Montgomery County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1911 (part 5 of 14)

Allen E. Eastlack grew to manhood in his native town and here received a common school education, and he was merging from boyhood into young manhood when the Civil war came on, and on March 22, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, Eleventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served very faithfully until March 22, 1865, a period of three years, during which he saw much hard service and participated in a number of engagements.

After the war he returned to Crawfordsville, and has since followed the shoemaker's trade and in which he became an expert early in life, so that his services, like those of his father, has ever been in great demand. He has spent most of his active career in his home town, however he followed his trade three years in Rushville, three years in Noblesville and several years in Waveland. "j

Mr. Eastlack is a member of McPherson Post, Grand Army of the Republic at Crawfordsville. He is one of the leading members of the local Christian church, in which he is deacon and treasurer. Politically, he is a Democrat, but has never been an office seeker.

When he was at home on veteran furlough in April, 1864, he was united in marriage to Ann Elizabeth Johnston, of Waveland, where she spent her childhood and where her family was long well known.

Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Eastlack. namely : Fountain, who is living in Crawfordsville; and Rubertia, who is the wife of Dr. H. McMains, a successful physician of Baltimore, Maryland.

Harry Lee Scott

The secret of success in the business affairs of tliis world is, after all, knowing how to direct the persistent energy which one expends in whatever avenue of endeavor one may select. There are, of course, other potent reasons, but they are subordinate, and it takes continuous, hard plodding to overtake the coveted goal which one sees in the distance upon starting out. Harry Lee Scott, a successful and popular commercial traveler out of Crawfordsville, Montgomery county, where he maintains a pleasant home, has won success while yet young in years because lie has worked for it diligently and conscientiously, doing the right thing at the right time and never waiting for some one else to perform what he himself should do.

Mr. Scott was Ixirn in Benton county. Indiana, on September lo, 1889, and he is a son of William AL and Harriett C. ( Bradley) Scott. The father was born January 29. 1844. in Tippecanoe county, Indiana, and his death occurred on July jo, 1893. The mother was liom in Virginia on December 16, 1847, a"<^l her death occurred on December 17, 1905. These ])arents received a common school education. William M. Scott was a druggist by profession and he maintained a place of business and his home at (J.xford, Indiana, where he became well established and favorably known and was highly skilled at his line of work.

Eleven children were born to William M. Scott and wife, eight of whom are still living, namely: John W., born September 8. 1866: Sanford S., born November 28, 1867; Lizzy W., born September 30, 1869; Anna, born June II, 1871 ; Myrtle, born February 18, 1875: Charles A., born March 25, 1881, and his death occurred on March 8. 1883: William E., born October 30, 1882: Elmer B., born October 30, 1882. died April 14, 1883 (he and William E. were twins); Erma L., April 8. 1884. died June 17, 1906: Marene G., born March 7, 1887: and Harry L., subject of this review, who is the youngest of the family.

The subject of this sketch grew in Oxford, this slate and he received a good common school education, making an excellent record in the high school, subsequently taking a business course.

Mr. Scott was married on February 18. 1908. to Myrtle B. Wirt, who was born October 28, 1886 in Montgomery county, Indiana, and here she grew to womanhood and received a good education in the local schools. She is a daughter of John P. and Amanda C. ( Myers ) Wirt. The father was born on January 2(>. 1852 in this state, and his death occurred on January

21, 1908. The mother of Mrs. Scott was born in Fountain county, Indiana, on January 18, 1853, and she is still living, making her home with our subject. John P. Wirt was a merchant at the town of Alamo, this county and enjoyed a large business with the surrounding country there, and later he moved to Crawfords\'ille where he continued in business with equal success until his death.

Three children ha\-e been born to John P. Wirt and wife, namely: W. W., born November 3, 1878; Fred, born August 23, 1882: and Myrtle B., wife of Mr. Scott, of this review.

Mr. Scott made his start in life in the west, later returned to Indiana and attended the Iles-De A'or Business College at Indianapolis, from which he was graduated in 1907 and at that time took a position with the Lehigh Portland Cement Company as traveling salesman, his territory being in Indiana and he is still with this concern, having given eminent satisfaction, being regarded by his employers as one of the most trustworth}' and competent men, and he has done much to increase the prestige of the company in this state.

Fraternally, he belongs to the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks at Crawfordsville. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and during the last campaign he allied himself with the Progressive party.

William H. Johnston

The name of William H. Johnston has long been well known in legal circles of western Indiana, where he is a leader of the bar and a progressive citizen, a man who stands high with all classes owing to his interest in the development of Crawfordsville and Montgomery county, his ability as a lawyer and his courtesy and integrity. He is entirely unassuming and a pleasant man to know.

Mr. Johnston was born near Greencastle, Indiana, on June 9, 1858. He is a son of Archibald and Sarah ( Keller ) Johnston. The father was born in North Carolina on August 28, 1810, and the mother's birth occurred near Corydon, Indiana, on August 19, 181 6. Archibald Johnston devoted the earlier part of his life to farming, in fact, this continued to be his chief vocation until late in life, however, much of his time in later years was given to public ofifice, he having been for many years prominent in political matters.

He served his locality as state senator and rcpresentalivu tdr eleven sessions. He made a most praiseworthy record as a legislator, winning the high esteem of his constituents and doing a great work for the Icjcality which he represented. He was a leader in Democratic politics, was a forceful and popular public speaker, and one of tlie best known men of his day and generation in western Indiana. His death occurred on December 30, 1884, at Crawfordsville, whitiicr he iiad mo\ed two years prior to Iiis death. He had owned and operated a fine farm in Franklin township, and he carried on general farming and stock raising on a large scale. He was a member of the Old School Baptist church, and a man of fine character. The death of his wife occurred on .\ugust 18, 1900.

William H. Johnston receixed his early education in the Darlington Academy, later entering the L'ni\ersity of Michigan at .\nn .Xrbor. from which he was graduated witJi the class of 1S81, from the law department. having made an excellent record in the same.

After his graduation, he came to Crawfords\i!le. Indiana, and entered the profession in partnership with his brother. Charles Johnston, antl has since been successfully engaged in the general practice, having built up an extensive and lucrative clientele. He has kept well abreast of the times in all that pertains to his profession, and is what might he ])roperly termed an analytical lawyer. He is pain.staking. alert. exhaustiNe. always goes into court well prejiared, and has the interests of his clients at heart, lie is a logical and earnest pleader and has great weight with juries, and has a good record as a winner of cases.

Mr, Johnston is prominent in politics, a leader in the local affairs of the Democratic party, of which he has l)een county chairman, also a member of the state committee. He was elected state senator in 1900 and represented this county and Putnam in the legislature from that year until 1904 in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned, irrespective of party alignment, doing much for the permanent good of the locality and the state in general.

Mr. Johnston was married in 1886 to Ella May McMulIen. daughter of James \\'. and Julia .\. (Hubbard) McMullen. a well known family of Frankfort, Indiana. Mrs. Johnston grew to wdnianhood in and near Darlington and attended school at that place, but some time Ix-fore her marriage moved with her parents to Frankfort, where she was married, and where her mother still resides.

The union of our subject and wife has roulteil in tlie l)irth ni cne child, Lois June Johnston Kirkpatrick, living with her husband away from home.

Among those who came to Montgomery county, Indiana, when the country was in its primiti\e wildness, infested by wild animals, numerous and ferocious, and when the scarcely less wild, but more savage red men, had not long been gone to other hunting grounds, was the Corn family, the progenitors of the gentleman whose name forms the introduction of this sketch, having invaded the wilderness here eighty-six years ago, and from that remote day to the present time the name has been a familiar sound over this locality. They performed well their parts in the work of developing the country from the primeval woods to one of the foremost agricultural sections in the great Hoosier state, and the elder Corns, together with the other early actors in the great drama which witnessed the passing of the old and the introduction of the new conditions in which are now the fine farms and thriving towns of this county are deserving of every consideration. We of today cannot pay such sterling characters too great a meed of praise, in view of the sacrifices they made in order that their descendants and others of a later day should enjoy the blessings of life, only a few of which they were permitted to have.

George W. Corn was born on the farm where he now lives in Section 5, Clark township, Montgomery county, February 20, 1841, and here he has been content to spend his life. He is a son of Williams and Sarah (Allen) Corn. Williains Corn was born in Henry county, Kentucky, February 16, 1800, and was a son of George and Rhoda Corn. Sarah B. Allen was born in Shelby county, Kentucky, August 16, 1799, and in that state she and Mr. Corn grew to maturity, received a meagre educational training and were married. They removed to Montgomery county, Indiana, in 1827, at which time they had three children, namely: Rhoda Jane, born February 28, 1824; Albert, born November 9, 1825, and Elizabeth E., born October 2, 1827, the latter an infant, two or three months old. They bought a fann in Section 6, Scott township, southeast of what is now the village of New Market, in 1827. They found a country little improved. There were lots of deer and wolves. Soon after their settlement the father had to return to Kentucky, leaving his wife with her small children. The wolves surrounded the house at night and with their unearthly howling struck terror to the hearts of the timid inmates. Indians, now friendlv to the whites, often went up and down Cornstalk creek which touches the land on which this family settled.

present Corn homestead, occupied by our suliject. They Ixiught the eighty acres on which the house stands west of the present road, and entered froni the government an adjoining eighty, directly east of it, the two eighties comprising the northwestern one-fourth of Section 5. Only five or six acres of this second farm had been cleared, and it was enclosed with a brush fence, and there had been built a little log cabin near a spring. Here Mr. Corn quickly built of hewn logs a larger and more comfortable dwelling, and in 1843 he built another and still better house, and in this he and his wife spent the rest of their lives. They worked hard and cleared and developed the place and became very well fixed as farmers of that early day.

To Williams Corn and wife were born nine children after they located in this county, making their family a large one, twelve in all, with the three elder who first opened their eyes to the sky in the Blue Grass state. The ones born here were: Xancy A., born October 26, 1829: Mary Ann, born May 14, 1831 ; ^Margaret D., born May i, 1833: Sarah Eliza, born April 16, 1835; John W., born August 12, 1837: William, born July 23, 1838; Stephen A., born August 15, 1839; Martha E.. born August 23, 1842; and our subject, George \Y.

The death of Williams Corn occurred on November 11, 1859, having been fifty-nine years old the prex'ious Februar}-. He was a hard-working, honest man. who preferred to remain at home, never seeking office, although loyal in his support of the \\'hig party. He was assisted in his hard work of clearing and developing the farm by his older sons and daughters. The good wife also worked hard, spun and wove until late in the night to make clothes for her children, even George W., the next to, the youngest child, remembers well the two linen clothes. But they were a contented famil\- and li\ed as comfortably as others in those days hardships. The mother w as called to her rest on May 4, 1874. She was a member of the Baptist church.

The paternal grandfather, George Corn, was a native df Germany, fn )ni which country he emigrated to the United States wJien yi>ung and settled in the wilds of Kentucky, from which state he enlisted for ser\ ice in the w ar of 1812, in which he fought as a private.

Of the twelve children of Williams Corn and wife. George W.. our sul)- ject, is the only one living at this writing. He grew up on tJie home farm on which he has spent his life. During his more than seventy years" residence here he has noted and taken part in great changes, the country round about presenting an altogether different aspect from what it did in his early Jioyhood. He did not have an opportunity to receive more than a few years' (59) training in the common schools of his district. His mother made her home with him during her widowhood years. There were six other heirs of the homestead and from time to time he bought their interests until he now owns the entire home farm, which contains one hundred and ninety acres, which he has kept well improved and carefully tilled so that it has lost none of its oldtime fertility and productiveness. In 1880 he built the present substantial home in which he now resides. General farming and stock raising are carried on. i

Mr. Corn was married on December 24, 1863 to Hulda Jane Williams, daughter of Bryan and Elizabeth (Castle) Williams. She was born and reared in Union township, this county, east of Whitesville. Her paternal grandfather, Stephen Williams, came from North Carolina and was a pioneer settler in the east part of this county, in an early day, and here established the permanent home of the family.

Mr. and Mrs. Corn had two children, a son who died in infancy and a daughter, Valletta Lillian, who is now the wife of William M. Frantz, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Frantz live on the farm with Mr. Corn.

The death of Mrs. Corn occurred on September 9, 1905. She was a woman of kindly impulses, charitably inclined, unselfish, and had many true friends.

Mr. Corn is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge. No. 54, at Ladoga. He has never striven to be a politician, however, he was nominated by the Democrats in 1894 for county commissioner and though defeated with his ticket made an excellent race.

Edgar A. Rice

That the career of such a man as Edgar A. Rice, the former efficient and popular incumbent of the office of county clerk of Montgomery county, besides being treasured in the hearts of relatives and friends should have its public record also, is peculiarly proper because a knowledge of men whose substantial reputation rests upon their attainments and character must exert a wholesome influence upon the rising generation. While transmitting to future generations the brief chronicle of such a life, it is with the hope of instilling into the minds of those who come after the important lesson that honor and station are sure rewards of individual exertion. He was for a

Mr. Rice was Ixirn on February 24, 1877, in Union township, Montgomery county, Indiana, and he is a son of William A. and Martha E. (Hipes) Rice. The father was born on December 29, 1838, in Kentucky, from which state he removed to Indiana in 1852, locating in Montgomery county where he became well established and well known. His death occurred on August II, 191 1. The mother of our subject was born on March 9, 1850, in Virginia, and her parents removed to Indiana when she was a child. Thus in this state the parents of our subject grew to maturity, received a meager education in the common schools and here were married, and spent their lives engaged in agricultural pursuits. They became the parents of seven children, five of whom are still living, namely : James, is deceased; Charles, lives in Danville; Henry was next in order; Edgar A., of this review ; Bessie, is deceased ; John W. and Clay M. were the youngest.

Edgar A. Rice grew to manhood in this county and he received a good education in the common schools, later attending the Central Normal at Danville. Illinois, also the Indiana State Normal in Terre Haute.

January 5, 1902, he was united in marriage to Ona M. Surface, who was born in Illinois on June 16, 1883. She received a common school education, and she was a daughter of Aaron F. and Amanda (Talbert) Surface.

Mr. Rice began life as a teacher in the schools of Montgomery countv in 1897, following the same with success for several years. In 1900 he came into the court house as deputy county clerk under Mr. Kennedy, and lie continued in that position for a period of eight years with much satisfaction to all concerned as may be ascertained by his long retention there. He mastered well every detail of the work in that office, and in 1908 the people of the county showed their appreciation of his services and their confidence in his integrity by electing him clerk of Montgomery county, the duties of which he discharged in a manner highly acceptable to all.

Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic Order, Lodge Xo. 50, at Crawfordsville, also the Knights of Pythias, the Modern Woodmen of America, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Trilje of Ben-Hur, and the Patriotic Order Sons of America. ^ ville Young Mens' Christian Association. He is a member of tlie Country Club, and is superintendent of the Christian Bible school. In all of the above he is active and influential and stands well in all circles in which he chooses to move.

Henry D. Servies

One of the popular officials of Montgomery county is Henry D. Ser\'ies, the present able and popular incumbent of the office of county recorder, the duties of which he is dicharging to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned. He is widely known throughout this section of the Wabash country, having spent his life here and for many years been successfully engaged in business, principally vnercbandising, and he has been a progressive man of affairs in all walks of life, and has gained the undivided respect of the people as a result of his industry, exemplary habits and his public spirit.

Mr. Servies was born near New Market, Montgomery county, Indiana on June 3, 1856. He is a son of William T. and Nancy C. (Jones) Servies, both natives of Kentucky from which state they came with their parents to Montgomery county this state, when they were children and here they grew to maturity and were married and spent the rest of their lives. The father is now deceased, his death occurring in 1885. The mother is living at the old home. They were honest, hard-working and highly respected people.

Henry D. Servies grew to manhood in his native county and received a fairly good education in the local schools. Early in life he decided upon a mercantile career, and upon reaching his majority launched out in that line of endeavor, soon giving every evidence of an unusual native ability in that direction, and he soon had a good start. He began business in the town of Ladoga, and after enjoying an extensive patronage there for a period of two years, sold out and opened a general merchandise store in the town of New Market, which he continued to conduct with his usual gratifying results until 1879, when he sold out. He then turned his attention to agriculture, farming on an extensive scale during the next ten years, then accepted a position as secretary of the American Spoke & Wheel Company, which responsible position he occupied in an eminently acceptable manner for a period of two years, then returned to the merchandise business, establishing a drug store at New Market, and soon had built up a good trade.

Fraternally, Mr. Servies is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Knights of Pythias, and Independent Order of Odd l''ellows, in all of which he is prominent.

Mr. Servies was married in 1S73 to r.elle Howard, a nati\c of Montgomery county, where she grew in wnmanhnod and rccei\c(l her cducatidU. and here her people have been well knnwn since the early days.

To our subject and wife have been born six children, named in order of birth as follows: Lettie M., Charles M.. Walter L., Ernest O., Cora A., Ruth C.

The science of osteopathy and other drugless methods of healing have made great strides during the past decades, finding followers all over the civilized world, especially throughout America. That satisfactory results are obtained goes without saying else these systems would have perished in their incipiency, for it seems that in this age of the world most any new method of healing, religious sect, cult or ism can get a ready following, but they must all show definite results and show them (juickly or their followers fall away, leaving them without sufiicient support to stand. Oste()i)athy has come to stay. Its principles are sound, its methods practical, its results pleasing to the public in general, so there is no reason why it should \anish from the niche it has so securely obtained during its comparatively brief life. One of the most popular and able exponents of osteopathy in Montgomery and surrounding counties is Dr. Bertrand Emil May, of Crawfordsville. a man who justly ranks in the van of professional men of this section of the Hoosier state.

Dr. May was bom at P(.itomac, \'ermilli(in cnunty, Illinois, on Xovcmber 4. 1876. He is a son of George A. and Ella (Buckingham) May. The father was Iiorn in Kentucky in 1839, and there he spent his earlier years, but when a young man came to Illinois and established the permanent home of the family in Vermillion county and he is still living there, making his home in Danville where he has built up a large real estate business. His wife was born in Delphi, Indiana.

Dr. Bertrand E. May received a good common school education at Potomac, Illinois, later attending the State Nonnal School at Kirksville, Missouri, where he remained two years, later attending the American School of Osteopathy in that city, where he made a splendid record and from which he was graduated with the class of 1898.

After his graduation he came to Crawfordsville, Indiana, and began the practice of his profession, and here he has remained to the present time, having built up an extensive' and lucrative practice which is constantly growing, his patients, many of them, coming from remote localities.

Dr. May is a Republican. He was a candidate for county treasurer in 1908, but was defeated, after making a splendid race, by only twenty-one votes. He is now a Progressive, being deeply interested in the new movement. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic Order and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Dr. May was married on June 25, 1902 to Esther Clement, a daughter of Frank and Laura (Hutton) Clement. She is a native of Crawfordsville, where she grew to womanhood and was educated.

George Felix Myers

A well known gentleman of Crawfordsville is George Felix Myers, now living in honorable retirement, but for a long lapse of years he was a successful business man, engaging in various pursuits in all of which he proved to be a man of tact, energy, and the possessor of a high sense of honor, and thus ever enjoyed the good will and confidence of all with whom he had dealings, and as a public servant, as superintendent of the county farm, he discharged his duties ably and conscientiously, to the commendation of all concerned. Thus for many reasons, not the least of which is the fact that he is one of the veterans of the great army that saved the nation from treason during its severest crisis, he is eminently entitled to mention in a volume of the province assigned to the one at hand.

he is a son of Xoah and Alary M. Myers. The father who was born in North CaroHna in 1810, was an early settler in Fountain county. His wife was also a native of North Carolina. There they grew to maturity and were married. They located in Montgomery county in 1846, establishing their home at Alamo, where Mr. Myers engaged in the general merchandise business for a period of ten years, removing in 1856 to Covington and retired from the active duties of life. However, he later came to Rockville, Parke county, and engaged in the hotel business until his death, which occurred in January. 1882. He was a Democrat, and in religion a Lutheran. His wife (lied in Crawfordsville at a ripe old age.

George F. Myers was educated in the common schools, and he clerked in his father's store until the breaking out of the Civil war. having in the meantime, however, spent a year in Sioux City, Iowa. He enlisted in the Ninth Indiana Light Artillery and served throughout the conflict with much credit and faithfulness, participating in a number of important campaigns and many battles. After receiving an honorable discharge he returned home and engaged in the butcher business at Rockville for a period of six years, during which time he built up a large trade. He then entered the revenue service as storekeeper at Terre Haute, which position he filled with satisfaction for a period of four years, after which he resumed the butcher business in Rockville, but a year later became time keeper on the railroad at Attica for two years. After that he went to Arkansas and engaged in saw milling one year. He then cut heading for Henry Alfry, the well known mill man, for a period of seven years. Then he took charge of the county farm in Montgomery county, which he managed for four years, after which he spent four more years as inspector for Henry Alfry, then was again in charge of the county farm for a period of six and one-half years. Much improvement was made in the farm during the time of his super\'ision. He finally purchased a farm west of Crawfordsville which he conducted with his usual success for a period of ten years, then moved to the county seat and engaged in the grocery business one year. He is now living retired from the active duties of life.

Mr. Myers was married on May 10, 1857 to Mary E. Jarvis, a native of Parke county, Indiana. To this union two children were born, one being deceased ; the other is Minnie E. Myers, who is fixing at home.

Joseph Walter Stipe

No better eulogiiim can be pronounced upon a community or upon its individual members than to point to thie work they have accompHshed. Theories look fine upon the printed page and sound well when proclaimed from the platform, but in the end it is effort in the various lines of industrial activity which develop the man and tells on society. This is essentially a utilitarian age, and the man of action is very much in evidence. Such a man is Joseph Walter Stipe, one of the best known citizens of the eastern part of Montgomery county, a retired farmer and capitalist, of New Ross, and as such it is a pleasure to contemplate briefly his career and character. Intimately associated for years with the industrial de\-elopment of Walnut township and taking a prominent part in the public affairs of the county, he has not been underestimated by the people who long since learned to appreciate his true value as a potent factor in the body politic. Though a man of unpretentious demeanor, he possesses the silent but powerful force that attracts men, the mental Cjualities that grapple them to him as it were, \\ith hooks of steel, and the tact and magnetism that makes men as well as e\'ents subserve his just purpose.

Mr. Stipe was l)orn at Shannondale, Montgomery county. Indiana, November 21, 1853. He is a son of John and Eliza (Higgason) Stipe. The father was born in Harrison county, Indiana, in December, 1820, and the date of the mother's birth is July 21, 1826. She was a daughter of William and Sally Ann (Herron) Higgason. The father came to Montgomery county in 1829 and settled in Franklin township, where he remained until his marriage when he was thirty-one years old. He then went to Shannondale, this county, and engaged in the saw mill business for a year, then came to Walnut township, Montgomery county, and bought a farm from the heirs of Webster Roberts, and there he lived until the death of his wife whereupon he moved to New Ross, living with our subject until his death at the advanced age of eighty-four years. His death occurred while our subject lived in Boone county.

Only two children were born to John Stipe and wife, Joseph W., of this sketch, who was born in the old Presbyterian church at Shannondale ; and John William, who was born July 15, 1862, and died March 28, 1890. Although fi^-e Stipe men settled in Indiana in the early days our subject is the only one of the name now living here.

Mr. Stipe received a common school education and spent one term at Mooresville, Indiana, then took up farming on the home place, later purchas- ing one hundred and twenty acres in Jackson townsliip. He lived in an old log cabin on the home place the first year he farmed there. He remained in Jackson township thirty years, during which period his rise was steady and certain and he ranked among the leading farmers and stock raisers of the township for many years, finally, accumulating a comfortable competency through his close application and able management, he retired from active farming, moving to the village of New Ross, where he has a lieautiful and modernly appointed residence. He still owns the old home place, two hundred and thirty-nine acres in Walnut township; four hundred and thirty acres in Jackson township, and fifty-two acres in Union township. It is all well improved ami \aluable land, that lying in Union township being especially desirable since it is nearly inside the city limits of Crawfnrdsvillc and will make a splendid residence addition.

Mr. Stipe was married on September 15, 1874 to Elizabeth Evans, who was born on January 23, 1855. She is a daughter of William B. and Ariann (Powell) Evans. The older members of the Evans family came to Montgomerv county from Kentucky in a very early day and established their future home here.

Mrs. Stipe was called to Jier eternal rest on September 14, 1910. at the age of fifty-six years. This union was without issue. On April 17, 1912. Mr. Stipe was united in marriage to Rose L. Harple, who was born August 30, 1873. She is a daughter of John and Lydia Ann (Jennings) Harple. The father was a native of Logan county, Ohio, and the mother was born in Tippecanoe county, Indiana. They spent their lives on a farm, and to them the following children were born : Mary, George are both deceased : Viola, Douglas, Anna, Rose (wife of Mr. Stipe), Floyd and Pearl. The parents of these children are both deceased.

Politically, Mr. Stipe is a Democrat and wlule he takes the interest of a good citizen in public affairs he has never cared for office, preferring to devote his attention to his large farming properties.

Bexnet Beard Engle

The family represented by the gentleman whose name introduces this article has always been classed with the best and thriftiest of Montgomery county, the interests of which they have ever had at heart and sought to promote whenever proper occasion presented itself.

Bennett Beard Engle, the present able and popular county auditor of this county, is one of the best known members of this excellent old family. He was born in December, 1874, in Union township, Montgomery county, Indiana, and is a son of Bennett W. and Whillie (Beard) Engle. The father was born near Harper's Ferry, Virginia, January 19, 1820, and was a son of Michael and Elizabeth (Pollock) Engle. Michael Engle was born in Ireland and when a young man he emigrated to America and here spent the rest of his life, becoming well established in the New World through his industry. His death occurred in 1828. His wife was a native of England, and she died in 1830.

Bennett W. Engle, father of our subject, lived with his brother until 1833 when he came to Rising Sun, Indiana, where he clerked in a store until 1845, ^vhen he came to Crawfordsville, Montgomery county. Here he soon became an influential factor in the affairs of the county and became owner and editor of the Crawfordsville Review, which he conducted satisfactorily for a period of three years, when he was appointed by President James K. Polk as "receiver of the public money," the duties of which he performed in a highly commendable manner until he was removed by President Zachary Taylor on account of political differences. In 1852 he became local editor of the Crawfordsville Reziew, and in 1853 took a position as cashier of the Elston Bank. This he held in a manner satisfactory to all concerned for a period of forty-three years. His death occurred in 1896. Politically, he was a stanch Democrat. He attended the Episcopal church, and, fraternally, belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Bennett W. Engle and Whillie Beard were married on September 13, 1854. She was a daughter of Hon. John and Maria (Burroughs) Beard. The father of Mrs. Engle was born in North Carolina, January 4, 1795, and, after spending his boyhood in the South, came to Wayne county, Indiana, in an early day, and in 1823, took up his residence among the pioneers of Unioji township, Montgomery county, this state. Here he became influential in public affairs and was justice of the peace many years. He was elected to both houses of the state legislature, being a member of that body for a period of twenty-five years, during which he perfomied a praiseworthy service for his constituents and for the general good fo his location and the state. He had the honor of being known as the father of the present excellent public school system of Indiana. He was a man of fine intellectual attainments, strong personality, and honesty of purpose and he was for over a quarter of a centurv one of the best known and influential men in western Indiana. He was a member of tlie hoard of control of the Bhnd Asyhim for six years. He was receiver of pubhc monies at the land office in Cra\vfords\ illc, under President Benjamin Harrison's first administration. He was an uncoiiii)romising Republican. His death occurred on September 29, 1874, when seventy-nine years old, after an honored career, and his passing was regarded as a distinct loss to the people of Montgomery county and the Wabash valley country as well as to the state. He married in 1816. and his wife, Mrs. Maria Burroughs, also lived to an advanced age, dying in- 1884.

Bennett B. Engle, the immediate subject of this sketch, grew to manhood in Union township, Montgomery county, and he spent his boyhood days in much the same manner as other youths of his time, receiving a good education in the local schools. He engaged in various pursuits with more or less success, until his election as county auditor, the duties of which responsible position he discharged so satisfactorily that he was re-elected and is at this writing serving his second term. He has proven to be, according to common consent, one of the best public servants the county has ever hatl. He is careful, painstaking and obliging as well as energetic.

Mr. Engle is prominent in Masonic affairs. He is past master of the local doge of Masons. He is also a member of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is at present secretary of all the Masonic bodies of Crawfordsville.

Asher Wert

This is an age in which the farmer stands pre-eminently above any other class as a producer of wealth, and there is a rapidly growing sentiment among the dwellers of the great cities that the rural districts are the best, being most desirable from a number of standpoints, the principal one being health of both body and mind, for without that nothing else matters very much ; so they are going back to the soil in ever-increasing numbers, for there they not only find a greater independence but really have more of the good things of life. The farmer does not have to put forth such strenuous efforts to feed himself and his family. He simply takes advantage of the winds, the warm air, the bright, life-giving sunshine, the refreshing rains, and handling nature's gifts rightly, reaps the rewards that always come to patient, persistent toil. One of this number is Asher Wert, who has spent his life in Montgomery county successfully engaged in general agricultural and stock raising pursuits, having ranked for many decades among the leaders in these hnes of endeavor and owning one of the choicest farms in Union township, just outside of the city Hmits of Crawfordsville in which city he now hves, practically retired from the active duties of life.

Mr. Wert was born on March lO, 1844, near Alamo, Montgomery county. He was a son of Richard and Amanda (Compton) Wert, an honored old couple who came to this locality when it was practically a wilderness and here became comfortably etsabli.shed by their industry. The\- ha\e both been long deceased.

Asher \Vert grew to manhood on the home farm and he received such education as the early schools of those times afforded. He began life for himself when young as a farmer, and, working hard and being economical, he soon had a start and eventually became one of the substantial and prosperous men of his township, becoming the owner of two hundred and fortythree acres of fine and \aluable farming land just outside of Crawfordsville and this he placed under a high state of improvement and cultivation. In connection with general farming he always made the raising and preparing of live stock for the market a specialty, and he has long been considered one of the best judges of live stock, especially cattle in Montgomer}- county, and he is still engaged in buying and selling cattle and feeding them for the market. He has also long been one of the largest hog raisers in the county. No small portion of his comfortable competency has been realized out of live stock. In I goo he gave up active farming and moved into the city of Crawfordsville and built the present beautiful home at 509 East Market street. It is attractive from an architectural stand point and is modernly appointed and neatly furnished throughout.

PoliticaHy, Mr. Wert is a Democrat and has been more or less active in local party afifairs, and was for about eight years road supervisor. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and he holds to Quakerism in his religious belief. He is treasurer of the Montgomery County Agricultural Society, and has done much toward its success, taking an active and intelligent interest in the same.

Mr. Wert was married on October 21, 1875 to Angeline Hankins, who was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, July 3, 1848. She is a daughter of John L. and Orpha H. (Hancock) Hankins. The father was a native of Ohio and the mother was born in Kentucky. They came to Montgomery county in 1873, locating near Alamo where they became very well established through their close application and economy and were highly respected by their neighbors. They are l)oth now deceased. There, on tlie nld huniestead, Mrs. Wert yrew to wunianhocjd and receixed her edueatinn in the common schools.

Miltox L. Xees

Success has come to .Milti>n L. Xees, the present able and popular county surveyor of Montgomery county, because he has worked for it along legitimate lines and has closely applied himself. He is an excellent example of the .successful self-made man, and is eminently deserving of the conspicuous position which he now occupies in the estimation of the pcfiple. He is a man who has never for a moment permitted untoward circumstances to divert his attention from the goal he bad in mind when starting out in life. He has never waited for someone else to do what he should do himself, and he might be cited to the young men of bis comity as an exami)le worthy of their careful study.

Mr. Xees was born in Owen county, Indiana. March _- i . 1S73. and is a son of David A. and Sarah A. (Kennedy) Xees. The father was a farmer, and shortly after the birth of our subject he nio\-ed to Kansas, locating at Independence, and there his death occurred in 1883. Mrs. Xees then returned to Owen county, Indiana, where she is now living.

Milton L. Xees received a good education in the common .schools of Independence. Kansas, and the Owen county rural schools, later attending school at Spencer and \'alparaiso, Indiana. After passing through the normal at the latter town, he began teaching in Owen county, which line of endeavor he continued with much success and satisfaction to the people for a period of seven years, during which time he took a high rank with the leading educators of that section of the state. IUit finally tiring of the school room and having long entertained an ambition to become a ci\il engineer he took a course in this science with the International Correspondence Schocjls, and at the same time managed to secure considerable practical experience, so he became well fitted to enter the arena of bis chosen life work. having prepared himself principally during the summer \acations while he was teaching.

Mr. Nees came to Montgomery county in 1901 and here worked at his profession until 1906, when he was elected county surveyor. He made such a splendid record, doing his work so skillfully and conscientiously that he was re-elected in 1908, in 1910 and 1912, which is certainly sufficient evidence of his popularity in the county and of the explicit confidence which the people repose in him. He has been a close student of all phases of this field of endeavor and has kept fully abreast of the times. During this period of his incumbency Mr. Nees has done much for the permanent good of the county, such as the construction of twenty-five gravel roads, and there are at this writing seventy-five others under way.

Politically, Mr. Nees is a Democrat and is active in the affairs of his party. Fraternally, he is a chapter member of the Masons and belongs to the Ivnights of Pythias, the Tribe of Ben-Hur and the Modem Woodmen of America.

Mr. Nees was married on June 5, 1901, to Lulu Turner, a native of New Ross, who was born there on June 25, 1880. This union has been blessed by the birth of three children - Ruth, Sarah and Marcella.

Andrew N. Foley

The legal profession of Montgomery county has an able exponent in Andrew N. Foley, of Crawfordsville, who is one of the best known of the younger generation of attorneys and one to whom the future seems to beckon with special promise. He has worked hard, built himself up from the bottom of the ladder by persistent, honest endeavor and has worthily attained the large success in his chosen field of endeavor that he now occupies. He is a conscientious worker, leaving nothing undone whereby he may further the interests of his clients. He knows the importance of going into court well prepared, and he has great weight with juries and the court, owing to his never-failing courtesy, his earnestness and logical reasoning. He has kept well abreast of the times in all phases of jurisprudence and is familiar with the statutes of Indiana. He is a man who believes in giving the best there is in him to whatever task he undertakes, and this is one of the principal secrets of his success. Another thing, he never waits for someone else to do what he should himself perform.

Foley, both natives of Ireland, the mother being born on June 22, 1850. John A. Foley left his native land when a young man and emigrated to America, coming direct to Montgomery county, Indiana, and locating in Coal Creek township, on a farm, and there he became very well established through his industrj- and perseverance, ranking among the leading farmers of his township. He devoted his life to argicultural pursuits. In 1888 he moved to Wingate, and his death occurred at an advanced age on July 4, 1912. Politically, he was a Democrat, and in religion a stanch Catholic. His wife preceded him to the grave on February 14, 1897. They were the parents of ten children, five of whom are still living, namely: Michael E., of Indianapolis, was born on September 14, 1872, was graduated from Wabash College in 1899, then spent one year in the Columbia Law School in New York, atter which he returned to Montgomery county, and for a period of nine years from 1900 to 1909, he was in partnership with Judge Thomas, of Crawfordsville, and became one of the leading lawyers of this section of the state. He is at present counsel for the Terre Haute. Indianapolis & Eastern Traction Company. James E., tlie second child born to Joim .\. Foley and wife, first saw the light of day on April 6, 1874, is still farming on the home place in Coal Creek township, this county ; William L., born June 18, 1875, is a farmer in Coal Creek township; Andrew N.. of this review; Charles X., born February 24, 1879. is also farming in Coal Creek township.

Andrew N. Foley grew to manhood on the home farm and there he assisted with the general work when a boy. He received a good common school education, after which he began life for himself by teaching school, which he followed continuously for a [period of ten years with great success, during which his services were in great demand, for he gave eminent satisfaction to both pupil and patron, he having been both an entertainer and an instructor in the school room. But believing that the law was his true bent, he finally tired of the school room and turned his attention earnestly to the law. He entered the Indiana Law School at Indianapolis, where he made an excellent record and was graduated with the class of 1907. of which he was valedictorian. Thus well equipi>ed for his life work he liegan practice at Covington, Indiana, as deputy prosecuting attorney, and remained there for a period of two years, giving eminent satisfaction and getting a good start. In 1909 he came to Crawfordsville and entered into partnership with Judge Thomas, with whom he has continued to the present time, enjoying a large and lucrative clientele.

Mr. Foley was married on April 5, 1899, to Mary A. Crane, of Hoopston, Illinois. Her death occurred on March 10, 1904. To this union two children were born, one of whom is deceased ; Bernard B. is in school.

Politically, Mr. Foley is a Democrat; religiously, a Catholic; and fraternally, a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Columbus, and the Tribe Ben-Hur.

Ira Clouser

Selecting- the law as his sphere, early in life, Ira Clouser, the able and popular prosecuting attorney of Montgomery county, and one of Crawfordsville's best known professional men, has devoted his energies exclusively to that, ignoring other aspirations to make himself what he is today, well nigh a thorough master of legal science in all its ramifications. The common law, the statutes of Indiana, the history, progress and growth of jurisprudence, as well as the higher and more abstruse principles of equity, are all completely at his command, constituting him one of the leaders of the local bar, which position is readily conceded to him by his associates. As a practitioner he is cautious, vigilant and indefatigable, contesting every point with unyielding tenacity and employing his vast store of legal knowledge in sustaining his positions and attacking those of his adversary. Jn argument Mr. Clouser is clear, forcible, logical and convincing, his irreproachable personal character and untarnished honor giving him great weight with juries, and his known ability and learning equally impressing the bench. Such a man is a credit to the community, and his life forcibly illustrates what energy and consecutive effort can accomplish when directed and controlled by correct principles and high moral resolves, his character being the expression of a strong, virile nature, and his name is entitled to a conspicuous place in a work of the province assigned to the one in hand.

Mr. Clouser was born in Sugar Creek township, Montgomery county, Indiana, October 15, 1874. He is a son of Daniel and Mahala (Hampton) Clouser.

Daniel Clouser was born on January 17, 1833 i" ^o^s county, Ohio. He is a son of John and Margaret (Orick) Clouser, the fomier bom in 1777 in Pennsylvania, from which state he moved to Ohio soon after the close of the war of 1812, in which he served. He remained in Ohio until 1822 when he moved to Indiana, when Daniel Clouser was five years old, and here John Clouser spent the rest of his life, dying in 1868. He was a man of many trades. He ran a saw mill in Ohio and after coming to Indiana he continued to operate a saw mill, also a grist mill. These mills or combination mill was located in Sugar Creek township, Montgomery county, and patrons came from all over this section of the country. His wife, Margaret Orick, was born in 1771. Her grandmother came from Ireland. The death of Mrs. Margaret Clouser occurred alxjut the time she reached the century mark. Five children were born to John Clouser and wife, Daniel ])eing the only one living at this writing, he having been the youngest in order of birth; the others were named Mary, Alfred, Henry and George, all long since deceased.

Daniel Clouser received what little education he could while growing to manhood amid pioneer environments, attending school in an old log school house with puncheon floor and seats and greased paper for a window ])ane. He has li\ed to see Sugar Creek township develop from a veritable wilderness to one of the most advanced farming communities in the state and he has been active in the progress of his community and is one of our most substantial farmers and honored citizens.

On October 6, 1859 Daniel Clouser married Mahala Hampton, who was bom on February 7, 1840, in Crawfordsville, Indiana, and was a daughter of Michael and Catherine (Booher) Hampton, her parents being from Tennessee.

Eight children were born to Daniel Clouser and wife, all sur\i\ing but one ; they were named as follows : Mary, John. Chestley, Sarah is deceased ; Frank, Marion, Ira, subject of this .sketch; and Grace.

Daniel Clouser has lived in Sugar Creek township seventy-six years, and is therefore perhaps the oldest inhabitant of this part of tlie county. He has always engaged in general farming and stock raising, also ran the Clouser mill for many years, and was postmaster there quite a long time. He has always been one of the prominent and influential citizens of the northeastern part of the county, and no man is held in higher esteem, for his life has l>een exemplary in every respect. He is owner of a finely improved and productive farm of four hundred and forty-two acres of valuable land in Sugar Creek and Franklin townships. He remodeled his. dwelling some time ago and has a large, pleasant home and a good set of outbuildings. An excellent grade of live stock is always to be seen about his barns and fields.

Politically, Daniel Clouser is a Democrat and has long been a leader in local public affaris. He served as justice of the peace in Sugar Creek township for some time, discharging the duties of the same in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned. His decisions were characterized by uniform fairness to all parties and they were seldom reversed at the hands of higher tribunals. (60)

Ira Clouser received a good education in the common schools, the preparatory department of Wabash College and two years in the regular college work here, later attending the Indiana University at Bloomington for a year and a half. In 1900 he began reading law in the office of Johnston & Johnston, and, making rapid progress, was admitted to the bar in 1902. He then established himself in the practice at Ladoga, opening an office there on August 12, 1903. He soon had a good practice there, and became attorney for the Ladoga B. & L. Company. In 19 10 he was elected prosecuting attorney of Montgomery county, and his record was so eminently commendable that he was re-elected to this responsible post in 191 2, and is still discharging the affairs of the office in a manner that reflects much credit upon himself and to the satisfaction of all concerned. He has been connected with a number of important cases in this connection and has been very successful in the trial of the same. One of the most important of these was the Jeffries murder case, in June, 1911. He has been prompt and effectual in the discharge of his duty in bringing about better moral conditions in the city of Crawfordsville and throughout Montgomery county. He lias lost Init one case during his practice as prosecutor in circuit court.

Fraternally, Mr. Clouser is a thirty-second degree Mason, belonging to the Knights Templar, the Order of the Eastern Star, having been worthy patron of the letter, and filled all offices in the Blue Lodge. He is also a member of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Murat Temple at Indianapolis. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Progressive Order of Sons of America, and the Phi Kappa Psi, the latter a Wabash College fraternity. He is an uncompromising Democrat and has for some years been a local leader in the party.

Mr. Clouser was married on October 26, 1904 to Alice Sands, a lady of many estimable characteristics. She was born, reared and educated in Montgomery county, and is a daughter of Wilson and Mary Sands, a prominent family of Darlington.

Robert Hamilton Williams

Among the younger generations of lawyers in Montgomeiy county who give unusual promise of great future success the name of Robert Hamilton Williams, of Crawfordsville, must stand among the first in the list, for both nature and training seem to have combined in making him an attorney of rare power. All this, however, he takes as a matter of course, having worked hard, and to those who put forth effort, continued and close, for a long period, success comes not as a surprise but as their legitimate reward. He is a plain, unassuming gentleman who is well liked all who know him.

Mr. Williams was born on January lo, 1876, at Fincastle, Putnam county, Indiana, and he is a son of James Chrittenden Williams and Mary Alice (Bridges) Williams. The father was born near Mt. Vernon, Kentucky, December 15, 1849. I" 1852, when he was three years of age, his parents moved with him to Putnam county, Indiana, and here established themselves on a farm. James C. Williams has also devoted his life to farming with much success, living now on a good farm in Putnam county. Mrs. Williams was a native of Putnam county, lier birth having occurred there on November 4, 1855.

Robert H. Williams was reared on the home farm and there he assisted with the general work when a boy, attending the district schools during the winter montlis. He later attended the high school at Fincastle, from which he was graduated with the class of 1892. He then entered DePauw University at Greencastle, Indiana, teaching school one year and attending the university the next, thus being able to defray his own expenses for a higher education. He was in school at DePauw about three }-ears. He then entered the Indiana Law School in Indianapolis, from whicii he was graduated with the class of 1904, having made an excellent record there.

After finishing his education, he came to Crawfordsville and began the practice of his profession in the law office of Schuyler Kennedy, in which he remained for nine months, then went to the office of Whittington & W'iiittington, working there as law clerk until 1906, when upon the retirement of one of the members of the firm he succeeded him, the firm name becoming thereupon Whittington & Williams. This partnership continued with much success until the death of Mr. Whittington, since which time Mr. Williams has practiced alone, having built up an extensive, ever growing and lucrative patronage, and ranking among the leading attorneys of the local bar, figuring conspicuously in many of the important cases in this section of the state. He has remained a close student and is thus a capable, well infomied, cautious and earnest lawyer who guards carefully the interests of his clients, and, being a logical and forceful speaker, he has great influence over juries.

Mr. Williams in his fraternal relations is a member of the Masonic Order, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Tribe of Een-Hur. Religiously, he is a Universalist, and in politics a Republican.

Stanley, of Fincastle, Indiana. She was l)orn there on January 9, 1880, and is a daughter of Dr. Logan and .\ngehne (Korsher) Stanley, a well known family of that place. There she grew to womanhood and received her early education. To this union one child has been born - Ward Stanley Williams.

Dumont M. Peck

The popular and well known mercantile firm of Warner & Peck in Crawfords\'ille is deserving of the ever growing prestige which is theirs, because they have given their thousands of pleased customers honest goods and courteous treatment and ha\e sought, so far as ixjssible. to carry the principles of the Golden Rule into their everyday work. They are each men of industry and sound judgment and wliile laboring for their own advancement have at the same time sought to advance the general welfare of Crawfordsville and Montgomery county.

Dumont M. Peck was born in Newton county, Indiana, Januarj' 20, 1877. He is a son of Egbert A. and Gertrude (Morgan) Peck, both of whom are still living in Newton county.

Dumont M. Peck grew to manhood in his native county and there received a good common school education, subsequently entering Wabash College, where he made a splendid record and was graduated with the class of 1900. He then entered the mercantile field in Crawfordsville in partnership with Lee S. Warner, under the firm name of Warner & Peck, and they have continued to the present time with ever increasing success until they carry a large and carefully selected stock at all seasons and have built up an extensive and lucrative trade, many of their customers coming from all parts of the county, and their store is a favorite stopping place with the people of the rural di.stricts for here they find everything pleasant and are accorded uniform courtesy by both management and clerks.

Mr. Peck has been very successful in a business way and he is secretary and treasurer of the Crawfordsville Heating Compan\-, and is second vicepresident of the Central States Life Insurance Company. He is also vicepresident of the Commercial Association. In all these responsible positions he is giving the utmost satisfaction to all concerned.

Politically, he is a Republican, but has never been especially active in public matters. Fraternally, he belongs to the Masonic Order, having attained to the Knights Templar degrees, also belongs to the Ancient Arabic

Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Murat Temple, at Indianapolis. He is a member of the Tribe of Ben-Hur, the Modern Woodmen of .\merica. the Court of Honor and the Patriotic Order Sons of .\merica. In all of these he takes considerable interest.

Mr. Peck was married in September, xcps. to Juliet .\. Warner, and to this union one child has been born, David W'., who is now attending .school.

One of the most promising of the younger professional men of Montgomery county is Dr. John Henry Beeson, a popular and skilled dentist of Crawfordsville. He is already well abreast of the times in all that pertains to his calling, but he is making every effort to learn more of the art of alleviating the ills of suffering humanity in his particular field of endeavor. It has not been so very long ago that a man who devoted his entire attention to the teeth could not be found except in the few largest cities of the country, the country family physician being relied upon to extract with his rusty forcepts the aching molar - there was no other thing to do, it was believed; however, for reasons which scientific men are unable to clearly explain, the people of two or three generations ago, or even one, had teeth which did not readily decay, and it was not uncommon for one to reach the Psalmist's three score and ten years with a full set of good teeth. Such a thing today is perhaps very improbable. So we must have skdled men to presen-e our teeth, and thus our general health.

Dr. Beeson was born on March lo, 1883, in Marshall, Indiana. He is a son of Stephen K. and Ellen M. Beeson, who are still living in Parke county, having a good home there as a result of their industry and there they are highly respected, being people of industry and honesty.

Dr. Beeson grew to manhood in his native county and there received a good education in the common schools, after which he spent two years at the University of Indiana at Bloomington. Having long entertained a laudable ambition to enter the dental profession he, while yet but a l)oy, began directing his efforts in this direction, and with a view to perfecting himself in the same, so far as modern methods are concerned, he entered the Indiana Dental College at Indianapolis, where he made a splendid record, and from which institution he was graduated in 1908.

shall, Parke count}', where he remained a short time and was getting a good start, but "seeking a wider field for the exercise of his talents he came to Crawfordsville, Montgomery county, in 1909, and here he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession with ever increasing success, and now enjoys a large and lucrative patronage and is fast taking a position in the front ranks of the leading dentists of the \\'abash valley country. He has a neat and sanitary office, fully equipped w ith all the improved and modern devices and appliances to insure quick and high grade service.

Dr. Beeson is a member of the Masonic Order, including the Royal Arch Masons; also the Knights of Pythias, the Sons of Veterans, and the Delta Sigma Delta at Indianapolis.

On August 23, 1910, Dr. Beeson was married to Winnie Davis, a daughter of George Davis and wife, of Crawfordsville, a well known local family, and here Mrs. Beeson was reared to womanhood and was educated.

The Doctor takes an interest in military affairs, and is the efficient second lieutenant of Company B, Second Infantry, Indiana National Guard.

Chalmers Eleazar Fullenwider

The career of Chalmers Eleazar Fullenwider, who is a well known dealer in real estate and loan business in Crawfordsville, has been a varied and interesting one, and has provved that he can make a success of other lines of endeavor except farming, which has been his chief life work. Although a native of the locality of which this history treats, he spent a quarter of a centuiy of the most active years of his life in the Blue Grass state. His actions have ever been the result of careful and conscientious thought, and when once convinced that he is right, no suggestion of policy or personal profit can swen-e him from the course he has decided upon. He has sought to do his full duty in all the relations of life, and he has won and retained the good will of all who know him.

Mr. Fullenwider was born in Brown township, Montgomery county, Indiana, August 19, 1844. He is a son of Eleazar and Lavinia (Allen- Fullenwider. The former was the son of Jacob and Katie (Winters) Fullenwider. Eleazar was born in Shelby county, Kentucky, February 5, 1802, and there he spent his young manhood, being twenty-eight years of age, when, in 1830, he left the "dark and bloody ground" country and came to Sugar Creek township, Montgomery county, Indiana, w'here he entered one hundred and sixty acres from the government, and remained there four years, then removed to Brown township, where he bought land which he farmed until his death, on May 5, 1871. He became well known among the early-day citizens of the county and was respected for his industry and honesty. In early life he was a Whig, but when that party ceased to exist and the Republican party was formed in the early fifties, he identified himself with that party, with which he remained the rest of his life. He was a member of the Presbyterian church. He married Lavinia Allen in Shelby county, Kentucky, where she was born on October 15, 1802. Her death occurred in Brown township, Montgomery county, Indiana, at an advanced age.

Chalmers E. Fullenwider, of this review, grew to manhood on the home farm, where he worked hard when a boy, and he received his education in the district schools, which he attended during the winter months, later studying at Waveland Academy, where he finished his education in 1866.

In June, 1862, Mr. Fullenwider enlisted in the one-hundred-day service, becoming a member of Company G, Fifty-fifth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in which he served very faithfully until in September following. He returned home and began farming and attending school, which he alternated until 1866, then worked steadily on the farm until 1868. In that year he entered the mercantile business in Crawfordsville, conducting the "Enterprise Store" for two years, enjoying a very satisfactory business. He returned to agricultural pursuits, however, in 1870, and in 1874 moved to Shelby\-ille, Kentuck)-, where he resided for a period of twenty-five years, making a success of his life work there. In 1900 he came back to Crawfordsville, Indiana, and opened an office for the transaction of real estate and the loan business, and this he has continued to conduct to the present time, with much success, having built up a large and growing business.

He is a niemljer of the Grand Army of the Republic, which he joined in Kentucky. He is a Republican, but has never been especially active. He belongs to the Presbyterian church.

Mr. Fullenwider was married to Fannie E. Shipman on May 12, 1868. She was born in Shelby county, Kentucky, on May 13, 1845, a"<^l her death occurred on July 22, 1909.

To this union were born four children, namely: James C. who li\es in Sumner, Washington; Wesley A., who is clerking in Sliel1)yville, l\entuck\-; J. Newton, who li\es in Crawfordsville: Francis C., of Los .\ngeles, California.

James Taylor

One of the honored pioneer families of Union township, Montgomery county, and one that did a great deal in the early development of the same were the Taylors, one of the best known of the present generation being James Taylor a progressive fanner of Union township, where he has spent his life and where he has lived to see great changes take place. He enjoys the much-appreciated privilege of living on the place where he first opened his eyes to the light of day, which privilege is not vouchsafed to many of us. For no matter if the new home may l)e more picturesque, in pleasanter environment and where a livelihood may be gained easier, yet it lacks something, a subtle, inscrutable charm, an elusive atmosphere which one finds at the old home place. .A.11 this has been fully appreciated by the subject, and he has built a fine home on the site of the original buildings. He has skilfully rotated the crops so that the land has retained its original fertility and productiveness, and he is regarded as one of the best general farmers and most successful stock raisers in his neighborhood.

James Taylor was born in this township and county, on November 17, 1842. He is a son of Brazila and Nancy (Huston) Taylor. Brazila Taylor was born in Tennessee, where he spent his earlier years, and from which state he came to Montgomery county, Indiana, in the early twenties, when the Wabash valley was yet a wilderness, where the log cabins of the first settlers were very few and from which the echo of the Indian huntsman's halloo had scarcely died away. But the elder Taylor was a typical pioneer, a man who braved the wilds with courage and never permitted obstacles to stand in tlie way. and he was able to foresee a great country here, so he went to work with a will and in due time had established a good home and a fine farm in Union township, where he became well known among the pioneers. He continued farming all his life, dying here in 1850. Mrs. Taylor has also been deceased many years.

James Taylor, of this review, was reared in his native vicinity, and here he found plenty of hard work to do when a boy, being the son of one of the early settlers. In the winter time he attended school in the log school house of the neighborhood.

Mr. Taylor has farmed all his life, each succeeding year finding him further advanced than the preceding, and he is now the owner of four hundred and sixty acres of valuable and well located land, forty acres of which were part of the old homestead, which he has kept well improved and under a high state of cuUivation. He has long made a speciahy of raising a good grade of hogs, cattle and horses, and no small part of his annual income is derived from this source.

Politically, Mr. Taylor is a Republican, and while he takes nnicli interest in local public affairs he has never had an ambition to be a i)u]itician. In religious matters, he belongs to the Christian church. bVaternalh , he is a member of the Masonic order.

Mr. Taylor was married on February 15, 1871, to Elizabeth Miller, and to this union four children have been born, one of whom is deceased ; Frank S. and Edna M. are living at home; John L. is farming in Union township, on the old home place; he married Emma Laliy. and they have c)ne child. John Robert.

Samuel Phelps Templeton

This gentleman is one of tlie many young men on whom will rest the responsibility of the future prosperity of Crawfordsville and Montgomery county, and from all indications he will be a credit to the community, as he is industrious and energetic to a marked degree and gives promise of future influence and usefulness exceeding what has been his in the past. Too much praise cannot be given Mr. Templeton for the industry and discretion which has marked his career, the judgment displayed by him having ever been far beyond his years, and proclaiming him more than an average in business capacity. He is a young man of integrity and worth and stands high in the community.

Samuel Phelps Templeton, well known undertaker and embalmer of Crawfordsville, was born August 24, 1872, at Monmouth, Illinois. He is a son of David Calvin and Harriett (Payne) Templeton, natives of Illinois and Ohio, respectively. The death of the father occurred in 1899, after a successful and honorable life. The mother of our subject is still living, making her home with her children. She is a woman of most commendable personal characteristics and is held in highest regard by all who know her, and proved to be a worthy and faithful helpmeet to her husband.

Samuel P. Templeton had an excellent education, and is a graduate of Hyde Park School, Chicago, and later studied at the University of Indiana, at Bloomington, for some time. F^rly in life he decided to be an embalmer, and with this end in view he entered Williams' School of Em-

Thus well equipped for his life work he returned to Blooniington, Indiana, where he remained in this vocation for a period of five years and got a good start in life there. Seeking a larger field for the exercise of his talents he came to Crawfordsville and organized the D. C. Bamhill Company, which is the largest undertaking establishment in western Indiana and does a ven* extensive and rapidly growing business. They have a neat and modernly equipped establishment, and prompt and high grade sen-ice is their aim.

Mr. Templeton is a fine musician, having decided innate talent along this line, and he has spent much time in developing the same, and his wife is an accomplished singer. They are pleasant people to meet and have made a host of friends since taking up their residence in Crawfordsville. She was known in her maidenhood as Clara Halladay, and lived in Chicago. They were married on April 4, 1904.

Mr. Templeton is prominent in fraternal circles. He belongs to the Masonic Order, including the Knights Templars and the Order of the Eastern Star, the Knights of Pythias, and Pythian Sisters, the Improved Order of Red Men, including Haymakers, the Daughters of Pocahontas, the Tribe of Ben-Hur, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Loyal Order of Moose.

George Washington Steele

One of the popular and successful native bom business men of Crawfordsville, and a worthy scion of one of Montgomery county's honored old families is George Washington Steele, who has for many years conducted a dn.ig store here. He is a man of genial and obliging personality which, added to his known honesty, has rendered him a favorite with a wide circle of acquaintances and we are glad to herein set forth a brief resume of his industrious and commendable life record, for it shows what a man of detennination and right principles can accomplish, even in the face of obstacles. And it also shows that a man may be blessed with material success and at the same time maintain a proper integrity in social life and also assist in the general upbuilding of the community in which he resides, for Mr. Steele has ever manifested much interest in the growth of the county seat of the fair county of which this history deals.

The birth of Mr. Steele occurred in city and county on February i6, 1862. He is a sun oi Iharles M. and hdiza 11. (Miller) Steele. The father was also a native of Crawfordsville, and from that early period, and even earlier, the name Steele has been a very familiar one in this locality. The paternal grandparents of our subject were Thomas M. and Elizabeth H. Steele. Charles Steele was reared and educated here and he followed farming all his life in his native vicinity, dying in 1870. His wife, Eliza H. Miller, was also a native of Union township, Montgomery county. She was a daughter of William Miller, who came to Union tovvn.ship in tiie early twenties and had the distinctiuu of building the first house in Crawfords\ille, on the present site of the heating plant, and here he estal)lished the future home of the family, whose name, like the Steeles, has been a household word here for several generations.

The death of the mother of the subject of this sketch occurred at Sunnyvale, California, in April, 1906, at the time of the great San Francisco earthquake.

George W. Steele grew to manhood at Crawfordsville and he received a good education in the local schools. Early in life he began business for himself, and here in his native city sold drugs for a period of twenty years, enjoying an extensive and lucrative business, but he abandoned that field of endeavor upon the organization of the Crawfordsville Trust Company, taking the important position of manager of the insurance department, which place he still holds, having discharged his duties in an able and satisfactory manner, and the rapidly increasing prestige and importance of this well known concern has been due in very large measure to his able and judicious planning and counsel, and the indomitable energy which he has put into it. He is also a member of the firm of McDonald & Steele, florists, of Craw'fords- \ille, this firm having been organized in 1892, starting with only one acre. Xow they occupy eight acres on West Wabash street, and are doing a thriving business that is rapidly increasing. They have modern and well arranged green houses here, where the choicest varieties of commercial flowers are grown. They maintain a downtown office in the Y. M. C. A. building. Their flowers are of such superior quality and they are so prompt and fair in filling orders that their business extends all over Indiana and into Illinois. They hold a very high rank as general florists. This firm was the first to grow roses and carnations in Crawfordsville. Their business now amounts to from twelve thousand dollars to eighteen thousand dollars annually; however, neither of the partners have ever given personal attention to it, but employ a competent manager.

Politically, Mr. Steele is a Republican, but he has never taken a very active interest in political matters, preferring to give his attention to his individual affairs.

Mr. Steele was married on April 10, 1888, to Frances L. Walter, the accomplished daughter of Henry Walter, a well known citizen of Wayne township, this county, and here Mrs. Steele grew to womanhood and received her education.

Fielden E. Morin

The general appearance of the fine and extensive landed estate of Fielden E. Morin, of Madison township, bespeaks for the proprietor a man of progressive ideas as well as indomitable energ}', and one who is thoroughly familiar with every detail of agriculture. His land lies in Tippecanoe county, but he maintains his home at the village of Linden. In a quiet way he has done much to promote the industrial interests of this section of the Wabash country, and every public improvement or private enterprise for the good of the vicinity in which lie has long resided finds in him a zealous supporter and liberal jjatron. He is regarded as one of the best examples of modern twentieth century farming that could be found in the locality of which this history treats, and it is indeed a pleasure to look over his broad acres, well kept, productive fields, substantial, and attractive dwelling and other buildings. He is a man who believes in attending strictly to his own liusiness, and his good name has ever been above the reproach of all.

Mr. Morin was born in Montgomery county. Indiana, Deceml)er 12, 1862. He is a son of Milton and Rachael (Rice) Morin. The father was bom on June 17, 1835. in Ohio, and his death occurred on February 7, 1905. The mother of our subject was born on March 16, 1835, in Montgomery county, and her death occurred on December 25, 1873. Milton Morin came to i\Iontgomery county as a child, received a common school education and was married here, and the mother of our subject taught school in her native locality for a time when a young woman. The father devoted his life successfully to farming. Politically, he was at first a Whig, later a Republican.

Five children were born to Milton Morin and wife, all still living, namely: Fielden, of this review, being the eldest; William; born January

Melden Morin grew to manhood on the home farm, wlicre he worked hard when growing to manhood, but he found time to recei\e a gdnd cdinmon school education.

Mr. Morin was married on Octc)l)er 24. 1888, to Abiia lialstead. who was born in this county July 9, 1869. and here slie was reared to womanhood and received a god education in the pubHc schools. She is a daughter of William W. and Rhoda (Coyner) Halstead, both nati\es of Indiana. The father was born January 10, 1S44 and he is still lixing. making his home at l\irk])atrick. His wife was l)(irn on July 22. 184". and she, too, is still living. They are the jjarents of eight children, six of whom are living at this writing, namely; Clyde \'., born May 4. 1868, died March 29. 1900; Alma, wife of Mr. Morin. of this rexiew ; Musetta, born September 4, 1871, died Xovember 8, 1890; William, born Septeml)er 2^. 1873; John Coyner, born July 16, 1876; Ruby, born March 17, 1880: Ivrnest M.. born January 4, 1883; Josiah, born March 29, 1885.

Two children ha\e been born to Mr. and Mrs. Morin, namely: Mabel A., born Xovember 2. 1889. is in college: and Musetta J., bom July 5, 1891, is also in college. They are Iwth making splendid records for scholarship and are popular with the young people of their ac(|uaintance.

Mr. Morin began farming for himself when a young man and this has remained his life vocation, paying particular attention to well-bred live stock, and for the past six years he has been raising Chester White hogs, with which he has made a pronounced success, those he ofifers for sale finding a very ready market, owing to their superior quality. He is the owner of a finely improved and veiy productive farm of four hundred and eiglity acres, nearly all tillable and w-ell tiled and otherwise well impro\'ed. This land lies just across the line in Tippecanoe county. There Mr. Morin continued to live, carrying on general farming and stock raising on an extensive scale until in 1904 when he moved to his attractix'e home in Linden, and there he and his family still reside. He has not. howexer, been idle (hning these latter years, but has not been so deeply engrossed in Jiis farm and live stock as previously. His home in Linden is a commodious one. neatly furnished, and in the midst of spacious and attractive surroundings.

Politically, he is a Republican, but he has never l)een active in public afifairs, preferring to devote his attention e.xclusively to his large farming and stock raising j)ursuits. He attends and sujiports the Methodist Episcopal church.

James S. Kelly

In examining the records of self-made men, it will inevitably be found that indefatigable industry has constituted ihe basis of their success. True there are other elements which enter in and conserve the advancement of personal interests, perseverance, discrimination and mastering of expedients, but the foundation of all achievement is earnest, persistent labor. At the outset of his career James S. Kelly, grocer of Crawfordsville, and for many years one of our well known and progressive business men, recognized this fact and he did not seek any royal road to the goal of prosperity and independence, but began to work earnestly and diligently to advance himself, having been tiirown on his own resources when quite young, and the result is that he is now numbered among the successful and respected citizens of the city of his choice. It was a bitter experience he had to meet when facing the hard world as a tender boy. yet, such experience is what usually brings out the mettle of tlie soul and makes success in later life possil)le, and thus proves a blessing, in most instances, in disguise.

Mr. Kelly was born on September 9, 1850, in Brooklyn, New York, and is a son of Patrick and Mary Kelly, botli natives of Ireland, tiie father being born there in 1808, and when young in years he came to America, locating in Brooklyn, New York, where he worked as a stone mason and contractor. His death occurred in 1857. His wife also grew up in the Emerald Isle, her birth having occurred there in 1814, and there they were married. Her death occurred in 1856.

James S. Kelly was thus left an orphan when seven years of age. He came to Crawfordsville, Indiana, in 1859, and worked on a farm near here until 1863, when he went to ^^anderburg county, where, he became an employe of a large wholesale shoe Inisiness, remaining there eight years, each one finding him further advanced than the preceding year. However, longing for the freedom of the countiy he went back 'to the farm in 1871, in Montgomery county, on which he remained until 1881, this ten years as a general agriculturist and stock man being altogether satisfactory. He then came to Crawfordsville and started in the grocery business, in which he remained for a period of eighteen years, enjoying an extensive trade with the city and surrounding country. He was then in the shoe business with his formef success for a period of six years. Desiring once again to change his occupation, he abandoned merchandising and took up fire insurance, which he followed for eight years, building up quite an extensive patronage. I''inally. he returned to the grocery lousiness, wliicli lie is still engaged in at Crawfordsville. his large, neatly arranged, well kept store being one of the most popular of its kind in the county, and it is always stocked uith a choice line of staple and fancy groceries. It is located on West Main street.

Politically, ]\Ir. Kelly is a Republican. He is a member of the Tribe of Ben-Hur and the Knights of Pythias, also the Patriotic Order Sons of America. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and has been a member of the official board for the past eighteen years, and treasurer for three years. He was for a period of three years purchasing agent for the Culver Hospital, giving satisfaction to all in this capacity.

Mr. Kelly was married on March 7, 1888, to Sue C. Campbell, of near Cadiz, Ohio. She was torn in Westmoreland county, Pennsyh'ania, October 19. 1852. She is a daughter of Thomas Campljell and wife, both of whom are deceased.

Robert H. Larrick

Robert H. Larrick. well known farmer and stock man of I'Vanklin township, whose span of life, covering sixty-four years, has been passed in Montgomery county, and who stands today as one ui the men whose li\es ha\e meant something more than to exist and accumulate projjcrty and whose impress has helped shape the lives of others toward a fuller realization of the responsibilities of this world, with an earnest desire to secure the ultimate happiness of his neighbors and acquaintances, is eminently deserving of mention in a work of the province of the one in hand, as we shall see by a perusal of the following paragraphs.

Mr. Larrick was born on December 21, 1849, in Montgomery county, Indiana, and he is a son of I. N. and Elizabeth (Tillard) Larrick. The father was born in Ross county, Ohio, May 26, 1819, and his death occurred on January 22, 1887. The mother of our subject was born in Ohio in 1822. and her death occurred on July 31, 1889. These parents grew to maturity in their native state and there received a limited education and were married. They devoted their lives to farming, the father being also a stock buyer. They were the parents of seven children, three of whom are still living, namely: John. Robert, and Isaac; Mary, Emma, Horace, and Frank are deceased.

to manhood on the home farm in this county. On March 6, 1889, he was married to Rose HoUingsworth, who was born in this county on April 18, 1 86 1, and here she grew to womanhood and received a common scliool education.

Three children have been born to our subject and wife, namely : John W., born February 25, 1891, is on the home farm; James N., bom January 30, 1893; Penson H., born January 13, 1901.

Mr. Larrick has always followed fanning in Franklin township, and he has been very successful, being now the owner of a finely improved and productive farm of two hundred and five acres; however, only one hundred and twenty acres are tillable. His land lies just outside the town of Darlington. He has a pleasant home and substantial outbuildings. He handles a good grade of live stock, which he prepares for the market, and this forms no small part of his annual income. He is regarded as one of the most up-to-date general agriculturists in the vicinity of Darlington.

There is no member of the Alontgoniery county medical fraternity who occupies a higher position in the estimation of the people than does Dr. J. W. Dickerson, of Wingate. During his many years of practice he has built up a very large patronage and he is regarded as a safe and honest general practitioner who is well abreast of the times and he is kept very busy. He realized early that there is a purpose in life and that there is no honor not founded on worth and no respect not founded on accomplishment. He has never depended upon others to do what he himself should do. While engaged in the prosecution of his own chosen work, he has never Iseen neglectful of the general welfare of the people of his locality and he has won and retained the esteem of all who know him.

Dr. Dickerson was born on June 17, 1853 in Hendricks county, Indiana, near Danville. He is a son of Griffith and Elizabeth (Roy) Dickerson. The doctor's father was born in \^irginia in [811. He left the Old Dominion when a child and settled with the rest of the family in Hendricks county, Indiana, where he grew to manhood, was educated in the pioneer schools and he devoted his life to farming and stock raising.

Tlie following children were born to Griffith Dickerson ami wife, only three of whom are still lixinj^-; tlie\- were named, John. TliDnias. Rebecca, Walker. Mrs. Mary Ross, Mrs. .\niy Laton, George. Dr. |. W. (imr sul>ject), Frederick; the next two were twins, and the youngest child died in infancy.

Dr. Dickerson received a good common school education, later taking a course at Central College, at Indianapolis, and finally studied at the American Medical College in Cincinnati, remaining there four years and making an excellent record for scholarship.

Dr. Dickerson was married on September 24, 1884, at Danville, Illinois. to Vona Chauncey, who was born on October 24, 1861. She is a daughter of David and Rosa (\\'el>ster) Chauncey. the former now deceased but the mother is still living.

To the Doctor and wife one child has been born, namely: Roy C. who married Lula Crane, of Wingate, and they live in this place, he being engaged in business here. They have one child. John William.

Dr. Dickerson started out in life on a farm. On Septeml)er i, 1876, he enlisted in the United States army, under Capt. F. W. Benteen. in Company H, Seventh Regiment, Western Cavalry, at Indianapolis. He at once became a member of the expedition that was sent to the hostile Indian country of the West, and he was in the campaign down the Missouri river that fall for the purpose of disarming the Indians that were supposed to have engaged in the battle of the Little Big Horn, in ^Montana, the preceding June. The Seventh cavalry was commanded by Col. S. D. Sturgis. They were in the ^'ellnwstone expedition in 1S77 under the command of Col. X. .\. .Miles, being then in the Fifth Infantry. In 1878 our subject was with the tniops that escurted the Cheyenne Indians as far as the Black Hills, being then under tiie command of Lieut.-Col. E. Otis. The Seventh Cavalry in 1879 changed from Fort A. Lincoln, to Fort Meade in the Black Hills. In 1880 our subject was a scout for twenty days in pursuit of the hostile Indians on the Little Missouri river, under Col. F. W. Benteen. In 1881 he was in camp on the Little .Missouri river, protecting that coun,try from the hostile Indians, and in .\ugust of that year Dr. Dickerson was honorably discharged. He proved, according to his comrades, to l)e a very courageous and faithful soldier, and he took part in a number of important campaigns against the Indians who gave the government so much trouble in those days. The doctor talks most interestingly of his experiences in the wild West tbirty-fi\e years ago. .\fter his career in the army he returned to the East and went into the drug business in Illinois, later he began the practice of medicine and surgerv in Rush countv, (61)

Indiana, where he built up a \ery large patronage. He came to Montgomery county on January i, 1894, and here he has remained to the present time, maintaining a well equipped office at the town of Wingate, Coal Creek township. He has a large and constantly growing practice and has been very successful as a general practitioner and surgeon.