Montgomery County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1911 (part 4 of 14)

Jasper Hornbeck received the usual log-school education, which he attended three winters, then began his business career by clerking in a grocery store on East Washington street, Indianapolis, remaining there two years, during which he gave his employer satisfactory service and learned the ins and outs of this line of endeavor. He then began working for the first ice cream manufacturer in Indianapolis, remaining with him one year, then went to Tipton, Indiana, and clerked in a dry goods store. Then he worked on a Boone county farm until 1861, when he enlisted in Company G, Fiftyfifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in the three months' service. He was detailed to guard prisoners at Indianapolis, later going to Kentucky and was in the battle which started at Cumberland Gap and was also in the engagement at Richmond, Kentucky'. After a very faithful service he was honorably discharged.

After his career in the army Mr. Hornbeck went to Whitestown, where he engaged in the grocery business for himself, which he conducted one year, aftef which he returned to Indianapolis, where he engaged in the grocery business on Virginia avenue for a year, then went again to Tipton and clerked in a general store two years, then was in a general store in Thorntown for five years. We next find him at Darlington, in the general merchandise business for himself, which he conducteil with his usual success until 1872, when he went to Arkansas and clerked for three years, after which he returned to Crawfordsville and clerked for four years, then worked as a stationary engineer for three years for the Montgomery Lumber Company. He next took a position with Henry Alfry, the noted heading factory and saw mill man, remaining with him for a period of twenty-seven years, giving eminent satisfaction, as might be inferred from his long retention. In 1909 Mr. Hornbeck purchased his present grocery store in Crawfordsville and has since conducted the same, enjoying a large and growing trade, with the town and county.

Politically, he is a Republican, and he belongs to McPherson Posf, Grand Army of the Republic. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Methodist church.

Mr. Hornbeck was married, first, in November, 1862, to Susan Barnhart, who was born at Mt. Holly, Ohio, in 1839. Her death occurred on December 25, 1882. In December, 1884, he was again married, his last wife being Emma Chapman, who was born in Boone county.

Samuel Dunn Symmes

Perhaps no one agency in all the world has done so much for public progress as the press, and an enterprising, well-edited journal is a most important factor in promoting the welfare and prosperity of any community. It adds to the intelligence of the people through its transmission of foreign and domestic news and through its discussion of the leading questions and issues of the day, and more than that, it makes the town or city which it represents known outside of the immediate locality, as it is sent each day or week into other districts, carrying with it an account of the events transpiring in its home locality, the advancement and progress there being made, and the advantages which it ofifers to its residents along moral, educational, social and commercial lines. Montgomery county is certainly indebted to its wide-awake journals in no small degree, and one of the men who has been a potent factor in the local field of newspaperdom is Samuel Dunn Symmes. He has long been connected with journalistic work, and his ability is widely acknowledged among contemporary newspaper men and the public in general.

Mr. Symmes was born in Pleasant, Indiana, October 20, 1856, and he is a son of Rev. Francis Marion Symmes and Mary Jane (Dunn) Symmes. The father was bom on November 18, 1827, near Symmes Corners, Ohio. He was a son of Daniel T. and Lucinda (Randolph) Symmes. Daniel T.

Samuel D. Sy.Mmes

Symmes was born at the same place, as was his son. This family was one of the early settlers of Butler county. Mrs. Symmes was a direct decendant of Pocahontas, the famous Indian maid of old colonial Virginia. Rev. F. M. Symmes was graduated from Hanover College, later from Princeton Theological Seminary, at Princeton, New Jersey. His first charge as Presbyterian minister was at Pleasant, Indiana, and later he had charges at Vernon, Crawfordsville, Brazil, Bedford, Lebanon, Romney, Alamo, Paoli and Orleans, then went to Pittsburg, Kansas, in 1883, also had charge of churches at Florence and Derby, Kansas, later returning to Pittsburg, where his death occurred on September 5, 1905, after a useful, honorable and devoted life, having done a most commendable work as a minister of the Gospel, being well liked and popular where\er he went and building up the churches of which he had charge. He was an earnest and eloquent pulpit orator and a man of pleasing personality. He belonged to the Masonic Order, including the Knights Templar degrees. He could fill any position in that branch of Masonry. Politically, he was a Republican; however, his ancestors were Democrats. He and Mary Jane Dunn were married in March. 1855. She was living at Crawfordsville. She was a daughter of Nathaniel A. and Sophia (Irvin) Dunn. Her father was one of the first settlers of Montgomery county, locating at Crawfordsville when there was but a mere handful of houses. He owned what is now the northwest quarter-section of what is at present the main part of the city, also owned several farms, being one of the most substantial and best known business men of the county in his day and generation. In his early life he was a tanner by trade. He served in the war of 1812. He and his wife were natives of Kentucky. Mrs. Symmes died on February 12,

Samuel D. Symmes, of this review, received liis education in the common schools of Lebanon, and in Wabash College. He learned the printer's trade in the old Star ofifice, and worked at that for a period of twenty years, becoming well known to the trade in this section of the state and highly efficient. He was then elected township trustee, in which position he served from August, 1895, to November, 1900. also from January i, 1905. till January i, 1909. This was in L''nion township in which is the city of Crawfordsville. He discharged his duties in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned. W^hen he was first trustee of this township he worked out the plan of consolidated school, mentioned in the educational chapter of this work.

Mr. Symmes was prominent in the organization of the Patriotic Order Sons of America, and is now national vice-president of that organization, which has grown into a large body. He is also state secretary. He is filling these positions in an eminently successful manner and has become widely known in this connection. He is a member of the Kinights of Pythias, and has filled all the offices in the local lodge, and was representative to the Grand Lodge. He is a member of the Masonic Order, also the Modern Woodmen of America, the Order of Owls, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is a charter member of the Tribe of Ben-Hur. He belongs to the Printers Union.

Mr. Symmes was married on March 31, 1883 to Nancy, Jane McCaine, a daughter of Vardaman McCaine and wife, of Bedford, Indiana. Her father was a native of Ireland.

To Mr. Symmes and wife five children have been born, four of whom are living, namely: Frank A., of Indianapolis, is an attorney; Clyde B., of Evansville, Indiana; William V., who is at home and attending school; Ruth M. is the wife of Henry O. Armstrong, and they li\-e in Crawfordsville.

Archelaus Christian Austin

This is an age in which the farmer stands pre-eminently above any other class as a producer of wealth. He simply takes advantage of the winds, the warm air, the bright sunshine and the refreshing rains, and with the help of the Creator and by virtue of his own skill in handling nature's gifts he creates grain, hay, livestock and vegetables, all of which are absolute necessities to the inhabitants of the world. One of the best known and most successful agriculturists about the city of Crawfordsville is Archelaus Christian Austin, who is the owner of a very valuable and productive farm adjoining the city.

Mr. Austin was born in the city in which he has been content to spend his life and where he still resides, on November 19, 1843. He is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of Montgomery county, being a son of Samuel Wilson Austin and Nancy (Beaver) Austin. The father was born on November 18, 181 8, in Bath county, Kentucky, and was a son of John Baden Austin and Nancy (Vanhook) Austin, the former having been born near tlie Natural Bridge, Virginia, in 1796, and when a )oung man he came with his parents to Bath county, Kentucky, where he worked," and enjoyed little better conditions than the average for those primordeal times, being a Missionary Baptist minister. Eventually, he removed to Montgomery county, Indiana, and purchased a farm at the western edge of the city of Crawfordsville, but shortly afterwards traded the same for a stock of goods at Pleasant Hill. From there he returned to Crawfordsville, and upon the organization of ]\Iontgomery county was elected its first auditor, remaining in that office for a period of eight years. During all these years of varied endeavor he continued to preach occasionally and did much good among the pioneers. His death occurred in 1868 or 1869. He married Nancy Vanhook. They became the parents of seven children. Her death occurred while Mr. Austin was in his second term of ofifice as auditor.

Samuel Wilson Austin was educated in the common schools of Montgomery county, and in his early manhood days he clerked, later working as bookkeeper in Crawfordsville for Campbell, Galey & Hunter, during the war of the Rebellion. The second year after the organization of the First National Bank be was its head bookkeeper, being later advanced to cashier of the same, and remained in this position to within about two years of his death, which occurred in November, 1892, at an advanced age. He was well and favorably known throughout this localit)-, and was an excellent business man and broad-minded citizen. Politically, he was a Republican. He was a Methodist, and he belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and Nancy Beaver were married on January 6, 1842. She was a daughter of Christian and Mary (Shoemaker) Beaver, and her birth occurred on Februaiy 24, 1822, in Montgomery county, Indiana. Her parents were pioneers here. She died in May, i860, leaving four children, namely: .\rchelaus Christian, of this sketch ; .\lbert O.. who lives five miles north of Crawfordsville; Henry M., who lives west of Craw'fordsville : Frank is a resident of Crawfordsville.

Archelaus C. Austin grew to manhood in Crawfordsville and here he received a good common school education, being a student at the commencement of the Civil war. He did not hesitate to leave his books and home associations and offer his services to his country, so early in the conflict he enlisted in the Eighteenth Indiana Battery, under Col. Eli Lilly, and he served with much faithfulness and credit until the close of tiie war, taking part in many notable engagements. He was honorabl\- discharged and was mustered out on June 29, 1865.

After his service in the army, Mr. Austin returned to Crawfordsville and turned his attention to farming, which he has continued to make his Hfe work, being now the owner of a fine and modernly improved farm of one hundred and ninety-two acres joining the city on the east, and he has been very successful as a general farmer and stock raiser. He owns a commodious home at 312 East Main street.

Mr. Austin was married in 1871 to Annie Munns, a native of Montgomery county, and a daughter of George and Anna (Shanklin) Munns. George Munns was born in Kentucky in 1813, and followed farming as an occupation. He came to Indiana in the early days of the state. At one time his owning in this locality approximated one thousand acres. Like many others, he was a Whig in early life, but changed to the Republican politics when organized. His death occurred in 1877. Mrs. Austin's mother came to this state with her people prior to the father. The farm upon which her folks settled is still in the Munns' name. She died March 17, 1909. He was a member of the Baptist church, and she of the Presbyterian.

David Henry Davidson

"Man is the noblest work of God," wrote England's great poet-philosopher, Alexander Pope, "and a truly noble man but fulfills the plan of the Creator." The life of man describes a circle. The cycles of existence of different lives form distinct concentric circles, for some are given but a quarter of a century wherein to complete their appointed work, while the span of others varies to the allotted three score and ten. But how true and comforting that life is measured, not by years alone, but rather b}^ a purpose achieved, by noble deeds accredited to it. How often we are confronted, when a loved friend and co-worker answers the final summons, with the question "Why must he go when there remains still so much for him to do, when he can so illy be spared ?" But the grim messenger heeds not and we are left to mourn and accept submissively. The death of the late David Henry Davidson removed from Montgomery county one of her most substantial and highly esteemed agriculturists and the many beautiful tributes to his high standing as a citizen attested to the abiding place he had in the hearts and affections of his many friends throughout this locality, and his career, eminently hon-

Mr. Davidson was bom on July 26, 1852, and was a son of William F. and Mary Ann (Hostetter) Davidson. The father was born in 1798 in Pennsylvania and there he spent his early life, but was not yet thirty years old when, following other pioneers westward, he located in Montgomery county, Indiana, when this country was practically a wilderness. It was in the year 1827 that he established the future home of the family in this county and from that remote day to tliis the Davidson have been well known here. He entered eighty acres of land from the government where the buildings of the Davidson farm now stand. There he cleared a "patch" on which he erected his log cabin and began life like the typical first settler. He worked hard and soon had a farm developed and a comfortable residence. After getting his place started he walked to Ohio where he married, on September II, 1828, Amanda Schnof, returning then to his new home in this county. He made the long journey from the East on foot when he first penetrated the wilderness to the westland, carrying his gun, powder horn, and a few other necessities. The old powder horn is still in the family, also the sheep skin deed which the government gave him, and the old flax hackle which was brought from Scotland. He was a renowned fiddler in his day and played frequently for dances for young folks. He was a man of religious temperament; always returned thanks for his food, and observed the Golden Rule in his every day life; however, he never belonged to any church. He was a man of industry and he added considerable land to his original eighty. He was a very ambitious man and did much to set the wheels of progress revolving in this locality. Four children were born to them, three dying in childhood. Jasper N. reached maturity. His first wife dying, he was married the second time to Mary Ann Hostetter on Feljruary 14, 1839. They were the parents of eight children, namely: Zerelda J., married to P. H. Burns, of Crawfordsville ; Catherine, married Eli Armentrout; Sarah married to Dave Harshbarger; William Sherman married to Louisa Harrison; Margaret, deceased: David H., our subject, and two others, who died in infancy.

David H. Davidson, the immediate subject of this memoir, grew to manhood on the old homestead, amid pioneer environment, and he had plenty of hard work to do in assisting his father develop tiie ])lace from the virgin soil, a task which required many years of close application. He received a meager education in the inadequate rural schools of his day. He remained on the home place all his life, keeping it well improved and well cultivated, owning the same at the time of his death, which occurred on November 29, 1908.

Fraternally, he belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He belonged to the agricultural association from the time of its organization, and was president of the same for one year. He did much to make it a success. He was also a member of the Horse Thief Detective Association.

Mr. Davidson was married on November 12, 1874, to Salome E. Harshbarger, a daughter of Jacob M. and Mary (Myers) Harshbarger. She was born in Clark township, Montgomery county, January 11, 1854. There she grew to womanhood and was educated in the common schools.

Jacob M. Harshbarger was born March 10, 1828, near Roanoke, Virginia, and was a son of Jacob, Sr., and Salome (Ammen) Harshbarger, the former born in Pennsylvania June 24, 1792, and was a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Gish) Harshbarger. Samuel Harshbarger was born on September 19. 1759, in Pennsylvania. From that state he went to Virginia and from there came to Montgomery county, Indiana, in 1833. He had been preceded here in the spring of 1829 by Jacob Harshbarger. The latter entered from the government fifteen hundred acres of land north of Ladoga, and owned nearly three thousand acres at one time. Much of this valuable land he cleared and farmed on an extensive scale, becoming" one of the leading farmers and most substantial citizens in his township. He was a millwright by trade, which he followed in connection with farming, his children doing the actual work on the place. His death occurred in 1866. He was a member of the German Baptist church. He was often seen poring over his mammoth Bible, which weighed sixteen pounds and measured fifteen and one-half by ten inches and was six inches thick. It was of German manufacture, of deer skin cover and was issued over one hundred years ago. He gave each of his eight children one hundred and sixty acres of good land. His wife died in 1870. Ten children were born to them, only two of whom are now living. Eight of them lived to be over sixty-four years old.

Jacob M. Harshbarger grew up on the home farm and received only a meager education; he devoted his life to farming and stock raising on a large scale. He owned at one time over fourteen hundred acres of valuable land, and he gave some to his children. He is still hale and hearty, and successful in a business way, being one of the substantial men of the community. Mr. Harshbarger served very faithfully and acceptably as county commissioner from 1880 to 1882. He is well liked by everybody, having always lived an honorable and upriglit life and is kind, neighborly and charitable. He was married to Mary Myers on April 13, 1848, and after a happy married life of over a half century she was called to her rest on June 1 7, 1900. They celebrated their golden wedding on the farm where they w ere married and spent their married life. Five children were l)orn to tliem. namely: Marion and Henry Meda are both deceased; Salome E., who married Mr. Davidson of this memoir; Amanda, is the wife of E. V. Brookshire, and they live in Washington City; George, lives in Clark township, this county. No better or more helpful family has ever lived in Montgomery county than the Harshbargers and none more highly respected.

The union of David H. Davidson and wife was blessed by the birth of eight children, namely : Warner M., who lives in Union township, this county; Dr. Homer J. and Dr. Cline F., both live in Seattle, Washington; Nora A. is the wife of M. Kesler and they live in Union township; Lola M. also lives in the city of Seattle, where she is engaged in teaching; Ethel H. is at home ; Mary C. and Mina S. are both attending high school.

Lee S. Warxer

The senior member of the firm of Warner & Peck is Lee S. Warner, who was born in Vienna, Austria, July 26, 1849, and there he spent his early boyhood years, being about twelve years of age when, in 1862, he emigrated to the United States, settling in Buffalo, New York. While there he attended school part of the time and also worked in a clothing store. Learning the ins and outs of this line of endeavor he began the clothing business for himself in 1870 at Effingham, Illinois, remaining there ten years during which he got a good start, then came to Crawfordsville where he remained a short time, subsequently returning to Buffalo, New York, where he engaged successfully in the wholesale business for a period of thirteen years, after which he returned to Crawfordsville in 1893 ^"^ engaged in the clothing business. He formed a partnership with Dumont M. Peck. They handle Hart, Schaffner & Marx and Stein-Blocks brands of clotliing, the L System of Clothcraft, Regal shoes for men (exclusively), Holland shoes for boys; Ederheimer Stein childrens' clothes, also Skolny clothes; Knox, Stetson and Imperial hats: Manhattan and Davies shirts: Sweet Orr. Marx & Haas cloths, traveling bags, trunks, in fact, everything that is found in any large, modern store of this kind in any of the thriving cities of the country.

Fraternally, Mr. Warner is a member of the Masonic Order, including all of the York Rites, and the fourteenth degree in the Scottish Rite ; he also belongs to the Tribe of Ben-Hur, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Politically, he is a Progressive.

Mr. Warner was married on August 21, 1873 to Rachael Wiener, of Buffalo, New York, and to this union three children have been born, namely : Juliet A., wife of Dumont M. Peck, junior member of the firm of Warner & Peck; Sidney M., who resides in Indianapolis; and Cornelia, wife of J. Whitford, residents of St. Petersburg, Florida.

Capt. Martin V. Wert

One of the best known and deservedly popular men in Montgomery county is Capt. Martin V. Wert, the present able and public spirited mayor of the city of Crawfordsville, in which position he is doing much for the permanent good of the city and showing the people that he is a man of progressive ideas, broad-minded and energetic for the general weal. He is by nature and training a military man, and his record as a soldier is indeed an enviable one. He is a born leader of men and has stamped the impress of his strong personality on all that he has met. And yet with all his indomitable courage, diplomacy, progressiveness and widespread popularity he is entirely unassuming and a recognized friend of the common people, yet reserving a proper dignity, as becomes a man of his type, so that he is highly esteemed by all who know him. He is a business man of more than ordinary ability, and ranks among the most substantial and representative citizens of his city and county.

Capt. Wert was born in Fountain county, Indiana, on a farm, July 17, 1841, and he is a son of Henry and Isabelle Wert, one of the honored old families of this section of the great Wabash country. Our subject was reared on the home farm and there assisted with the general work when a boy. During the winter months he attended the common schools of his neighborhood, and was graduated from the Fountain county high school in i860.

The war of the states coming on, Mr. Wert could not stand idly by and see the old flag insulted, so on October i, 1861 he enlisted in Company B, Tenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and he served with much credit and distinction during the rest of the war, having charge at one time of a squad from his regiment that was detailed to guard trains and cdttmi. This required skill and tact and was very dangerous. He took part in numerous important campaigns and battles, and was twice wounded, once at M\\\ Springs and also at the great battle of Chickaniauga. On Septemljer 3, 1864. he was transferred to Company B, Fifty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and he continued to serve faithfully with this regiment until honorably discharged on November i, 1864.

After his career in the army he returned home and learned the carpenter's trade, and in the year 1870 he came to Crawfordsville and engaged in the contracting business, meeting with much success from the first. This has continued to be his chief life work, and his business has increased with the advancing years until he has become one of the financially strong men of the city and has accumulated considerable valuable property.

Captain Wert was elected, in August, 1887, first lieutenant of Company D, First Regiment Indiana National Guard, and was very active in this company for three years. Then upon the transferring of the company to the Second Regiment and assignment to Company I, he was elected captain of Company M, Second Regiment Indiana National Guard in recognition of his earnest work in the military afifairs of the state. Upon the outbreak of the Spanish-American war, this company started to the front, but the regiment of which it was a part was discharged on April 26, 1898. Captain Wert is still verv active in military affairs. He was one of the leading spirits in the making of the history of the old Tenth Regiment, which was first published a number of years ago.

Politically, the Captain has also been prominent for years, always active in the ranks of the Republican party. He was twice elected a member of the city council, and in 1910 was elected mayor of Crawfordsville the duties of which important office he has discharged in a manner that has reHectcd much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned, and he is still incumbent of this office. He is a man of progressive ideas, and stands for law enforcement at all times, and he insists on those under him ii])eying the laws to the letter.

Captain Wert was married in 1868 to Adeline .\ston. of Cincinnati, Ohio, daughter of John B. and Ann (Coats) Aston. The father was a farmer and lived all his life in Hamilton county, Ohio. Our subject and wife have two children, namel\- : Albert E., an architect, living in New York city; Arthur B., a contractor, lives in Crawfordsville. Pioth tliese sons are very successful in their chosen fields of endea\or. '(57)

Abraham H. Hernly

Fifty years ago, when the slaveholder's rebellion broke out with all its fury at Fort Sumter and when it looked as if the Union that all loved so much would be dissolved, many households became divided, some members of a family going into the Federal army and others casting their lots with the Confederacy; some enlisted to save the federation of states, even though they had to free their slaves to do so. It was a time when there could be no temporizing and no halting, - no half-way position, - for all who were not for the Union were against it, and both sides hated the man who claimed to l>e neutral because he did not want to risk his life on the field of battle and had no principles to sustain. The Hernly family was alive to the gravity of the national conflict, and realized that the struggle impending was something more than a holiday undertaking and knew that it meant great hardship and the shedding of rivers of blood before the flag could again wave from Maine to Florida and from the Mexican Gulf to the states of the far Northwest. But they cbd not hesitate, be it said to their exerlasting renown, both father and son, lea\ing their pleasant fireside and risking the \-icissitudes of the great Rebellion, each making most creditable records of which their family should ever be proud.

Abraham H. Hernly, well known real estate dealer, was born at Blount Joy, Pennsylvania, Jul}* 22. 1843. and is a son of Henry S. and Anna Hernly. The father was born on a farm in Pennsyh'ania in 1808, and there he grew to manhood and devoted himself to general farming until 1843 when he moved to Wayne county, Indiana, and in 1844 to Delaware county, this state, where he continued to reside until his death in 1868. He was a type of the old-time, honest, sturdy, pioneer farmer, who believed in upholding the government, fashioned by Washington and other brave and self-sacrificing men. So when the Civil war broke out he gladly gave his services to his country, serving faithfully for a period of three years in the Nineteenth Indiana Regiment. He was a Republican, and he belonged to the Grand Army of the Republic. His wife was also a native of Pennsylvania, born on a farm where she was reared to womanhood, the date of lier birth being 1820. Her death occurred in 1856 when in the prime of life.

Abraham H. Hernly was reared on the home farm in Wayne and Delaware counties, Indiana, having been a mere babe when he was brought by his parents from his birthplace in Pennsylvania. He worked hard assisting his father in getting a comfortable home established for the family in the

Hoosier state, and that hcint;- the case and public schuols few and jjonrly taught in his day lie had \ery little chance to secure an educalinn. hut later in life he has made up for this deficiency by wide miscellaneous readinj^ and by actual contact with the business world, fiowever. when thirteen years of age he returned to his native state to li\-e with a cousin and there went to school three winters. When a young man he learned the cabinet-maker's trade, becoming very proficient in the same with advancing years.

When the war between the States came on he laid down his tools and hastened to a recruiting station and enlisted in the Twenty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry in which he saw much hard and trying service, but he never shirked duty no matter how arduous or dangerous, according to his comrades. Among the important battles he took part in were Yorktown, seven davs before I'Jicbniond, Malvern Hill, .\ntietani, Crettysburg, Cold Harbor, Winchester and Cedar Creek, being under the immortal Sheridan at the last two battles. He was on picket duty the day of Lee"s surrender at .\pponiatto.x, A'irginia. He was honorably discharged from the ser\ice of the Union on July 13, 1865.

After bis career as a soldier Mr. Hernly returned to Indiana rather than the Keystone state from which he had gone to the seat of war. He located in Henry county, where he farmed for a few years, getting a newstart in life. In 1872 he came to Crawfordsville and here followed the carpenters' trade and the contracting business with a large measure of success until 1898, when he went into the real estate business, which he has continued to the present day, in connection with the loan business, doing nicely in both, emioying an ever increasing patronage owing to his honest and courteous dealings w'ith his fellow men. His residence in Montgomery county of over forty years has been marked by duty faithfully performed as a business man and citizen and he has w(jn the regard and confidence of all wlio know him. He is an excellent judge of real estate \alues, and he has a number of good city rentals.

Politically, he is a Republican and has been more or less influential in local party affairs. Naturally he belongs to McPherson Post, No. 7, C.rand Army of the .Republic at Crawfordsville. having long taken an abiding interest in Grand Army affairs. Fraternally, he belongs to the Imjiroved Order of Red Men.

Mr. Hernly was married on December Ji. 1868, selecting as a lifepartner Emeline Harvey, who was born in Henry county, Indiana, where she grew to womanhood and received a common school education. There her parents spent their Hves engaged in fanning. The death of Mrs. Hernly occurred on October 21, 1884. To this union four children were born, named as follows: Jessie, whose death occurred in 1894; Harry, who died in 1898; Kittie is the wife of Clarence Lawler and they live in Los Angeles, California; Lizzie is the wife of Paul Welty, and they are also residents of Los Angeles.

On October 19th, 1892, our subject was married a second time, his last wife being Elizabeth Blye, who was a native of Attica, Indiana. To this second union one child has been born, Mabel R., who was graduated from the Crawfordsville higli school with the class of 1913.

Amos Gilbert Breaks

Success lies very largely in whether a man takes an interest in what he has mapped out as his life work; unless this is true nothing but mediocre success will reward the toiler. Nothing is truer than Longfellow's line in "The Building of the Ship," which reads, "For his heart was in his work, and the heart giveth grace to every art." A large number of the toilers in the tread-mill of existence take only a half-hearted interest, or none, in their allotted tasks, feeling none of the zest of the true worker and knowing nothing of the keen delights of the honest toiler. Among those of Montgomery county's men of affairs who take a special delight in their life work is Amos Gilbert Breaks, a successful farmer of Crawfordsville, who operates a fine farm in L^nion township, nearby. In this township and county Mr. Breaks first opened his eyes to the light of day, being a scion of one of our noted and sterling old families, and here he grew to manhood, was educated and has been content to spend his life. The date of his birth is April 20, 1862,

Mr. Breaks is a son of John B. and Caroline Jane (Gronnendike) Breaks. The father was born on December 14, 1832, in Union township, this county, and here he devoted his life successfully to farming, and passed to his eternal rest on June 27, 1901. Politically, he v^^as a Republican, and in religious matters a Methodist. The mother of the subject of this sketch, was also a native of this township and county, the date of her birth being June 20, 1836, and was a daughter of Peter and Hannah Gronnendike. The ancestors of both these parents were early settlers in this county. Mrs. John B. Breaks died on February 17, 1897. She was the mother of ten children.

three of whom dictl in infancy, those wlio survived being- named as follows: John, born October 19. 1855. died in his thirty-ninth year; James, born March 13, i860, lives at Winona Lake. Indiana: Sarah Ann, died in her tenth year; Amos Gilbert, of this review; Ida May. who married Ciiarles E. (liililand, was born March 27, 1864; Editli C. who married C. A. Johnson, was born on December u;, 1S71. and slie now li\es in San Antonio, 'I'e.xas ; Dr. Liitlier Z., of Terre Haute, Indiana, was born on March 5, 1879.

The paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was Richard Breaks. Sr.. a native of England, w-ho emigrated to America when a }oung man, liis voyage to our shores in a sailing vessel requiring two months. He came on west and landed at Crawfordsville, Indiana, with just fifty cents in his pocket. He found here a frontier settlement of only a few houses, but he liked the country and decided to make his future home here, building a cabin across the creek from Indian Village. It was many years before he saw the first railroad liuilt into Crawfords\-ille and the country round aliout cleared of its vast forests and de\eIoped into a fine farming comnuuiity, and he took no small part in the upbuilding of the same. He used his influence to such improvements as the Iniilding of the first gravel road through the county. Coming as he did from a poor family, Richard Breaks, Sr.. had no time for education. However, he was the possessor of much of the characteristic pluck and energy and he succeeded in his life work and. by close observation and wide reading, he became a well informed man. He at first found employment with old Andy Johnnie Beard, then head of the Blind Asylum. The young Englishman first began as a farm hand, but later had practical charge of the entire farm. He was later married to a daughter of his employer. Hannah Beard. Subsequent!}-, he was a1)le to ])urchase a small farm of his ow-n north of Crawfordsville, at a very lnw figure, and he moved his young wife to this place, which has since been known as the Breaks neighborhood. Indians were quite plentiful in those early days, and although Mr. Breaks was on friendly terms with them, he gave them to understand that they were not to go near his home in his absence. He was small of stature, but the red skins were able to read in his eye the fact that he was a man of courage and it were better to respect his wishes. By hard and honest efiforts he forged ahead. He cleared his place and established a good home, adding to his land from time to time as he prospered through his indomitable industry, until he became one of the leading farmers of the community and at the tinie of his death was considered in very comfortable circumstances.

first wife, Hannah Beard, he married Mary Stine, a native of this section of Indiana, of which her father, John Stine. was a pioneer. After her death on the Breaks farm here, Mr. Breaks was united with Eliza King in the bonds of wedlock.

After replacing the old house with a large, substantial dwelling and adding a number of convenient buildings and making many other improvements, Mr. Breaks settled down on his farm to enjoy the fruits of his labors of former years. His extensive landed estate was gradually lessened by virtue of the fact that he gave each of his children eighty acres of land at the time of their marriage. Here he continued to reside quietly until he was called to his eternal rest at a very ripe old age, after a successful and honorable career. He was loved and respected by all, having been an honest, hospitable and upright man in every respect.

To the first union of Richard Breaks, Sr., and wife were born six children, of whom the following are named : Sarah, who married Peter Garner, is deceased; Anna is the wife of Jacob Miller; Hannah is now Mrs. Jonathan Everett ; John B. was the father of Amos G. Breaks, the immediate subject of this article. The children of Mr.^ Breaks and his second wife were four in number and named as follows: Richard, Jr., long a well known fanner of this county, is now deceased ; Harrison was next in order ; Calvin's name then appears on the list; and Thomas, the youngest, is deceased. To the third union of the senior Breaks and wife was born only one child, Alvin, a sketch of whom appears on other pages of this work.

Amos G. Breaks, our subject, worked on the home farm, there remaining until he was capable of managing a farm of his own. He has followed general agricultural and stock raising pursuits all his life and has met with a large measure of success, having inherited the skill as a husbandman and also the energy to cany it out effectively from his father and grandfather before him. He, however, retired from farming on a large scale some eight years ago, and moved into the city of Crawfordsville where he owns a pleasant and substantial home and here he is still residing, but has continued to operate his farm in a general way. It lies in Union township and consists of one hundred and fifty-three acres, well improved in every respect and highly productive.

Politically, Mr. Breaks is a Republican. He belongs to the Methodist church, and is a Mason, attaining the Ivnights Templar degrees in that Order.

1,'omery county. Mr.s. Breaks was horn in Ripley townsliij), this county, and here she grew to womanliood and receixed a common .school education.

The most elahorate history is perforce a merciless ahridgment, the historian being obliged to select his facts and materials from manifold details and to marshal them in concise and logical order. This applies to specific as well as generic history, and in the former category is included the interesting and important department of biography. In every life of honor and usefulness there is no dearth of interesting situations and incidents, and yet in summing up stich a career as that of Joseph Goldberg, one of the leading business men of Crawfordsville and one of the best known and most successful dealers in hides and furs in the Middle West, the writer needs touch only on the more salient facts, giving the keynote of the character and eliminating all that is superfluous to the continuity of the narrative. Mr. Goldberg has led an active, useful and honorable life, not entirely \'oid of the exciting, but the more prominent have been so identified with the useful and practical that it is to them almost entirely that the writer refers in the following paragraphs.

Mr. Goldberg was born in Poland, .\pril 5, 1852. His parents both died in the old country. His father was a farmer, tanner and contractor, and, being industrious and a good manager, had a \ery comfortable income, and a good home.

Joseph Goldberg spent his boyhood in his native land and there receixed his early education, which has been greatly su])plemente(l later in life by contact with the business world and by extensive home reading. When a young man he left Poland in order to escape military serA-ice, which was enforced 1>\- the Russians, our subject being very much opposed to the military system. The trip was a tedious one, and he was sixteen da}s on the water. He landed in Xew York City with twenty-five cents in his jiocket, but he had plenty of grit and ambition, and he was soon working for a friend for one dollar and fifty cents per day. After working two weeks, during which time he had saved enough to defray his expenses to Chicago, he made his way thither and worked there six months, then purchased a horse and wagon and drove to E\'ansville, Indiana, and remained there for two years engaged in the jiink business. On account of the disagreeable chmate of Evansville he drove to IndianapoHs where he spent thirteen years, very successfully engaged in business, then came to Crawfordsville, and established his present business which has rapidly grown with the years. He has shipped two million pounds of hides, furs, pelts of all kinds, and is one of the best known dealers in this line in the country, shippers sending their hides and furs to him from remote parts of the country, and the fact that a great many of his regular shippers have remained with him for years, refusing to ship to any one else is sufficient proof of his honest treatment, his sound business judgment, and his uniform courtesv. He undertands thoroughly every phase of his business and no better judge of the value, grades, and varieties of furs and hides could be found. He is deserving of great credit for what he has accomplished in the face of obstacles, having started with nothing and had no one to aid him.

Mr. Goldberg was married on March 10, 1875 to Setty Hart, of Indianapolis, and to this union four children were born, one of whom is deceased ; the living are: Fannie, who married Morris Block, of Oskosh, Wisconsin; Hannah, who is the wife of Edward Epstine, of St. Paul, Minnesota : Harry, who is at home, is in partnership with his father in business.

James A. Vail

One of the best remembered and most highly respected citizens of Montgomery county in a past generation, who, after a successful and honorable career, have taken up their journey to that mystic clime, Shakespeare's "undiscovered bourne, from whence no traveler e'er returns," leaving behind him a heritage of which his descendants may well be proud - an untarnished name - was James A. Vail who grew up in this locality when the early settlers, of whom his father, was one, were redeeming the rich soil from the primordial state, and here he played well his role in the drama of civilization. He was a man of industry and public spirit, willing at all times to do his full share in the work of development, never neglecting his larger duties to humanity, being obliging and neighborly, kind and genial, which made him popular with all classes and won the respect and good will of those with whom he came into contact. Thus for many reasons we are glad to give his personal biography a place in the history of his locality.

of the early settlers of Montgomery county and he hecanii' well estal)]isiie(l here through his industry. He located near what is now ( )ak llill when this locality was very sparsely settled.

James A. Vail grew to manhood on the lionie farm and tliere he worked hard when a boy, and he received his education in tiie comnujn .schcjois of his neighborhood, and when a young man he took up general farming for a livelihood which he followed all his life with much success, on a large scale, owning a finely inipro\ed farm, and he paid ])articular attention to stock raising, preparing large numl)ers of cattle and hogs for the market. He had a commodious home and was one of the substantial men of in's neiglihorli 1.

.Mr. \'ail was married on October 31, 1872, to Amanda L. lUue. d;iugliter of John M. and INlary Ann (Smith) Blue, a highly respected and well known couple. .\ complete sketch of the Blue family is to be found on another page of this work under the caption of James Blue. The following children were born to John AI. Blue and wife; Amanda L.. wife of our subject; Martin is deceased; Anna married Frank Royer: and James.

l-"i\e children were born to James A. Vail and wife, namely: Martha .\. who married Matt Barton, lives in Madison township; John I*". li\-es in Linden, this county; .\rthur A. lives in Madison township; Elizabeth married Samuel Mnrdock, of Union township; Bessie Katherine married Charley Blacketer and they li\e in Aladison township.

Politically, Mr. Vail was a Republican, but was ne\-er especially acti\e in public affairs. He belonged to the New Light Christian church and was faithful in his support of the same. Fraternally, he belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, both at Linden.

Rylaxd T. Erowx

In the decades preceding and following the War of the States, and during that internecine strife, the state of Indiana produced a brilliant coterie of men who became prominent in national affairs, men of various walks and professions, of creeds and convictions, who succeeded in stamping the indelible impress of their personalities upon their generation. One of these was Ryland T. Brown, who made his mark in the ministry, in the realm of medicine and in the field of chemistry, attaining such proficiency and eminence m the latter that he was raised to the exalted position of chief chemist of the

Agricultural Department at Washington, under President Garfield. He was a man of sterling attributes of head and heart, a profound scholar and unswerving patriot, and a man who eminently deserved his large success and honor, and biographical memoir of such a worthy character must needs enhance very greatly the value of a work of the province assigned to the one in hand. He was well known to many of the readers of the same, and was the father of Capt. George R. Brown, one of Crawfordsville's leading citizens.

Mr; Brown was born October 5, 1807. in Lewis county, Kentucky. His ancestors, on both sides of the house, were originally from Wales. His parents were exemplary members of the Baptist church, his father being noted as a leader in the singing exercises of the congregation. Both the families from which he was descended were remarkable for their longevity. In the spring of 1809 his father removed to Ohio, and settled near New Richmond, in Clermont county, when that country was a wilderness. But there our subject enjoyed good educational advantages for those days. He was not a robust lad and his parents shielded him from the hard work of the farm, and did all in their power to gi^'e him a good education, and he made rapid progress. His teacher was not only an able Yankee scholar, but a zealous Baptist, who did not neglect the moral and religious training of those under his charge, and his lessons sank deep into the heart and mind of young Brown; and this together with the counsel and example of his pious parents, determined the direction of the whole current of his subsequent life.

Early in 1821 his father removed to Indiana and settled in what is now the southeastern part of Rush county. But three years before, that country was ceded to the United States by the Delaware Indians and it was only in a few places that the trees had been removed from what had been their hunting grounds. Here the delicate young student was transferred from the confinement and exhaustive toil of the school room to the invigorating labors, hardships, and privations of a backwoods life. For the first few years after removing to Indiana, he was employed much of the time as guide to landhunters. In this employment he not only became an expert woodsman and a second Nimrod, or "mighty hunter," but here also he began to form the active habits, and to acquire the fondness for out-door pursuits, for which he was distinguished through subsequent life. The change of occupation also contributed greatly to his physical development. In the spring of 1822, being then in his fifteenth year, he made a profession of faith in Christ, was immersed and united with a Baptist congregation, known as the "Cliffy church." He had no further oportunity of attending school, but devoured all the hooks he could hnii. He was of that type wliich did w<{ need to he taught; all he asked was the means ot' learniiiL;. in the tall n\ 1S23 his father died. It was this sad e\ent that directed the mind i>f the son to the study of diseases and remedies, and determined his ])rofession for life. In 1826 he became a Reformer, though fdrmerly a loyal liaijtisl. I'ur ii\er three years he devoted his attention exclusively to the study of medicine. His knowledge of this suhject, as well as others, was principally acipiired without a master; and but few men who ha\e attained to equal eminence in the profession have c|ualified themsehes under greater difficulties. Out of the bones of an Indian exhumed near his father's farm he constructed an imperfect skeleton, to aid him in the study of anatomy and physiology. During the latter twenties he attended the Ohio Medical College at Cincinnati, from which he was graduated in the spring of 1829. Returning to Rush county in search of a location for the practice of his profession he found a stir among the churches, in which he took a prominent part, and he was selected as the first victim in the state to he sacrificed on the altar of sectarian bigotry. He was arraigned on the \ery general charge of "being a Campbellite," and. as such, was excluded from the church. In May. 1830 he joined the church then organized at Little I'dal Rock, known as the Church of Christ, which was destined to become in a few years and remain for many years one of the largest and most influential in the state, and in it Dr. Brown did a great work.

Having in 1829 married Mary Reeder. he. in the summer of 1S32. located at Connersville, Fayette county, there to establish himself in the practice of medicine. Here he had to cotnpete with old and experienced ])hysicians under many disadvantages, not the least of wiiich was his religion. The Reformation of the nineteenth century was then and there known only in caricatures of a prejudiced puljiit. and to he simply a disci])le of the Lord Jesus, without being identified with any orthodox sect, was looked upon as evidence of great ignorance or imi)iety. and was therefore a great reproach. But Dr. Brown was not the man to deny the faith for the sake of popularity or financial success. Both publicly and privately he proclaimed "all the words of this life," without regard to his own reputation or pecuniarv interests. By close attention to business, and a manly advocacy of the truth, he was soon well respected in both his professions. The people favored him with a liberal patronage and. what was far more gratifying to him, thev gladly received the word and were ba])tized. .SlnU out of the orthodox churches he made a sanctuarv of the court-house, in which he soon held a revival meeting. In January, 1833, the Church of Christ was organized in Connersville, by Dr. Brown, assisted by Elder O'Kane. From this time until the year 1842, he preached extensively through the White Water country: and his name is identified with the early history of many churches in that region. By these labors and his arduous duties as a physician, his health was so impaired that he abandoned the practice of medicine, but continued his work in the church. At the state meeting held at Connersville, in June, 1842, he was one of four who were appointed to labor throughout the state in behalf of this church, but he was later forced to resign on account of failing health. In the spring of 1844 he located at Crawfordsville, Montgomery county, and resumed the practice of medicine in connection with preaching. For years past he had devoted his leisure hours to the improvement of his education - especially to the study of natural science; and his residence in Crawfordsville he made equivalent to a regular course in college. Wabash College being located at that place, he was admitted to a free use of its library, which was extensive, for those days, and also its philosophical apparatus. This golden opportunity he improved so well that in 1850, he received from that institution the honorary degree of Master of Arts, and it was justly merited.

In 1854 he acted as state geologist, by the appointment of Governor Wright, who differed in politics, and was therefore not iilfluenced in the selection, hv partisan considerations. In this capacity Dr. Brown traversed almost every nook and corner of the state, finding,

In 1858 he was elected to the chair of natural science in the Northwestern Christian University, now Butler College, at Indianapolis, to which place he removed in August of that year. There he continued to reside, distinguished as an instructor, and indefatigable as a preacher. Later he became chemist in the Indiana Medical College at that city. Although advanced in age, his work as a chemist was so superior to that of his contemporaries that he was selected as chief chemist of the Agricultural Department at Washington, D. C, under President James A. Garfield, in 1881, which responsible position he held in an eminently creditable and acceptable manner.

After his retirement frgm the active duties of life he lived quietly in his home in the capital of the Hoosier state, enjoying his books and individual research work, until four or Ihe years later when he was summoned to his eternal rest in Alay, 1890. full nf honors anil of years, like a sheaf fully ripened. He had done a nohle work and his career was an enviahle one, frjaught with great good to humanity. In all his lahors, whether as physician, geologist, or professor, he almost in\arial)l\- devoted the first day of the week to the ministr)' of the word. Having thus performed double duty, he was counted worthy of double honor. He was also among the first, and was ever among the most zealous, advocates of the Temperance Reform, not only in Indiana, but in other states of the Union. He traveled extensively as a public lecturer on that subject, and ior years he stood at the head of the temperance organization in his state. He preached the whole of the apostle's doctrine - "roughteousness, temperance and judgment to come."

Though he was never a candidate for office he took an active part in politics. True to his convictions of riglit and duty he acted with the Free Soil party in the latter forties when it seemed to lie a hopeless minority. He was stigmatized as an abolitionist even before that term assumed an application so general as to include almost every good and loyal citizen. Although he was firmly opposed to slavery he denied the right of the general government to abolish it in the states. For many years he exerted no inconsiderable influence through the medium of the press, many learned and entertaining articles appearing in the various journals of his day, on religious, educational, agricultural, medical and political sul)jects, all being very ably and skillfully handled, in all of these movements being somewhat ahead of his times. It is not extraxagant to say that had he been properly educated and introduced to nature in early life, he might hax'e riwiled .\gassiz or lluniholt in the number and value of his scientific achievements. He was familiar with all branches of learning, and while his knowledge of books was profound and general it was said of him that he knew more of nature than of books. He was fully abreast of the times in political and other current questions. Nothing was so minute as to escape his attention. As a speaker he ranked above mediocrity, having a pleasant voice of great compass, which he employed in elocjuence and earnestness. In society and in public, in the sick room and at home, he was, like Brutus, "a ])lain. bhmt man," yet he was kind and hospitable, and sufficiently affable. Fie possessed an indomitalile will, and was noted for great decision of character. He was of that class of men who sufifer - not only reproach, but martyrdom, if need be. for their religion or cherished principles. He was a man of remarkable active habits. And he found time to work his garden and tend his plants e\ery year, delightgiO MONTGOMERY COUNTY, INDIANA.

ing in out-door labor. He was often known to walk ten miles to preach or perform some needed service. He receixed much attention everywhere from the press and the peojile. A \'ery eulogistic biography of him appears in a popular book of a half century ago, "Pioneer Preachers of Indiana," by Madison Evans, published in Philadelphia in 1862. He was described at that time, "The burden of his years is light upon him; and his present condition and appearance, the poet Cowper has well described in the following lines :

Walter F. Hulet

A man of tireless energy and indomitable courage is Walter F. Hulet, one of the well known business men of Crawfordsville, Montgomery county, who, by the proper exercise of those talents and qualities which have been carefully cultivated from his boyhood, has reached a position in the public mind which insures him of the good will and respect due a man of his attributes. His record is pre-eminently entitled to a careful study, not only on the part of the student of biography, but also of every citizen who, guided by his example would in the present build wisely for the future. In studying a clean-cut, sane, distinct character like that" of Mr. Hulet, interpretation follows fact in a straight line of derivation. There is small use for indirection or puzzling. His character is the positive expression of a strong nature.

Mr. Hulet was born on September 2y, 1854, in Putnam county, Indiana, where he spent his early childhood, being eleven years of age when he removed with his parents to Montgomery county in 1865. He is a son of John and Louisa (Johnston) Hulet. The father was born on April 12, 1815, at Maysville, Kentucky, from which place he moved to Putnam county, Indiana, when a boy. His death occurred in 1911. The mother of our subject was born in 1820 in North Carolina, and her death occurred on December 31, 1879. She was a strong character, was highly respected, and was an influential worker in the Baptist church.

he learned the carpenter's trade which he followed in conncctinn with ijcncra! farming and stock huying and shipping the rest of iiis life. I lis fainilv consisted of eight ciiildren, four of whom grew to maturity and two nf tlicni are still living; they were named Saraii, Henry L'., James j., all dercascil ; William L. is living; Walter F., subject of this sketch; .\nna, Mary and I'lank. all deceased.

Walter F. Hulet grew to manhood on the home farm and there he did his share of the work during the summer months and he receix'ed a common school education, which was greatly supplemented by the teaching received from his mother.

Mr. Hulet has been twice married, first, in .\ugust. 187S. to Marv Craig, who was a native of this county. Her death occurred in i8(jo. To this union one child was born, Jennie b'ay, born in iSSj. died the same year.

On October 15, 1896, Mr. Hulet was married to Aland Cowan, who was born in Montgomery county on October 9. 1864. She is a daughter of Johnathan H. and Mary M. (Jones) Cowan, her mother later marrying Marion P. W'olfe. Her father was born in April 26, 1829 and was one of the Union sympathizers who started for the front during the Civil war, but died on his way to the Southland, on .\pril 15. 1864. His widow, born in 1840 is .still li\-ing, making her hume with (lur subject. Mrs. Hulet received a high school education.

Walter F. Hulet farmed until he was twenty-five years old in iVanklin township, this county, assisting in the operation of the two hundred and forty acres in the old home place. Leaving the farm he went to California, locating at San Jose where he remained three years, then returned to his native county and located in Crawfordsville where he worked as dejjuty county auditor for a period of seven years, giving a high degree of satisfaction to all concerned. Later he organized the Crawfordsville Investment Bank, a private institution which he made a success, and he also organized the Hoosier State Building Association of which he became secretarv. I'or a period of six years he was secretary of the Montgomery Countv .\gricuitural Association. He was secretary of the Commercial Club Association. He was a member of the building committee which had charge of the construction of the Masonic Temple in 1901, and at that time he was also a member of the local school board. He gave eminent satisfaction in these positions of trust, and he has been very prominent in public affairs.

In 1904, Mr. Hulet was made secretary of the Crawfordsville Trust Company, which position he is holding at this writing, discharging the duties of the same in a manner to reflect much credit upon himself as a man of business. He has been very successful in a financial way and is one of the substantial men of his city and county. He owns a beautiful and modernly appointed home in Crawfordsville, and he has a finely improved and productive farm of two hundred and twenty-four acres, all tillable, well tiled, well fenced and on it stands an excellent dwelling and many convenient outbuildings. This place lies in Sugar Creek township and is kept rented. Mr. Hulet also owns a few business blocks in Crawfordsville.

Politically, Mr. Hulet is a Democrat, and while he is influential in local public afifairs he is not a seeker after political honors. Fraternally, he has attained the thirty-second degree of Masonry at Indianapolis. He holds membership with the Center Presbyterian church at Crawfordsville.

John Remley

The earl)' pioneers of Montgomery county, ha\-ing blazed the path of civilization to this part of the state, finished their labors and passed from the scene, leaving the country inj 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. Among the former class was the well remembered farmer and influential citizen by whose name this biographical memoir is introduced, his arrival being among the earliest. His career here was in the first formative period, and he did much to develop and advertise to the world the wonderful resources of a county that now occupies a proud position among the most progressive and enlightened sections of the great Hoosier commonwealth. Ulseless to say that John Remley worked hard and honorably earned the reputation which he enjoyed as one of the leading farmers and extensi\e land owners, and it is also needless to add that he was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him, for he threw the force of his strong individuality and sterling integrity into making the county what it is and his efforts did not fail of appreciation on the part of the local public. His name will ever be inseparably linked with that of the community so long honored by his citizenship, whose interests could have had no more zealous and indefatigable promoter, and his influence was ever exerted to the end that the world might be made better by his presence.

John Reinley was born May 21, 1800, in Lebanon, Ohio. He was twelve years old when his father died. When fifteen years old be Ijegan learning the tanner's trade, in Delaware, Ohio, paying for the same with a purse which he foiiin!, containing fifty dollars. This old purse is now in ix)ssession of bis son, Ambrose Keinley, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this wf)rk, and is highly prized by him. John Remley spent five years learning his trade at the end of which time he worked out by the month until the spring of 1824, when he set out 011 foot to western Indiana, where be had dctcrniiiUMl to make his future home. He passed through a uunil)er (if cnuntics willmut iK'ing nnicii impressed, until he reached Montgomery county, whicli he liked so well that be purchased eighty acres west of Craw fonlsville, which land lie selected on account of the springs on it, and with a view of establishing a tannery upon it some time in the future. After planting three acres of corn he returned to Ohio, performing the journe\- on foot as iK-fore. The cane used in making this long walk is also in possession of bis sun, .\mbrose. and on it is car\e(l tlie date of the journey.

Mr. Remley resumed working In- the month after his return to ( )hio. and on March 3, 1825, he married Sarah McCain, near Lebanon, ()lii(i. Her father, James McCain, was a native of Xew jersey, who had removed to ( )hio and died there in 1824. Her mother was a native of Kentucky and was known in her maidenhood as Ann Dill. She survived until 1X45. The McCains were the parents of eleven children.

After their marriage John Remley and wife returned to Montgomery county, Indiana, to make their future home; however, each came by a different way. ^Irs. Remley was accompanied by her uncle, William McCain, and two cousins, this party making the journey on horseback in eight days. Mr. Remley shipped their goods on a flat boat on the Miami river at Hamilton, Ohio, to Terre Haute, this state, walked to the last named city himself and there engaged an o.x team to con\ey his possessions to bis homestead, where he arranged them in a small log cabin, leu 1)\- twcKc feet, which bad been erected by the former owner of the farm. Mr. I\enile\- set to work with a will and soon had his place well under way, with crops growing and built a more commodious residence, and establi.shed a tan yard, in which he did a thriving business until 1850. A few years after settling on his ])lace here he built a hewed log house, in 1829, but it caught fire and burned just as it was completed. Nothing daunted he then began building a brick house, a large substantial one, which the family occupied as soon as finished, and in that comfortable home his life was brought to a close on January 2, 1879, after a long, honorable and successful career. He had prospered from the first, had added to his holding from time to time until he became the owner of over two thousand acres of valuable land. Part of this land and the brick residence is now owned by his son David Remley. The father was active and influential in public affairs, and politically, was a Whig until the Republican party was organized when he transferred his allegiance to that. He was also acti\e in church affairs, a member of the Presbyterian church, being an elder in the local congregations for a period of more than twenty years. He was known for his strict honesty, neighborliness and hospitality and was well liked by all. His widow survived many years, attaining an advanced age, and passing away on January lo, 1890. They were buried at Oak Hill cemetery.

Nine children were born to John Remley and wife, eight of whom grew to maturity, namely : Elizabeth, who remained on the old home place ; James C, who became a farmer near Darlington: John, who began farming near the Vandalia station in Crawfordsville ; Ambrose, mentioned in this work, is farming near Crawfordsville; Daniel, for many years a successful farmer and stock man in this county, is now living in Crawfordsville. and a sketch of him is to be found in another part of this work : David is still living on the old homestead, as mentioned above: Ruhama W'., died at the age of twenty-five years.

Byron Randolph Russell

The name of B\ron Randolph Russell needs no introduction to the people of Montgomery county, for he has long laeen one of the most familiar figures on the streets of Crawfordsville, where he is known as a man of business ability, public-spirit and honorable character, hence has always had the friendship of all who know him, and, during his long life here he lias been of much assistance in the general development of the community.

Mr. Russell was born in White county, Indiana, July 11, 1848, and he is a son of Arthur and Lydia (Waymire) Russell. The father was a manufacturer in Monticello and had an interest in the woolen mills at Yountsville which he purchased in 1857. His wife died in 1852 and he later married Mrs. Rhoda Gilkey, who was a daughter of Dan Yount, the founder of Yountsville. The death of Arthur Russell occurred on January i, 1858, and our subject made his home with his step-grandfather until he was fifteen years of age. On July 11, 1863, when but a mere boy, he showed his courage by enlisting for service in the Uiiion army, as a private in Company G,

Sixty-third Indiana \"okintcer Infantry. A part of his regiment was in the army of tlie Potomac under General Porter, then in the Twenty-third Army Corps under General Schofield, in Sherman's amiy. He took part in the East Tennessee campaign, fought at Atlanta, Franklin, Nashville, and other important engagements, including that at Fort Fisher, North Carolina. He was then transferred to the One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was for some time in the hospital at Greensljoro, North Carolina, with the typhoid fever. At the time of his honorable discharge on June 22. 1S65, he was orderl)- to the (]i\isi(_)n surggon. .\ccording to his comrades he was a most efficient and fearless soldier and his record as such is a most commendable one.

After returning home he took a course in \\'abash College, then studied law under the distinguished Lew Wallace, later taking a law course in the University of Michigan, where he made a splendid record and from which institution he was graduated with the class of iSjj. He returned to Crawfordsville and became a partner in the practice of his profession with the late Judge E. C. Snyder, which partnership lasted a year and a half, then practiced alone for a period of eight years. He lias always enjoyed a lucrative practice and is one of the best known and most successful attorneys in the county.

Ha\-ing e\er manifested an aljiding interest in public affairs. Mr. Russell was elected on the Repuljlican ticket as justice of the peace, and in 1896 was elected mayor of Crawfordsville, serving two terms in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned. During that period he did much for the permanent good of the place. It was during his administration that the city water works were completed, he having been very active in this work: also the fir.st fire dei)artment system was perfected. Thus ha\ing been for many years \ery active in all that affects the welfare of his cit}" he is deserxing of much credit. He was secretaiy of the first building association formed in Crawfords\ille and through it the present opera house was built.

Mr. Russell is now in ])artnership with Gaxiord McCleur. as attorneys, real estate dealers, abstractors, etc.. and tliey enjoy an extensive and rapidly growing business.

Mr. Russell is a member of the Knights of I'ytbias, lielongs to McPherson Post, Grand Army of the Republic, having held all the offices in the same. He has long been verv' active in the ranks of the Republican party. Personally, he is popular, being a good mixer and genial in his nature.

On October i, 1874. Mr. Russell was married to Sylvia E. O'Neal, a daughter of Abijah and Hellen O'Neal, a well known family of Yountsville, Indiana, having been early settlers there. The death of Mrs. Russell occurred in June, 1905.

Charles V. Hodgkin

It is a well authenticated fact that success comes not as the caprice of chance, but as the legitimate result of well applied energy and unflagging determination in a course of action once decided upon by the individual. Only those who diligently seek the goddess Fortuna, find her - she never was known to smile upon the idler or dreamer. Charles Van Dake Hodgkin, the present trustee of Union township, Crawfordsville, and for years a successful business man of Montgomery county, early understood that success comes only to those who work diligently and honorably, so he did not seek any royal road to success, but sought to direct his feet along the well-beaten paths of those who had won in the battle of life along legitimate lines. He had their careers in mind when casting about for a legitimate line to follow, and in tracing his life history it is plainly seen that the prosperity which he enjoys has been won by commendable qualities, and it is also his personal worth which has gained for him the good standing among his fellow citizens in Montgomery county, in which he has spent his active life and is well known.

Mr. Hodgkin was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on July 25, 1848. He is a son of Edward C. and Diana (Scott) Hodgkin, an excellent old family, a complete sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume, hence will not be necessary to repeat same here.

Charles V. D. Hodgkin, recei\'ed a fairly good education in the common schools and in Russellville College, in Putnam county, Indiana, and when nineteen years of age he started to learn carpentering, and a year later took up railroad carpentering which he continued one year. For the next fourteen years he was contractor and builder at Russellville, and did a large business, many of the best buildings in the vicinity of that place standing as monuments to his skill and honesty as a builder. He then turned his attention to the grain business which he followed with equal success for a period of thirteen years, during which period he was regarded as one of the leading men in this field of endeavor in western Indiana. During that time he was elected trustee of Russell township, Putnam county, and served five years, to the satisfaction of all concerned. He came to Craw fonlsville in 1898, and continued the grain business in partnership with W. M. Darter, under the firm name of Darter & Hodgkin. He sold out a year later, and engaged in the real estate and loan business here for three years, enjoying a good business. He then went to Indianapolis where he remained eighteen months in the grocery and meat business. He then returned to Crawfordsville and was elected township trustee, which office he has since held, with entire satisfaction of all concerned, and is looking after the interests entrusted to him most faithfully.

He was married in October. 1886 to Martha J. .\lexander. a native of Putnam county, and to this union one child, a son, was born, Edward F. Hodgkin. who is connected with his father in business.

Charles Gohman

Montgomery county has furnished comfortable homes for many of the enterprising citizens hailing from the great German Empire, who have been settling within her borders since the early pioneer days when the great Wabash Valley was still the haunts of \arious tribes of Indians, the Pottowatomies. Kickapoos. Weas and the Miamis. and this forested country was also the home of all varieties of wild creatures common to this latitude. We have always welcomed the Germans, and this has been as it should l>e, for they have been courageous and not afraid of hard work and ha\e been of untold assistance to us in clearing the heaving forests of beech, oak. elm and ash, and they, too, have helped not only to develop the wild land into good farms, but also to build our substantial dwellings, comfortable barns and imposing business and public buildings. Few of these visitors from that alien land had any capital when they arrived, at least very little, not enough to be of much consequence: but they didn't need much, for they were strong in body and mind and did not hesitate at obstacles, and thus in the course of time they attained a competency and a position of influence in the locality which they selected.

One of the families from the Fatherland who has played well their part in the industrial affairs of Montgomery county is the Gohmans. a well known member of which is Charles Gohman, the popular liveryman of Crawfordsville, he being of the second generation of his family in this country.

Our subject was born near Ladoga, Montgomery county, on October 19, 1884. He is a son of Theodore and Sarah B. (Reep) Gohman. The father was born in Germany in August, 1852, and in 1858, when six years old, his parents brought him to the United States. The family came on west, locating in Montgomery county and here the old people spent the rest of their lives, and Theodore grew to manhood, received some education in the country schools, and when a young man took up farming for a livelihood and this he followed with much success all his life, dying on February 14, 1910. His widow is still living, making her home south of Crawfordsville.

Charles Gohman grew to manhood on the home farm and there assisted with the general work when a boy. He received a good common school education. He followed in the footsteps of his father in the matter of vocation and continued farming with gratifying results until 19 10 when lie purchased a livery and feed barn on East Market street. Crawfordsville. and here he has remained, enjoying a large business. He keeps twenty head of good horses, a splendid equipment of buggies, harness and everything that goes to make up a modern livery barn, and prompt service is his aim. He carries a complete line of feed and does a large business in the same.

Mr. Gohman was married in January, 1906, to Bertha Pointer, a native of Boone countv, where she grew to womanhood and received her education. She is tlie (laughter of Thompson and Mary (Furgeson) Pointer, of Boone countv, her father being a farmer. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Gohman has been without issue.

Dr. Charles W. Grantham

It is as necessary to have our horses and other valuable stock looked after from a standpoint of health as it is to furnish them with proper feed and shelter, for while dumb animals escape many of the multiform ills which beset humanity because they do not break so many laws as we. yet they, through man's carelessness, brutality and various untoward circumstances, become deranged in muscle, blood and bone, and, if not properly attended to, must continue to suffer until death comes to their relief. So we must have veterinary physicians, and there is a constantly increasing demantl for their services. The old-fashioned "horse-doctor" knew but little of the anatomy, even, of the horse, and his heroic methods often caused the animals more suffering and did no good; but during the past decade or so there has been noted a great advancement in the science of veterinary surgery, and there are great institutions in several of the large cities where this science is tauglit, the would-be practitioner not being permitted to try his skill or lack of skill on the domestic animal until he is thoroughly prepared and finished a rigid course of training.

One of the most adroit, up-to-date and successful veterinary physicians of Montgomery and adjoining counties is Charles W. Grantham, of Crawfordsville, a native of the county and well known throughout the same.

Dr. Grantham was born at Ladoga, this county, October 13, 1872. He is a son of W^esley and Caroline (Miller) Grantham. The father was born in North Carolina in 1833, and when a boy he made the long overland journey from the old Tar state to Washington county, Indiana, accompanied by his parents. There they established their home in that county when it was yet litle improved and sjiarscly settled and there they became very comfortably established through hard work, and there the parents spent the rest of their lives. There Wesley Gantham grew to manhood and remained there until the latter fifties when he removed to Montgomery county and settled on a farm, which he developed to a state of productiveness that e(|uale(l any in his locality and there he spent the rest of his life, remaining on the sanie farm for nearly a half century, his death occurring here in 1903. He was a man of honorable impulses and was well known and liked by everybody.

i\Irs. Grantham was a daughter of James and Nancy (Lee) ^Miller, natives of Kentucky, fnjm which state they came in an early day and settled in Walnut township, this county. The death of Mrs. Wesley Grantham occurred in 1892.

Charles W. Grantham grew to manhood at Ladoga and there received a good education in the common schools and in the Normal, graduating from the latter in 1890. He then entered the Ontario \^eterinary College at Toronto, Canada, where he made a splendid record and from which institution he was graduated in 1904.

Thus well prepared for his chosen life work. Dr. Grantham at once came to Crawfordsville, Indiana, and opened an oiTice and has since been successfullv engaged in the practice of his profession in MontgoiTier\- county, building up a large and constantly growing patronage and he has met with great success all along the line.

Dr. Grantham was married on February 12. 1907 to Sallie Fullen, who was born, reared, and educated at Ladoga, where her people have long been well known and highly respected.

Squire Rusk

The name of Squire Rusk is a familiar sound to the people of the western part of Montgomery county, for there he has long been a resident and has become known as one of our most skilful general farmers, being of the older type of tillers of the soil, rather than a representative of the new school. He has been a very careful obser\-er and is a man of much practical and natural ability, and everyone knows that practical experience counts for more than what one may learn from books ; this is true in any line, and is perhaps as strikingly exemplified in agriculture as in anything, if not more so, consequently the man who, like Mr. Rusk, has experimented and observed the results all his life, is bound to have mastered a great deal in the- science or field of endeavor which claims his attention.

Squire Rusk was born in Wayne township, Montgomery county, Indiana, July 2, 1834. consequently he may be said to be a link between the pioneer epoch and the present, for he grew up amid primitive conditions, and helped his father clear and develop the home farm from its wild state, and here he has continued to reside, not caring to change the advantages of his home community for those of any other, being able to foresee in his youth a great future for this section of Montgomery county. He has lived to see great changes take place in his vicinity and he has taken no small part in this transformation.

Mr. Rusk is a son of David and Martha (Ball) Rusk, the father having been a native of Ohio where he spent his earlier years, coming to Wayne township, Montgomery county, Indiana, with his parents in a very early day, the family settling in the wilderness. This entire locality was then the home of only a few white people who had braved the wilds of the frontier, and the Rusks founded the future home of the family in the woods, far remote from

The father of our sul)ject followed farniiny all iii.s life. He was more or less active in the affairs of his community, and he served as trustee of Wayne township for some time. His family consisted of six children, three of whom are still living, making their homes in Montgomery county.

Squire Rusk was married in 1882 to Julia Grenard, daughter of Jesse and Mary (Sayers) Grenard. I'.oth tlie Grenard and Sayers families were early settlers in Montgomer\- cnunty. Here Mrs. Rusk grew to womanhood and, like her husband, received such education as the early day district schools afforded.

Politically, Mr. Rusk is a Democrat and has ])een unwavering in his allegiance to the party's principles. Religiously, he is a Baptist. He is not active politicall}' and has held no offices, preferring to lead a quiet life.

Mr. Rusk is the owner of a tine farm of four hundred and sixty acres of land, mostly in this county, one eighty acre tract l>eing in Fountain county. His present modern and attractive home was built by him. Xone of his land is worth less than one hundred and fifty dollars per acre.

Henry Harrison Crist

It is doubtful if an American citizen can wear a greater badge of honor than the distinction of having served the government in the memorable four years of war between the states. It is a sacred family inheritance of renown, to be prized like a jewel by all future descendants, and kept bright and untarnished by other acts of valor, patriotism and loyalty in the interests of free government. Even in this day, when there are many of the old soldiers living, no one can see them file by with faltering ste])s without feeling a glow of pride and without showing them studied deference. This is as it should be. One of these is Henry Harrison Crist, one of the venerable and honored citizens of Crawfordsville, the major portion of whose active life has been passed in Montgomery county, but he has lived retired for' many years. He is one of the best known figures on the streets of the county seat and is held in high esteem by a very wide acquaintance.

1836, and he is a son of William B. and Margaret (Lafuse) Crist. The father was born in 1814 in Union county, Indiana, and was a son of George Crist who was an early settler there. In 1802 the family removed to Union county, this state, settling in the very center of the county on one hundred and sixty acres and there established a comfortable home through hard work. In 1828. William B. Crist and Margaret Lafuse were married, and to them twelve children were born, four of whom are living at this writing.

William B. Crist was a man of much influence in his community, and his advice was often sought in various matters by the pioneers. He took a great interest in public affairs and served very ably and acceptably as circuit judge of Union county three terms, and was supervisor of the poor and commissioner of his county for some time. As a public servant he won the hearty commendation of all concerned and did much for the general good of his locality. He was an extensive contractor and builder, and employed on an average eighteen men, and for a period of about ten years he erected e\'ery house in his county. He had charge of the stone work on the Hamilton & Dayton railroad when it was constructed in this state. The death of this prominent man occurred in 1856, when comparatively young in years. Had not his career been cut short by death he would doubtless have become one of the leading men of the state. He was active in political affairs, first as a Whig and later as a Republican. Something of his public spirit and fine character may be gained from the fact that he gave the sum of two hundred dollars to every church that was built in Union county during his life time. His widow sur\-ived o\-er a half century, dying in 1908 at a \'ery ad\'anced age.

Henry H. Crist received his education in a private school, and when young in }-ears he entered business with his father, as booker, first in a hardware, then a grocery and later a general store. He subsequently learned the painter's trade, at which he became an expert and which he followed until 1861, having come to Crawfordsville in 1859.

When the Civil war broke out Mr. Crist proved his patriotism by enlisting in 1 86 1 in the famous Eleventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, - the Zoua\'es. - under Col. Lew W^allace, who soon afterward became a brigadier general. Our subject became a noted scout and was in charge of a successful scouting party. He went out at the commencement of the war, with the three months' volunteers, and at the expiration of his term of enlistment he re-enlisted, identifying himself with the Sixteenth Indiana Light Artillery, in which he served with much credit and faithfulness until the close of the war, participating in many memorable campaigns and hard-fougiit battles, and received an honorable discharge. He was in Washington, D. C. at the time of the grand re\iew, and he was in l^'ord's Theater when President Lincoln was assassinated there.

Returning to Crawfordsville after the war. Mr. Crist enttTcd the grocery business in 1866 which he conducted with great success until 1872, when he retired from active lite, and has since lived quietly in his pleasant hmiie in Crawfordsville. surrounded by such comforts as go to make one's declining years happy.

Mr. Crist was married on November i, 1866 to Maggie E. Wood, of Crawfordsville, but who was a native of Union county, her people being well known there. After a happy married life of forty-five years, she was called to her rest on November 16, 191 1.

For some time Mr. Crist served in the city council. Fraternally, he is a meml^er nf the Masonic (^rder. the Royal Arch Masnns. Rnxal and Select Masters and the .\ncient Free and Accejited Masons, and has long been prominent in Masonic circles, having first joined this time-honored order in i86t. Politicallv. he is a Progressive, and religiously a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Allen Elwood Eastlack

Montgomery county, Indiana, was especially fortunate in the character of her pioneers, who, save in rare instances, possessed the pluck, fortitude and genius of the true Anglo-Saxon, that race which appears to delight in difficulties, because thereby an opportunity is afforded to conquer them, which gives zest to their efforts, and this trait, perhaps, more than any other, has been responsible for the fact that they have never Ijeen defeated by any other race, and have extended tlieir civilization to all parts of the globe. The founders of Montgomery county and those who were instrumental in her later day development, active alike in public and private affairs were brave, strong-amied, far-seeing. God-fearing, law-abiding citizens, patriotic and true to their native land, and conscientious in the discharge of their every duty toward their fellow men. Of this worthy type of citizens was the Eastlack familv. of which Allen Elwood Eastlack, of Crawfordsville, is one of the best known of the present generation. His parents settled here in the

Mr. Eastlack, of this review, was born in Crawfordsville on June i8, 1843, 3^"<i he is a son of Samuel and Catherine (Haynes) Eastlack. The father was born in New Jersey, and there he spent his boyhood years, coming to Crawfords\'ille in the early thirties when there was but a handful of houses here and country roundabout was but a dense forest in which were a few scattering log huts of white settlers. The elder Eastlack was a shoemaker by trade, which he had learned in the East and he at once began following the same here, his services being in great demand owing to the fact that he was a high-grade workman and was honest in his dealings with his fellow men. He continued to follow his trade practically until his death. Politically, he was a Democrat, and in religious matters a Methodist, and was known as a hard-working, neighborly and honorable man. His death occurred in 1868, and that of his wife in 1867. They were the parents of ten children, and Allen E., our subject, is the only living one.