson, Mississippi, July 9-16, 1863 ; Mustang Island, Texas, November 17, 1863; Fort Esperanza, Texas, November 27-29, 1863; Atchafalaya River. Louisiana, July 28, 1864; Berryville, Virginia. September 3-4, 1864 -, Opequan, Mrginia, September 19, 1864; Fisher's Hill, Mrginia, September 22, 1864; New Market, Virginia, October 7. 1864; and Cedar Creek, Virginia, October 19, 1864, besides numerous affairs and skirmishes. All of these were notable engagements and the soldier who participated in them has a record to which he can proudly refer. At Cedar Creek, when General Sheridan came up on his famous ride from "Winchester tOAvn," it was the good fortune of this intrepid soldier to be present when Sheridan first arrived, and to hear the inquiry put by Sheridan to a general officer as to the situation. When answered by the officer with the words, "We are whipped," Sheridan hotly replied, "You may be but these men are not." The history of the 8th Indiana is the military history of Levi P. Shoemaker, and should be taken as found in the preceding chapter, following the roster of Henry County soldiers, in connection with this sketch, to complete his military career. That Shoemaker's soldierly qualities were appreciated is shown by the fact that entering the army as a private, he rose by steps to Corporal, to Sergeant and to Second Lieutenant of his company. He was in all of his military conduct, the ideal American soldier and faithfully performed a soldier's duty. His army record is without stain.

The war being over and the L iiion preserved. Lieutenant Shoemaker returned to his home and doffing the habiliments of war, again resumed the life of a farmer, this time on his own account, and so continued until within very recent years he rented his farm, a very fine one, three miles north of Middletown, in Delaware Count}', and moved to Middletown, Henry County, where he now resides, and where he and his family are enjoying the fruits of his energy and industry.

Levi P. Shoemaker was married January 18, 1866, to Alargaret R. A an Matre. daughter of Joseph Perry and Julia Ann (^McAllister) Van Alatre. Three children were born to this union, namely: Minnie Annis, born November 7, 1866; died September 6, 1878; Carrie Vearl, born September 29, 1880, and married to Bruce Hampton Lilly, of Middletown. February 14, 1901 ; Joseph Harrold Blaine, born July 18, 1888. Joseph P. Van Matre. born May 14, 1817, and Julia Ann Mc- Allister, born January 20, 1822. parents of Mrs. Levi P. Shoemaker, were married l^'ebruarv 2, 1843. Besides Mrs. Shoemaker, born May 10. 1847, ^t or near "Cross Roads," Delaware County, there were the following other children : Lewis, born January 23, 1844; died November 4, 1847; Mary Jane, born July i, 1850, died January 28, 1854; Ulysses and Eunice, twins, born August 6, 1864, both of whom died in infanc}". Of those above mentioned as deceased all are buried in Painter Cemetery.

Mr. Shoemaker is a member of Middletown Lodge, No. 97, L O. O. F. ; he also belongs to George W. Rader Post, No. 119, Grand Army of the Republic, Middletown, and is a member of the Christian Church, a denomination having a large following in Fall Creek and adjoining townships in Henry and Delaware Counties. Politically, he has been a stalwart Republican during his whole life, and in 1S68 cast his first presidential vote for that grim warrior, Ulysses S. Grant, whom he had followed through the Vicksburg Campaign. He also voted for James G. Blaine, the ideal American citizen, in 1884, and with many others shared in the sorrow of his defeat.

Two brothers of Mr. Shoemaker also took part in the Civil War, the one being Sanford Harrison, and the other, Silas Marion. Both enlisted in Company G, 7th Indiana Cavalry, and were mustered into the service of the United States, as privates, September 5, 1863. Upon the re-organization of. the regiment, they were transferred to Company F, of the re-organized body, and were mustered out February 18, 1866. They were faithful soldiers and were honorably discharged from the service.

Several other members of the large family of Shoemakers, residing in and about Middletown, enlisted in the army during the Civil War. Henry Shoemaker enlisted in Company E, 8th Indiana Infantry (three years) and was mustered into the service of the United States, as a private, September 5, 1861 ; veteranized; mustered out August 28, 1865, after four years of arduous and honorable service. John M. Shoemaker enlisted in Company H, 69th Indiana Infantry, and was mustered into the service of the United States, as a private, August 19, 1862; wounded at Vicksburg, Mississippi, May 22, 1863; mustered out July 5, 1865. He too was a brave soldier and an active participant in the various battles, engagements and skirmishes of the "Old 69th." John P. Shoemaker enlisted as a private in Company C, 109th Indiana Infantry (Alorgan Raid), and afterwards in Company B, 134th Indiana Infantry, and was mustered into the service of the United States, Alay 24, 1864; he was mustered out September 14, 1864. Joseph R. Shoemaker enlisted in Company B, 134th Indiana Infantry, and was mustered into the service of the United States, as a private. May 24, 1864; he was mustered out September 14, 1864. All of the above named are grandsons of John and Elizabeth Shoemaker.

From the foregoing it will be readily seen that the Shoemaker family was a loyal and patriotic one, and that its several members did their whole duty towards the Government in its hour of peril.

Ancestry Of Mrs. Levi P. Shoemaker

The parents of Mrs. Levi P. Shoemaker, mentioned above, belong to the well known family of Van Matre, treated of at length in the succeeding biographical sketch of Cyrus A^an Matre. to which reference is made. Joseph Perry Van J\Iatre was a nephew of David, the father of Cyrus. His father's name was John and his mother was Margaret, a sister of David, the two being distantly related. The father came from Fayette and located in Delaware County, near the Cross Roads, January 5, 1827, where himself and family thereafter resided. They were upright, industrious people and part and parcel of the Van Matre family, who from the earliest settlement have been so numerous and so well known in Henrv and Delaware Counties, in the Rich woods neighborhood.

Biographical Sketch Of Cyrus Van Matre

The V^an Matre family came originally from Holland, the prefix "\"an" to a surname uniformly indicating the bearer thereof to be a Hollander, either by birth or descent. It appears that among the first of the family was Emanuel \'an Meteren (since changed by the family in America to Van Matre), who was the author of a "History of the Netherlands and Her Neighbors," a book published in 1597. Emanuel was born at Antwerp, June 9, 1535. His father was Jacob \'an ]\leteren, of Breda, a son of one Cornelius Van ]\Ieteren. The father of Emanuel in his youth learned the "noble art of typesetting," and his most valuable work was the translation and the printing of the entire English Bible to the great forwarding of the Kingdom of Christ in England. He was assisted in this work by Miles Coverdale, the learned English student, after whom the book is called "The Coverdale Bible." Emanuel \'an Meteren, during all his life, was faithful in the discharge of the many important duties which fell to his lot. He was an intensely religious man and suffered many and great deprivations because thereof. He died April 8, 1612.

Just when the Van Matres emigrated from Holland to America is not definitely stated, but it is clear that the American family is descended, in the direct line, from Cornelius Van Meteren through Jacob, Emanuel. Gisbertsen, Jan Gisbertsen. Kryn, John (senior) to John (junior) who is known to have lived near Martinsburg, West Virginia, as early as 1750. From there the family is traced through Abraham, son of John (junior) and his son, Joseph, to West Liberty, Ohio County, AVest Virginia. Joseph had a son, also named Joseph, who was the father of David Van Matre, the last named being the father of the subject of this sketch.

During the year 1796, the Van Matres emigrated from Ohio County, West Virginia, to Highland County, Ohio. Later the family moved to Fayette County, Indiana, settling near the old town of Alquina, about five miles from Connersville. They resided at this place for several }-ears and then moved to near Yorktown, Delaware County, Indiana. The first of this family to locate in Delaware County was David, the father of Cyrus, who came in the Spring of 1825, accompanied by his father, Joseph, and his older brother, William. David Van Matre entered a quarter section of land in Delaware County, located immediately north of the farm now owned by Cyrus Van Matre, two miles northeast of Middletown, Henry County, all of which was at one time owned by Cyrus, and of which he still possesses eighty acres. The land on which Cyrus Van Matre resides was entered in 1828 by Abner Van Matre, a great uncle of Cyrus and the patents for all the land entered by David and Abner, signed by President John Quincy Adams, in his own hand, are now prized possessions of Cyrus Van Matre.

David Van Matre was born July 18, 1805, in Highland County, Ohio, and died December 20, 1882, near Middletown. His wife, whose maiden name was Maria A'^an Matre, a distant relative, was born February 7, 1804. She was a native of Adams County, Ohio. She died December 8, 1882. Both are buried in the Painter Cemetery, near Middletown. They were married in Fayette County,

Indiana, about 1822. Their children were Henry J., born March 5, 1823 ; Mary Jane, born December 17, 1824, now widow of Mathias Pittser, of near Holden, Missouri; Elma, born October 21, 1827, widow of William Pittser, of Delaware County; Samantha, born January 19, 1830, afterwards Mrs. David Nation, now deceased; Joseph, born January 16, 1832; Absalom, born January 4, 1834; Abner, born May 14, 1837; Cyrus; Naomi J., born May 29, 1844, now wife of William A. Painter, one of Fall Creek Township's most prosperous farmers and a substantial citizen, of near Middletown ; and Maria, born July 11. 1846, widow of the late Charles C. Shedron, of Middletown.

David Van Matre, the father of Cyrus, was a prominent member of a representative family. He was a pioneer and lived to see the county developed to its present prosperity. He was a remarkably industrious, hard working-, economical man. He lived an upright, honest and honorable life and to him and his nobility of conduct as a citizen is attributed very much of the excellence of the character of the neighborhood in which he lived. This particular section of country is known far and wide as the Richwoods settlement and it is surely entitled to all the praise bestowed upon it. Mr. Van Matre and his estimable wife went hand in hand, living consistent, praiseworthy lives. They were members of the Methodist Protestant Church and never deviated from the path of religious duty. Mr. Van Matre was an ardent friend 'and supporter of the cause of education. He was a staunch Whig and then Republican, believing it to be the party of reform and right, and ever did faithful work to ensure the party success.

Cyrus Van Matre

Cyrus Van Matre, with whose life and character this sketch has most to do, was born in Salem Township, Delaware County, Indiana, February 19, 1839, and was the fifth son of David and Maria Van Matre. His boyhood days were in no wise different from those of the farmer boys of the period. He labored on the farm, during the Spring, Summer and Fall, and attended school in the Winter. During his youth, however, he met with a serious accident, having been caught underneath a falling tree which he had been chopping. The tree lodged and springing back at the base caught his left leg just above the ankle joint, breaking the ankle bone and cutting the leg nearly off. This wound was long in healing and has ever since given him a limp quite distinguishable in his walk.

At the commencement of the Civil War, he enlisted at the first call for volunteers in Company B, 8th Indiana Infantry (three months), and was mustered into the service of the United States, as a private, April 25, 186 1. He served with the company and regiment during the full term and with it participated in the battle of Rich Mountain, July 11, 1861. Returning to his home August 8, 1861, he again enlisted on August 16, 1861, in what became Company E, 8th Indiana Infantry (three years). He assisted in organizing this company and was mustered into the service of the United States, as Sergeant, September 5, 1861. He was later appointed First Sergeant of the company. He took part in every battle of the regiment from Pea Ridge, Arkansas, March 5-8, 1862, to Cedar Creek, Virginia, October 19, 1864, besides numerous affairs and skirmishes. The history of the 8th Indiana is the military history of Cyrus Van Matre, and should be taken as found in the preceding chapter, in connection with this sketch, to complete his military career.

In the charge at Vicksburg, Mississippi, May 22., 1863, Sergeant Van Matre was wonnded in the right arm, the ball passing entirely through the limb about ha.lf way between the elbow and the shoulder. The wound so far disabled him as to unfit him for service and he was sent home on a sixty-day furlough. He rejoined the regiment at Carrollton, Louisiana, shortly after the fall of Vicksburg, July 4, 1863. He was afterwards promoted and commissioned First Lieutenant of his company, February 24, 1864, for gallantry in action. As First Lieutenant he was transferred with his company to Virginia and participated with his regiment in all the engagements throughout the Shenandoah Valley. At the battle of Cedar Creek, during which General Sheridan made the ride from Winchester, immortalized in the poem of Thomas Buchanan Read, entitled "Sheridan's Ride," Lieutenant Van Matre was struck by a minie ball on the angle of the left jaw, the missile passing entirely through his face and neck and coming out at the base of the brain, passing in its flight within a hair's breadth of the jugular vein. It was a narrow escape from instant death and when the victim was first carried from the field, it was the feeling of his comrades that he would soon die. From the field hospital he was soon taken to the hospital at Harper's Ferry and from there furloughed home. This second wound rendered Lieutenant Van Matre unfit for further active service; but on his recovery, he returned December i, 1864, to his regiment and on the Surgeon's certificate of total disability resigned three days later, thus closing his military career.

His resignation being accepted, he returned to the home of his father and did nothing for a year or more but to seek health and strength. During his two enlistments he had been all of the time on active duty, except the furlough mentioned above, for a period of three years and seven months. His long rest at home after his retirement from the army restored his shattered health and he then resumed the life of a farmer.

On October 23, 1867, Lieutenant Van Matre was married to Sarah Catharine, daughter of the Reverend Samuel and Mary Sayford, and immediately took up his residence on the farm which he now owns and occupies. Mrs. Van Matre was a native of Roanoke County, Virginia, where she was born February 13, 1840 She died January 2"], 1901, and is buried in the Miller Cemetery, near Middletown. To this union were born two sons, namely : Dr. Cassius Emmett Van Matre, a popular practicing physician of New Castle, Indiana, born November 13, 1868, and Augustus Abner, a prosperous farmer, living near his father's place, born December 13, 1870. Something more than four years after the death of his first wife. Lieutenant Van Matre was married to Laura Virginia Sayford, March 19, 1905. She was born August 25, 1850, and is a sister of his first wife. A brief sketch of the Sayford family is appended to this article.

No man in Fall Creek Township has filled a more important place in its history than Cyrus Van Matre. He has always taken an active part socially and politically in the affairs of the township and county. From the time he became a voter, when he supported the immortal Lincoln, down to the present, he has been a strong Republican and his standing in the community may be judged from the fact that in 1876, unsolicited and without opposition, he was elected County Commissioner, and at the expiration of his term was re-elected, serving altogether for a period of six years. He was regarded as a faithful, painstaking, economical officer and performed all the manifold duties of the office with scrupulous fidelity.

He was one of the original stockholders and was active in the organization of the Farmers' Bank of Middletown, of which he was also afterwards a director. Later he sold his stock to Ximrod R. Elliott, the first President of the Bank. Mr. and Mrs. Van Matre are members of the Lutheran Church at Rich woods and are both its warm supporters. He is a member of George W. Rader Post, Number 119, Grand Army of the Republic, Middletown.

Mr. Van Matre's farm embraces about -three hundred acres, is well improved and the land highly cultivated. The dwelling is a modern brick structure and the barns large and sufficient: He pays attention to the raising of improved breeds of stock and among his neighbors stands as an up-to-date farmer.

Two brothers of Cyrus Van Matre also took part in the Civil War. Abner enlisted in Company E, 8th Indiana Infantry (three years). He was born May 14, 1837, and died December 12, 1895, at Holden, Missouri, where his remains are buried. Joseph enlisted in Company F, 57th Indiana Infantry. He was born January 16, 1832, and died in the Marine Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri, May 10, 1862. His remains are buried in the Painter Cemetery, near Middletown, Indiana.

Of the two children of Cyrus Van Matre, one, Dr. Cassius E. Van Matre above mentioned, was married September 16, 1896, to Minnie May McFarland, of Springfield, Ohio. She is a native of Lancaster, Fairfield County, in that State, and graduated from the High School in Springfield. She was, until her marriage, an accomplished and successful teacher in the Springfield public schools. The other son, Augustus Abner, was united in marriage to May Lois Davis, December 28, 1892. She is the daughter of Benjamin H. and Julia A. Davis of Middletown, and was born August 14, 1871. Their children are Herschel Davis, born January 31, 1894; Julia Catharine, born September 14, 1895; a son born September 25, 1898, died in infancy and is buried in Miller cemetery; Mary Elizabeth, born April 6, igoo; and Benjamin Cyrus, named after his two grandfathers, born May 21, 1904.

Charles C. Shedron, who married Maria, a sister of Mr. Van Matre, was a gallant soldier of the Civil War in Company H, 69th Indiana Infantry. His record will be found in the roster of that regiment followed by an appropriate biographical sketch.

David Nation, who married Samantha, another sister, served in the 69th Indiana Infantry, as Captain of Company B, being mustered in August 19, 1862. He resigned on account of ill health, February 18, 1863.

Cyrus Pittser, a nephew of Mr. Van Matre and named after him, served with his uncle in Company E, 8th Indiana Infantry (three years). He was mustered into the service September 5, 1861, and died at New Orleans, October 7, 1863. His remains rest in Grave Number 3,751, Chalmette National Cemetery, near New Orleans. He was a gallant soldier. Another nephew, Warren Pittser, also served in the Civil War, but his regiment and company are not now ascertainable.

In the Alphabetical list of soldiers and sailors from Henry County, as published in this History, will be found the names of a large number of Van Matres, other than as above mentioned, showing how patriotic this particular family was. They were all directly or indirectly related.

The Sayford Family

Samuel Sayford, son of John and Elizabeth (Shaeffer) Sayford, was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, February 16, 1806. His parents were natives of Gerhazzard's history of henry county. 289

At the age of eighteen, Samuel was received into the Evangelical Lutheran Church and about 1831 began to study for the ministry. He took a theological course at the Gettysburg Seminary, Pennsylvania, and left there in 1835 to begin his ministerial labors in Botetourt, Floyd and Roanoke Counties, Virginia, where he continued until 1848, when he came to Indiana and settled near Honey Creek, Henry Count}-. In 1849 he moved to Salem Township, Delaware County, locating on the farm now owned by Augustus A. Van ]\latre (his grandson), on which also stands the Richwoods Lutheran Church.

He married Mary, daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Trout) Miller (both of whom were of German descent), near Salem. Roanoke County, Virginia, April II, 1837, ^i^d to them were born seven children, namely : Elizabeth Henrietta, now Mrs. George Young, of Cross Roads, Delaware County; Sarah Catharine, afterwards Mrs. Cyrus Van Matre, now deceased; Augustus Luther, born May 20, 1842; Mary Ellen, wife of John W. Bell, Superintendent of the County Asylum; Emma Frances, now Mrs. Rush H. Cramer, of near Cross Roads ; Laura Virginia, now Mrs. Cyrus Van Matre; and William Edmund Miller. The first five were born in Virginia, the other two in Delaware County, Indiana. All who are mentioned as deceased are buried in Miller Cemetery. John and Elizabeth (Trout) Miller are buried near Salem, Roanoke County, Virginia.

The ministerial work of Samuel Sayford in Indiana extended over the counties of Delaware, Henry, Madison and Randolph until 1864, when he retired on account of failing health, preaching occasionally, however, until his death November 18, 1865. He was a Republican in politics and an enthusiastic union man during the Civil War. The son, Augustus Luther Sayford, was a member of Company H, 69th Indiana Infantry, and was killed at Port Gibson, Mississippi, May i, 1863. He was buried on the battlefield but the remains were afterwards removed to the Vicksburg National Cemetery and re-interred in the unknown list.

Biographical Sketch Of John Wesley Whitworth

John Wesley Whitworth is a worthy citizen of Henry County, whose record as a soldier of the Civil War, as a county official, as an agriculturist and as a citizen, designates him as one of the most prominent and most progressive of all who have figured in the affairs of the county.

The father of the subject of this sketch, William B. Whitworth. a son of Archibald and Elizabeth Whitworth, was born in Guilford County, North Carolina, August 4, 1814. At the age of fifteen years, he came with his uncle, Judge John Tomlinson, to Indiana, settling in Delaware County, where the latter entered two hundred and forty acres of land. He remained with Judge Tomlinson for a period of five years and then went to Muncie, Indiana, where he began to learn the trade of a carpenter. He soon left Aluncie and came to Henry County, where on October 14, 1835, he entered land in Jefferson Township, the same being the west half of the southeast quarter of section eleven, township eighteen north, range nine east, eighty acres. On this land, which was afterwards brought to a very high state of cultivation, he continued to live until his death. His son, William W. Whitworth, now owms this property and makes it his home.

William B. Whitworth was married October 4, 1835, to Elizabeth, daughter of Judge John Tomlinson and Elizabeth, his wife. She was a native of Rowan County, North Carolina, where she was born October 20, 18 10. She died September 28, 1853, and is buried in Painter Cemetery, two and a half miles northeast of Middletown. The fruits of this union were six children, namely : Sarah Ann, deceased ; ^Margaret, now the wdfe of A^incent Cummins ; John W., the subject of this sketch; Mary E., afterwards the wife of Abraham White, now deceased; Sanford ; Jemima J., now the wife of Joseph Hurst. William B. Whitworth was again married, on "May 28, 1854, his second wife being Catharine, daughter of Richard and Henrietta Deaver. She was born in Rowan County, North Carolina, December 8, 1823, and came from there with her parents, first to Wayne County, Indiana, in 1828, and then to Henry County in 1835. To this union were born eight children, namely : Eliza J., deceased ; Celinda, now Airs. Patrick Smith, of Anderson, Indiana ; Celica C, now the wife of Dr. Jasper T. Englerth, of Honey Creek ; William W. ; Catharine, now Mrs. John F. Coffman, of Alexandria, Indiana; Emma, now Mrs. Stansberry B. Tibbs, who lives with her husband about three miles north of where she was born; Ulysses S. G., deceased, and Philip H. S. The two daughters, Catharine and Emma, are twins.

William B. Whitworth died February 19, 1895, and his wife, Catharine (Deaver) Whitworth, died February 25, 1891. Both are buried in the Miller Cemetery-, two and a half miles east of Middletown.

He was, for many years, a well known citizen of the county, and, in the neighborhood where he lived, no one occupied a higher place in the esteem of the people. He was an extremely industrious man and freely assisted in every movement having for its object the well-being or betterment of the community. He was a radical Republican and during the exciting times from 1856, which witnessed the birth of that poHtical organization, down to and through the Civil War, and afterwards, even to the time of his death, he was a famiUar figure in all political campaigns. Because of his intense political enthusiasm, he was appropriately styled "Old Ben Wade," after one of the Ohio senators, a name at one time familiar to all who admired American pluck.

John Wesley' Whitworth

John Wesley Whitworth, of whom this article especially treats, son of William B. and Elizabeth (Tomlinson) Whitworth, was born March 19, 1841, in Jefferson Township, Henry County, Indiana. During his younger years, he remained on his father's farm, which he helped to bring into a high state of cultivation, and during the same period received such education as was then furnished by the ordinary country schools of the neighborhood. He was united in marriage with Permelia Ann Marlow, June 27, 1867. She was the daughter of Johnson and Naomi Marlow, and was born two and a half miles south of New Castle, Henry County, Indiana, January 26, 1847. Her parents were early settlers in Henry County, and lived for many years, immediately south of New Castle, in the Elliott, Shelley and Stinson neighborhood. To this union were born three children, namely: Charles E., born August 8, 1871, died March 15, 1874, and is buried in the Miller Cemetery, near Middletown; Bert, born March 21, 1875; and Joseph S., born July 12, 1878. The son, Bert, was married August 23, 1899, to Rosa E., daughter of James F., and Julia A. Webb, of near Maxwell, Hancock County, Indiana. This lady was born October 7, 1880. To their union were born three children, namely: Neva F., born November 9, 1900; Lloyd G., born November 27, 1902; died February 2, 1903, and buried in Miller Cemetery; Veva E., born December 15, 1903. The other son, Joseph S., was married November 22, 1900, to Lottie L., daughter of Miles P. and Martha (Riggs) Cannon, who live two and a half miles west of New Castle. She was born January 4, 1881. They have one child, Floyd L., born September 24, 1901. Both Bert and Joseph S. Whitworth are practical farmers and have comfortable homes within sight of their father's homestead.

John W. Whitworth, in the first flush of youth and strength, witnessed the coming of the great civil struggle, which convulsed the nation and threatened the perpetuity of the Union, and determined, like thousands of other loyal sons of the North, to join the armies of the Republic, in defense of freedom and the flag. In August, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, 8th Indiana Infantry (three years), and was mustered into the service of the United States, as a private, September 5, 1 86 1. After muster in at Indianapolis, the regiment, under the command of Colonel William P. Benton, went on September 10, by rail to St. Louis, Missouri, and there joined the army being formed by General John C. Fremont. From St. Louis, the regiment moved towards the Southwest, finally, on January 24, 1862, joining the forces of General Curtis, under whom it participated on March 5-8, in the sanguinary battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas. Subsequently the regiment was transferred to General Grant's command in Mississippi, and took a conspicuous part in the siege of Vicksburg, where Private Whitworth was slightly wounded in the first assault. May 22, 1863; ^f witnessed the capitulation and final surrender of that place to the Union forces. Following this long siege, the regi- ment moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, and thence to Texas, participating in numerous battles and skirmishes with the enemy. At this time Private Whitworth, with a large majority of the regiment, veteranized and was sent home on veteran furlough. This was the only occasion on which this patriotic soldier was absent from the front for any cause, during a period of full four years' service.

At the expiration of its veteran furlough, the regiment returned to New Orleans but was soon transferred from there by water to Washington Citv, and was then sent to join General Philip H. Sheridan's army in the Valley of the Shenandoah, Virginia. The campaign in that war-stricken valley is a matter of history and it is only necessary here to note that the 8th Indiana Infantry took I)art in the campaign with its usual zeal and valor, participating in all the battles up to and including Cedar Creek, the latter made famous by Sheridan's ride from "Winchester, twenty miles away." Private Whitworth was a typical American soldier, and whatever of trial and tribulation befell him and his companions, he was the last to complain. After the battle of Cedar Creek, the regiment was transferred to Savannah, Georgia, to meet the army under General Sherman. Mr. Whitworth was mustered out of the service as Corporal of his company, August 18, 1865. A history of the regiment is published in the preceding chapter, following the roster of its soldiers who were from Henry County, and to that reference is made as a part of the military'' history of Corporal Whitworth. He participated in all of the battles in which his regiment was engaged, a full list of which is set out. following the history of the regiment.

At the close of the war, after four years of active, arduous campaigning. Corporal Whitworth returned to his home and resumed the life of a farmer. He started with limited capital, but, owing to his energy, will and persistence, it was not long until he was placed in comfortable circumstances and amply able to make his way to greater prominence in the county. He was soon the owner of the fine farm on which he now resides, and he has accumulated other acres until he now owns and cultivates three hundred and seventy-five acres of the best land in Jefferson Township, and has besides, in round numbers, five thousand dollars in personal property. He is an up-to-date agriculturist and a thorough stockman, and annually realizes a handsome income from his sales of fine grades of cattle and hogs. He is also a stockholder and director in the Central Savings and Trust Company of New Castle.

Politically, Mr. Whitworth is an uncompromising Republican, and since his return from the war, has been an active, persistent party worker. He was the first Republican in the strong Democratic township of Jefferson to be elected trustee, overcoming a Democratic majority of fifty, by four votes. He was elected trustee of the township in 1884, for a term of two years. This attests his popularity among his neighbors, regardless of politics. Besides this local office, he was, at the election of 1890, elected County Commissioner, serving from December, 1891, to December, 1894, a term of three years. He was again elected Commissioner in 1896 and served from December, 1897, to January i, 1904, two terms of three years each. As County Commissioner, a position calling for matured judgment and great business acumen, he gave to the people of the county, eminent satisfaction. That the affairs of the county, under the administration of himself and his confreres, were carefully and economically administered, the records of the Board of County Commissioners amply demonstrate. The Commissioners are rightfully looked upon as the ''watch dogs of the Treasury," and jMr. Whitworth while a member of the board performed his full duty and upon his retirement, it could be said of him as of one of old : "Well done, good and faithful servant." At the last meeting of the board, of which he was a member, in December, 1903, the contract for the remodeling of the Court House was let. Mr. Whitworth gave that matter his special attention and regards it as his last public service.

Mr. Whitworth is a man of interesting personality, of pleasing address, courteous demeanor and affable in his intercourse with his fellow citizens ; he has always been a man of strict integrity in his dealings with others and his name is a synonym for honor and honesty. He is withal, a man of finn convictions and never hesitates to champion the right as he sees it. His military record is without a stain, as is also his official and private life, according to the testimony of his neighbors, before whom he has gone out and in, during these many years.

Sanford Whitworth, a brother of John W., was also a soldier of the Civil War, serving in the cavalry branch of the army. He enlisted in Company G, 7th Indiana Cavalry, and was mustered into the service of the United States, as a private, September 5, 1863. When the regiment was re-organized, he was transferred to Company F of the re-organized body and was mustered out February 18, 1866. He lives in Fall Creek Township, not far from his brother.

Joseph Hurst

Joseph Hurst, husband of Jemima J., sister of John W. Whitworth, was also a soldier of the Civil War. He enlisted from Madison County, in Company G, 17th Indiana Infantry, and was mustered into the service of the United States, as a private, March 9, 1864. He continued to serve with that organization until mustered out August 8, 1865. After the war, he moved to JeflFerson Township, Henry County, where he now lives near the old Whitworth homestead.