Jackson County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1886 (part 4 of 4)

JOHN STOUT, livery and feed stable, Seymour, Ind., was born in Morgan County, Ind., March 8, 1838. He is the sixth of eight children bom to Aaron and Sarah (Shannan) Stout. Aaron Stout married in Kentucky and came to Morgan County, Ind., in about 1820. He was an educated man and could speak seven languages. He was a sailor on the lakes for fourteen years, and was in the war of 1812. He practiced law in Morgan County. The latter part of his life was spent in farm¬ ing. He was drowned at Rockford, Ind., in 1848. His wife died in 1858. Our subject's early life was spent on a farm and attending the common schools in his native county. After the death of his father he went to live with his uncle, and at the age of fifteen he went to Missouri and clerked in a grocery. He worked at various occupations till the Rebellion, when he enlisted in Company F, Thirty-ninth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served fourteen months, when he was discharged on account of disability. After coming back to Indiana he followed farm¬ ing for a time, then embarked in the livery business at Browns- town for seven years, and for the last four years he has been engaged in the livery business at Seymour. He is now living with his fifth wife. In 1863 he married Caroline Able. One child was born to this union, George. This wife died in 1866. His fourth marriage was Hannah Winscott, who bore him four chil¬ dren, of whom two are living: John VV. and Leo C. His fourth wife died in 1874. He then took for his fifth wife Melinda, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Bedel) McDonald, of Jackson County. Mr. Stout is a Democrat in politics.

WILLIAM J. SWEANY, of Jackson Township, is the eldest of eleven children of Jairus and Harriet (nee Robinson) Sweany. His father, a farmer, was born in east Tennessee, on Last River, in 1803, and came to this county at the age of eleven years. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch was bom July 26, 1826, in this county, and his early life, both at home and at school, was passed in the log cabin, with broad fire-place and puncheon floor, and his youth was inured to the heavy work of cutting down the trees of the dense forest, clearing the ground and following agricultural pursuits. During his life here he has been honored with public official trusts, as assessor of Jackson County, supervisor of roads for his section, etc. He is a mem¬ ber of the P. of H., and in his political principles a Democrat. Mr. Sweany was married on the 1st of August, 1850, to Annis S. Adams, and of their seven children only three are now living: Louisa, James and Thomas J. Mrs. Sweany died January 27, 1865.

HEZEKIAH THOMAS is a native of Shelby County, Ky., and was bom May 24, 1809. He was one of a family of eight children born to William and Mary (Seyfres) Thomas, who were natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania. At an early age he re¬ moved with his parents to Clarke County, Ind. They here en¬ gaged in farming, to which pursuit the subject of this sketch was reared. He received such school training as the schools of that day afforded. At the age of twenty-one he was married to Miss Polly Blunt, a native of Washington County. Nine children were born to this union; the first died in infancy: W. C., James A., Sarah Ann, Hezekiah, David B., Ezra, Louis C. and Mary; all are living, except Mary and an infant Mrs. Thomas died at the age of forty. He was again married, in 1854, to Rebecca Prather, a native of Clarke County, Ind. There were born to them seven children: George, Ira P., Leutitia, Edgar, Edward, Mary, Olef and Charles E., all of whom are dead, except Mary and Charles E. The latter was born March 9, 1804. Charles E. Thomas received his elementary training in the schools of Seymour. He is now proprietor of the Lynn House, gents' furnishing goods store, where, by fair dealing and courteous bearing, he has built up a profitable business. Mr. Hezekiah Thomas was formerly in the hardware business; then conducted a livery sta¬ ble. He is a member of the order of A. F. & A. M., and also I. O. O. F. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episco¬ pal Church, of which he is at present a trustee. He is one of Jackson County's oldest citizens and most successful merchants.

GEN. JOHN TIPTON was born in Sevier County, Tenn., August 14, 1780. His father, Joshua Tipton, was a native of Maryland. When quite young, being impelled by a desire to participate in the excitements of pioneer life, he removed to Ten¬ nessee. He was one of the most formidable adversaries of Indian strategy, to which he finally fell a victim in 1793. In the fall of 1807 John Tipton, with his mother, two sisters and a halfbrother, removed to Indiana Territory, and settled near a place on the Ohio River known as Brinley's Ferry. He purchased fifty acres of land, for which he paid by chopping and splitting rails at 50 cents a hundred. In 1811 he became a member of Capt. Spencer's company of mounted riflemen, known as Yellow Jackets. This company did excellent service in the campaign against the Indians on the Upper Wabash. In the battle of Tip¬ pecanoe, November 7, 1811, all the company officers above En¬ sign Tipton having been killed, he was promoted to the captaincy by Gen. Harrison in the hottest of the fight, and by his superior tact and courage maintained the reputation of his men. He con¬ tinued in service until the close of the war in that locality. Sub¬ sequently he was promoted, by regular gradations in the Terri¬ torial and State militia, to the position of major-general in 1822. At the first election under the State constitution, in 1816, he was made sheriff of Harrison County, and was re-elected in 1818. In 1821 he was chosen to represent Harrison County in the State

Legislature, and during the same year was one of the commis¬ sioners that located the State capital of Indiana. In the session which followed he was apppointed commissioner on the part of Indiana to meet a like commissioner from Illinois to locate the boundary line between the two States. The duty was satisfacto¬ rily performed. In the spring of 1824, without his solicitation or knowledge, he was appointed by President Monroe to the Indian agency, then located at Fort Wayne, which embraced the Pottawattomie, Miami and other Indian tribes on the Upper Wa¬ bash and Tippecanoe Rivers. Soon after his appointment he re¬ moved to Fort Wayne, and remained until March, 1828, when, at his instance, the agency was removed to Logansport. He was one of the commissioners appointed by John Quincy Adams to superintend the treaties with the Indians in his jurisdiction, and to his eminent ability were chiefly due the important provisions of the treaties of 1826, whereby valuable lands were opened to the public. He continued in charge of the agency until Decem¬ ber, 1831, when he was elected United States Senator, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Hon. James Noble. In De¬ cember, 1832, he was elected for a full term of six years, from March 4, 1833. As a senator he ranked high, distinguishing himself by his accurate knowledge of men and their relations to public affairs, and in working for the best good of the nation, without reference to politics. During the summer of 1838 he was delegated by the President to remove certain disaffected Pot¬ tawattomie and Miami Indians to the land which had been re¬ served west of the Mississippi River. Though these Indians had disposed of their lands, they were unwilling to emigrate, and the contractor had found it utterly impossible to proceed further. Gen. Tipton, however, readily comprehending the situation, over¬ came the difficulties by strategy, and, with a celerity scarcely anticipated, removed the remnants of the once mighty tribes. In March, 1839, he returned to his home in Logansport, and com¬ menced improving his vast landed estate on the Wabash. Had he lived to execute his plans for developing the immense resources of that locality, he would have given to Cass County in general, and Logansport in particular, a place in the industrial world un¬ equaled in Indiana. He died, April 5, 1839, from a sudden ill- ness induced by exposure. Gen. Tipton was twice married - in 1822 to Miss Shields, who died soon after, and in April, 1825, to Miss Matilda Spencer, daughter of Capi Spear Spencer, who was killed at the battle of Tippecanoe. They had four chil¬ dren, all of whom are now dead, excepting one daughter, who is the wife of Capt. Thomas S. Dunn, of the United States Army. In 1817 Gen. Tipton received the several degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry, in Pisgah Lodge No. 5, at Corydon, Ind. Upon the organization of the Grand Lodge, in 1818, he was elected Grand Senior Warden, and served until September, 1820. He was then elected Grand Master of the State, and served during the fourth and twelfth sessions. In 1822 he was made a Royal Arch Mason, in Louisville, Ky. In the fall of 1828 he organized Tipton Lodge No. 33, of Logansport, and in 1837 procured a charter and organized Logan Royal Arch Chapter, No. 2.

J. G. W. TRAYLOR, farmer, was bom in Montgomery County, Ky., January 18, 1823. His father, Nicholas Traylor, was a native of North Carolina, and his mother, Mary (nee Trim¬ ble), of Virginia. His educational advantages were limited by the frontier character of the times of his youth. When he wris seven years of age his father, with his family, immigrated to this State and settled upon a farm near where Scottsburg now stands. Our subject remained upon the farm until about 1852, and with his parents till he was thirty-five years of age. In 1852 he was appointed deputy sheriff of Scott County, and four years after¬ ward was elected sheriff ; and, being subsequently re-elected, he served two terms. In the meantime he was engaged in mercan¬ tile business for about two years. In the fall of 1862 he was elected county clerk, when he, for the first time, left his farm home and fixed his residence at the county seat in March, 1863, and continued there until 1871, serving in the above-mentioned office. He then moved upon a farm, where he, in addition to agriculture, also conducted a mill. While there the county aud¬ itor died, and Mr. Traylor was appointed to fill the vacancy for one year; was on his farm again until 1877, when he returned to Scottsburg, opened a boarding house and ran it until 1880. Then he came to Seymour, bought the furniture and fixtures of the city hotel, conducted that institution for two years, and sold out, since which time he has not been engaged in anything specially. April 16, 1867, he married Sarah J. Wilson, a native of Wash¬ ington County, Ind., and of their four children two are living: Bose and Cary. Politically Mr. Traylor is a stanch Democrat.

VALENTINE VOGEL, a prosperous farmer residing a mile south of Seymour, in Jackson Township, was born November 2, 1820, in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany. His father, Valentine Vogel, Sr., was a native of Frankfurt-on-the-Main, Germany; was reared in Hesse-Darmstadt; was a gunsmith by occupation; served in the war under Napoleon I, and when seventeen years of age he participated in the battle of Waterloo. In 1837 he immigrated to America, settling in Dearborn County, this State, and died about the year 1848. The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Catharine Seipp. After attending the common schools of his native land and growing up to the age of twentytwo years, Mr. Vogel, of this sketch, engaged to learn the trade of a butcher, which he afterward followed in Cincinnati, Lawrenceburg and New Bichmond, Ohio. Three years prior to this, however, he followed the river, serving as watchman between New Orleans and Cincinnati, St. Louis and Pittsburgh. He is now a substantial farmer of this county, at the point above indicated, and owns 375 acres of good land. August 18, 1845, is the date of Mr. Vogel's marriage to Dora Dressendorfer, and they have had nine children, seven of whom are living, namely: John Lewis, Mary Ann, Eliza Clara, Emma Susan, Jesse Cary, Fannie M. and Valentine S. The deceased are George W. and Martha. Mr. and Mrs. V. are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Vogel in his political sentiments is counted a member of the Kepublican party.

ABRAHAM BRANAMAN, of Owen Township, is the fourth son of Abraham and Susan (Kindred) Branaman. His birth oc¬ curred September 29, 1857, in Jackson County, where his home has always been. His father was one of the pioneers of the county, and in his boyhood days remembers Salem as the nearest milling place, twenty-five miles away. His early school advantages were only such as the rude log house, with slab benches, afforded. In the absence of window-glass paper was used, and that generally greased, to make it both more durable and serviceable. He worked for a time at the stone-mason's trade and acquired consid¬ erable skill in that trade. He is a Mason and a member of the Baptist Church. His wife, who was a native of Kentucky, named Juliet McDade, is a member of the Methodist Church.

J. W. BRANAMAN, farmer, was the seventh in order of birth in the family of Christian and Mary S. Branaman, and was born November 15. 1850. He acquired the rudiments of an education at the district school, and his occupation has ever been that of a farmer. His farm, comprising 190 acres, borders upon the village of Clear Spring. December 25, 1878, he married E. V. Bain, and this matrimonial union has been crowned with the birth of two children, whose names are Ruth and Blanche. Mr. Branaman has been identified with the Democratic party, and his wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Seymour.

DAVID KYTE, one of the leading men of Owen Township, was born in Washington County, August 21, 1821. He is the eldest son of Lewis and Catherine (Colglacier) Kyte, both natives of Ohio. The common schools of his native county was the only source of David's education. He was raised upon the farm and while yet a boy began the shoe-maker's trade; this trade, however, he never followed very much. Margaret McKinney, of the same county, became his wife August 12, 1847. She bore him six children, these four are now living: Elizabeth, James

1858. A little more than a year later she too died, and Novem¬ ber 4, 1859, he took for his third wife, Julia A. Weaver, of Shelby County, Ky. By her he is the father of two sons, Henry R. and David V., both of whom are now successful young physicians. Mr. Kyte is a Democrat, has long enjoyed the confidence of the citizens. He has been township trustee three terms and perhaps did more than any other man to put the schools in a flourishing condition. He is one of the progressive men of the county.

JAMES McCORY, of Owen Township, is a native of Oneida County, N. Y., and was born June 24, 1808, being the third son of Clement and Abigail (Mudge) McCory. The parents were also natives of New York and were of Scotch-Irish and Dutch descent. They came to Clarke County, Ind., in 1818, and re¬ mained there the balance of their lives. Mahala Scott, a native of Kentucky, born June 27, 1810, became his wife January 7, 1830. The result of this union is a family of nine children; only Elizabeth, Isabelle, Abigail and Louisa now living. Mr. McCory has been a citizen of Jackson County about fifty years, and is now one of its oldest and most respected men. He lives on the land he first bought from the Government and which he has cleared. When he first located here the wolves were yet so thick that sheep had to be penned up nights for protection. His early education was limited, but by much reading he has acquired a good general knowledge. He has led a life of temperance, having never been drunk nor used tobacco in any form. He has always been a Democrat and voted for Jackson at his first term, to whom he was formally introduced on the steamer "Triton," en route to New Orleans. Both Mr. and Mrs. McCory are prom¬ inent members of the Christian Church and have been such for several years.

J OHN R. McCOY, one of the oldest and most highly esteemed citizens of Owen Township, was born February 2, 1825, in Wash¬ ington County, Ind. In that county his boyhood was spent, and his early occupation was that of a farmer. Since he came to Jackson County he has devoted most of his time to the ministry in the Baptist Church. His marriage with Mary Rasor occurred

June 1, 1843. Nine children have been born to this union, of whom six are now living. He enlisted in the One Hundred and Twentieth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers as chaplain, where he served for two years, beginning in March, 1864. His life has been largely devoted to his pastoral duties, which he has con¬ ducted in a quiet and unobtrusive manner. Besides this he has taught a number of terms in the district schools, but these labors he has been compelled to abandon in later years on account of physical infirmity.

ALFRED OSBURN, a leading citizen of Owen Township, Jackson Co., Ind., is the second in the family of John and Frances (Blount) Osburn. He was born near Plymouth, Washington Co., N. C., October 7, 1827, and is of English descent. At the age of seven years he became a resident of J ackson County, where his home has ever since been. He attended the subscription and common schools of his day, and until the age of twenty-two was engaged in farming. At that time he began the wagon-maker's trade, which he has followed to some extent nearly ever since. Mary J. Fish became his wife April 27, 1848, and none of their three children are now living. Mr. Osburn became a minister of the gospel in the Christian Church, in 1879, at Clear Spring, where the society has a good building and a large membership. In politics he is a Democrat, and has been township trustee, be¬ sides holding several other minor offices. He enjoys the confi¬ dence and high regard of all his neighbors and others who know him.

DR. THOMAS J. RICHARDS, a native of this county, was born September 16, 1823, the fourth son of Gabriel and Margaret (Ayer) Rioh&rds. His father, a native of Virginia, was a first lieutenant in the regular army, which position he resigned, and became a Methodist minister for the remainder of his life. In 1811, in Nashville, Tenn., he was married, and came to what is now Jackson County, purchasing a squatter's claim, to which he moved his family in 1816. From that time onward he was a "local Methodist preacher." His death occurred August 6, 1826. Mrs. Margaret Richards, a devoted wife and mother, was a native of Ireland, and was brought, in the immigration of the family, to this country when but two years of age. She died in 1877.

Richard Richards, an uncle of the Doctor, was also a Methodist preacher, officiating in that capacity as early as 1805. The "min¬ utes" show him to be the first regularly ordained Methodist Epis¬ copal minister stationed on the Vincennes Circuit. At the age of twenty-one years Dr. Richards attended the Medical College at Louisville, Ky. ; afterward practiced in company with his pre¬ ceptor, Dr. C. T. Wilson, at Leesville, Ind., and in 1854 came to Clear Spring, this county, where he was for many years one of the foremost practitioners. In October, 1863, he enrolled a com¬ pany of the One Hundred and Twentieth Indiana Volunteer In¬ fantry, and was commissioned captain. Being soon afterward ordered to the field for service, he participated in the Atlanta campaign and many of the hard-fought battles of the war. Re¬ turning to Clear Spring, he resumed the practice of his profession, as far as health would permit. Dr. Richards has been twice married; the first time to Maudlean Wheedon, and of the three children born by this marriage two are now living, namely: William D. and Maudlean. The wife and mother died in 1853, and Dr. Richards, in November, 1854, selected for his second wife Miss Hannah L., daughter of Lemuel and Susan (Peniston) Butler, who was born in Jennings County, in 1834. There are three children living by this marriage, named Alice, Frank and Olis B. Dr. and Mrs. Richards are both members of the Method¬ ist Episcopal Church.

DR. JAMES C. WELLS was the sixth born to Jacob and Sarah (Carruthers) Wells. Jacob Wells and wife were natives of Jessa¬ mine County, Ky. They removed to Indiana in 1816. Jacob Wells was born May '10, 1791. Sarah Wells was born in 1788. They were married November 29, 1818. They were among the very earliest pioneers of Jackson County, and among the first settlers in Owen Township. Jacob Wells held the office of county commissioner and was also justice of the peace for many years. Sarah Wells was a member of the Baptist Church. James C. Wells, the subject of this sketch, was born April 20, 1831. His early life was spent upon his father's farm in Owen Township. His early school advantages were the district school where he acquired the common branches. He subsequently attended the State University at Bloomington, Ind. He pursued his studies here until the senior year when he was obliged to return home upon the death of his father. He began the study of medicine in 1853, under Dr. Mussey, of Cincinnati, one of the most cele¬ brated physicians in the West in his day. He remained in Dr. Mussy's office for four years. In the year 1856, he was house surgeon of the city hospital. He attended lectures in Philadel¬ phia in 1854. He returned to Clear Spring, Jackson County, in 1857, where he opened an office and began the practice of medicine. In March, 1863, he enlisted in the Fiftieth Indiana Volunteers as surgeon. He served under Gen. Steele at the capture' of Little Bock, Ark. He returned home during the summer of 1864 and resumed the practice of medicine at Clear Spring. He was injured in the left ankle and seriously disabled while in the army. He served as county commissioner from 1867 to 1873, two terms. He was appointed in June, 1885, ex¬ amining surgeon for the pension department, and occupied the position of president of the board of examining surgeons at North Vernon, Ind. He was married, in 1858, to Nancy C. Carr, and four children have been bom to them, three of whom are living: Sarah, born August 1, 1859; Kitty, a twin sister of the former; John C., born September 17, 1861; Caroline Vir¬ ginia, bom April 22, 1867. The Doctor's ancestors were Vir¬ ginians. Both of his grandfathers were Bevolutionary soldiers for the full term of seven years. His maternal line of ancestors were from James Biver. No physician in Jackson County stands higher than Dr. Wells, and very few are his peers in his pro¬ fession.

ALEXANDEB H. WBAY, a resident of Owen Township, Jackson Co., Ind., was bom in Garnett County, Ky., January 20, 1834. His parents were Eli and Paulina (Henderson) Wray, who came to this county not long after Alexander's birth, and ranked among the pioneers of Jackson County. The father is said to have been one of the earliest Whigs in the county. The son's education was acquired in the early log schoolhouses of his day, that formed a wide contrast with those of the present time. Puncheon floors and large fire-places were then universal. Throughout life Mr. Wray's calling has been that of a farmer. In July, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, of the Fifty-fifth Beg- iment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry. On account of disability he was compelled to quit service. In January, 1805, he again entered the army, this time in Company F, of the One Hundred and Forty-fifth Regiment, where he served fifteen months. He took part in campaigns in Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama and other States, and returned home badly disabled from injuries received. His marriage with Martha Fountain was solemnized in February, 1853. Of the ten children that have been born to them only these four are now living: Henry, Rebecca J., Sarah and Martha Isabel. The parents are members of the Christian Church and are among its leading members. Mr. Wray has been a consistent Republican.

ARTHUR C. BRADBURY, a farmer of Redding Township, is a native of North Carolina, born April 4, 1816, son of Arthur and Mary Bradbury, who were natives of North Carolina. The former died in his native State. His wife came to J ackson County, Ind., where she died May 20, 1840. Our subject's early life was passed in farming and clerking in a store. In 1835 he came to Jackson County, of which he has ever since been a citizen. He has been twice married, the first time, October 29, 1837, to Han¬ nah Easter, a native of Fayette County, Penn., born August 10, 1810, by whom he had the following children: Barbara, born December 22, 1838, now wife of J. R. Curns; Mary M. E., June 25, 1842, died December 31, 1875; Maria, September 21, 1845, wife of R. W. Brooks; Mahala, February 17, 1848, died August 15, 1856, and Eliza J., born December 1, 1850, died September 9, 1877. Mrs. Bradbury died January 29, 1876. November 28, 1878, he returned to his native State and married an estimable lady, Mary H. Bradbury, a native of North Carolina, born Octo¬ ber 8, 1813. Mr. Bradbury served an apprenticeship as brickmason and shoe-maker, but his main occupation has been farming. He now owns 172 acres of land in Jackson County, besides land in North Carolina. In 1846 he partially lost his eyesight, and in

1861 became totally blind. From that time to the present he has borne his affliction with unusual patience, and always with kind¬ ness. He has served as justice of the peace and township clerk, been a member of the Christian Church since 1846, and a life¬ long Democrat. His wife has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 1832.

NICHOLAS DEPPERT, a farmer of Redding Township, was born in Bavaria Germany, December 13, 1813, the eldest son of George and Dothory (Sinner) Deppert, the former born in Bavaria and the latter in Saxon Germany. They married in their native country in 1837, and immigrated to America, settling in Redding Township, Jackson County, where they resided until their death. He died in about 1874, his wife in about 1866. They were much respected in their community, and were members of the Lutheran Church. Our subject has been a resident of JacksQn County since 1837. He worked by the day and month until he had acquired sufficient means to purchase fifty-one acres of land, and has added to that until he now owns 151 acres of well-improved land. August 24, 1838, he married, in Jefferson County, Ind., Margaret Buchwad, a native of Germany. She was the mother of two children, John A., born in 1841, and Mar¬ garet, wife of Etson Claus. John A. took an active part in the war of the Rebellion, and went out in the Fiftieth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was a good soldier, and took part in many battles. He died at Little Rock, Ark. Mrs. Dep¬ pert died in 1844. Mr. Deppert took for his second wife Pris¬ cilla Standfield, a native of North Carolina. Mr. Deppert is a well -respected citizen of the county, has been an officer of the township in which he lives five times, and is a member of the Lutheran Church. His wife is a member of the Methodist Epis¬ copal Church. He is a Democrat.

OLIVER M. GLASSON, a leading citizen of Redding Town¬ ship, was born in Jackson County May 23, 1843, son of William and Rachel (Marshall) Glasson. The former was of Welsh de¬ scent, and both natives of North Carolina, the former born in 1799, his wife in 1802. They were married in their native State in about 1820, and soon after came to Jackson County, Ind. He was a wagon-maker by trade, but mainly followed farming. He died in 1868. His wife preceded him in 1848. Our subject is the youngest child. He received his education at the common schools. He worked on his father's farm until 1862, when he en¬ listed in Company G, Sixty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry. His first battle was at Mumfordsville, Ky., where he was taken prisoner and paroled. He was soon after exchanged. He was in the siege of Vicksburg, also Black River, Arkansas Post, Jackson, Miss., Champion Hill, Fort Gibson, Fort Morgan, Fort Gains, was all through the Florida campaign, was with Gen. Banks on the Red River expedition, and many other engagements. After the close of the war he again gave his attention to farming. He is the owner of 208 acres of well-cultivated land. In 1866 he married Margaret Tinder, a native of Jackson County, and daugh¬ ter of Timothy and Peggy (Jones) Tinder, who were prominent early settlers of Jackson County. Mr. Glasson has two sons, Charles and John T. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., No. 414, Lincoln Lodge, of Seymour, and identified himself with the Dem¬ ocratic party.

HENRY NAYROCKER, a citizen of Redding Township, was born in Switzerland, August 9, 1814. He is a son of Henry and Ann (Brunner) Nayrocker, natives of Switzerland. They came to America in 1834, and settled in Jackson County, where they purchased government land, and lived there until their death, which occurred about 1859, his wife in 1835. Our subject received his education in Switzerland, and, like his father, followed farming for a living. He married, in 1845, Margaret Price, a native of Germany, who bore him the following children: Mary, Lizzie, John and Henry. She was a member of the Lu¬ theran Church, and died in 1871. Mr. Nayrocker has secured, by his energy and labor, 214 acres of fine land, which he has im¬ proved. His son, Henry, now farms part of the old homestead, where he was born, March 9, 1855. He married, November 25, 1879, Agnes Eisner, a native of Cincinnati, born May 31, 1858. They have three children: William, Annie and Oscar.

JOHN SHADE, deceased, was a farmer of Redding Town¬ ship. He was born in Germany, March 11, 1812, and came to America in 1837, locating in Jackson County. In 1838 he mar¬ ried Hannah Deppert, who is a native of Germany, born Novem- ber 15, 1812. By this marriage there are two children: John and George. Mr. Shade died June 7, 1850. He was held in high esteem as an honest and upright citizen and neighbor. He was obliged, when young, to rely upon his own resources, and worked at anything he could obtain until he accumulated enough money to buy him a farm. He was a member of the Lutheran Church. His son, George, now resides on the old homestead and works the farm. He married Eva Reighel. They have four children: Annie, Mattie, Julius and Martin.

JOHN SHANNON, a farmer, and resident of Redding Town¬ ship, was born in Jefferson County, Ky., in 1825, and is the son of Samuel and Mary A. Shannon, natives of Pennsylvania and Ireland. They moved to Clark County, Ind., in 1837, and to Jackson County about 1849, where they settled on a farm in Red¬ ding Township, where they both died, at about the age of seventyseven years. Our subject's vocation through life was that of a farmer. April 12, 1849, he married Mariam Cox, daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Cox, who were prominent early settlers of Jackson County. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Shannon: Mary A., born July 15, 1850; Elizabeth L., September 23, 1852; Attlas W., September 6, 1858; Lillie R., June 28, 1860; Samuel F., November 28, 1862, Benjamin G.r June 23, 1865. Mrs. Shannon died September 6, 1865. Mr. Shannon again married, April 9, 1866, Mary, the widow of S. D. Allen, and daughter of William P. Coons, and a native of Scott County, Ind., born October 13, 1833. She has three children by her former marriage: Alice A., born November 6, 1857; Mary J., November 19, 1859, died February 27, 1876; Ella D., Decem¬ ber 19, 1861. By her second marriage, with Mr. Shannon, she has the following children: Mariam A., January 4, 1867; Lenora M., April 16, 1869; George M. W., July 16, 1871; Lydia V., December 8, 1875; John W., February 17, 1877. Mr. Shan¬ non owns 260 acres of well-improved land, which is the fruit of his own industry. Politically he is a Democrat, and his wife has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for thirty-six years. They are held in high esteem by all who know them.

FRANK ACKERMAN, of Salt Creek Township, is a native of Switzerland, and was born October 10, 1824. Early in 1854 he embarked for America, and in March landed at New York. From there he proceeded to Columbus, Ohio, and in that vicinity hired out to work on the farm. It is one of the curious coinci¬ dences that the woman who became his wife came over on the same ship and hired out to the same farmer, although they were then unacquainted. In September, 1854, they were married, and the result of this union has been eight sons: Joseph, Henry, John, Frank, Charles, Louis, Edward and William. In 1858 he moved to Dearborn County, where he remained until 1866. At that time he bought the farm in Jackson County, where he has ever since lived. He is a successful farmer, and they belong to the German Methodist Episcopal Church.

WILLIAM ACTON, a resident of Salt Creek Township, was born in the township where he now lives, August 4, 1842. He is the eldest son of Richard and Arena (Lorance) Acton, both natives of Kentucky. Farming has always been the occupation of Mr. Acton, and his whole life has been spent on the farm where he now resides. His education is such as the common schools of his day afforded, and is practical. Emily C. Knight, of Lawrence County, became his wife November 19, 1865, and to them have been born these six children: Addie E., Mariah A., Charles W., Clarence A.. Mary I., and Alice E. In September, 1862, Mr. Acton enlisted in the Fiftieth Indiana Regiment, where he served until June, 1865. His politics are Democratic, and in 1869 he was elected township assessor, but resigned. In 1878 he was chosen trustee, and served four years. He is a member of the G. A. R. at Freetown. Both Mr. and Mrs. Acton are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and they are among the best and most influential people of the courtty.

tlie eldest son of Daniel and Sarah (Allman) Bowman, natives of North Carolina, and of Dutch descent. The primitive schools of his time afforded but limited opportunities for education. His nuptials with Nancy J. Martin, of Washington County, were celebrated January 22, 1860. Two children were born to them: Mary E., who died in 1885, in her twenty-third year, aud John M. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bowman are among the leading members of the Christian Church. He has espoused the principles of the Democratic party, and has held several township offices. His father, Daniel, one of the pioneers of the county, died July 30, 1882.

JOHN W. BROWN, a merchant of Houston, was born in Salt Creek Township, March 1, 1860. His parents were natives of the same township, and named Thomas and Lean (Cornett) Brown. John is the oldest living son. He received a good edu¬ cation in the common schools and at the Clear Spring Academy. He was raised on the farm, where his time was mostly spent until the fall of 1884, when he began doing a general merchan¬ dise trade at Houston. By his enterprise he is rapidly building up an extensive trade. His marriage with Mary J. Bowman was solemnized January 16, 1880. Their only child is named Ova. January 24, 1884, he was grieved by his wife's death. He is a Democrat, and takes an active interest in public affairs.

ANDREW G. BRUNN, a native of Baden, Germany, and a resident of Salt Creek Township, was born March 28, 1838. In 1857, at the age of nineteen, he embarked for America, and in August, of that year, landed at New New York. From there he proceeded directly to Brownstown, in Jackson County, where he at once secured work at his trade, that of a shoe-maker. He re¬ mained there until 1864, when he entered the army, and served until the close of the war. He was engaged in the battles of Franklin, Nashville and others. Upon his return he resumed his trade in Brownstown, and worked there until 1885, when he moved to this portion of the county. In 1860 he married Maggie Reed, who bore him two children: Charles and John. She died in 1866, from consumption, and the following year he was married to Susan Marsh, of this county. The result of this union was two children: Laura and Florence. In 1876 Mr.

Brunn again mourned a wife's death. In the same year Phoebe C. Callahan became his third wife. They are the parents of three children: Jacob E. Alpha E. and Cora. Mr. Brunn is a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity, and one of the incjustrious men of his community.

DR. GEORGE CHUTE is a native of Washington County, Ohio. He was born June 8, 1825, being the eldest son of Will¬ iam and Anna Chute. His parents were natives of Maine and Ohio, and were descendants of the old Yankee and Dutch ele¬ ments of the Eastern States. George's early schooling was received in a log schoolhouse of his native county. At the age of seventeen he entered the academy at Marietta, Ohio, where he remained about one year. About this time he began the study of medicine with Dr. Freeman, of Marietta, devoting but a por¬ tion of his time to the study. In the fall of 1844 he entered a medical college at Cincinnati, under Prof. Alva Curliss. Having graduated from that institution in the spring of 1861, he came to Indiana and began the practice of his profession in Freetown. Being conscious of the responsibilities of a physician, Mr. Chute understood that a medical college diploma was not a synonym for the words "skilled practitioner," and he has been untiring in his devotion to the study of the science. As a result of his efforts he was most successful, and acquired an extensive practice. De¬ cember, 1848, he married Mary J. Nichol, a native of Pennsylva¬ nia. To them have been born six children, of whom three are living: Edna, Eliza and Roxena. He is a member of the F. & A. M., and in politics is a Democrat. Of late years the Doctor's health has been failing, and he has given up the practice of call¬ ing upon his patients.

JAMES OLIVER CROSS, of Salt Creek Township, was born in Tennessee April 16, 1830, he being the second son of William and Mariam Cross. His father and mother (whose maiden name was Mormon) were both born in North Carolina, and both moved to this State in 1816, locating where Seymour now stands. The county was at that time a wilderness, and In¬ dians roamed through the forest unmolested. They were married in 1822, and soon after they moved to North Carolina, and shortly from thence to Tennessee, where Oliver was born. In 1831 they moved back to this county, locating in Salt Creek Township, where they resided the rest o{ their lives. The occupation of William Cross was that of a farmer. He and his wife joined the Chris¬ tian Church at Buffalo in 1840. They both served as officers in the church up to death, she serving as deaconess for thirty-five years. At the time of the early settling of this county physicians were few. Mrs. Cross was much praised for waiting on and caring for the sick. It was no rare occurrence for her to ride ten or twelve miles in the dark, through woods and rain or snow, to visit and care for some poor sufferer. William Cross died in

1861, of dropsy. His widow died September 17, 1885, after a lin- - gering illness of eight months caused by typhoid fever, aged nearly seventy-nine years. She had resided on the same farm, two miles northeast of Houston, since 1832, or for fifty-three years, being at the time of her death one of the earliest inhabit¬ ants of Salt Creek Township, also of the county. Oliver remained at home, receiving a very limited education, working on t^e farm, until 1851, at which time he was united in marriage to Margaret Souder, who was a native of Brownstown Township, born May 16, 1830. He purchased a farm in the eastern part of Salt Creek Township, and began farming. Soon after he secured and moved on a farm one and one-half miles northeast of Houston, where he has since continued the occupation of farming. In February of 1861 his wife died. To them were bom four children, two of whom are living, namely: Susan and Jane, both married. In

1862, when the Fiftieth Regiment was sent forth to help subdue the Rebellion, Oliver accompanied them. He was never sworn in, and went merely to be with his three brothers, who were in the regiment December 4, 1863, he married Lucretia Pruitt, who was born in Brown County, this State, October 17, 1848, but at the time of marriage she was an inhabitant of Salt Creek Township. To them were born nine children, eight of whom are living, namely: Thomas Sherman, John M., Nancy A., James B.,% Mariam J., Hattie E., Lucy B. and Laura E. For the past five years Mr. Cross and sons have been dealing largely in staves, under the name of J. O. Cross & Sons. Cross & Sons are buying staves in five counties, namely: Jackson, Bartholomew, Lawrence, Brown and Monroe. Gibson & McDonald, of Seymour, have been using most of their staves. Their stave trade has furnished thousands of dollars to Salt Creek and surrounding townships. By having their staves dressed in the country they furnish em¬ ployment to hundreds of hands, thus greatly benefitting the local merchants by giving them the trade which would otherwise go to the cities or larger towns. Mr. Cross' ancestors were English on his father's side and German and French on his mother's side. He and wife are both members of the Christian Church. Dem¬ ocratic in politics.

JOHN CROSS, one of the leading citizens of Jackson County and a promineiit farmer of Salt Creek Township, was born in Burke County, N. C., February 7, 1815. His parents were Solomon and Elizabeth (Tippes) Cross, who came to this county in an early day. John's education was but meager in early life, owing to poor facilities in his native State. He has now been a resident of the county fifty-seven years. April 7, 1835, he married Elizabeth Brown, also of North Carolina. She died December 31, 1867. June 28, following, he married Mrs. Cansada (Hunter) Winkler, of Lawrence County. In 1854 he began doing a dry goods busi¬ ness at Houston, and continued at that for fourteen years. At the end of that time he sold out and returned to his farm where he now lives. He has been successful in business and closely iden¬ tified with the interests of the county. He voted for Jackson, and from that time to the present has been identified with the Demo¬ cratic party. In 1859 he was chosen county commissioner and served three years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cross are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has served thirty-one years as steward.

LEVI M. CROSS is a native of Salt Creek Township, where he now lives and was born December 10, 1842. He is the eldest son of Thomas and Rebecca (Bridge waters) Cross. His educa¬ tion is such as the schools of his day afforded. Eliza Cordell, a native of Ohio, became his wife October 16, 1865, and to their union six children were born, of whom five are now living: Catherine, George W., Franklin, Mary A., and Edward. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the Sixty-seventh Regiment Indiana Infantry, and took part in all the important battles in which that regiment was engaged. On his return home, he followed farming until

1868, when he began the wagon-maker's trade. December 29, 1882, he mourned the death of his wife; and June 24, 1883, he married Rettie Smith of this county. In 1882 he was appointed postmaster, and at once began keeping a line of notions, groceries, etc. He belongs to the G. A. R., and is a Democrat. Mr. Cross has been quite successful thus far in life. He and wife are mem¬ bers of the United Brethren Church, in which he is an officer.

S. Z. CROSS, who now lives in Salt Creek Township, was born in Brownstown Township, this county, July 18, 1842. He is the eldest son of Jacob and Eliza (Richards) Cross, of Tennes¬ see and Kentucky. His early education was limited to the country schools of his time. His marriage with AnnaR. DeLong, a native of Ohio, was solemnized October 3, 1866. Of their eight children only six are now living: Ralph R., Samuel J., Florilla, Emil E., Edna V. and Ida I. Mr. Cross has always been engaged in farm¬ ing, although he has worked some at carpentering. He volun¬ teered in the Fiftieth Indiana Regiment, in October, 1861, and served until September, 1865. His political faith has always been that of a Democrat. He and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he has been a member of the Masonic society for fifteen years.

D. J. CUMMINGS, M. D., of Houston, was born in Jackson County, July 11, 1845. His parents were Joseph and Malinda (Faubion) Cumming, natives, respectively, of Lawrence County, Ind., and of Tennessee. In early life the Doctor attended the common schools and later received an academic education in the schools at Clear Spring. At the early age of eighteen he volun¬ teered in the service of his country. The date of his enlistment was December 17, 1863, and his regiment was the Ninety -third Indiana Infantry, with which he served in several battles, and at the close of the war was honorably discharged. Upon his return, finished his schooling in the academy and began the study of medicine with Dr. W. H. Smith, at Leosville. In the fall of 1868 he began a course in the Miami Medical College of Cincinnati. In the following May he located at Houston, where he has suc¬ ceeded in building up a large and lucrative practice. His first wife was Sarah E. Starr, of Lawrence County, and this wedding was solemnized July 26, 1866; three children were born to this union. She died September 23, 1871, and for his second wife he took Rebecca J. Cummings June 30, 1872. She has borne him three children; Elmer, Cora and Joseph. The Doctor is a Mason, in which order he is now Worshipful Master, and is also a member of the G. A. R. His political affiliation is with the Democratic party. He stands high in his profession and has been twice appointed a delegate to the American Medical Association.

THOMAS FLEETWOOD, a farmer of Salt Creek Township, where he was born April 10, 1846, is the third son of Jesse and Cynthia (Stewart) Fleetwood. The parents were natives of Ken¬ tucky. The common schools of Jackson County afforded the only source of education for Thomas, and because of hard work he was unable to avail himself of their full benefit. He was raised a farmer, an occupation he has followed throughout life with success. Ellen Lutes, a native of Brown County, Ind., became his wife in January, 1872. To this union have been born five children: Zefery, Jefferson, Purley, Maude and lea. In pol¬ itics he has always been reliably Democratic.

GEORGE W. GIBSON, M. D., one of the leading phy¬ sicians of the county, and a citizen of Houston, was bom in Bel¬ mont County, Ohio, July 13, 1838. His parents were Allen and Deborah (Barnes) Gibson, and he is their eldest son. They were of German, Scotch and American extraction, and natives of Penn¬ sylvania and Ohio. George W., in early life, attended the com¬ mon schools, and after coming to Indiana in 1852, went nearly two years to an Indianapolis school. He located at Nashville, this State, and for two terms taught in Brown County. In 1858 he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. John Carson, where he remained until 1860. At that time he entered the Lou¬ isville University. In the spring of 1861 he returned to Brown County and enlisted in the Twenty-second Regiment of Indiana. He served in all the hard fought campaigns for which that regiment was famous. He was mustered out July 24, 1865. Soon after his return to Brown County he was taken sick, and he returned to his old home in Ohio for one year. He then returned to Nashville, and in 1867 he located at Houston, in the practice of his profes¬ sion, where he has been ever since. He enjoys a good practice and the esteem of those who know him. The Doctor is a member of the Masonic order, and a reliable Democrat in politics.

GEORGE M. LUCAS is a native and resident of Salt Creek Township. He is the youngest child df Jesse and Elizabeth (Parks) Lucas, both of North Carolina. The father was one of the pioneers of Jackson County and died August, 1848. George M. received but a limited education in the schools of his native township. In February, 1864, he enlisted in his country's serv¬ ice, and served in some of the most important battles of the war. Among them were Kenesaw Mountain. Tunnel Hill, Dallas, Resaca, Peachtree Creek, Rome, Jonesboro, Benton ville, and went with Sherman on his march to the sea. He was mustered out in July, 1865. Upon his return home he engaged in farming. His marriage with Nancy C. Gobble, of the same township, was sol¬ emnized September 22, 1866. Their family of eight children are all living and named Olive L., John W., Mary E.. Jacob C., Sam¬ uel E., Lewis B., Sophrony M. and Inez. He is a member of the G. A. R. and an active Democrat.

DANIEL LUTES, one of the oldest men of Salt Creek Town¬ ship, was born in Burke County, N. C.: June 19, 1810. His par¬ ents were John and Catherine (Bowman) Lutes, of whom he is the eldest son. His early education was received in his native county, and at the age of twelve years he came to J ackson County with his parents, where his home has ever since been and where the father died in 1862. He was raised upon the farm and there his life has been mostly spent. His success in his business has been marked, and all his undertakings have been prosperous. Mr. Lutes has never been married, and, though in the evening of life, he looks back upon his course with evident satisfaction, and not sorry that his many years have been passed in the realms of bachelorhood, where women are supposed not to intrude.

MARTHA E. LUTES, wife of John W. Lutes (deceased), of Salt Creek Township, Jackson County, was born in Ohio December 31, 1848. She is the youngest daughter of John and Mariah (Hilt) Wadsworth, who now reside in Brown County, Ind. Her husband, John W. Lutes, was born in this county November 20, 1844. His schooling was limited, but he succeeded* in acquiring a practical education. His only occupation during life was farming, and in that he was successful in every partic¬ ular. His death happened April 30, 1880, at which time Salt

Creek Township lost one of its most valuable citizens and one of its most respected men. Their seven children were named Meedy E., Rosa O., Ida I., Eva L. (deceased), Rosa C. (deceased), Lula B. (deceased) and Marcus M.

JOSEPH G. L. LUTES, of Salt Creek Township, was born in the township where he now lives September 27, 1854. He is the fifth son in the family of his parents, who were Henry and Catherine (Cross) Lutes, and died in 18(52 and 1864 respectively. The common schools of the county was the only source of Jo¬ seph's education. He was raised upon the farmland until 1885 his only occupation was farming. In June of that year he began doing a dry goods business, and he is still engaged in that calling. Miss Estella Cornett, a descendant of one of the oldest families in Salt Creek Township, became his wife November 6, 1879. They are well and favorably known iu that portion of the county where they live. The political sentiments of Mr. Lutes are of the Democratic kind.

DR. GRAFTON MANUEL, of Freetown, Jackson County, is a native of Ohio, and is the oldest son born to James and Jane (Still wagon) Manuel. He is of Spanish descent and his ances¬ tors took part in the war of 1812, perhaps in the Revolution. His early education was received in the common schools of Bel¬ mont, his native county, and later attended a select school. At the age of eighteen he went to Marshall County and began teach¬ ing. He was born August 12, 1834, and April 12, 1853, he mar¬ ried Elizabeth J. Logsdon, of Marshall County, W. Ya. She bore him one child, named for the mother, and died April 10, 1854. In the same year he began studying medicine with Dr. Sam Griffith, of the same county. In 1857 he came to Jackson County and located at Freetown. In May, of that year, he mar¬ ried Elizabeth J. Acton, of this county, and they are the parents of seven children, all living. The Doctor has had quite an ex¬ tensive practice in his profession and in addition to this has taught school some during the winter seasons. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and a Democrat. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is a licensed local preacher.

Township, where he was born September 9, 1860, is a son of George W. and Mahala (White) Motsinger, natives of Washing¬ ton County. The education of Charles W. was obtained in the common schools and by attending one term at the Clear Spring Academy. He was reared on the farm where most of his life has been spent. He was bom in the vicinity of Freetown and, with the exception of two years spent in the West, has always made his home in Salt Creek Township. September 13, 1885, he was married to Jennie Thompson, from Houston. In the fall of 1884 he began doing a drug trade which is increasing. He is one of the rising young business men of Jackson County.

WATSON O. SCOTT, a teacher of Salt Creek Township, is a son of Rev. A. and Mary J. (Hanna) Scott, both natives of Ohio and of Scotch descent. The father was well educated, and taught school until he entered the ministry in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Mason and a Democrat. Watson O. was bom in Washington County, Ohio, December 16, 1861. He received a good education and entered Moore's Hill College. He began teaching in 1880 and is in his fourth term as teacher. July 4, 1883, he was united in marriage to Mary J. Brown, a native of Brown County, Ind. Two children have been born to them: William B. and an infant unnamed. He has inherited the political sentiments of his father.

HIRAM SPRAGUE, a prominent citizen of Sait Creek Township, and one of the reliable teachers of the county, was born in Marion County, Ohio, October 7, 1834. His parents, John and Mary (Taylor) Sprague, were both of Belmont County, Ohio, and of Irish- Dutch extraction. Hiram was reared on the farm and received sufficient education at home and in the com¬ mon schools to enable him to teach. This he began at the age of twenty-six, and after teaching six winters he came to Indiana. He is now living on the same farm entered by his father in 1851. After coming here he continued teaching and has now taught fourteen schools in this State. April 16, 1870, he married Mary A. Lloyd, a native of Muskingum County, Ohio. Their two children are named John O. and George C. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sprague are members of the United Brethren Church, in which he is now one of the trustees. He is a Democrat and one of the most highly respected men of Salt Creek Township.

JAMES SMITH, a well-known farmer of Salt Creek Town¬ ship, was born in Belmont County July 1, 1830, and is the third son of Thomas G. and Mary (Simpson) Smith, natives of Mary¬ land and Virginia, of Dutch and Irish extraction. His education was limited to the common country schools. He was raised a farmer, an occupation he has followed successfully all his life. April 18, 1850, he was married to Sarah A. Burcher, of the same county. To them have been born four children: Thomas J. (deceased), John M., Mary A. and Emily B. In September, 1861, he enlisted in the Sixty-second Regiment, Ohio Infantry. He was in the battles of Winchester, Cross Keys and was with McClellan in his seven days' fight near Richmond. He was dis¬ charged on account of physical disability. On his return home he continued farming in Ohio until 1876, when he came to Salt Creek Township. He has followed farming since then and is now a member of the G. A. R. His politics are Republican.

NATHAN LLOYD, a well-known citizen of Salt Creek Township, is the youngest son of Nathan and Louisa (Jones) Lloyd, who were of Welsh descent. The date of his birth is September 9, 1851, in Highland County, Ohio. His education was received in his native county and partly in Jackson County. In 1865, at the age of fourteen years, he came to Jackson County with his parents, and his home has been here ever since. Most of his life has been spent on the farm. In 1881 he opened a store of general merchandise at Maumee, where he has since been doing a very good trade. He is the proprietor of the place and its leading spirit. Sarah C. Ireland, of Brownstown, became his wife March 16, 1873, and together they are the parents of five children, named Vevay D., Zephyr E., Addie B., J. B. G. and Ethel, all living. Mr. Lloyd is a notary public and a Republican in politics.

CHARLES W. THOMPSON, a leading citizen of Jackson County and resident of Houston, was born in Lawrence County, Ind., May 26, 1838. He is the fourth son of Andrew and Eliza (Cummings) Thompson. The father was born in 1801, came to this county in 1845 and located one mile from Houston. He is still living and was born in Kentucky; the mother in Tennessee. Charles W.'s education did not extend beyond the common schools, April 7, 1859, he married Mary E. Cornett, of this county, who has borne him six children: Walter, Hamlin F., Charles L., Rosetta A., Tessa L. and David W. In October, 1861, he enlisted in Company H, of the Fiftieth Indiana Regi¬ ment, and. was mustered out July 22, 1862. He is a member of the G. A. R., in which he is now Commander. He is a Democrat and is active in his party's behalf. He has been township assessor and trustee four years each, and central committeeman six years. He will doubtless receive other honors at his party's hands. For several years he has been practicing law, and he belongs to the bar of Brown, Lawrence and Jackson Counties. Both Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JONATHAN T. DODD is a native of Lawrence County, Ind. He was the eldest son of Samuel D. and Margaret (Brown) Dodd, and was born September 6, 1844. His parents were natives of Madison County, Ky., and Jackson County. Mr. Dodd secured a good common school education, which, with energy and perse¬ verance, has paved the way to a successful business life. Although reared on a farm, he had a desire to become a merchant, and for this reason, in September, 1873, he located in Houston and began the grocery business. He has built up a very good business and is one of the leading citizens of Salt Creek Township. September 5, 1867, he married Amanda J. Browning, a native of Jackson County. To them have been born three children, of whom two are living: Alonzo G. and Ettie O. Mr. Dodd is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in politics is a Republican.

ELIJAH WHITE, deceased, a former resident of Salt Creek Township, where he was born April 26, 1840, was the eldest son of Colman and Mary (Smith) White. The parents were natives of North Carolina and this county, respectively. Elijah received a good education in the common schools, and taught a few terms. He attended the Clear Spring Academy. After that he engaged in teaching for some time, and was one of the best teachers in Jackson County. He nearly always taught in his own neighbor¬ hood. In January, 1870, he was ordained a minister in the Christian Church, having prepared himself for this work at the Lexington, Ky., College. After this he preached at many points, and his services were in good demand. He' married, in 1865, Eliza Chute, a native of Washington* County, Ohio, and daugh¬ ter of Dr. George Chute, of this township. To this union were born eight children, these six now living: Elijah T., Hiram H., John F., Knowles E., Edna R. and Mary A. January 14, 188(5, Mr. White died, his death having been caused from exposure while engaged in his ministerial labors. He was universally mourned by those who knew him as a good man and an upright citizen.

ELIHU WHITE, a prominent farmer of Salt Creek Town¬ ship, was born in North Carolina, October 20, 1828. His par¬ ents were James and Ellen (Brown) White, natives of the same State. He is of Irish and English descent. His early schooling was limited, and the little he received was acquired in the schools of Indiana. When about four years of age he located, with his parents, in Jackson County, where he has remained ever since. His whole life has been devoted to farming and with good suc¬ cess. April 6, 1848, he married Cynthia Acton, a native of Ken¬ tucky. To them have been born ten children, these five now liv¬ ing: Amanda, William K., John, Ellen and David. Mr. White is a well respected citizen, and, in its time, was a leading member of the P. of H. order. His political sentiments are like those of the large portion of the county, Democratic.

ANNA M. BARD, nee Shutys, is a native of Burlington County, N. Y. She was born April 20, 1815, being the second daughter of John and Sarah Shutys. On the 22d of February, 1835, she married Joel J. Bard, a native of New York. In 1855 she and her husband came to Indiana, and located in Jefferson County. In 1861 she moved to Jackson County, where she still resides. To them have been born nine children, of whom seven are still living. They are Esther A., George W., Thomas S., Sarah M., Emma H., Zebedee J. and Ida M. Thomas S. is a physician in Union Township. Zebedee J. was born October 18,

1862. He received a common school education, and June 13, 1877, married Mary A. Powell, a native of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Anna Bard is a member of the Methodist Church.

JOHN B. BLUNT, a native of Vernon Township,* Jackson County, was born on the 21st of August, 1857. He was the youngest son of David and Martha E. (Webb) Blunt, natives of Washington and Clark Counties, respectively. David Blunt, de¬ ceased, came to this county about fifty years ago, and gave his at¬ tention exclusively to farming. He died April 4, 1876. By the death of his father John B. was compelled to leave school, and thus his education is limited. He married Edorcas A. Mayfield, a native of Washington County. To them have been born four children, three of whom are living: Clyde A., James E. and an infant In politics he is a Democrat, and as a man of business he possesses those qualities of common sense and perseverance which are the characteristic qualifications of the successful men in the State.

WILLIAM W. DENSFORD is a native of Jackson County, where he still resides. He was born May 4, 1861. His parents were John and Jane (Lee) Densford, both of whom were na¬ tives of Washington County. The father (deceased) was partly reared in Washington County; he then went to Kentucky, where he remained some time, and from there he moved to Jackson County. He received his education in the common schools. In 1846 he married Jane Lee. To them were born eight children, five of whom are still living, namely: Martha, Sarah, Westley, William W. (the subject of this sketch) and James. He was a member of the I. O. O. F., and both he and his wife were mem¬ bers of the Baptist Church. He died October 1, 1875. His widow still survives him. William W. received his education in the common schools. On the 24th of November, 1884, he mar¬ ried Alice Williams, a native of Jackson County.

J. M. DEPUTY is one of the leading men of Vernon Town¬ ship who deserves special mention on account of his success in business and social standing. He is another example of what pluck and energy will accomplish. The Deputys were among the early and influential settlers of Jackson County, who contributed largely to the present high state of cultivation which the county exhibits on every hand.

COLUMBUS C. FINLEY is a native of Scott County, Ind. He was born February 4, 1838, being the third son of James R. and Sarah J. (Clark) Finley, natives of Kentucky and Virginia. His early schooling was received in the log schoolhouses of Scott County. October 3, 1858, he married Julia A. Myres, a native of Jennings County. To them have been born nine children, of whom five are living: John W., Sarah, Etha, Lou and Vir¬ ginia. On the 3d of February, 1876, his beloved wife died, and on the 9th of April he married Catherine Brooks, a native of Jackson County. To them were born two children: Annie and Birdie. In April, 1883, his second wife died, and in March, 1884, he married Miss Belle Haynes, a native of Terre Haute. Mr. Finley and wife are members of the Baptist Church at Uniontown, he being a deacon in that church. He has also been superintendent of the Beach Grove Sunday-school over fifteen years. In politics he is a Democrat, and as a church worker he is earnest and efficient. A Christian in the truest sense of the * word, his chief work has been in striving to do his duty ; his chief reward is in knowing that he has performed his task well.

BENJAMIN F. FOSTER, a native of Jackson County, was born June 6, 1853. He was the second son of Jacob T. and Mar¬ garet (Fear) Foster, natives of Indiana and Kentucky. Benja¬ min's early education was received in the common schools of Jen¬ nings County. November 8, 1874, he married Allie J. Lewis, a native of Jennings County. This marriage was blessed with five children: Fernando, Herbert Q., Jacob M., Argus M. and Arthur B. Mr. Foster is one of Indiana's Republicans, and as a man of ability he deserves credit. Is it not safe in supposing that, with these boys for a support, he can gain distinction as a business man or prestige in the public affairs of the township?

JAMES H. HALL is a native of Vernon Township, where he now lives and was born August 16, 1835. His parents were James H. and Leah (Houghand) Hall, natives of Georgia and of Scott County, Ind. The father was one of the pioneers of this township, having come when there was yet "not a stick amiss," and remained until his death in 1873. His birth was in 1801. Our subject received his education in the common schools of the county, and his life's occupation has been farming. March 27,

1850, he married Mary Gillaspy, a native of Jackson County. To them have been born four children: John S., Amos, Sarah E. (deceased) and Lafayette. Mr. Hall is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has been justice of the peace in his township twelve years.

AMOS HALL (deceased) was a native of Jackson County, township of Vernon. He was born February 29, 1829, being the eldest son of James H. and Leah (Hougland) Hall. He re¬ ceived his education in the common schools of Jackson County, after which he devoted his time exclusively to farming. As a farmer, Mr. Hall was energetic and successful. July 26, 1849, he married Miss Sarah Densford, who was also a native of Jack- . son County, and the daughter of Loving Densford, a native of Kentucky. To them have been born twelve children, of whom seven are still living, viz. ; Araminta, Florence, Oratio, Sherman, Ida and Sarah. Mr. Hall was a member oE the I. O. O. F., and as such had passed through all the chairs. He died October 12, 1875. His widow still survives him, and assumes the manage¬ ment of the farm in his stead.

JOHN W. HAM A CHER, a prominent citizen of Crothersville, was born in Scott County, Ind., November 1, 1841, the eldest of three children. The parents were Frederick and Lucy (Rawlings) Hamacher, both of Scott County. In the fall of 1846 both his parents died and left John an orphan at the age of five years. His home was from that time with his grandfa¬ ther, in Scott County, where he was raised upon a farm. August 15, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, Forty-ninth Regiment Indiana Infantry. Two days prior to this he was united in mar¬ riage to Rhoda C. Davis, of his native county. He served three years as a private and was in the battles of Vicksburg, Arkansas Post, Port Gibson, Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, Jackson and several others. At the close of the war he returned home. In April, 1872, he moved to Vernon Township in Jackson County, and began a saw-mill business in partnership with his brother, S. B. Hamacher. Early in 1875 they moved it to Crothersville, and in March, 1879, built a flouring-mill. In 1884, on account of failing health, he sold out to his brother, S. B. Hamacher. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and belongs to

HARMON F. W. HILGE is a native of Washington County. He was born June 8, 1851, being the eldest son of Frederick W. and Charlotte Hilge. His parents were both natives of Germany, and when Harmon was three years old they moved to Jackson County. Mr. Hilge' s education is limited; having been brought up as a farmer he is still pursuing that occupation. In January, 1876, he married Miss Elizabeth Hatte, a native of Cincinnati. To them was born one child, Lotta. In June, 1877, his wife died. January 1, 1884, he married Anna Londman, a native of Germany. She has borne him one child - a girl - named Ida. His mother is still living and resides with him. In politics he is a Democrat, and he belongs to that class of men styled " the suc¬ cessful farmers of Indiana."

SAMUEL HOUGLAND is a native of Vernon Township. He was born January 5, 1832, being the only son of Amos and Elsie A. (Applegate) Hougland, natives of Clark County. His early education was received in the common schools of Vernon Township. Having been reared on a farm he has followed that occupation, together with stock raising, all his life. April 29, 1852, he married Cynthia A. Gillaspy, a native of Vernon Town¬ ship. To them have been born ten children, of whom seven are living: Mary J., W. A., John J., Moses, Florence, Nancy E., Susan C. and Robert J. (deceased). He is a Republican in poli¬ tics, and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church, in which he is trustee, and deacon of the society of Uniontown.

WILLIAM H. KING, a native of Vernon Township, was born January 27, 1859. He was the son of James B. and Mary A. King, natives of Kentucky and Hanover, Germany. His grandfather, on his father's side, was one of the pioneers gf the township. William H. was the eldest son, and on the death of his father, which occurred in 1872, he was compelled to quit school and give all his time to the care of the farm. October 21, 18(83, he married Mary A. McCaslin, a native of Jackson County. The product of this marriage was two children: Bessie M. and Clarence. His mother died November 6, 1879, leaving five chil¬ dren: William H., Louisa J., Augusta B., Ulysses G. and Sarah

GEORGE LANGDON (deceased) was a native of New York, and was bom July 17, 1808. He was the second son of Lansing and Mary Langdon, both natives .of New York. His parents came West and settled in Washington County when he was quite small. He lived in Washington County until 1835, when he moved to Yernon Township, Jackson County, where he resided the remainder of his life. He married Margaret Robins, a native of Ohio. To their union have been born ten children, of whom but two are living, Warren and Moses R. Mr. Langdon died December 13, 1883, aged seventy-five years, four months. His widow still survives him. Like most of the pioneers of the county, his education was limited; experience and common sense, how¬ ever, were then, as they are now, the most necessary qualifications, and the^e he possessed. He was one of those early settlers who came to view the picture of his country's resources shaded by giant forests and hidden beneath an unbroken soil.

HIRAM W. MARLING is a native of Steuben County, N. Y. He was bora May 24, 1807, being the second son of John and Margaret (Huss) Marling, both of whom were natives of Penn¬ sylvania. He came West with his parents the same year in which Indiana was admitted to the Union, and located at Yevay. He remained there till he was nineteen, when he came to Jackson County and located in Vernon Township. His father built the first log cabin, and, as our subject thinks, brought the first white boy into the township. It is useless to speak of Mr. Marling's early education, not even the rude log schoolhouse having made its appearance. Indiana was in her infancy, and her stalwart men were too busily employed in providing food and shelter for their children to give much attention to their intellectual require¬ ments. However, he managed to acquire enough learning to read and write. February 25, 1830, he married Miss Jane McDonald, a native of Bourbon County, Ky. To them were bora thirteen children, of whom four are living: Margaret, Zachariah, Alex¬ ander and Eliza. He has been trustee of the township one term, was connected with the Grange, and is a strong believer in the faith. Mr. Marling's first vote was cast for Jackson. He is now a Republican. He volunteered in the Eighty-second Indiana, and served in that regiment some four or five months. In his religious views he is liberal.

GEORGE W. MITCHELL, one of the leading business men of Crothersville, is the fourth son of Richard and Harriet (Reed) Mitchell. He was born on a farm near Sellersburg, Clarke County, August 29, 1849. His parents died when he was twelve years of age, but he continued upon the farm for several years after that. He attended the district schools of his neighborhood, and in these his education was obtained, with the exception of a course in book¬ keeping and telegraphy in a commercial school at the age of eighteen. In the fall of 1809 he took a position as express mes¬ senger on the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, between Louisville and Memphis. In the spring of 1871 he returned to Sellersburg and began the mercantile business. Two years later he came to Crothersville and became a partner with Harvey Rider in a gen¬ eral merchandise store. In May, 1876, he purchased Mr. Rider's interest in the business, and has continued it alone up to the present time. He has done a successful business from the start, and has been one of the enterprising, go-ahead men of the place, his name being identified with all public affairs. ' Miss Mary E. McCurdy, of Clarke County, became his wife in May, 1874. The result of this union is a family of four children - three sons and one daughter: Clarence, Clyde, Pearl and Clifford. In 1877 he was appointed postmaster at Crothersville, a position he held for more than two years. As a Democrat he was elected trustee of his township in 1884. He is a member of the F. & A. M., I. O. O. F. and K. of P. secret societies.

ALBERT NELSON is a native of east Tennessee, and was born October 26, 1809. He was the fifth son of George and Nancy (Pritchett) Nelson, both natives of Virginia. His parents came to this State about the year 1812, and settled in Washing¬ ton County. His father was one of those pioneers who aided in building many of the Indian forts of that county. Mr. Nelson's schooling was limited; he managed, however, to gain a knowledge of reading, writing and ciphering. December 2, 1830, he mar¬ ried Eliza Garriott, a native of Washington County. To them were born four children, of whom but one, William J., is now living. This son resides in Warren County, Ill. His wife died December 5, 1838, and on December 30, 1838, he again married Eliza A. Densford, a native of Kentucky. To them have been born eight children, of whom six are living, namely: Nancy E., Julia A., Sarah E., James A., Mary E. and Charles W. In politics Mr. Nelson is a Democrat; he has been justice of the peace in his town, and with the exception of three years residing in Illinois, he has been a resident of Vernon Township fifty-four years.

C. H. ORB, a native of Clermont County, Ohio, was born January 4, 1844. He was the second son of Alfred and Louisa ( Harris ) Orr, both natives of Ohio. On coming to J ackson County, his father took charge of the Skate Ford Mill, which he after¬ ward purchased and ran till his death (1867). After receiving a common school education Mr. Orr learned the miller's trade from his father. March 17, 1864, he married Leah Hall, a native of Jackson County. From this union have been named the follow¬ ing children: Alfred, Amos and Sylva. He removed to Graceland in 1881; there he owned and operated a saw-mill until the spring of 1885. In May of that year he returned to Jackson County, and has since been engaged in farming and stock raising, having been successful in his business undertakings. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a reliable Democrat.

HENRY PIERSON, the subject of our sketch, is one of the successful farmers of Vernon Township. He was born November 6, 1844. He was the youngest child of James W. and Lucretia (Morgan) Pierson, natives of Virginia and Kentucky respectively. His father, who has been dead about thirty years, was one of the pioneers of the county. Henry received his education in the common schools. July 4, 1865, he married Miss Nancy Allen, a native of Scott County; to them have been bom nine children, of whom six are living. They are Meede W., Cary L., Leatha (dead), , Arielius (dead), Stella, Ferdinand (dead), Edgar, Charles and Clyde. Mr. Pierson is a Republican in politics. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and in religious faith is a Methodist His wife is a member of the Baptist Church.

PRESTON RIDER, of Crothersville, In A, is another example of what persevering integrity will bring to a man. He was born on a farm in Greene County, InA, December 13, 1837 ; the second child of W. H. and Sarah H. (Westmorland) Rider, who came to Indiana in 1820 from North Carolina. He received but a limited education, such as the primitive schools of his day affordeA In early life he worked for a time as engineer in a saw-mill, and then became clerk in the store of Joseph Lockmiller, at Martinsburg, where he remained until twenty years of age. During all this time his father had drawn his wages, but he was then informed that he could have his own time. He then rented a saw-mill near Scottsville, Ind., which he ran for two years. He married Miss Mary Elenor Hiestand, of Martinsburg. They have but one child living, a daughter named Lennie, about twenty years of age. From Scottsville, he went to Clark County, and operated a water saw¬ mill for three years, working for 75 cents per day. In partner¬ ship with John C. Brewer, he was engaged in the milling business at Martinsburg for two years. At the end of that time, Mr. Rider induced his father to buy out Brewer, which he did for $6,500. In four years more they sold it for $14,500. From there he moved to Sellersburg and engaged in general merchandising for two years. He bought the Bondrant Flouring-mills at Jeffersonville, which burned in about two months. In July, 1870, he formed a partnership with John J. Hyatt, under the firm name of Rider & Hyattr for the purpose of manufacturing slack barrel staves and heading. After prospecting at several points, they located at Crothersville. From that time to this their business has been one of the most prosperous in the county, and more profitable even than they expecteA In addition to this he owns a fine stock farm, near Crothersville, of 520 acres well supplied with good stock, in which he takes great pride. Socially Mr. Rider is pleasant and courteous, and he belongs to the I. O. O. F. and K. of P. fra¬ ternities.

JONAS D. WATERS, deceased, was a native of New York. He was born July 25, 1838, being a son of Harmon and Catherine Waters. At about the age of three years Jonas, with his parents, came to Indiana and located in J ennings County. He resided in Jennings County till 1864, when he located on a farm in Vernon

Township. February 8, 1862, he married Miss Rachel Deputy, a native of Jennings County. As a result of this union one child was born, now deceased. In the second year, November 13, he lost his wife. On the 9th of March, 1865, he married Emily J. Hughs, a native of Jennings County. Their union has been blessed with eight children, but three of whom are living: Katie, David H. and Nora J. Mr. Waters was not a man who could boast of any vast amount of " book knowledge," his education having been gained in the common schools, but his force of char¬ acter, energy and common sense were factors of his composition which the school had not given him, and without which he could never have become, as he was, a successful business man. Mr. Waters died April 30, 1878, being in his fortieth year. He was a member of the F. and A. M. His widow assumed the manage¬ ment of his estate.

DR. WILLIAM H. WARNER, a well known citizen of Crothersville, was born in Clarke County, Ind., May 24, 1841. He is the eldest son of Levi and Mary A. (Wilson) Warner, natives of New York and Tennessee. He received a good education in the common schools, and at the age of seventeen, he began the print¬ er's trade in the office of the Courier- Journal. He remained there for three years, and in September, 1861, enlisted in the Thirty eighth Indiana Regiment, where he served one year. In 1862 he began the study of medicine at Columbus, Ind. Two years later he began a course in the Ohio Medical College, where he afterward graduated. He located at Crothersville in 1864, and began the practice of his profession. This he continued for some six or eight years, when he abandoned it on account of his health. He accepted a position with the Union Central Life Insurance Company, in which he has a general agency. June 23, 1867, his mar¬ riage with Miss Margaret Lutz, of Lawrenceburg, was solemnized. Of their seven children, these six are now living: Ella, Albert, Mabel, Sina, George and Bertha. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and K. of P. His political sentiments are in £ull accord with the principles of the Democratic party.

HENRY C. DANNETTELL, deceased, formerly a resident of Washington Township, was born in Picardy, France, October 8, 1815, about six months after the battle of Waterloo. His father was a member of the staff of the Duke of Wellington, the commander-in-chief of the victorious army in that battle. His mother's maiden name was Quivisaine, and it is said that she was in attendance at the celebrated ball given at Brussels by the En¬ glish officers on the evening previous to the battle. Shortly after the overthrow of Napoleon the family moved into Germany, where they remained until 1832, and then immigrated to Amer¬ ica, settling at Baltimore, Md. Henry C. once drove a team on the National Pike, which extended from Baltimore to Pittsburgh. Sometime in 1838 Mr. Dannettell removed to Cincin¬ nati, and shortly afterward went to Texas, where he entered the army of Gen. Sam Houston, then engaged cin a struggle with Mexico for Texan independence. While in the service there he was engaged in some desperate conflicts, and was several times wounded. At the close of the war he returned to Cincinnati, and resumed his trade of shoe-making; but he engaged in local poli¬ tics, and was soon elected justice of the peace, which office he held until 1854; he also, at one time, served as judge of the po¬ lice court. In February, 1854, he removed with his family to Chestnut Ridge, this county, where he resided until his death. For a while he engaged in the practice of law, and was justice of the peace at the time of his death. In 1868 he was on the Grant electoral ticket, and in 1872 canvassed the State for Grant. Sev¬ eral times he was nominated by his party for some county office. During his life here he devoted himself mainly to the cultivation of his large farm, raising, also, various small fruits. At the time of his death he was a pensioner of the State of Texas, for services rendered during the Texan war. The cause of his death was Bright's disease, from which he had been suffering for many months. Naturally he was a strong man. He was buried near his home at Chestnut Ridge. Mr. Dannettell was married, March 18, 1840, to Lucy Kattau, and by her had three children, who are now living, namely: Ulysses R., Rosa D. and Alfred K. His second marriage occurred April 18, 1849, when Louise M. Kattau became his wife, and by this union there are six children living: Clara L., George W., Ada, Stella E., Fenelon F. and Halleck C.

DR. WILLIAM O. GREEN, of Washington Township, is the first son of J. H. and Emily (Barnes) Green, and was born October 23, 1849, in Jackson County. His youth was spent upon the farm and at school, being a pupil at the Clear Spring Acad¬ emy, and three years at the State University at Bloomington, completing his sophomore year at the latter institution. Com¬ mencing the study of medicine in 1871, he graduated in 1873, receiving his diploma from the Louisville (Ky.) Medical Col¬ lege. Subsequently* after undergoing a competitive examination, he was placed upon the staff of the hospital surgeons, where he remained six months, thus qualifying himself for his chosen call¬ ing to an unusual degree.. Dr. Green is still unmarried. In his political sentiments he sympathizes with the Democratic party, and in his social relations he is a Royal Arch Mason.

ISAAC KELLER, deceased, formerly a farmer of Washing¬ ton Township, was a native of North Carolina, and immigrated to Indiana more than half a century ago, settling in the township where he passed the remainder of his days. He helped to clear much of the land which he afterward cultivated as a farm. In 1850 he married Eliza Jane Keller, and of their eleven children since born eight are still living, named Franklin, James, Lafay¬ ette, Lovin, John, Martha, Lilly, Ann and Ida. Mr. Keller de¬ parted this life in the year 1876, and the widow resides upon the farm, comprising 160 acres. She is a native of Kentucky, born in 1830, is a member of the Baptist Church, and is a lady of re¬ finement and intelligence.- ,