Montgomery County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1911 (part 10 of 14)

Charles L. Bratton eontiniied to reside on his farm in L'nicjn township until late in life, and in the early nineties he sold his place and lived w itli his children, spending some time with first one, then another, until his death, on December 21, 1902, at an advanced age. He was a faithful member of the Presbyterian church from his twenty-third year until his death, and toward the latter part of his life was a deacon in the church. He was a Good Templar, a member of the Horse Thief Detective Association, and was a loyal Republican. He cast his first vote for Gen. William Henry Harrison in 1840. He was a well read man, and was an intelligent, prosperous and honored citizen. He retained the patent to the land wdiere he lived so long, which patent was issued to Charles Johnston, and signed by President Andrew Jackson.

Ten children were born to Charles L. Bratton and wife, namely: Mary, who married Andrew Smiley, lived all her life near Mace: David was married and had two children, one of whom is still living; David was a farmer and lived near Mace : William is engaged in merchandising and the fish commission business at Cortez, Florida: Ella was the wife of Joseph W. Ward, and lived south of Crawfordsville until her death, in August, 1912; Johnnie died W'hen two years old; Charles M. lives in Crawfordsville; James B.. deceased, lived in Lebanon, where he died in December, 1909; Harvey B. lives near Linnsburg; Orpheus W., subject of this sketch: Rachel Jennie married Joseph A. Ward, and lives in Cass county, Indiana.

Orpheus W. Bratton grew to manhood on the home farm and there assisted with the general work, and he received a good education in the common schools.

In January, 1887, Mr. Bratton married Ida M. Schenck, daughter of Jacob and Frances (Tilly) Schenck. She was Ixirn in Bocme county, Indiana. Her mother died when Mrs. Bratton was a little child, and this event broke up the home. There were at that time also two little brothers, who grew *to manhood and are still living - Milton and John, the former residing near Colfax, and the latter in Wyoming, .\fter the death of the mother of these children the father moved about a great deal, living for awhile in Putnam county, but most of the time in Montgomery county, not far from Linnsburg. The father, Jacob Schenck, spent his old age with his daughter, Mrs. Bratton. and died at her home on February 3, 1899.

mile and a half southeast of Linnsburg, beginning on rented land, and there he continued for about fifteen years, during which he got a good start. This was the Ward farm. For eight years before her marriage, Mrs. Bratton had lived with the Ward family. About nine years after marriage Mr. Bratton bought eighty acres where he now lives in Section 29, Walnut township. Remaining on the Ward farm about six years longer, he moved to the place where he has since resided, buying forty acres about 1900, in addition to his former purchase, making his holdings now aggregate one hundred and twenty acres of good land, well improved and under a high state of cultivation.

Politically, Mr. Bratton is a Republican, and he takes an active interest in party afifairs. He was trustee of Walnut township from 1905 to 1909, and has been twice on the township advisory board. In 19 12 he was nominated for county commissioner, but it was a bad year for his party, the whole ticket being defeated. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias at Mace, in which lodge he was Master of Exchequer for twenty years. He also belongs to the Tribe of Ben-Hur, the Modem Woodmen, and, religiously, the Presbyterian church. Mrs. Bratton is also a member of the Presbyterian church and of the Tribe of Ben-Hur.

Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bratton, namely : Ralph, born November 14, 1887, married Bessie Linn, and lives near Mr. Bratton's place in \\^alnut township, on a farm; Sherman is a veterinary surgeon and is practicing his profession at Walton, Cass county: Raymond is at home with his parents; Rulifif, now nine years old, is attending the district school. The other children all attended business college; Sherman was graduated in April, 1912, from McKillip Veterinary College, and has been very successful in the practice, getting a good start.

Leander M. Tribby

Leander J\I. Tribby, a leading agriculturist of Coal Creek township, Montgomery county, may well be classed among the representative farmers, to whose ambition, energy and intelligence much of our national prosperity is due. In all his transactions the worthy gentleman of whom we write has always displayed a scrupulous regard for the rights of others, has never been known to wilfully wrong or defraud another, and his reputation is unspotted ni financial circles. He gives intelligent heed to politics and other questions affecting the general good of his township and county and has long been regarded as a leader in local affairs. He is a gentleman of genial address and exemplar)' habits and, like most all the natives of the Blue Grass region, is a courteous and well-mannered gentleman, taking a delight in contributing to the happiness and well being of his neighbors and friends, and he also takes a delight in keeping untarnished the excellent name which the Triljby family has ever borne.

Mr. Tribby was born on December 28, 1848 in Kentucky, and there he spent his early boyhood years, being twelve years of age, when, in i<S6o, he accompanied his parents from his nati\e state to ^Montgomery county, Indiana, and here he has since been content to reside. He is a son of William and Mahala (Myers) Tribby. The father was born in Kentucky, and there he grew to manhood, was educated and spent most of his life, living only two years after coming to Indiana, his death occurring here in September, 1862. He devoted his life to farming for the most part, however, he was a carpenter by trade at which he worked in connection with farming. The mother of our subject was also born in Kentucky, and there grew to womanhood and received a common school education.

On September 29, 1896, Mr. Tribby was married to Mrs. Margaret (Wilson) Patton, who had been previously married. She was a daughter of John and Nancy Coons, mentioned elsewhere in this \olume. The wife of our subject was born on March 21, 1862. She was reared on the home farm and was educated in the common schools.

Mr. Tribby began farming for himself early in life and he soon had a good foothold, and succeeding years has found him further advanced until he is today one of the successful and well known general fanners and stock raisers of the northwestern part of the county. He is the owner of a finely improved and highly cultivated farm of two hundred and twenty- four acres in Coal Creek township. His fields are well-tilled, well fenced and otherwise in up-to-date condition. On the place stands a splendid set of outbuildings, including a commodious and neatly furnished residence whicli ^Mr. Tribby himself built. It is in the midst of attractive surroundings.

Politically, Mr. Tril3l>y is a Democrat and he has always been more or less active in local public affairs, and he served his township very acceptably as supervisor in 1908. Fraternally, he belongs to the Knights of Pythias at the town of New Richmond, and in religious matters he holds membership with the Methodist Episcopal church.

John M. White

Biography, more than anything else, commands the most interested attention for the reason that it is a record of those who, in times gone by, traveled the thorny pathway of life as companions, accpaintances, friends or relatives. To preserve from forgetfulness the simple story of their experiences and record their acts, however uneventful, is a task attended with much pleasure to the writer and fraught with great good to humanity. Especially is this the case when the subject has passed the allotted three score and ten and, like some grand old forest trees, its companions all gone - stands alone, crowned with the weight and honors of years, calmly awaiting the change that soon will cause its once proud form to lie as low as its fellows.

One of the venerable citizens and successful farmers of Montgomery county is John M. White, of Ripley township, who was born in Covington, Fountain county, Indiana, December 25, 1838, a son of William B. and Elizabeth White, both natives of Tennessee. William White, the paternal grandfather, was a soldier in the war of 1812. He came to Sullivan county, Indiana, in 181 7, subsequently leaving there and moving to Fountain county, locating on Coal Creek, finally moving to Vermillion county, this state, where he spent the rest of his life, his death occurring there on January 10. 1847.

The following children were born to William B. White and wife, named as follows: Albert F. is deceased; James A., Mandy Lorina is deceased; Horace H. is deceased; Elmira S., John M., of this review; Thomas Franklin is deceased; William Bloomer.

John M. White received his education in the public schools, and he grew to manhood on the home farm, where he did his share of the work. Early in life he took up farming, which he has continued to the present time, being still active. He is now the owner of two hundred and eight acres of productive and well improved land, on which he has carried on general farming and stock raising with much success.

Mr. And Mrs. John M. White

ter of David and Rebecca (Balse) Wert, and to this union five children were born, namely : Edgar and Aartm are both deceased ; Wilham E. is teaching in the .Manio schools : Alonzo lives in Waynetown, Indiana ; Jesse is teaching in tile university at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Tile wife and mother passed to her eternal rest on November lo. 1892. and on Feliruary j8. 1894, Mr. White married Emma Hatt, daughter of Joseph \'. and Mary (Keyes) Ilatt, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Delaware; they are both now deceased. This last union of the subject and wife has been without issue.

l-'ew residents uf .Montgumery cuunty arc as well and fa\i)rably known as the enterijrising farmer and reprcsentati\e citizen, liut now retired from acti\e labor, whose life story is hrieHy tuld in the following lines, and none stand higher than he in the esteem and confidence of the communit}- in which he resides and for the material advancement of which he has dexoted much of his time and influence. The family of which he is an honorable representative has been identified with the history of this section of the state for many years, his ancestors having come here in an early day and taken a prominent part in the uplmilding and dexelopment of the county. That the early settlers of Montgomery county and their descendants have done their work well goes without saying, and to them the present generation is indebted for the present high standard of civilization and improvement w hich is everywhere in evidence throughout the county. The subject of this sketch, during his active years, took a prominent part in this work of develoi)nient, in which his efforts were rewarded with a due meed of success, and today, as he descends the western slope of life's journey, he can look back in pleasant retrospect over the trail of the past years, recalling with jjleasure the daxs when, as one of the sturdy band who were building a new country here in the West, he latored and toiled for the benefit of those who might come after him. He is now enjoying that rest which his former years of arduous toil so richly entitle him to.

John Parks E\-erson was i)orn on ()ctol)er 30, 1841, on a farm in L'nion township. Montgomery county, Indiana, the place of his birth being now in- eluded in the corporate limits of Crawfordsville. He is a son of George W. and Rachel (Hankins) Everson, and a grandson of Jacob Everson, who entered a tract of government land near Whitesville in an early day. George Everson was born probably in Pennsylvania, and lost his mother by death when he was quite young. From Pennsylvania he went to Butler county, Ohio, where he was married to Rachel Hankins. About 1832 he and his wife, together with his father, Jacob Everson, came to Montgomery county, George renting the Jonathan Powers farm, at the edge of Crawfordsville, and it was there that the subject of this sketch was born and reared. Crawfordsville at that time was a very insignificant place, comprising a land office and a log court house, with a few stores and residences, the latter being of the primitive type common in those days. There was no market there for farm products, the farmer being compelled to take his stuff to Lafayette or Terre Haute. Settlers in this section at that time were far apart and wild animals, such as wild hogs, deer and wolves, were numerous and often a menace to the new settlements. U|>on the death of Jacob Everson, his son, George, bought the interests of the other heirs to the home farm which the former had entered near Whitesville, and on that place the subject of this sketch spent the last years of his young manhood. Only eight or ten acres of the tract were cleared when they went to li\'e on it, and this was the poorest and highest part of the farm. When the lowlands were cleared and drained they proved to be the richest and most producti\'e portion of the estate. There George Everson spent the rest of his days, his death occurring in 1887, when eighty-one years old. His wife had passed away in April, 1878.

In the clearing, improving and cultivation of this farm. John P. Everson took an active and prominent part. In 1861 he was married, at which time he rented a farm near Wliitesville and began life on his own account. He was fairly successful in his efforts, continuing the pursuit of agriculture until 1880, when he quit farming and, buying a saw-mill at Whitesville, he was engaged in the lumber business there during the following seven years. He then sold out there and went to Crawfordsville, where for a number of years he was successfully engaged as a lumber buyer for several concerns. He devoted himself to this employment for about five years, at the end of which period he returned to Whitesville and resumed farming. In November, 1905, Mr. and Mrs. Everson came to Scott township and have since then made their home with their daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Byrd. Mr. Everson is the owner of a small farm in Clark township, this county, which he rents.

FratLTiially, Mr. l*I\erson lias l)een a iiK-mljcr nf tlio Indcpcndcnl Order of Odd J-'ellows for about thirty-tivc years, and he and liis wife arc earnest members of the Cliristian church at Ladot;a. For about thirty-five years Air. Everson was a member of the Indiana Horse Thief Detective .\ssociation, and as a captain of a sijuad he did much etTecti\e work for the association. At one time he discovered a store being robbed and. ruunini; in. grabbed tlie burglar single-handed, and while struggling with iiini tiic owner of the store came in and shot the burglar dead. At anotiier time, wiiiie engaged in the capture of a thief, eighteen sliots were fired. He had many other exciting and often dangerous experiences while engaged in the woric of the association and was consideretl one of the most courageous and efticient members.

In 18O1 John P. Everson was united in marriage witli Reltecca A. ('.untie, who was born near Whitesville, L'nion township, Montgomer\- countv, the daughter of George Guardian Guntle antl Rebecca .\. (Bailev) Guntle. Her father, who was born in Little York, Pennsylvania, was a son of Jonathan and Julia Ann (Sneivley) Guntle, natives of Germany, who, to pay for their passage across the ocean to this country, were put on the auction block and their services for three months sold to the highest bidder. George G. and Rebecca Guntle came to Montgomery county in 1832, traveling in a wagon, and locating near Whitesville on the 5th of September. Here Air. Guntle en.tered a tract of government land, on which not a stick had ever been disturbed, and here Mr. Guntle at once entered upon the task of creating a home in the wilderness. While he was getting a sjjace cleared for a cabin, the family lived in their wagon, not ha\ing even a bedstead. When tlie cabin logs were in place, the cracks between were filled w ith mud, anrl in this [irimitive home they began life, their experiences being much the same as those of other pioneers in this new country. There these parents spent the remainder of their days, aiid it was in this humble home that Mrs. Everson was born and reared, six children having been born to her parents before thev came to this countrv-. To Mr. and Mrs. Everson were born five children, namely : James W., Isom and Joseph E. are living; Charles A. died at Hoojicston, Illinois, in May, 1903, leaving a widow and eigiit children, who now make their home at Hammond, Indiana; Hattie B. is the wife of Thomas J. P,yrd. of Scott township, with whom Mr. and Mrs. Everson make their home and who is mentioned elsewhere in this work.

In 191 1 Mr. and Airs. Everson celebrated the golden anniversarv of the marriage, and it was an enjoyable occasion, a large number of guests being present to offer their congratulations to their old friends. Mr. and Mrs. Everson both enjoy excellent health, retaining to a remarkable degree their physical and mental faculties. Because of their sterling (|uaUties of character, tliey are held in the highest esteem throughout the community which has been honored by their residence for so many years.

Daniel Smith

Among the venerable farmers of Montgomery county, no one is more worthy of a place in her chronicles than is the gentleman of \vhom this is a life record, as he is a member of a family whose history has been closely connected with that of this region for more than half a century. Daniel Smith, of Ripley township, who has attained the advanced age of eightythree years, has proved a very useful acquisition to the citizenship of the count}- since he took up his abode here, his ability as a farmer making him a valuable assistant in maintaining and extending the most important of the industries of this region. He is a self-made man in the broadest sense of the word and the architect of his own fortune. He has been a resident of the Wabash Valley country for many decades, and during that time has been one of the chief promoters of its upward progress, laboring harmoniously with other co-workers in the march of improvements, and winning, in his efforts for the common good, the esteem of the community by whom he has been surrounded, and he in every way is deserving of the high regard in which he is universally held, for his life had been carefully lived with regard to right and wrong, and he has been helpful to his neighbors.

Mr. Smith was born in the state of Ohio, on December i, 1827. He is a son of Solomon and Jane (Marshall) Smith. Th father of the subject was a farmer all his life, and he settled in Ohio in a very early day. His family consisted of six children, of whom Daniel, of this review, is the only one living.

Daniel Smith grew to manhood on the home farm, and there worked hard when a boy, for the sons of all pioneers had plenty to do in developing the virgin soil and winning a living from resisting Nature. He had scarcely any opportunity to obtain an education, schools being scarce in his time and were taught only a few months in the winter time. However, later in life, he read extensively and became a well informed man on current topics.

Thomas, who was born in Ohio April 17, 1838. Siie proxed to be a very faithful helpmeet, and she was called to her eternal rest on April 17, 1905.

Seven children were born to Daniel Smith and wife, five of wliom are still living, namely : Edward, How^ard, Hamlet, Lenley, who is postmaster at Alamo, this county ; Daniel is deceased ; George is also deceased ; and Estella, the 3'oungest, married Hari'y Cheney, and they have one child, Ruth. They live with the subject and Estella keeps house for her father.

Mr. Smith learned the carpenter's trade when a young man, and he became a very skilful workman, his services being in great demand. He followed his trade until he was fifty years old, when he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, purchasing the farm which he still owns in Ripley township, and here he has become quite well established, and has engaged successfully in general farming and stock raising. He is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres, well improved and under a fine state of cultivation, Mr. Smith having made all the improvements himself. He has a pleasant home and good outbuildings. His land is all tillable, and it has been so well looked after that it has retained its original fertility and strength of soil. Although now one of the patriarchs of the country, he is comparatively well preserved, and looks after his farm and live stock in a general way. He attributes his long life and his health to steady and temperate habits and right thinking. He first came to Montgomery county in 1835, and since then has been one of our most enthusiastic citizens, and has lived the life of a good citizen in every respect.

Politically, Mr. Smith is a Republican; however, he has never been much of a worker politically. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic Order at Alamo, and he is a member of the Presbvterian church.

The gentleman of whom tlie biographer now writes is widely known as one of the honored citizens of ]\Iontgomery count\-. for Mr. McCrca lias been actively identified with the agricultural interests of Coal Creek township for many years and has been interested in public affairs. His well directed efiforts in the practical things of life, his capable management of his own business interests and his sound judgment have brought to him prcjsjjerit} , and his life demonstrates what may be accomplished by a man of energy and ambition who is not afraid of work and has the aml>ition to continue Jiis labors, (70 even in the face of seemingly discouraging circumstances. Mr. McCrea has been content to spend his long life in the Hoosier state, and he is truly a product of piuneer days, for having been born here more than three quarters of a century ago, he has li\ed through the wonderful epoch of change that has taken place, and he recalls many interesting incidents of his earlv life in the woods when practically even-thing was different from what it is today. He is now living practically retired from the acti\e duties of life, merel}' o\erseeing his fine farm in a general way, the actual work being done by renters, and his declining years are singularly free from wants and cares. He is one of our honored \eterans of the Ci\ il war that rendered conspicuous service to the Union.

Ed. T. McCrea was born on April 20, 1836 in Shelby county, Indiana. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Templeton) McCrea. The father was born in the state of New York in 1787, and his death occurred in Indiana on March 18, 1859. He was a tanner by trade, and he also followed farming. He spent his early life in his nati\e state, finally remo\ing to Shelby county, Indiana, where lie estahlished the future home of tlie family. The mother of our suliject was born in 1805, and her death occurred in March, 1852. Ten children were lK)rn to John and Elizabeth McCrea, six of whom are still living.

Ed. T. McCrea grew to manhood in Shelby county. thi§ state, assisting with the general work about the place, and he received a common school education. On July 30, 1867 he was united in marriage to Jessie L. Draper, who was born on February 22, 1846. She is still living.

Three children have been born to our subject and wife, namely : Edward H., who is the possessor of rare natural talent as a musician, lives at home: William, who married ]\Iary Copeland lives in Greentown, above Koroma : John married Mary A. Hadley, and they live in Coal Creek township, this county.

Mr. McCrea worked with his father in the tanning business for some time when a young man, later launching out in the general merchandise business which he was engaged in at the commencement of the Civil war. He gladly left a growing business and the comforts of home and went out amid the horrors of war in order to do what he could toward suppressing the hosts of treason, and he endured the hardships of camp, march and battle. On August 28, 1 861 he enlisted in Company D, Thirty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, at Shelbyville, and was at once elected captain of that company. He served in Kentucky and Tennessee, then from Cumberland Gap returned

After his career in tlie army Mr. McCrea reliUMied to Indiana and took uj) i^eneral farming and stock raising, making a .specialty at one time of Pokingus Black cattle, he having been the first man in i\!ontgomer\' county that raised this popular breed for sale, and he became way. Owing to the superior grade of his cattle the> market.

Mr. McCrea is now the owner of one of the linesl townshi]), consisting of one hundred and si.xty acres, a high state of impro\'ement. He ga\e each of his childi one time owned four lumdred acres. He is now reti' land.

Politically, he is a Progressive and is much interested in the new movement. He has long taken a leading interest in pujjlic affairs, and has wielded a potent influence for good in his locality in a ci\il way. He was a trustee in his county for one term, and was a representative to the legislature two terms, during which he did much for the permanent good of his locality and won the hearty commendation of his constituents. Fraternall}-, he belongs to the Masonic Order at Xew Richmond. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal clnuxh, Ijeing a trustee in the same.

Edward S. Miller

A representative young farmer of Madison township, Montgomery county, who is succeeding at his chosen life work l^ecause he is willing to work hard and persistently and deal honestly with his fellow men. He is quick to adopt any new method pertaining to his work. He is the scion of one of the honored and well known old families of this locality, and he has ever made an effort to keep the good name of the same untarnished.

Mr. Miller was born in Alontgomery county, Indiana, May 24. 1878. He is a son of David S. and Sarah Miller. These parents were both natives of the state of Pennsylvania, where they grew to maturit\-, recei\ed their educational training in the old-fashioned .schools and tliere were married. They came to Montgomery count}', Indiana, in an early day and settleil in

Edward S. Miller, of this review, grew to manhood in his native locality and assisted with the general work on the home place, and received his education in the common schools, then took up general fanning and is still actively engaged, having become very well established.

Mr. Miller was married on December 25, 1892, to Maud Weller, daughter of John T. and Mina (Lynch) Weller. Her father was a native of Indiana, and her mother was born in Ireland, from which country she emigratgd to the United States when young in years, and here she met ad married Mr. Weller. They settled in Union township, Montgomery county, in an early day, and here they became well established through their industry and spent the rest of their lives here. Their family consisted of three children, two of whom are still living.

Mr. Miller has never taken an active part in public afifairs and has never held office. Eraternally, he belongs to the Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Eellows. both at Linden. Religiously, he is a member of the Methodist church.

Capt. Henry H. Talbot

The respect which should always be accorded the brave sons of the North who left their homes and the peaceful pursuits of civil life to give their services, and their lives if need be, to preserve the integrity of the Union is certainly due Capt. Henry H. Talbot, one of the successful agriculturists and esteemed citizens of Montgomery county. He proved his love and loyalty to the government on the long and tiresome marches in all kinds of situations, exposed to summer's withering heat and winter's freezing cold, on the lonely picket line a target for the bullets of the unseen foe, on the tented field and amidst the flame and smoke of battle, where the rattle of the musketry mingled with the terrible concussion of the bursting shell and the deep diapason of the cannon's roar made up the sublime but awful chorus of death. To the heroes of the "grand ami}-" all honor is due: to them the country is uiuler a debt of gratitmlc which it cannot i)ay, and in centuries yet to be posterity will commemorate their ciiivalry in fitting eulogy and tell their knightly deeds in story and song. To this rapidly vanishing host into the phantom army of the silent land belongs the gentleman whose name appear?, at the head of this article, still left with us to thrill us with reminiscences of those stirring times of the early sixties.

Capt. Talbot was born at Lexington, Fayette count}-. Kentucky, September 6, 1841. He is a son of Courtney and Elizabeth (Harp) Talbot. The father was born on September 3, 1804 in Bourbon county, Kentucky, and the mother was born in Fayette county, that state, on July 14, 1813. Nicholas Talbot, the paternal grandfather, was born in Virginia, November 10, 1781. John Kennedy, the great grandfather of our subject, was born October 16, 1742, and he served in the Revolutionary war. Cai)t. Talbot has a copy taken from record for a grant of land of two tliousand and se\en hundred acres located on Kennedy's creek, Bourbon county, Kentucky. It was issued in favor of his great grandfather, John Kennedy, ami liis brother Joseph Kennedy, the same land being located and surveyed by Alaj. Daniel Roone, October 16, 1779.

Capt. Talbot received such education as the early times in which he was a boy afforded, and early in life he took up farming which he has always followed, and he is now the owner of a large, productive and finely improved farm near Crawfordsville on which he has long carried on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale. He has always taken a great deal of interest in preparing a good grade of li\e stock for the market. He has a pleasant home in the midst of attractive surroundings, and it is his intention to spend the rest of his days amid rural scenes, being a great lover of nature in all her forms and it is his hope that his last \'iew of earth will lie on wa\ ing grain fields and blooming meadow lands.

While his father was the owner of many slaves, Captain Talbot enlisted for service in the Federal army in the first call for three months' troops at the outbreak of the war. Later, as a member of Company C. Seventh Kentucky Cavalry, on June i, 1862, he saw much hard service, but, according to his comrades, he proved to be faithful and gallant no matter how arduous or dangerous the tasks assigned him. His first battle was at Richmond, Kentucky, August 30, 1862, and afterwards he was in scores of battles and skirmishes, his hardest service being against Longstreet around Knoxville, Tennessee, in the winter of 1863-64. He participated in the Atlanta campaign, and was in the great Wilson cavalry raid, which started from Eastport,

Mississippi, and the regiment to which our subject belonged found itself in Florida at the end of that undertaking. Our subject was in the last battle of the war at Westpoint, Georgia, April i6, 1865. For meritorious conduct he was twice promoted, first to second lieutenant and secondly, to the captaincy of his regiment, and as an officer he won the confidence and respect of his men and superior officers. During his military career he was twice wounded, once through the right breast and once through the right leg. He was mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee, July 17, 1865. Captain Talbot was the only one of his family in Kentucky to join the Union army, others of his relatives joining the Confederate army.

After his career i nthe army Captain Talbot returned home, and resumed farming, later coming to Montgomery county. Indiana, where he has since resided. He was married on June 6, 1872 to Hettie A. Evans, daughter of Rev. Samuel and Mary (Woodrufif) Evans, of Waveland, Indiana. To this union the following children were born : May Wood Talbot and Ethel Talbot Sparks, the last named is the widow of the late ^^'allace Sparks, formerly clerk of Montgomery county.

Captain Talbot has been a Republican for the past fifty years, however in the campaign of '1912 he allied himself with the Progressi\-e party under Colonel Roosevelt. He has served one term as county councilman.

Captain Talbot is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and he served two terms as post commander of McPherson Post, No. 7, at Crawfordsville. Fraternally, he belongs to. the Masonic Order, having been a Mason for the past fifty years, holding membership with Montgomery Lodge, No. 50. He is a member of the Rural Detectives, and in this organization he had the honor of constructing its secret work.

Montgomery county can boast of few more progressive and successful agriculturists, stock dealers and business men than the well known gentleman whose name furnishes the caption of this review. He has long been considered one of the leading farmers of Browns A'alley and as a citizen is intelligent and enterprising, combining within himself those sterling qualities of manhood that make not only a useful meml^er of society, but a leader m whatever he undertakes. He has ever had an honest determination of purpose and an obliging nature which impels him to assist others on the higli-

Mr Lawerence is the scion oi a fine old Southern family, many of whose winniniL; ])ersonal attributes he seems to have inherited, lie was horn jnl\ 7. 1857 in Montgomery county, X'irginia, and there he ,i;rew to manhood, received his educational training and remained in the ( )ld Dominion until he was twenty years old when he came to Indiana where he has since reniained. He is a son of Francis W. and (".ertrude ((irills) Lawerence, hoth natives of Virginia, the father's hirth having occurred in March. iSjfi, and he died in October, 1895; the mother was bom in 1828, and her death occurred in 1884. The father of our subject was a carpenter by trade. His family consisted of eight children, five of whom are still living.

Ed. Lawerence, of this sketch, was married on August i, 1880, "In Martha A. Bennett, a native of Indiana. Her death occurred on February 15, 1890. On Noveniljer 26th of that year, Mr. Lawerence married Kate Armstrong, who was born in Montgomery county, this state, and here she grew to womanhood and was educated. She is a daughter of a highly respected old family.

Four children constituted our subject's family, two of whom arc still living. One of these children was liy the first wife, the other three by the second. Thev were named: Frank, who is deceased: W'illa is li\ing at home; Marv Fern and Forest E., twins, the latter being deceased.

;\lr. Lawerence began life for himself as a farmer and this he has continued to follow to the present time in connection with the stock and grain business, in all of which he has been very successful. He was located at the town of New Market, shipping cattle, hogs and shee]). and buying and selling grain. He built up a very extensive business and is widely known all over this section of the .state. He is the owner of two hundred and forty acres of fine land in Brown township, all tillable but about thirt\-two acres. It is well tiled, in fact, modernly improved in e\ery way, ami on the ])lace stand a substantial and convenient set of buildings.

Mr. Lawerence in his fraternal relations is a member of the Masonic Order at Waveland. the Independent Onler of Odd Fellows at Xew Market. Politically, he is a Democrat and he has long been an influential factor in local political affairs, lieing a leader in his part. He was elected sheriff of Montgomery county in 1906. and served in that capacity for a period of four years in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned, irresi>ecti\e of party alignment, in fact, according to the consensus of opinion he proved to be one of the most faithful and popular officials the county has ever known. He looked after the interests of the people v^'ith just the same care and sound discretion that has always characterized his personal life. No shadow of suspicion ever rested on his official record, and he fearlessly and impartially discharged his duties under the law, as he saw and understood the right. Personally, he is a man of pleasing address, genial, obliging and neighborly, and he has so ordered his everyday life that he has won the confidence and good will of all with whom he has come into contact.

The writer of biography dealing in the personal liistory of men engaged in the various afifairs of everyday life, occasionally finds a subject whose record commands exceptional interest and admiration and especially is this true when he has achieved more than ordinai-y success or made his influence felt as a leader of thought and a benefactor of his kind. Dr. Charles Tinsley Bronaugh, of New Ross, Montgomery county, is eminently of that class who earn the indisputable right to rank in the van of the army of progressive men by reason of a long and strenuous career devoted to the good of his fellows, to the alleviation of their physical sufferings, he occupies a position of wide influence and has made a name during his more than a quarter of a century of practice in Walnut township which will long live in the hearts of the people. During the latter decades of the period of development of this section he has been not only a successful practitioner, but has aided in whatever way possible for the betterment of the condition of the people, and his name has become a household word throughout the locality.

Dr. Bronaugh was born in Gerard county, Kentucky, March 19, 1854. He is a son of Robert N. and Mary (Taylor) Bronaugh. The father was born in 1819 in Hendricks county, Indiana, and there also, in the same year, the mother was bom. They both grew to maturity in their native county and received common school educations, and there they were married, subsequently removing to Kentucky where they resided until 1863 when they moved back to Lizton, Hendricks county, where they spent the rest of their lives. Their family consisted of seven children, namely: Elizabeth C. is the eldest; Nancy, George T., are both deceased: Charles T.. of this review; Mary V., John W. are both deceased ; James is the youngest.

Dr. Bronaugh was educated in the coninion schools of Hendricks county, and early in life he determined upon a medical career and began to prepare for the same, subsequently entering the Indiana College of Medicine at Indianapolis from which he was graduated with the class of 1884, and he at once began practicing at the village of New- Ross, Montgomery county, remaining here continuously to the present time, building up a very extensive and lucrative practice during this period of nearly thirty years.

The doctor was married in 1889 to Sadie Everson, daughter of James K. and Hannah Everson. Hers is one of the oldest and best known families of the county. The death of Mrs. Bronaugh occurred in 1890, without issue.

Politically, Dr. Bronaugh is a Democrat. He held the office of county coroner for two terms in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Rebekahs.

Isaac Newton Meharry

It has been well said l)y one of the great writers of (ilden times that the deeds of men live after them, so it is but just that the deeds of tlie man whose name heads this sketch should be remembered for the benefit of his posterity. His life was such that the future generations of the name will with pride read its history. He was a self-made man, possessing a large store of general knowledge and good business tact, and with a determination that was characteristic of the man, he set al)out when a l)oy making for liimself fortune and an honored name at the same time. With industry for his motto, he plodded up the rugged hill that leads to success, and became one of the most substantial farmers and prosperous citizens in the northwestern part of Montgomery county, leaving behind him a large and valuable landed estate, but what is more to be appreciated by his family and descendants, the record of an honored life and untarnished name, Mr. Meharry liaving a number of years ago been gathered into the sheaves of that grim reaper who. in the lines of the poet Longfellow, "Reajjs the bearded grain at a breath and the flowers that grow between." The life of such a man lias a wholesome influence on the comunity whicii he lionored 1>\- his citizenship.

I 130 Montgomery Couxtv, Indiana

gate, was born 011 l*>briiary 16. 1842. at the home where liis widow now resides, near the town of W'ingate. Coal Creei< township, this county. He was a son of Thomas and Eunity ( Patton ) Meharr}-. Thomas Meharry was horn in Ohio and his wife in West Virginia, August 16. 1802. They were married in Brown county. Ohio. Deceml)er 4. 1827, where she had moved with her parents at the age of ten years. In the spring of 1828, they left the Buckeye state and came to Montgomery county, Indiana, here establishing the permanent liome of the family, developing a good farm by their industry and close application, and here they spent the rest of their lives, the father dying in 1874 and the mother's death occurred on August 7, 1887, while on a visit in Fountain county. They were the parents of seven children, all now deceased but two daughters. Their children were named as follows ; Mrs. Jane P. Dick, of Tolono. Illinois ; William, who lived in Tolono, deceased; Mrs. Ellen Martin, of Attica. Indiana; Jesse, who lived at Tolono, Illinois, deceased: A. P., who also lived there, deceased; Isaac Newton, of this memoir, and Abraham T. were twins; the latter is also deceased.

Isaac X. Meharry's career was somewhat unusual in that the place of his birth, his iiome during life, and the place of his death are located within the enclosure of his late home, and within a radius of twenty-five feet. He assisted with the general work on the home farm as he was growing to maturity, and in the winter months he attended the common schools, studying one year at Wesley Chapel ; in fact, it may be said that he remained a student the rest of his life, being a wide reader, and he became a well informed man.

He was married to Mary Elizabeth Moore, September 16, 1863, and their married life proved to be one of continued happiness and sunshine. She was born on June 13. 1845, in Brown count}-, Ohio, and she was two years old when her parents brought her to Indiana, and here she grew to womanhood and received her education in the common schools. She has lived in the vicinity of Wingate since she was nine years of age. Her parents were Henry Wilson Moore and Maria (Davidson) Moore. They were the parents of four children, two of whom are still living.

To Mr. and ^Irs. Meharry were born ten children, four of whom are still living, namely; Mrs. Effie Rebecca Meredith is living in Kansas; Etta Lulu is deceased; Annie Mary is living at home; Jennie M. married Charles Fraley and she is deceased ; John Abraliam. who married Jessie Carter, is living at Shawnee Mound. Indiana; Carrie M. is deceased; Vinton Switzer,

Isaac Meharry devoted iiis life to a.t^ricultural jiursuits and stuck raisinj;' with ever-increasing success until he hecanie one of the leaders in his Nocation in this section of the county, and he left four hundred and fortx-funr acres of well improved and valualile land in Coal Creek township. This his widow still owns and it is being managed successfully. She has a large pleasant home and on the place is al.so a substantial and convenient set of c nitbuildings. At this home occurred the death of Governor Matthews. An excellent grade of li\e stock is ke])t at all seasons and a general farming business is carrietl on extensi\ely.

The Council Gro\e Horse Thief Detective Association was organized in an okl locust gro\e (in Mr. Meharry"s farm, our subject hax'ing been one of its organizers, and he did much to make it successful. It was the first association organized in the L'nited States. Politically, he was a Republican, hut he was not in any sense a ])ublic man, being content to lead a (juiet life on his fine farm.

"The death of Isaac N. Meharr\- occurred on December lo, 1904, at the age of sixty-two years, nine months and twenty-six days. Mr. Meliarry was con\-erted and joined the Methodist Episcopal church at Shawnee Mound under the pastorate of Rev. S. P. Colvin, during a series of meetings in January, iS^o and since that time he lix'ed a useful, true and exemplar}- Christian life.

"He was a trustee and steward of Shawnee church for al)out twenty years continuously. As a husband he was true and faithful. As a father he was loving and kind and good in the truest sense. As a citizen he was honorable, trustworthy, upright and public-spirited. The people knew him as a warm-hearted, true and earnest man.

"A man of strong friendships of a .strictly moral life. For many years he suffered from ill health, which interfered to some extent with his plans and desires. He was ]iresident of the l~armer's liank at \\'ingate during the last two years of his life, holding that office at the time of his death.

"The funeral services were held in the jiresence of a large circle of relatives and friends. The funeral decorations were many and beautiful. The body was laid to rest in the Meharry cemetery located on the farm on which he was born."

John W. Miller

One of the leading citizens of New Ross and that section of Montgomery county who has done much for the development of the same and who has succeeded in various fields of endeavor is John W. Miller, trustee of his township and a leader in the same in both a business and public manner. He is a man who has taken a great delight in the momentous changes that have been noted here since he was a boy, for he is one of our worthy native sons and has been content to spend his life in his native community, and, judging from the large success that has attended his efforts he has been wise in this, however he would doubtless have succeeded in any locality where he might have cared to direct his energies, for he is by nature the possessor of those qualities that never fail to win in what the poets are pleased to call the battle of life.

Mr. Miller was born at Ladoga, this county, on December 9, 1849. He is a son of Isaac N. and Nancy A. (Corn) Miller. The father was born in Greene county, Ohio, September 13, 1826, and the mother was a native of Montgomery county, Indiana, where her birth occurred on October 26, 1829. Her parents came from Shelby county, Kentucky, to Montgomery county, Indiana, as early as 1820 hence were among the first settlers, locating in Scott township. Isaac N. Miller came to this county in 1848 and settled at Ladoga. He was a carpenter by trade which he followed here until 1856 when he moved into the woods in Walnut township where he cleared and improved a farm.

Five children were born to Isaac N. Miller and wife, namely : John W., of this review; George A., Henry A., Albert A. is deceased; and Benjamin F.

John W. Miller assisted his father with his work when he was growing to manhood and he received his education in the common schools, after which he spent a year in the Ladoga Seminary. He had decided upon a career as teacher and thus well equipped for the same he followed that laudable work two years, and although he was making an excellent start, he saw that his bent was in another direction, the school room being too confining, and he took up farming which he followed with ever increasing success until 1908, owning and operating one of the choice farms in this part of the county of which he made a pronounced success, both as a general farmer and stock raiser. Upon the last mentioned date he retired from the active duties of life and moved to the village of New Ross, where he owns a pleasant home and where he is spending his latter years in quiet.

Catlierine (W'asson) Hall, both natives of Shelb}- county, Kentucky, where they spent their earlier _\ears, and from which they came to Alontt^oniery county, Indiana, in a very early day and settled in Brown township, where they spent the rest of their lives, becoming well located there.

Two children were born to our subject and wiie. namely: Minnie May married Alta B. Mercer, of Clark township; and Nancy Catherine, who died on August 20, 1898.

Politically, Mr. Miller is a Republican. He has been trustee of Walnut township for the past five years, giving satisfaction to all concerned. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge at New Ross, No. 397 ; and the Free and Accepted Masons at Crawfordsville. He and his family believed in the Baptist creed. He is a member of the board of directors of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Ladoga.

While Henry C. McGaughey, of Brown townshi]), Montgomery county, does not farm on as extensive a scale as some of his neighbors, yet it is safe to say that none of the tillers of the soil in the southern part of the county are getting greater returns for the labor expended on their land than he. Instead of hurriedly and carelessly operating over a ^-ast acreage, as some farmers do, he believes in smaller acreage tended well, and therefore devotes his careful attention to what land he has, making every foot produce something, without waste; but he does not deplete the strength of soil thereby, rotating his crops and building up his land, so that on the contrary, its value has increased, and he is making a very comfortable living.

Mr. ]\IcGaughey was born on December 4, 1854, in Putnam county, Indiana, and there he grew to manhood, assisted with the general work on the home farm when a boy, and received his education in the common schools, continuing to reside there until he removed to Brown township, Montgomery county, about twelve years ago. He is a son of Michael and Sarah (Lane) McGaughey. The father was born in Kentucky in 1804, and his death occurred in 1856 in Putnam county, this state, having come there from the Blue Grass country in an early day and devoted himself to farming. He died in the prime of life. His family consisted of twehe children, nine of whom are still living.

Henry C. McGaughey was married on I-'elirnary 24, 1882. to Martha E\erman, who was horn in Putnam county. Indiana. Xovemher 12. 1859, and tliere she grew to womanhood and received a good common schooPeducation. She is a daughter of James and Sarah ( Norman ) Everman. These parents were both natixes of Inchana.

To Mr. and Mrs. McGaughey have i:)een born eight children, six of wliom are still living, namely: Leona, born December 31, 1882, married Claude Jai-vis, and they live in Parke county, Arthur, born March 9, 1884, has remained single, and he is a promising young attorney of Crawfordsville; William, born March 13, 1886, married Edna Sewell, and they live in Montmomery county; Everett, burn July 3, 1889, died January 28, 1893: Edith, born January 14, 1891, has remained single and is at home with her parents; Celia, born March 25, 1893, died January 31. 1895: Raymond, born August 16, 1895 is engaged in farming; Inez, l)orn January 13. 1899. is attending school.

Mr. McGaughey has devoted his life to general farming and stock raising. He is the owner of eighty acres of good land in Brown township, which he keeps well improved and which is fairly well tiled. It is all under a high state of cultivation with the exception of about ten acres which is kept in pasture.

Politically. Mr. McGaughey is a Progressive, and has kept well informed on public matters. In religious affairs he belongs to the Christian churcli.

Tames D. Wilson

The agricultural districts of the great commonwealth of Indiana are the homes of wortliy men whose li\'es have been spent in such a manner as to win the respect of those with whom they associate, while their well-directed efforts have resulted in comfortable homes and many enjoyments. In Montgomery county frequent representatives of this class may 'be found, and one of them is he whose life history is briefly outlined in these paragraphs. James D. Wilson's home is located in Coal Creek township where he has a thoroughly tilled farm, whereon may be found such buildings as are made necessary to the extent of his work, or such as will increase the comfort of his home life. He owes his present prosperity solely to his own industiy, and in his career he has shown himself possessed of those faculties that are requisite to success - sagacity, far-reaching forethought and a practical tenacity of purpose.

.Mr. Wilson was horn in Montgomery connly on ()ctol)LT .:;(). 1S34, ami here he lias been content to spend his life, lielie\ing that near his own home exist opportunities as good if not better than exist for him elsewhere. Ik is a son of W. W. and Sophia ( Mc(iinnis) Wilson. These parents were both natives of the state of Ohio, however, they both came to Indiana when six years okl with their parents who settled in Montgomery county, the McChnnis family locating in Craw fordsville in a \ei"y early day. The parents of our subject grew to maturit_\- in this count}-, were etlucated and married here, and here the_\' spent their li\es on a farm, liecoming well estalilished through their industry. Eight children were born to them, named as follows: Albert M., who was the eldest; James D., of this sketch: Theodore E.. bAelyn, Harriet M., William H., Etta Alice and Lafayette D.

James D. Wilson grew to manhood in his nati\e community and receixed his education in the common schools, later entering Stockwell Academy. He applied himself assiduously to his text-books and made an excellent record. Aftter leaving school he began life for himself In- teaching, which \'ocation he followed successfully for a period of seven years, giving eminent satisfaction to both pupils and patrons, and his ser\-ices were in great demand. He ilid much to impro\e the educational conditions in the public schools of the county and became well known locally in this field of endeavor. But finally tiring of this line of work he turned his attention to farming and is still actix'e. He has been very successful as a general farmer and stock raiser and has become well established.

Mr. Wilson was married in 1879 to Mary J. McClamrock, daughter of James and Hannah (Breaks) McClamrock. Her father was a native of Hamilton county, Ohio, and the mother was born in Montgomery county. Indiana, her parents having been very early settlers in this locality. Mrs. W^ilson was reared to womanhood and educated in her nati\e commmiitx-.

Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, namely: Ethel married Frank Chadwick. and they live in Coal Ireek township: Stella lives at home; Ralph, who was killed on October 23, 19 10, in a football game in St. Louis, in a game between a St. Louis team and the Wabash College team, of Crawfordsville, Indiana. He was considered one of the fa.stest and most capable half-backs in the state at the time of his death. He was a young man of much promise and was popular.

Mr. Wilson has long been active in local puliHc afifairs, and he is at present trustee of Coal Creek township, antl he was formerly county commissioner for two terms. As a i)ublic servant he gi\es eminent satisfaction to all concerned, being faithful and honest in the discharge of his duty. Fraternally, he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, in which he is active and influential. In religious matters he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church and is at present a trustee in the same.

George Henry Cook

Success has come to George Henry Cook, farmer and stock raiser of Sugar Creek township, Montgomery county, because he has sought it along legitimate lines and has not loitered about waiting for fate to bring him a fortune on a golden platter, as it seems many of the ambitionless are doing. He was taught early in life that all labor is noble and that little is to be expected in this world without effort, continuous and rightly directed, so he has never had any partitcular qualms of conscience when he has had a task to perform, whether trivial or important. Not only has he been taught to work when work was to be done, but to do well, his very best, whatever was worthy the attention at all. Thus it is not to be wondered at that he has succeeded admirably at his chosen \ocation - that of agriculture - the noblest and most important of all vocations.

Mr. Cook was born in this township and county on March 24, 1871. He is a son of W. H. and Nancy (Wyatt) Cook. The father was born in Clermont county, Ohio, January 17, 1833, and on September 7th in that year and state the mother was also born. There they grew to maturity, received limited educations in the common schools and there they were married ; but not long afterwards, in the fall of 1866, they removed to Montgomery county, Indiana, and here they became well established on a farm, and here the father is still living. The mother passed to her eternal rest December 11, 1901. She was a native of the city of Cincinnati, and she became interested in church affairs when but a girl there, having joined the Methodist Episcopal church when ten years of age.

W. H. Cook was married a second time, his last wife being Emma Petro, who was a native of Montgomery county, and she is still living. Politically, Mr. Cook is a Republican, but has never been active in public life. His family consisted of ten children, all still living but one, named as follows : Edward A., John O. (deceased), William T., Eugene J., Grant W., Everett, Mrs. Hattie Schoen, George H. (of tliis sketch), !\Irs. Ellen Eppert. and Mattie.

George H. Cook grew to maiilnnKl on the lioiiic farm, and tliere did his share of the general work wlien a Ixiy. lie received a good common school education, also attended hig1i schnol. lie has remained unmarried, and is living with his father on the lioniestead, successfully carrying on general farming and stuck raising. The place consists <>f une hundred and t\\ent\- acres, of which eighty is owned by the father and fnrty by the sun. It is all tillable but about five acres, which is in timber. This land was entered fnmi the government by our .subject's grandfather in 1N33. William (Unk. having invaded the wilds of this locality when it was little <le\el<i|)ed and here he develo])e(l a good farm through hard work, and frum that early dav tu the present time the Cooks have Ijeen well and favurably knnwn nwr this section of the comity. That this land has been ably manageil is seen from the fad that the soil is today as strong as it e\er was and bounteous crops are annually gathered. Our subject's father has made most of the im])ro\-ements now seen on the place.

P'olitically, George H. Cook is a l\e])ublican. lie belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Xo. I4(), at narlington. and he has been secretary of the lodge for the past ten or twelve years, his long retention in this position being sufficient evidence of the trust reposed in him b\- his fellow citizens. He is a memlier of the Potato Creek Methodist Episcopal church and is assistant Sunday school superintendent there.

S.Amuel Joseph Millig.A.X.

It is a pleasure to talk to Samuel josej)!! .Milligan and get his story of the pioneer coalitions of Brcnvn township. Montgonier_\- counly. Indi.ina, where his long, successful and u.seful life has Ijeen spent, for he was a pioneer child. growing u]) when the country was little impro\cd. when homes were widel\- separated, when there were no bridges across the dangerous streams and indeed, ])ractieally no roads. It was the period ])efore the coming of the "iron trail." no shrill w-hi>tle of the locomotive being heard in the vast stretches of wildwdod, and it was a time when such lads a> lie had plenty of bard work to do in helping clear and develop the land. .Mr. .Milligan has always been a farmer and stock raiser and he has been successful, so that he is now enabled to li\e retired, enjoying the fruits of his former years of toil and good management. (72)

Mr. Milligan was born in Brown township, this county, on November 18, 1841, and he is a son of John and Lucinda (Ehnore) Milhgan, the father a native of Pennsylvania and the mother of Montgomery county, Indiana, her family originally coming from South Carolina, and were early settlers of Crawfordsville and were well known for many decades here, being active in the early civilization of the county. John Milligan, mentioned above, was a young man when he left his Pennsylvania home and came to Cass county, Indiana, and from there later removed to Montgomery county, establishing his future home at Crawfordsville, where he taught school for several terms, becoming one of the popular early teachers in this section. Later he moved to Brown township, settling east of the village of Waveland, which had at that time, however, not been founded. Later he had the honor of laying out that town, and here he l>ecame a prosperous merchant, his store being patronized by the inhabitants for miles around, and he did much, in fact, more than anyone else in the early development of Waveland. He continued to follow merchandising until he retired from active life. He was a man of large public-spirit, and he was largely instrumental in putting the first railroad through this locality, and lie did many other things that he will always be honored for.

The family of John Milligan consisted of nine children, namely: Edward M., Matilda J., Sarah E., Thomas E., John W., Mary Jane, Samuel Joseph (our subject), James B. and William. They are all now deceased with the exception of the subject of this review and William, the youngest of the family. John W. was a soldier in the L'nion army during the Civil war, serving three years in the Thirty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry.

Samuel J. Milligan had the advantages of a good common school education, later attending the Presbyterian Academy at Waveland. He then took up farming and has continued active as a general farmer and^tock raiser to the present time, having met with a large degree of success with the advancing years, as a result of his close application and good management. He owns a farm of about two hundred acres.

Mr. MiUigan was married on September 17, 1878 to Sarah E. Little, daughter of Alec and Anna (Bowen) Little, these parents being natives of Pennsylvania, and the family originally came from Scotland and Wales. The family of Alec Little and wife consisted of five children, namely : James W. was the eldest; Susan is the wife of Dr. J. E. Sterrett, a practicing physician of Los Angeles, California: Sarah E. (or Sally as she is familiarly

Nathan G. Kesler

In many respects the career of Nathan (i. Keslcr, for nian_\' decades one of the progressi\e agriculturists and stock men of Monegomery county, is peculiarly instructive in that it shows what a well defined purpose, supplemented by correct principles and high ideals, can accomplish in the face of discouraging circumstances. It is an example of triumph over obstacles, the winning of success by honorable methods, and as such may be safely followed by those whose life work is yet to be accomplished. He is a fine type of the sterling pioneer, having invaded the forests of this locality when settlers were none too numerous and when there was much to be done before a comfortable home could rise and good crops be reaped from the \irgin soil, but he is a man who has never permitted discouraging situations to influence liim, but forged ahead despite of them, and won not only material success. Init the good will and esteem of all who know him. By his upright and honorable career as a general farmer and citizen he has won the good will of his fellow citizens. It is always his endeavor to advance in every possible way the pulilic good, and this cannot be too highly commended, as it is only the narrowminded man who makes his chief object the acquisition of wealth, regardless of the rights and feelings of others.

Mr. Kesler was born in Botetourt county, Virginia, on January 8, 183S. He is a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (nraybill) Kesler. and the grandson of Jacob and Elizabeth (Shearer) Kesler. There were ten children in the family of whom Nathan G. was the fifth in urder of birth. He was eight years old when he accompanied his parents from the old famil\- homestead to Montgomery county, Indiana, making the long overland journey by wagon, at a time when wagon roads were few, when most streams were unbridged and they crossed but one railroad on the entire journey. Of this trip our subject recalls many interesting incidents, having a good recollection of the same. The family located in the northeastern part of Scott township, this county, where Benjamin Kesler purchased two hundred and forty acres of land, a small part of which had been cleared. Nearly, everybody in this locality at that time lived in log cabins, homes like the modern farm house were not to be found. Benjamin Kesler set to work on his virgin ground with a will and soon had a good farm developed and a comfortable home established, and here he spent the rest of his life, meeting death suddenly, being killed on the railroad in 1893. He had devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits. His wife preceded him to the grave in 1886. They were both members of the Dunkard church. Ten children were born to them, named as follows: John M., who devoted his life to farming but lived in Crawfordsville, died about 1905, leaving a widow who still lives in Crawfordsville; Eliza'beth married Samuel T. Kenney, moved to Iowa and later to Florida, where she died recently; Catherine, widow of Jacob Himes, deceased, lives in the northern part of Scott township; Solomon lives in Ladoga, Indiana; Nathan G., of this sketch ; Samuel, who died in April, 1910, lived in Ladoga, left a widow but no living children; Susan is the widow of Samuel C. Thompson, and she lives with her children near New Ross, this county; Mary is the wife of Washington Neff and they live in Ladoga; Nancy married William Mangus and thev live near Whitesville: Jacob, the youngest, lives on a farm near Ladoga.

Nathan G. Kesler grew to manhood on the home farm in this county and there worked when a boy, attending the district schools during the winter months. \\'hen twenty-one years old he began farming for himself on rented land, also farmed some on his father's land. In 1866 he married Mary Elizabeth Harshburger, daughter of Samuel Harshburger and wife. Six children were born of that marriage, namely ; Louie Lee lives with her sister, Mrs. Hester near New Market, this county; Samuel B., who remained unmarried, died in 1901 ; William Harry, who was in the clothing business both at Jamestown and Ladoga, sold out his stores in December, 1912, is now engaged in buying and selling real estate, has a fine home at Jamestown, and has three sons; Sarah J. who married Charles Buser lives in the northern part of Scott township on a farm and they have two children, Cline and Bennie ; John Milton, who lives alx)ut six miles south of Crawfordsville on a farm married Nora Davidson and they ha\-e three sons, Cl}-de and Claj-ton ; Elizabeth E. is the wife of Elmer Hester and they live on a farm near the center of the north line of Scott township, and they have one son, Donald.

The mother of the above named children was called to her eternal rest in 1905, and in 1909 Nathan G. Kesler married for his second wife, Mrs. Rosa (Frankebarger) Brookshire, widow of John Brookshire, deceased. Three children were born of her first union, namely : William lives on a farm in the southern part of Scott township; Sarah is at home with her mother and

Nathan G. Kesler has farmed all his life in ScoU townsliip. l^'.arly in his career he bonght a farm in the southern part of the township and lived there for a time, and, prospering from the first he eventually became the owner of a number of good farms, owning about fi\e hundred acres of valuable land at one time, a large part of which he dixitled among bis children. He has lieen a man of industry, sound judgment and cnter|)rise and be farmed and raised stock on a large scale. He is now li\ing in the soullieastern part of Section ii. Scott township. Me is a stockholder in the Farmers and Merchants Bank at Ladoga, also a stockholder in the Montgomery County Agricultural Society.

Politically. Air. Ke.sler is a Democrat and has lieen acti\e in the affairs of his party. He was trustee of Scott townsbi]i for three terms, having been elected first in 1880, again in 1882, and a third time in 1888. He gave eminent satisfaction in this capacity. He is a member of the Christian church, while his wife holds membership with the Baptist church.

Conspicuous among the representati\e business men and public-spirited citizens of Montgomery count}- is the well known gentleman whose name forms the caption of this article. Doren Clore, agriculturist and hardware merchant of W'aveland. Brown township, h.as made bis intluence felt for good in his community, being a man of sterling worth, whose life has lieen closely interwoven with the history of the communit\- in which he resides and whose efiforts have always been for the material adxancement of the same, as well as for the social and moral welfare of his fellow men. and the well regulated life he has led. thereby gaining the respect and admiration of all his fellowcitizens, entitling him to representation in a liiograpbical work of the scape intended in the present volume.

Mr. Clore was born in Moiitg-onier\- count}-. Indiana. Xo\-cml>er 24. 1852. He is a son of Simeon and Mary ( Lnsk ) Clore. The father was bori-i in the state of Kentuck}-. ii-i the year 1S21 and his death occurred on May 27. 1902. The rnother of our subject was born in Indiana in the year 1824 and her death occurred in 1859. These parents received very limited schooling, however, the father became a widely read man. He devoted his life successfully to general farming and stock raising. His family coiisistcd

Doren Clore was reared on the home farm and there he assisted with the general work about the place when a boy, attending the common schools in the wintertime. He has been content to spend his life in Montgomerycounty. He was married on September i, 1881 to Molly E. Gaines, a native of Boone county, Kentucky, having been born there on February 7, 1859. There she grew to womanhood and received a good common school education, subsequently attending Hamilton College at Lexington, thus becoming highly educated. She is a daughter of Alonzo and Mary (Christy) Gaines. The father was born on September 20, 1825, in Boone county, Kentucky, and his death occurred on January 26, 1885. The mother of our subject was also born in Boone county, Kentucky, on December i, 1826, and she was called to her rest on March 10, 1874. Alonzo Gaines received a very good education for those early days and he followed school teaching until his marriage, then turned his attention to farming and was very successful as a general farmer and stock raiser. He was a loyal Democrat, but he was not a public man, staying close to his work on the farm. He and his wife were highly honored in their community, known for their hospitality and neighborliness. Regarding the latter we quote the following lines which appeared in a home paper at the time of her death :

"Died March 10, 1874 at her home in Boone county, at the age of fortyeight years, after an illness of several months, Mrs. Mary Gaines, wife of Alonzo Gaines and daughter of Simeon and Olivia Christy. Mrs. Gaines had been a member of the Christian church for seventeen years. She was a good and true woman in all the walks of life; sympathizing and charitable, and illustrating in her own conduct all the higher Christian virtues. She was ever ready with means and counsel to assist all who laid claim to her aid or attention. As a church member she was the stay and support of the weak, and her wise counsel and affectionate admonitions encouraged the doubting and the timid. It may truly be said of her that she served well her Master. As a neighbor she will be sadly missed from the community from whose midst she has been taken, and as a wife and mother her husband and children have been bereft of a true and devoted friend whose equal they can never know on earth, and for whose loss there is no consolation save that to be found in the contemplation of a happy meeting in the realms of eternal bliss where her pure soul has found a resting-place in the bosom of her God."

Mr. Clore, of this review; and Alonzo, Jr. The hitter was Ijcmii <in May jj, l86i. He married Addie Utz, and he has continued to reside in lioune county, Kentuck)-, where he is engaged in fanning.

Doren Clore has devoted his active Hfe to general farming and stocl-: raising in southwestern Montgomery county and now in addition he owns a half interest in a hardware store in Waveland. A large trade is carried on with the surrounding country, and as a farmer he has been \ery successful. He lives in Waveland where he has a fine modern home, attractive and commodious, containing ten neatly furnished rooms. Through his able management and close application, Mr. Clore has become one of the substantial men of his community. Politically, he is a Progressive.

Thomas Jefferson Allxutt

Another of the sterling Kentuckians who left their fair native land and braved the wilds of Montgomery county, Indiana, and did much for the subsequent upbuilding of the same was the late Thomas Jefferson Allnutt, a man of many commendable qualities, whose plain, honest life resulted in no little good to his community in many ways.

Mr. Allnutt was born in Owen county, Kentucky, June 15, 1838. He was a son of Ninian and Mary Ann Allnutt, both natives of Kentucky, the father born in 1785 and died on September 26, 1858; the mother was born in 1792, and died on February 16, 1858.

The subject of this memoir grew to manhood on the home farm and he lived with his parents until their deaths, remaining in his native state.

When the Civil war came on, unlike many of his neighbors, Mr. Allnutt cast his lot with the Southern army, enlisting in 1862, in Company C, Fourth Kentucky Cavalry, in which he served very gallantly for three and one-half years, during which he took part in twelve important engagements and was once wounded. He was honorably discharged at the close of the war and soon returned home and resumed farming, remaining in Kentucky until in October, 1869. He located in Montgomery county on January 27, 1870, and here he married Mrs. Georgia A. (Frame; Long, widow of \\'illiam D. C. Long, deceased, and a daughter of John and Sarah Frame. She had one son by her first husband, James C. Long, who was born March 26, i860.

Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. AUnutt, three of whom died in infancy, and two are still living, namely: Sallie B. i.s the wife of \\'illiam Welch and lives on the William Goodbar place southeast of the mother's home. She has one daughter, Naomi. Gertrude May married Arthur Nicholas, who lives in the southwestern part of Scott townsip. where Mr. Nicholas is successfully engaged in farming. The}- have three daughters, namely: Ina Myrtle, Agnes Marie, and Gail Belle.

Mr. Allnutt was a successful farmer and stock raiser, was honest and a hard worker. He and his wife belonged to the Methodist church. His death occurred on December i, 1901.

Elmer Hester

It is a pleasure to an_\' one, whether a farmer or not, to look over a well improved and tinely kept landed estate like that of Elmer Hester, of Scott township Montgomery county, for, like his honored father, he is a man who believes in keeping abreast of the times, in adopting, so far as practicable, the most approved twentieth century methods in general farming and stock raising. As a result of his careful study and investigation he has, while yet young in years, about solved the question of scientific farming as we know and understand it today. However, where agriculture has gained, the educational element in this locality has lost, for Mr. Hester was formerly regarded as one of the leading public school teachers in this section of the state. He has alwa}'s stood for progressiveness, riot only in material and educational matters, but in political, moral and civic conditions, and he is an ardent advocate of wholesome living and honesty in public life, and while laboring for his individual advancement he has never been found neglectful of his duties to his neighbors and the general public.

Mr. Hester was born in Brown township, this county, in 1880. He is a son of James and Lucy (Eads) Hester, a complete sketch of whom appears on other pages of this volume. It wa,s on the home place, north of the village of Parkersburg, that Elmer Hester grew to manhood, and when a boy did his share of the work during crop seasons, and there he continued to reside until his marriage. He attended the district schools and later the Ladog"a high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1901. Having long entertained an ambition to enter the profession as teacher and desiring to properlv equip himself for the same, he entered the State Normal School at Terre Haute, where he made an excellent record.

Thus well c(|uii)i>e(l fur his \ucalioii he he.^an teachin.i;, which he UAlowed t(ir a jjerioil of se\en years, lieginnint;' in Walnut tuwushi]). his nali\e county. He taught H\-e years in Scott township. His ser\ices were in great demand, tor he was soon recognized as an instructor of exceplii mal ahilitw one who spared no pains in gi\ing his pupils the hest and latest according to advanced methods of instruction. During this period he farmed during the summer months.

Finally, tiring of the close conhnenient of the school room, he turned his attention exclusively to general farming and stock raising. He has enjoyed to the full the freedom of the country and has prospered through his close application and good managementj He is the owner of a fine improved and producti\-e farm of one hundred and eighty-four acres in the southwestern part of Section 3, Scott township, all under a fine state of ciUti\ation and is one of the choice farms in the southern part of the county. He has a good set of huildings on the place, and in connection with general farming he raises a good grade of live stock from year to year.

In 1906 Mr. Hester married Salome Kesler, daughter of Xathan Kesler, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Mrs. Hester grew to womanhood and received her education in her native community.

Politically, Mr. Hester is a Republican, but he has never been active in public affairs, preferring to devote his attention to his indixitlual affairs and to his family. He and his wife, being pleasant, agreeable and neighborly have made a host of friends since settling on the farm in Scott township.

Distincti\'cl\" one of the great men of his day and generation in the Middle West, and one of humanity's benefactors, was the late David W. (ierard. supreme chief and founder of the Tribe of Ben-Hur. Involuntarily our minds reach out for the threads of histor)- that made the fabric of thi^ character, the character of this man's worth. Were those elements resident in pioneer days alone? Or is it length f)f years, or is it stirring times, or any one of these, or all of them, blended in one composite whole? Or rather were these the canvas? The Divine Artist drew the picture and put in it its wcirth immortal and traced therein "the character of releasing," the song of triumph, the voice of history. The business period oi this man's life is worth relating; the obstacles encountered, overcome; the self-reHant honesty, the equipoise, the absence of resentment - these supplement a tale that is not always told of those who are "diligent in business" ; but is told of those who, diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serve humanity, and it has been well said by one of our wisest and greatest of men that "They who sen'e humanity most, serve God best."

David W. Gerard, who for many years ranked as the most influential citizens of Crawfordsville and one of Indiana's foremost citizens, was born on a farm near Port Jefferson, Shelby county, Ohio, July 7, 1844. His parents were pioneer residents of that county, his father. Abner H. Gerard, being a farmer and merchant. The latter also owned and operated a large tannery in the village. He was a man of great force of character and excellent business methods, a devout Methodist and a pronounced abolitionist. Coming as he did of heroic stock, his many admirable qualities were inherited by his son.

The Gerard family is of French Huguenot ancestry. The founder of the family in this country came from France after the St. Bartholomew massacre. The immediate founder of the family in the middle western part of the United States, Nathaniel Gerard, came to Cincinnati, Ohio, from Pennsylvania, with his five brothers, in the latter part of the eighteenth century. Three of the brothers settled in Miami county, Ohio, one in Kentucky, and one in southern Indiana.

The grandfather of David W. Gerard, after whom he was named, was killed by the Indians in 1816 while making rails near his cabin on Lost creek, in Miami county, Ohio. Mr. Gerard's father left Ohio in 1849, coming to Indiana and opening a general store near Romney, in Tippecanoe county. In six months he died, leaving a wife and three small boys. The oldest of these bovs was David W. Gerard, then less than six years of age. There were six children by a former marriage. Gathering the remnants of a meagre property, the brave little mother returned on a canal boat to Sidney, Ohio. Then came the terrible years of struggle with poverty, but this woman of courage never faltered.

When David W. was ten years of age his mother remo\'ed to Greenville, Ohio, where he began his struggle for an education, his youth and earl)- manhood being surrounded with the hardships, limitations and privations known to the poor, but, being endowed by nature with a resolute will, this school of harsh experience developed his faculties into the broadest manhood and so eminentlv qualified hint to master difficult problems of life which were to con- front him in his after years of usefulness. He worked on farms, in lihicksmith shops, sawed wood and studied hard. In those primitive (la\s it was difiticult for children to acquire good educations, and because he was a fatherless boy, Mr. Gerard experienced unusual difficulty at a time when lie was most anxious to be in school. However, he succeeded and wiien scarcely sixteen years of age was able to bgein teaching school. A Ixiy with less ambition and natural ability would have failed where he succeeded.

While Mr. Gerard was teaching school the Civil war broke out. He w as then living at Greenville, Ohio. In 1861, shortly after the firing on l-'ort Sumter, Mr. Gerard enlisted in the Eighth Ohio Battery and served throughout the four years of the war. He bore the scars of that titanic struggle, where he displayed that chivalrous spirit which has ever dominated his entire life. He fought gallantly for his country and gave of his best towards the perpetuation of the Union, participating in many of the important campaigns and great battles. He was mustered out in August, 1863.

When that memorable conflict was ended, .Mr. (ierard, with his widnwed mother and his brothers, came to Montgomery county, Indiana, and there lie again took up the task of teaching school. He had nnt lised there long until he met and was married to Elizabeth Krug, daughter of one of the prominent families of near Crawfordsville. The marriage occurred in January, 1866. Miss Krug's home was at Crawfordsville, but she was born near Pleasant Hill, now \\'ingate, Indiana, and there was married.

Mr. Gerard gave up the work of school teaching to engage in the real estate and insurance business in Crawfordsville, continuing in this line of endeavor until 1873, when he removed to Indianapolis, continuing in the same business there until 1878, when he returned to Crawfordsville, and there he resided the rest of his life. He resumed the real estate and insurance business there with his usual success. In 1886 he and Frank L. Snyder were associated together with some other citizens in forming the Indiana and Ohio Live Stock Insurance Company, of Crawfordsville, now one of the leading live stock insurance companies of the United States. S. E. Voris, former mayor of Crawfordsville, was an original stockholder and at one time was the president of the company. He and ]\Ir. Gerard later disposed of their holdings to Harry N. Naylor, John R. Bonnell and other Crawfordsville citizens.

During the years that he was in the insurance and real estate Inisiness Mr. Gerard worked hard, accomplished large results and at the same time did some serious thinking. He joined several insurance orders and liecame a firm believer in fraternal insurance. Early in the nineties he conceived the idea of organizing a fraternal insurance society in his own city of Crawfordsville. He profited by his experience in selling insurance, his experience gained from membership in other fraternal societies and his wide experience as a business man. He was engaged for many weeks and perhaps months in thinking over the details of the organization and in perfecting the plans which have their fruition today in the wonderful Supreme Tribe of Ben-Hur, one of tire largest, most flourishing and greatest fraternal insurance Drganizations in the world.

Mr. Ccrard was the mo\-ing spirit behind this organization. Associated with him were bVank L. Snyder, who died six years ago; ex-Mayor S. E. Voris, now supreme keeper of tribute of the i^rder, and Dr. J. F. Davidson, supreme medical examiner. Mr. Gerard was of that class of men who stood for progressive movements and the uplift of humanity. He was a great admirer of the late Gen. Lew Wallace, in fact, was a close personal friend of the author of "Ben-Hur," and had read and pondered on the book until he caught the up-lift of the spirit of the Lowly Nazarene, "who went about doing good." He lived and moved among men, stirring them to enthusiastic effort, and the broad principles of brotherhood and benevolence were so deeply incarnated in him that they contributed greatly in achieving the success attained by the society fr(_)m its organization, and which now is, and e\er will remain, a living testimonial of his ser\ice in the cause of the fraternities, ever exemplifying their highest principles and precepts. While thinking about the organization of a fraternal insurance society, it occurred to Mr. Gerard that the story of Ben-Hur could be used as a foundation for the society. He secured the written permission of General Wallace to make such use of the story as he desired and to call his new society the Tribe of Ben-Hur. Indeed, it was Lew Wallace who suggested the name as it is now. It had been in Mr. Gerard's mind to call the order the "Knights of Ben-Hur." When the name was suggested to General Wallace during a talk the two men had, the General placed his hand on Mr. Gerard's shoulder and said; "Well, my dear boy, there were no knights in those days: Tribes there were, however; so why wouldn't it be well to call it the "Tribe of Ben-Hur." " ]\Ir. Gerard, of course, readily acquiesced, and thus the Tribe of Ben-Hur secured its name.

The supreme tribe of Ben-Hur was founded March i, 1894, Simonides Court No. I, of Crawfordsville, being the mother court. The society had a very meagre beginning, although it was launched with flattering prospects, as Mr. Gerard had worked untiringly to secure a good list of charter members.

Associated with him in tlie forniatinn nt the unlcr were- a minilicr cif pnnninent pubhc. business and ])r()fessi(jnal men nf Indiana, 'i'he i'\v< supreme officers elected were as follows: Supreme chief, e\-( in\ crndr. ha j. lliase: supreme scribe, 1". L. Snyiler ; supreme medical examiner, J. Navidsdn, .M. D. : supreme keeper of tribute, S. 1'^. X'uris, and an executive cnmniittee consisting- of 1). W. Gerard, F. L. Snyder and W. T. I\(iyse. The election of ex-Governor, Ira J. Chase, as supreme ciiief, was made at the recpiest uf Mr, Gerard, who desired to devote all his time to the origan izat inn work. Upon the death of Ira J. Chase, which occurred in Ma\ i i, iS()3, Li.l. L. T. Dickason was chosen by the executi\e committee to till nut the uuex|)ire(l term of Mr. Chase as supreme chief.

After Simonides Court had been ori.;anized and the actual start made tdward securing members and writing insurance, Mr. Gerard industricmsly began the work of establishing other courts in nearln- Indiana towns. That year a number of courts were organized with good prospects. With beautiful ritualistic work, with emphasis placed upon sociability and good fellowship among the members and with good insurance written in attractive form and at reasonable rates, there was much in the principles of the Tribe of Ben- Hur that appealed to the people. Hard work, earnest efforts and many difficulties confronted the founders of the tribe the first year, but at its close the order had 759 members and there was a surplus of $2,653 in the treasury. The year of 1905 witnessed wonderful strides in the order, which pushed out and entered other states. Its membership was increased to 3,551 and its surplus to $13,945. Since then the order has flourished in a most remarkable manner. At the end of the year 190S there were 104.250 members. while the surplus amounted to $1,174,545. The surplus was $1,403,493.40 at the close of 1909. In 19 10 the society had 1,400 courts and was doing business in no less than twenty-nine states in the Union. Up to that year the total suin that had been paid to the families of deceased members was $7,013,859.38. Indeed, the growth of the society during the eighteen years of its existence has l)een a splendid one, having enrolled in that time considerably over a quarter of a million men and women from the thirty-odd states in which the order is now represented. The report of the supreme scribe and supreme keeper of tribute under date of December 31, 191 1, gave the following figures: Number of members, 119,953, in thirty-two states of the I'nion ; insurance in force, $139,825,900: deaths benefits paid in 191 1, 1,022, amounting to $1,146,124: balances, all funds, $1,651,410.71 : net assets, $1,525,218. It has ne\er shown a loss of membership or funds in an\' year of its existence.

but on the contrary has made a steady and conservative growth, sacrificing quantity often to quality, and it stands today in the fraternal world an order famous for the personnel of its large and loyal membership.

The plan and name of the order were popular from the beginning. The beneficial feature was entirely new and novel; the amount of protection granted each member depended upon the age of admission, but a uniform amount of contribution was charged each member. This plan was simple, equitable and easily understood. No assessments were levied on the death of a member, but a regular stipulated sum was collected each month. An emergency fund was created from the beginning, and women were adniitted on an absolutely equal basis with men.