Montgomery County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1911 (part 12 of 14)

The .\shbv family was first known in Great Britain, was at one time of some pruminence in the House of Lords and is today identified with prominent business interests there. The first we find of them in America was before the Revolutionary war, in Virginia, they having lived near Harper's Ferry. It seems that one of the Ashbys and his wife had three sons, Bladen. Silas and Thompson. The parents died when these three boys were young. It was about 1777 that these sons removed to Kentucky, where Bladen became a noted scout and Indian fighter. He was with Gen. George Rogers Clark at the memorable capture of A'incennes from the British. Thompson Ashbv was born about 1773 and was a child when he came to Kentucky. There he was seen by the girl who in later years became his wife and the mother of the Ashbys of this county, she having been known in her maidenhood as Lettice Van !\Ieter. Thompson Ashby, then but a child, owned a man's gun, which he carried gracefully on his shoulder, and also carried a shot pouch that nearly reached the ground. So ridiculous did it seem tn her that she Ijurst into laughter imnieihately. l.ettice \"aii Meter \\a> the seeond of a family of four children l)(,)rn to Al)rahani \'an Meter and wife, ller fatlier was at Boone Station. Kentuek\-. during the Revolutionary war. In I/Si Indians imder Simon (iirty attacked the settlers, the latter including the \'an Meters. The settlers lied to Louisville, closely pursued 1)\' the Indians, and there was some fighting on the way. During the excitement Lettice fell into a creek and nearly drownetl. Her mother heard the child gasp, but thought it was an Indian, howexer she wheeled about (|uickly and saw her child just in time to save her.

Thompson Ashby and Lettice \'an Meter were married about 1790, and to them ten children were l)orn, namely. Polly, Xancy, Abraham, Silas, Milton, Bladen, Thompson, Betty, James and Lettice. The fatlier of these children was killed by a horse. Abraham \'an Meter, mentioned alime. was granted one thousand acres of land in 1780 in Henry county, Kentucky, deeded bv Governor Harrison of \'irginia. At that time what is now the state of Kentucky was embraced by the boundary lines of Virginia. It is said that this deed was destroyed by Indians and that Mr. Van Meter thereby lost his title to the land. However, he gave his daughter Lettice Ashby two hundred acres and this she kept and reared her children on it. .\fter her children had grown to maturity, some married and had children of their nwu. She then sold out and brought her children and grandchildren to Clark tow nship, Montgomery county, Indiana. She was then fifty-six years of age, and when she came here in 1828, Clark township and surrounding country was a wilderness, wild and unbn)ken. She gave to each child enough to buy one hundred and sixty acres and soon the family owned about fifteen hundred acres of valuable land. She settled in the southwestern part of Clark township, a mile and three-fourths north of Roachdale, where her death occurred in 1845, '" her seventy-fifth year.

.\mong her children who are to be mentioned in this connection was Abraham Ashby, who was born March 2^. 1795, and whose death occurred in 1845. He married Elizabeth Hohimer, May -'3. 1815, in Kentucky. She was born May 16, 1784, and died August 31, 1878. She was a daughter of Henry and Rhoda (Paris) Hohimer. Abraham and Elizabeth (Hohimer) Ashby became the parents of two sons, William and Thompson V. A sketch of the latter appears elsewhere.

John W. Todd

One of the most representative citizens of Montgomery county and one of her worthiest native sons is John W. Todd, prominent agriculturist and banker of Brown's Valley, a man who has succeeded in life because he has worked consistently along proper lines of endeavor and has never permitted obstacles to thwart his pathway to the goal of success, and also because he has led an upright and honest life, thereby gaining and retaining the confidence and respect of all who know him. He has done much for the general upbuilding of the community honored by his residence, and is eminently deserving of a place in his county's history.

Mr. Todd \\as born in Montgomery county, Indiana, November ii, 1841, and he is a son of Johnson and Ruth (Van Cleave) Todd, both natives of Kentucky, where they grew to maturity, were educated and married and from which state they came to Montgomery county, Indiana, in 1832, when this section of the state was practically a wilderness, settlers were few, and the land only meagerly improved in places. They devoted their lives to general farming, developing a good farm here from the virgin soil. Mr. Todd was known as a raiser of short-horn cattle. His family consisted of ten children, namely: James C, John W., of this review; Henry is deceased; I. S., George W., Johnson B., Mrs. Sarah J. Davis, yirs. Melissa Sen'ies, Pauline, and Mrs. Mary Williams.

John W. Todd was reared on the home farm, where he worked hard when a young man, and he received his education in the public schools of his community, after which he took up fanning in Brown township and there continued as a general farmer and stock raiser with ever increasing success until tlie present. In 1905 lie assisted in organizing the Brown's Valley Bank, with a capital stock of ten thousand dollars, with a surplus of three thousand and seven hundred dollars, and with undivided profits of twelve hundred dollars. The stock is held by local men, all reputable citizens and men of known integrity and business ability, and this institution has met with favor with the people of this part of the county and is regarded as a sound and safe institution. The stockholders are John W. Todd, president ; ^^'alter Southerland, vice-president ; Walter ^^'iatt, cashier : board of directors, L. M. McLoed, C. W. Taylor. George W. Canine, T. D. Coons, and ^^'. \\'. Bayless. Mr. Todd is deserving of a great deal of credit for his splendid work in promoting this splendid bank, which has filled a long- felt

Mr. Todd was married in 1867 to Susan Steger, daughter of James and Ehzabeth Steger, natives of Kentucky. The union of Mr. Todd and his first wife was without issue. Her death occurred after a few years, and Mr. Todd married in 1871 Hester Harris, daughter of John and CaroHne Harris, both natives of Kentucky, from which state they removed to .Montgomery county, Indiana, in a \ery earl\- day. Mr. Todd's second wife cUed in 1900.

Politically, Mr. Todd is a Democrat, and has always been a loyal supporter of the party. Religiously, he is a Methodist, and in fraternal matters he belongs to the Knights of Pytliias. He has been a member of llic Horse Thief Detective Association for the past fifty years.

Josephus Graybill

Tlie world in its onward rush is now taking time to look back, and the story of the pioneer is daily becoming of more absorbing interest. Western Indiana was for many years considered "out west" and its people, scarcely out of the woods, took little interest in those traditions relating to a condition of society but little removed from their own. But the grand march of ci\ilization has pushed back the western frontier until instead of being in Indiana or skirting the Mississippi river, it now rests upon the shores of the Pacific. and has made the northwestern territory the central link in a brilliant chain of states. This awakening to the true value of the early history of this part of the countr}- comes in many respects too late. Most of the pioneers have been gathered to their fathers, and one by one the old landmarks have decayed and passed away with those who reared them, while that period is fast rolling on when none can truly say, "I remember them and their works." Thus, while we may. let us rescue from oblivion the simple facts in the lives of these sturdy men who were the heralds of civilization in our beloved county of Montgomery and by their sturdy energy and self-denying efforts made possible the condition of things which we today enjoy.

There is particular interest in writing of such a man as Josephus Graybill, one of the prosperous farmers and stock men of the vicinity of Ladoga, for he is both a pioneer and a native son of Montgomery county, having lived to see three-quarters of a century of change here.

Mr. Graybill was born on a farm in Scott township, west of Ladoga, this county, on September 10, 1837. He is a son of Samuel and Lydia (Arnold) Graybill. The parents came from Botetcourt county, Virginia, in 1834, making the long journey overland through the wilderness. They bought a farm in Scott township, Montgomery county, one hundred and sixty acres, on which had been erected a primitive log cabin, without nails and with no window pane, the chimney made of sticks and the roof boards were held in place by weight poles. Here these parents began keeping house, enduring the usual hardships and privations of the first settlers and they worked hard in clearing and developing the land on which they proposed to spend the rest of their days. There they reared their family. Through close application and good judgment Samuel Graybill prosjjered with advancing years, and he became the owner of about one thousand acres of good land. After giving land to his children he still had four hundred acres left when he died. His family consisted of nine children, six daughters and three sons, only one of the girls is now living, Mrs. Amanda Hostetter, of Ladoga. The three sons living are William R.. who resides northeast of Ladoga; Josephus, of this sketch; and Samuel C, who lives west of Ladoga.

The death of Samuel Graybill, the father, occurred in 1876. His widow survived many years, nearly thirty - i nfact, dying in 1905, at the advanced age of ninety-four.

Josephus Graybill grew to manhood on his father's farm and, being a pioneer child he found plenty of hard work to do when he was a boy. He received such education as the early schools of the county afforded. He remained on the home place until he w^as twenty-one years old. He then went to farming for himself on a farm just east of Ladoga. In 1861 he married Mary Jane Frame, which union resulted in the birth of four children, two of whom died in infancy, and two are still living, Salome Alice, wife of Eugene Ashby, and Homer Graybill, both of Ladoga. The wife and mother was called to her eternal rest on September 25, 1904, after nearly forty-three years of harmonious married life. She was a good, kind woman and beloved by all who knew her. She was born just north of Ladoga and was the daughter of Samuel P. and Elizabeth (Harshbarger) Frame. Her people came from Kentucky and settled near Parkersburg, Indiana, in an early day.

On November 30, 1905, Mr. Graybill married Elizabeth (Brookshire) Smalley, daughter of Swan Brookshire and widow of Alfred Smalley, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work.

and stock raiser, the major portion of his competency was made i>y raisinf,^ feeding and marketing cattle. He is the owner of about one tlioiisand acres in Clark and Scott townships. It is well improved and i)roductive and lies well, and he has an excellent and convenient set of buildings. He is a stockholder in the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Ladoga, .\fter his secnd marriage he left the farm and moved to his pleasant and modernly appointed home in Ladoga.

Politically, Mr. Graybill is a Democrat, but not especially active, braternally, he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, and in religious matters is a member of the Chri.stian church.

Alfred Smalley

One of the well remembered citizens oi a past generation in tiie southeastern part of Montgomery county who was rich in the essentials of noble manhood and who always aimed to live up to his highest ideals of duty was the late Alfred Smalley, one of the leading farmers, stock dealers and business men of this locality for a number of decades. His career was singularly free from the faults which usually characterize men of his prominence, but so far as known, he passed over the Great Divide without leaxing an enemy behind. He was a man w^ho forged his way to the front in his chosen lines of endeaxor and at the same time he never sought to advance himself on the wrecks of others, but was helpful to his neighbors and associates and did much to encourage general progress in his community along all lines. Such men are blessings to any county and when they are called hence their places are ne\er satisfaction filled and they are sadly missed.

Mr. Smalley was born on November 13, 1840, in Bourbon county, Kentucky. He was a son of Jackson and Emily (Combs) Smalle}-. He came with his parents to Indiana when seven or eight years old, the family locating in Putnam county, and there Alfred Smalley grew to manhood. On November 22. 1863, he married Elizabeth Brookshire. daughter of Swan Brookshire and wife. She was born in 1845 in Scott township, Montgomery county, where she grew' to womanhood, in fact, spent her life. She is still living and is now the wife of Josephus Graybill, of Ladoga.

Three children were born to our subject and wife, namely: Mrs. Iimma Foster, widow of Xewton Foster; John T. Smalley, of Ladoga: one child died in early life.

After his marriage Alfred Smalley took up general farming in Scott township, and in connection with his farm he bought and sold live stock. He and his wife owned one hundred and twenty acres of good land and they had a comfortable home. He was a member of the Primitive Baptist church, of which he was clerk for a period of twenty-four years and a leader in the church. PoHtically, he was a Democrat, but was not a public man.

Mr. Smalley assisted in the organization of the Farmers and Merchants Bank at Ladoga and he remained a stockholder until his death. After he passed away his wife succeeded him as clerk of the local church and continued to perform these duties just as acceptably. In November, 1905, she became the wife of Josephus Graybill, a farmer, and she is li\'ing in Ladoga at this writing. A sketch of Mr. Graybill appears herein.

John T. Smalley, mentioned above, lives in Ladoga, and he follows farming, raises excellent horses and also buys and ships horses in large numbers, having built up quite an extensive business and has met with pronounced success in this field of endeavor. He is one of the best known stock men in the county. He married Lillie Overstreet, daughter of Samuel W. and Marv J. (Ayers) Overstreet. He owns a substantial modern residence in Ladoga. Politically, he is a Democrat. He is a good mixer and is popular with those with whom he comes into contact.

John C. Wingate

It is not everyone who succeeds in ha\-ing a town named after him, but this honor has fallen to John C. Wingate, one of Montgomery county's most representative citizens, few people of the locality being better known; none occupy a more conspicuous place in the confidence of the public, and it is a compliment worthily bestowed to class him with the progressive men of his day and generation in the vicinity of his residence, having done much for the general development of the town of Wingate and surrounding country. In all that constitutes true manhood and good citizenship he is a notable example, his career having ever been characterized by duty faithfully performed and by industry, thrift and wisely directed efifort. These have led to the acquisition of a liberal share of this world's goods. His personal relations with his. fellow men have ever been mutually pleasant and agreeable, and he is highly regarded by all, being easily approached, obliging and straightforward in all the relations of life. He believes in doing well

Moxtgomkuv Col. Xt V.

\vhate\er he undertakes and in extending aid and synipalhv to (.llur--, and he is a fine example of that type of progressive citizens who rise paramount to environment and all which seeks to hinder them.

i\Ir. Wingate was b^rn May _'_>, )85i, in Coal Creek township, Montgomery county, about a mile and a half from Pleasant Hill (now known as Wingate). He is a son of William A. and Nancy (Coon) Wingate. The father was born in East Monroe, Ohio, and there he spent his earlier years, removing to Montgomen,' county, Indiana, when a young man, in 1840, and here he spent the rest of his life, successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was a son of Philip Wingate and wife. The mother of our subject was born in Miami county, Ohio, near Potsdam. Her father was one of a family of sixteen children.

John C. Wingate grew to manhood in his native community and there recei\ed a good common school education. On May 22, 1879, he was married to Lida Gilkey, a daughter of Aaron H. and Mary Gilkey. Mrs. Wingate's father was treasurer and trustee of Coal Creek townsliip for a period of twenty-one years continuously.

At a barbecue and basket dinner, given in a grove near Pleasant Hill by the men on the construction train of the Clover Leaf railroad in 1881 it was determined to change the name of the town of Pleasant Hill to Wingate. A telegram was received from Gen. John M. Corse, president of the above named railroad, by Eli Marvin, a director of the road, who was asking tiiat this change be made, and his request was concurred in by meeting. Among those in attendance were Colonel Maynard, editor of the Indianapolis Sentinel, Hon. Peter S. Kennedy, Hon. M. D. Wiiite and Gen. Mahlun 1). Manscn, all of whom had made addresses, at the conclusion of which Mr. Marvin read General Corse's telegram, in which he stated that the station here should be named Wingate, for the reason that a town of several hundred people in Ohio, and on the Clo\er Leaf road, was named Pleasant Hill and it was deemed advisable to change the name of the local town to prevent confusion. Afterwards the postofifice department changed the name of the postoffice from Pleasant Hill to Wingate, so that the name of the town and the station would comport. Thus the town was named for our subject.

Mr. Wingate was one of a family of fi\e children, he being the eldest, and he is the only one that survives, and his parents are both deceased. His nearest of kin is Claude Hughes, a nephew, a son of our subject's youngest sister, who died when her son Claude, was two years old. He was reared by our subject and wife, who have also reared .-\rthur Hogan, known as

Arthur Wingate, who is now married and is living at Long Beach, California. Our subject took him from the Montgomery County Orphans' Home when he was four years old. Our subject and wife having had no children of their own, have taken a great interest in the above named boys, giving them every advantage of education and otherwise looking after their interests in the same manner as if they had been their own.

Mr. Wingate is leading a quiet life, after an active and successful business career. He was for many years a traveling salesman. He has served on the Indiana Tax Board for nearly ten years, giving eminent satisfaction in this capacity. He has a beautiful and modernly appointed home in Wingate, surrounded by a large and well-kept lawn. He has a Mission style sleeping house, sixteen by twenty feet in size and containing twenty-three windows and one door, the former being Pullman car windows. The exterior has a pebble cement stucco finish, and the interior woodwork is covered with oil paintings, and the furniture is of cane. It is a most sanitary and pleasant room.

Politically, Mr. Wingate is a Repuljlican, and fraternally he belongs to the Masonic Order, the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, all at Wingate.

Eugene C. Ash By

Holding distinctive prestige among the enterprising citizens of Montgomery county is Eugene C. Ashby, formerly a well known merchant, now the popular secretary of the Building and Loan Association at Ladoga, whose record here briefly outlined is that of a self-made man, distinctively the architect of his own fortunes, who, by the judicious exercise of the talents with which nature endowed him, successfully surmounted an unfavorable environment and rose to the position he now occupies as one of the substantial and influential men of the locality honored by his residence, having been true and loyal in all the relations of life, standing as a type of that sterling manhood which ever commands respect and honor. He is a man who would win his way in any locality in which fate might place him, for he has sound judgment, coupled with energy and business tact, together with upright principles, all of which make for success wherever and whenever they are rightly and persistently applied. Mr. Ashby is a creditable representative of one of the old and highly esteemed families of this section of the Wabash

Valley country, the name Ashby having been a familiar scmnd in this county since the pioneer days, and our subject seems to have inherited many of the sturdy traits of his forebears.

Air. Ashby was born in Clark township, this ccninty. May S, iSO^. lie is a son of Silas F., Jr. and Ellen (McNary) Ashby. The father was l)orn in Shelby county, Kentucky, December 25, 1826, and was a son of Silas F., Sr., and Nancy (Radford) Ashby, also natives of Shelby county, Kentucky. Silas F., Sr., was born in 1797, married in 1819 and died June 24, 1854; his wife was born in 1797 and died in 1855. Silas F., Sr., was a son of Thompson and Lettie Ashby. The paternal grandparents of our subject removed from the Blue Grass state to Montgomery county, Indiana, about 1829, however they remained here only a short time when they removed to Putnam count}' where they spent the rest of their li\es. and on a farm in that county was reared Silas F. Ashby, Jr. He devoted his life successfully to farming and became the owner of three hundretl and twenty acres of well improved land about two miles from Ladoga. He was quite an e.xteiisixe dealer in grain and stock, and for a number of years ran the ele\ator at Ladoga. He handled between sixty thousand and seventy thousand bushels of grain annually. He was one of the most active business men in this part of the county and he took part in all improvements. He was at one time township trustee, also county commissioner. He was a member of the Masonic Order.

Ellen McNary, mother of our subject, was born at Sharpsburg, Bath county, Kentucky, and was a daughter of Samuel McNary and wife. In i860 her father was seized with the cholera and her brother was called home from Oberlin College and both he and Samuel McXary died within si.\ hours after he arrived home. About a year later the mother died of grief, leasing the three daughters practically destitute. Ellen came to Montgomery county and taught school at Ashby's Mills on the southern line of the county and while there she and Silas F. Ashby, Jr., were married. Three children were born to them, namely : Cora E., now the wife of Henry T. Davis, of Chicago ; Eugene C, subject of this review; and Edgar, of ladoga.

Eugene C. Ashby grew to manhood on the home farm in Clark township and there he assisted with the general work when he became of proper age. He received his education in the public schools of that locality and later attended the normal school at Ladoga. He Ijegan his business life by spending three years in a grocery store, then kept books in a bank at Ladoga for about four years, giving his employers eminent satisfaction, then, in 1887 he and William R. Hostetter and W. Morton Mills formed a partnership in the drygoods business at Ladoga, buying out George E. Grimes, and for a period of about twenty-two years Mr. Ashby was one of the leading merchants of Ladoga, enjoying an extensive and ever growing trade and carrying a large and carefully selected stock of goods at all seasons. They sold out the store in 1907, since which time Mr. Ashby has been secretary of tlie Ladoga Building and Loan Association and has also engaged in farming, owning a \-aluable and well improved farm of one hundred antl sixty acres about a mile west of Ladoga. He is also a director in the Farmers and Merchants Bank. He has l:)een very successful in a business way and is one of the financially strong me nof the town of Ladoga, whose interests he has always sought to promote.

Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic Order, ha\ing attained the Knights Templar degree in that time-honored fraternit}'. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias.

Mr. Ashby was married to Alice Graybill, December 30, 1885. She is a daughter of Josephus and Mary F. ( Frame) Graybill, a highly respected family.

To Mr. and Mrs. Ashin- four children have been born, namely : Elsie, who is the wife of Carl Crawford, lives in Morgantown, West, Virginia: Mary, who is teaching music and art in the schools of Windom, Minnesota; Frank and Russell, who are at home and attending high school.

David Wesley Hughes

The history of Montgomery county, Indiana, is not a very old one, in the usual light of history, for one is inclined to think of anything that smacks of history as happening in the remote and cloudy years of the long ago, as sqmething very ancient, something occurring in a period very far removed from our own time. But notwithstanding the fact that the history, that is the period during which human events have been recorded, in this county, is considerably less than a century old, the changes that have here been noted have indeed been pronounced and even surprising to the contemplative mind, for old customs, scenes, manners and practically everything, in fact, have given way to the new. 'tis ever thus the old order changeth. The history of this locality is the record of the steady growth of a community planted in tlie wilderness and has reached its magnitude of today witliout nlher aids than those of industry. The people who redeemed it from tlie primitive wilds were strong-armed, hardy sons of the soil who hesitated al ui. difticulty and for whom hardships had little to appall. The early pioneers having blazed the path of civilization to this part of the Hoosier state, finished their labors, and many of them have passed from the scene, leaving the country in the possession of their descendants and to others who came at a later period and builded on the foundation which they laid so broad and deep. The Hughes family is of this class and its members have played no inconspicuous part in the upbuilding of a portion of this county, a very creditable representative of the present generation being David Wesley Hughes, who was born and reared in Union township and has spent his life in his nati\e vicinity, where he is successfully engaged in farming, and he has done what he could to develop and advertise to the world the wonderful resources of a section favored by nature and for many decades tlie delight of the people who have had the good fortune of residing here.

David W. Hughes was born in Union township, IMontgomery county, Indiana, August 14, 1848. He is a son of James B. and Levina (Wray) Hughes. The father was born in Kentucky, where he grew to manhood and received his education in the common schools, and from there he came to Indiana when a comparatively young man and entered eighty acres from the government, later securing fort}' acres more. TJiis was in tiic early days and the land had to be cleared and slowlv developed into a farm, l)ut this he did through hard work and close application. He .and his wife were pioneers in every sense of the word and they in every respect deserved the success which attended their efforts. They were neighborly, hospitable and honest, like the majority of first settlers in their time. The death of James B. Hughes occurred in 1864, his widow surviving thirty-eight years, attaining an advanced age, passing away in the year 1902.

David W. Hughes grew to manhood on the home farm and there he found plenty of hard work to do when a boy, for he assisted in developing the home farm. He had but small educational advantages, but he has since became a well informed man through wide home reading. He is now the owner of the school house in which he first went to school. He continued to work on the home farm until he was twenty-four years of age, then began renting land, which method he continued for six years, thereby getting an excellent start. He then inherited ele\en acres, which formed the inicleus for his present fine farm of two hundred and seventy-three acres. He added to his holdings from time to time, prospering with advancing years, as a general farmer and stock raiser, which he has long followed on an extensive scale. He now devotes his time to trading in live stock and raising stock for the market. He is regarded as one of the best judges of live stock in the county and has been very successful as a buyer and shipper. A good grade of stock of all kinds is to be seen about his place from year to year. He has kept his land well improved and well cultivated and he has a pleasant home and attractive surroundings, and such outbuildings and improved farming machinery as his needs require.

Mr. Hughes was married on July 23, 1873, to Anna Clark, a native of Montgomerv count)-, wliere she was reared to womanhood and where she received her education. She is a daughter of John and Mary (Britton) Clark, natives of England, where they spent their earlier years, coming to Montgomery county. Indiana, among the early settlers and here became well estal-.lished thmugh their industry and well known and highly respected by their neighbors.

Four children were born to David W. Hughes and wife, named as follows: Lurton, who lives in Crawfordsville : Lola, who married Will Hale, and tliev are engaged in farming in this county: Homer H. is living at home: (iracie died when two years of age.

Politically, he is a Democrat, and while he is loyal to his party's principles and deei)ly interested in local public affairs, he himself has no desire to be a public man or hold office. Fraternally, he is a memljer of the Masonic Blue Lodge, and in religious matters he is a member of the Christian church, which he liberally supports and regularly attends.

It seems that there is no start in life which so well prepares a man for his future career, whatever he may choose to follow as the boyhood years spent on the farm ; this is not strange to the contemplative mind, for in the first place the boy reared next to nature, to the fresh soil, surrounded by the clear air and amidst the growing, blooming vegetation, will be stronger physically and mentally than his city-bred brother, and all will agree that health is the first pre-requisite in the chase for success in this world : many a man has been handicapped, submerged and defeated because of lack of it. Another thing, the farmer boy knows few of the temptations that lead to ruin which the city hoy lias tu coinhat fruiii almost the vvvy craillc; the former uses his energy in wrestUng witii the ])lo\\, tiie unhrokcn cult, the quick-growing simmts, and many other tinngs in iiis daily life, while all this pent-up energy of the city lad must seek outlet in various channels, so he gets into trouble or at least neglects to properly direct his energies in life's affairs and when manhood comes he is left behind by his stronger and more self-reliant country contemporary. One of the inhabitants of Union township, Montgomery county, who has been fortunate in being reared on the farm and wise enough to remain a tiller of the soil is Ouincy \i. lUnidy. at present a popular county commissioner.

Mr. Bundy was l)orn on September 14, 1862. in Lnion township. Montgomery county, and in this and Boone county most of his life has been spent. He received a good common school education and when a boy growing to manhood worked on the farm, as already intimatetl.

Mr. Bundy was married on September 24, 18S5, to Frances M. l-"ord, who was born in Boone county, Indiana, February 17, 1865. She is a daughter of Richartl and Elizabeth Ford. The fater was born in Virginia. The mother was also a native of Virginia. They spent their earlier years in the Old Dominion, finally coming to Boone county, Indiana, where they established the future home of the family, and there Mrs. Bundy grew to womanhood and recei\'ed a common school education. She was a devout member of the Lutheran church near Darlington, and was known to all her neighbors as a woman of kindly impulses and strong character. She was called to her eternal rest on December 18, 19 12. She was a member of the Eastern Star.

The union of our subject and wife resulted in the birth of one child, Violet, who was born on December 24, 1888. She received a good high school education, later attending DePauw Uni\-ersity. She married Lee La Follette, of Darlington, this county, he being a promising _\-oung banker of that place.

Mr. Bundy made his starf in life on the farm in Boone county, where he resided a number of years, finally selling out and moving back to I'nion township, Montgomery county, jjurchasing one hundred and sixty acres, which he operated with his usual success for some time, then sold out and purchased the one hundred and sixty acres of valua])le and well improved land where he now resides, having owned this since 1910. It is all tillable, well tiled and otherwise well improved.

of the party. He was elected county commissioner in 191 1. and he discharged the duties of this office in such a highly commendable manner that he was re-elected in 1913 for two more years. He has been very popular as a commissioner. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Masonic Order.

The success that Leslie M. McLoed, of Brown's Valley, Montgomery county, has attained as a general farmer and stock raiser has been due to his persistent and close application and the exercise of sound judgment in the management of his affairs. He has always done his work well and has studied advancing methods, thus keeping abreast of the times, which, all of a contemplative turn of mind will admit, is as necessar}' in agriculture as any other division of human endeavor. He is also widely known as a business man and is a public-spirited citizen, doing much for the upbuilding of the community in many ways.

Mr. McLoed was born in this county on October 3, 1862. and here he has been contented to spend his life. He is a son of Oliver and Charlotte (Penn) McLoed. The father was a native of Kentucky, coming from that state to Montgomery county, Indiana, in 1843, settling in Brown's Valley, he having made the trip from the Blue Grass state on a boat on the Ohio and thence up the Wabash river to Terre Haute, Indiana, and from there drove a wagon through to Brown's Valley. The country was wild, but he was of the true pioneer type and never quailed at hardships. He developed a good farm here and also followed his trade of cabinet making, alternating the two all his life, and was successful in a business way. His family consisted of nine children, namely : Alartha A. and Mary, twins, are both deceased ; Ellen E., Sophronia F., \\'illiam J.. Emma J-. Oliver C. Leslie M.. and David P.. the latter being deceased.

Leslie I\I. McLoed grew to manhood on the home farm in Brown's Valley, where he worked hard when a boy, and he received his education in the common schools of this county, later studying at the Xormal School at Danville, Indiana, then began life by teaching school, but not taking very kindly to this line of endeavor he gave it up after one term and took up farming and has been a successful general and mixed farmer and stock raiser ever since, having met with a larger measure of success than falls to the average agriculturist, owning a productive and well improved farm and an attractive home. He has also heen prominent in nnmennis lines of business, and was one of the organizers of the limwn's \allcy I'.ank, nf which lie was the first cashier, serving in that capacity from March _>, 11)05. until luly 10, 1912, following, when he retired to iiis farm, where lie has since remained. His labor in placing this popular institution du a sound basis is vvorthy of praise, and it is rapidly taking its place among the financial institutions of this locality. Mr. McLoed was also one of the organizers anil prime movers of the local elevator company, which is doing a large and growing business.

Mr. McLoed was married in i8(J7 to .\gnes Jones, daughter of Lewis H. and Millie A. (Crawford) Jones, early settlers of Decatur county, both being now deceased. He died there and she died in Boone county.

The union of our subject and wife has I>een without issue, but our subject has a stepson, and is also raising a nephew - LeRoy (). and Kenneth Jones.

Politically, Mr. McLoed is a Republican, and has long been more or less active in local affairs. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Modern W^oodmen of America. Religiously, he is a Methodist, was one of the organizers of the local church and he is at present one of the trustees. He has been one of the pillars of the same, contributing largely to its support. He was also one of the organizers of the local lodge of Knights of Pythias at Brown's Valley ; in fact, he has long been a leader in the affairs of Montgomery county and is one of the useful, successful and most representative citizens of the same.

Capt. William P. Herron

In a brief sketch of any living citizen it is difficult to do him exact and impartial justice, not so much, however, for lack of space or words to set forth the familiar and passing events of his personal history, as lor want of the perfect and well rounded conception of his whole life, which grows, develops and ripens, like fruit, to disclose its true and liest flavor only when it is mellowed by time. Daily contact with the man so familiarizes us with his many virtues that we ordinarily overlook them and commonly underestimate their possessor. Nevertheless, while the man jiasses away, his deeds of virtue live, on, and will in due time bear fruil and do him the justice which our pen fails to record. There are however, a number of elements in the life record of Capt. William P. Herron, one of the most substantial and representative citizens of Crawfordsville and western Indiana, that even now sen'e as eamples well worthy of emulation, and his fellow townsmen are not unappreciati\'e of these. He is one of the progressive men of this section of the state, having spent his life in his native county of Montgomery where his forebears were early pioneers, his family having been prominent in the growth and civilization of the locality for the past three quarters of a century or more. He has done much toward the general development of his chosen city and has won and retained the confidence and good will of all who know him. He is a splendid example of the virile, progressive, self-made man, of keen discernment and sound judgment, and at the same time a follower of the principles embodied in the Golden Rule in all his relations with his fellow men, and therefore he has ever enjoyed their confidence and good will. Thus for many reasons the name of Captain Herron is eminently deserving of perpetuation on the pages of this history, not the least of which is the fact that he is an honored veteran of the greatest civil conflict the world has ever known, for none of our citizens could wear a greater badge of honor than the distinction of having served the government in the memorable four years of war between the states.

Captain Herron, banker, widely known business man and enterprising citizen, was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, June 17, 1843, ^^^'^ 'S a son of James D. and Rebecca (Young) Herron. The father was born on January 26, 1798 in South Carolina and at an early age removed to Ohio. In 1825 he came as an early pioneer to Montgomery county, Indiana, and entered land from the government, establishing the family home thereon, and by hard work developed a good farm and became a very influential citizen among the early pioneers, and here he continued to reside until his death on October 21, 1874. His wife, Rebecca Young, was born November 2, 1802, in Ohio. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania. The paternal grandparents of the Captain were Scotch people and they emigrated to America prior to the Revolutionary war, and the grandfather fought in that conflict of the colonies with Great Britain. He was taken prisoner by the English and was held by them for a period of two years. After his release he settled in South Carolina.

Capt. Herron grew to manhood in his native county and received a good education in the common school. He was a student in Wabash College when in 1862 he laid aside his text-books and espoused the Union cause, having then been a student in that historic institution fur a period of three years. He enlisted in Company B, Seventy-second Indiana N'ohnitecr Infantry, hut after the battle of Stone's River, Tennessee, he was transferred t(j W'ilder's Brigade of ^Mounted Infantry and was made captain of his company. He participated in many important campaigns and hard-fought battles, pro\-ing, according to his comrades, to l)e a faithful and fearless soldier. He was severely wounded at the great battle of Chickamauga, by a piece of shell. He was also wounded in tiie engagement at Farmington, Tennessee. I'or a period of six months and during \\'ilson's raid he acted as major, and at the close of the war was made a provost marshal of Macon, Georgia, his division capturing the Confederate President, Jefiferson Davis. He recalls many interesting reminiscences of his military career. Thus after an enxiable record as a soldier in defense of the stars and stripes he was honorably discharged in 1865. Mr. Herron is a member of McPherson Post, No. 7, Grand Army of the Republic, and a Past Senior Vice Commander of the Military Order of the Loyal Legit)n, Department of Indiana. His rough life had undermined his health, and for a period of three years thereafter he resided in the northwest, which at that time was very little developed, and there he recuperated his energy. Returning to Crawfordsville in 1870 he engaged as a bookkeeper for a period of three years. In 1873 he was elected treasurer of Montgomery county, serving with satisfaction to the people until 1875, when he launched out into a business career, becoming president of the local gas company. His success as a business man has been contimious from- that time until the present, and he has become one of the financially strong men in this section of the state and is widely known as a progressive and alert, broad-minded man of affairs. He is at this time president of the First National Bank of Crawfordsville, and president and treasurer of the Wire Nail Company. In these great industries he has been the principal motive force, his able management and wise counsel insuring success, and a large and rapidly growing business is carried on in each. He is, at the present time, secretary of the Board of Trustees of the State School for the Deaf, and a member of the Military Park Commission. Having been known as a man of exemplary habits from his youth he has ever enjoyed the confidence and good will of all who have come into contact with him and is uni\-ersally respected as a business man and citizen.

Captain Herron was married on January 20, 1875, to Ada Patton, a lady of culture and the representative of an excellent family of Lafayette, Indiana, of which she was a native and where she grew to womanhood and re- ceived a good education. This union has been blessed by the birth of six children, namely : Charles, who is a captain in the Twenty-third United States Infantry, now stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison; Jessie is the wife of J. B. Stutzman, of Washington, D. C. ; William P., Florence. Fred L. and Austin H.

Edgar Ashby

That "man lives not to himself alone" is an assurance that is amply verified in all the affairs of life, but its pertinence is the more patent in those instances where persons have so employed their inherent talents, so improved their opportunities and so marshaled their forces as to gain prestige which finds its angle of influence ever broadening in practical beneficence and human helpfulness. He whose productive activities are directed along legitimate and normal lines is by very virtue of that fact exerting a force which conserves human progress and prosperity, and the man of capacity for business afifairs of importance finds himself an involuntary steward upon whom devolves large responsibilities. To the extent that he appreciates these duties and responsibilities and proves faithful in his stewardship does he also contribute to the well-being of the world in which he moves. One of the men of Montgomery county who may consistently be placed in the category of those who "do things," essentially a man of affairs in the truest sense of the term is Edgar Ashby, of Ladoga. And this accomplishment has been altogether worthy in all the lines in which he has directed his energies. As a man of ability, sturdy integrity and usefulness, and as a citizen representative of the utmost loyalty he merits consideration by his fellow men, and his life record is deserving of a place in this publication, which touches those who have given to and sustained the material and civic prosperity and precedence of Montgomery county, tlius rendering it one of the foremost in the Hoosier commonwealth.

Edgar Ashby was born September 5, 1867, two miles southeast of Ladoga, this county. He is a son of Silas F. and Ellen (McNary) Ashby .and a brother of Eugene Ashby, a sketch of whom, which also gives the par- .ents' history, is found on other pages of this work.

village of Ladoga and there lie grew to nianiioud and attended the public schools, later he was a student in Wabash College until in 1888, when he returned to Ladoga and went into the grocery business with George Reed with whom he remained two years liien formed a iiartnersliip with Harxey Wilson for an equal length of time, lie then went to Chicago and engaged in the produce business, later in the real estate business, remaining there for a period of five years, then returned to Ladoga and was connected with the drygoods firm of Kyle & Mayhall for a year, after which he bought the clothing store of Thomas McGinnis and was in that business two years when the building was destroyed by a fire that started in Case's furniture store on Hallowe'en night, in 1899. The stock was moved across the street into various stores and afterwards was assembletl in the room east of the li\ery stable, now occupied by Mclntire's restaurant. John X. llrown who was then running a shoe store here went into partnership with Air. .\shl)y. uniting the two stocks and they took two rooms in the C'entral I'.lock and were there f(_ir fi\e years, at the end of which time they joined with the Xew ^'(irk store which handled drv goods and clothing in the building now occupied by Bischofs' Store. In less than two years they s(j1(1 out the stock and Mr. .\shl)y retired from the dry goods and clothing luisiness. ha\ing been \ery successful as a merchant in all his ventures.

In 1903 the Ladoga Canning Company was formed while Mr. .\shl)y was still in the clothing and shoe business. He took a leading hand in the organization and was elected secretary am\ treasurer of the company. The business grew under his able counsel and management anil finally occupied all his time and he has continued to hokl these positions ever since. James Knox was president of the company and among the stockholders were M. M. Batcheldor, now an attorney at Indianapolis: Foster M. Scott, George W. Havens, Harry Daugherty, and Eugene Ashby. Mr. Knox died in 1907 and his wife has been president of the company ever since. Messrs. Scott and Daugherty sold their stock to the remaining stockholders in 1905 and Eugene C. Ashby and George W. Havens did likewise in 1907. Mr. Stout died January 11, 1913, leaving Edgar .\shhy and Mr. Batcheldor as the only two original stockholders. In 1907 they bought the plant at Brownsburg and still operate it with great success. In 1909 they purchased the Clay City Packing Company, at Clay City, Indiana, which they still run on a large scale. At Ladoga they have one hundred and five acres of valuable land and they generallv ha\e from fifty to one hundred acres more on which to raise crops to can. The capital stock of this company was originally six thousand dollars and the first year's business was seventeen thousand one hundred and thirty-five dollars, but it has now grown to over a quarter of a million dollars annually. Its capital stock was diminished to four thousand dollars, face value, when the old stockholders sold out, but they probably do the largest business on that amount of capital stock of any corporation in Indiana. Its stock is certainly not "watered" l)ut kiln dried. The output of this plant is enormous and its goods are sent all over the United States, from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, from New York to Montana, having big markets in Terre Haute, St. Louis and Milwaukee. Owing to the superior cjuality of their goods they are in great demand. Their plant is ecjuipped with every modern device for high grade and rapid work, and during the regular canning season scores of people are employed.

Mr,. Ashby is not a politician, but he takes a patriotic pride and a good citizen's interest in public affairs and in 1896 was an alternate delegate to the national convention of gold Democrats in St. Louis. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic Order, having attained the Knights Templar degree in the same; he belongs to the Knights Templars at Crawfordsville, and the Blue Lodge at Ladoga. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias.

Maurice John Lee

The biographies of successful men are instructi\e as guides and incentives to those whose careers are yet to be achieved. The examples they furnish of patient purpose and consecutive endeavor strongly illustrate what is in the power of each to accomplish, if he is willing to press forward in the face of all opposition, refusing to be downed by untoward circumstances, thus making stepping-stones of what some would find to be insurmountable stumbling blocks. The gentleman whose life histor}^ herewith is, we hope, accurately and succinctly set forth, is a conspicuous example of one who has lived to good purpose and achieved a definite degree of success in the special spheres of endeavor to which his talents and energies have been devoted. Mr. Lee is one of the best known business men of Montgomery county, where he has resided for more than fifty years, during which period he has witnessed a great material development, in which he has played no inconspicuous part. He has led a life of honor and has shown himself to be heartily in sympathy with all movements looking toward the general good of his locality, and, having inherited many of the winning personal trails uf his sterling ancestors of the Keystone state, he has ever enjo\'ed the good will and esteem of the people of Montgomery county.

Maurice John Lee, well known and extensive tile manufacturer of Crawfordsville, was Ijorn in Frankfort, Kentucky, l-"cbruary 17, iN^^J, and was a son of Alaurice and Cecelia (Runey) Lee. These parents were married in Pennsylvania, and from that state tJiey removed to Kentucky, where they spent the rest of their lives.

Maurice J. Lee grew to manhood in Kentucky, and there received his early education. He remained in the Blue Grass state until he was twentylive years old, coming to Montgomery county in September, 1862, and soon thereafter established a brick factory on his present home place, and soon had built up a good business in this line, continuing to make brick until 1870, when he began the manufacture of drain tile, which he has continued for a period of thirty-six years, supplying tile to Montgomery and several surrounding counties, building up a \eiy large and lucrative industr)-. and becoming one of the financially strong men of the community, ranking among our leaders in a business way. In 190J he nic^ved his factorv to Colfax. Indiana, and he has three others located in various places, all of them doing a thriving business under his able and energetic management. He has two large kilns. He burns about seven kilns a month, during nine months of the year, doing an annual business of about ten thousand dollars. He has lived to see .the tile industry grow from its infancy to its present gigantic proportions and has been principally responsible for this growth in this part of the Hoosier state.

Politically, Mr.. Lee is a Democrat, and w bile he has always been deeply interested in public affairs he has never sought public office. He is a member of the Catholic church and faithful in his sup]iort of the same. Fraternally, he belongs to the Knights of Columbus. '

Mr. Lee was married in Frankfort. Kentuck\-. on .\pril 4, 1864. to Margaret Keenan, a native of Scotland, from which country she emigrated to the United States when four years of age.

To our subject and wife one child has been born, Henry Keenan Lee, who lives at New Richmond, Indiana. The wife and mother was called to her rest on November 16. 1866. On January 29, 1870, Mr. Lee was united in marriage to Katherine .Mice Crow, a daughter of Michael and Durothv (Beard) Crow. To this second union six chiltlren were l)orn, fnur of whom are still lix-ing. namely: Walter Jr>hn, who li\-es in Chicago; Catherine Helen, wife of Dr. Chester J. Brittan ; Maurice J., who lives in Colfax, Indiana ; and Ruth Beard, who is at home.

Robert D. Jeffries

One of the successful agriculturists of Montgomer}' county who, having accumulated a competency by his years of strenuous endeavor, is now living in honorable retirement, is Robert D. Jefifries, of Crawfordsville. He is a practical farmer, and made a success of his various ventures, his well-tiled, fertile fields yielding to him an abundant income in return for the care and attention he bestowed upon them. He has been enthusiastic in all his undertakings, and has. while advancing his own interests never neglected his duties as a citizen, but has been liberal in his support of all measures making for the upbuilding and general progress of Crawfordsville and Montgomery county, and he is esteemed and respected by all who know him.

Mr. Jeffries was born in Putnam county, Indiana, on January 19, 1851 He is a son of Harvey and Melinda (King) Jefifries. The father was a native of Kentucky, as was also the mother, and they grew to maturity. were educated and married arid in the year 1820 they remo\ed from -the "dark and bloody ground"' country to Putnam county, Indiana, locating there when the country was practically a wilderness and sparsely settled, and there they developed a home from the virgin country by hard work and close application, and there they spent the rest of their lives successfully engaged in general farming pursuits.

Ten children were born to Harvey Jeffries and wife, namely : William, George and Harriett are all deceased: John, Elizabeth, James, Robert D., of this sketch, Nanny, Joseph, and Kate.

The death of the father of the above named children occurred on the home farm in Putnam county in 1907, his wife preceded him to the grave in 1903, each having reached advanced ages.

Robert D. Jeffries, of this sketch, grew to manhood on the home farm in Putnam county, and there he worked hard when a boy. During the winter months he attended the common schools in his neighborhood, and when a young man he took up farming for his life work and this he continued to follow with e\-er increasing success until he became one of the leading general farmers and stock raisers in this part of the country. Accumulating a comfortable competency through his close application and sound judgment he retired from the active duties of life in 1912 and removed to Crawfordsville, where he owns a pleasant and attractive residence, modernly and neatly furnished, at 316 South Green street.

Mr. Jeffries is a Democrat in politics, but he has never been especially active in party affairs and has never sought or held public office of any kind. He belongs to the Horse Thief Detective Association, and is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons at Alamo.

Mr. Jeffries was married on February 8, 1875, to Harriet P. Ballard, the daughter of William S. and Patience M. (Brown) Ballard. (See sketch of Emmerson Ballard.)

In the constant and laborious struggle for an honora])le competence and a creditable name on the part of business or professional men, there is little to attract the reader in search of a sensational chapter, Init to a mind thoroughly awake to tlie true meaning of life and its res])onsil)ilities there are noble and imperishable lessons in the career of any indi\idual who wins a position in the world's aft'airs through individual effort and persistence. Such a man is M. E. Foley, a native of Montgomery county, who is now residing in Indianapolis, where he is engaged as one of the attorneys of the Indianapolis Traction and Terminal Company and the Terre Haute, Indianapolis & Eastern Traction Company.

Mr. Foley was born in the county of which this history treats on September 14, 1873. He is a son of John and Bridget (Coleman) b'oley, both natives of Ireland, the date of the father's birth being 1830, and that of the mother in 1850. The former passed away on July 4, 191 2, and the latter preceded him to the gra\e on February 14. 1897. These parents came to America when children, and here they spent the rest of their lives. They came to Crawfordsville, arriving here on Thanksgiving day, 1872, and here established the permanent home of the family. John Foley devoted his life to farming. Politically, he was a Democrat, but he was not very active in public affairs, preferring to devote his attention exclusively to his large farming interests. He became the owner of four hundred acres of \aluable and well improved land near Wingate, Montgomer}- county. His family consisted of seven children, five of whom are still' living, namely : John is deceased; M. E., of this sketch; James, William, Andrew, Charles, and Frank D., the latter being deceased.

M. E. Foley grew to manhood in his native county and here recei\'ed a common school education, later entering Wabash College, from which lie was graduated with the class of 1899. Prior to that he taught school for a time in Coal Creek township. In October, 1900, he entered Columbia University, New York City, where he made an excellent record in the law department. Returning to Craw fords ville he began practicing his profession with Judge Thomas, remaining here ten years, enjoying a growing and lucrative practice, and taking a position in the front rank of the Montgomery county bar. In October, 1909, he accepted an offer to become one of the attorneys .of the Indianapolis Traction and Terminal Company and the Terre Haute. Indianapolis and Eastern Traction Company. He removed to the capital city and here he has since resided, gi\ing eminent satisfaction in every respect in this responsible and exacting position. He has remained a profound student of the law and is well versed in all its phases, having kept fully abreast of the times in ex'ery respect. He is an accurate, painstaking and indefatigable worker.

Mr. Foley was married on December 25, 1902, to May Cunningham, who was born in Crawfordsville, on December 20, 1883. She is a daughter of C. W. and Mary (McMannus) Cunningham, the father a native of Ireland and the mother of Ohio. Mrs. Foley is a lady of culture. She was graduated from St. Mary"s-of-the-Woods, near Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1901.

Fraternally, Mr. Foley is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Tribe of Ben-Hur and the Modern Woodmen, all of Crawfordsville ; he also belongs to the Phi Delta Theta, a college fraternity. He is a member of the Catholic church in Indianapolis. Politically, he is a Democrat, and has been more or less active in the ranks. He was elected a member of the State Central Committee in 1906 and again in 1908. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Indiana State Prison. He and his wife are members of the Maennerchor Society. Mrs. Foley is also a member of St. Mary"s-of-the-Wood Club.

Samuel Wesley Fraley

The student interested in the history of Montgomery county does not have to carry his investigations far into its annals before learning that Samuel Wesley Fraley has long been an acti\e and leading representative of its great agricultural interests and that his labors have proved a potent force in making this a rich farming region. Through several decades he has carried on diversified farming ami stock raising, gradually improving his valuable land, and while he has prt)spered in this he has also found ample opportunity to assist in the material development of the county, and his co-operation has been of value for the general good. He is one of the honored veterans of the Union army, who, when the tocsin of war sounded in the nation's greatest crisis, uncomplainingly went forth to defepd, with his life, if need be, the honor of the old flag. His career in every respect has been one of commendation and is well worthy of study and emulation by the young men of the locality whose fortunes are yet matters for future vears to determine, for he has sought to live a life of public spirit, industry, uprightness and one that would be devoid of ofifense to all.

Mr. Fraley was born near Linden, Montgomery county, on Januar\- 7, 1848. He is a son of Charles Washington Fralex- and Sarah Ann E. (Ketchamj Fraley. The father was borm in the state of Ohio, wlu'rc he spent his earlier days, being young wdien his parents, in 1824, brought him to Indiana, the family locating near West Point, Tippecanoe county. Here the family became veiy comfortably established, developed a good farm farm on which the parents and Charles W. Fraley spent the rest of their lives, the death of the latter occurring in January, 1861, in Illinois. He had been very successful as a general farmer, was a hard worker and a pul)lic-spirited citizen, who became well and favorably known throughout that vicinity. Sarali Ann Ketcham was a daughter of ex-Judge Aljsalom Ketcham. who at one time owned what is now the count}- poor farm, and a prominent man in the countv in his day and generation, a leader in ])ublic afifairs and successful in business. Sarah Ann Ketcham was born in Kentucky and was a mere child when she accompanied her parents to this section of the Hoosier state. Here she grew to womanhood and received her education.

After the death of her husband, Mrs. Charles W. i''rale\- remoxed with her children to Marshall county, bjwa, where she spent the rest of her life, dying there in the year 1863.

I2I2 Montgomery County, Indiana

education, being compelled when a boy to work hard in assisting his mother support the family, but this deficiency was overcome later in life by wide miscellaneous home reading, books, journals and newspapers. After the death of his mother, and while still living in Iowa he entered the ser\'ice of the Federal army by enlisting on January i8, 1864, in Company H, Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in which he served very faithfully and acceptably until the regiment was mustered out on July 21, 1865, in Louisville, Keutucky. He had participated in many engagements, never showing the white feather in any of them. His regiment was with Sherman in his memorable march to the sea, and was with him all through the Carolinas, the last battle our subject was in being the \'ictory at Bentonville, North Carolina, and afterwards he was in the grand review in Washington City, in May, 1865.

The state of Iowa sent many regiments in to the field during the great war of the Rebellion and without an exception they rendered heroic service and reflected great honor upon the commonwealth and among them all the record of the Thirteenth Iowa Infantry Volunteers stands conspicuous. None rendered more effectixe or important service. Those of future generations who can trace their lineage to one of these heroic soldiers may justly claim an ancestry that has no superior among those who have achieved military fame and honor in anv age or country. Their loyalty and devotion and supreme sacrifices they made will not be forgotten while true patriotism and brave deeds are honored among men.

Total enrollment was one thousand se\en hundred and eighty-eight, and less than two hundred returned home. Taken from Iowa roster of her soldiers.

After his career in the army Mr. Fraley lived in Grundy county, Iowa, and followed farming and stock raising until 1872, when he came to Montgomery county, Indiana. He continued general farming until 1888, when he purchased his present farm north of Crawfordsville. Here he has improved a fine farm and been very successful as a general agriculturist and stock raiser.

In the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic Air. Fraley has long been very prominent, having served as junior vice commander, senior vice commander and post commander. He served two years as sergeant major and is now in his fourth year as adjutant. He is also a member of the Hickory Grove Anti-Horse Thief Association, having been secretary of the same for the past twenty years. Politically, he is a Republican. He is a

On February jt,, 1S69, Mr. Fraley was married to Lydia j. Modlin, formerly of Blackford county, Indiana. To this union were l)oni Lillian .\. Fraley (West), now of Kenatchee, state of Washington; I-Vank I'"., of Aurora, Nebraska, and Bertie E., of Fulton, Illinois. In 1S73 Mr. I'Valey was divorced from Lydia J., and returned to Indiana, where he has since resided.

Mr. Fraley was married on June 14, 1877. to Mary A. Nicholson, a daughter of Allan T. and Rebecca (Ketcham) Nicholson. The father was a native of Ohio and the mother was born in Kentucky. Allan Nicholson came with his grandparents to Montgomer\- county, Indiana, in i8ri, the family locating in Union township, entering four hundred and eighty acres from the government, in sections 19 and 20, range 4 west, and of this valuable tract our subject has the original land grant. Members of the above named family all lived and died on this land, and here they established an excellent home through their industry, and were highly respected throughout the locality. Mrs. Fraley is directly descended from Rex'olutionary stock.

Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Fraley, two of whom are now living; these children were named as follows Walter, who died when five months old; Freddie, whose death occurred when ten and onehalf months old; Ada L. is in school at Bloomington. Indiana; Roy A. is a well known teacher, and is at this writing principal of the schools at Palestine, Illinois; Louis Earl died when twelve years of age.

George D. Hurley

History and biography for the most part reveal the lives of only those who have attained military, political or literary distinction, or who in any other career have passed through extraordinary vicissitudes of fortune. The unostentatious routine of private life, although in the aggregate more important to the welfare of the community, cannot, from its very nature, figure in the public annals. But the names of men who have distinguished themselves in their day and generation for the possession, in an eminent degree, of those qualities of character which mainly contribute to the success of private life and to public stabilit) - of men who, without extraordinary talents, have been exemplary in all their personal and social relations, and enjoyed the esteem, confidence and respect of those around them - ought not to be allowed to perish. Few can draw rules for their guidance from the pages of Socrates, but all are benefited by the delineation of those traits of character which find scope and exercise in the common walks of life. Among the indix'iduals of this class of a past generation in Montgomery county was the late George D. Hurley. His record is the account of a life which' was, in the main, eventful, as far as stirring incidents or startling adventure is concerned, yet was distinguished by the most substantial qualities of character. His life history exhibits a career of unswerving integrity, indefatigable private industry and wholesome home and social relations - a most commendable character crowned with success. It is the record of a well balanced mental and moral constitution, strongly marked by those traits of character which are of special value in such a state of society as exists in this country. For a long lapse of years Mr. Hurley was one of the leading attorneys at the bar of Montgomery county, a man who, in the most liberal acceptation of the phrase, was the architect of his own fortunes, and nobly entitled to be termed by that proud American title, a self-made man, worthy of the great success he attained as a lawyer and the high esteem in which he was universally held, and although he has been summoned to close his earthly accounts and take up his labors on a higher plane of endeavor, his memory is deeply revered by a wide circle of friends.

Mr. Hurley was born on December 3, 1833, at New Albany, Indiana. He was a son of John and Hannah Hurley. The father was a shipwright by trade, and he spent his early life in Baltimore, Maryland, from which city he came to New Albany, Indiana, after his marriage in the East; however, he and his wife remained in Baltimore until their eldest child was born. After remaining in New AlbaYiy for perhaps a decade, where the elder Hurley found plenty of work to do, that being a great boat building center in those days, they moved to Montgomery county, in the year 1838, and here began life in typical pioneer fashion.

George D. Hurley was five years old when his parents brought him to Montgomery county, and here he grew to manhood and received his primary education, later studied at Wabash College, and finally in a commercial school at Cincinnati, Ohio, and in Lafayette, Indiana, he began life for himself In- clerking in a ilry goods store, hut not taking knidly to a commercial life, he began studying law, this being his true bent, lie read under Samuel Wilson at Crawfordsville, and was admitted to the bar in Montgomery county when a young man and here he remained in acti\e practice, maintaining an office in Crawfordsville the rest of his life, enjoying a wide and lucrative clientage, in due course of time taking his place in the front rank at the bar and figuring prominently in the important cases in local courts for a number of decades, justly ranking among the leading lawyers of western Indiana. He was a great student and kept up with the progress of his profession in all its phases, being well grounded in the basic principles of jurisprudence as well as the statutes of Indiana, and he was painstaking, persistent and was an excellent pleader. He devoted his life to his law work, ignoring political and other aspirations, althougli well i|ualifie<l and often urged to accept public ofifice.

Mr. Hurley was married on October i8, 1855, to Frances R. Galey, who was born on October 8, 1835, in Crawfordsville. She was a daughter of William W. and Lucy (Wilhite) Galey, one of the pioneer families of Montgomery county. Her father was born on August 21, 1803, in Shelby county, Kentucky, and Lucy Wilhite was born on Deceml:)er 18, 1809, near Louisville, Kentucky, in Oldham county. These parents grew to maturity in the Blue Grass state and were married there, and not long afterwards moved to Crawfordsville, Indiana. William Galey worked on the farm until he was seventeen years old, when he took up tailoring, engaging in that business in Crawfordsville until 1854, enjoying an extensive trade, then returned to farming. His death occurred on March 27, 1871, having outlived his wife many years, she having passed away in September, 1854.

Six children were born to William Galey. and wife, two of whom are living. They were named, William L., deceased: Francis R., who married Mr. Hurley, of this memoir; B. V., born on December 14. 1833, is living in Crawfordsville: Milton H., deceased: Virgil deceased: Louise is living.

Mrs. Frances R. Hurley grew to womanhood in Crawfordsville and received a cornmon school education here, and her death occurred on August 16, 1Q07.

Four children were born to George D. Hurley and wife, two of whom are deceased, namely Lucy H.. born December i. 1856. died in September, 1908: John W^, born August i, i860: Belle, born May 4, 1858, deceased; F. W., born November 10, 1868.

The subject of this sketch is a man of worthy prestige among the farmers and stock men of Montgomery county, and it is with satisfaction and pleasure that the biographer gives to the public the outline of his industrious and successful life and career. Mr. Edwards has always been a man of honesty ih his dealings with his fellows, and his intercourse with the stock men of the state and country, despite the temptations in that vocation, has always been conducted by hard and fast rules of integrity. He has been very successful in a material way, due to his w ise and cautious dealings with the market and the public. Mr. Edwards is very generous when a worthy cause is involved, and no one is more willing to contribute for the welfare and prosperity of the county and community in which he lives.

M. E. Edwards was born in Union township, Montgomery county, on June 12, 1866, being the son of Curtis and Jane (Ward) Edwards. Curtis Edwards was born in Butler county, Ohio, in 1822, and the mother was born in Union county, Indiana, in 1826. Mr. Edwards was a stock dealer and farmer, and in 1835 came to Union township, Montgomery county, Indiana. In his early life he was educated in the old log cabin schools, which was the best afforded in those days.

Eight children were born to the union of Curtis Edwards and wife, namely : W. F., living at Holdrege, Nebraska ; Mrs. Louisa Hale, of Whitesville, this county ; Mrs. Lydia Linn, deceased : Sarah and Martha, both deceased; Mrs. Rella Hobson, deceased; M. E., our subject, and one child who died in infancy. Curtis Edwards was a Republican politically, and was a trustee of Walnut township. He was active in the affairs of the Methodist Episcopal church, and held all offices. He belonged to the Masonic Order at Crawfordsville. Curtis Edward's father, our subject's grandfather, was Charles Edwards, who came to this county in 1835 and settled in the woods, which was inhabited with nothing but Indians and wild animals.

Our subject received his early education in the common schools and then attended business college at Ladoga, Indiana. For a period of two years he attended the Ladoga Normal, and then took up farming and extensive live

Stock dealing. He huys and sells cattle, hogs and sheep, and ships them principally to Indianapolis, and is one of the largest shippers tn that market. His shipments amount to nearly two hundred carloads yearly. Mr. iulvvards owns thirty acres of valuahle land at Mace. Indiana, where he is living at the present time.

Mr. Edwards was married in 1887 to Ida Cash, the daughter of Warren and Catherine (Dnvall) Cash. Both parents came to this county from Kentucky in an early day, settling tirst in Putnam county about the year 1847. They followed farming practically all of their lives. To the union of Mr. Edwards and wife two children have l)een born, namely: Oliver C. married Beulah Frances Stewart, and lives in Mace; and Gladys, who lives with her parents.

Fraternally, Mr. Edwards belongs to the Knights of Pythias, the Tribe Ben-Hur. the Improved Order of Red Men, and the Modern Woodmen of America. He belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church, and has held all offices, including the superintendent of the Sunday school.

Samuel H. Gregg

The late Samuel H. Gregg, for many years engaged in business in Cravvfordsville, led a life so consistent with high ideals as to recommend him to the favorable consideration of the people of Montgomery county, where he maintained his residence for many decades, and was regarded as a public benefactor.

Air. Gregg was born in this county on June i i, 1827. on a farm, being thus a pioneer child, and he grew up amid primitive conditions and was therefore not a stranger to the hard work of developing the home farm. He recei\ed the usual education in the common schools. He continued farming until he was twenty- four years old, when he came to Crawfordsville, becoming one of its early business men. He was a partner in the first hardware store ever established in this city. He was successful in a financial way and soon had a good home here, and he did much for the early development of the city. He was the founder of the Indiana Wire Fence Companv, manufacturers of barbed wire fence. He was an active member of the Methodist church. Here he spent the rest of his life, his deatlj occurring on May 27, 1900.

a native of Montgomery county, and here her death occurred in 1861. To this union one son was born, Orplieus M. Gregg, who is still living in Crawfordsville, and of whom a sketch appears on other pages of this volume.

On December 15, 1870, Mr. Gregg was again married, his last wife being Sarah M. Munns, a daughter of George and Anna (Shanklin) Munns. She was born in Union township, this county. May 13, 1840. George Munns was a native of Kentucky, his birth having occurred there on January I, 181 3, and from there he came to Montogmery county, Indiana, when a small child, the family locating here when this county was a vast, unimproved wilderness. When he grew older he assisted in clearing the land, on which the family located and he continued farming in this locality all his life, becoming very successful with advancing years and was well known, influential and highly respected by all who knew him, and here his death occurred on May 8, 1877.

Anna Shanklin, wife of George Munns, was a daughter of Andrew and Sarah (Crooks) Shanklin, who were also pioneers in this section of the great Wabash Valley country. She was born on October 30, 181 5, and she reached the remarkable age of ninety-four years, passing to her eternal rest in 1909. She was a woman of extraordinary attributes, an exceptionally strong and lovable character. She transacted all her own business until the last. George Munns was a very successful farmer and stock raiser. He managed the home place, on which he li\-ed. until his remo\al to Crawfordsville, about ten or tweh'e years before his death.

Three children were born to George Munns and wife, namely: Minnie is the wife of Samuel Austin, cashier of the First National Bank of Crawfordsville: Sarah, who married Samuel H. Gregg, of this memoir; Anna married A. C. Austin, a successful and well known business man.

The union of Samuel H. Gregg and his second wife was blessed by the birth of one son, George Munns Gregg. He was born May 20, 1875, ^"^ his death occurred on November 14, 1896. He was a young man of brilliant intellect arid great promise, was liked by all who knew him, esteemed for his genial and gentlemanly personality. He married Jessie Cofifman, of Champaign, Illinois.

Mrs. Gregg is a worthy member of the Methodist Episcopal church. She is a lady of many admirable characteristics and has long been popular with a wide circle of friends.

Montgomery Cocntv. Indiana. I2I9 William James Miles

The successful busiuess and public career of William James Miles, retired farmer of New Market, Montgomer\- county, has been largely due to his inborn sturdiness and energy, a legacy from Kentucky ancestry, and the excellent schooling" of his boyhood days on the home farm - where none who fear hard toil can ever succeed. He proved himself to be a scientific agriculturist, keeping abreast of the times in all matters pertaining to his calling, and by judicious cultivation succeeded in obtaining the largest results from the labor expended, and he ac(|uired a comfortable competency, ranking with the well-to-do farmers of this part of the county. Devoting himself assiduously to his business interests, he has, howe\-er, found time to take part in public affairs, and has filled most acceptably positions of trust and responsibility. He is public spirited and ever ready and willing to encourage or aid every good and laudable enterprise. He comes of sturdy and wholesome ancestry, and inherits in a marked degree many of the sterling attributes for which they were noted.

Mr. Miles was born in Brown township, Montgomery countw on April 2. 1848. He is a son of Franklin and I-iebecca (Davis) Miles, both natives of Kentucky, the father's birth occurring on October 7, 1825, and he died in October, 1853. while .still a young man; the mother was born on March 5, 1825, and passed away on May 2, 1855, when also young. l'"ranklin Miles devoted his life to farming. He moved to Iowa a few years prior to his death. Five children constituted his family, all now deceased but the subject of this sketch, namely John, born January 4, 1847; William James, of this review; Jefferson M., born November 22, 1849: Scott, born .Vpril 7. .1851; Thomas F., born December. 1852, died in 1875.

William J. Miles grew up on the farm, and he received a common school education, later attending the seminary at Ladoga, then began teaching, which occupation he followed several years with success. He engaged in general farming and stock raising from 1867 to the fall of 1908, when he removed to New Market, having Ijeen elected to the ofifice of county commissioner, which position he held for two terms or six years, from 1905 to 191 1, inclusive. He was also justice of the peace for a period of sixteen years, and was supervisor for some time. .\s a public servant he gave the utmost satisfaction, being an unbiased, honest and conscientious gentleman, and he won the hearty approval of all concerned.

ter of J. W. and Lucinda J. ^(Vancleve) jEasley, early settlers of this count}. Daniel Easley. grandfather of Mrs. Miles, was one of the earliest pioneers in this locality.

One child was born to the union of our subject and wife, Alice, born March 21, 1S70, died November 25, 1882. The wife and mother passed away on August 27, 1910, at the age of sixty-four years, her birth having occurred on March 6, 1847.

, Politically, Mr. Miles is a Republican and has been influential in local party affairs. Religiously, he belongs to the Baptist church, and has been a member of the Freedom church for forty-nine years, served as clerk thirtyfive years, was superintendent of the Sunday school for about thirty years, and has served as a deacon for nearly forty years.

John W. Remley

In the history of every community there are individuals who become so identified with its growth that no article which pertains to its prosperity is complete unless they are represented therein. Such is the case in the person of John W. Remley, who has been closely associated with the affairs of the western part of Montgomery county for many decades, and who is deserving of rank among the most enterprising agriculturists of Wayne township.

Mr. Remley was born in the township and county mentioned in the preceding paragraph on December 8, 1867, and here he has been content to spend his life. He is a son of William F. and Susan (Stout) Remley. The father was a native of this county also. John Remley, the paternal grandfather, was a native of Ohio. The Remley family came to this county in an early day and they have always been well known and prosperous agriculturists here. A fuller account of this family will be found on another page of this work.

William F. Remley received his education in the district schools of his native community. In the early sixties he volunteered in the service of his country, joining the One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Indiana Regiment under General Burnsides. After returning home he took up farming for his occupation, which he followed successfully until 1904, when he left the farm and moved to Crawfordsville, where he lived retired until his death, in 1905, at the age of sixty-two years. The mother of our sul^ject is still living at the family residence at Crawfordsville.

Four children were born to William F. Remiey and wite. named as follows John W., of this review, being the eldest : Berfjamin Franklin; Ira C; and Grace, who married Adrian TinkhairijOf Crawfordsville.

John W. Remiey grew to manliood on the home farm and there did his share of the work wiien a boy and he received a good common school education. On Deceinber 23, 1888, he ^\as united in marriage to Etta May ^uick, daughter of Jackson Quick and wife. Her father was a native of JMew York, from which state he came to Montgomery county, Indiana, in an early day and here became very comfortably established through his industry. He was married to Nancy Ann Shanklih, October 4, 1853. There being no railroads in that day he drove across the country to the state of Iowa in a covered wagon for his bride and was four weeks on the road going and returning.

Mr. Remiey is the owner of a finely impro\'ed and productixe farm of one hundred and fifty acres in Wayne township, and here he carries on general farming and stock raising.

Fraternally, he belongs to the Knights of P\'thias. He is a member of the Methodist church, and is a steward in the same. He has been superintendent in the Sunday school for a period of five years. His worthy father before him was also a church and Sunday school worker, and was superintendent of the Sunday school for a period of sixteen years.

Mr. Remiey is a director of the Waynetown State Bank, also a director of the Montgomery County Agricultural Association. Also a. director of the Better Farming Association, and a member of the Wesley Horse Thief Detective Association.

Alaric M. Smith

There are several business concerns in the city of Crawfordsville that are not only thoroughly typical of the comprehensive growth and increasing importance of the place, but also distinctly a source of public pride, delineating as they do the general business enterprise and commercial sagacity of some of our leading citizens. Such a concern is the Journal Printing Company, owned and successfully managed by Alaric M. Smith, one of the most thorough going, and enterprising men in Montgomen.^ county.

Mr. Smith was born on November 9. 1859 in Fayette county, Indiana. He is a son of Mirick S. and Lucinda (Hankins) Smith. The father was born January 20, 1837, near Cincinnati, Ohio, and his death occurred on August II, 1906. The mother was born on March 2, 1839, also near Cincinnati, Ohio, and she is still living. These parents grew to maturity, were educated and married in their native community. Mirick S. Smith was a painter by trade. He came to Fayette county, Indiana, soon after his marriage, and from there moved to Crawfordsville May 4, 1869 and here spent the rest of his life. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias, taking an active part in fraternal affairs. He was the first marshal that was ever elected outside of the whisky ring in Crawfordsville. Politically, he was a loyal Republican, and religiously belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church. His family consisted of two children, our subject alone surviving.

Alaric M. Smith received a common school education. On December zj, 1882, he married Prarie Smith, who was born in West Virginia, February 7. 1S59. She received a common school education.

To our subject and wife three children have been born, namely: Mrs. R. P. (Vera) Youngman, and they live in Crawfordsville; Ethel A., and Charles V.

Mr. Smith started out in life as a printer in Crawfordsville, serving an apprenticeship. Taking charge of The Crazvfordyi'ille Journal printing department in 1880, he continued the management of the same until in October, 1901, the business growing rapidly in the meantime. Mr. Smith at that time purchased the job department of The Journal Company, which he has continued to operate to the present time with gratifying results, increasing the plant in all lines until it is today one of the best equipped and modem in western Indiana. An addition of five thousand and five hundred feet floor space was added only recently. This increased floor space gives plenty of room for the up-to-date presses and typesetting machines. All the machinery is operated by electricity with individual motors on each machine. Prompt and high-grade work is the watchword here, and large jobs are constantly turned out, work coming, frequently, from remote parts of the country. This great increase has been due to the able management of Mr. Smith. He is also secretary and treasurer of the Indiana Match Corporation whose plant is located in Crawfordsville, and he has done much toward increasing its prestige and making it a pronounced success.

Mdxtgomery Cocxty. Indiana

of his city and county at lieart. He is a member of the Commercial Club and was president of the same for a i)erio(l of two years, roliticaliy, he is a Republican, and fraternally belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Knights of Pythias, and he is one of the original members of the Tribe of Een-Hur.

Samuel D. Stoner

The name of Samuel D. Stoner needs no formal introduction to the people of Alontgomery county, for here he has spent his life, engaged in the ministry' of -the German Baptist Brethren church and in general agricultural pursuits. Samuel D. Stoner was bom on a farm where he now resides, in Section 21, Clark township, this county, on July 24, 1856, and is a son of David Stoner, who was born May 25, 1806, in Virginia, and was a son of Jacob Stoner, a native of Maryland, and he in turn was a son of Jacob Stoner who went from Pennsylvania to Maryland. Jacob Stoner was reared in his native state and there married Catherine Albaugh, who was a native of Virginia. Jacob Stoner established his permanent home in Botetourt county, Virginia, and there passed the remainder of his life. He was twice married, his first wife dying in early life, and on November 2, 1820, he married Barbara Garst. To the first union eight children were born, and nine to the second, making thus a large family of seventeen children. David Stoner grew to manhood in Botetourt county, Virginia, and there received his education. It was in 1831 that he emigrated to Montgomery county, Indiana, and entered eighty acres in section 12 and 13, and in 1837 he settled here permanently.

Samuel D. Stoner was reared on the (jld homestead, and recei\ed his education in the public schools, later entering Ashland College in Ohio, and finished at Ladoga, Indiana.

Mr. Stoner was married on Septemljer 30, 1884, to Lina Xorris. a daughter of Edward O. Xorris, who was born in Harford county. Maryland, in 1813, there spent his life and died in 1872. Mrs. Stoner was als(j a native of that state, the date of her birth I)eing December 15, i860: there she grew to womanhood, received her education and was married, but soon thereafter she and Mr. Stoner took up their alx)de in the old home here, where they have since resided. To this union eight children ha\e been bom. narnely : Alary Christina, David L., Emma Rowena, Edward Xorris, Paul Deardrofif, John Edgar, Benjamin Oliver, and Joseph Warren.

Mr. Stoner is a minister in the German Baptist Brethren church, lidding membership with the Raccoon Creek congregation, of which he was elected minister October 2, 1890. Mrs. Stoner is also a member of the above named church. Politically, Mr. Stoner is a Prohibitionist.

Isaac Rice

Although, Isaac Rice, farmer of Brown township, in the Brown's Valley country, has spent the major portion of his life in Fountain county, he has become well known and has made many close friend?. since taking up his residence in Montgomery county, for he has shown himself to be neighborly, hospitable, energetic and public spirited, a good man for any neighborhood ; in fact, every community wants such new-comers ; and the reason is plain to be seen.

Mr. Rice was born in Fountain county, Indiana, on April 19, 1854; there he grew to manhood and received his education in the common schools and there he resided continuously for a period of forty-one years, removing to Montgomery county in 1895, locating at the town of Linden, where he lived seven years, then moved to Brown township, where he still resides.