Putnam County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1910 (part 10 of 16)

Mrs. Catherine Raxdel

This estimable lady, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Leatherman, was born August jo, 1S41, on the old family homestead, six miles west of Greencastle in Madison township, which her father, John Leathemian, purchased in pioneer times and developed from a wild and impenetrable wilderness.

The Leathemian family moved to this state from Kentucky and were among the early settlers and substantial residents of the part of Putnam county in which they located. Frederick Leathemian. the grandfather of Mrs. Raiidel. was a Kentuckian bv birth, came to Indiana about the rear 1823 and settled in Putnam county, where his death subsequently occurred. The family of this sturdy pioneer consisted of four sons. John. Abraham. Daniel and Blan. all of whom married and all but the oldest moved from Indiana to other states, .\braham to Illinois. Daniel to Iowa, and Blan to Wisconsin.

Frederick Leathemian (jriginall}- located on what is now the Farrow farm. Madison township, and was aiiKjiig the first to make permanent improvements in that Ideality. He flied suddenly many years ago while returning home from Lawrenceburg. whither he had gone to trade, being in the sixty-sixth year of his age at the time of his decease. He was a soldier during the early Indian wars of Kentucky, Virginia and elsewhere, took part in a number of battles and had many narrow escapes during his thrilling experiences on the frontier. His first wife dying shortly after moving to Indiana, he subsequently was twice remarried, his third companion sur- him for some years.

John Leatherman, oldest son of the above mentioned Frederick, was born in Kentucky, April i, 1799, and accompanied his parents to Putnam county, locating near the home place in Madison township, where he remained about two years, removing at the expiration of that time to a tract of land on Walnut creek which he purchased and improved. His first dwelling was a small cabin of the usual pioneer pattern, which answered the purposes for which intended until 1832. when it was replaced by a much larger and more comfortable brick edifice, the latter at the time of completion being one of the finest country residences in the county. j\Ir. Leatherman made the brick of which the building was constructed and occupied it until his death, in March. 1879. It stood on a beautiful and sightly eminence and until destruction by a storm some years ago was one of the well known landmarks of Madison township.

John Leathemian married, in 181 9, Mary Penny, who was born about the year 1794, and who bore him children as follows: Perminda, wife of Benjamin King; Sarah, who became the wife of Henry Wright; Rachel married Dolphus Wood; Eliza, wife of Samuel Wright, who still lives in Nebraska; Washington moved to Nebraska and died in 1894 of old age; Benjamin died in Nebraska in April, 1909; Theresa married John Irwin and lives in Kansas : Frederick lived and died in Putnam county, Indiana, and was a prominent farmer and representative citizen ; Jane married Isaac Irwin and moved to Nebraska, where her death occurred, and Daniel was accidentally killed in 1881 by the falling of a tree, since which time the family homestead has been in the possession of strangers.

John Leatherman was not only an enterprising and successful farmer, but also became widely known as a minister of the Primitive Baptist church, in the faith of which he was reared and of the doctrines of which he afterwards was recognized as an al^le expounder. He was ordained in early manhood and for some years preached only at irregular intervals, but later gave the great part of his time to his holy office. During his active ministiy he served four congregations, viz : Bethel church, on Little Walnut near his home : New Hope, near the town of Morton ; Rocky Fork and Otter Creek in Parke countv. He was a stalwart Christian, fearless in the presentation of the truth, and e.xerted a wide and beneficial influence on the religious thought ot Ill's own and other communities. He departed this hfe on the 6th day of March. 1879. ^"^1 was laid to rest in the Baptist cemetery in Clinton township, where also repose the ashes of many other old settlers of the county. Mrs. Leatherman preceded her husband to the grave on September 6. 1875. each being seventy-nine years of age when called to the other world.

Catherine Leatherman spent her childhood and youth at the family home and was early instructed in those domestic duties which, while she was still young, made her almost indispensible to the household. She grew to w umanhood with a proper conception of life and never knew by experience what it was to eat the bread of idleness. In such schools as the country afforded she received a fair knowledge of the branches then taught and imtil her twenty-fifth year remained at home, of which from a much earlier age she proved a guiding and controlling spirit. In the year 1866 she became the wife of Nelson Wood, who, in 1870, moved to the farm, which she still iiwiis and with whom she lived in mutually happy wedlock until his lamented deatli in 1881. a periofi of fifteen years. Three children were born to this union. Ella, the oldest of whom, married William Thomas and lives on the home farm which her husband operates. Their offspring, five in number, are, Ida. a teacher in the public schools of Madison township. Fay, May. C)na. and Serena, the second and third being twins. Seba. the second of the family, married John Latham and died young, leaving one child. Jane Pearl, now the wife of Otto Vermillion in Madison township. Lee. who married Terre King, and lives in Clinton township, being the youngest of the family, had two children, Lucille and Charles Xelson.

In 1882 Mrs. Woods ])ecame the wife of John Howard, with whom she spent the four vears ensuing in the citv of Greencastle, removing at the expiration of that time to iNIadison low nship where her husband's death occurred in 1893. Later she entered the marriage relation with John Randel, who on Xo\eml;er 12. 1907, left her a widow again, since which time she has lived on her farm in Madison township, where, surrounded by many friends, loyal and true, she is sj^ending her life in quiet and content, proving an excellent neiglihcir. a valued counsellor and a helper in time of need.

Mrs. Randel is the only living representative of the Leatherman family in Putnam county and as such, exemplifies the many estimable qualities of mind and heart for which her ancestors were distinguished and by a life void of offense she is maintaining in all its luster the brightness of the family escutcheon. She is a w^oman of excellent character and high social standing, respected by all with whom she mingles and her daily life and influence have been a blessing: to the comnnmitv in which she resi<les.

Preferring to spend his life in his native vicinity rather than seek nncertain fortune in distant places, as so many of his early associates did. Perry W'ilsdii Wright, a leading farmer of Madison township, has become well known and influential in the citizenship of Putnam county. He was born on Little Walnut creek, this township. December i!. 1856. the son of William and Thankful Louisa (Swinford) Wright, people of excellent characteristics, the father having been born August 7. 1825, on the same farm on which his son. Perry W.. first saw the light of day: thus the Wright family has been established here since the earliest pioneer days and the several members of the same have been important factors in this part of the county since then. William Wright and Thankful L. Swinford were married in 1844. when they were each nineteen years of age. she having been born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, November 8, 1825. His father, Benjamin Wright, was born April 18, 1794, in North Carolina. He married Mary Hill, who was born May 4, 1800. Soon after their wedding, about 1822, they entered the land here where their son William was born, having developed this splendid fann from the wilderness. William was reared there iand when about thirty years old he purchased his father's farm. Benjamin Wright moved to Illinois, where he spent the remaining years of his life. William lived on the farm until about 1870 when he bought the homestead of his father-in-law, John Swinford, where he lived till 1882, when he removed to Greencastle where his last years were spent, dying May 21, 1906, at an advanced age, having lived a successful and honorable life that brought out only words of praise from his neighbors. His good wife was called to her rest on November 2. 1892. She was the daughter of John and Polly Ann f Adams) Swinford and her parents brought her to this county from Bourbon county. Kentucky, about 1826, the father buying one hundred and sixty acres and entered the forty that Perry W. Wright now lives on, just east of Little Walnut and four miles northeast of Greencastle. He built a house on the larger tract, which had a rude shack on it, but he never built on the forty acres. Prospering by reason of hard work and good management, he added to his original tract until he owned six hundred and forty acres, and that was his home until his death. January 27, 1868. having reached the age of about seventy years. His wife survived him six or eight years, dying at about the same age. Of their family seven children, three .sons and four daughters, reached maturity, namely : William, who went to ^Missouri; Wilson F. also moved to ^Missouri: George moved to

Putxam Couxtv, Indiana. 57I

Iowa: Sarah Salina married John Tucker, of Indianapohs ; Thankful Louisa, wife of Wilham Wright; Eusibia married Wash Leatherman and she died while living in this county; Nancy married Richard Hart and died in Missouri: Lydia married Jesse Hamrick and died young.

When John Swinford died William Wright bought out some of the heirs, owning twci hundred and eighteen acres of the old Swinford farm and there Ii\-ed until he moved to Greencastle. He had previously purchased all the Wright homestead, consisting of two hundred acres. He was a successful business man and became well-to-do. On his place fine stock were to be found at all times, first-class cattle being his hobby and he took a great pride in them. He was regarded as one of the leading farmers and stock men in the county and was highly respected for his honorable dealings with his fellow men. ^Villesin and Thankful A\' right had six children : John \\'esley died in childhood; Jesse ^I. lives in Lamar, Colorado; George W. is living retired in Greencastle; Sarah .\nn married William Brothers, of Greencastle; Perry Wilson, subject of this sketch; \\'illis E. died tweh'e or fourteen years of age.

Perry \\'. Wright spent his youth on the home farm, which he worked when he became of proper age and attended the district schools in the meantime. He spent four years in western Iowa and Kansas in his early youth, then returned to the home farm. On September 15, 1909, he married Josie Hathaway, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Gillespie) Hathaway, an excellent family of Clinton township. He is engaged in general farming in a manner that stamps him well abreast of the times. He is also a lover of good stock, and everything about his place shows thrift and good management.

Politically Mr. Wright is a Republican and he keeps in touch with his party. Fraternallv he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Mr. ^^'right has two children by a former marriage with Lizzie Talbot : Raymond, a student in DePauw L'niversity. will graduate in 191 1: William ^^'endel is a high school student.

Charles W. Kixg

The King familv has been well established in Madison township since the picturesque days of the first settler, and from that time to this those who have borne the name have maintained the high standard of citizenship which the older ones sought to foster, and of this worthy class Charles W. King is deserving of special notice. He has been contented to spend his life at home, having been born on the old King homestead in Madison township February 19. 1848, the son of Benjamin P. and Perminda (Leatherman) King, both born in Indiana, possibly Putnam county, in 1820. They married in this county and lived on a farm here where their first five children were born; then they moved to Illinois when Charles W. of this review was a baby. The family remained in the last named state about ten years, returning to Madison township, Putnam county, about 1859 or i860 and settled on the farm now owned by Charles W. King. It was a new place, but was soon cleared and placed under cultivation; here the father, Benjamin P., died when his son, Charles \V., was about si.xteen years of age, the former being forty-eight and he is numbered with the eternal sleepers in the Little Walnut cemetery. He was a good fanner, a hard worker and honest. Following are his children : John R.. living in Washington township, Putnam county; Cerena married Zadoc Plummer and is living in Kansas; Rachael married Joseph Owens, and she died at Golden. Colorado ; William is living in Hendricks county, Indiana ; Charles W., of this review; Denman P. is living in Chrisman, Illinois; Thirsa married Maletus Peterson, of Montgomery county, and she died in Kansas ; Sarah married Elijah Houck and they are living in Greencastle; Frederick lives in Edgar county, Nebraska.

After the father's death the elder sons remained at home and worked the place, the mother thus being able to keep the family together. After the children grew up she married John Howard, of ^fontgomery county, where she spent the remaining years of her life, dying on August 9, 1881.

Charles AV. King remained at home until his brother married a second time. He and his brother Denman P. were conducting the farm very successfully, but the farm was sold when the mother married. After working out two seasons Charles W. King married, after which event he rented land for three years, during which time he got a good start and then bought back the old home place, where he has lived ever since. He has made many changes and improvements in the same and has shown himself to be an excellent farmer in even,- respect. He has been very successful and has added additional land until he now has one hundred acres. A portion of the present frame house is a part of the old log building that was placed here before Benjamin P. King purchased the farm.

Mr. King is not a public man, but has long taken some interest in politics, having served his township as assessor back in the eighties. In 1904 he was elected township trustee for four years, filling both these offices in a very creditable manner. He has also served on the Democratic central committee and is always ready to further the interests of his party in Putnam county.

Mr. King was married on December 7. 187 1, to Emily J. Beard, who was reared in Vigo county, but who at the time of her marriage was living in Putnam county, .-\fter a very congenial and happy married life of about thirty-seven years, this good wife and mother was called to her rest on September 15, 1908.

Four children were bom to Mr. and ^Irs. King, one dying when four years of age; the living are, Benjamin, a teacher in the Greencastle schools, is married and has one child, Frances ; Delia married Pumell Thomas and died when twenty-two years of age; Terre is the wife of Lee Woods, of Clinton township, this county, and they are the parents of two children, Lucille and Xelson.

.Among the well-known and highly respected citizens of Putnam county is George \V. Black of Greencastle. Mr. Black was born near Mt. Sterling, Montgomery county, Kentuck-y, September 27, 1843, the son of Andrew- and Margaret ( Lockridge) Black, both representatives of good old families. They grew to maturity in their native state, met and married there and in 1850 they migrated to Putnam county, Indiana, locating one mile west of Greencastle on a farm where Black, by hard work, soon had a good home and a well cultivated farm which yielded a good income. He was a good manager and a man of thrift and at the time of his death, which occurred in Greencastle in i8r)2. he was the owner of valuable lands aggregating four hundred and forty acres, near this city. He was considered one of the best farmers in this vicinity and he always kept some good stock on his place, being especially fond of fine horses, for he had been reared in a country noted for its rare specimens of the equine family, and this love for good horses has come down to his son, George W. of this review. ]Mr. Black was a Republican politically and a strong worker in the party, and in religious matters he was a Presbyterian. He was well liked in this county and had hosts of friends here. His wife preceded him to the silent land by nearly twenty-eight years, dying in 1864.

George W. Black accompanied his parents to Putnam county in 1850, and he assisted with the work on the home farm and attenrled the neighborinsr schools during the winter months. He managed the farm for his father for a year, then came to Greencastle in 1870 and began a hvery business which he soon buih up to large proportions, enjoying a very liberal patronage from the first. He always kept an excellent grade of horses and a well equipped barn in every respect. He also engaged in the coal business and built up a very satisfactory patronage also in this. For the past ten years. Air. Black has conducted sales of horses once a week, which have been largely attended by prospective buyers who came from all parts of the country.

April 15, 1904. Mr. Black married Mrs. Martha Jane Thomas. This union is without issue. Politically Mr. Black is a Republican, but he does not find time to mingle much in party affairs. He is a member of the local Methodist church.

Christian Landes

In examining the life record of Christian Landes, which has been temiinated bv death, we find many qualities of head and heart that are worthy of emulation, for he was of a type of hardy sons of the soil who delight in being kind to their neighbors, generous to the needy and always ready to lend a helping hand in any worthy cause. He was born in Augusta county, Virginia, April ;, 1814. the son of John and Frances (Branneman) Landes. the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Virginia, each excellent old families. Christian's elder brother came to Indiana about 1838. the fonner following him soon afterward. They had learned the blacksmith's trade and at once set up a shop in Greencastle. Abraham Landes. Samuel Landes and Henry Landes, brothers, also came to Putnam county in those early days. A full history of this familv is to be found elsewhere in this work, as is also the history of the Hillis familv. into which Christian Landes married in 1840, choosing for a life partner Elizabeth A. Hillis, sister of John A. Hillis. Christian Landes continued to work as a blacksmith for over ten years in this vicinity, during which time he became well known as a very skilled workman, being a partner with his brother Samuel, part of the time in a general store under the firm name of Landes Brothers, Samuel looking after the store and Christian the shop, Samuel finallv leaving the store and moving to Iowa where he spent the remaining years of his life. Abram Landes owned a farm southwest of Greencastle where he lived until his death. The father of these children also came to this county and purchased what has since been known as the Dunbar farm in Madison township, northwest of Greencastle. dying at his home about three miles from this city, reaching the age of sixty-eight years. Frances Landes died in \'irginia. John Landes married a second time, his last wife being a Miss Netzer, who survived him many years. Xo children were born to them. There was another John Landes who spent his life in Virginia.

In 1S49 Christian Landes purchased the farm on the Manhattan road where Christian Stoner, his grandson, now lives, he having built the present home about iS66. He set up a shop on that place and continued blacksmithing m connection with farming for many years, making a success of both. and here he spent the remainder of his life, having closed his shop a few years before he died, giving his attention e.xclusively to his farm, his death occurring [March i6, 1893. having been preceded to the silent land by his wife on December 25, 1891, at the age of sixty-nine years, she having been bom on Tanuan- 18. 1823, in Flemingsburg, Kentucky (see sketch of John L. Hillis). They are buried at Forest Hill, Greencastle. Both were active members of the Methodist church at Mount Olive, which is located about one mile from the old Landes homestead. This place consisted of over two hundred acres, \\hich was partly improved when Mr. Landes bought it. He improved it in many ways and proved to be a very skillful farmer as well as blacksmith. He was a hard working man and never sought public offices. He was a useful man in his community; everybody trusted him explicitly owing to his unquestioned integrity and strict honesty in all his dealings with his fellow men.

To Mr. and Mrs. Christian Landes twelve children were born, ten reaching maturity, namely : Mary J. married William Butler and lives in Greencastle. Mr' Butler served through the Civil war. the hard experiences proving too much for his constitution and he finally died as a result of his expo'sures, September 5, 1899, at the age of sixty-nine years, never having been strong since his army career. He lived ten years in Terre Haute. He and his wife reared one daughter. Elizabeth T., who married Elbert C. Minton, of Lafayette, Indiana. William H. Landes also served through the Civil war, after which he went to Montana, where he died at the age of forty-nine years ; Samuel E. is a carriage maker in Greencastle; Sarah E. married Samuel P. Bo'wen. of Greencastle; Laura E. married Peter S. Stoner, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work; Katie A. married Jonathan Houck (see his sketch) ; Albert P. Landes is a painter and paper hanger in Greencastle; Flora F. married James E. Houck (see his sketch) ; Grant A. Landes is a manufacturer at .\nderson. Indiana; George C. is in the insurance business and is now trustee of Greencastle township, living in Greencastle.

Thomas Hart Morris

The history of Putnam county is not a very old one. It is the record of the steady gra*vth of a community planted in the wilderness within the last century and has reached its magnitude of today without other aids than those of industrv. The people who redeemed its wilderness fastnesses were strong- . armed, hardy sons of the soil who hesitated at no difficulty and for whom hardships had little to appall. The early pioneers, having blazed the path of civilization to this part of the state, finished their labors and passed from the scene, leaving the country to the possession of their descendants and to others who came at a later period and builded on the foundation which they laid so broad and deep. Among these early pioneers was Albert F. :Morris, the father of the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch. Albert F. Morris was born near Sharpsburg, Nicholas county, Kentuclcy, and was the son of Daniel C. and Ann Morris. Daniel C. Morris was born inside the stockade at Bryant's Station, Kentucky, at a time when the little band of settlers were gathered there as a protection against hostile Indians. One of his brothers was Morris Morris, the father of General Morris, of Indianapolis. When the Morris family came from Kentucky to Putnam county, Indiana, thev first located in Cloverdale, though at that time the town contained but few families. Here Albert F. was reared to the life of a farmer, remaining there until 1853, when he moved to near Reelsville, where he remained four years, locating then northwest of Greencastle. About 1853 his father died and he accompanied his mother to ?kIissouri, where her death subsequently occurred. While in the West, he entered a tract of government land in Iowa, which he afterwards traded for a farm southwest of Cloverdale, Putnam county. After his marriage he lived on this tract two years, and then sold that and bought a farm near Reelsville. After living on this farm four or five years, he bought and moved to a part of the Hart homestead, seven miles northwest of Greencastle. where he reniained until the fall of 1866. In that year he sold his interest to J. R. M. Hamrick and bought the John Piercy farm, three miles northeast of Cloverdale, this farm comprising two hundred and seventv-eight acres. He made this his home until 1877, when he moved to Cloverdale, where he had bought seventy acres of land at the south edge of the town, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1878. He was survived a number of years by his widow, who died in 1897.

Albert F. Morris married Celinda Hart, daughter of Thomas and Joycie Hart, whose home was on the Little Walnut creek, seven miles northwest of

Thomas H Morris

Greencastle. To Albert F. and Celinda Morris were born two children, Thomas Hart, the immediate subject of this sketch, and Joycie Ann. who became the wife of James Y. Davis, and they now live at Arkansas City, Kansas. Politically Mr. Morris was an ardent Democrat and held a prominent place in the councils of his party, though at no time was he a seeker after office for himself. He was held in the highest esteem among his neighbors and was frequently called upon to settle estates and arbitrate differences between neighbors. Public spirited and progressive in his make-up. he exerted his influence in every wav possible to advance the best interests of the community in which he lived and for many years he was numbered among the most prominent men of the township.

Thomas Hart Morris was born August 22. 1852. and was reared under the paternal roof. He attended the public schools, including the high school at Cloverdale, after which he became a student in old Asbury (now DePauw) University at Greencastle. During his school period he continued his farm work, and after leaving his studies he engaged in teaching school for a couple of tenns. -\bout 1S72 Mr. Morris took up farming operations on his own account on his father's farm, continuing in this way four or five years, when he bought a farm of ninety acres, located a mile and a half west of Brick Chapel, which he managed, though still residing on his home place in the southwest part of Jefferson township. About 1S77 he went into the implement business at Clo\erdale, which he conducted with satisfactory success, and in 1887 he added a hardware department. He continued the business until 1895, when he sold it to T. Vi. Layne for ten thousand dollars, the business being now run by the Cloverdale Hardware and Lumber Company. For a while Mr. Morris was in partnership with 'Ww Layne and it was during their association that the present commodious and well arranged building was erected, the store being a credit to the town. For some time Mr. Morris also owned a hoop factory at Cloverdale. but subsequently he transfomied it into a sawmill and sold it also to Mr. Layne. He then returned to his farm in section 29, Jefferson township, where he now resides an<l where he is \ery comfortably situated. He owns two hundred and seventyeight acres of good land, all of which is under cultivation, and which yields bountiful crops in return for the labor bestowed upon it. The place is well improved, containing an attractive and comfortable residence, spacious and substantial bams and other necessary buildings, and the farm is numbered among the good ones of the township.

Irwin Graham, a daughter of Fehx and Mary (Irwin) Graham, the latter being a sister of Joseph I. Irwin, a wealthy and well-known citizen of Columbus. Indiana. Mrs. Morris died in 1886, without issue, and in 1891 Mr. JMorris married Belle V. iMugg, a daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Mugg, of near Ouincv. Owen county, this state. To this union were born two children, Albert G., who is attending school, and Lena, who died in 1906. Mrs. Belle Morris died in 1898 and in April 8, 190 1, he married Sadie Dickinson, daughter of John and Martha (McLain) Dickinson. To them have been born three children, Mary Mabel, Alberta Frances and Edna May.

Politically Mr. Morris maintains an allegiance with the Democratic party and takes an intelligent interest in public affairs, though he is not an office seeker. Religiously he and his wife are members of the Christian church at Cloverdale, to which they give an earnest and liberal support. They are genial and sociably inclined and are well liked by all who know them. Mr. ^Morris possesses business ability of a high order, as was emphasized by his successes in commercial enterprises, and among his associates his advice and judgment is valued highly.

Edward R. Hibbitt

The true western spirit of progress and enterprise is strikingly exemplified in the lives of such men as Edward R. Hibbitt, whose energetic nature and sticktoiti\-e qualities have enabled them to conquer many adverse circumstances and advance steadily to leading positions in their respective lines of endeavor or in business life. Mr. Hibbitt is a worthy representative of this class and is now doing a very satis factorv- business in harness and leather goods, maintaining an up-to-date shop and store in Greencastle, which is know II throughout this and adjoining counties.

]\Ir. Hibbitt was born ^lay 30, 1861, in Louisville. Kentucky, the second son of Edwin .\ugustus and Mary (King) Hibbitt, an excellent Kentucky family, the father having been born in Louisville, September 19, 183 1. His parents emigrated to this country from England, the father dying when Edwin A. was twelve years of age; consequently he was thrown upon his own resources, but. being a lad of grit and ambition, he soon succeeded in making his way, apprenticing himself to the harness-making trade at which he worked in Louisville until he came to Putnam county, early in the sixties. He located near Limedale and later moved to Greencastle where he continued his trade and engaged in the harness business until his death, which occurred February ii, 1902, at an advanced age. He was a fine old character whom eveiybody respected and admired for his industrious, sober and honest life, being kind, generous to a fault and interested in the welfare of his neighbors. He enjoyed a large trade and al\va\-s handled a good grade of material, of the highest class workmanship. Politically he was a Democrat, and in his lodge relations held membership with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

August 25, 185S, Edwin A. Hibbitt married Alary King, a native of Louisville. Kentucky, who preceded her husband to the grave many years, dying February 26, 1885.

Edward R. Hibbitt was educated in the common schools of Greencastle, receiving a very good education. He learned the harnessmaker's trade and the "ins and outs" of the leather business under his father, and he successfully engaged in business at Bainbridge, Rockville and Noblesville and with his father in Greencastle, and he is now carrying on a very satisfactory trade in his father's old stand, which is the largest store or shop of its kind in the countv and which is patronized extensively at all seasons, some of his regular customers coming from remote sections of the county, for here they are sure of obtaining full value and the best leather goods which the market affords. The store is well arranged and well kept and his shop is provided with the latest model machinery and tools and none but skilled artisans are employed.

Mr. Hibbitt is a prominent member of the Masonic lodge and the Knights of Pythias. Politically he is a Democrat and a Alethodist in his religious beliefs. He was married on May 30, 18S2. to Julia Williams, representing a highly respected Greencastle family. This union has resulted in the birth of two children. Ethel and Ralph.

The historv of a state is but a record of the doings of its people, among whom the pioneers and their sturdy descendants occupy places of no secondaryimportance. The story of the plain common people who constitute the moral bone and sinew of the state should ever attract the attention and prove of interest to all true lovers of their kind. In the life story of the subject of this sketch there are no striking chapters or startling incidents, but it is merely the record of lite true to its highest ideals and fraught with much that should stimulate the youth just starting in the world as an independent factor.

Francis M. Allee is descended from one of Putnam county's honored earlv pioneers. This pioneer, John Allee, was born in Montgomery county, Virginia. September 2, 1803. When one year old he was taken by his parents to Barren county, Kentucky, where, in his early manhood, he was doubly bereaved of both parents, at which time he was penniless and practically thrown upon his own resources. However, he was endowed with a liberal quantity of grit and determination, qualities which characterized his subsequent years, and he determined to make a success of life. He was reared on a farm and secured a fair education in the common schools of the Blue Grass state. On reaching a proper age he secured employment as overseer of a plantation, on which many slaves were employed and on which was a large distillery, tobacco being one of the principal field crops. He gained the confidence of his employer, who would at times be gone from the plantation for a year. The young man was a good mathematician and penman and for his services he received a liberal salary. He was economical and with the money he saved he bought land, when, in 1830, he came to Putnam county, Indiana, his purchase being in section 16, Jefferson township. He made this his permanent home and resided there until his death, which occurred in 1875.

John Allee married Lucretia Pruitt, a native of Kentucky, and among their children was Francis AI. Allee, the immediate subject of this sketch. John Allee became a prominent and successful farmer. He came to this county in rather limited financial condition, but he was industrious and resourceful and as he prospered he added to his land holdings until at one time he owned one thousand acres of good land, which was accumulated literally "bv the sweat of his brow." He worked on the construction of the old National road through this county, receiving for his labor the magnificent wage of fifty cents a dav. Conditions in those days were unfavorable in many respects. In order to dispose of the grain raised on his farm, he found it necessary to haul the grain to Lawrenceburg, on the Ohio river, and to Cincinnati, ten (lays being recjuired to make the round trip. He usually made the trip pay both wavs. by bringing back goods for local merchants. He took a deep interest in public affairs and served as trustee of his township several terms. He was a stanch Republican and a firm supporter of the Union and during the Civil war he was uncompromising in his devotion to the national cause. He was a member of the state militia and. as colonel, was at the head of the organization in Putnam county. He was widely known in this section of the state and enjoved the unbounded confidence of all who knew him.

Francis M. Allee was born in Jefferson township. Putnam county, Indiana, in 1S39. Xovember 5tli having been his natal day. He was reared on the home farm and received his elementary education in the common schools, supplementing this by attendance at old Asbun,' (now DePauw) University, at Greencastle. Primitive conditions existed in that early day and ^Ir. Allee relates with interest many of the incidents of his boyhood. As to the customs and conditions, coal oil lamps were then unknown in this community, the common light being provided by "grease lamps." which consisted of open receptacles of grease, in the neck of which lay a piece of cloth, the lower end of which lay in the grease. This light was even more common than candles. Fire was often preserved by a rotten hickory tree that burned all summer near the house. Cooking was done in front of the wide fireplace which was a feature of practically e\'ery home. Corn meal was obtained by grating corn on a tin grater, and before that impro\'ement was introduced it was ground on a rock. The pioneer larder was supplied with wild fruit, nuts, squirrels and other wild game - in fact, squirrels were so plentiful that only the hind quarters were used and they were a nuisance to the pioneers because of their fondness for the newly planted corn, which they would dig up as fast as it could be sowed. Farm work was laborious because of the lack of time and labor-saving facilities, ^\'heat was mowed with a cradle and shocked by the women and children. Cooking stoves were unknown in this section until the advent of one bought by the subject's father. Table sugar was very crude in qualit}' and dark brown in color, and home-made molasses was the on.linary medium for sweetening.

In his young manhood ^Ir. Allee engaged in teaching school for three or four winters, but finding this occupation detrimental to his health, he went back to the farm, to which he devoted his future energies. He was successful in the latter pursuit and became the owner of over a thousand acres of land. most of which he has divided with his chiKlren. his present holdings amounting to three hundred and forty acres, all of which is highly cultivated and well improved. He has carried on general farming operations, with which he has combined the raising of livestock, fattening many hogs and cattle for the market. Though now- able to retire from active labor of any nature. Mr. Allee retains an active interest in agriculture, the spirit of idleness being a stranger to his make-up.

On Xovember 17, i860. Mr. Allee was united in marriage with Sarah E. Sandy, who was born in Owen county, Indiana, the daughter of \Villiam B. Sandy, and to this union have l^een bom eight children, namely: Lucretia E., \\'illiam U.. Tuliette F.. Sarah Teannette, Lizzie R., Amanda M., Herbert S.

and Daisy M. Of these, Lucretia, William, Lizzie and Amanda are deceased. Juliette married first William Trent, and after his death she married Alfred Elmore. They live at Mt. Meridian and they have three children living, Mabel. Herbert and Reba. Sarah Jeannette married L. W. Seller and they live east of the subject in Jefferson township. Their son Hubert is now attending the high school at Greencastle. Herbert, who lives south of his father in Jefiferson township, married Efifie Dorsett and they have one son. Noble. Daisv M. became the wife of \'ennard McCammack and lives on the farm in Jefferson township where her father first settled. She has one daughter, Sarah Viola.

Politically Mr. Allee is a Republican, having cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln the day after he attained his majority, and he has voted for every Republican candidate for President since. However, he is not blindly partisan in local public affairs and has had many friends in both parties. He was at one time elected trustee of his township without opposition, his candidacy having been endorsed also by the Democrats. Two years later he was re-elected over a strong opponent, running far ahead of his own ticket. Fraternally he is a member of the Masonic order, having joined in 1859 ^"^ "o^^' being a member of Cloverdale Lodge, No. 322. Though not a member of any church, he gives a cordial support to all churches, which he assists in a financial way and to which he gives his moral support. He donated the land on which the New Providence Baptist church now stands and also donated a tract of high land for cemetery purposes, besides reserving additional land for a similar purpose when needed. Mr. Allee is a well preserved man for his age, and possesses a disposition that enables him to see and enjoy the bright side of life. He has experienced the hard knocks and vicissitudes of life, and therefore sympathizes with others who are tr\'ing to work their way up in life. He is genial and hospitable and his friends are in number as his acquaintances.

Peter Simpson Stoner. I.

The agricultural interests of Putnam county are well represented by Peter Simpson Stoner. who is one of the practical and enterprising fanners of Greencastle township, his well tilled and highly improved fields being admired bv all who see them, and he has also been long known as one of the best judges of livestock in the southern part of the county. Not many agriculturists of this countv are lietter known than he. for his entire life has been spent liere in the localitx" where his ancestors estabh'slied good homes and left behind them the greatest of inheritances - good names and iinlilemished reputations.

yir. Stoner was l>orn in ^NFadison ti5wnship, Octolser 31. 1845. For a fnll history of his family the reader is directetl to the sketch of his brother, Lycurgns Stoner, appearing elsew here in these pages. Peter S. remained on the paternal homestead, until he was eighteen years of age. when, fired by a patriotic zeal that knew no quelling, he enlisted as a recruit, in 1864. in Company E. Twenty-first Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, the same compan\' and regiment in the Union army m which his brother Lycurgus was a soldier, joining the regiment at Eaton Rouge. Mississippi, reaching there about the time of Banks' expedition up Red riyer, but he did not participate in the same. Later he was sent to Alexandra. Louisiana, to assist in holding that country; returning to Baton Rouge, he was discharged January 16, 1866, \yhen under twenty years of age. having seen about two years' service. The following spring he caiue to Washington township, this county, and for two years farmed in partnership with his two brothers, Lycurgus and William Payne. About that time their father died and Peter S. received one hundred and eighty- four acres of the same farm he had been working. He then worked his place independently, but continued to deal in stock in partnership with his brothers. Prospering, he later added to the home place until he had one of the most desirable farms in the township, containing two hundred acres, which he still owns, the land lying along the Big Walnut, being nearly all bottom land. In 1883 he came to his present farm in Greencastle township, three miles southwest of the city, this being the old Layton farm, containing one hundred and eighty-three acres, along which runs the \'andalia railroad. .About twenty years ago he erected his present imposing and beautifully located dwelling, standing on an elevation from which an inspiring panorama may be had of the surrounding country, three railroads, an interurban line and the city of Greencastle being included within the range of vision.

Mr. Stoner is a general farmer, raising abundant crops of all kinds, but a great deal of his time is devoted to stock raising and feeding, this being his principal dependence. He formerly owned another farm of one hundred and ninety acres, which he sold to his son. also owned a one-third interest in the old homestead in Madison township, but he sold that to his brother Lycurgus. Politically he is a Republican, but has never found time to take more than a passing intere.st in political affairs. He is a member of the Grand Anny of the Republic post at Greencastle.

Mr. Stoner was married on October 23, 1873. to Laura Elizabeth Landes, daughter of Christian and Ehzabeth (HilHs) Landes. one of the best known and most highlv respected famihes in Putnam county. ]\Irs. Stoner is a cousin of Charles Landes, late of Greencastle, now deceased (see his sketch and portrait elsewhere in this work). On the fami formerly owned by Mr. Landes now lives Christian E. Stoner. son of Peter S. Stoner. who was named for his grandfather Landes. Mrs. Stoner's parents died in the early nineties, dying within one year of each other, each about seventy years of age.

Mrs. Stoner was bom June i. 1852. and her death occurred May 20, 1 901. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stoner. Christian E., who married Xellie Koessler and they are the parents of two children. Simpson. Jr.. and Katherine; and Edith, the wife of A. A. Houck. who was born in Indiana of German parentage, his parents spending their lives in this state. Mr. Houck is a commercial salesman, representing the St. Louis Coffin Company, covering the states of Xew York and Pennsylvania. He makes his home with ]\Ir. Stoner. and he and his wife are the parents of two children, Russell and Hugh Stoner.

Peter S. Stoner is a member of Mt. Olive Methodist Episcopal church, this l:eing one of the oldest buildings in the county. He takes considerable interest in church work and, in fact, whatever tends to the betterment of his community and county. Personally he is a pleasant man to meet, hospitable in his home and kind to his neighbors.

Fred Mastex

Among the sul)stantial and influential citizens of Warren township. Putnam county. Fred Masten must be numi)ered. for here he has long been successfully engaged in farming and stock raising and his reputation has always I)een unassailal)le. He is the son of Mathias and Xancy (Elmore) ^fasten and the grandson of Reuben and Margaret (Garrison) Alasten. the former a native of X'orth Carolina, whose father was a native of England and, coming to America from that country prior to the Revolutionary war. ser\ed during the same in the patriot army. Reuben Masten came to Hendricks countv, Indiana, during its early settlement, entered a tract of land on which he erected a log house, cleared a plot of ground and began farming, which he continued to follow. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, named as follows: Hesekiah. Darius, Mathias. Harrv. John. Jesse, Maliala, Mary.

Anna and Emma. These four are li\ing. Jesse. Mrs. Mary Roberts, Mrs. Emilia Hodson and Mathias. The father of these chiklren was a devoted member of the Ouaker cluircli and was known for liis strict honesty and his defense of moral and upright H\ing. He was kind and indulgent to his family, always vigilant of their needs. He and his good wife are both nowsleeping the sleep of the just in the family burying plot in Hendricks county. Mr. Masten having attained the ad^-anced age of eight\'-four years before he \\'as called to his reward.

Mathias Masten spent his boyhood days on the farm and received a limited education in the old-time subscription schools. When a mere lad he volunteered for service in the Union army and w as assigned to Company H, Fifty-fifth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, later joining the One Hundred an<l Seventeenth Regiment Indiana Ca\alry. and after a ser\-ice of one year was honorably discharged Februarv" 15. 1S64. He married, in 1865, Xancy Elmore, daughter of Willis Elmore, of Putnam county. They moved to a rented farm in Hendricks county and shortly, by the assistance of his father, he bought a farm of eighty acres in Putnam county, which he later sold, and bought and sold, in turn, several other farms. He finally moved to Clo\-erdale. where he owns property and he still looks after his farm. He is an ordained minister of the old-school Baptist church and spends a portion of his time in this work. He is a (juiet, unassuming man and has hosts of friends in this county. Politically he is a Republican, He and his wife are the parents of eight children, named as follows: Ida, now Mrs. .\llen. was bom March 30, 1866, and they are the parents of three children. Laura, Raymond and Nannie, the latter decea.sed ; Alfred Masten. born August 6. 1871. died August 15. 1872; Oscar, born October 6, 1873. married Cora Sears and they have one child. Mary Louise : Reuben W,. born March 26, 1880. married Minnie Butler and they are the parents of four children. Zella, Ruth, Relia and Walter ^lonroe: ^Irs. Emma Terry, born December 14, 1881, is the mother of two children. Gladys M. and Ella \'. ; Everett, born August 6. 1884, married Iva Lewis, and three children have been born to them, Lee. Lucile and one that died in infancy: Ella, born August 19. 1889. received a common school education and is living at home: Fred, of this review.

Fred Masten. the immediate subject of this sketch, was bom July 17, i86g. in Putnam countv, and he spent his boyhood days on his father's fami, receiving the advantages of a common school education. October 12, 1890, he married Mar>- E. Mathews, daughter of Richard F. and Arniinda fMc- Cammack ) Mathews, of Jefferson township, Putnam county. Richard F. ]\Iathews. Mrs. Masten"s father, is a prosperous farmer of Jefferson town- ship. He was bora in Kentucky and came to Putnam county at an early date, and settled on the farm where he now lives in Jefferson township. He and his wife are the parents of five children : Mary E.. wife of the subject of this sketch, is the oldest; Robert W., Avis, Richard E.. Pyna E. Mr. Mathews was trustee of Jefferson township two temis several years ago. Mr. end Mrs. Masten moved to a rented fann and after a few years moved to the land which now constitutes his home, in section 12, Warren township, where besides farming his own land he has leased and is farming a large tract of adjoining land. He has been very successful as a general farmer and handles some good stock from year to year. He has a neat home and is becoming well fixed from a material standpoint. He is now verv- acceptably serving Warren township as its trustee. He js a member of the Missionary Baptist church at Union Valley, Jefferson township. Politically he is a Republican.

Alcaxy Farmer

In one of the most exacting of all callings the subject of this sketch has attained distinction, being recognized as one of the most successful teachers in the county of Putnam. He is a well educated, systematically developed man, his work as an educator having brought him prominently to the notice of the public, the result of which is a demand for his services where a high standard of professional excellence is required. He is a gentleman of scholarly tastes and studious habits, keeps abreast the times in advanced educational methods and his general knowledge is broad and comprehensive.

Alcany Farmer was born in Greencastle, this county, on December 16, 1S62, and is a son of Benjamin and Marion (Bridgewaters) Famier. being a member of one of the most prominent families of the community. The subject's pateraal grandparents were James and Emily (Parks) Farmer. James Farmer was a native of Boone county, Kentucky, born August 26, 1806. and in about 1830 he came to Monroe county, Indiana, with his parents, three brothers, Robert, John and Prior, also accompanying them. John and Robert died in Monroe countv. while Prior went to Iowa, where his death ocriTXAM COUNTY. INDIANA. 587 curred. ^^^. Farmer's parents spent the remainder of their days in :Monroe county and there their deaths occurred. James Farmer married Emily Parks, who was born October 21, 1808. and who was a daughter of Benjamin Parks. The latter came from Xorth Carolina to Virginia, and thence to Indiana and was a widely known preacher of the Baptist church. After a short sojourn in :\Ionroe county he came to Putnam county and located near Putnamville. To James and Emily Farmer were born the following children : Benjamin. ]^Iary Ann. Matilda. Louisa. Thomas. Nancy. Cynthia Isabelle, Samuel, James P. and Sarah Ellen. IMary Ann became the wife of Alex Mc- Carty and they moved to Oregon. Matilda married John Nosier and they too \vent to Oregon to live. Louisa became the wife of Joseph Ruark and they both died at their home in Marion township, this county. Thomas resides at Greencastle. Xancy became the wife of James W. Raines, who is now deceased, and she now resides at Cloverdale. Cynthia Isabelle became the wife of Dr. Thomas Bryan and they moved to Missouri, where their deaths occurred. Samuel died from the effects of an accidental gunshot wound in 1899. James P. went to Arkansas, and later to Indian Territon,-, where his death occurred. Sarah Ellen is the wife of S. J. Ruark and they live in Greencastle. The father of these children followed the plasterer's trade for a time at Greencastle. being assisted by his son Benjamin, and among their contracts was that of plastering the old court house at Greencastle. another son,- Thomas, having hauled the lime for them. Eventually James Farmer bought a tract of land in Marion township, to which the family removed, and there he spent his later years. He added other lands to his first purchase and at the time of his death he owned between three hundred and four hundred acres. He was an earnest worker in the Baptist church, in the interest of which he gave liberally of his time and means. Politically he was a Democrat. His death occurred on November 29, 1875. and that of his wife on December 28. 1887.

Alcanv Farmer was reared under the parental roof and secured his education in the public schools, supplemented by attendance at the Danville Normal School. When he was two or three years old the family moved to Hendricks county and located on a farm, where they remained about eight years, then moving back to Putnam county and locating on a farm which Benjamin Farmer owned just east of Greencastle. The subject remained with his parents until he was about seventeen years old. when he started out into life on his own account. He first worked as a farm hand, but two years ' Iter he began teaching school, and here he soon discovered he had found the sphere in which his talents could be put to their best use. He was successful from the start and during all the subsequent years he has been identified with the pedagogical profession, and during this period of twenty-eight years he has taught in but five schools, this fact standing as a marked testimonial to his general efficiency and popularity as a teacher. During three years of this period Mr. Farmer relinquished his professional work for the office of township trustee, to which position he had been elected by the citizens of Cloverdale township, but aside from this interruption his work has been carried on consecutively since his first term. He taught one term in Greencastle township, one in Jefferson township, one in Warren township, three in Cloverdale township, and the remainder of the time he has taught at the Poplar Grove school. Mr. Farmer has also served as justice of the peace in Cloverdale township, serving in this capacity about twelve years, and during that period his official acts were characterized by a strict sense of fairness and justice. Soon after his marriage !Mr. Farmer bought one hundred and fifty-five acres of land, situated about four miles west of Cloverdale. and to this he has added two hundred and ten acres. To the cultivation of this land he has given careful attention and has met with splendid success. The place is well improved and cared for and is numbered among the good farms of the township.

On September 20, 1885, Alcany Farmer married Sarah E. Butler, a daughter of John W. and Adeline (Shaw) Butler, she being a native of Jefferson township, this county. Her father was a native of New Jersey and her mother was born in Ohio, being a daughter of Upton and Susan (Branneman) Shaw. Susan Branneman was a daughter of Jacob and Alatilda (Baker) Branneman, the former having been a native of Germany, who came first to Pennsylvania, moving later to Virginia, then to Ohio, and later to Putnam county, Indiana, where he died in 1872. at the age of ninety-seven years. Upton Shaw was a native of Maryland, subsequently went to Virginia, where he married, and during the late twenties came to Putnam county. Indiana, where he entered over six hundred acres of land in Jefferson township. Mrs. Farmer's mother died when the former was less than two weeks old and she was reared by her maternal grandparents. To ^Ir. and Mrs. Farmer have been born two children. Gracie P. and Elmer E., both of whom are school teachers, the fonner teaching in Madison township and the latter in Jackson township. Both of these children rounded out their public school educations by attendance at the Danville Xormal School. Fraternally Mr. Famier is a member gi the ^Modern Woodmen of America. He is a gentleman of excellent personal qualities and is held in high esteem throughout the communitv where he has spent so many of the active years of his life.

Putn'Am Cocxty, Ixdiaxa John L. Hillis

Without searching tor h'neage in mnsty tombs or tlie less satisfactory authority of tradition, it suffices to state, in writing this biography of a practical and successful man and master of his chosen life work, that his progenitors were in the broadest sense high, their influence salutary and whose characters and sterling worth have been reproduced in their descendants, one of the best known in Putnam county being John L. Hillis. who was born on the township line, two miles south of Greencastle, October 4, 1834. His parents were Abram Allen and Elizabeth (Peck) Hillis. both born in Fleming county. Kentucky, where they grew to maturity and were married. Their parents came from Pennsylvania, floating down the Ohio river in flatboats to Fleming county, Kentucky. In 1824 Abram came to Putnam irounty and entered his land and the following year brought his family. An old receipt still in the possession of his descendants shows that he gave a man ten acres of corn he had in Kentucky to move his wife and two children, in a four-horse wagon. They settled in the woods, in the fall of 1825; built a cabin and went to work on the land, clearing enough the following winter to put nut a small crop the next season. He developed an excellent farm in time, built a good home and spent the remainder of his life here, the farm now being owneiJ by his son Abram. The fomier placed about eightv acres in cultivation and he erected his brick dwelling in 1S40. which at that time was somewhat of an uncommon sight on the frontier, but the building has now fallen almost entirely to decay.

Abram Hillis. Sr.. was bom in 1799 and his death occurred in June 1868. at the age of si.xty-nine. His wife survived him until 1884. reaching the advanced age of eighty-three years; side by side, they are now sleeping the sleep of the just on the okl homestead at Mt. Pleasant church. They were Presbvterians. Although thev held membership in the Presbyterian church at Greencastle. Air. Hillis helped build the Methodist church near his home. He was not a public man in any sense of the word ; a musician, he was a fifer at muster times, and was fre(|uently called upon to play, especially during the call of troops during the Civil war. He was a fine mark.sman with a rifle and a great hunter, enjoying killing wild game. He would not shoot a squirrel except in the head. He was a splendid type of the sterling pioneer, rugged, hard-working, honest.

To Mr. and ?ilrs. Abram Hillis. Sr.. thirteen children were born, ten of whom lived to maturity: a daughter died when seventeen years of age; the other nine were named as follows: Elizabeth, who married Christian Landis, a blacksmith and fanner, died while living on the farm; John L.. of this review; William went to Oregon when a young man, spending his life there, all trace of him being lost until two years ago, when he died; George, who w"as a carpenter and farmed on the old homestead, reared six children, and died when about sixty-nine years of age; Mary married A. S. Finley and lived at Bainbridge until her death, at the age of sixty-seven; Sarah married Logan Foxworthy, who ran a planing mill in Greencastle; after his death his widow went to Colorado, where she died; Henry was a contractor and operated a stone quarry (see sketch of Mrs. Sarah E. Hillis) ; James H., a farmer in Harrison county, Missouri, spent several years in Kentucky; Abram lives on the old homestead; Emma married William Foreman, a Kentuckian, who married while attending DePauw, lived then in Kentucky for many years, but now at Phoenix, Arizona.

John L. Hillis remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age, assisting with the work about the place and attending the district schools. In company with a number of other young men, he went to Kansas to try his fortune, also spent one or two years in Iowa, then returned to Indiana. He learned the carpenter's trade and followed this until President Lincoln's call for brave men to save the national honor induced him to enlist in defense of the flag, on July 6, 1861, as a result of the call for three years' ser\'ice, in Company E, Twenty-first Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and he remained with the regiment until its final discharge, participating in all the trying campaigns and bloody engagements of his company, never being in the hospital. He went to New Orleans with General Butler. After two years' service he was transferred to the heavy artillery, in which he continued until the cessation of hostilities. Although in constant service, he was not wounded or captured. For his faithful services he became sergeant in the quartennaster's department. He veteranized in 1864 and was discharged January 10. 1866. He had been kept for several months after the close of the war at Alexandria on Red river to care for government stores, having been in the service over four and one-half years. Two of his brothers, Henry and James, were also in the Union array, Flenry serving two short terms of enlistment and James three years.

After the war, John L. Hillis returned to Putnam county and built a planing mill at Bainbridge and continued to work at the carpenter's trade. but in 1868 he turned his attention to agriculture, coming to his present farm two miles southwest of Greencastle, where he has a well improved farm of one hundred acres near Limedale Station, where William Stagg burned lime for many years in the early days. In 1879 Mr. Hillis erected an attractive.

substantial and large brick house, which is in keeping with everything about the place, tor he has one of the neatest farms in this locaHty, on which he carries on general farming and for years he has made the growing of small fruits a specialty, being well versed in horticulture. He also keeps some good stock and poultry.

Mr. Hillis was married on February 22, 1866, to Indiana Stoner, for history of whose family see sketch of Lycurgus Stoner. The following children have been bom to Air. and 3,Irs. Hillis; Alva L.. a civil engineer at Marinette, Wisconsin; Mar>' E. married William O'Hair. of Monroe township; Olive C. is the widow of Herbert Kelly, who was a jeweler in Greencastle; Frank L. is a locomotive engineer for the Vandalia railroad, with headquarters at Terre Haute; Edgar H. is a fanner in Colorado; Bertha L. is living at home; Jennie X. married Zefa Burkett and lives in Clinton township.

Politically Mr. Hillis is a Republican; how^ever, he is not an office seeker, preferring to devote his exclusive attention to his farm and individual affairs. He is a member of Post Xo. 11, Grand Anny of the Republic.

The gentleman to a brief review of whose life the reader's attention is herewith directed is among the foremost business men of Cloverdale and has by his enterprise and progressive methods contributed in a material way to the industrial and commercial advancement of the community. Possessing splendid executive and business ability, he has been successful in a material wav and because of his sterling qualities he is numbered among the representative men of the town in which he lives.

Mr. McCov is a native of Putnam county, having first seen the light of dav three miles south of Cloverdale on the 4th day of July, 1877. and he is' the son of Samuel S. and Cynthia ( Funican) :\IcCoy, highly respected residents of that community. Mr. McCoy was reared under the parental roof and when a year old the family removed to near Manhattan, and shortly afterwards into that town, where the father conducted a general store. There the subject spent his boyhood and attended the public schools. He then took a course of study in the academy at Greencastle. after which he engaged in teaching school. He taught for three years in Washington township and then for a year was principal of the schools at

Piitnaniville. He held a high school license and while at the latter place he taught some high-school subjects. In March, 1899, Mr. McCoy went to Cloverdale and entered the hardware store of T. 11. Layne. From the beginning of his connection with the store he was given some part in its management, and additional responsibilities were put upon him until by 1904 he had the full management of the business. After the death of Mr. Lavne. which occurred on December 27, 1908, the Cloverdale Hardware and Lumber Company was formed, which acquired by purchase the business formerlv conducted by Mr. Layne. :\[r. ^[cCoy became a member of this company and was continued as the active manager of the store, which position he still retains. The company has a capital stock of thirty thousand dollars, and besides the hardware business, it owns the building and ground, a large separate warehouse, and a large and well equipped planing mill in Cloverdale. Mr. McCoy maintains a personal supervision over all the details of the business in all its branches and the success which has come to the company is largely due to his indefatigable efforts and marked business abilitv. The officers of the company are as follows: President, J. W. Croxton; vice-president, A. N. Holloway; secretary-treasurer, Estes Duncan.

In October, 1901, ^Ir. ^^IcCoy was united in marriage w^ith Lelia B Davis, the daughter of R. C. Davis, her home having formerly been at Cataract and later at Ouincy, Owen county, this state. Their union has been blessed in the birth of a son, Kenneth D., who was born on January 24, 1903.

Fraternally, Mr. ]\IcCoy is a member of the Knights ot Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America, while religiously he and his wife are members of the Church of Christ.

The career of the "-entleman whose name introduces this sketch illustrates forciblv the possibilities that are open to the man who possesses a sound mind and well balanced judginent and the requisite energv- to direct the same in their proper channels. It also proves that ambitious perseverance, steadfastness of purpose and untiring industry will eventually be rewarded and that true success is the legitimate result of individual effort. James William Scott has led a verv strenuous life, replete at times with stirring incidents akin to the tragic, although he has never indulged in self -laudation nor attempted to make capital of his many thrilling experiences. He is in fact a man of cjuiet demeanor and all of his relations with his fellows have been characterized bv that becoming modesty which marks the unobtrusive though true and courteous gentleman.

Mr. Scott is a native of Bath county, Kentucky, born near the town of Bethel on July \ i. 1843. His father, George Washington Scott, also a native of the above county, was of Scotch-Irish lineage, his grandparents immigrating to this country from Ireland many years ago and settling presumably in \'irginia.

Minerva Rogers, wife of George AV. Scott and mother of the subject, was a daughter of William Rogers. Jr.. whose father, William Rogers, Sr., was a companion of Daniel Boone and was with that intrepid backwoodsman and hunter when his little company of settlers were besieged by the Indians on the Kentucky Run. not far from the present site of Richmond. The Rogers family originally settled in Virginia, near Cnlpeper Court House, where William Rogers, Jr., was born while the father was being besieged in the block house as stated above.

When about eight years of age William Rogers, Jr.. removed with his parents to Bath county. Kentucky, where he grew to maturity on a farm which was originally a cane brake in a dense, unbroken wilderness. Ere a house could be erected, a space had to be cleared and when finished the little frontier dwelling was not as high as the growth of cane by which surrounded. After residing on this place for a few years the elder Rogers purchased a farm on Bald Eagle creek near where that stream empties into Flat creek, and it was there that the subject's grandparents spent the remainder of their days. His wife dving. Mr. Rogers. Sr.. subsequently remarried and lived to a ripe old age. leaving an honored name which his descendants prize as a priceless heritage.

William Rogers. Jr., served in Col. "Dick"' Johnson's regiment during the war of 1812 and was at the battle of the Thames, where the celebrated Indian chief Tecumseh lost his life, killed, it is believed, by the Colonel himself. Later he bought a farm in Bath county, Kentucky, near his old home where he reared a large family and spent the residue of his life, dying when nearly one hundred years of age.

The marriage of George Washington Scott and ^Minerva Rogers was solemnized about 1S40. the union being terminated by the death of the wife four vears later. Sub.«equently ^fr. Scott married Elizabeth Baxter and moved to Putnam count}', Indiana, settling at Clo\erdale, where he devoted his attention to agricultural pin-suits until his death, w iiich occurred at Greencastle in the year 1863.

James William Scott was less than a year old when his mother died and while still quite young was brought by his father to Putnam county, where he spent his childhood and early youth. In 1859, when a lad of sixteen, he ran away from home and returned to Kentucky, where he began to make his own way as a farm laborer, receiving ten dollars per month and penjuisites. Determined to surmount his environment and become something more than a mere [)assi\-e agency in the world, he worked hard, gained the confidence of his employer and, with the prestige of his grandfather, a wealthy and influential farmer and sla\e-holder who lived near by, soon found himself on the high-road to success. Espousing the cause of the South at the breaking out of the Civil war, he enlisted in September, 1862, in the Ninth Regiment Kentucky \'olunteers. Confederate States Army, which formed a part of the arm_\- under the command of the famous Confederate leader. Gen. John ^lorgan.

'Sir. Scott shared all the vicissitudes and hardships in which the regiment took part and was with his intrepid commander in many of the skirmishes, battles and daring actions for which he was noted, one of which was the capture of two thousand five hundred Federals when his own force numbered less than eight hundred men, and this too in the face of three regiments of Federals who arrived on the scene in time to see Morgan retire with all of his prisoners. While returning from this raid Mr. Scott had his feet so badly frozen that all of his toe-nails came off. also much of the flesh. He had ridden two days and two nights without rest and when the men halted he threw himself upon the ground and almost instantly fell into a profound sleep. On being awakened by some of his comrades his feet and limbs were so badly frozen that he could not walk ; being carried to a farm house near bv, he sat for three days with his feet in a tub of cold water, a treatment which proved only partiall_\- successful as he was enabled to walk only with great difficulty and much suffering at the expiration of the time indicated, because of the fearful condition of his feet, which the meanwhile had become black and sloughed off until the bones in several places were exposed. He dressed himself on learning of the Federal advance and follow-ed in the rear until the two armies became engaged at Stone River. In the excitement of the battle he forgot all about his injured members and, regardless of the intenselv cold weather, he again waded through deep, freezing water which left him in much worse condition than before.

At the battle of Mis.-;ionary Ridge Mr. Scott's regiment was on the extreme Confederate right and there, as elsewhere, he proved all that a brave and intrepid leader should l)e. fighting with determination until his command was ordered to retreat before the greater force of the enemy. He also participated in the battle oi Buzzard Roost. Resaca. Peach Tree Creek (where his regiment forced the fighting until outflanked). Big Shanty. Kenesaw Mountain, where he was a short distance from the spot where General Polk met his death, and numerous other engagements and skirmishes. At the time of ^Morgan's raid through southern Indiana and Ohio, his regiment was so worn out that the General did not deem it fit for such strenuous duty : accordingly it remained in the South in the cause of the Confederacy.

At the battle of Peach Tree Creek, where, as already stated, his regiment led the aihance and forced the fighting, 'Sir. Scott, although too sick for duty, remained on the field performing valuable service until the close of the engagement. He was then ordered by the physician to leave the ranks and care for himself until able to rejoin his command: accordingly, he retired to, a farm house where for some weeks he lay quite sick. \\''hile there he learned of the fall of -\tlanta. which doubtless had a tendency to hasten his recovers-, as he soon afterwards started to rejoin the army, but did not overtake his regiment until it had reached Savannah in the winter of 1864-5. Fi'om that citv the Confederate forces fell back through the Carolinas to Columbia, where Mr. Scott was one of the last to cross the britlge before it was burned, .\fter the battle of Goldsboro, President Davis shipped his Confederate treasurv. including four wagon loads of specie money, to Raleigh, and he called on General Wheeler for his best brigade to escort him and his entire cabinet and valuable treasures to that city. General Dibree's brigade, of which Mr. Scott was a member, was selected for this honor, and Mr. Scott guarded these treasures for about four days. With other members of his company he received twentvsix dollars of this money, the bulk of it being captured with President Davis. This duty being carried out, the command was ordered by the Federals to go no further as the mo\-ement constituted a violation of Lee's terms of surrender. .\fter crossing the Savannah river at the place where General Greene crossed in the Revolution, the force intrusted with the above mission vielded to the Federals, each man being permitted to retain such personal propertv as was in his possession when paroled in May, 1S65, At Chattanooga, where they were escorted by a lieutenant and two privates, many of the paroled men lost their property, their horses and saddles being taken by Federal officers, but later, by order of General Thomas, all of their belongings were restored to them, the subject reco\-ering a saddle, bridle, a horse and a mule. Dis- posing of the latter animal for forty dollars, he purchased an entire suit of clothes, which he donned as soon as possible, making the exchange in the woods nearby, where he left his old garments together with all of their crawling inhabitants.

In January, 1866, Mr. Scott returned to Cloverdale and has since made this village his home. On May 30, 1867, he was united in marriage with Eliza M. Harrah, whose birth occurred about two and a half miles northwest of Cloverdale. where her father, Pressley Harrah, had long been a resident, the latter a son of a Kentucky pioneer who entered land and made a settlement in Warren township, at a very early day. After his marriage Mr. Scott farmed as a renter until obtaining a start in the world, later, in 1872, purchasing eighty acres in Warren township, which with an eighty-acre tract inherited by his wife enabled him to engage in agriculture and stock raising upon a more extensive scale. He added to his holdings at intervals until at one time he owned six hundred acres of \aluable real estate in Putnam county, besides other valuable property which made him one of the well-to-do men of the community.

Mr. Scott has been quite successful in all of his transactions, possessing, as he does, business ability of a high order and his motto has always been to live within the income and make every dollar earned produce another. He has added materially to his fortune by trading, buying and selling livestock and by judicious investments in land and other kinds of property. He lived on his fann in Warren township until September, 1907, when he purchased a healthful and attractive home in Cloverdale, where he has since resided, his wife having died in the year 1S97.

To Mr. and Mrs. Scott were born nine children, namely : Samuel L., a telegraph operator at Jordan village on the ^^lonon line; he married Lettie Snyder and is the father of four children, of whom two are living, Scott and Xina. William, the second son, is a farmer near Clay City. Indiana; his wife, formerly Mary Rule, died after bearing him three children, of whom Everett and Thomas survive. Later he contracted a marriage with Edith Hilburn. the union resulting in the birth of three children, Margaret, Ralph and Cecil. Minerva is the wife of Charles Emory Cooper and lives in Warren-town.ship, where her husband is engaged in farming. Their family consists of seven children, viz; Wilbur. Laura, Ethel, Emmett, Ruth, Leslie and Eugene Scott. Margaret Frances, who became the wife of James Coston, of Terre Haute, is the mother of three children, Dwight, Reese and Bononni. Lucy Ellen, now Mrs. Harley Harris, lives in JelTerson township and has three children, Forest, Harrold and Mabel Esther. James B.. who lives on the home farm in Warren township, married Ethel Truesdell and is the father of a daughter, Lucille, and a son, Marcellus. Charles P. is unmarried and lives with his brother William on what is known as the Eel River bottoms ; Elizabeth, wife of Walter Vermillion, resides in Indianapolis; Mary Jane departed this life in 189S, at the age of twenty-three.

;\Ir. Scott has been a life-long Republican, though not an office seeker nor aspirant for anv kind of public distinction. Religiously, the Presbyterian church holds his creed, with which bodv his wife was also identified.

Charles A. Rockwell

It is always pleasant and profitable to contemplate the career of a man w ho has made a success of life and won the honor and respect of his fellow citizens. Such is the record of the well-known gentleman whose name heads this sketch, than whom a more whole-souled or popular man it would be difficult to find within the limits of Cloverdale, Putnam county, where he has his home. Charles A. Rockwell was born in Cloverdale December 2, 1870, and is a son of Capt. Andrew J. and Malissa C. (McCoy) Rockwell, the former of whom was for nearly a half century one of the honored and influential citizens of Putnam county.

Andrew J. Rockwell was born in Wayne county, Ohio, April 12. 1831, and was reared under the parental roof, his father having been a widely known and successful hotel keeper. When about twenty years old Andrew Rockwell yielded to the allurements of the West and went to California, where he remained for eight years. He was first employed in a hotel there and subsequently went into that business himself. Eventually he disposed of that enterprise and went into the lumber business, and at the same time sened as superintendent of an Indian reservation, where he had between four and five thousand red men under his charge. He was also for two years overseer of the San Ouinten penitentiary in that state. Returning East in 1861. Mr. Rockwell located in Owen county, Indiana. The Southern insurrection aroused ilr. Rockwell's patriotic impulses and in the summer of 1862 he took an active part in raising Company F, Seventy-first Regiment. Indiana A'olunteer Infantry-. At the organization of the company he was elected captain, but resigned in favor of another man. He was. however, subsequently re-commissioned and commanded his company until his discharge from the service because of physical disability. He was a valiant soldier, a splendid disciplinarian and a popular commander. With his command he took part in a number of hotly contested engagements, including those at Richmond and Muldraugh's Hill, Kentucky.

On his retirement from military service. Captain Rockwell returned to Owen county and resumed his farming operations. On the i8th of June, 1863. he was married, and in September of the following year he moved to Cloverdale, Putnam county. Indiana, where he resided continuously up to the time of his death, which occurred on Thursday. October 21, 1909. During the long period of over forty years he was engaged in the mercantile business there and became not only widely known, but was highly esteemed bv all. After retiring from the mercantile business. Captain Rockwell engaged in the insurance, real estate and notary business, in which he engaged up to the illness which preceded his death. His business dealings were characterized bv a stanch and unimpeachable integrity and an honesty of purpose which gained for him early in his business career an enviable reputation among his fellows - a reputation which was never in after years impaired in even the slightest degree. At the time of his death, one who knew him well said of him: "In writing the life of Captain Rockwell, one could say volumes as to his worth as a Christian man and a good citizen, but to those of his wide acquaintance that is unnecessary, for his life was as an open book and he was known as an honest man and a true friend, which is the best legacy any man can leave." It has been said of Captain Rockwell that he had as manv friends in his home community and in Putnam county as any man within its borders.

For manv years Captain Rockwell was a consistent member of the Christian church, in which he took an active part, serving as an elder, and also being an enthusiastic supporter of the Sunday school. He was a charter meml)er of Gen. Frank White Post, Xo. 422, Grand Army of the Republic.

On the T8th of June, 1863. Captain Rockwell was united in marriage with Malissa Caroline McCoy, a daughter of Jesse C. and Eleanor ( Tilley) McCoy. To Captain and Mrs. Rockwell six sons were born, two living, George B. and Charles A, The former was reared in Cloverdale. assisted his father in the store and for four years was employed in the Bank of Cloverdale as cashier, subsequently becoming IxDokkeeper in the Central National Bank at Greencastle,

Charles A. Rockwell was reared in the parental home at Cloverdale and received his educational training in the public schools, old enough he entered his father's store to the interests of which he devoted himself closely until liis appointment, in 1807. as postmaster of Cloverdale. which office he has held continuously since, to the entire satisfaction of the department and the patrons r>f the office. He was re-appointed by President Taft in 1910, which will make se\enteen years continuous service. He is a man of splendid business qualifications and sterlin;^; (pialities of character and stands high among his business associates and Iriends.

On May S. iS<):;, Charles A. Rockwell was married to Winifred Sinclair, a daughter of Isaac L. and Celestia J. (Hardin) Sinclair, her birth having occurred in Owen county. This union has been blessed with one daughter. Georgia.

Fraternallv Mv. Rockwell is a member of the Knights of Pythias, having become a memlier of that order when the lodge was organized at Cloverdale. He has held eveiy chair in the local lodge and for the past ten years he has served as master of exchequer. He is also giving his order efficient service as deputv grand chancellor of the state for the thirteenth district. He is a member of the Church of Christ, as is his brother George, who also is a member of the Knights of Pythias. In politics the brothers follow in the footsteps of their honored father, rendering .stanch allegiance to the Republican party. Charles has been a veiy active worker in the party ranks and has attended everv state convention since attaining his majority, several times as delegate. He has served as a member of the central committee from his township and as vice-chairman of the county central committee. He is a man of definite influence and prestige in the community and is eminently entitled to representation in a work of this character.

Richard M. Hazelett

It is natural, and therefore proper, that the descendants of the old settlers, those who cleared the land of its primitive woods, should see that the performance of the early years are fittingly recorded and- remembered. It has been said by one of the greatest historians that those who take no interest in the deeds of their ancestors are not likely to do anything worthy to be remembered by remote descendants. Could the lives of the early settlers be fullv and suitably written, what an interesting and wonderful tale it would be. Think of the journey from the East to the deep woods of the West, and of the trials and hardships of clearing the soil and rearing the tamilv. .\nil think (if the pioneer gatherings and the shooting matches, the early schools and churclies under the branches of trees, of the camp meetings and the famous old circuit-riders. Think of the husking matches, the coon, \volf, fox and bear hunts with dogs in a mern,' chase, and then presume to say that the old settlers did not ha\e much real pleasure intermingled with the hardships. If you will talk with an old settler now he will tell you with a great deal of emphasis that the old times were far more enjoyable than the present. He means it. And he ought to know better than you, because he was present at both periods and you were not. Such was the life and such the pioneer named at the head of this humble notice. No name in Putnam county has been more highly honored or more influential than that of Hazelett and no man of the past generation will be longer remembered than Richard M.

Mr. Hazelett was born on October 2. 1819, one and one-half miles northwest of Bloomington. Indiana, son of Samuel and Nancy (Miller) Hazelett. William Hazelett was the founder of this family in America. He came from Londonderry, Ireland, in 1784, and located in Philadelphia, later moved to Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and from there he finally took his family to Bourbon county, Kentucky. In 1835 he came to Putnam county, Indiana, among the first settlers, being the first Hazelett in the state. He \\as a typical pioneer of the early days in this country and nothing delighted him better than to move to a new country and start life over amid primitive surroundings. The greater the dangers and hardships the better pleased he seemed to be.

Richard M. Hazelett grew up on his father's farm in ^Marion township, this county, assisting with the clearing and development of the place. He received his schooling in the early district schools, which were usually taught in log houses during a few months in the winter when farm work could not be carried on. his principal schooling being gained at Brice Miller's log school house situated on a farm which he afterwards owned. When twentyone years of age he started in life for himself by purchasing Bennefield's sawmill in partnership with his brother William, which he operated in connection with looking after the home farm. He" accumulated rapidly and all through life was very successful in all that he undertook.

Mr. Hazelett was married on May 18. 1843, ^^ Malvina Bunten. a native of Mercer county, Kentucky, having been born there September 28, 1824. This union resulted in the birth of the following children: William T.. Marv M.. Samuel .\., Sarah A.. Louisa J., all living in Greencastle township, with the exception of William J-, who is deceased.

Richard M. Hazelett was a Republican in politics. He took an active interest in politics and was a conspicuous figure in many conventions and local gatherings of his party. He was nominated for Congress and after a spirited contest was defeated. He was secretary and treasurer of the first company that built the first gravel road in Putnam county, he being the prime mover in this praiseworthy enterprise. He was one of the first directors of the First National Bank, also the Greencastle Iron & Rolling Mills. He was one of the most successful and influential men of his day and generation in this section of the state and probably did as much, if not more, to stimulate general progress in Putnam county than anyone else, being prominent in business, political and social circles. He had unusual executive ability, was a noted organizer and promoter, possessed keen foresight and soundness of judgment. He was one of the organizers of the first Grange, having taken a great interest in this movement. He was a faithful member of the Christian church.

Mr. Hazelett was captain of the Home Guards during the war between the states, and he received a commission from Governor O. P. Morton, offering him a colonelcy in the Union army.

Mi: Hazelett became w-ell-to-do by reason of his fine business ability and his close application to his affairs, becoming the owner of several hunch-ed acres of land in Putnam county and was widely known not only as an agriculturist but also as an extensive stock breeder and feeder. This excellent citizen and commendable character was called to his reward on July 31, 1897. His sister, America, survives, having been born December 24. 1824, being the first white female child born in Marion township. Putnam county. At this writing she is living in Indianapolis. Mr. Hazelett's son and worthy successor, Samuel A. Hazelett, is given proper notice on another page of this work.

The family of this name emigrated from Scotland in the sixteenth century and settled in the north of Ireland when the Scotch form of the name (Macgaughey) was changed to the familiar Irish "Mc." In 1732 they came to the American colonies and William McGaughey, great-grandfather of the well known Putnam county physician, who was bom in 1762. located in Pennsvlvania. He had two sons. Andrew and William, family names which have been handed down through generations. Both sons joined

Washington's armv and served for seven years. After the war. Andrew went to Vincennes. while WilHam. the youngest, located in Kentucky, and it is from him that the Putnam county branch has descended. December 2. 1778, he married Prepare Clark, who was born in 1771 and died May 10, 185;. Bv this union there were ten children, seven boys and three girls. Afich:iel, one of the former, born !March 20. 1812. came to Indiana in early maniiood and settled in Putnam county. September 23. 1837. he married Sarah Lane, a native of Putnam county, by whom he had twelve children, ten sons and two daughters. He prospered as a fanner and became the owner of six or seven hundred acres of land. He was among the first of the county's pioneers and survived until 1864. \\'illiam McGaughey. eldest of his sons, was bom in September. 1839. and reared in Russell township, Putnam countv. He married Emma, daughter of Addison Campbell, a well-known millwright of the county, and the former now resides at Bloomingdale. in Parke county. Indiana. William and Emma (Campbell) Mc- Gaughev had three children: Charles Grant, born December i. 1868. is a resident of Colorado Springs. Colorado: Clara, the youngest, was born in Xovember, 1874. and was afflicted with blindness.