Madison County, Indiana - The whole text, 1914 (part 12 of 16)

sou of Jonathan and Anne (Lewis) Thomas. The ancestiy of the familyis Welsh, and it is of record that three brothers of the name of Thomas came from England on the good ship ^yclco7nc in company with the immortal William Penn. The brothers located in eastern Pennsylvania, and John L. Thomas is a direct lineal descendant of one of the three brothers. Jonathan Thomas, the grandfather, and his \nfe, Ainie Lewis, were reared in Chester county, Pennsylvania, and there they married, coming to Madison county, Indiana, in 1834, among the early settlers of the district known to-day as Spring Valley. This wortliy pioneer was the founder of the Fall Creek church of the Society of Friends, and they held their first meeting in July, 1834, since which time no Sunday has passed without witnessing its similar Quaker service. Mr. Thomas located on the farm where Samuel Swain now lives, and there he and his v/ife ended their days and lie buried. They were the parents of three children: Rebecca, who became the wdfe of John J. Lewis; Lewis W. Thomas, v.ho married Priscilla Fusseil ; and Mary A., who married Woolston Swain.

Lewis W. Thomas was about twenty-one years of age when he came to ]\Iadison county with his parents, and he was married on February 23, 1837, to Priscilla Fusseil,. as mentioned above. They became the parents of eleven children, of which goodly number six vrerc living in 1913. They are named as follows: John L. Thomas, of this sketch; Martha ]M., the wife of Aaron Morris; Jonathan, who man'ied Emma Rogers; 31ary, the mfe of William R. Kinnard, of whom a sketch appears elsewhere in this v/ork; Solomon F., who married Carrie Lang; and Alice, the wife of Edgar Whitely.

John L. Thomas was reared on the farm vrhich is now the prv^pcrty of William R. Kinnard. When old enough to enter the public schools he was sent to them in the sunrmer months, but the winter seasons found him at home, in close application to the work of the farm. Untii he was twenty years old he attended school interinitteutly aiid devoted hiuiself to farm life exclusively from then until he was twenty-nve. His education in the district schools, supplemented by his wide reading, had made it possible for him to teach a country school, and for eleven years he was engaged in that occupation duiing the winter months. On September 18, 1862, he married Caroline Swain, a daughter of Charles Swain, who came from Backs county, Pennsylvania, to jMadison county in 1852. She was bom in Bucks county on the 15th of June, 1838, and was educated in the schools of Indiana principally. Of the four children which came into their home three have been spared to them, a little son, Lev>is, having died in infancy. Emma is the wife of Frank P. Miller, of Romney, West Virginia, a farmer. Charles S. is a graduate of the University of Indiana, and was formerly a student at Harvard. He now occupies the chair of English in a high school at Newtonville, [Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston. Lewis W., who was a 'student in the public schools and the State University, now resides on the home farm, which he operates for his father. He married ^largaret Willits, a daughter of Samuel E. and Virginia (Wilson) Willits, both now deceased. The father was a native of Wayne county, Indiana. One child, Virginia, was born to ]Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Thomas on the 24th of :\Iarch,'"l913.

j\Ir. Thomas is a member of tlie Friends Church and sits at the head of the church in this locality founded by his grandfather many years ago, and he frciiuently preaches therein. In 1868, with others, he organ- ized the Sunday-school, and has ever sinee held the offices of teacher or supennteudent therein. He has the distinction of beinc' thp old^,,. living member of the church born in this section. He is a°proiiou!uS Republican m liis political affiliations, and cast his first vote for Abrahan. Lincoln in 1860. He has served in a number of the public offices of th-- county, including that of trustee of Fall Creek tov/nship, in which h.- served three years. He has also served as a member of the County Central Committee, and has given valuable service to the cause of the partv m Madison county. He was the principal organizer of the Fartiii'i".s Mutual Fire & Lightning Insurance Company of r^Iadison county and served as secretary and treasurer of that society for eleven years and u. a director for two years. He is also one of the original members of thstate organization bearing the same name, which he served two yeai-- as treasurer, has been pronnnent in the work of the Farmers Instituc' and is one of the most successful farmers of the county. He owns ouhundred and sixty acres of laud in section 36, iu an excellent state or cultivation and maintained in the most painstaking and busiuesslikLmanner.

Recently Mr. and Mrs. Tliomas celebrated the fiftieth anniversarv of thdr marriage, knov.-n as the Golden 'Weduiug Anuiversarv. TheiV married life has been beautiful in its harmony, and each has" won and retained in a remarkable degree the confidence and esteem of many of the most representative people of the township. They have added muoli to the best interests and advancement of the corumunity, and nw eminently deserving of the high place they now occupv in the public mind.

Ward L. Roach. Among tlie honored residents of El wood, Indiam:. none are held in higher esteem than AYard L. Roach, who has lived in this city for more than a quarter of a century, has occupied a hiyh place at the ]\Iadison county bar, and for more than twenty vears has served his fellow-citizens in the capacity of justice cf the peace. A veteran of the great Civil war, in both times of war and times of peace he has ever displayed a characteristic devotion to whatever duty has devolved upon him, fairly earning the respect and conndence of all who have known him. Judge Roach was born December 20, 183S. at Huntsville, ^Madison county, Indiana, and is a son of Lnnty and Loui.?a (Brown) Roach, the former a native of Mcnroe county, and the latter of Mason county, Virginia.

The paternal grandfather of Ward L. Roach was a native of the Old Dominion State, where he was engaged in farming for many years. and where both he and his wife, who was also a Virginian, died v,-heu -well along in years. During the Revolutionary War, he enlisted in t!ie Continental army, and when the War of 1812 broke out, he again tuck up arms in his country's defense. He became the father of a largo family, among whom were Katie, who became the wife of AndreV' McNear; Isaac; John; Thomas and Lanty. On the maternal side, th.o grandfather of Ward L. Roach v/as ^^.lartin Brown, who married Susaima McAllister, both being Tiatives of Virginia. They VN'ere farming peopie. and became pioneer-s of ^Madison county, Indiana, v.diere both died in advanced years, Mr. Brown on Fall Cre<}k, about two miles east of Huntsville, and his wife in Anderson. Like Grandfather Roach. Tdr. Brown served as an American soldier during the V/ar of 1S12. He and his wife v.'ero the parents of a large family, as follows -. Mary Ann.

who bceatue tlie wife of Jolui Howard, and lived on Lick Creek ; Louisa, the mother of Judge Roach ; Susanna, who married a Nicholson ; Harriet, who became the wife of a Veach; Emily, who married (first) a Johnson and later a Lemon; liOrenzo D. ; Elizaheth, who married a Teinplin ; and Garrett.

Lanty Roach, tlie fatlier of AVard L. Roacli, was reared in the state of liis nativity, there received a common school education, and in young manhood learned the trade of carpenter. In the year 1835, looking for a wider field for his activities, he turned iiis face toward the young West, and made his way to Iluntsville, Indiana, where he established himself in business in the little but growing town. He became a povrer in his eonmmuity, and during the early days served his county ably as sheriff, but later moved from Huntsville to a tract of 160 acres of government land, east of Elwood, and this he cleared and improved, making a comfortable home for his family, and spending his declining years in the comfort that came as a reward for his years of fruitful labor. Born October 28, 181-1, he passed away October 13, 1887, while his wife, who was born February 8, 1818, passed to her final rest May 3, 1894. She was a member of the ^Methodist church. JMr. and Mrs. Roach were the parents of five children, namely: "Ward L., Mary S., wlio became tliC wife of Josiah Canady. of near Frankton. Indiana; Martha, who is now deceased; John M., who lives near Dundee, Indiana; Emily 0., who married and is living at Frankton, Indiana.

Ward L. Roach received his education in the public schools of Huntsville, which he attended until he was twelve years of age, and at that time went to Anderson, where for two years he was employed as a clerk in a general store. Following this, he read law iu the office and under the preceptorship of Judge Lake, of Anderson, and v.as admitted to the Indiana bar before he reached his majority. For two years he served as assistant prosecuting attorney at Anderson, but subsequently went to Barton county, Missouri, being engaged in ijractice there at Lamar, at the time of the outbieak of hostilities between the North and the Soutli. An ardent patriot, he returned to Indiana, and for a few weeks resided on his father's farm, from whence he went to enlist in the Forty-first Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry. for service in the Union army. Later he was transferred to the Second Cavalry, w4th v.'hich organization he continued about two years, being detailed from the regiment aiid appointed sergeant of the corps of General Hazen. During his service, ^Mr. Roach participated in a number of the bloodiest battles of the great war, these including Shiloh and Corinth, and when he received his honoi-able discharge, he had a record for gallantry and faithful devotion to duty that was excelled by no soldier in the a^m3^

On the completion of his military career, ]\Ir. Roach returned to Anderson and again took up the practice of law. He remained there until 1887, which year saw his advent in Elwood, and this place has been his home to the present time. Here he has served more than twenty years as justice of the peace, his fellow-citizens having the utmost confidence in his judgment, his conscientiousness and his impartiality. During the past twenty-two years he has resided on his farm of twentyone acres, on which he has a comfortable residence. In politics he is a Democrat, and his fraternal connection is with Quincy Lodge, No. 230, F. & A. M., he having been made a Mason at Frarikton.

Waymirc. ]\Ir. Koacli was married Juiie 26, 1S73, to Miss ^lartha ^Ve.st, who was born near AVilliainsport, Indiana, daughter of John A. ain.i A7.iibah (Wilson) West of Illinois, the former a native of Georgia aiul the latter of Ohio. Mrs. Koaeh's parents had the following eliildr-di: George, Samuel, AVilliam, Thomas, i\Ioses, Betsey AleClish, CharloURoniinc, Salina AVest, Anna and Alartlia. Judge and Airs. Roach hu\ij one daughter: Louisa A., born October 17, 1877, who is single and liv* .-> at home with her parents.

Jacob Hartman. About seven miles northv/est of the cit^- of Anderson, in Lafayette township, is located the eighty-acre farm of Jacolj Hartman, whose work in developing this property into one of th-j finest in this section stamps him as an able agriculturist and sturdy, dependable citizen. He is a typical self-made man, having been given but indiffert'iit educational advantages in his youth, and attaining hi-, success through the medium of individual effort. Air. Hartman was born on the Hughes farm, subsequently known as the Hartman farm. in Alouroe township, Aladisou couiity, Indiana, and is a son of Join, and Lucinda (Clevinger) Hartman. His fatiicr v/as a native of Pennsylvania, and a,s a young niau learned the trade of pump-making, at which he was employed during his younger years. A steady, iiidustrious workman, he carefully saved his earnings until he was able to purchase a small tract of land in Alomoe township, and after developing this property traded it for a farm, of eighty acres in Pipe Creek township, northeast of Alexander. There he continued to follow agricultural pursuits during the remainder of his life. He married Lucinda Clevinger, v/hose family had come to Indiana from New Jersey, and they became the parents of seven children : John ; Alary, who married Absolom Rich- wine; AA^illiam, who is deceased, was married and had a son, AValter; Fred, who is deceased; Charles; Susan, who married Air. Peniston; and Jacob.

Jacob Hartman was compelled to walk two and one-half ndles to reach the district school during his boyhood, and his education was thus secured during three months each winter. The rest of the year he passed in assisting in the work of the home faion from the time he "w^as large enough to grasp the plowhandles. However, he made the most of his somewhat limited opportunities, and much reading and close observation have made him a very well informed man, especially upon the live issues of the day. He was reared to habits of industry and economy, and continued to remain upon the home place until lie reached his thirty-second year, when he entered agricultural pursuits upon his own account. His present property has been developed solely by him, and he has fairly w^on the right to be named among his township's best agriculturi.sts.

Air. Hartman was married to Aliss Sarah Graves, daughter of Joseph and Lucy (Kendall) Graves, and fiva children were born to this union: Joseph, Bessie, Elsie, Grace and Lela, the last two of whom are now deceased. The comfortable Hartman home is located on Anderson Rural Route, No. 6, and in this vicijiity both Air. and Airs. Hartuum have numerous friends. They take an interest in the activities of their community and are rearing their children to perpetuate the honorabio name which the family has ever borne. Air. Hartman is a local politician and wields an influence in his locality as a Democratic worker.

Elmer Sctilegel. It is probable that were the gentlemjin whose name heads this review asked to define the secret of success in life, from his own standpoint and experience, his reply would be that it is hard work, availing itself of fair opportunities. Always and everywhere he remembers that he has worked faithfully and conscientiously, and that to himself, and all ^kiadison county men of his caliber, is peculiarly applicable the well-worn maxim, that ''nothing succeeds like success." Today he is the o-wner of a well-cidtivated tract of fifty acres, lying in Lafayette township, on which he is carrying on operations in modern farming and cattle raising. *Mr. Schlegel is a native sou of ^Madison county, and was born in April, 1866, a son of Henry C. and Laura J. (Myers) Schlegel. His father, Henry C, a native of Germany, emigrated to the United States with his parents when still a lad, and after spending a period of years in Pennsylvania' came to Chesterfield, Madison county, Indiana. Subsequently, he bought land in Delaware county, and there settled down to agricultural pursuits. He remained on the farm until the death of his wife in 1898. Since that time he has lived in Daleville, Indiana, his dnughter keeping bouse for bim. He and his wife were the parents of four children, namely: "William H., who makes his home in Delaware county on the old homestead; Elmer; Mollie, also a resident of Delaware county; and J. C, who lives at Lima, Ohio.

Elmer Schlegel received his education in the public schools of Delaware county, whence he was taken by his parents when still a child. That county continued to be his home for upwards of forty years, and there he was reared and received his entire business training. Thoroughly trained in the thoiisand and one subjects which go to make for proficiency in the various branches of agricultural work, at the age of twenty-two years he began renting laiid from his father, and thus continued until ]March 6, 1906, when he came to his present property, returning to the county of his birth, and settling on a property in Lafayette township which he had purchased October 21, 1905. He has continued to be engaged in general farming and stock raising, and his operations have all proved uniformly successful. He is an able manager, with inherent business ability and agricultural knowledge that has come to him from a long line of tillers of the soil. Mr. Schlegel 's career presents a striking example of enterprise, industry and integrity, conducting to eminent success, and of political consistencies based on enlightened and moderate views - views at all times compatible vrith a generous toleration of the sentiments entertained by others, and commanding general confidence and esteem. While he has not been a politician, being essentially a business man, he has shown an interest in those matters which affect the welfare of Madison county and its people, and has at all times supported men and measures calculated to bring about good government. With his family, he attends the United Brethren Church, of w^hich he is a liberal supporter.

- On March 21, 1889, Mr. Schlegel was married to Bliss Martha Stewart, a native of Delaware county. Indiana, and a daughter of John A. and Marv E. Stewart. They have had two children : Bertha B., born October 11, 1890, and Elmer Stewart, Jr., born May 16, 1905. The son had very poor health during the most of his life, and he died

Philip A. Ciiildeks. One of the old and honored i-esidents of M;i,ji. son coun_ty, who has spent his life in agricultural pursuits and is ilo,: numbered among his community's substantial men, is Philip A. Chii'- ders, the owner of a farm of eighty acres, located on the Childcrs road, two miles from Florida. He has been a witness to the wonderfu! growth and development of the section which has resulted in makiii;'' Lafayette township one of the garden spots of the Hoosier State, aud has contributed his share of energy to the work which has brought this development about. Mr. Childers is an Indianian and was born on th-.- old Samuel Hicks farm, in the vicinity of Columbus. December 8, 1611, a son of Alfred and Mary (Keller) "Childers. His father was a cUl' cessful agriculturist, and on his mother's side he is a descendant of au old family which came from Greenbi-ier county, Virginia (now Wcht Virginia). There were three children in the Childers family: Jane, who married J. R. Surber; Philip A., aud Mary E., now Mrs. Bevelhimer. Mr. Childers' father died in 1847 and his mother was married a few years later, on the Childers homestead, to C. A. Betterton. To .this. union there was one child bom, Eliza, v/ho is nov,- deceased.

Philip A. Childers received an ordinary public school education, pursuing his studies in the Kellar school, and during his boyhood and youth passed the sutamer months in the hard and honesr toil of the home farm. He was thoroughly trained in farm work, and as he grew to manhood carefully saved his earnings, with the end ever in viev,' or becoming the owner of a property. At the time of his motlier's deutl'. he realized his ambition by inheriting a part of the homestead, and subseciuently purchased the interests of his sisters, becoming sole owner of the Childers homestead, which he has since continued to :peratr. With the exception of several years si)ent in tlie West, he h^s alw^ivs made his home in ^Madison count}-, and his success in his operations h.i.^ given him no cause to regi-et his location. While he has all the prjc- ticality of the old-school agriculturist, ^Ir. Childers has not been backward in adopting modern methods, and his well-tilled fields give evidence of his able management and untiring industry. He uses machinery of modern manufacture, thoroughly understands rotation of crops, and is widely knov/n as a .judge of livestock. Personally, he is a man of the strictest integrity, having fairly won a reputation for square dealing in all matters of business.

On January 23, 1874, Mr. Childers was married in Lafayette tov,-nship, to jMiss Elizabeth Hannah, a member of a family which originated in Pennsylvania, subsequently moved to Ohio, and came from that state to ]\Iadison county, Indiana. Mr, and Mrs. Childers have been the parents of four children, namely : Bertha, who is deceased ; Jeannette, who married John Kennedy, and has two children, - ^luri'tll and Herman ; Mary, who became the wife of Vernon Melsom ; Ethelyn, single and residing with her father; James C, who is married and h;'s one child, Elizabeth. ]Mrs. Childers died January 7, 1SS7, in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Childers has been a stanch Democrat all of his life, and while he has not aspired to jjublie ortiee, has ever been know n as one of the mainstays of his party in his locality. His comfortable home is located on Anderson Route No. 3, and in the rear of the property is located one of the landmarks of this section, th^

Absalom Rickwine. This venerable man, now in the sixty-eighth year of his age, who with firm step and unclouded mind still attends to his daily routine of aft'airs, has, during his more than a half a century of residence in Madison county, witnessed almost its entire development and borne a share in the startling course of its progress. During something like twenty years of this tin\e he has been a resident of Lafayette township, where he has been identified v,ith agricultural pursuits, and where he still owns one of the finest properties in this section, a ninetyacre tract of land located about seven miles from Anderson. Mr. Richwine was born July 16, 1845, in Wayne county, Indiana, and is a son of Gideon and Elizabeth (Rader) Rieliwine. He v\-as still a lad when the fajnily migrated to Madison county, the father taking up land in Jackson township, where he became one of the community's most representative and substantial farmers and stockmen. He was kno\vn as a man of progress and public-spirit, gave his children good educational advantages, and died honored arjd respected by all who knew him. He and his wife vrere the parents of four sons and three daughters, as follows: Noah, who is engaged in farming in Pipe Creek township; Allen, who is a resident of Anderson; Absalom; ^lary; Amanda, who became the wife of a Mr. Sigler; Martha and David.

The educational training of Absalom Riehwine was commenced in the district schools of Jackson township, this being suppleraentcd by attendance in the public schools of Frankton. During all of his school period, he spent the summer montljs in v.'ork upon his father's farm, being reared to habits of industry and integrity and thoroughly trained in all that constitutes a successful agriculturist. He was persevering and industrious, carefully saving his earnings in order that he might some day become the owner of a farm of his own, and on attaining his majority commenced renting land from his lather. Eventually, Mr. Richvv-ine took up a small farm in Jackson township, on which he carried on operations until about the year 1893, at which time he made removal to Lafayette township and purchased his present homestead, and here he has since resided. From time to time he has added to his buildings, his equipment and his stock, in the meantime :making numerous improvements, and has thus succeeded in developing a handsome home. Progressive in all things, he is ever ready to give new ideas and methods a trial, and the latest farming machinery is to be found on his farm. He is the owner of a modem model automobile, which he finds not only the medium of a gi'eat deal of enjoyment, but also a great aid to him in his business trips. Mr. Richvrine has always been very fond of hunting, and has a justly established reputation as a nimrod. When able to lay aside his business duties, he is in the habit of taking trips to New Brunswick, accompanied by a guide and a gun. Highly skilled in woodcraft, he has been successful in his search for the denizens of the forest, and has a record of seven deer in one trip.

On May 3, 1873, ^Ir.Richwine was married to ]\Iiss Mary C. Hartman, and they have ha<l one son: Dory, who nmrried Ethel Sigler, and resides on the home farm which he manages for his father. The members of the family are associated with the Methodist Episcopal church, and actively support its various movements. Mr. Riehv/ine is a sterling

Al.vin H. Davis. The owner of a fine farm of 200 acres, locii-tcd ii: Lafayette township, Alvin H. Davis, has won a firmly established posi tion among the agriculturists here, and during a residence of neaiiy forty-five years has shown himself a representative public-spirited citizen. Mr. Davis is a native son of :Madison county, having been born \u a house at the corner of Tenth and Jackson streets, in the villag- ui Anderson, Indiana, IMarch 27, 1853, and is a son of John H. and Sar;ih (Pugb) Davis. Jesse Davis, the grandfatlier of Alvin H. Davis, wa> boririn Pennsvlvania, from which state as a young man he removed to a farm near Germantown, Ohio. There was born Jolni II. Davis, who v.-u> reared to agricultural pursuits and became an early settler of Anderson Indiana. He was well known in public circles, and served ^ladiso,.. county us sherirf for a period of years. John _H and Sarah (Pugh, Davis became tlie par.-nts of two children : Alvm H., and i ranklin i ., who died at the age of nineteen years. .. v 4i

Alvin H Davis received good educational advantages, attending thold private school taught by the Eev. Joseph Fraul-dm, and was rear-i to habits of industry and integrity, and thoroughly trained m tarni wwk He was sixteen years of age when he accompanied his parents to the old Davis homestead, and when he became tweniv-one years old Ins father entrusted him with the entire manage-oent of the larm, wliicii has since been under bis supervision. From time to tim^e Mr. Davis hu = made imorovements of a modern character, and has adaed to tas^ ounainos his'equipment and his stock. His 200 acres are ad in a higii stato of°ciiltivation, and his able management lias resulted in luaknig this one of the valuable properties of the township. A slux-wd, lc<r-sigh..ed business man, he has ever been honorable in his dealings, and has gaineu and maintained a reputation for strict honesty ana integrity. He tias given his entire attention to his farming operations, and has noc^pareu for the strife of the political arena, outside of ta^ing^ a good cx.iztru :> interest in matters that directly affect his community. In & ^wu-- acfiuaintance. a nu.nber of sincere friends testify to his populanty.^^ m Davis was married to ^liss ?^Iartha A. Ashton, a member cl ?.-'- old and honored family of ^ladison county. They aie consi.leiu me.ubers and liberal supporters of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Joseph W. Srackangast, a leading representative citizen and prosperous farmer of Lafayette township, ^ladison county, by virtue o. n^ popularity and usefulness in bis county, deserves prominent pl-^^'^e :-- tills biographical record. For some years he has been engaged m .uuivating a tract of sixty acres of well cultivated land lying on the I .o^^ida road, about five miles northwest of Anderson, but the greater part oi u ^ time and attention have been devoted to contracting and building opeutions, he having erected a number of the most modern homes and mi.iness structures of this vicinity. Mr. Srackangast is a ^^^t;Ve .. a- Hoosi-r State, born in the town of PerkmsviUe July 24, IbGo. and i. .' son of Absalom P. and Susanna (Wise) Srackangast. ^

The paternal grandparents of Mr. Srackangast Josepn and Eli/.ibeth (Foland) Srackangast, were probably natives of Pennsylvania .-O^-^ whence they migrated to Guernsey county, Ohio, and ^^^^'^'^^-^^^^^i^;^ Hamilton county, Indiana. There was born Absalom I. SraL..,n^a-r, who was giveu only meagre advantages in the district schools and was largely self-edm^ated. He was about twenty-one years ,of age when he removed to Ferkinsville, residing in that town until 1S73, when he removed to Frankton, and tliere became one of the leading business men of the place, being largely interested in contracting and in the manufacture of buggies, wagons aiid carriages. He had a family of five children, namely : Joseph W., Thomas J., Walter W., a resident of Frankton; ]Mrs. Minnie Hawkins, and IMrs. Bessie Webb.

Joseph T\'. Srackaugast received his early education in the public schools of Ferkinsville, and was ten years of age when he accompanied his parents to Frankton. There he continued to attend school for several years, and on completing his studies began to learn the contracting business under the preceptorship of his father, whose assistant he became. Later he embarked in business on his own account, and has continued contracting and building to the present time, some of the most substantial structures in Lafayette tov.uship standing as monuments to his skill and good workmanship. Mr. Srackaugast is a keen, capable man of business, Vv'ith the foresight to recognize an. opportunity, the courage to grasp it and the ability to carry it through to a successful conclusion, yet he has never taken advantage of anotb.er's necessity nor has he ever engaged in any but strictly legitiniate enterprises. He has also shown himself to be a good practical agriculturist, his sixty acres of good land being well cultivated, drained and ditched, neatly fenced and furnished with a full complement of buildings and the latest improved farming machinery. He possesses in the fullest degree the confidence of his neighbors and business associates, and as a public-spirited citizen has assisted materially in building up his connnunity.

On Octo])er 25, 1SS7. ilr. Srackaugast was r.iarried to ]\Iiss Isabelle Scott, daughter of Sanford and ILannah (Tibbs) Scott, and to tliis union there have been born six cliildren, namely : Mildred and Caroline, who reside with tlieir parents: James P.. who is a student in the Anderson High school ; Louise and ^Mary, and Merle, who is deceased. The family attends the ^lethodist Episcopal church, in the congregation of v.-hich its members have many sincere friends.

William W. Hancock. One of the better kno\^-n farming and stock men in this county is AVilliam W. Hancock, farmer, stock dealer and owner of one of the leading breeding stal)les of the county and state. Since he readied his legal majority ]\Ir. Hanr-ook has been confining himself strictly to the business now in hand, and has spared no labor to place himself in the ranks of the leading men of his district in his chosen field of enterprise. Fitted admirably by nature and inclination for a life such as he has followed, Mr. Hancock has gone steadily forward with his work, each year adding something of value to his goodly fund of knowledge pertaining to the subject, and bringing him more and more prominence and prosperity as well.

Born in Mount I'leasant township, Delaware county, this state, in 1860, William W. Hancock is the son of Joseph T. and Esther Ann (Fountain) Hancock. The father was a native of Indiana and came from Wayne county to Delav/are county when he was eight years old. Thirty-four years represent the time he passed in Delaware county, and. in 1875 he located in I\Iadison county, where he passed his closing days. Seven children were born of his union with Esther Ann Fountain, and concerning them brief mention is here made as follows: Alise the first born, married xiliVed Ellihjoii; John Luther, Mary E. Jones, Will;;., ^\., Joseph (tlie tiflli born, died in ISGo) ; James L., and :^[artha hvun nenberg.

The schools of Delaware and Madison counties supplied the eJa,-, tion of William W. Hancock, and he finished his education at Duuvil'l.. when he was yet in his teens, and then applied himself to the work o" teaching, in which he continued until he was twenty-one. As a bov a! home he had been thoroughly trained in farm work, and such instru.nio;', as had not been imparted liy his father, the young man set about t', learn for himself when he engaged in the busine'ss independently. Pro,., general farming he has gradaally worked into the breeding "and sa! - of all kinds of stock, and today has one of the most popular breediu-- aiid sale stables in the state, and is known widely as a successful and fa^- sighted breeder and dealer.' In addition to his activities in that lin.- Mr. Hancock deals extensively in stock of ail kinds, and handles annual l'.' a large number of animals destined for the market. As well as buihjing up a fine farm, Mr. Hancock has acquired a handsome and comfortable residence, indicative of his progi\.-,sive and generous spirit.

In 1882 Mr. Hancock was married to Miss Pluida Bronnenberg. tiidaughter of Michael Bro7inenberg of Madison county, concerning wIjch more definite mention is made in other pages of this historical a;, J biographical work. Four children have been born to '}.lr. and ]Mrs. Hancock. The first born, Orlie Sherman Hancock (died in 1893j ; Est:-, r Sophrone, is the wife of Hector D. Kirk and they have one child, Heh.ii Kirk; Lorena Hazel, the third child of Mr. aEd":virs. Hancock. luarri.-.I William E. Elliott, and they have one son, - I^obert William Elliot: The Elliotts are now in Calcutta, India, where they have been locaN<] since 1911 and engaged in the Y. M. C. A. College work, 2Ir. Elliott hvi:.- chosen as National Secretary from America to India and sent there by the National Committee to engage in said v/ork. William Tavlor, tWfourth child of Mr. and Mrs. Hancock, married Miss Clara Cooper' nn;l is engaged in the agricultural and stock business and bids fair to surpass the aspirations of the father.

Mr. Hancock is a stanch Progressive Pepublican in his political fairli and gives earnestly of his time and energies for the furtherance of th-,- interests of that party in his district. He is not a man who has found pleasure in fraternal asociations, although the spirit of brotherhood ii strong within him, but he has rather been one who has been too daepiy engrossed in his own affairs to find time for outside interests. His citizenship has been one of the highest order, and he stands well in his community, and wherever he is known he bears the good will and kindly interest and regard of his fellows. His success has been of his owL winning, and he may well be proud of his accomplishmenrs in the field with which he has been identified.

John R. Alexander. Of the various industries and occupations which engage the time and efforts of men, none are carried on upoii a more certain basis than farming, nor, under the proper conditious, given more substan.tial returns. Modern farming is very different in method from that carried on by the agriculturists of several generation.^ ago, but all the advantages of perfected machinery and the scientific advice of experts enjoyed by the farmer of coday, there is still no royal road to success in this industry. The profitable cultivation of tho soU iiK'cins maziy motitlis of hard, earnest toil, even uncle}- the most favorable conditions, ar^d the saocessfnl agriculturistii of today are those who are possessed of qualities far beyond those of the ordinary. Tlie agriculturrd interests of Lafayette township have gained their present prestige through the -".vork of such men as John R. Alexander, whose excellent property is located on the Flat Bar pike, about three-quarters of a mile south of FranktOTi, Indiana. He has the distinction of being a native of the Hoosier state, having been born oji what is known as the James Alexander farm three-quarters of a mile west of Linwood, a son of James and ^lary J. (Heaton) Alexander, January 30, 1867.

James Alexander was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, and svas a lad of five years when brought to Rush county by his father. Here he «,rrew to majihood, securing his education in the public school at New Salem, Indiana, and in 1865 came to Madison county, where he bought out the heirs of his fathcr-in-lavr, John Heaton, and located on the laud that had been located by the latter, a tract of eighty acres in Lafayette township. His first home on this property was an old log cabin, but as the years passed and his linanciril resources increased, he erected a more comfortable and substantial home, "with other substantial buildings, and contiinied to be engaged in agricultural pursuits during the remainder of his life. He and his wife had the folloNving children : "VViliiam E., a resident of Linwood, Ijuiiana ; Anna E., now Mrs. Thomas, who has four children, - Leigh, Lena, Walter and Pearl; Jolm R., Alva D., and Janie^ E., of Linwood.

John R. Alexander first attended the Wilson school house in his native vicinity, and subsequently continued his education in the old Free school. Daring this time he had spent his summ^j- months in work 01! the home farm, atid at the age of nineteeri years began to work out by the month, continuing to be so engaged until he was thirtyfive years of age. He was ainbitious and industrious and eart-iuliy saved his earrings, with the result that he was able to purchase his present farm, which he has developed into one of the finest in this part of the county. General farming and stock raising have occupied his attentions, and his good judgment, able management and constant industry have enabled him to become successful along both lines. He has a vv'ide acquaintance and bears the reputation of being strictly honorable in all of his business dealings.

Mr. Alexander was married in 1898 to Miss Hattie Free, a sister of Leroy Free, a review of whose life will be found on another page of this volume. One child has been born to Mr. and ]Mrs. xVlcxander: Floyd, who is now attending the public school of District No. 3, known as the Salem School. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Elmer Webb. With some men there seems to be but one line of endeavor which they can follow, one fixed vocation to which they are able to do justice, but this in no way applies to Elmer Webb, of Alexander township. A successful farmer, ovrning a tract of 200 acres of Well cultivated land, he is also v/idely known as a specialist in treating cancer, and has fairly won the title by which he is familiarly, and in numerous cases gratefully known, that of "Doctor" Webb. He is generally recognized as a good and public-spirited citizen, who has the best interests of his community at heart and who has never failed to give his earnest support to all movements making for progress and development.

Mr. "VVebb is a native of the ?loosier State, having been born in the villa'.. of ConnersviUe, Fayette county, August 11, 1850, and is a son of .Miliar and America (Suielser) Webb.

Elmer AYebb was reared to honest toil on the home farjn and rcceivoi the ordinary education of a farmer's son, attending the district sc}io.,4.i during the winter terms, while his summer months were spent in assisting his fatiier and brother, Marshall. His sister, Ella, is now Mrs. Mead, the wife of an agriculturist of this county. After completing the cours^- of study in the district schools, Mr. Webb applied himself to tl;e study o;' medicine at home, his spare time being devoted to earnest perusal oi SLich books on medical science as he could obtain. He was especially interested in the treatment and cure of cancer, rheumatism and blood poison. and accordingly specialized along this line, eventually attaining such proficiency in this direction tliat he gained the attention and patrona^'.- of patients all over this section. In the meantime he had not neglected to carry on his farming operations, and as the years have passed he has added from time to time to his holdings, until uov,- he has 195 ucr<.,; under the plovv, his property yielding him handsome returns for tli.- labor he has expended upon it. An alert, energetic man, alive to vA: the real issues of the day, he has pcrticipated in the activities that hav.. advanced the interests of his section, and can be counted upon to eon tri])ute of his time or means to any beneficial movement. Education, morality and good citizenship have found in him an able and zealous supporter, and he has been liberal in his contributions to religiou.< movements. He has never sought nor cared for xniblic office.

On May 27, 1871, Mr. Webb was married in Pipe Creek tov^-nsbip, to Miss Sarah C: Owens, daughter of James and Mary A. (I^liller) Owens, v.'ho came from North Carolina to I'.Iadison county at an early period in this section's history. Two children have been born to this union: Minor, and Ollie, who is now ]Mrs. Dipboye. The " comfortable Webb homestead is situated on i^lexander Rural Free Delivery Route No. 20. Mr. Webb is a staunch Republican, believing in Lincoln, Chase, Sumner, Fremont and all of the patriots of the formation of that party. The history of the Republican part} and its traditions are sacred to him. He "is a member of Mt. Moriah Lodge, No. 77, F. & A. M., at Aiiderson,. an-A also of Lodge No. 131, I. 0. 0. F., of Anderson, in which he takes an active part. Mr. Webb is progressive and was one of the first rural residents of Madison county to ovrn an automobile.

George A. Whitledge, IM. D. The medical profession of Madison county has always been noted for the excellent attainment and high character of its members, and in the ranks of the active practitioners nf to-day are men whose ability ranks them among the best representative-^ of the profession in the state. One of the youngest physicians and surgeons, and a specialist in diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat, is Dr. Whitledge, whose career since locating for active practice in Anderson fifteen years ago has been marked by expert qualifications and successful work.

George A. Whitledge is a native of Kentucky, born in Hendersori county, near Corydon, June 11, 1869. His father was Thomas W^ T. Wliitledge, who was born in the same county of Kentucky in 1846. The maiden name of the mother was. China Brown, and she too was born in Henderson county, Kentucky. Both parents are now deceased. The family is of English extraction.

Di". Whitlctlge acquired his early education in the common and high schools of Cor} don, after which he entered the State University JModical School at Louisville, where he was graduated in 1891 with his medical Jegree. During 1895-96 he pursued special courses in the diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat. He was also a student in the special course of opthalmology and pursued post graduate work in the Medical Department of Cornell University. In 1897 he began medical practice with special attention to the departments for which he had prepared himself. In 1902 Dr. Whitledge, who has always been alert and eager to keep apace with the best attainments of his profession, was again a post graduate student in medicine in New York City, while in 1907 he went abroad and attended lectures and clinics on the eye, ear, nose and throat in Vienna aud Berlin. On returning to the United States he opened his office in Anderson as a specialist in tliose diseases, and has since acquired a large practice.

Dr. Whitledge is an active member of the Madison County Medical Society, of which he has served as both president and secretary; the State .Medical Society; the American Medical Association; and of the State Board of Ophthalmology, appointed by Governor Ralston. Fraternally he is associated with ]Mt. Moriali Lodge, No. 77, A. F. & A. M., and with Anderson Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. In politics he is a Democrat, but has never held office or sought prominence in party affaire.

On the ISth of June, 1891, Dr. "Whitledge was married to Miss Effie DLson, of Henderson county, Kentucky, a daughter of George AY. Dixor^, who was a prominent merchant and farmer of that locality. The Whitledge residence is located at 327 AYest Eiglith street, Anderson, and the Doctor maintains his office in the Union Building.

I Isaac Bkonnenberg. Among the enterprising citizens of MaHison county who owe their success and advancement in life to their own well directed- efforts and industry is Isaac Bronnenberg, of Lafayette township. He is a leading representative of the agricultural interests here, : and has done his full share in advancing the growth and development of i the conununity, and his career furnishes an example of vrhat may be I attained through the exercise of enterprise, perseverance and integrity. I Mr. Bronnenberg was born June 12, 1850, in Richland township, jMadif son county, Indiana^ and is a son of ^Michael and Francena (Forkner) I Bronnenberg.

i His great grandfather, Isaac Forkner whose name he bears, v/as a '' soldier in the war of 1812, from North Carolina. His grandfather, Jesse I Forkner was an early settler of Madison county, coming here in 1837, I where he served as county commissioner, being a Yv'hig in politics. I Before coming to ^ladison county Jesse Forkner was sheriff of Henry county; and was one of the first to enter lands in Liberty township in [ that county.

I cultural pursuits throughout his life, establishing a good hohie for his family and rearing his children to lives of usefulness and industry. They Were seven in number, as follows: Carl, Jasper, Isaac, Frank (who is deceased) Hariuali, Hulda and Weems. Isaac Bronnenberg received his education in the public schools of his native vicinity, which he attended during the v.'inter terms, his summers being spent in work on the home farm. He early decided to make the cultivation of the soil his life work, and remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-six years of age, at which time he purchased his first piece of knd iu Lafayette towi'- slup. To this he has added from time to time, and now has about 2Cu acres under cultivation, ou which he raises excellent crops. He Ii.-.s erected modern, commodious buildings for the shelter of his stock, grdh; and implements, and has a comfortable residerice, equipped with mocleiu eonveiiiences. General farming has occupied the greater part of hij attention, although he has raised some stock and engaged in varioiu other. branches of agncultural work. He has built up a firmly established reputation for integrity and honorable business dealings'! and Ls justly considered one of his community's representative substautial citizens.

On February IS, 1S75, 3Ir. Bronnenberg was united in marriage v.ith Miss _:Margaret Gooding, daughter of Lennox and Martha (Callahan) Gooding. Lennox Gooding was born iu Fleming county, Kentucky, aud was educated in his native state. 'Wlicn a young man he migrated to Madison county, Indiana, and located on what is known as the old Gooding liome place, a tract on which he continued operations throughout the reniainder of his life. He and his wife were the parents of three children: Mrs. Bronnenberg, James and John. Mr.* Gooding became one of the heavy taxpayers of j\Iadison county, being at one time the ovra^v of 500 acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. Bronneubeig have had six children, as follows: Jpmes A., who married Cora Bodkins; Elsie, who married ]\Iatt Holder; Efiie, who became the wife of Elmer Harless; Anna, whv) married Amos Boyer; Exie, who married Carl Free; and Sarah.

Mr. Bronnenberg is a Democrat in his political belief, but has never aspired to public office, being content to devote iiis energies to the work of tilling his fertile fields. AYith his family, he belongs to tae 3,Iethodi-t Episcopal church, to the movements of VNhich he donates liberally.

J£SSE E. Hall. In no field of endeavor is there demanded a more careful preparation, a more thorough appreciation of the absolute ethics of life, or of the underlying principles which form tlie basis of human rights and privileges than in that of the law, and in no profession is th.-ro a career more open to talent. Intuitive wisdom, unflagging application, and a determination to fully utilize the means at hand are the acconipaniments v.hich insure personal prosperity and influerice in this great profession, which stands as the stern conservator of justice, and it is one into which none should enter without a realization of the struggles which will have to be won, for success comes only as a result of ability and unusual capacity. Among those who have won merited recognition at the Madison county bar, none stand higher in public esteem than dees Jesse E. Hall, of Alexandria, a wide-awake, energetic citizen and men^ ber of the village advisory board, who for nineteen years has occupied offices at No. 113 1-2 North Harrison street. Mr. HaU was born t^'.'o and one-half miles east and one-half mile north of Alexandria, Indiana, and is a son of Jesse H. and Elizabeth S. (Ellis) Hall.

The paternal grandparents of Mr. Hall, Joseph Hall and his wire, natives of Virginia and early settlers of Ohio, and came to Madison county, Indiana, as pioneers about the year 1S32. He bought and improved a farm in Monroe township, and there continued to cany on operations throughout the balance of his career, making a success of his transactions and gaining the respect and esteem of his fellovr citizeriS. His death occurred in advanced age, while his wife v.as eighty-three yearj old at the time of her demise. They had a family of six children, name:y ;

Jesse H., John, James, George, Louisa and Jane. Evan Ellis, the laaternal grandfather of Jesse E. Hall, carae from Noith Carolina with his wife, and became an early settler in Madison county. He vras also a farmer, carried on large operations, and was well known and highly regarded iu his community. He and his wife were the parents of three children : Sarah, Emily and Elizabeth S.

Jesse H. Hall was born in Ohio, and was eight years of age when he accompanied his parents to Indiana. Reared to the life. of an agriculturist, he early gave up tilling the soil to engage in educational work, and for twenty-seven terms was one of the most popular teachers Madison county had known. He died on the farm east of Alexandria, in March 24, 1901, at the age of seventy-seven years, while his wife passed away in November 17, 1904, when seventy-foui" or seventy-five years of age. Both w-ere faithful members of the Methodist church. They had a family of thirteen children, of whom eleven grew to maturity : Louisa, deceased, who never married; Nathan A., who resides in Monroe township; Sarah A., who became the wife of Alexander Peck, of ]\Ionroe township; Joseph E., who is a practicizig physician of Alexandria; William I., also living here; Mary E., wlio became the wife of AYiiliam H. May, of Alexandria ; Charles M., an agriculturist of Monroe township ; Jesse E.; Maggie, who died ujmian-ied; Henry H., of Alexandria; and John Wesley, Catherine and Amanda, all of whom died in eari}- childhood.

Jesse E. Hall was reared on his father's farm in Madison county, and his early education was stcured in the distriel schools. Subsequently he attended Fair mount Academy and the Northern Indiana Normal school, at Valparaiso, and the next three years were passed in teaching school in Nebraska. At the end of that period be went back to Valparaiso and entered the law school, a^.d later went to Columbia Lawschool, Ann Arbor, ^Michigan, where he was graduated in June, 1S92, being admitted to th.e bar during the same year, as Vy'c-11 as to the Supreme Court. After settling up the business of one of his brothers in the West, Mr. Hall carae to Alexandria in July, 1893, and here has continued in the enjoyment of a large practice to the present time. Since his advent here, Mr. Hall's comprehensive understanding of the principles of the law, his careful preparation of cases and his fidelity to his clients' interests have gained him an enviable position among the legists of his native county, vvhile his devotion to the best interests of the city have made him no less well known as a public-spirited citizen.. He served faithfully in the capacity of city attorney for two years, and is one of the valued members of the Alexandria Business Men's Association and the Men's Brotherhood.

On September 13, 1895, Mr. Hall was married. to Miss ]Myrtlc Bell, who was born in Alexandria, Indiana, daughter of William and Nettie (Chaplin) Bell, both deceased, the former a native of Anderson and the latter of Alexandria, Indiana. They had three children: Myrtle, Edward and Richard. Mr. and Mrs. Hall have had three children : Cora B., Nettie ^M. and Perry E. They are members of the ^lethodist Episcopal church. In political matters Mr. Hall has given his support to the principles of the new Progressive party. His frateimal connections are with Alexandria Lodge, No. 335, Knights of Pythias; Hiaymakers' Association; Royal Arcanum; Mashingonisha Tribe, No. 110, Improved Order of Red Men ; and the local tent of the Knights of the Maccabees.

Ch-4Jiles Stinson. The fiourishing township of Anderson ( its high position among the leading townships of Madison coi reason of its public-spirited, progressive agrirultnrists, who hav times manifested a commendable willingness to do all in their p further its advancement and promote its prosperity. One of t' most of these patriotic citizens is found in the person of Charles : who for a number of years has been especially concerned in the ( ment of the agricultural interests of his section, and has contrib slight amount of material assistance and influence in this directic Stinson is a native of Madison county, and was born in Adams to April 11. 1S74, a son of Isum and Elizabeth (VanDever) Stinson

The Stinson family was founded in the Hoosier State by Geor son, the grandfather of Charles, who was a native of North Carol an early settler of Madison county, where he entered land dui administration of Presiden-t Andrev; Jackson. Isum Stinson \ born in the Old North State and was an infant when brought to by his parents. He spent his entire career in agricultural pursu became one of his section's substantial men, although never c public life. He arid his wife were the parents of six children, j \Viiliam, George, Sadie, who married a ]Mr. Cullepher; Samuel, ' and ^laggie, who became the wife of a 'Mv. Vrilliams.

Charles Stinson spent his youth upon the home farm in Adan ship, working in the fields and meadows through the summer and when the snow fell entered the district schools of the neighl -where he pursued his lessons until the return of spring necessit. return to farm duties. For a time he was a student in the Fesslei but completed bis education in the schools of Adams township. f( "which he gave over his. wliole time and attention to the tilling soil. His advance in his chosen vocation has been continuous a balanced, and at this time he is the owner of a handsoaie property on the Main street road, in And-n-son township, about one 'and miles from Anderson. ]Mr. Stinson has given the greater par labor to general farming, but he has also met with a gratifying in stock raising, and his sleek, well-fed cattle testify to his abilit, -line. He is practical and progressive in his methods, and in the ment of his business affairs displays a sound judgment that has to him a merited success.

On August 2>), 1895, ^Ir. Stinson was united in m.arriage w lona B. Harmeson, daughter of John and Nancy J. (Rector) Hj who make' their home on the Main Street road, between Mr. S farm and the city of Anderson. Mr. and Mrs. Stinson have had tlj dren: Val, Alvey and Zelma. They are membere of the C church and active in its. work, giving freely of their time and r the support of its movements. In politics Islr. Stinson is a Demo( he is too great a lover of his home to enter actively into the strr the political arena, although no enterprise of public importance his intelligent consideration. That he is generally popular with low citizens is testified to by his wi^le circle of friends.

JosEPPi HiMELicK. A highly esteemed and thriving fanner Buren to-c^^lship, Joseph Himelick, now serving as a member of tlu Council of Madison county, is intimately associated wnth the tural interests of Van Buren to'.TTiship, owning and occupyin estate, to .the value and improvement of which he is coristantly

A native of Indiana, he was born in Union county, September 14, 18G5, ;i son of John Ilinieliok. His paternal grandparents, James and IMary ;Curry) Himeliek, who were pioneer settlers of Frankin county, hidiana, reared four children, as follows : John, who was the only son ; Anna, who married AVm. Carpenter; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Galloway; and .Mary, who married John Styres.

Born and brought up in Franklin county, John Himeliek selected fanning as his occupation, and as a young man began life for himself in Madison county. About 1875 he moved from Van Buren township to Grant county, and there lived and labored until his death, his body being iaid to rest in Fairmount Cemetery. He married I\Iary C. ^lorris, who survived him, and is now living in Summit ville, Indiana. Nine children were born of their union, namely : George, Joseph, the special subject of this brief sketch; Elizabeth, deceased; Robert, John, Olive, Maud, Orville, and Earl.

Gleaning his elementary kuov/ledge of books in the schools of Summitville, Joseph Himeliek completed his studies in Grant county, attending the distriet schools of Fairmount township, where his father located. In the meantime he acquired a practical knowledge of agriculture while assisting in the care of the parental farm. Beginning the battle of life on his own accoujit at the age of twen1y-one years, he worked for a while by the month, after which he had the care of his grandmother's farm for three years. Anxious then to enlarge his operations, Mr. Himeliek rented another near-by farm, and super\'ised both estates for a time. Having by dint of hard labor and thrift accumulated some money, he then purchased the eighty-acre farm that he last rented, and in its management met with unquestioiied success. He has since acquired other valuable tracts of laud, and is now the owner of three hundred acres of choice laud, one hundred and twenty acres being advantageously located in Grant county, while his home place in Van Bureri township, ]Madison county, contains one hundred and eighty acres, which he devotes to general farming.

Mr. Himeliek married, October 5, 1888, Amanda E. Webster, a daughter of William and Samantha (Englis) AVebster, and to them three children have been born, namely: Robert E., who married Edna Scott; Virgil, and Willias. Religiously iMr. Himeliek is a member of the Christian church.

The pretty homestead of !Mr. and ilrs. Himeliek is known as the "Catalpa Grove Stock Farm" and is one of the tine estates of North Madison county. The original spelling of the name of Himeliek in the German language was "Hymelich. "

William S. Poling. One of the industries which have done much to extend the fame of Anderson as a manufacturing center is the Spring Steel Fence and Wire Company, of which William S. Poling is president. Mr. Poling is also at the head of the Simplex Manufacturing Company, a concern that makes automobile parts. The Spring Steel Fence and ^Vire Company succeeds to the business of the Shimer Woven Wire Fence Company and was founded in 1907, and incorporated under the present title in 1909. From the original capital stock of fifty thousand dollars the business noM' employs a capital of three hundred thousand dollars, and tlie increase of capital is an excellent index of the growth and prosperity of the concern. The grounds occupied by the plant comprise four acres, and the main building is of brick and concrete construction.

The fencing- gates and other wire products of this company have an exten sive sale not only locally and in the United States, but are exported tu such distant countries as England, India, Japan and South Ainerica.

n , ] T' S!f-'^'''' ^""^'f^ ''''^ ^^^"^ ''' Logan, Perry eounty, Ohio, on October 2o, 18b/, a son ot Nathan and Elizabeth (Welter) Polino- Th-^ mother died in 1892, and the father, who was for many years a merchant of Ada, Ohio, died m 1912. Nathan Poling was born and educated iu Jrermany, came to America when a young man, and while living in Ohio served as a soldier of the Union in the One Hundred and Fourteenth Ohio Volunteer Infantry. William S. Poling was educated iu the piibhc schools of Ada and graduated from tht- Normal University of that city m 1898. Soon afterwards he came to Anderson, was in business with others for eight years, and then formulated and organized the company ot which he is now president, the Spring Steel Fence and Wire Company. Other members of this tirm are: Frederick E. Holiowav vice president; and Guy J. Derthick, secretary and treasurer. Mr Poliu^ IS an active Piepublican and a strong worker for all local improvements and measures tending to advance the civic welfare.

On December 15, 1891, :\Ir. Poling married -Miss Lula A. Boswortii daughter of Isaac W. Bosworth, an old resident of Anderson. They have one daughter, Aubrey A., wlio graduated from Olerlin College in 1913 The family reside at 1917 Meridian street in Anderson.

AViLUAM H. BiRELEv. More than ivrenty years have passed since William K. Bireley first settled in Alexandria, and during this time he has been continuously engaged in the drug business. Although now past his seventieth year, he continues to take a keen interest in all that pertains to the welfare of his adopted city, aj\d is known as a member of that class of business men who have, by their activities, made this one of the leading commercial centers of this part of the state. Mr. Bireley was born at Liberty, Ivlontgomery county, Ohio, June 7, 1842. and is a son of Henry and Martha (Lorin.er) Bireley.

Frederick Bireley, the paternal grandfather of William H. Bireley, was a native of Maryland, of German descent, and followed the occup;!- * tion of distiller, also being- the owner of a paper mill near Fredericksbuj-g.

-'pr^'T^i*^^ He married Barbara Bireley, also of Maryland, and they became the parents of the follovring children : John, William J., Joseph, George, Philip, Mary, who became the wife of Edward Murphy ; Elizabeth, who married William Ernery ; Catherine, who married a Mr. Thompson; and Margaret, the wife of Levi Ammon. Hugh and Xancy (Martin) Lorimer, the maternal grandparents of ^Ir. Bireley, were bom in Pennsylvania, but in young married life moved to Ohio and settled in Darke/ county, where Mr. Lorimer followed farming during the greater part of his life. He was the father of five children : Elizabeth, who became the wife of^Isaac Pierce; ^Martha, who married Henry Bireley; Sarah, th-:- wife of'Furman Sebring; Mary, the wife of Christopher Folkert; and Gibson,

Henry Bireley was born and reared in Maryland, and there learned the potter's trade, which hy follov/ed at Liberty, Ohio, whence he had come as a young man. There he died in 1846, ag^d thirty-five yeai-s, having been the father of tvro children : AYilliam H. : and Sarah E.. wh.' is the widow of Ja;aes Oliver, and resides at Garrett, Indiana. After his death, his widow married (second) Noah Arnold, who is also nov,' deceased, and they had one daughter : Ella, who married Harry McCooi, and now lives at Jaysville, Ohio. Mrs. Arnold passed away iu Darke county, Ohio, February 2, 1897, at the age of eighty-three years, in the faith of the church, of which Mr. Bireley had also been a member.

William H. Bireley was four years of age when taken by his parents from Montgomery county to Darke county, Oliio, and there he grew to manhood on a farm, securiiig his education in the district and select schools. Adopting the profession of educator, he taught six terms of school, of six months each, and was so engaged when he enlisted in Company F, Ninety-fourth Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for service with- the 100-day troops. lie was corporal of his company and left home on the 9th day of August, 1862, being wounded on the olst of the same month at the battle of Kat's Creek Ferry. For more than a year he remained at home recuperating, and then re-enlisted as lieutenant of Company 1, One Hundred Fifty-second Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, with which he served four months, his term of service then expiring. On receiving his honorable discharge, he returned to the pursuits of peace as the proprietor of a flour mill at Greenville, Ohio, where he remained several years, a ad was then employed at various mills all over Ohio and Indiana, eoiitinuing in the business for something more than eighteen years. ISlr. Bireley entered the drug business at Carlos City, Randolph county, Indi^uia, where he conducted an establishment for three years, and in 1892 eame to Alexandria, where he now has the distinction of being the secon.i oldest merchant in continuous business activity. He has a finely stocked and handsomely ecpiippod place of busirjess at No. Ill West Washington street, where he enjoys a steady and representative trade, and his honorable methods and strict reliability have won him the confidence of his community.

On August 27, 1863, Mr. Bireley was m.arried to Miss 'M.&vy Elizabeth Roll, who was born May 9, 1841, in Darke county, Ohio, daughter of Lorenzo Dow and Elizabeth (Curtis) Roll. The paternal grandparents of Mr3. Bireley ^vere Benjamin and Sarah (IMartin) Roll, who had six children : John, Lorer.zo Dow, Harvey, Orin, Margaret and Sarah. George and Susanna Curtis, ?^Irs. Bireley's maternal grandparents, were the parents of twelve children, namely: Henry, Margaret, Elizabeth, Mary, Sarah, Jesse, Nathan, Melinda, Anna, Leonard and two who died in infancy. Lorenzo Dow Roll was born in Pennsylvania, and died in 1841, when thirty- five years of age, jMrs. Bireley being then but four months old. His v.'ife, who was born in Virginia, survived him for a long period, passing away in 1872, when sixty-two years of age. They were members of the Christian church, and the parents of five children : John, Sarah, Benjamin, iMargaret and Mary. Mr. Roll was a farmer and teacher.

Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bireley : Charles K., a pharmacist in his father's store, who married Clara Stine and has a son, - i^.Iaurice 0.; and James Fred, v/ho died at the age of twenty-four years. Mr. Bireley belongs to Carlos City Lodge of Odd Fellows and to the local lodge of the Improved Order of Red ^len. He is a Progi-essive in politics, arid has for many years interested himself irt public matters. "While a resident of New Paris, Preble county, Ohio, he served efficiently in the capacity of township trustee, and in Alexandria lias been a member of the city council. lie has at ail times manifested a commendable interest in movements tending to advance Alexandria's welfare, and bears the reputation of a j)rog!-e.ssive, energetic and public-spirited citizen.

William A. Coddington. Ah agrieulturist all his life and the owucof property which he operates himself, AVilliam A. Coddington has hU chief property interests in his farm. It lies on the borders of Linwood and its thirty-six acres is immensely valuable as a result. He has given much of his attention to the business of farming and is known for one of the enterprising and progressive men of his community, not alone in his agricultural capacity, but in every enterprise to which he lends a hand.

Born in Rush county in 1849, :\ir. Coddington is tiie son of Enoch and Mary Jane (Gates) Coddington. The father was a native of Ohio, and from that state he moved into Rusli county, Indiana, later settling in Madison county, in about 1865. They settled near the town of Florida on the old Scott farm, so called, and there they passed some years diligently occupied with the business of fanning. They had three children, - William A., of this review, Amanda, now Mrs. Wilson, and James.

William A. Coddington was a mere boy when the Civil war was in progress, - so young, indeed, that to his great chagrin, when he offered his services to his country they were flatly declined. The boy did the next best thing under the circumstances, - that is, he stopped at home and took the place of man on the home farm, and it is possible that be did his country as great a service there as he could possibly have done in the ranks. The common schools of Rush county supplied his education, and when he completed his educational training, he applied himself to the business of teaching, continuing so for 19 years. He then - moved to Jackson towiiship where he bought a small piece of land, and there he began his independent farming. Since that time he has been a farmer and stock man, as Vv'ell as a dealer in farm lands. ]\Ir. Coddington's home, a six room dwelling of the ever popular bungalow type, is said to be the finest in Linwood. It has just been completed, and is a model of convenience and comfort.

On September 12, 1873, Mr. Coddington married ^lary C. Parsons, the daughter of Samuel and Anna (Little) Parsons. The father was a native of Ohio who came to Rush county, Indiana and later located in Madison county in 1859. He was the father of five children: Sarah, nov\' j\Irs. Sinnuons; William F. : Mrs. Lydia Sigler: George and Mrs. Coddington. To IMr. and Mrs. Coddington three children have been born : Rosa, who is the wife of Irwin Hoffman, and the mother of Donald, now in the Anderson high school ; Pearl, the wife of Ha.rry Downey ; and Mabel, stiH at home.

Mr. Coddington is a Progressive Republican and a supporter of the new party, while his reli^ous inclinations are with the Christian church, of which he and his family are members.

Samuel G. Phillips. Among the leading financial institutions of Madison county, is found the Alexandria Bank, at Alexandria, much of the prestige of which has been gained through the efforts of its president, Samuel G. Phillips. 'Mr. Phillips entered this institution some twent}' years ago, in a minor capacity, content to learn the business from the bottom. Since attaining to the chief executive position he bas controlled its policy, augmented its usefulness, popularized its coffers and directed the investment of its revenues, and his management of its affairs has proved to be full of wisdom and of great advantage to the institution. Samuel G. Phillips was born September

Thomas and Rebecca Phillips, the subject's grandparents were born in Pennsylvania, and both were bound out as children and reared in the family of a Quaker named Haynes, in Philadelphia. They were married in the East, and moved to Randolph county, Indiana, during pioneer days, there entering land from the government and clearing and developing a farm. ]\Ir. Phillips died there at the age of eighty-four years, while his wife attained the remarkable agtj of ninety-two. They had the following childivn: William; AVesley; Rev. Ner II.; Miles; Ancil B., the father of Samuel G. ; Lydia ; Rebecca and Hettie. Simon Adamson and his wife, the maternal grandparents of Mr. Phillips, were natives of North Carolina, and became early settlers of Economy, Wayne county, Indiana. ]\Ir. Adamson in early life was engaged in mercantile pursuits, but in his lattei' years became a tiller of the soil, and v/as so engaged at the time of his death, at the age of 8-1 years. Ilis Avife passed away when 53 years old, having been the mother of four children : Elizabeth Ann, Spencer, ]\Iinerva and John N.

Ancil B. Piiillips v.as born and reared in Randolph county, Indiana, and for many years vras engaged in general merchandising at Bloomingsport, but for ^the past thirty years has been the proprietor of a grocery business in ]\Iuncie. Ilis wife died in October, 1912, aged seventy-seven years, in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which ^h\ Phillips, who rt-ached his eighty-first year in 1913, is also a member. He is fraternally connected with the Odd P'ellows. Mr. and ]Mrs. Phillips had a family oi five children, of whom two survive: Luella Clark, M-ho is now the wife of J. J. Johnson, of IMuncie and Samuel G.

Samuel G. Phillips was reared in Bloomingsport, Indiana, and there attended the public schools. He received his introduction to business life as a clerk in his father's store, as a smi^ll boy, and thoroughly familiarized himself with every detail of the business, thus acquiring invaluable experience and eventually becoming his father's poj'tuer, under the firm style of A. B. Phillips & Son. Several years later, Mr. Phillips went to Indianapolis, where he became a traveling salesnian for the old wholesale grocery concern of Syfers, jMcBride & Company, with which he was identified for six years, and then became a merchandise broker in Indianapolis. Selling out after three years to Frank Fishback, he spent two years in traveling for a Cincinnati clothing firm, and in 1891 came to Alexandria and entered the Alexandria National Bank, in order to learn the banking business. He subsequently became assistant cashier of this institution and later cashier, and in 1898, when the Alexandria National was taken over by the Alexandria Bank, he became president of this concern, of which he has been the directing head to the present time. This institution, the oldest in Alexandria, and one of the most substantial in ]\Iadison county, has enjoyed a steady and continuous gro\rth, and its capitalization has been increased a number of times. Mr. Phillips possesses a comprehensive knowledge of the principles of finance, a thorough understanding of political economy as it affects the great operations of production and distribution, skill in deteimining the dominant inuuenees that control human action, and a quick and accurate perception of character. These qualities have been developed witliin him by experience and trial in the

On November 15, 1888, Mr. Phillips was married to Miss Etta nah, who was born at Alexandria, Indiana, daughter of Robert 1 Caroline (Scott) Hannah, natives of Indiana and for many year dents of Alexandria. Mrs. Hannah died in 1896, aged sixty-si>: while her husband is still living, at the age of eighty-three year; was for a long period a merchant, later managed a farm before iiig from active labor, and is still vice-president of the Alexandria which he helped to organize, and takes a decided interest in al affects the welfare of the community. He served one term as cl Madison county some years ago. There were four children in the of Mr. and Mrs. Hannah : Mrs. Minnie S. ]Mak^ne, residing in andria ; William S., who is a business man of Kansas City, Mi; Mrs. Yiva J. Clark, of Indiaukpolis; and Mrs. Etta Phillips. Phillips is a grandaughtcr of Abraham Ilaiinah and "Williaih Scot early settlers of the Hoosier State.

Two children have been born to 'Mr. and Mrs. Pldllips: '. Beach and Yv'iHiam Thomas. ^lr&. PliJllips is a member of the ] dist Episcopal Church. Her husband bclonss to Alexandria Led 235, F. & A. M., Alexandria Chapter No. 99, R. A. M., and Alex Council No. 85, R. & S. M. ; to Alexandria Lodge No. 335. Knig Pythias; and to Necessity Lodge No. 222, Independent Order o Fellows. A Republican in his political views, he has served Ci as a member of the council and of the school board. His inlere: wide and varied, and of an extensive nature, and he is one of the ing heads of the Imbler Fence and Manufacturing Company, member of the firm of Hughes & Phillips, manufacturers of the I Patent Road Scraper and Grader. Since 1887 he has been a merr the Indianapolis Board of Trade, and he still holds membership Commercial Travelers' Association, which he joined as a youn^ ness man.

John L. Grider. In the industrial and mercantile enterprise "city of Alexandria, John L. Grider has had a very important for twenty years, and is now not only one of the merchants in the trade, but is head of one of the manufacturing establishments whic prestige' to Alexandria as an industrial center, being president am ager of the Imljlcr Fence & ^JJanufacturlng Company.

John L. Grider is a native Indianian, having been born at Fir in Putnam county, September 30, 18G0. His parents were Jordi Mary (Leaton) Grider. The paternal grandfather was Thomas ( who married Elizabeth Burton. They were both natives of Ken and were pioneer settlers in Putnam county, Indiana, where they away when in old age. There were four sons and three daughters family whose names wert- Henton, Jordan, Zacharias, Barton, lit Emma and Elizabeth.

Jordan Grider, the father, was born in Putnam county, was there and followed farming all his life. He bought a place of on dred ar.d sixty acres in Putnam county, cleared off the timber and brash, brought it into a high state of cultivation and upon the and fruitage of its acres providod well for his family. His occurred at Roachdale on March 17, 1913, when eighty-one yea; six months old. He was three times married, and altogether w fatlier of eight children. The only child of his first marriage was Thomas L. Grider. By his marriage to Mary Leatoii there were two children, John L. of Alexandria, and Emraa, wife of Dudley Burk, of :\Iorton, Indiana. ]\Iary Leaton, the mother of these two children died in 1863 at the age of twenty-seven years. She was born in Putnam' county and reared there, a daughter of John and Cassandra lieaton, both of whom were from Kentucky. The six ehiJdi'en in the Leaton family were Biinton, Catherine, Eliza, Emma, ^lary, and Maria, the last named dying in infancy. ]\Ir. Jordan Grider married for his third wife Mrs. Catherine (Ratcliffe) Allison, and their five children were as follows: Eftie, wife of George S\nsher of Crawfordsville, Indiana; Xanny, wife of "William AVhithead, of Morton, Indiana; James of Roachdale ; Frank, of Morehouse, ^Missouri ; and Lon of Koachdale. Mr. John L. Grider was reared on his father's farm in Putnam county. As a boy he attended the district school, and finished his education in the Ladoga Normal School. Up to the time he was grown he continued to live on his father's estate and then began life as a renter, farming on his own account in Putnam county, until he was twenty-eight years of age. His next venture was working at railroad bridge carpentering, an occupation which he followed for two years. He then spent two years witli an Indianapolis Wholesale Grocery House, and there acquired a thorough knowledge of the grocery trade. "With that experience he came to Alexandria in 1892, and opened a stock of groceries. He has made a thorough study of retail trade, has used excellent methods of presenting his goods to the public, and has always enjoyed a large patronage. He now has a first-class store at 102 South Harrison street. During the past five years i\lr. Grider has interested himself in manufacturing with the Ipibler Fence & ^Fanufacturing Company, and as president and general manager has had most to do with making this company a success. The company manufacture w'oven wii-e fencing, and its goods are shipped to all parts of the country. In the faetoiy are employed eight workmen, the plant is well equipped with the necessary machinerv, and the business is expanding rapidly. Mr. Grider resides at 204 e'. Garfield street.

On the 12th of August, 1893, he married Miss Lizzie Greiner, a daughter of Pembroke and Alvira (Cleveland) Greiner. Mrs. Grider was born in New York State, where she lived until eighteen years of age, then coming to Indiana with her parents who settled iu Alexandria, where she remained until her marriage. Her parents are still living in this city, and of their two children, the other is a son named Charles Greiner.

Mr. and Mrs. Grider have two children, Genevieve and Gertrude. Mr. and iNIrs. Grider are members of the ]\rethodist church in which he is one of the trustees. Fraternally he is affiliated with Alexandria Lodge No. 235 A. F. & A. M., Alexandria Chapter No. 99 R. A. M. and Anderson Commandery No. 32, Knights Templar. He also belongs to the Improved Order of Red jlen, the Knights of the ]\Iaccabees, and in politics is a loyal Republican.

Charles F. ^Meyer. Senior member of the firm of C. F. Meyer & Brother, editors and publishers of the weekly and semi-weekly Press at Alexandria, Mr. Meyer has been identified with newspaper management in Madison county for more than twenty years and his experience in practical printing and newspaper work goes back for nearly forty

Charles F. ]\Ieyer was born in Rockford, Ohio, on March 5, 1859. a son of Frederick and Maria (Kellar) ^Meyer. The paternal grandfather was Jacob ]Meyer, who died when past ninety-two years of age, the father of four children. On the luoiher's side the gr;indfather was Joseph Kellar, wlio was killed in middle life by a falling iree. He was the father of thirteen children, and I\Ir. Meyer's mother was the youngest in that lai-ge family.

Frederick ]\Ieyer, the father, was bom in Switzerland, while his wife was a native of Baden, Germany. They Vxere the parents of nine children, seven of Avhom reached maturity, namely : John W., of Findlay, Ohio; ]\Iary, deceased, the wife of Eli Stoffer; Charles F., of Alexandria; Ida, widow of Rolla Merrill, of Celina, Ohio; George, deceased; Joseph, of Celina ; Christian, the junior member of the firm of C. F. Meyer & Brother; and two who died in infancy. The father of this family was reared in his native land of Switzerland, and came to America in 1854. His first settlement v/as in Cleveland where he '.vas married. Subsequently he moved to Van Wert, Ohio, thence to Mercer, Mercer county, where he follovred Lis trade and worked at farming, subsequently going to Shanesville, now Rockford, OIho, and in ISbS transferred his business to Celina, Ohio, bringing his family to that place a year later. He remained at Celina until his dcfith on ]\Iay 20. 1874, when he was forty-seven, three months and seventeen days of age. His wife survived him many years and passed awa^^ in January, 19C4, v»'hen nearly seventy-six yeai-s old. Both were members of the Catholic faith. The father was a veteran of the Unison army during the Civil war, having enlisted and served ia Company F of the Ninety-ninth Ohio Infantry. He was discharged on account of disability and sent home. He was a man who thoroughly enjoyed and deserved the confidence of his coinmunit}', and in tlie -arly years of his residence in Ohio, he often kept in his shop sums of money entn^sted to him fs>r safe keeping by his neighbors.

- from 1869. In 1876, when about sixteen years of age. he l)egan learning the printer's trade, and in a short time had acquired the rudiments of the art preservative, and has never knovrn nor had ambition for any other line of business since then. In 1892 Mr. Meyer came to Alexandria, and in the fall of that year established the Alexandria Sun. Soon afterwards he began the publication of a daily which he called Tlie Yvhat Is It. This paper under its novel title subsequently developed into the Record, which he sold in 1893. Ia August. 1893, Mr. Meyer issued the first number of the Alexandria Press, which will soon complete the 22nd of its existence as one of the iafiuential and prosperous newspapers of r^Iadison county. Chris''ii':i H. ^Teyer. lii.i lirother. has been a partner in the firm from its beginning. The Press is issued both weekly and semi-weekly, is a Democratic paper, and a first-class general job-printing business is also conducted. The office of the paper is in the rear of

In 1881 Mr. If.leyev married ^li.^s Temperance Snider, a daughter of David and Eli/^abeth (Easter) Snider. Their seven children are mentioned as follows: Pearl, wife of John Rosenberger. and the mother of one child Lyia ; Gertrude, who n^arried Charles Osborn. and they are

father's emplo}^; and Mabel is a school girl. Mr. Charles F. Meyer is iilUiated with the Benevolent &, Protective Order of Elks; the Modern

' Woodmen of America, the Royal Neighbors of America, the German Indefhjndent Aid Society of Celina, Ohio, and in politics is a Democrat. He tis- given four years service as a member of the Alexandria City Council. Christian H. Meyer, younger brother of Mr. Charles F. was born at Celina, Ohio, December 22, 1869, and married on November 21, 1894, Jliss Catherine Walter, daughter of Henry and Barbara (Pfoff) Walter. They are the parents of five children whose names are : Walter, Helen, Edwin, Richard and Robert.

Philip G. Decker. For many years Philip G. Decker was a well known promoter of oil ventures and a driller of oil wells in Ohio and hidiana, in both of which states he operated extensively and gained a ivide reputation in the oil circles in the two states. His later years, however, have been devoted to the business of farming, and he is the owner of one of the finest farms in the county, a tract of two hui^dred and seventy acres lying five miles northeast of Anderson.

A native of the state of Ohio, Philip G. Decker was born in Washington county on November 7, 1858, a son of William E. and iMartha Brooks :Green) Decker. The father, a son of Abraham and Betsey (Fay) Decker, was a pioneer of Washington county, Ohio, and was well known all his life in that section of the state. He was born in Ohio in 1828, and was a farmer and a driller of oil wells. He drilled one of the first wells in Washington county, Ohio, and later drilled a number of others there, many of which were self flowing and one of them produced five hundred Kirrels a day, while another regularly flov/ed one hundred and forty barrels a day and many of his wells continued to produce abundantly for years. In 1890 he came to Indiana, where he engaged in drilling ^"ells in Madison county, oil having been discovered in quantities, and he '-ontinued actively in the business as a promoter and a driller until his -I'-ath, which occurred in Anderson in 1903. His wife, nee Martha Brooks 'ireen, as noted above, was a daughter of Philip Green. Her death oi-curred in 1898. She became the mother of five sons and two daughters, and two of the sons are residents of Indiana, - George N., a prominent 5'armer, and Philip G.

Philip Green Decker passed his early boyhood on the farm in Ohio, *"here he attended the country schools in the winter and occupied hiravlf in various other ways in the summer seasons. He assisted his father in his work in the oil fields until 1888, when he left home and came to Anderson, for a time thereafter being associated with the Indianapolis '-as Business, and was one of the first to drill a gas well in Indiana, ^Vhile thus engaged oil was discovered, and during the ensuing oil "xcitement he drilled a number of productive wells and became one of |he principal gas and oil promoters in Anderson. He continued actively '0 the gas and oil business until the wells began to diminish in their 3ow, when he disposed of his interests and purchased a good farm in ^fadison county, being now engaged in farming and stock raising. His *^tate, which is one of the finest ones of this section, is improved with splendid buildings and is one of tlie productive places of tlie count v. It is located five miles northeast of Anderson and coinp rises two liundrj<l and seventy acres of choice land, well stocked with hogs, cattle and horses.

In 1880 Mr. Decker was married to Miss Phoebe C. Kapp, of Wasliington county, Ohio, a daughter of John and Dorothy '.SclioH!} Rapp. The five children born of this union are as follows: ^Martha, the tirsi born, is the wife of John P. Holton and resides at Hartford City, Indiana. Howard and Fred are members of the Decker Brotliers Book Store, and Eluora and Euth are both at home. Howard graduated from the Anderson high school, and afterward completed a course in tiin University of Valparaiso, Indiana, while Fred graduated from tlie Kentucky University. The daughter Elnora is a graduate of the Indianapolis Conservatory of ]Music. ^Ir. Decker is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and with his family liolds ujcmlvorship in the Methodist Episcopal church. The Decker residence is maintained at 329 West Sixth street, one of the fine and substantial dwellings of the city.

Edg-^r C. Smith. Nov,- head of the grocery house of E. C. Smith & Son at 212 North Harrison street in Alexandria, Mr. Smith has been a resident of this city for more than twenty years, and is a man v.-hose work has proved itself, so that he is now one of the prosperous merchants and a citizen whose name and influence are regarded wiih esteem in his community.

- Edgar C. Smith vras born in Si)iceland, Indiana, August 14, 187U. His paternal grandfather was Adam Srnith, wiiose wife was Sarah (Hutton) Smith, natives of Pennsylvania. Adam Smith v/as an early settler in AVayne county, Indiana, and died at South Wabash, this state when well advanced in years. He and liis wife were the parents of three children, Nora, Henrj* and Thumas. The maternal grandfather of the Alexandria merchant was Benjamin Cosand, whose wife was Jane (Nicholson) Cosand. They were born in North Carolina, became early set tiers in Henry county, Indiana, where tliey died at a good old age. Their four children were Elizabeth F. ; Eliza Jane; Laban E., and Eliiora. - The parents of Edgar C. Smith were Thomas and Elizabeth F. (Cosand) Smith, both born in Indiana. They were the parents of six children, four of whom reached maturity, namely: Edgar C ; Aaron T,, of Newcastle, Indiana ; Indiana, wife of Clem Elliott, of Newcastle ; Omev, at Decatur, Illinois; and Everett and Evan, both of whom died as ciuldren. Thomas Smith, the father, was a carpenter by trade and spent his early life in "Wayne and Henry counties, dying in Newcastle in 188:-) when forty-one years, three months and a few days old. His widovr now resides in Newcastle, and she is a member of the Christian church.

Edgar C. Smith spent his boyhood days in Newcastle, where ho ^^tteitded the puHic schools. His r:r>t regular employment was in a box factory at Marion, Indiana, and in Alexandria he learned the glass cutters trade. That was his regular o<?cupation for about ten years, but since then he has been in the grocery trade. He came to Alexandria November 9, 1890, and was a clerk in the Boston Store of this city. until October 10, 1912. At that date he bought his present establi-iiment and has since enjoyed a profitable and increasing business.

son, Thomas Samuel, now associated with his father in the firm. Mrs. Smith is a member of the ]\Iethodist church. Their residence is at 109 Park Avenue, wliere Mr. Smith built a comfortable home iu 1899. j\lrs. Smith is a native of her home city, where her parents, v.'ho came from North Carolina, were among- the early settlers and are still residents here. Her father was a soldier in the Civil war. The children in the Howard family were Leander M., Nancy, Indiana, Catherine, Elsie, and Sallie. Mr. Smith has always supported the Republican party, and wherever possible has given his influence to promote good government and the moral and civic welfare of his community.

Dee R. Jones. The roster of representative men of Madison county would be incomplete did it not include the name of Dee R. Jones, whose high attainments at the Alexandria bar warrant more than pa.ssing mention. A Hoosier by birth and training, he has spent his entire life within the limits of the state, and his coiniection with a number of important eases of legislation has given him a widespread reputation. Mr. Jones was born near Florida, in ^Madison county, Indlaiia, November 30, 1871, and is a son of Johu L. and Sarah A. (Andes) Jones.