Madison County, Indiana - Chapter 65, 1897

Chapter 65

During the earl)' part of the war a man by the name of McCloskey kept a saloon on North Main street, in Anderson, on the ground at present occupied by the Terhune block between Ninth and Tenth streets. He did a good business and accumulated considerable real estate, being possessor of the lot and building upon which he carried on his business. He was also the owner of an excellent piece of property at the corner of Thirteenth and Main streets, now owned by Dr. J. N. Hilligoss.

Some time during the j-ear 1863 or 1864, he mysteriously disappeared and nothing has been seen or heard of him in this community since. It was thought by some that he had gone to a distant city and been foully dealt with or that he had come to an accidental death, but no one ever knew of his whereabouts or what had befallen him. After the striking of gas in Anderson and the city had commenced to put on " airs'' the old buildings that stood between Ninth and Tenth streets on the east side of Main, were torn down and gave way to the present brick structures. In digging the cellar beneath one of the buildings in 1888, a human skeleton was unearthed. No one could give an account of why it should have been deposited there as no burying ground had existed in that locality to the knowledge of even the oldest settlers. This mysterious aftair set the tongues of gossips wagging and it was said by many that it certainly must be the skeleton of McCloskey, but no evidence was at hand to demonstrate that McCloskey had been killed b)' anyone in this community, nor was there anything found to cast suspicion upon anyone.

After his disappearance Mrs. McClosky having reinained a widow for a period of two years became the wife of " Sandy'" Carr, with whom she lived, and who carried on the sa- loon business in the block occupied by her former husband. During her widowhood, to make it certain that there would be no mistake in her re-inarriage, she applied for a divorce in the Madison Common Pleas Court, which was granted by Hon. William R. West, then judge of the Seventeenth Common Pleas District. In her application she stated the facts of McCloskey's disappearance ; that he had abandoned her, and that his whereabouts were unknown to her, and also said that he was the owner of the real estate above mentioned and that she was his sole surviving heir, there being no issue bj' their marriage. She therefore claimed the title to the real estate, which the court accordingl}' decreed to her. Some question was afterward raised as to the validity of the title to the property, from the fact that the Common Pleas Court did not have jurisdiction in cases where the title to real estate was involved; but in a later proceeding brought in the Circuit Court to quiet title a verdict was granted in favor of the owners by purchase under Mrs. McCloskej-. She afterward separated from Carr and drifted away from Anderson to Hamilton count}' where she may now be living for aught the writers know.

Akrested For Forgery

George L. Wilson, a young man residing seven miles west of Anderson, in Lafayette township, was placed under arrest on the 9tli of September, 1887, for forging the name of John W. Closser, a well-to-do farmer in that neighborhood, and for attempting to procure funds upon the forged paper at the Exchange Bank. During the Madison County Fair a note was presented to one of the officers of the bank who examined it and became satisfied that the signature of John W. Closser was not genuine. Making some excuse to Wilson he was told to return in the afternoon and the note would be cashed for him. It had been ascertained in the meantime that Closser was in the city attending the fair. A messenger was sent for him and upon examination of the note he denounced it as a forgery.

William A. Kittinger was at that time Prosecuting Attorney of the county, and was at once notified of the affair. He in company with the City Marshal concealed themselves in the rear end of the bank, and when young Wilson returned for the money he was invited to take a seat in tiie back room while the clerk would compute the interest. As soon as he had closed the door behind him, he was placed under arrest by the Marshal, who accused him of the crime. The joung man immediately broke down and confessed that the note was a forgery, but claimed that another party had committed the deed and had sent him after the money. Tlie Circuit Court was then in session, being presided over by Hon. David Moss, of Noblesville. Wilson was placed in jail and an indictment returned against him by the grand jury on the following day. He was at once placed on trial. He made but little defense, but his attoniC}- plead for him on account of his youth. Judge Moss found him guilty of the crime of forgery, but in consequence of his youthful appearance and his apparent ignorance of the enormity of the crime, and as this was his first offense, after pronouncing him guilty, gave him a good lecture and turned him loose on his good behavior. He immediately left the count}' and went to his people, who resided somewhere in Illinois, and has since tiiat time never been seen in this vicinity.

George Francis Train Visits Anderson

In the days of the old Union hall, George Francis Train, the renowned lecturer, editor, politician and theologian, delivered one of his peculiar lectures in that once popular place of amusement. Thomas N. Stihvell was then Anderson's great man. In liis meanderings through social and political life he in some waj' met George Francis Train and was struck with his peculiar style. In the parlance of to-day, he was " stuck " on him.

Tom Stilwell, whether at home or abroad, alwavs put Anderson down as the greatest town on earth. He loved the j^lace and loved its people, and the people loved him. In oriler to give Anderson a taste of first-class literature, and an example of fine ability as an orator, Stilwell invited Mr. Train to visit him at his home, and while in the citv to give the people a lecture at Union hall.

The time arrived and Mr. Train was on hand, with long, flowing locks and dressed in a black velvet suit of clothes, with diamonds in his shirt front and glittering on his fingers. In his full prime of life, he was one to be admired. He was as restless as a hyena, prancing from one side of the room to the

Other, greeting his callers with a warm grasp of the hand, informing each one that the people would arise, throw off the yoke of bondage and oppression, and, with a spontaneous outburst, elect George Francis Train the next president of the I'nited States.

It was evident from his actions ut that time - ISTl - that he was strongly bordering on to " crankism," afterwards developing into a full-blown crank.

The time arrived for him to go to the hall to deliver his lecture ; he was escorted there by a committee of prominent citizens. Stilwell, being the lion of the occasion, was to introduce Mr. Train to the audience. Mr. Train and his escort had arrived at the hall and were behind the curtain. Stilwell, for some cause, was late in getting in. Mr. Train wanted to get out of the city on an out-going train, and his time was growing short. He walked back and forth on the stage like a roaring lion, giving Stilwell the very devil for not coming. Finally Stilwell put in an appearance and up went the curtain. Stilwell stepped to the front, and in his happy style, placed his famous guest before the audience. Mr. Train pranced out like a wild man let out of a cage, and thrusting his hand through his shaggy hair, he commenced :

From thenceforward, he held the audience for two hours in breathless silence ; he demonstrated to a dead certainty by chalk and blackboard, that before the e.xpiration of twenty years from that date. Lake Michigan would rise so far above its level, as it then stood, that Chicago would be submerged and wiped from the face of the earth. Xo one believed it, but he made it so plausible that he held them all down in silence.

He wound up by nominating himself for president in 1872, and stood at the door going out, to give every one a chance to shake hands with the next president. And so ended the visit of George Francis Train to Anderson.

Away back, perhaps as early as 1823, a family removed to Indiana, and settled in the wilds of Madison county, by the nameofTharp. They were well-to-do people, being able to own slaves in the state from whence they came. Among the

History Ok Madison Countv, Indiana

They broiiglit her along with them and she lived and died in the service of the family. She attained the advanced age of 105 years. Indiana being a " free state,'" and slavery being prohibited, she could at any time, have left her old master and mistress, but she was so attached to them that she clung to them as long as they lived.

As she grew old she became childish and nearly blind, and would follow the folks around like some petted animal. She was a great worker, and was never satisfied unless at some kind of work. She was unable to do any work that was of benefit to her master; but in order to keep her employed, she was provided with an old basket that had no bottom in it. She would go to the chip pile and gatlier up chips and put into the basket, until she thought it was full, then start to the house with the basket, as well satisfied as if it was filled with chips. This she would go through with from morning till night, putting in her time, as she thought, for the benefit of those who had kept her all these years. The Tharp family owned what has for many years been known as the " old Jackson " farm, on which is now situated a beautiful suburb to Anderson.

They built and occupied the old brick house, that has since been remodeled and made into a handsome residence, known as the old Jackson homestead, that stands on the hill between Twelfth and Thirteenth streets. There this old colored woman ended her life. Out of this farm was laid off a spot of ground for church purposes, to which, as was usual in those days, a "graveyard" was added. The "graveyard" ^vas between Eleventh and Twelfth streets, west of Delaware, extending west to the west line of D. \V. Storer's grounds. This served many years as Anderson's cemetery, inany of the older citizens being buried there. Their bodies have since been disinterred and removed to the new cemetery across the river. The old graveyard is now coven d over with handsome residences.

The old M. E. Church then stood on the lot east of the Storer mansion, between that and ex-County Auditor John E. Canaday's residence. Old "Mam Tab "' died many years ago, somewhere between 1849 and 1855. At that time there was great prejudice against the colored people. They were scarcely recognized as human beings and thought unfit for the society of the whites, while alive, and not allowed when dead to be buried beside the white people. Many people of that day did not believe that a negro had a soul. When the angel of death summoned '' Mam Tah," and her spirit departed, there were objections raised to interring her body in the graveyard with the whites, so her friends took her body and buried it just outside of the old graveyard on the Tharp farm, and while her spirit is now in the realms of the departed, her body lies in an unmarked grave, the ravages of time having long since obliterated it. She was, perhaps, the first colored person who ever lived in Madison county. The old inhabitants ilisagree as to who came here first, she or old " Black Jess," an old colored man who lived here for many vears and was a curiosity to many white people when he first came. Old " Black Jess " has long since gone where all " good niggahs

The first observance of St. Tammany's day in Madison county took place in Anderson on Sunday, the 10th of May, ISitC), when e\ery tribe of Red Men in the city and many members from surrounding towns took part.

A street parade took place at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, in which bands of music discoursed lively airs, to which the braves kept time with steady tread. The line of march was kept up until they reached the cemetery, where an address was delivered by Judge Alfred Ellison and Mayor M. M. Dunlap, after which the graves of the fallen chiefs, warriors, and huntsmen, whose spirits have departed and gone to the " happy hunting ground," were profusely strewn with flowers.

" Buffalo Bill's " wild west show was stopping over Sunday in the city, and the Indians with his company took part in the street pageant, making a decided impression in their gaudy and picturesque apparel. They seemed deeply impressed with the ceremonies. Anderson in this proceeding has, perhaps, witnessed what no other city has, a real Indian procession on an occasion of this kind. Large numbers of people from the surrounding country witnessed the parade and exercises incident thereto.

Bukning Of The Hig Four Depot

On the night of the 27th of February, 1878, the old " Bee Line" depot that stood at the crossing of Main street and the railroad tracks, was destroyed by fire, being the act of an in- cendiary. Just prior to the occurrence a liaiulsome, wellciressed stranger made his appearance in Anderson and stopped at the Stilwell House. He wore diamonds and sported the finest of clothes. It was no time until lie had society all shaken up, he was par-excellence the creature of the tlay. The young ladies of the city vied with each other in trying to look charming in his presence. He attended all the places of amusement, went to church and fancy balls. He had no visible means of support but plenty of money, which he freely spent among the young folks. He sailed under tiie name of Justinian P. Walters. He was finely educated ; had traveled all over the world, and knew all of the prominent people in the leading cities from Maine to Mexico. He was a fine talker on any subject. The leading business men sought his company and made his stay a real pleasure to him. He was " stuck " on the town ; came here to live in riuiet retirement.

One morning about H o'clock the " Bee Line '' depot was discovered to be on fire. It was burned to the ground with all its contents. Upon looking around it was discovered that Walters was missing. Some folks suspected that it was lie who had burned the building after robbing it. A great many hooted at the idea at first, but suspicion grew stronger until the railroad officials set out to find liini. Descriptive circulars were sent out all over the country after him. He had left some of his photographs with friends, which were procured and sent out to detectives. A conductor on the railroad remembered a man filling his description getting on his train at the crossing of the Bee Line and Pan Handle, at 2 :S0 o'clock, the morning that the fire took place, and rode to Cincinnati. Close watch and vigilant pursuit was made for him which resulted in his arrest at Crestline, Ohio, the next day after the fire occurred. A carpet sack or hand sachel was found in the depot where he was arrested, but he disowned it. He stuck to it that it was not his ; but it final!)' seemed to so fully identify him that it caused his conviction. While he was in Anderson he wore a " storm overcoat" with a cape to it. The carpet sack was opened by the officers in which was found a number of railroad tickets and the cape to his coat or one made of the same kind of cloth. One of the tickets found was merely a stub torn off in an irregular manner, that fit to a ticket that had been taken up on the train on which he had ridden. This made a complete chain to the evidence, at least the rail- road people thought so, as weW as did the Justice who held the preliminary hearing. He was held over and indicted by the grand jury and committed to jail, where he stayed until the June term of court following, when his trial took place.

Walters set up in defense an alibi, and to the minds of many it was clear. It was the closest question that ever occurred in a Madison county court. His conviction was purely on circumstantial evidence. No living witness saw him at the depot or knew of him being there that night. It was proven that he took the 2:30 afternoon train the daj' before the fire to Cincinnati. Joseph Stein, who had seen him around Anderson and knew him, swore that he went to Cincinnati on that train and that Walters occupied the same seat with him from Anderson to the Brighton House. The hotel register showed that he was registered at the Brighton House that night. It was also proven that he was at the same place next morning. The theory of the prosecution was that he left here on the train as proven, went to Cincinnati, stopped at the Brighton House, registered his name and immediately took the train coming back to Anderson, where he arrived about 1 o'clock in the morning. Then he went to the depot, robbed it, set fire to the building to cover his crime, then walked to the crossing and boarded the 2 ;30 train again for Cincinnati, getting back there at 7 o'clock the same morning. After that he boarded a Bee Line train for Crestline, O., where he was arrested. John T. Dye, of Indianapolis, was employed by the railroad company to prosecute the prisoner.

The Hon. James W. Sansberry and Calvin D. Thompson defended Walters. John T. Dye made one of the best speeches in the prosecution that was ever made in Madison county. He is one of those close lawyers who never miss a point. His argument was so scathing that he at times made Walters, with all his effrontery, blush before the jury. Mr. Sansberry was then at his best as a lawyer and contested every inch of the ground. His able effort before the jury in winding up the case was long the talk of the Madison county bar.

The trial having resulted in conviction the prisoner was sentenced to imprisonment in the Prison North for ten years. After the adjournment of court Sheriff A. J. Ross, one evening, handcuffed Walters and started to prison with him. He bade all his acquaintances, who went to see him off, good-bye in a light-hearted manner and took up his journey. On the road, near the village of Walkerton, not far from the prison, the prisoner was sitting in the seat beside the Sheriff when someone entered the car swinging the door shut after him, but the door failed to catch and swung open again. As quick as lightning Walters sprang like a cat to the door, out on the platform and off into a tamarack swamp. As soon as the sherifi' realized that his bird had flown, he sprang to his feet and pulled the bell cord. The train was going twenty miles an hour. As soon as it could be stopped he gave the alarm and out into the darkness he went in pursuit of his prisoner, but no trace of him could be found. He went to the village and aroused the inhabitants, who scoured the country, but never found any trace of the prisoner. Tiie Sheriff offered a reward for his apprehension, but every resource failed. Walters is yet at large, if he is still living.

A woman claiming to be his sister, who lived in Missouri, came to Anderson to see him once or twice while he was in jail, and also one from Decatur, Illinois. Sheriff Ross got information that he was skulking about the home of the woman in Missouri at one time, through Detective Rittenhouse, of Decatur. He went to the place and spent a night under a rose bush in the door yard eavesdropping and watching, with the hope of seeing Walters or hearing sometiiing of him. But he failed to find him, although there v/as evidence that he had been there at some time. Rittenhouse, the detective, knew Walters. He had made Decatur his headquarters at onetime and was known to be a crook. He had at one time a lot of fine paintings and a handsome sum of money. The woman who claimed to be his sister went there as his wife. Walters' business was that of a bank swindler, and many small drafts were found upon his person issued by various banks throughout the country, and a kit of tools and acids for raising checks were among his effects. John W. Pence, now cashier of the Citizens' Bank, was railroad agent at the time of this occurrence.

of magazines and a revolver belonging to Davis. They went a short distance from the house and loitered around until the family returned - that is, Mrs. Davis and her mother. Soon after, Benefiel went to the gate and called for Mrs. Davis, who refused to have anything to. say to him. He insisted on her coming out in the street and she finally went out in the yard and asked him what he wanted. He said he had been sent by officers to search the house. In the meantime Davis had returned home and, anticipating trouble, had gone in search of an officer. He could not find one, but borrowed a revolver and went back to his home, entering the house the back way. His wife told him to go out and see what Benefiel wanted. He went out and told Benefiel that someone had plundered his house, and that he wanted him to leave the premises. Benefiel muttered something and turned to go, but after taking two or three steps stopped, raised a revolver and fired, the ball taking effect in Davis' right side. Almost at the same instant Davis fired at Benefiel, the ball entering just above the left eye and passing clear through the head. Benefiel lived until half past six o'clock the next morning, when he died, having been unconscious from the moment he was shot. Benefiel lived with his parents at El wood and was regarded as a reckless young man. His parents are highlj' respected. Davis was exonerated by the Coroner's jurj' that investigated the case. He is still living, but carries the ball in his body that was fired from his assailant's revolver. Davis is a quiet, unobtrusive man, but of undoubted courage. He was a soldier in the regular armv at one time, stationed in Arizona, and had the distinction of arresting unassisted the famous outlaw, Tarbel. He has the reputation of being one of the best marksmen in Madison county.

Hon. Charles T. Doxey, member of congress from 1883-4. Mr. Doxey was elected to serve the unexpired term of Hon. Godlove S. Orth, who died in office.

In this connection the fact is \vorthy of mention that two of Indiana's most distinguished citizens were at one time residents of .\nderson, namely : General Lew Wallace and James Whitcomb Riley. The former resided in Anderson at an early day, but only for a short time ; the latter was connected with the Anderson Democrat in 1877.

Thomas J. Fleming

No death ever occurred in Anderson doubtless that occasioned more profound regret than that of Thomas J. Fleming, which took place on June 11. 1894. While his demise was not sudden, it was unexpected and consequently a great shock not only to his immediate family and friends, but to the cominunity at large. Mr. Fleming was born in Henry county, Indiana, in 1835, and came to Madison county when he was sixteen years old. In 1867 he was appointed deputy clerk of the Circuit Court by his brother, the Hon. W. C. Fleming, whicii position he held until 1870, when he was elected Clerk on the Democratic ticket. He served a term of four years, and immediately upon retiring was appointed Deputy Sheriff under J. \\'. McCallister. In 1881 he wasappointed Deputy Assessor of Anderson township and served four vears, when he was elected Assessor. His administration of the affairs of this ofHce was highly satisfactory to the people and he was reelected. It was while he was attending to the duties of this office that he was taken severely ill and before the community was aware of his serious condition his eves were closed in death, .\fter the announcement of his demise had been made a meeting of the older residents of the city was held in the Circuit Court room at which a number of prominent citizens and old-time friends paid their last tribute of respect to the memory of the deceased in sentiments of highest praise. Appropriate resolutions were also passed and pall-bearers selected for the obsequies.

jSIemorial meetings have been held in Anderson by fraternal societies, churches and other organizations, but this was the first one ever held by the people to take action over the death of a citizen. Mr. Fleming was not a member of any society, secret or otherwise, and the meeting, therefore, was as great a tribute as could have been paid to his memorj'. lie was an upright man, generous, modest, sincere and cordial. Although a strong partisan in politics, he was never offensive, and hence he was popular with all classes and conditions in life.

Hon. William C. Fleming

Among the older residents of the county none is better known or more highly respected than the subject of this sketch. Mr. Fleming was born in Marion county. West Virginia, January 18, 1825, and came with his parents to Indiana in the spring of 18B1. Excepting the time devoted to acquiring an education his early days were passed upon the farm. During the years 1848-49 he read law in the office of Judge David Kilgore, at Muncie, Indiana, and was admitted to the bar, but never actively engaged in the practice. In 1850 he was the Democratic candidate for member of the convention that framed the present constitution of Indiana, but was defeated by the late Judge John Davis. Two years later he was a candidate for the Legislature, and was elected by a majority largely in e.xcess of his party's strength. In 1854 he was again nominated for the same office, but declined the nomination on account of business engagements. In 1857 he removed from Madison county to the territory now comprising the vState of Nebraska, and in the following year was elected to the territorial legislature by a highly complimentary vote, there being five hundred and twenty votes cast in his district, of which he received four hundred and twenty-four. When the Legislature convened he was made the Democratic candidate for speaker of the house, but failed of election on account of the -"bsence of a number of members who could not be present. Shortly after the house was organized the speaker was granted a leave of absence for several weeks, and Mr. Fleming was unanimously chosen speaker pro tciii. In 1861 Mr. Fleming returned to Madison county, where he has resided ever since. He was elected real-estate appraiser for the county in 1868, and in May, 18(35, was appointed Clerk of the Circuit Court to serve the unexpired term of Joseph Peden, who deceased in office. In October, 1866, he was elected Clerk, and served until 187('. He was honored with the nomination for a second term, but declined to run for the office, although his election was assured. Mr. Fleming was at one time editor of the Anderson Democrat, but disposed of his interest in the paper after a brief experience and purchased the Moss Island mills, west of Anderson, which he operated for several years. In 1888 he was appointed Justice of the Peace of Anderson township to fill the vacancy in that office caused by the death of Enoch M. Jackson. At the expiration of the term Mr. Fleming retired from active business, and is now living quietly at his home on West Fourth street, Anderson. In his day no man in the county exerted a greater influence in politics and affairs generally than Mr. Fleming. His integrity was never impugned and his official acts seldom criticised even' by the bitterest partisans of the Republican party. He is a gentleman of the old school, quiet but cordial with his friends, and always unassuming. Men with much less ability have attained to higher station in life, but none has enjoyed a higher degree of respect among his fellow-citizens than he.

Mr. Fleming was married to Miss Catherine Thumma in 1855. OF this union three children were born, all of whom are living. Mrs. Fleming died in 1893. She was a woman of many excellent qualities, and enjoyed the respect of a large circle of friends.

Was born in Pasquotank county. North Carolina, September ber li, 18:27, and came to Madison county with his parents at an early day. His father settled in Adams township, and was one of the honored pioneers of that locality. Randle was reared on a farm and tlevoted the greater portion of his life to agricutural pursuits. He always took an active part in politics, and in 1864 was elected Trustee of Adams township on the Democratic ticket, which office he held with credit to himself and acceptably to the people until 1864. In 1874 he was appointed a deputy by Siierifi" J. W. McCallistcr and removed to Anderson and took charge of the jail. After the death of Mr. McCallister, which took place soon after liis election, Mr. Biddle wa.s appointed a deputy by A. J. Griffith, who succeeded Mr. McCallister. He also served as a Deputy

Sheriff under T. J. McMahan. In 1880 he received the Democratic nomination for Sheriff, and was elected. After retiring from the Sheriff's office he was employed at various times as a police officer, and up to the last two years of his life served as a merchant policeman. About two years previous to his death he received a stroke of paralysis while discharging his duties as night watchman, and from that time on his health was feeble until his demise, which occurred April 15, 1895.

Randle Biddle was what might be termed, \\ ithout levity, " a hale fellow well met." His disposition was as sunny as a summer day, and everybody was his friend. If he had a fault it was that one which is considered a virtue in others - generosity. No one ever appealed to him in vain for assistance in time of distress, or after the assistance had been rendered, heard him speak of it. He was as modest in his manners as he was unostentatious in his generosity, and always unconscious of either. He was a sincere friend, a kind neighbor and an upright citizen. His remains repose beside those of his wife in the Baptist cemetery at Ovid.

The subject of this biography was born in Switzerland county, Indiana, December 25, 1830, and is a lineal descendant of Thomas Chittenden, who served as governor of the state of Vermont for twenty-one consecutive years.

The Chittendens are a large and influential family of English descent, and among the first settlers of Connecticut, having founded a colony at Old Guilford, on Long Island Sound 257 years ago. A beautiful home was located here which has remained in the Chittenden name to the present time, and at which the Chittendens throughout the United States are always made welcome and treated as members of the family. One branch of the family subsequently emigrated northward and settled in Vermont, where it became prominent in the professions, politics and affairs generally. It is to this branch of the family that Dr. Chittenden belongs. His father, John Chittenden, was a farmer who immigrated to this State from New York in 1821, locating at \'evay, Switzerland county.

Dr. Chittenden was educated principally in the common schools and at Corydon Academy, attending the latter institution two years, after which he began the study of medicine at

Iiistoijv Of Madison Cointv, Indiana

Madison, Indiana, in the office of Dr. Bt-njamin Leavitt. At the expiration of tliree years of diligent study including a course of lectures in the medical department at Ann Arbor University, he entered the medical department of the University of Louisville, where he graduated in 1855. He then began the practice of his profession at Milford, Decatur county, Indiana, where he remained three years when he removed to Anderson, locating here in 1858. He at once entered upon a successful practice which kept on increasing until May, 1861, \vhen he was appointed assistant surgeon of the KUh Regiment, Indiana volunteers. During the following year he was promoted to the surgeoncy of the regiment, a position that he filled with eminent credit until the spring of 18(34 when he tendered his resignation and returned home.

House of the State Legislature, on the Republican ticket, and served one term. He was honored with the position of Chairman of the Committee on Corporations and was also a member of the Committee on Benevolent Institutions, in both of which positions he served his constituency and State acceptabl}'. In 1S73 he was elected a Commissioner of the State Hospital for the Insane, bv the Legislature, and rendered able service during his term. He was twice elected to the City Council of Anderson from a Democratic ward, and during his incumbency rendered efficient service in the interest of tax payers. In ISSO he was selected as the delegate from the Ninth Congressional Republican convention to the National Republican convention at Chicago, which nominated Jiinies

He has been a member of the jNIadison County Medical Society for twenty-five years, also a mernber of the District, State and National Medical Associations, in the affairs of which he has taken an active and jirominent part.

At one time he was associated with Dr. John Hunt, recently deceased, in the practice of medicine, and in 1S75 entered into a partnership with Dr. H. E. Jones, which continued for nineteen years, \vhen the partnership was dissolved. The Doctor is still actively engaged in the practice and has associated with him his son. Dr. Edgar W. Chittenden.

B. Branham at Vernon, Jennings county, in 1858. Three children were born of this union : Carrie B., Edgar W. and Mattie v.. all of whom are living. Carrie is now the wife of M. M. Cronyn and resides at Indianapolis. The good mother deceased in 1889, beloved by all who knew her.

No citizen of Anderson or Madison county is held in higher esteem than Dr. Chittenden. Of irreproachable character, he stands second to no man in his profession, to which he has devoted his life with untiring assuidity and eminent ability. In every sphere of endeavor in which he has taken a part, socially, politically or professionally, his unpretending bearing has elevated him in the esteem of all with whom he has come in contact. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, and while not ostentatious in the observance of the tenets of that denomination, is in the highest sense a Chris- tian. He enjoys a good book and loves his home, where ho can always be found surrounded by its comforts wlien not attending to the duties of his profession.

The Hrst merchants of Anderson and Madison county have long since gone to their reward. But few even of tiie men, engaged in mercantile pursuits no farther back than the early '50s remain. Prominent among those who still survive, however, is the subject of this sketcii.

Mr. Nichol was bcrn in Butler county, Ohio, Januarj- 14, ISiJO. Mis boyhood was passed upon a farm where he enjoyed but meagre opportunities to acquire that which he so much desired - a superior education. .\ number of terms in the common schools and one vear at farmer's College,, near Cincinnati, ended iiis school da vs.

In 1854, he located in .\nderson and engaged in the hardware business, having for a partner the late Amos J. King. In 1S55, he was married to Miss Harriett Robinson, oldest sister of the late Colonel M. S. Robinson. This estimable woman deceased on the :25th of May, 18D6, hiinented not only by her immediate rehitives but by a large circle of friends. In 1861, Mr. Nichol was appointed Quartermaster of the Fortvseventh Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, in which position he served until the regiment veteranized in 18(54, when he returned home having been a participant in all of the severe campaigns in which his regiment was engaged up to that time. While active in business, Mr. Nichol is an ardent Republican and has devoted much of his time and means in advancing the interests of his party. In return lie has been honored with various positions of prominence and trust as a partial reward for his services. He was a member of the first City Council elected in Anderson, and in 1870, was elected on the Republican ticket to the office of County Auditor, being the first Republican elected in tiie county to that important office. This was one of the most hotly-contested elections ever held in the count}-, his opponent being the late Neal C. McCullough, a man of acknowledged integrity and ability, besides having abundant resources from which to draw in such a contest. The county at that time was safely Democratic by 600 majority and Mr. Nichol's success was regarded as complimentary in the highest degree. He is at the present time serving as Chairman of the Republican Central Committee of the county.

Mr. Nichol, in recent years, has been connected in an ofKcial capacity with nearly every enterprise ha\ing for its object the promotion of Anderson's interests and development of the county. He was chosen President of the Anderson Board of Trade at the time of its organization and served acceptably' as long as it was in existence.

Mr. Nichol is a member of the Presbyterian church, but not fanatical in his religious views. He is consistent in his daily walk and conversation, stands deservedly high as a business man and enjovs the esteem and confidence of his fellowcitizens.

Bazil Neely was a farmer and one of the early pioneers of Madison county. He was born in Ohio county. West \'irginia, August 16, 1810. His parents were Thomas and Elizabeth (Seamon) Neely. His grandfather was Jonah Seamon. In 1812 the parents of our subject emigrated with his family to Wayne county, Indiana, and in 1816 the father returned to

Virginia on business where lie di^d and was buried, leaving his wife and six children, of whom Bazil was the fourth, with but little means of support. The widow removed to Fayette county, Indiana, with her children, and in 1827 Bazil, who was but seventeen years of age, started out to seek his own fortune in the primitive wilderness. lie went to Delaware county where he did general farm work at three dollars a month, and occasionally made rails at twenty-five cents per hundred. Farming implements in that day were few and unwieldy and his first plowing was done with a wooden moldli.AZlL NKKLV.

board plow and four yoke of oxen. In 1833 Mr. Neely was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Suman. Of this union there was but one child. Miss Hester A. Neely, a sketch of whom will be found elsewhere in this work. On the 10th of July, 1833, he purchased eighty acres of land in Section 35, in Union township, Madison county, nine acres of which were cleared and improved by a hewed-log house, the remainder being covered by a dense forest. On this tract of land he located, and not being afraid of work, in the course of time acquired an ample competency. He was resolute, persevering and energetic, in every way suited to the pioneer's arduous task of clearing up the wilderness. He was also fond of athletic sports and was an unerring shot with a rifle. He hunted frequently and in 1S49, within one mile of his home, shot two deer while their horns were locked togetiier.

In politics he was a supporter of Democratic principles, his first vote being cast for Andrew Jackson in 1882. In religious belief his predilections were inclined to the Christian Church, with which he united in 1898. Without ostentation he was benevolent. It can be truly said that no man ever lived in Union township who was more attentive to the sick and distressed than Bazil Xeely. He was honest and true as the day was long. His wife passed away on September 7, 1856, mourned by all who knew her.

Mr. Xeely remained on his farm from 184-4 to June 14, 189f3, wlien he took up his residence with his daughter, Miss Hester Neely, in Anderson. During his later years his health was quite feeble, and on the 4th day of August, 1894, after a lingering illness, he went to his reward. He reposes in Mount Pleasant cemetery, Delaware county.

John F. McClure was horn near Brookville, Franklin county, Indiana, December 24, 1852, and is the oldest of nine children, five of whom are li\ ing. His lather, James McClure, was born in Ireland in 1818, and came to this country when he was two years old. His mother, Ann McClure, was a daughter of David McCall, one of the pioneers of Franklin county. The father is still living, but the mother recently deceased.

The subject of this sketch was reared upon a farm, where he devoted his time to the labors incident thereto until he was twenty-one years of age, when he entered Da Pauw University, taking a classical course. His career at this institution was marked by close ap[jlication to his studies and in 1879 he graduated with high honors, being selected as salutatorian of his class. Immediately after his graduation he entered the law office of Berry <-S: Berry at Brookville, and at the expiration of two years came to Anderson, where he formed a partnership for the practice of law with Isaac Carter under the firm name of Carter & McClure. This partnership lasted but a short time, however, as Mr. McClure was elected Principal of the Anderson Hiiih School in 1888 and taught one year, when he formed a hiw partnership with the Hon. F. P. Foster. In 1S8() he received the Republican nomination for Mayor of Andersmi and was elected.

It was during his incumbency that natural gas was discovered at Anderson and it was largely through his untiring efforts thai many of the large business enterprises which now contribute to the city's importance were located. His servjrlXiE JOHN F. m'CLIRE.

ices as an active, faithful official were appreciated by his fellow-citizens and he was reelected in 1888. Upon retiring from the office of Mavor he purchased an interest in the Anderson Ihrahi which property he managed for one year. During his connection with the paper he was elected Councilman from the First ward and being thoroughly acquainted with the duties of the position, on account of his previous experience as Mayor, rendered valuable service in the administration of the city's alTairs. In ISUl he was elected City Attorney by the common council and served two vears. He was thrice honored by his party by being selected as chairman of the Republican Central Comir.ittee for the county and served in that capacity for six years. In 1SD6 he was honored by his party with the nomination for Judge of the Circuit Court and elected, being the first Republican chosen by the people to fill this responsible position since Madison county became a judicial jurisdiction. He has just entered upon the discharge of the duties of the ofHce and gives promise of justifying every hope and expectation indulged by his friends. Judge McClure is unassuming both in his bearing and conversation, liberal in his views but firm as need be in matters when decision is necessarv. He is candid and cordial, but under no circumstances forgets that he is a gentleman. His present ambition is to discharge the duties of his office acceptably and if conscientious endeavor will accomplish this end there is no doubt of his success. He owes no allegiance to any particular sect or religious society, but is prominent as a Knight of Pythias, having occupied the highest office to which a member can be elected in a subordinate lodge.

The subject of this sketch was born May 6, 1822, in Center county, Pennsylvania. In 1829 his father removed to Clinton county, Ohio, and here the son passed his boyhood, attending school whenever it was possible until it became time to select a trade, when he went to work at carpentry and followed it until 1844, when he came to Indiana and began teaching school. Randolph and Grant counties were the scenes of his labors in this vocation until 1857, when he entered Farmers' College, near Cincinnati. He devoted himself assiduously to his studies and graduated from this institution in 1849. After graduating he returned to Indiana and taught a select school at Pendleton. In December, 1849, he commenced the study of law under Judge David Kilgore and afterwards completed his preparatory course under the late Judge Hervy Craven. In Alarch 1851, he was admitted to the Anderson bar; May, 1851, to the Supreme Court of the State, and in Novemb<»r of that year to the Circuit Court of the United States. It was also during this year that he removed to Marion, Indiana, where he began the practice of his profession. L'pon the breaking out of tiie Civil War in 1861 he enlisted a company of which he was captain in April of that year, but being in feeble health he was compelled to resign in the following November and return home. In May, 1862, he removed to Anderson and formed a partnership in the practice of his profession with the late Judge W. R. Pierse. Tiiis firm remained in existence for many years and enjoyed a large and lucrative practice. In 1871 Mr. Thompson was elected Countv School Superintendent and looked after the duties of that ofHce for two years with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the public. No citizen of the county, perhaps, takes deeper interest in the education and proper training of tiie joung than Mr. Thompson. His influence has always been exerted in behalf of good sciiools, as it has in the interest of every enterprise having for its object the general difTusion of knowledge and the welfare of society.

For a period of thirty five years Mr. Thompson has been identified with the Madison county bar as one of the ablest and most honored iiu'iiibers. Ik- i> still actixelv engaged in

Politically, Mr. Thompson is a Democrat ; religiously, he is a Pre.^byterian. He is an honored member of the Masonic fraternity, believes in the principles it inculcates, and without ostentation endeavors to observe them in his intercourse with the world. He is liberal in his views and believes in enjoying life within the pale of propriety. His elegantly furnished home consequently is one of the most hospitable in Anderson. His friends are always graciously received and entertained with a cordiality as sincere as it is enjoyable.

He was married on the 5th of December, 1852, to Miss Eliza J. Butler. Of this union two children have been born, Mrs. E. E. Newton and Mrs. Charles L. Sherman, both of whom are residents of Anderson.

Miss Hestkr A. Nkf.I.V.

The subject of this biography is the only child of Bazil and Sarah (Suman) Xeely'and was born July 4, 1S35, on the Neely homestead in Union ti)\vnship, where she resided until June 14, 1898, sharing with her parents the trials and hardships incident to pioneer life. Miss Xeely enjoys the distinction of being the oldest maiden in tiie county, and is also among the oldest living natives in the county. Notwithstand- ing the school facilities were meagre in her day she acquired sufficient knowledge of the elementary branches of an education to enable her in after years to take care of her large property interests without assistance. After the death of her mother, in 1856, she took charge of her father's home and looked after the household duties until she moved to Anderson in 1893, when she brought her venerable parent with her and attended to his every want until his death, in 1894. Among the lessons instilled into her mind by her father in her early years was punctuality in meeting promises and discharging obligations, and this lesson she cherishes as sacredly as she does his memory. Circumstances, together with good judgment and careful management, have rendered her one of the wealthiest women in the county, her property holdings in Anderson being the most desirable in the city, comprising as they do the most valuable portions of the southwest square.

Miss 'Neely lives in an elegant home on West Sixth street, which she has furnished in a manner consonant with her taste, " neat, not gaudy." She is not extravagant in her ideas of living but nevertheless seeks comfort and contentment regardless of the expenditure they may entail. While she is not a collector of the quaint and curious in the strict sense of the term, she has, perhaps, one of the most interesting private collections of rare relics and heirlooms in the county. These treasures consist of several pieces of rare chinaware, old books and quaint implements of various kinds, all of which she prizes more for the associations connected with them than for any intrinsic value they may possess.

She is not and has never been a devotee of fashion or society and takes no pleasure in them; she appreciates her friends, however, and enjoys their companionship. She is specially fond of travel and has visited many interesting localities including the Pacific slope. Miss Neely possesses to a degree that quality which Shakespeare regards as "an excellent thing in w'oman " - modesty. Quiet and unassuming, she has pursued the even tenor of her way, doing unto others as she would have others do unto her, and meeting the disappointments of life as bravely as becomes her sex.

John R. Thornbukgh

branch of the family from which our subject sprung settled originally in Guilford county, Xorth Carolina, where his father, Jonathan Thornburgh, was born in 1814. He went to Illinois at an early day for the purpose of locating, but in passing through Indiana he was so favorably impressed with the State that in the course of a year he returned, and in 1838 purchased a farm in Richland township, Madison county, where he lived until If^GU. when he was gathered to his fathers. He took great interest in the affairs not only of his township, but of the county, and was greatly respected by all who knew him as an upright, conscientious citizen. At the time of his death, besides a family of several children, he left a widow, Mary Thornburgh, who was a daughter of Henry Miller, one of the old settlers of Delaware county, Indiana. John R. Thornburgh was but five years of age at the time of his father's death, and lived on the farm with his mother, attending school, when opportunity offered, until he was nineteen years old, when he entered college at Oberlin, Ohio. While there he became fascinated with the study of Human Science, and after eighteen months of college work went to lecturing on phrenology and physiognomy. About two years afterwards he returned to his home and subsequently spent two collegiate terms in the Central Normal college at Danville, Indiana. While at Danville he met Miss Blanche Scruggs, who subsequently became his wife. She was his classmate and a member of one of the leading families of Rush county, Indiana. After lea\ing Danville college he taught a few terms of school and commenced the study of law while teaching. He afterwards entered the law ofHce of Judge Alfred Ellison, and was admitted to the bar in 1890, being the first of the farmer boys of his native township to enter upon the profession and practice of law. He met with flattering success from the beginning of his legal career, being retained in many of the important trials in the courts of the county. Shortly after being admitted to the Madison county bar he was admitted to practice in the Supreme and Federal Courts of Indiana.

He still retains his interest in the old home farm, and his office is always open to his former neighbors and boyhood friends, whether they call on business or pleasure. Politically Mr. Thornburgh is a Populist, and in the local counsels of his party takes a prominent part. He is also an active member of the Knights of the Golden Eagle, and esteemed generally as a high-minded gentleman and worthy citizen.

Colonel Milton S. Robinson

A history of Madison county without proper mention of the life, character and public services of the subject of this sketch would not only be incomplete but would subject the work and its author, or authors, to just criticism. He was one of the county's most distinguishnd citizens and enjoyed the confidence and respect of his fellow-citizens to as great a degree as any man that has ever resided within its borders.

Colonel Robinson was born at Versailles, Indiana, April 20, 1832. His father. Colonel Joseph R. Robinson, was a noted la%vyer and orator in his dav and served as a member of the convention that formed the present constitution of Indiana.

Colonel Robinson was etlucated in the common schools, and under the judicious instruction of his father studied for the profession to which he devoted his life and in which he became so prominent. His progress in his studies was so rapid that he was regularly licensed to practice law under the old constitution of the State before he had attained his majoritv.

On November 15, 1851, he located at Anderson and commenced the practice of his profession. By his energy and ability in the discharge of his professional duties he gradually secured a large and lucrative practice, which he retained until the breaking out of the Civil war, when he entered the army as Lieutenant-Colonel of the Forty-seventh Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, after having twice declined a Colonel's commission tendered him by Governor O. P. Morton, giving as his reason for so doing lack of experience in military aflFairs. He was prominently identified with the fortunes of his regiment until he was promoted by Governor Morton to the Colonelcy of the Seventy-Fifth Indiana Volunteers, with which regiment he remained until the close of the war, participating in the great battles of the campaigns in Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia. In 1865 he was breveted Brigadier-

General for gallant and meritorious service. He was always an active Republican, and in 1856 was chosen as a Presidential elector for the Eleventh Congressional district. In the winter of 1861 he was elected a director of the Northern Prison by the Indiana Legislature. In 1866 he was elected Senator from the district composed of Madison and Grant counties, and during his term was regarded as one of the leaders of his party in the Senate. In the summer of 1874 he was nominated by the Republicans of the Sixth Congressional district as their candidate for Congress. He was elected, and in 1876 was again nominated and re-elected. In March, 1891, he was appointed as one of the Judges of tlie Appellate Court by the late Alvin P. Hovey, Governor of Indiana, and was nominated by the Republican State Convention for the '^ame office in June. 1892, but died before the election occurred.

In Januarv. 1878, he associated with himself John \\'. Lovett in the practice of the law. The firm continued in the practice under the name of Robipson & Lovett until 1888, when Sanford M. Keltner, Esq., became the junior member, and from that time on until Colonel Robinson received his appointment as a Judge of the Appellate Court the firm was known as Robinson, Lovett & Keltner.

Colonel Robinson was twice married, his first wife being Miss Almira F. Ballard, to whom he was united on July 8, 1856. She died shortly after his return from his service in the army. On the 29th of June, 1866, he was married to Miss Louise A. Branham. Of this union three children were born, of whom but one, a son, Chester Robinson, is living. Mrs. Robinson died in 1890.

Colonel Robinson's career from the time he entered upon the practice of his profession was active and eventful. He was in every relation of life a sincere and candid man, and as such was known and appreciated by his fellow citizens. He was ever foremost in every good work, whether religious or secular, and gave unstintedly of his means for the promotion of any undertaking in which he might engage. While a strict partisan in politics he so conducted himself that he enjoyed the respect and confidence of his political opponents. Socially and religiously he was a man of liberal views and generous impulses ; always conscientious, he was fearless in the discharge of what he esteemed a duty.

any cause he might espouse, his methods were always just and honorable. As a judge he was impartial, firm, able and industrious, as is shown by his opinions published in the official reports of the Appellate Court.

From his early manhood to the date of his death he was a prominent member of the Presbyterian church, and contributed largely of his means and influence to its support.

Colonel Robinson died July 28, 1892, after a brief illness induced by excessive heat. His funeral, in point of attendance, was the largest that has ever taken place in the county. Many prominent citizens from different portions of the .State, members of the Appellate Court, the Governor and other State officials were in attendance, while his friends and fellow-citizens from every part of the county were present in large numbers to pay their last tribute of respect to his memory. Of him it can be truly said that the world was better for his having lived.

Capt. Alonzo I. Makepeace

Of all the men who enlisted in the service of their country from Madison county during the great struggle for the preservation of the Union, none has a more interesting or thrilling history than Capt. A. I. Makepeace. His experience if given in detail and properly elaborated, would require a volume of itself, but a brief sketch is all that can be expected or given in a work of this character, however, much the authors might desire to preserve all the incidents of his military career. Capt. Makepeace is a native of Madison county, having been born at Pendleton, April 9, 1833. His parents, Alfred and Hannah Makepeace, were among the early pioneers of the county who settled in Fall Creek township. They subsequently (1836) moved to Anderson, where Alonzo, or Lon. as he is familiarly called, was reared, the greater portion of his time being devoted to farming. His education was acquired in the common schools of Anderson. On the 1st of April, 1856, he was one of a party of young men who left Anderson for California, by the Nicaragua route, and landed at Graytown, Central America, on the 18th of the same month. There was great excitement in Central America at that time owing to the efforts of General Walker, the famous filibuster, to secure control of the government of that country. Neither life nor property was considered secure on account of the disturbed condition of the people, and the party of fortune- seekers concluded to return home. Arriving at New York, Mr. Makepeace went to Canada on a prospecting tour, and returned to his home in Indiana by wav of Niagara Falls. After his return he worked at carpentry until his father built the large flouring mill on North Central avenue, which is nowowned and operated as a brewery iiy T. M. Norton & Sons, when he engaged in the milling bu^inos for a while. In the meantime the clouds of the great civil war were gathering and casting their somber shadows over all the land. It wa& not long until hostilities began and the country was involved in the greatest struggle of modern times. The patriotic young men of the land responded to the call of the President for troops, and marched away to defend the flag of their country. Among the number was the subject of this biography, who enlisted July 5, 1S61. in Company A. 19th Indiana volunteers. He was mustered into the service at Indianapolis on the 29th of July, and on the same day was elected second lieutenant of his company.

On the Stli of August, the Nineteenth Indiana was ordered to Washington, and on November 11, 1861, he was promoted to the position of First Lieutenant. He was subsequently (February 10, 1862,) promoted to the Captaincy of his company. The Nineteenth Indiana was one of the regiments composing the famous Iron Brigade and suffered as much, if not more, than any regiment engaged in the war, Captain Makepeace participated, along with his company, in all of the principal battles of the south-east. He was at Lewinsville, Gainesville (lost thirtj'-one men out of forty-two in this battle) , Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, South Mountain, Antietam, JSIanassas, Cedar Mountain, and many other battles, including the battle of Gettysburg, where he was captured on the first day of that decisive engagement. This was on the 1st of Jul)-, 1863. He, with several thousand other soldiers, who were captured at the same time, was taken to Libby prison where he remained ten months, when he was transferred to Danville, A'irginia, from that prison to Salisbury, North Carolina, thence to Macon, Georgia. While enroute to the latter prison, he escaped from the train near Augusta, but was recaptured. After remaining in prison at Macon for a short time, he, along with three hundred other captains, was taken to Charleston, South Carolina, for the protection of that city which was being shelled bj- Federal gunboats. Intelligence was conveyed to the Federals of their location in the city by Union sj-mpathisers and the presence of the prisoners did not result as anticipated. The firing was kept up by the vessels, but no shell exploded in the vicinity of the prisoners. Captain Makepeace was afterward transferred to Columbia, South Carolina, where, on November 4, 1864, he again escaped, and, in compan}- with three others, eluded the Rebels for forty-eight days, notwithstanding they were pursued by blood-hounds a portion of the time. They traveled only at night and in that time walked over four hundred miles, encountering many dangers and sufl'ering innumerable hardships. They were at one time within a few miles of the Union army, but fate was against them and they were recaptured in the Smoky Mountains, near Delonaga, Georgia. He was taken back to Columbia, and transferred thence to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he escaped again, but being sick and discouraged by his previous experience he concluded to return to prison. From Charlotte he was taken to Raleigh,

Captain Makepeace was a prisoner just twenty months to a day and was transferred from time to time to nearly every prison in the Confederacy. He was discharged at Washington in May, 1865, and returned home, after an experience that fell to the lot of but few men in the army. Soon after returning home he engaged in the hardware business as a clerk with Nichol & King, but subsequently became a member of the firm, Mr. King having retired. This firm is still in existence and does a larger business in its line than any other firm in the count}'.

In 1886 Captain Makepeace received without solicitation on his part the Republican nomination for Sherifl" of Madison county, and was elected, overcoming an adverse majority of eight hundred. He is a member of Anderson lodge I. O. O. F., and was the first commander of Major May Post, G. A. R., but is not connected with any other organization, social, fraternal or religious. He was on the staff with General Veazy at the Grand Encampment of the G. A. R., at Detroit, in 1880, and has attended every encampment of that organization as well as every reunion of his old regiment for the past twelve years. Captain Makepeace was married to Miss Margaret Robinson, a sister of the late Colonel M. S. Robinson, on the 16th of September, 1858. The fruits of this union have been two children, Frank and Harriett, both of whom are married and living in Anderson. Mr. Frank Makepeace is one of the proprietors of the Anderson Daily BuUeliii. Harriett is married to Mr. T. N. Stilwell, a son of Colonel Thomas N. Stilwell, deceased.

Captain Makepeace is an unpretending gentleman, not given to vaunting his achievements, and it is safe to say that but few, even of his intimate friends, are acquainted with the facts related in this sketch. Considering his military experience he is remarkably active. He has a large circle of friends and has laid by a competency against old age.

Samuel Harden

No man in Madison county, perhaps, has done more to preserve its early history than Samuel Harden. He has always taken great interest in the achievements of the first settlers as well as in matters generally pertaining to the pioneer period of the countv and therefore honorable mention of his efforts to secure from tlie spoiler Time the names of the first comers here, their unpretentious deeds, customs and interesting incidents connected with their lives, ischeerfuUv accorded in these pages. He wrote the first history of the county under certain disadvantages that but few can appreciate who have not engaged in such an undertaking. The work is not perfect by anv means, and neither is this, nor anv other historv that has been or ever will be written of the county, but within its modest pages much is contained that would have been lost no doubt had it not been for his painstaking research.

Mr. Harden was born in Hamilton county, Indiana, November 21, 1831, and at the age of fourteen years was apprenticed to learn the saddler's trade with an older brother. He served an apprenticeship of two years, when he took a "tramp" East as far as Ithica, New York, with a party of drovers. In 1852 he made the overland trip to California, where he engaged in mining with "varied success"' until 1855, when he returned to Indiana, and after a brief residence at Huntsville, this county, married a daughter of the late J. T. Swain. He soon after located at Markleville, where he worked at his trade for fifteen years. In 1862 he enlisted in the Sixth-ninth Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, and was

In 1874 he pubhshetl a history of Madison county. In 1880 he commenced writing the liistory of Hancock county, but sold his interest in the work to J. H. Binford, who, in connection witii T. K. King, completed and published it. In 1S87 lie published a volume entitled, " Early Times of Boone County, Indiana,"" and in 1888 another book entitled, "Those I Have Met, or Boys in Blue." In 18V)() he published his last work, which he nained "The Pioneer."' All of these works contain many interesting sketches of the first settlers of Madison, Hancock, Hamilton and Boone counties, as well as much valuable and important historical information. Mr. Harden's eflforts are being appreciated more and more as the years roll by and after his pilgrimage is over will perpetuate his memory longer than would marble or bronze. It may be said in this connection that he has one of the finest collections of Indian and other interesting relics in the county ; in fact there are probablj- but few, if any. tiner private collections in the State.