Madison County, Indiana - The whole text, 1914 (part 8 of 16)

From his marriage in early life until his passing a\'.'ay IMr. Vermillion was a consistent resident of Richland townsjiip, and his friends were legion. His advice was sought in matters of public welfare, and he served on many occasions as the arbiter of cases of dissension among his fellows. Good citir'ienship characterized him all his days, and none bore more stanchly their share in the civic responsibilities than did he. His fine country home was the center of hn--;pitality in the township, and a great good-will ever prevailed on his dominion. In early life he was an enthusiastic ]\lason, but in his later years withdrew from his activities in the order and held little or no intercourse "with the society. But the spirit of brotherhood, despite that fact, was ever strong within him, as none will gainsay. A Democrat, he gave of his interest and energy to the furtherance of the cause of that party. Never a politician, he was yet one who felt a good citizen's interest in affaire of that ilk, and he played, well his part as a member of the party all the years of his life. His death, Arhich resulted from the effects of a paralytic stroke suft'ered some months previously, removed from Richland township one of the most hojiored and loved men that ever shared in the daily life of that community, and though three years have passed since his going, his memory is still fresh in the hearts of all who knew him.

Joseph Chambers. The oldest living representative of one of the pioneer families of Madison county, Joseph Chambers, who lives retired at his home in Lafayette township, has had many varied and interesting experiences during nearly seventy years of residence in this vicinity.

His home is a fine farm of two hundred acres, about tive miles north west of the city of .Anderson. Coneeniing the Chambers family and his early reminiscences in this county, Mr. Chambers has furnish.-' some valuable data which in succeeding paragraphs will be incorporated tor preservation m this work. A brief outline of facts eoncernin*^ his life and the family history is given preceding this account wh^ch comes directly from this interesting old citizen.

Joseph Hiram Chambers was born in Bartholomew county, Indiana on the 4th of January, 18-1:5. His parents were Franklin and ^lavy (Drybread) Chambers. Franklin Chambers, the father, was born in Lawrence county, Indiana, a son of Hiram and Hannah (Thompson) Chambers. Hiram Chambers brought his family to Madison county in 1840. His children were named as follows: "^Franklin, John, Mahnda. Miller, William. Emily, Jane, Elijah, Caroline and Bassald Hiram Chambers spent the remainder of his life in tliis countv. He had four brothers, James, Francis, AVilliam and Smith, and one* sister. Nancy Short, but all are deceased. James lived on the farm in Delaware county now owned by :\Ii]es AValters, and of his familv there are but two children living, Polly Walters and Julia Ann Walters. Francis Chambers lived on the farm now owned by Weems Bronnenberg, and of his family, tliere are also hut two children living. Adeline Wigner and Mary Young. William Chambers lived in the soiithern part ot°tbe state, and it is not known whether he has children living. Smith Chambers Ijved on the farm novv- owned by Henry Boner. °In about 184S or 1850 Alary Chambers, the mother of Joseph Chambers, bought the pvoperty of Smith Chambers, and he then moved to Clinton countv, Indiana, and died there a fevv- years later. He has but one child living, Angeline Hart. Hiram. Francis and Smith Chambers had adjoining farms and reared their families together. As they married they located their new homes around in the same vicinity. "^ and it became known as the Chambers neigh1)orhood.

Franklin Chambers, tne oldest of the children of Hiram and Hannah Chambers, was educated for the most part in Lawrence county. Indiana. He was a farmer, and by his marriage to A.^ary Drybreadj which occurred in Delav/are county*^ this state, he had three children: Julian, deceased, who married John Michaels; Joseph H.. the subject of this sketch; and Hannah, deceased. The mother was twice married, first to Thouias Camby, and they had one child. Alelcena, deceased.

Joseph Chambers was a baby when he was brought to Aladison county, and he was four years of age wiien his father died. For the three following years his home was in Delaware county, after v/hich they moved to Richland township, where tliey lived for seven years and then moved to Lafayette township, where he has resided ever since. When fourteen years of age he took charge of the home farm, consisting of eighty acres, and thus at an early age had severe responsibilities thrust upon him, but it has been the tribute paid him by his old associates that he always bore his burdens faithfully and discharged every debt, whether in money or obligation, ever imposed upon him.

On February 1, 1866, he married Rebecca Pritchard. a daugliter of Samuel and Afartha (Davis) Pritchard. Samuel Pritchard. who came from South Carolina, was a farmer and located in Aladison county, spending many years in iVdams township. He was a son of Benjamin Pritchard, who was among the oldest settlers of Aladison county. Samuel Pritchard and wife were the parents of the following sisteen children: Mary, Luciiida, Clarinda, Phillip, George, Louisa, Jane, Margaret, Rebecca, Peter, Sallie, Calvin (who was killed in the Civil war while serving for the Union), ^Martha, Samuel, Susan and Benjamin. ^Irs. Rebecca Chambers was the last of her family in Madison county with the exception of one sister, ^lartha Davis, now living in this township. Mr. and Mrs. Chambers became the parents of five children: j\Iary I., now deceased. Martha, tlie wife of S. A. Alexander, who lives near Frankton in Lafayette township, and is the mother of four children, Joseph, Herchel, Forrest and Ernest. James C. married Emma Bolin, is a resident of Lafayette township and has the following seven children, Edna, Thelma, Mildred, Dorothy, Joseph Theodore, Robert Lee and Howard. Anna is the wife of Byron Stevens, and has four children, Everett, ilary. Donna and ^larcus. Arthur, who married Addie Bilby, has the following six children: Alice, George, Hazel, Mabel, Earl and Chester Lee. ilr. Joseph Chambers has been a farmer all his life, and is a successful one. He has interested himself little in politics except so far as to be always ready to promote the welfare of his home community. ^Ir. and Mrs. Chambers are members of the Christian church.

Mr. Joseph Chambers, so far as known, is the oldest of the Chambers name now living, and as he looks back over the past receding years it seems but a short while to him since Smith Chambers and xVnn, his wife, gave a turkey roast oji Christuuis day of 1864. As well as he can recollect the ones who attended that celebration, and who have since passed away, are : Smith Chambers and his wife Ann, George Chambers and wife Rebecca, Jolin Chambers and wife, William Chambers, Mary Chambers. Rachel Chitty, Susan Chitty, Hilary Bodle, 'William Barnes, Lindy Barnes, Juliana ^liehaels, Samuel Rick, Elizabotii Rick, Daniel Walters, Elizabeth Walters, Free Boner and wife, James Short, and Henry A\'aiters and wife. The attendants on that occasion still living are : Polly AValters, Juliann AValters, ]\liles Walters, John Michaels, Tishy Boner, Sarah S. Eshelman, and Joseph Chamber's. Out of thirtytwo only nine are living, but there may have been others in attendance whom he has forgotten.

"The first school I ever attended," says Jo.seph Chambers in his reminiscences, "was in a little schoolhouse in Richland town.sldp not more than twenty feet square, made of round logs. It had a fireplace in The north end that burned wood about four feet long. The chimney was made of mud and slats driven out above one inch square. The door was in the east side, and on the south end was the window. It was a log cut out, and the window glass was put in about one foot v/ide the entire width of the room. Under that window was the writing desk. It was a plank about eighteen inches wide. Holes were bored in the logs of the wall, pins stuck in and this board was laid on those pins. The benches were made of slabs. Mosc Treadway was the teacher. I went to this school two or three terms. The house stood about eighty rods west of where Henry Boner now^ lives. The ones living who went to that school are: Betsy Ann Bigsby, A. J. Barracks, Adaline Wigner, Giltert Scott, Hester Ann Delp and myself. If there are any more I have forgotten them. In about 1854 they built a frame schoolhouse about eighty rods north of the old one. Isaac Scott was the first teacher that taught in the new house. The last school I went to in that house was in 1859, taught by A. J. Barracks. He gave a prize for spelling, and three of us tied - ^larv Young, Ned Johns and myself, and the teacher gave each one a prixe. All three of us are living. Tlie Clianibers Cliristiau eluirch was organized in that house by Ebenezer Thompson wiih seven members - Ilinun Chambers and wife, John Chambers and wil'..-, Susan Chaiubei's, Mary Chambers and Nancy Scott. Tliey held meetings in that house until it burne<:l in 186!). Hiram Chambers deeded to the churcli the ground and they built a church house there and it is still standing.

*'\Ve had no buggies then in which to go to church. If we went to church with our best girl we walked, if it v/ere not too far; if it wt-re too far to v.'alk we rode horseback. If the girl had a horse and sidesaddle we rode a horse apiece, if not we ])otli rode the same horse, the girl riding behind. Our clothing was home made, ^ly mother kept a few sheep, and we would shear them and wash tlie wool, pick it, take it to the Vvoolen factory, have it carded into rolls, take it liome. and mother would spin it into yarn. She would then color it and weave it into cloth. She would make flannel for herself and the girls and .jeans for me, and this is what our clothing consisted of for the winter.

"I rode on the first st^am car that came to Anderson. They ga\e a free ride to Pendleton and back. Anderson was but a small place then, and they called it Anderson town. There were but about three stores iti the place. I have seen it groAV to be quite a city. "We had no family reunions then, and the last was the seventh reunion of the Chambers' family. These reunions have been a particularly pleasant occasions for tlie older members especialh*, of the Chambers family." Mr. Chambers also speaks of the somewhat melancholy circumstance that each year witnessed the passing of some face which had been visible in the previous assembly, but that each year uevv youjig faces eame to fill in the picture where the old were blotted out.

Edgar \V. Farmer, a railway postal clerk on the New York Ceiitriil Lines between Cleveland, Ohio, and St. Louis, ]\ris.souri, lives on Indiaiia Avenue, Noi'th Anderson. He was born here Febrsiary 2'), 186S.

The Farmer family is better known, probal)ly. than any other family in Anderson township outside of the city of Anderson and ranks an)ong the. older ones in the county. Charles }.[. Ffirmer i April 16, 1846 - June 27, 1!>10) and Mary L. Cummins Fancier (Nov. 27, 18 iS - Nov. 16, J 900), the parents of Edgar, moved from Henry county. Indiana, imiuediateh' after their marriage and bought t'wo acres of land of Isaac Clilxord. There were then about six houses in v. hat is now known as North Anderson. Indiana A.venaie was then a mud road lined by woods on botli sides except an occasional clearing for a dwelling. A little house was built on the laiid purchased, and here the children, Edgar W., Harold W., and Jessie M.. and John S. were born. Cluirle^. the father, had been left an orphan at the agt^ of nine years and was tl^e uldest of a family of four children. His first work was in a brick yard at twenty-five cents a day. From this on he toiled early and late, manag'-d carefully and lived fnigally. By this means he kept his mother in comfort, supported his brotliers until their death in early manhood as well as his sister until her marriage. Besides this he raised and educat-'d his children, added a little to his land from time to time and established the wholesale market garden and greerd\ouse business which is now conducted by his son, Harold.

caster oonnty, Pennsylvania. From here the family moved to Franklin county, Virginia, wliere a grandson, also named John, married ]\lary P. Showalter, a granddaughter of another soldier of the Kevoluiion. John and his young vrife moved to Wayne county, Indiana, in company with the Showalter fastiily and settled first in AVayne and later in Henry county. Here their fourth son, Isaiah (Jan. 16, 1825 - Sept. IS. 185:5), father of Charles and grandfather of Edgar, was born. His death at the early age of twenty-eight was caused by typhoid fever and he left his wife, P^lizabeth Fifer Farmer (May 22, IS'lT - April 27, 1892) and four children as has been stated. It is related of him that he was a stoekih- built man and was considered to be a man of great strength among the jjioneers where bodily strength and agility were highly regarded. He could shoulder and carry a barrel of salt. To his occupation of farming he added the trade of basket weaver v.hich he learned from his father. AVhile the Chicago-Cincinnati division of the Pennsylvania railroad was building he set up a barrel of v/hiskey in his kitchen and added to his scant income the profit on the sale of whiskey to the workmen at five cents a drink served in a pint tin. There were no restrictions on the sale of liquor at that time and no more odium was attached to- its sale than to I he sale of calico or groceries.

On the side of his motlier Edgar Y\'. Fariner traces his line of descent through the Scotch to the Norman French. FifUiing Cummins was his maternal grandfather and tlie name Cummins is a variant of the French name Comyn, the famih- name of the Earls of I^vlonteith. His maternal grandmother was ilarenda iMaini, a daugliter of 3Iichael ]\Iann, born in Virginia on Januar}^ 6. 1794, of German parents. He spent most of his life at ]\Iechanicsburg, Indiana, and died at the age of ninety-five.

Edgar was married to Eli^^abeth ]Moore June 21. 1890. and they have three children. Hallie is a student at the Indiana State Normal at Terre Haute, Indiana. Ray is a student at homo and Doroth;,- is a schoolgirl. The Farmer family are members of the Indiana Avenue Church. Charles ISI. Fancier an.d Rev. David D. Powell organized this church and Mr. Farmer was a member of the Official Board of the church until his death.. His sons, Edgar AY. and Harold AY., each served for several vears as Sunday School Superintendent and both are now members of the Official Board.

Isaiah Farmer was an old line AVhig. Charles AI. Farmer was a life long Republican and ranked his i>arty along A^itli his country and Ids church. In. the natural course of development his sons are all Progressives.

Newton Burke was born in Counersville, Fayette county, Indiana, and died in July, 1907. He was a contractor, a vocation he con-, tinned to follow during the best years of his life. A veteran of the Civil war, he participated actively in a number of important engagements, and was honorably discharged at the close of his term of enlistment, aTter Avhicdi he took up his abode in xVnderson and here plied his trade up to the close of his long and useful life. His widow, who survives him, still resides in Anderson, and is now in the sixty-second year of her age, enjoying hale spirits and in full possession of her faculties.

John C. Johnson. Honesty and stability of character are the foundation stone of a young man's life, and in' the formative period, when fitting him.self for the l-attle of life, with those attributes of character, to- gether with a fair measure of ambition, one is sure to arrive at the goal of his desires. 'Mr. Jolmson is a native son of 2Iadison county, Indiana, and has liere resided all his life. His days here have been as an opoii volume to the citizens of Van Bureii township and the contiguous territory; and the people of his townsliip have conferred upon him the highest honor in oflicial position in their gift. - that of township trustee. The supervision of the schools, highways, bridges, etc., and all pertaining to the interest and welfare of the township have received his closest attention, and now, in the winter of 1913-14, his friends and acquaintances have solicited him to become a candidate on the Democratic ticket for the office of county cleik, and with straightforward lionest\' he is making the canvass, his candidacy seeming to meet the approbation of all.

A man of a jovial, kind and social nature, he uiakes friends easily and holds them steadfastly, and it is the expectation of many that he will carry the election at the head of his ticket. As one v\-ho thorougldy understands the requirements of modern education, he has already shown himself the champion of the local schools, and has used his best efforts to promote the efficiency of the local system.

John C. Johnson was born on the Joseph Johnson farm in section twenty-two on the niiiih of November, 1877. His parents v.^ere Joseph and Elizabeth (Allen) Johnson. Joseph Jolinsou married I\Iiss Alien in Hancock county, and then brotight his young wife to Madison county in 1869, where he bought land in A'an Buren townsiiip. Successful as a farmer, he was also a man of more tlian ordinary local influence. He was twice elected township trustee of Van Buren tow'uship, and was always a willing worker in any community enterprise. His death occurred April 7, 1908, and he is buried in the cemetery of the Odd Fellows soutii of Summitville one and one-half miles. There were thirteen children in the famih', whose names vrere: Manson N., ]\linerva J.; Jesse A.; Daniel M.; 5lary E., who died May 28, 1910; Lewis V'.; Etta L. ; Amanda L. ; John C. ; Delia A.; Pearl Ax.: James if. and Sarah C. The three last named are now deceased.

John C. Johnson spent his youthful days on the horns farm of his - parents in Van Buren township, and as a boy first went to the old Zedekar schoolhouse No. 1, in Van Buren township. For one year he was in the Sounnitville high school, and t-ompleted his edueation with one term of study in the Fairmount Academy in Grant eounty. It was his ambition to become a member of the legal professioii, and v\-itli that end in view entered in 1896 upon a course of law studies under the- able instructions of the Hon. Thomas Bagot, an honora])le and suceessfrd ia^yyer. But ill health at that time intervened in the carrviug out of ^this cherished desire and he returned to the farm. In the intervals of his school training Mr. Johnson worked on the farm, and vvas thoroughly trained fo»' farm life and systematic business principles. Farming has been his regular vocation, and the cause of his most telling prosperity. He has a well improved eighty in section fifteen of Van Buren township, though he does not maintain his residence on the home place for h.e moved into Summitville on November 7, 1907, where he has an attractive 'and comfortable home with his mother.

His election to the office of trustee, already referred to. came in 1908. and he has held the office up to the present time. Frateriially he is affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks No. 478, the Improved Order of Red :\Ien, No. 149, and the A. F. & A. :\I., No. 691. His familv are members and attendants of the Primitive Baptist church.

AiAjEN Peters. One of the present county commissioners of Madison county, Mr. Peters is one of the most efficient and popular officials of the couuty, and the public business has never been entrusted to abler hands than to those of Mr. Peters. He was formerly a teacher and merchant in this county, where he has spent all his life and represents one of the oldest and most prominent families in the history of Madison. He had been connected more or less with political affairs for many years, and at the present time is engaged in farmiug in Boone township.

Allen Peters was born September 2, 1869, on the old Peters farm about eight miles northeast of Elwood in Boone township. He still resides in the vicinity where he was born and reared and most of his associations have been with this section of the count;.. His parents were Edmon H. and Eliza (Hull) Peters. His father was a native of Brown county, Ohio, and the five children in the family are mentioned as follows: Emma Chaplin, of Boone township; Allen; Mrs. Cora Kiatt of Duck Creek* township ; James E. and Mrs. Ethel Mann.

As a boy Allen Peters attended the common schools of Madison county, and most of his education was acquired in the lied Oak schoolhouse which stood on the corner of the Peters homestead. He finished his preparation for life in the college at Danville, Indiana, and with this equipment attained a certificate and for eight terms taught in Boone township and was a teacher for one term in Van Buren. He continued to apply his energies to fara^ing and teaching until 1S92. In that year he engaged iu the hardware business at Summitville under the firm name of McLain and Peters. This business was conducted prosperously until 1898. In 1899 Mr. Peters took the superintendence of the old home farm, and in the following year bought a place of his own of fifty acres adjoining the old homestead. In 1900 he took charge both of his own farm and the estate of his father, and has since operated about four hundred acres of the fine soil of Boone township. On May 13, 1900, M-'. Peters married Miss Fannie F. McDermctt. Their childi'en are Rober^" P. now deceased, and Violet E. in the 7th grade of school. Mr. Peters is atfilated with both the subordinate and Encampment degrees of Odd Fellowship, belonging to the Lodge at Summitville, and the Encampment at Elwood. His other fraternal affiliations include the Kjiights of I*ythias, Gas Belt liOdge No. 361, and the In^proved Order of Red Men, Neoskaleta Tribe.

For the past twenty years he has been quite active in public affairs, and his first important position was as deputy assessor in Boone township in 1892. He served as trustee of the township from November, 1900, to January, 1905, and during this time he administered the affairs of the townhsip in a praiseworthy manner and the schools in particular prospered under his term of office. Two years ago he was elected commissioner from district No. 3 by a large majority and has made an excellent record in that office. He and his family have membership in the Methodist church.

Robert E. Webster. Near Summitville in Van Buren township^ is one of the fine country homes of Madison county, a place which for years has given a distinctive character of prosperity and well ordered enterprise to the country life of this section of the county. It is the farm occupied and owned by Robert E. Webster who_ was born on the place and has been identified with agricultural activities in this section.

Robert E. Webster was born in Madison county on his present tisrate February 25, 18G8, a son of Daniel AY. and Elizabeth (Bear) \Yebstcr. The family belongs to the same stock which in an earlier day produced the noted orator and statesman Daniel Webster. Daniel W. Webster was the son of Robert and Rebei.-ea (Fisher) Webster. Robert Webster during the early days brought his family from the state of Delaware to Madison county, aud reached this part of Indiana in timu to secure land' direct from the government in Boone township. Later he sold his old homestead and moved ijito Van Bureu to'>vnshiij. Daniel W. Webster and wife had a family of seven children, namely : Oliver, Robert E., Jane Canup, Daniel F., Arthur; and two that died in infancy.

Robert E. Webster was reared in Van Burtn township, aud all his early schooliilg was attained in the old Allen school. His first teacher was Jol^u Vinson, and undqr other instructors he eontiniHjd until he was fairly well equipped in the fundauientals of knowledge. While a schoolboy he also worked on the farm, and at the age of twenty-six began rejiting the home place, where he has since lived and of wliicli be has since become owner.

Mr. Vv'ebster was married April 21, 1894, to Miss Ett;i L. Johnson, a daughter of Joseph Johnson, one of the well known old residents of Madison county, coricerniug whom more information will be found on other pages of this work. The three children of Mr. and ^Irs. Webster are: Ethel, Vern, Joseph Vv". and Helen E. ^Ir. Webster is affiiiat<:;d with the KTUghts of Pythias Gas Belt Lodge, No. 861, and his family belongs to the r\Iethodist church. By good management aud with thrifty ideas of agriculture he has brought his place to rank v/itii the best improved in Yaii Buren township. He built, in 1012. a modern residene-j, and has a complete set of nev\" out-buildings.

Daniel F. ^^Iustard. The president of the vCiti/ens Bank of Anderson, Danitjl F. ^Mustard, is an old-time resident of ^Madison s-ounty, having lived within the boundaries of this civil division of Indiana all of his life. He belongs to a family wliose name has been borne with honoi- and usefulness in this county for practically all the j'eai*s since the pioneer epoch, and his own career has been one of exceptional service, begiiuiing with the time of his part in the Civil v/ar as a soldier of the Union and continuing with distinguished positions in the public attture of the county and with over thirty years of active connection with banking in Anderson.

Daniel F. Alustard was born in Lafayette township, 2^Iadison county. on the 20th of October, 1844. In 1850 his father, AVilliam ^lustard, who was an ea.rly settler of this county, moved from Fayette township to Anderson. Daniel, or Dan, as he is more familiarly iaiown among his friends and associates, entered the public schools of this city and there remained, working at intervals in his. father's shoe shop, learning the shoemaker's trade, until he reached the age of seventeen. He was a good student, and also diligently applied himself to acquiring a trade as a basis for his subsequent work in life, soon becoming an expert and skilled workman.

When the Civil war came on he was sixteen years old. About two years went by, and then his patriotic enthusiasm would no longer allow him to stay 'at home, and on the 6th of April, 1863, he enlisted in the ThirtyiwiijiMWM;ij|t,M.jitii;'j(!i,irMW»WJ!p^''a^ fourth Indiana Infantry as a private in Company I. After about fifteen mouths of service he vv'as detaehed, and until the close of the rebellion was a musician in the regimental band. He was with his command during the memorable siege of Vicksburg in the sumuier of 1863 until the very last battle of the war at Palmetto Kanch in Texas, a small skirmish fought on the 13th of ^lay, 1865, fully a month after the surrender of Lee to Grant at Appouiattox. Owing to conditions existing with Mexico at that time the regiment was retained in Texas Linlil Februaiy, 1866, when it was discharged, this regiment having the honor of beiug the last one discharged from the service. Returning then to Anderson, Mr. .ilustard once more became associated v/ith his father in the boot and shoe business, remaining with him until March, 1868. He was then given the appointmuut of deputy auditor under James M. Dickson, a position which he filled with credit to himself and with fidelity to the interests entrusted to his charge for two and a half years. On leaving the auditor's office he was employed by Dr. Joseph Pugh, at that time treasurer of the county, as a clerk i]i his olfice, remaining there for a number of months. Later for six months he was employed in the recorder's office. This was followed by service as doput}- clerk under Thomas J. Fleming. On leaving the clerk's oflice in 1871. Mr. Mustard took a position as bookkeeper in the First National Bank of Anderson, and in that way gained his first detailed experience of banking. He remained with the First National until August, 1873.

When Weems Heagy v.'as elected to the office of county treasurer Mr. Mustard was again appointed deputy treasurer, and fulfilled the functions of that position v.^hile Mr. Heagy was treasurer, a period of four years. The fine business qualifi-.-atiuL-s of the deputy treasurer, together with his long experience in that and other county offices and his thorough, integrity both in public and private life, caused his many friends in the party and county to present his nau>e for nomination in the office of county treasurer. They carried their point successfully, and he was nominated on the first ballot and in the ejection was chosen by a vote which was in the nature of the highest possible persfuial compliraeiU, for he ran two hundred votes ahead of his ticket. His name was on the ticket that elected "'Bluc- Jeans" "vVilliams for governor of Indiana, in the memorable campnign of 187G. AVhen his term of office expired ilr. Mustard was again placed in nomination' by his party and re-elected by a majority of over nine hundred. He thus served two terms in that important office, and since then has been closely connected with the business affairs of Anderson.

Politically ]\Ir. ^Mustard is a stalwart Democrat, and since arriving at the age of majority has been an ardent worker for the success of his party. He is an Odd Fellow, -^nd has received all the hon.ors that a subordinate lodge can bestov.-. He has been treasurer of Anderson Lodge, No. ]I31, and of Star EncampniL-nt, No. 84, for more than twenty-seven years.

In 1871 ilr. Mustard was married, and his children (as he calls th^.-m'! , six in number are : Fred E. Mustard, his only son, and his wife Nelda and daughter Janet; ^Mrs. Ethel "SI. Cline, his only daughter, her husband, Frank C. Cline, and their daughter Adelaide Johana, all of whom live near his home in Anderson, and this is an exceptionally happy and devoted family.

F. iAIustard has for a number of years been honorably accumulating for hjmself and family a handsome competence. In his public as WpI as private relations with his fellow citizens it can be truthfully said t'l -his honesty has never been questioned or brought into «iue.stion Stro-"- in his attaehnients and quick to appreciate a generous act, he can app,3 eonndently to his generation and to those who have known him frchchildhood, in sunsnine and shade, to say that lie has not been ungrateful!

, George B. McDeriiit. One of the independent and progressive tarmers ox Boone township is George B. I\IcDermit, who has in his homo place, located on the rural free delivery route No. 28 out of Elwood one hundred and twenty acres of fine and well improved land his motlier's place, and he also owns and operates other land in the saiae township aggregating -more than two hundred acres. He condur-t. his farming on businesslike principles and after looking over his <^ariu and understanding somewhat of the man it is not diiucult to understand his reasons for success,

George B. I)c:Mermit was born on the McDermit farm which he now occupies, the date of his birth having been December 28, 1871. He is a son of Samuel and Julia (Miiuiick) McDermit. Samuel McDermit came from Mason county, West Virginia, and bought land in Boone township of Madison county, comprising a portion of the estate now ownf^d by his son George. The I^Iinnick family also came from Mason count\- West Virginia, and Mr. McDermit 's mother had one sifter, Sarah Ov/rshiner, who lives in Boone township. :dr. :\IcDermit's father was buried at Forestville ce/netery. The children in the family of Samuel SIcDernni and wife were eight in number, mentioned as follows: ]!ilarc-aret deceased; Martha Minnick; John D. ; Edward; Charles E.; Samuel' H.; one that died m infancy; and Mr. IMcDermit of this review.

George B. McDermit as a boy grew up on the old homestead in Booae township, and during the winter seasons attended tlie Red Oak sciioolhouse. He finished his education in the ]\Iarion Normal College, but did net prepare for teachir.g, and has followed, agricultural activities all his life. While attending school he also worked on the farm, and is a thoroughly experienced man in farming and stock raising. He began by renting land, and from the gradual accumulations of^his induslry and thrift saved enough to increase his landed properLy from time to time, and now the McDermits have one of tlie best estates in Boone township.

Mr. McDermit -is unmarried. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Improved Order of Red :\len, the Neoskaleta Tribe, No. 149, and the Haymakers at Alexandria, Indiana.

- Ralph B. Clark. In his native city of Anderson Mr. Clark has found ample scope and opportunity for effective business enterprise and has gained a secure position as a representative citizen of the count}- with good claims upon popular confidence and esteem in the community that has always been his home, and in the progress and prosperity of which he maintains the deepest interest. He is a member of the firm of Clark and Raber, which conducts a flourishing retail jewelry business, and is also general manager of the Merchants Fire Insurance Company, one of the strong institutions of its kind in the state, with general offices at Anderson.

and belongs to one of the oldest and most honored pioneer families of .Madison county, where his grandfather George Clark establislied a home at an early period, and continued to reside in Fall Creek township until his death at the patriarchal age of ninety^two years. Grandtather Clark contributed his quota to the development and progress of the county, and was a man who enjoyed the unqualified esteem of all who knew him.

The parents of Ealph B. Clark were Ralph N. and Mary A. (Jackson) Clark, both of whom were born and reared in Indiana. The mother was a daughter of Hon. Andrew Jackson, another of the sterling pioneers in Madison county, and a resident of Anderson at the time of his death. Andrew Jackson became the owner of an excellent landed estate in ]\[adison county, and was long numbered among the representative agriculturists and stock growers of this favored section, having given special attention to the raising of high grade horses and caitle. He v/as a man of energy and enterprise, v.'as broad in his vieAvs, and enjoyed the unqualified confidence and esteem of his fellow men. Ralph N. Clark continued to reside on. his homestead farm until his death, which occurred in 1872. He was born in iS20. His wife survives him by a number of years.

Ralph B. Clark is indebted to the public schools of Anderson for his early educational advantages, which included the curriculum of the high school. After leaving scliool he entered a jewelry store at Anderson and learned the trade of jeweler and watchmaker. Thoroughly equipped in this line, in 18SS, Mr. Clark engaged in the retail business on his own account, and from a modest beginning built up a large and prosperous enterprise, v.-hich for years has been a center of patronage for most discriminating buyers. For a number of years ]\Ir. Clark conducted the business under his own name, and then admitted his brother-in-law, AViiliara Rabcr, to partnership. This alliance has since continued and the firm of Clark and Raber has a thoroughly metropolitan jewelry establishment at 1008 ^Meridian street, where they carry a large and select line of watches, clocks, jewelry, silverAvare, etc. Mr. Clark has long been one of the prominent and progressive business men of Anderson, and his success has been the direct result of fair and honorable dealing, and personal popularity. In 1905 he bad the distinction of being elected president of the Indiana Retail Merchants Association, and remained in that office five years. He has been general manager of the ^lerchauts Fire Insurance Company since lOOG, and has been an important factor in developing that large and substantial corporation.

Public spirited in his civic attitude, Mr. Clark has always given his influence and cooperation to the furtherance of measures and enterprises projected for the general good of his home city and county, and has long had a prominent place in the local Republican party. In this connection he has done much effective campaign work in the interests of his friends and the general party organization, and in 1912 his name was prominently brought forward in connection with the office of state senator from this district. The general wave of Democratic success of course defeated his political aspirations. i\Ir. Clark served two years as a member of the Anderson Board of Public Works, and for one year was a member of the Board of Pensioners of police. In the Masonic fraternity he is affiliated with Mount Tvloriah Lodge No. 77, F. & A. M. ; Anderson Chapter No. 52, R. A. M. ; and Anderson Coramandery No. 33,

K. T., and also belongs to Banner Lodge No. 416, Knights of Pythias, in 1906 he became one of the organizers of the Mercliants Fire In.suraiiC(; Company of Anderson, has served as its secretary since its incorporation, and has done much to brJi)->' it to its present substantial and important status in the insurance lield of Indiana.

In 1891 was solemnized the marriage of Ylv. Clark to ^Miss Olive B. Burnett. She was born and reared in Anderson and is a popular figure in social affairs. Mr. and ^drs. Clark have three children: George L., Ralph Y\^alker, and Mary Ellen.

John H. Koons. The eminence of Anderson among the industrial centers of Indiana has been due to the presence here of a group of men possessed of special genius as inventors and manufacturers and of fine capabilities as organizers and business builders. Capital has been less conspicuous in the net results than personal ability, and it is with pride that the city regards its lisls o!: industrial executives. One of these is Mr. Koons, the inventor and consulting engineer of the Koons Oil Furnace Company, designers and manufacturers of the Koons Hot Bla.st low pressure oil burning system, for all kinds of heating.

John H. Koons has had a long and varied experience in mechanical fields an<l has been identified v/itli Anderson since lOO-l. He was born in Allentov/n, Pennsylvania, ]May 12, 1860, a son of John "W. and ^lary (Buss) Koons, both of v/hom were born in Pennsylvania. As a boy he attended the public schooLs and a select school in his native town. His first work on leaving school was as a clerk in a drug store. His inclinations were for applied mechanics, and he soon learned the trade of machinist under his father. After that he traveled extensively as a journeyman workman through the western states, including California, Arizona and others, and gained a broad knowledge of both manufacturing and operating lines of his work. In 1898 he returned to Alientown, Pennsylvania, and for some time was engaged in fariaing in that city. Afterwards he moved to Ohio, and was in the oil fields as; DuEois near Lima, being interested in the oil business and also working at his regular profession. He was there about eighteen months and in 1901 moved to Anderson which has since been his prominent honie. Mr. Koons is able to work out almost any problem of practical mechanics, and has an original ability of invention, the most practical and profitable result of which has been the Koons Oil Furnace, now being manufactured by the company of which he is consalting engineer and a member. The fuel used in these furnaces is exclusively petroleum, and the furnace is constructed on a special design for complete combustion of this fuel. It has proved very practical, economical, and wherever tried, however severe the test may have been, has not only satisfied every claiui made for it, but has won permanent friends and advo^^ates. The company which manufacture the furn'^ces have succeeded in introducing it into many states of the Union and after the years in which the business has been promoted the name of Koons Hot Blast Furnace has attained a standard of quality and value which sells itself. Mr. Koons is not only an inventor and designer, but a good business organizer and executive, and the company with which he is associated is regarded as one of the strongest industries in the city of Anderson.^ Associated with J\lr. Koons in the practical direction of the concern is ^Ir. J. M. Millett, secretary-treasurer of the company. The plant is located at 630 Meridian street, and has a fine equipment of machinery, its power being supplied by electric motors. The furnace has been designed and has a practical use for store, business houses, churches, schoolhouses and residences, and not only fui-nishes superior heating facilities, but is demonstrably more eijjonomical than most furnaces now iu use.

In 1895 ;Mr. Koons married JMiss Clara Evett, of Lehighton, Pennsylvania, in which city she was born, reared and educated. They have no children. Mr. Koons is affiliated with the Benevolent & Pro'tective Order of Elks, and the Travelers Protective x\ssociation. In one 01 the best residence districts of Anderson he has his home, built in 1911, which in point of architectural design is one of the most attractive and is among the most raodern in its appointments and furnishings in the city.

Fraxk KxiGHT. The possibilities of any business are almost unlimited when tliere is a foundation of thorough and reliable workmanship, square dealing iu eveiy relation between the business and its patrons, and a thorough regard for the wholesome business principles and practices. Mr. Frank Knight of Anderson has for many years been identified with tilt- painting and decorative trade, and htis built up as a contractor a business such as the proprietors of many more ostentatious industries might well envy. He is deemed one of the responsible and public s]>irit"d citizens of Anderson, and has been a resident of this city for upwards of forty years.

Frank Knight was born in Logan county, near AYest Liberty, Ohio, on Christmas Day of 1848. His father was James and his mother Barluira (Dah-y) Knight, the former born at Richmond, Indiana, in 1818. Grandfather AYilliam Knight v»-as a native of Kentucky, on.e of the early settlers of both Ohio and Indiana, was a miller by trade, and worked at diff»-rent mills in both states. His death occurred in Ohio, and his wife also passed avv'ay lii that state.

Frank Knight received his early training at West Liberty, attending both the comm.on and high schools, and also was a student in a select school at Blutfton, Ohio. When he left school it was to begin, work in the mill with his father, and he continued in that line of business until his twenty-first year. He then went south and loeattd at Chattanooga. Tennessee, a town wliieh was then just coming forward as an industrial center, and enjoying a great l)Oom. He remained tliei-e for three yeai-s and engaged in the building business. During thac time he became very familiar with the local citizenship and also with the historical localities of Lookout Mountain and other points about the city. In 1875 ]\Ir. Knight located at Anderson, where for several years he followed his trade as painter and pap^-rhanger. He then became associated witli other parties in the milling business for four years, and until 1884 was connected with the firm of E. E. Henderson & Company in painting and decorating. In the latter year he took up contracting in painting and decorative arts by himself, and from small beginnings has gradually built up a large and valued service in these lines. He has painted many of the fine residences both inside and out, has done a great deal of all classes of decorative work in churches, schoolhouses, had the contract for the work on the courthouse of Anderson, and at the state capitol in Indianapolis, painted the outside, did the papering and frescoing and decorating of the interior in both the senate and house of representatives chambers. He has a large local business and employs a staff of many workmen during the busy sea- son. His careful and honest work speaks for itself, and he has built up his enterprise until it now needs no advertising oi- unusual exploitations.

Mr. Knight in 1876 married Miss Martha Kemp, a daughter of Joseph L. Kemp, a native of Logan county, Ohio. Her father is now living in his ninety-fourth year, and is hale and hearty and is in full possession of all his faculties. The only son and child of their ujiion is Franklin J., now a resident of Los Angeles, California, and engaged in the automobile business. He is married and has a home of his own.

Mr. Knight is a Republican in politics, but has never been an officeseeker, though he has given his assistance in the campaigns of his friends. He is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias fraternity. His large and substantial residence in Anderson is located at the corner of Eighth street and jMadison avenue, and is one of the model homes of a very attractive district. ]Mr. Knight is fond of his home and family, and keeps a large place in his affections and time for domestic interests. He has one of the handsomest lawns in Anderson, beautifully set with shade tree.-5 and cared for so as to bring out every point of beauty and neatness.

Jesse Rothrock. An industry which during the past several decades has grov/n and flourished in eastern Indiana, is the operation of faruj lands for the production of dairy goods. Ever since the necessity for pure milk has been recognized, many of the most progressive farmers and business men have devoted their activities to dairying. One of the best sources of good milk in the city of Anderson is supplied by Jesse Rothrock, who has a thoroughly equipped modern dairy farm in north Anderson.

Jesse Rothrock was born on a farm six miles south of Columbus in Bartholomew county, Indiana, April 6, 1860. His father was Jesse Rothrock, born near Rotterdam in Holland, a country noted for its great dairying industries. The giandparents came to America, aeeompauied by their children, and located in South Carolina, where both died shortly afterwards. The children were then scattered, and Jesse Rothrock, .Sr., found a home with a planter and slave holder in that state. After he had reached young manhood he came west and located in Bartholomew county, Indiana, which was his home until 1867. He then went to Shelby county, Illinois, where he bought a tract of land direct from the government. That land under his capable industry was improved into a good farm,, and by the erection of good buildings atiorded a comfortable home to the senior Rothrock until his death in 1898 in his eightysecond year. Jesse Rothrock, Sr., married Sarah AVilson. She survived her husband a nup-ibor of years, and died in 1908. There were three daughters and one son in ^he family.

Jesse Rothrock, the only son, was reared on a farm, had a substantial training in all the fundamentals of agriculture, and continued to make his home with his parents until 1885. He then came to Indiana, and located at Greeucastle, where he was engaged in fanning for five years. From there he transferred his home to INIadison county, and bought land on jMeridian avenue in North Anderson. There he built several tenement houses, and while looking after his real estate interests was for several years in the employ of the Local Gas Company. In 1909, Mr. Rothrock bought a farm on Indiana avenue, one mile from the courthouse, and there established his present dairy industry. On his farm he has erected a good set of buildings including his comfortable frame dwelling house, which was remodeled from an older house. In the farm yard, constituting the real factory of his business, he has a coiriuiodious dairy barn, and beside it is a large silo. All the equipment is first class for dairy work, and i\Ir. Rothroek has consistently luaintained a high standard for all his products, which are sold in the local market..

In 1884, 'Mr. Kothrock married Viola Evans, who was born at Greencastle, Indiana, a daughter of Professor James E. and Susan J. Evans. Her father was a well known teacher at Greeucastle, where he died in middle life. j\Irs. Rotiirock was reared in Greencastle, and received her education in the academy of that city. The family of jMr. Rothroek consists of himself, wife and one daughter, and they are all members of the Friends church, in which Mr. Rothroek was reared.

Daniel ^Iarcus Johnson. One of the attractive and valuable farms of Van Buren township is the place of Daniel ]\Iarcus Johnson, comprising one hundred acres of fine land located about four miles northeast of Sunnnitville and on the Johnson road. ]Mr. Johnson began his career as a renter, by thrift and good management saved sufficient means to make his first purchase of land, and is now one of the substantial agriculturists of the county. He broiight a thorough experience and ability to the improvement of his place, according to his standards of what he wanted this farm to be. It is therefore a farm \^.hich has been largely shaped out by his own labors and plans and represents both a comfortable home and a gratif^'ing source of income.

Daniel Marcus Johnson was born Septeml)er 11, 1869, on the Harrison Allen farm in Van Buren township, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Allen) Johnson. Joseph Johnson married Miss Allen in Hancock county, 'and then brought his young wife to Randolph county, and thence to ]Madison county, where he bought land in Van Buren township. He was a successful farmer, and a man of local influence, and his death on April 7, 1903, was a distinct loss to the communit}'. He is buried in the cemetery of the Odd-Fellows. The thirteen children in this family were: Manson U. ; Minerva J.; Jesse A.; Daniel M.; Mary E., who died May 29, 1909 ; Lewis Vv' . ; Amanda L, ; Etta L. ; John C. ; Delia A. ; Pearl A., James M., and Sarah, all three now deceased,

Daniel IMai-eus Jolinson was married September 30, 1903, to Estelia May Taylor, a daughter of George and Alice (Howe) Taylor. Her parents now live in Bartholomew county, Indiana, where George Taylor was born. He was the son of Powell and Hattie Taylor. George Taylor was a farmer, was educated in the common schools, and has been one of the prosperous farmers near Columbus. The five children in the Taylor family included the following: Mrs. Johnson; Louie Mobley; Bessie Galbreith ; Hattie Stoughton, of Elizabethtown, Indiana ; Georgie Guinn, of Columbus, Indiana. ]\Irs. Johnson received her education in the common schools near Columbus, Indiana, and has been well trained for her part as a home-maker and mother. Mr. and ilrs. Johnson have two children, George C. and ]Martha E.

Mr. Johnson was brought up in Madison county, and as a boy attended the "Zedekar" school. VThile going to school he worked on the farm. Finally he rented land and began accumulating the money for establishing himself independently as a farmer. He then bought a farm and has since increased his means with every year. His chief occupation has been farming and the raising of the Duroc hogs, and he sends a large number to market each year. ]\Ir. Johnson is a member

James M. -Hundley. When a boy James M. Handle v was a Union soldier. His early esperiences and associations were'vath a farm and he had his full share of farm life. He was a railroader aud al^^o a street car driver, finally finished his education, was a s.-bool t^ar-hr-r was admitted to the Indiana bar about fortv vears a-^o and was' for many years one of the leading lawyers in the^lorth half of Madison county, and at the same time active in official affairs, ^b^ Hundlev is now retired and enjoys the activities and atmosphere o' -ouutrv life devoting all his time to the cultivation of a valuable little fruit farm near norili burnmitville.

^'^« ^^""'^ J^^l^' 6, ISIS, in Clinton .ounty Ohio a son of v\iliiam and Jane (iNlartin) Hundley. The father cam:- ^rom Leesburg, \irginia, settled in Ohio when a young man and for a nurnbor ot years was a blacksmith at the tov.-n of Lvnchburc Ohio The chi ciren m his family were: John, deceased; James jI. T Amanda P - William, Alvira, Andrew, George, ^Ury, ail deceased : C^^-.'a Lar.-haw and Jasper, deceased.

James M. Hundley was reared in Grant eountv. H^^ father had moved to that county in ISol. and built the first blacksiaith shop at Fairraount. where he plied his trade fo.- a number of vears. After a brief period of scnooling in Grant county, the war came on .^.nd diverted the attention of the school boy from all thought of scjiool. He enlisted m the Filth Indiana Covalry, but on account of his youthful vear< was taken out and had to bide his time for a while. Afterwards, in Au«zu^t. 186-i, he enlisted in Cooipany E of the One Hundred and Forth-th Infantry, under Col. Thomas J. Brady, and during the lasr two vears of the war was in service in the department of tiie Ohio under General Schofield. The division commander was A. D. Cox and the br--'ade commander was the late General Thomas HeiKlersou of Illinois. R.-tTiVumg home a veteran, young Hundley found that in the meantim- his father had moved, to Van Biiren township in. Juadi-on countv. and sooii afterward he left home and began v, ork as a brakeman. on the Lake Erie & Western Railroad, running out of Indianapolis. After that for a timehe was a street car driver on the College avenup liut- in Indianapolis. AH the time he had his thoughts and ambitions centered upon better things, and in order to be properly equipped for his larger field, he attended school, and finished his education in the city schools of ]Marion and Anderson. Afterwards he was employed as a teacher

Mr. Hundley in the session of 1904-05 was chosen a member of the State Legislature from a flotarial district comprising Madi-on. Clinton and Tipton counties. The present home of :\Ir. Hundley is on the outskirts of north Summitville, a pleasant little farm of forty acres, and there he follows his inclinations as a fruit grower. He also raises poultry and hogs and is making a profit as well as a delightful home and a pleasant occupation for his old age.

October 23, 1874, Mr. Huudley married ^liss Sartih P'enuiiiiore, a daughter of Henry and Barbara (Holt) Fennimore. The five children of Mr. and ^Irs. Hundley are: Maggie L., deceased; Verna M., at home; "William H. ; Frank M., who married Mabel Johnson; and John E., at home. The family all are communicants of the Christian cljureh.

Frank W. Wittj^'r. The genuine western spirit of enterprise and progress is exemplified in the careers of such men as Frank "W. "Witter, of "\''an Buren township - men whose laudable ambition, persevering determination and energetic natures have enabled them to conquer many adverse circumstances arid surmount numerous olxstacles, and to advance steadily to a leading position in their chosen walks of life. A resident of "V'an Buren township for upv\-ards of a quarter of a century, Mr. Witter has during this time gained the high regard of his fellowcitizer.s by his genuine worth, and as the owner of 170 acres of laud, all acquired through the medium of his ov/n efforts, he is today recognized as one of the leading representatives of the best farming interests of his community. He is a native of Indiana, having been born near the city of Liberty. Union count}", r^Iay 13, 18G5. and is a son of Henry and Mary A. (MoSs) "Witter.

Henrv- Witter was born in Union county, Indiana, and still makes his home on the old farm near Liberty, where he has carried on successful farmijig ventures through many yeai'S. He and his wife have had ten children, nanjely: Charles; Lizzie, who is the wife of Mr. Ardery; Frank W., of this review: Riley: Elmer: Ollie, who is deceased; Etta; Willie, who is now in the United States governmtnt service in the Philippine Islands; Clarence; and Inda.

Frank "V^^. Witter obtained his education at the old "Witter school in "Union county, so named because it was located on his father's place, and during this time was thoroughly trained in agricultural pursuits while assisting his father and brothers in the work of the home place. He remained with his fatlier until he was twenty-three years of age, and then struck out for himself, beginning his operations in Union county and coming to 3Iadison county about tlie year ISSS. Here he first located. on a farm of sixty acres, located on what is now known as tlie AVitter gravel road, about one and one-half miles northeast of Summitville, and to this he has added from time to time until he now has 170 acres, all under a high state of cultivation. He has cultivated this land until it now pays him handsomely for his labors and bumper crops give eloquent evidence of ^Ir. Witter 's ability as a farmer. He has a fine herd of sleek, well-fed cattle, raises higli grade horses, and also deals ext-ensively in hogs and sheep, and in all of his transactions shov/s himself to be an able and honorable man of business. It is always pleasant to trace the history of a man who has v/on a high place in the respect and esteem of his fellow men by his o\vn intrinsic Vv'orth and merit, and such a sterling citizen Mr. Witter undoubtedly is. He has m.ade the interests of his community those of his own, and while he has not served in public offices has aided in securing good men and measures for his community, thus contributing materially to its welfare. In his political views he is a Republican, while his religious connection is with the ^lethodist Episcopal church.

_ Alva Thorx, one of the most progressive and successful a'^rifulturists of Madison county, is the owner of a handsome farm of 260 acres located ni A an Bnren township, and lias the added distinction of belonging to that class of self-made men of which this county is justly proud. Ills metbods of farm management show sound judgment combined with deep scientific knowledge of his vocation, and the results of his labors demonstrate the fact that high-class farming as an occupatioji may be made profitable as well as pleasant. He has been a resident of this region throughout his career, and during tliis time has firmlv established himself in tlie respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens through his public spirit and strict integrity.

Alva Thorn ^vas born on a farm in Van Buren township, ]^Iadison county, Indiana, and is a son of Charles and Eliza (Knight) Thorn. His father, a native of Illinois, came to Madison county as a youth with his parents, Stephen and Jane (Lewis) Thorn, the former of whom entered land here from the United States govenjment and continued to follow agricultural pursuits throughout his life. Charles 'Thorn followed in the footsteps ^of his father, adopting the vocation of tiiliug the soil, and through a life of industry and perseverance succeeded in becouiiug a substantial and influential man of his community. He and his wife were the parents of five children: Alice, who married ^Nlarisou H. Johnson and is now deceased ; Zina, who became the wife of James M. Gilmer ; Elizabeth, who died in girlhood; ^lary, who married Geo. Underv.^ood; and Alva.

Attending the district schools of Van Buren township during the short winter terms and devoting the rest of the year to helping his father in cultivating the home farm, the boyhood of Alva Thorn was passed in much the same manner as that of other Indiana farmers" sons of his day, and when he reached the age of twenty-one years he was thoroughly prepared to engage in the battles of life. He started his career as a farmer on a tract of land rented from his father, a pari of the old home place, but subsecjuently purchased a property of his. own, to wliich he has since added by purchase from time to time. On this land he has erected good and commodious buildings, including a comfortable modern residence not far from Summitville, and various other improvements have made this a very desirable property. In addition to being a successful general farmer, he has met with a gratifying success in breeding hogs and cattle, and as a business man is recognized as being possessed of more than ordinary ability.

Mr. Thorn was married March 22, 1888, to Miss ]Martha J. Johnson, of Van Buren township, daughter of Reuben and Sarah (Hastings) Johnson, old settlers of Madison county. Mrs. Thorn is a native of Grant county, Indiana, born August 30, 1863, the fifth in a family of seven children, two sons and five daughters, namely: Daniel B., a resident of Grant county, an agriculturist and manufacturer; Sophronia E., the A\-idow of Andiw.- Dickey and a resident of California, and she has .four children, two sons and two daughters; ^lary E., wife of "SVilliam R. Lewis, a resident of Grant county and a shoemaker by trade ; Robert R., a resident of Van Buren township, an agriculturist and man-ied; Mrs. Thorn, next in order of birth; Amanda M., wife of Wilson T. Leach, a resident of Madison county and an agriculturist; and Nancy

A., deceased. Reuben Johnson, the father, v/as a native of Indiana and by vocation \vas an agriculturist. He was educated in the common schools, was a Democrat politically and was a member of the Independent Order of Oddfellows. Both he and wife were members of the Missionary Baptist church. Mr. Johnson died in 1901, aged sixty-five, and iMrs. Johnson is now a resident of Fairmount, Indiaiia. She was born in Indiana. jMrs. Thorn was reared and educated in her native county and she has faithfully performed the duties of wife and mother in establishing their nice and pleasant home. When she and her husband began their married life they had but little cash capital, but a large fund of ambition and aggressiveness to make their way independently, which they have done, and they have the respect of their many friends. Their pretty home is known as "Fair View\ " To their union have been born three children : Claudia B., who married Otto Carmony, and is engaged in farming in Van Buren township and they have one little daughter, Nilma Irene ; A'edah Pauline, who married Walrer Kirkv\-ood, of Fairmount township, and has one son, Hubert D. ; and Simon C, who is attending the public schools in the eighth grade. The family is connected with the iMethodist Episcopal church, in the work of which Mr. Thorn takes an active interest.

Martin M. ^Beesox. In America, pre-eminently a larid of self-made men, opportunities for achieving success are to be found as in no other land. The youth of energetic spirit, ambitions nature and industrious habits may here establish a position for himself in any of the various vocations of life, provided that lie respect the principles of integrity and honorable dealing, for his fellow-citizens will quickly recognize and appreciate the force of character and persistent d^^termination which have enabled him to work his way from a humble position to one of independence and prominence. jMadison county is foriunate in that it numbers among its best citizenship many men who ha\e been the architects of their own fortunes, and in this class undoubtedly stands ^Martin ^t. Beeson, of Van Buren township, the owner of a valuable tract of 120 acres of land, located on the Tliorn road, about four and one-half miles north of Summitville. Mr. Beeson is a native of the Hoosier State, having been born in Johnson county, October 29, 1867, and is a son of Isaac and Emma (Hendricks) Beeson.

Isaac Beeson was a native of AVayne county, Indiana, from whence he removed to Johnson county, and in 1875 came to i\Iadison county, his subsequent agricultural operations being carried on in Boone and Van Buren townships. He became a substantial citizen and moderately successful agriculturist, and died in Van Buren township October 10, 1912. Of the family of eight children, ]\I. M. is the last survivor.

M. M. Beeson was seven years of age when he accompanied his parents to Madison county, and his education was securecl in the public schools of Boone township. During the period of his educational training, he spent the summer seasons in assisting his father on the homestead, and after he left school continued to remain under the parental roof until reaching the age of twenty-three years. His entrance upon a career of his own as an agriculturist occurred when he rented a tract of land in Van Buren township, and for fifteen years he worked faithfully and industriously, carefully saving his earnings with the end in view of becoming himself a land-owner. In 1906 he realized his ambition when he purchased his present property, a farm which he has since developed into one of the best of its size iu the township. He has engaged successfully in general farming and has also met with prosperity in his stock raising ventures, his well-fed cattle invariably bringing good prices in the markets. Thoroughly versed in. modern methods, he has neglected no opportunity to familiarize himself with the advancements which have been made in his vocation in recent years, and his property gives ample evidence of the presence of thrift and good management. He is a worthy representative of the farming interests of Madison county, and throughout his career has been interested in the growth and development of this region, doing all in his power for its proj^ress and development.

On October 5, 1890, Mr. Beeson was united in marriage with jliss Laura M. Nutt, and to this union there have been born seven children : Lennet and Russell, both deceased, Elva, Emma, Orville, ]Marie and Murray. Mrs. Laura ]\I. Beeson is a native of Union county, Indiana, born May 15, 1S69, the eldest of six children - four sons and two daughters born to Levi and Harriett (Knowland) Nutt - -and all the family are living at present (1914), namely: Mrs. Beeson; Nelson, a resideiit of the far west and by trade a decorator; Clara, residing in Summitville, Indiana; George, a resident of the Republic of Mexico and- a carpenter; Arthur, a resident of Salt Lake City, Utah; and Clyde, a resident of Van Baren township, married' and an agriculturist, ilr. Nutt, the father, is a native of Union county, Indi.-ina, and was educated in the common schools. He was a soldier in the Civil war for four years. Politically he is a Republican and is a rnember of the ^lethodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Nutt is a native of Butler county. Ohio, and she and her husband are retired in life and reside in Suaimitville, Indiana. A remarkable fact in the Nutt family is that there has never been a death within its circle. ^Mrs. Beeson was educated in the common schools. She is a worthy matron over one of the beautiful homes in northern ^ladison couiit}', and she and her husband enjoy the high esteem of all who know them. In his religious faith Mr. Beeson is identified the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belongs. ^He is a Democrat, but has taken no active part in political matters. His modern residence is located on Summitville Rural Free Delivery Route. No. 26, and near the home is located the handsome new barn, built to replace the original structure, which was destroyed in a disastrous fire. August 31, 1912.

Rev. Balthasar Biegel. The cross and the eniblems of the Catholic church were exhibited in Elwood many years ago, when the first Mass was celebrated in the house of John Buchanan, then situated or, the corner of IMain and Sixteenth streets, and thereafter services were frequently held in what was called "'The Section House," which vras later removed to South B street and is now occupied by i\Irs. William Rooney. During these pioneer daj's the Holy Sacrifice of the ]\[ass was also offered up in the house of Bernard Bauer, then on East ]^Iain street, at the home of Gustav Kramer on South Anderson street, and in that of Bridget Smith, located two doors east of the present site of the St. Joseph's Church, and now owned by William Fessler. Prior to 1860 the village was. at irregular interv'als. visited by missionary priests, these bold and self-denying workers, including Father ^bloney. Father Clark and Father Fitzmaurice, who came from Indianapolis, Lafayette and Anderson to minister to the spiritual needs of the few scattered Cath- olics. . In 1S60 the place became a station aud theix-after was regularly attended on week days by Father Mc-Mahon, who was pastor at Anderson from 1860 to 18G5. During Father ilclMahou's time, two lots, each 60x1:32 feet, were purchased from William Barton and Peter Well, then on Simmons, but now South A street, each costing sixty dollars. The money for one lot was raised by the Catholic people, and for the other it was borrowed from John and Thomas Smith, and the deal was made by Father ^VIcMahon and John Buchanan in 1862. Father Mc^Iahon wa'^s succeeded by Father J. B. Crawley, who attended Elwood from ISGo to 1884 while residing at Anderson, and under his charge the station became a mission, and was attended once a month, on Sundays. In February, 1880, the little tiock decided to build a church, as the following statement by Father Crawley indicates, this being at the same time the first record of the parish that can be found, viz: "Elwood, ^ladison county, February 3. 1880. Be it hereby known that on this date of February 3, 1880, Bernard Bauer of Elwood and James Co?-nelius of CurtisVille, were duly elected by the vote of tiie Catholic congregation of Elwood and vicinity, treasurer and secretary respectively, and are empowered to collect and hold funds for the erection of a Catliolic Church in Elwood, giiaranteeiiig sufficient security to collect and hold same." Steps were immediately taken to raise money by subscription and festivals for the erection of this first church, which was a brick structure, 25x40 feet, with a small vestry, 10x10 feet on the east side. The building, the estimated cost of which was -$1,000. was completed iu the fall of 1881 and was dedicated by Bishop Dvenger. At that time the following families constituted the parisli : Bernard .Bauer, John Beseh, John Buchanan, James Conner, James Cornelius, Frajik Gieselbach, Patrick Healy, James Kelly, Gustav Kramer, Daniel O'Biien, John Doyle. Patrick Dugan, John Finan, Jam.es Gallagher, Michael Ga%i.n, Patrick Reddington, William Rooney, Patrick Shay, Bridget Smith and Richard W^ilson. Father Cra'\\ley is still held in grateful remembrance by the few surviving old settlers. He made many trying and irksoriie trips on the handcar visiting Elwood and other missions from Anderson. Father F. C. Wiecliman succeeded him, and attended the Elwood mission, from 1884 to 1889, while he was pastor of Anderson. lie attended the place on the fourth Sunday of each month and enjoyed great popularity among all classes.

In 1889 the mission was raised to a parish with Rev..Balthasar Biegel as the first resident pastor, the appointment going into effect Sunday, July 28, 1889. This also was the first appointment of Rev. Father Biegel, who had just been ordained in June of the same year. Elwood, now a city of twelve thousand inhabitants, at this time numbered only eight hundred inhabitants, but the village had before it a promising future and prospects of a rapid growth. Natural gas had just been discovered, in this locality and industries were looking for locations. The history of the city dates iDack to March 1, 1853, when it was laid out as a town by James Anderson, ]Mark Simmons, and J. B. Frazier, and called Quincy, but to avoid confusion in the mail, the name was changed to Elwood, July 21, 1869. The history of the Catholic church has been contemporaneous with that of the city. Tiie first Catholic settler who came to the vicinity was Patrick Shay, a native of Trelan.d, who passed away an honored citizen ]\Iarch 10, 1907. When, in 1857, the Pennsylvania railroad was built through Elwood. about half a dozen other Catholic families came to the village, being of sturdy Irish and German nationality. At the time of Rev. Father Biegel's appointment, Bishop Dv/enger said: "Elwood is now a small mission, but it will soon be a large parish. You will have a great deal of hard work to perform, and I may have to give you a little financial aid in the beginning. Let me know when you need it. ' ' However, the generous people of Ehvood managed to keep their pastorabove water, and never let him want for anything, and the assistance offered by Fort AVayne was never needed.

Father Biegel said his first mass at Elwood, Sunday, July 28, Ibb'J, on which day Father AYiechman made his farewell address. He preached his first sermon to the parish on August 4, 1889, and selected for Ids text the words: 'Tax Vobis," '- Peace Be to You;" and pcaee and harmony have ever been blessings to St. Joseph's Parish, and have, no doubt, been the real secret of its success. Immediately after the appointment of the new pastor, the congregation set to work to build a new priest's house. It was a neat, cozy, one-story, six-room house, built \vest of the little ciuirch, and cost $1,000. The rapidly increasing memb-i'- ship of the parish necessitated mure room for church purposes, and iu the spring of 1892 it was decided to enlarge the old church to threejinies its former size, this being done ai a cost of $2,500. In the fall of^ 1892 the enlarged and remodeled church was dedicated by Very Rev. M. E. Campion, delegated by Rigb.t Rev. Joseph Dv/cnger, who was ill at the time. During the same year a bell was purchased, and was blessed by Rev. J. H. Bathe, delegated by the Bishop. In 1891 a parochial school was established, a one-room, frame building, costing $700, north of the church, and in September of this year it was opened with an attendance of eigh'tv pupils. Miss Margaret :Murphy was placed in charge of this parodiial school, while Father Bit-gel assisted in the work, taking classes to the parsonage. In 1893 a second room was added and was placed m charge of ^^liss Margaret Cauley, the addition costing about >p800. Ihe number of children attending tlie parochial school continued to increase so rapidlv that the two teachers could no longer do justice to them, and it became necessary to secure more teachers and to place the school on a more systematic basis. The time to place the school iu care of one Ox the many religious orders had arrived, and the Sisters of St. Josepn s Acad- ^emy Tipton, Indiana, were engaged to take charge of the school, ex>miug iu September, 1894. On February 11, 1891, the school house had been dama<^ed by a fire which originated in a defective chimney, and tlie entire°roof was destroyed and school had to be continued m the church. The building was immediately rebuilt, and a second story witn two rooms, was added at an approximate expense of $1,000. i^ the laii of 1899 a high school department was added to the school, and it became necessary to take two of the lower grades to the chin-ch m order to areommodate all the children. On January 29, 1911, Father Biegel mace a proposition to erect a new school building, the old one having been but temporary, and the parish cheerfully consented to the movemen. and it was determined to erect a modern school building at a cost ot 4;45 000 which is now in course of construction. Not only the Lattioiu> of the city but those of other creeds and denominations, supported rnLcause by liberal contributions, and at this writing (1913) '^^^ore t ban one-half of the money needed has been raised. Alfred Grmale of ImLa - apolis, is the architect, and Frank ^ledland, of Logansport. che contractor. . . ^ -J C ,v^,>^ clit-ll-llf^

In the fall of 1896 it became imperative to provide for moie saitaoi. living quarters for the Sisters. The parish decided, therefore, to con- vert the priest's house into a eouvent for them, and to erect a new pastoral residence. It must here be said, that in the spring of 1894 a piece of ground, equal to eight large city lots, adjoining the original church property, was purchased of Gustav Kramer at a cost of $1,000, Mr. Kramer receiving $300 in cash and being given a funded High Mass. The ground was at that time considered of much greater value, but Mr. Kramer sold it at this reasonable price because it was iritended for church purposes. On the west line of this newly acquired property, a new parsonage was built at a cost of $3,000. If is a twelve-room building and furnishes ample accommodation for the pastor and his guests. The congregation introduced the pastor into the new priest's house with a joyful "house warming," October 3, 1896, after which the old parsonage was turned over to tlie Sisters.

For a number of years it had been the ambition of the people and the pastor to build a new church to meet the requirements of the growing parish, and as early as 1894 they began to accumulate funds for this purpose. Their dream was finally to be realized, when in the spring of 1899, ground was broken for the new edifice. The massive basement, twelve feet in height, built of BedCord stone, was completed during the same year. The corner-stone of the new edifice was laid on the eigiith day of October, 1899. by Very Rev. John H. Guendling, then administrator of the diocese of Fort \Yayne, Bishop Joseph Rademacher, the successor of Bishop Dwenger having died. Some five tliousand people attended the celebration ami societies from all parts of the state participated in a grand parade. During the year 1900 the super-structure vras built, and the following year the church was completed in all its details, and was dedicated to the honor of God on July 14, 1901, by Right Rev. H. J. Alerding, Bishop of Fort AYayne. William Gettinger of Union City, Indiana, was the architect of the structure. The basement was built by August Gleitze of Logansport, Indiana, and the super-structure by ]\[edland Brothers of that city. Lute Douge, of Eiwood did the plastering, and Fred Ryan of Anderson, had the contract for the interior woocl work. The steam heating apparatus was installed by J. H. Asire, of Logansport. The building is in the Romanesque style of architecture, built of brick and stone. It is 132 feet in length, inside measurement, 56 feet wide in the nave, 66 feet across the towers, and 70 feet across the vestries. The tower at the southeast corner is 138 feet high, while the other one rist-s lUl feet above the sidewalk. The interior ceiling is 41 feet above the floor, which slopes gradually and imperceptibly to the altars. While the structure is beautiful on the outside, it is within that the great amount of money and pains have been applied. The entrance to the church is through three massive stone door^vays, set between the two towers. Just inside them is a roomy vestibule, with the baptistry to the left. Entering the auditorium proper, a veritable feast of art and beauty greets the eye. On the high ceiling, four upon each side, have been painted eight life-sized pictures of saints, representing the eight beatitudes. The figures which represent the beatitudes, are in their order as follows: St. Francis of Assisi, St. Francis de Sales, St. ]Mary Magdalene, St. Boniface, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Aloysius, St. Elizabeth and St. Stephen. In the sanctuary, above the altar, are the figures of the four evangelists, ^latthew, ]\Iark, Luke and John. In the oi-gan gallerv' are paintings of St. Rose of Lima, the first American Saint, and St, Philomina, the patroness of working girls. Above the proscenium arch, on a scroll, is a Latin inscription, which translated into English means,

^Behold the Lamb of God, that takcth auay the sins of the world " Ihe fresco work forms a fittiiig baekgi-ound for the paintings, and tlie blending ot the colors is such as to produce a friendly and cheerful eftect. This woi-k was done by Leber Brothers, of Louisville Kenturkstudents of the art schools of Italy. The art olass windows whir-h co'^-t more than $3,000, are arranged in pairs beginning at the eutranr^ On the east side the first window represents the. birth of Chris*- the opposite one representing His death. The next east window shows bt. Patrick preaching the Gospel, -while its counterpart ijives thr- Good bamantan practicing the teaching of the Saviour. The third pair represents the Apparition of the Blessed Virgin and the ADparitiou of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The west window, next to the altar, represents the Angel Gabriel announcing to Mary that she is to be the :^ [other of Jesus, while in the opposite window is shown the An^-el Guardian Over the sanctuary there is a windov. representing the Holy Ghost in the form ot a dove. This is surrounded by tweutv-four lights, and makes a surpassingly beautiful showing at night. " The circular window^ in tl;p organ loft sho\\s St. Cecelia, the patroness of church music. All of the large side ^^-indows have three small panels below them, the one in the center containing the emblem of the societv which donated them while on each side are boquets of St. Joseph's lilies emblematic of the patron saint of the church. These lilies are also used extensively in the decoration of the walls and ceilings. The vvindows were all made by the Artistic Glass Painting Company, of Cincinnati, Ohio, the fio-ures being of glass imported from Switzerland.

All the ordinary church societies are affiliated v/ith the parisli. The Eosary Society for the married ladies; the Young :\Ien's and Y'oung Ladies' Sodality for the young people; the Holy Name Society for the men, and the Society of the Children of Mary and the Infant J^sus Society for the children. The Apostlcship of Praver has done its effeetive work in the parish since 1894. Besides these" church societies, fraternal organizations, for men and for woraen, are also well repres-^nted. The Catholic Benevolent Legion was organized April 9, 1S93 ; the Ancienr Order of Hibernians, January 23, 1898: the Catholic Order of Foresters, August 6, 1900; a council of Knights of Columbu:.s May 16, 1903; the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, December 5, 1898; and the Ladies' Catholic Benevolent A.ssociation, October 22, 1903. These societies have commodious and well furnished quarters! with a reading room, and elegant apartments for innocent recreation

A handsome pipe organ which is in keeping with the interior decorations and furnishings adorns the organ gallery, while the various altars and stations are beautiful in design and complete the decorations. The church as it stands is valued at $60,000. Immediately afte?' the dedication of the new church, the old one was remodeled for "school purposes, and the Sisters' convent was remodeled at the same time and an extra story added to the building, these improvements costing in the neighborhood of $2,000. When the church property was first ptirchased, the ground was low and swampy, but VN-as considered a very desirable place on account of its location in the center of the city. It took 10.000 yards of earth to fill the lots and put them in proper condition, ar.d the grounds arc now among the most beautiful in the city. In the spring of 1905 a lot, 66x332 feet, across the street, from the school, v.ith a brick building on it, was purchased by the congregation, as was also a nineroom house with a lot 50x132 feet, west of the parsonage. Conditions were such that the ehureh should control this property, tlie rent of which now constitutes a good source of revenue for the parish. The church ground proper has a frontage of 350 feet on South A street, with the average depth of 250 feet. A paved street passes the propcily, and a cement walk, ten feet in width, extends along the entire frontage, which iiuproveiuents cost approximately $3,000. For a long time a creek, running along the north line of the property, had been the cause of much annoyance to the parish, but tlie difficulty was finally remedied, satisfactorily and definitely, by a retaining wall 280 feet in length, which was constructed jointly by the city of Elwood and St. Joseph's congregation, at a cost of $1,500. Many ornamental trees and shrubs have been planted, and the spacious cliurch grounds now offer an ideal place for the schoolchildren 's play-ground and for out-door social gatherings. Tlie little "mustard seed" of thirty-two years ago has grown to a majestic tree, and a conservative estimate places the value of all the Catholic church propeny of Ehvood at $150,000.

]\ran's body is a temple of the Holy Ghost. The bodies of Catliolics are anointed in the holy sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Extr'eine Unction. They are taken to the church for the last blessing after death, and it is the desire of the church that the mortal remains of practical Catholics should be buried in consecrated ground. For this reason St. Joseph's parish purchased five acres of land one and one-half miles south and one-half mile west of the city for a Catholic cemetery, at a cost of $500. Several hundred dollars vrorth of irriprovenients have since been made on the ground, and about 400 bodies have been buried there, awaiting the summons of God to resurrection. The Very Sev. M. E. Campion, at that time dean of the Logansport district of the diocese of Fort Wayne blessed the cemetery in the fall of 1891.

Rev. Balthasar Biegel. whose untiring labors have made possible the erection of this great strueture, was born at Hanover Center. Lake county, Indiana, August 6, 1866, and is a son of Peter and Theresa Biegel. natives of Hesse Darmstadt, Germany. His paternal grandparents emigrated from Germany, and settled in ^Missouri, where they died advanced in years, having had a large family, which included Peter, Henry, David, John and Mary. The maternal grandparents, on coming to the United States, located in Lake county, Indiana, where the father died at the age of seventy-eight years, and his wife when eighty-nine years of age. They became the parents of four children : Theresa, John, Elizabeth and Catherine.

Peter Biegel was a lad of about seven years when he acconipanied his parents to America, the first location of the family being at Strawto^vn, New York. Soon thereafter, however, they came to Lake county. Indiana, and here "Mr. Biegel grew to manhood. He became a farmer, and as such removed to New Cambria. ^lissouri. in 1873, and there his death occurred in 1895, when he was fifty-seven years of age, his ^ndow following him to the grave in 1908, when sixty-five years old. They were the parents of ten children : John, Balthasar, George, Frank, Henry, Mary, Helen, TNlargaret. Albert and Peter.

Father Biegel was baptized at St. John's Church, the mother church of what now forms the Schererville district of the diocese of Fort "W'ayne. He received his first Holy Communion at St. Martin's Church, Hanover Centre, Indiana, October 3, 1880, and was encouraged by Rev. ^Yilliam Berg, one time pastor of his native village, to study for the priesthood. Preparatory to his course in college, he was given private lessons in Latin and Greek by Father Berg and feels himself bound by undying gratitude to this, his first zealous and model pastor. lie lat.jientered St. Lawrence College, Mt. Calvary, Wisconsin, where he graduated from the classical course in June, 1885. He then made his cour.s in Pliilosophy and Theolog}.- at St. Francis Seminary, Milwaukee, Wi.sconsin, and received minor orders, sub-dcaconship and deaconship from Archbishop Ileiss, of ]\Iilwaukec, and was ordained priest by Bishop Dwenger at the Cathedral of Fort Wayne, on June 15, 1889, with fourteen months' dispensation, the required age being twenty-four years. He celebrated his first Holy Mass on the feast of Corpus Christi, June 20, 1889, at St. John's Church, the church of his baptism. Immediately after his ordination he was appointed first resident pastor of Elwood, wdth Noblesvillc, Cicero, IMullin 's Settlement and Alexandria as missions. In Elwood, Father Biegel's influence, ahvays for the good, is felt in every nook and corner. The respect which he inspired in the little village on his arrival has not abated as the place has gi'owm into a prosperous city, but is increased as time goes on. To the talents of a pa.stor is added the learning of a scholar and iiteratteur, which, united with a rare business tact and ability to govern, has made him already a conspicuous figure in the church and the state, and has gained him the confidence, the good will and the love of all classes, denominations and nationalities.

George F. Thurstox. A man of enterprise, intelligence, and excellent business capacity, George F. Thurston, living two miles east of Summitville, stands high among the wide-awake, progressive farmers of this section of Madison county. A native of Boone township, Madison county, Indiana, he v.as born January 16, 1861, a son of John F. and Margaret (Morris) Thurston, of whom a more extended notice may be found elseAvhere in this work, in connection with the sketch of R. 0. P. Thurston.

Educated in his native township Mr. Thurston attended the Dead Dog school as a boy and youth, in the meantime obtaining on the home farm practical experience in farming. Finding the occupation most congenial, he rented the farm where he now lives a year before attaining his majority, and began the battle of life for himself, taking up his residence in the old log house standing upon the place. This farm was entered from the government during the administration of President Jackson by Robert Spear, who erected the first frame blacksm lib's shop put up in this section of the state. At the end of tv/o years of successfid farming ]\Ir. Thurston received a sum of money from tne parental estate, and immediately invested it in land, buying the farm which he had been renting. He has now one hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land, on which he has made improvements of great value, including the erection of his fine residence and other necessary farm buildings. He is carrying on general farming with satisfactory results, making a specialty of raising Duroc-Jersey hogs, a. branch of industry which he has fottnd pleasant and profitable. He is one of the largest breeders of that grade of hogs in the county, from his estate, which is kno\s-n as the Duroc-Jersey farm, having shipped in two years $7,000 worth of that breed.

Levi P. Brown. Especially v/orthy of note amon^ the active and progressive men who have contributed so largely towards the development and advancement of the agricultural prosperity of Madison county is Levi P. Brown, a well-knov/n farmer of Van Buren township. A son of the late John G. Brown, he was born on the farm where he now resides, his birth having occurred on October 31, 1857. Born in Rush county, John G. Brown obtained the rudiments of his education in the public schools of his native district, and completed his studies in the rural schools of Madison county. Subsequently purchasing a tract of land in Van Buren township, he began the improvement of a farm, and was there busily engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, at a comparatively early age, in ]871. To him and his wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Allen, seven children were born, as follows: Catherine J.; Levi P.; Mary E., deceased; Nancy Ellen; Sam'l R. ; George W. ; and John H.

Brought up on the parental homestead, Levi P. Brown first attended the Allen school, later continuing his studies in the townsliip seliooi. While yet a boy he became familiar with the various branches of agriculture, and after the death of his father assisted his mother in the management of the home place, which he now owns and occupies, he having purchased the interests of the remaining heirs in the estate. He was for many years very active and successful in the management of his fine farm of one hundred and sixty-six acres, but having accumulated a competency he has relegated the care of the estate to his son-in-law, and is now living retired, enjoying a well-deserved leisure from business affairs.

Mr. Brown married, September 22, 1880, Emma Florence Allen, a daughter of Amos G. and Salina (Runyan) Allen. Their union has been blessed by the birth of four children, namely : A child that died in infancy; Adah iNIae, wife of Robert Broyles; Garry, who lived on the Brown farm, and had charge of its management ; and Lulu F.,. wedded A. E. Tomlinson and resides with her parents. Garry Brown, the only son, married, September 22, 1910, Edna Trader, a daughter of Harvey and Eldy (Woolen) Trader, and they have one child, Dorothy Florence.

Religiously Mr. Brown is an active and influential member of tlie Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is serving as steward. Politically he is identified with the Democratic party, and is prominent^ in public affairs, taking an intelligent interest in everything pertaining to the improvement of the community in which he is living.