Putnam County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1910 (part 11 of 16)

Walter M. McGaughey. the second of these three children, was born in Parke county. Indiana, May 4, 1871. His father was born September 16. 1839, near Fincastle. Putnam county, Indiana, and followed farming pursuits all of his life. He lived in Russell township for a number of years and then moved to the northern part of the county where he died in 1874, on his homestead. He served as a Union soldier in Company B, Seventyeighth Regiment. Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and during his campaigning contracted the disease which eventually caused his death. Walter M. Mc- Gaughey was two and a half years old when brought to Putnam county by his parents. He attended the district schools and worked on the farm during the summers until the fifteenth year of his age. Later he spent six months in the Danville ( Indiana) Normal School and at the age of sixteen years secured a license to teach, but was refused a school on account of his youth. He worked on the farm during the following summer and fall and next vear taught school at Russellville. After this practical experience he returned to Danville for another term in the normal and during the succeeding three winters taught at Hebron school, meantime spending three months of each year at Danville. In the fall of 1894 he entered DePauw University and took a scientific course in chemistry and mathematics. Such was his diligence that he was able to take the regular four-year course in three years. In the fall of i8(); he took charge of the high school at Fincastle. but after a sta\' of six niontlis resigned as principal and returned to school. For the last six months of his graduation year, 1896-7. he had charge of the physics department in Greencastle high school, but kept up his college work and was graduated in 1897. He taught in the Greencastle high school during the follow ing \-ear and was occupying this position when the Spanish-American war opened. He enlisted and served as sergeant-major with Lieutenant- Colonel Fee. spending the summer at Camp Alger, in Washington, and Camp Mead, in Harrisburg. Pennsylvania. Being mustered out. he resumed'his work in high school in the spring of 1898 and in the following fall entered the Indiana INIedical School, at Indianapolis. While there he had charge during his first and second year of the class in mathematics in the city night school. Ijesides being tutor in chemistn." at the medical college. During his last year he was substitute teacher in mathematics at the Manual Training High School, was graduated in }vlay, 1902, and began the practice in Greencastle. In 1903 he became city health officer, and next year was appointed surgeon of the Big Four railroad, which position he has since held. While in college Doctor McGaughey became a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity and later joined the order of Knights of Pythias. He is a member of the county, state and national medical associations and the pension examining board. He is engaged in general practice and surgery and has met with success as the result of close application to business and especial cjualifications for the duties of his profession.

On June 13, 1901, Doctor McGaughey married Elizabeth B.. daughter of James E. and Margaret E. Matthews. She is a native of Greencastle and her father was a manufacturer of kegs and barrels. Doctor and Mrs. Mc- Gaughev ha\e one daughter. :irargaret Emily, bom February 4. 1906.

John Sibley Dowlixg

Tracing his ancestrv back to excellent Irish ancestry. John Sibley Dowling. the efficient agent of the Vandalia railroad at Greencastle. is an example of what thrift, industry and energ}- properly and honestly applied may accomplish, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable oI)stacles. and by reason of these worthy ijualities he has become well established in reference to this world's affairs. He was born in Terre Haute. Indiana. May 15. 1858, the son of Thomas and Sarah J. (Sibley) Dowling. the father having l)een born December jr. 1809. in county Carlow. Ireland, the f(-iurth son of

Peter and Katherine (Fenelon) Dowling. Thomas Dowling came to America in 1817. with his parents, both of whom died soon afterwards, having located in Washington City. They left a family of six children, all small. Thomas apprenticed himself to Gales & Seaton, publishers of the Washington Intelligencer, sen-ing his time out and working himself up to an editorship. Having learned thoroughly the newspaper business he came West, in 1832. and located in Terre Haute and on June 13, 1832, bought of Col. John Osbon the IVabash Courier, a morning paper, now known as The Star, and published it until 1840, when he sold it to Jesse Connard. A year or two later he established the Wabash Express, which he published until 1845, selling out to David Danielson. He then assisted in the building of the Wabash & Erie canal, with which he held the very responsible position of resident trustee or manager in Indiana from 1849 to 1874, in which year the affairs of the company were ^vound np. In 1864 he built Dowling Hall, for many years the onlv place of amusement in Terre Haute and a fine theatre in that dav. He purchased a farm in White county in the fifties, consisting of two thousand acres, which he operated for ten years. He was a very successful business man and was one of the influential men of Vigo county and that section of the state. He was a brilliant writer and wielded a potent inflvience through the columns of his paper, always taking a .stand for the right as he saw and understood the right and he was always interested in the development of his community. He was first a Whig and later a Democrat. He was prominent in state politics and was elected to the Legislature. He was a member of the national Democratic committee from this state when he died, December 5, 1876.

Thomas Dowling married Sarah J. Sibley, March 7, 1857. She was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (May) Sibley, who lived near the city of New York. Her father was a native of Vermont; coming West in an early day. he was one of the first settlers in Indiana, living first at Ft. Harrison, where he sought protection from the Indians, who were then numerous and hostile. Howe^-er, he did not live at the fort long, until he pushed out into the wilderness and developed a farm. Mrs. Thomas Dowling survived her husband many years, passing to her rest on December 19, 1904. She was born August 16, 1837. Five children were born to them, named as follows: John S., of this review; Mary is the wife of John Palmer Hallman, and is living in New York City; Jennie is the wife of Arthur H. Brower, of New York; Fenelon E. is in the employ of the government in Honolulu, Sandwich Islands; Elizabeth is the wife of H. C. Hampton, living in Terre Haute.

John S. Dowling was educated in the public schools, where he made rapid progress, entering Asbury (now DePauw) University when thirteen years of age, where he remained two years, then entered Racine College. Racine. \\'isconsin. where he remained for two years.

Thus well equipped, he began his business career in 1875 by entering the office of the Wabash & Erie canal as secretary to his father, where he remained for two years, then spent one year in the office of the Evansville iS: Terre Haute Railroad Company, then one year in the general freight office of the Chicago, Burlington & Ouincy Railroad Company, in Chicago, where Paul M(5rton. now the noted railroad magnate, was also employed. Then for a period of two and one-half years he worked in the office of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, at Chicago. In 18S1 he entered the Vandalia offices at Indianapolis. October i, 18S3, he was appointed agent of this road at Greencastle, Indiana, and he has since been discharging the duties of the same in his usual faithful and conscientious manner, this company regarding him as one of its most efficient and trusted employes.

Fraternally [Nlr. Dowling is a charter member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge Xo. 1077, also the Ben Hur lodge and the ^lodern Woodmen of America. In politics he is a Democrat and belongs to the Episcopal church.

Mr. Dowling was married on January i, 1898, to Nellie Fee. daughter of J. F. Fee. a highly respected family of Greencastle. and this union has resulted in the birth of two children, Thomas Francis, now attending school, and Sarah, who died at one vear old.

Edaiuxd Burk Lyxch

About the middle of the last century Ireland sent over to this countr}- a young man of more than usual promise, who was destined to make a name for himself in America. He studied medicine and became noted as Dr. 'SI. J. Lynch. He settled in Greencastle about 1849 ^"<^- being a man of classical education, was appointed teacher of Latin at Asbury University. Like most Irishmen, he had a natural turn for politics and his activities secured him an appointment as consul to Ireland under President Buchanan. His skill and reputation in medicine caused him to be sent to Pittsburg Landing as an expert on smallpox. Doctor Lynch married into a historic and distinguished family. ]Many years ago a widow named Gillespie came from Ohio with her four daughters and three sons, and erected a house on West Washington street in Greencastle, which afterwards became a landmark as the Gillespie homestead. The house now standing was built in 1830 of brickmade on the ground and logs cut nearby. The family owned a tan yard, whicii was conducted by Daniel G. Thomas and James Gillespie, and became a notable as well as a valuable industry during the early days of the county. It was Leah Gillespie, one of the three daughters, who became the wife of Doctor Lynch. She was a school teacher in her younger lays and a woman of more than the usual attractions of both mind and person. She was related to James G. Blaine, whose mother was a Gillespie, and gave that distinguished statesman his middle name. Doctor and Mrs. Lynch had eight children: Tames E., deceased: John T., a railroad conductor at Cairo, Illinois: Daniel, deceased: William Wallace, deceased; the fifth child died in infancv: Edmund B. and Emmett ^^IcMichael, and Paul A., deceased. Doctor Lvnch (lied in October. 1879. in his fiftieth year, his wife passing away in 1891. when sixty-six years old.

Edmund B. Lynch, sixth of his father's children, was born at Greencastle, Indiana, April 13, 1862. He attended the public schools for some years, but before he was out of his teens he began railroading. His first job was in the yards of the Louisville, New Albany & Chicago Railroad Company, where he worked at switching during the year 1879. He then went to the Indianapolis & St. Louis road as a brakeman, which position he held for a year and gave up to accept a place with the Wabash & Missouri Pacific in transportation work. In i88j he returned to the Indianapolis & St. Louis and was appointed conductor, in which capacity he had charge of a train until 1886. Later he served as conductor on many roads, including the ''Cotton Belt." Erom 1888 to 1895 he was with the St. Louis & Southwestern: from 180J to 1895 was a passenger conductor between Cairo, Illinois, and Pine Bluff, Arkansas. In June, 1905. he quit the railroarl business, came to Greencastle and bought the furniture and undertaking plant of W. P. Ledbetter, which has since occupied his attention, carr}-ing a stock valued at about ten thousand dollars. He also owns a farm of thirty-five acres and belongs to the class of citizens described as well-to-do. Mr. Lynch is a thirtysecond-deo-ree Mason, being connected with the Consistory and Shrine at Indianapolis, and the Greencastle lodges of the order. He is also a member of Lodge No. 45, Independent Order of Odd Fellow.s. Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 16, and the Elks Lodge, No. 1077, at Greencastle. While in Arkansas in 1890 he was commissioned as deputy L'nited States marshal, and ser\'ed one ^-ear.

Putnam Couxtv, Ixdiaxa

On December Jj. 1S91, Mr. Lynch married P'anny, daughter of Lewis Aloore and a native of Memphis, Tennessee. She met her future husband after her removal to Pine Bluff. Arkansas. They have had five children: Edmund B.. Jr., b(jrn at Pine Bluff'. Arkansas, in 1S96; Paul Fleming, born in 1S94; John Earl, born in 1S96: Arthur Moore, born at Greencastle in 1898; Ralph, who was born in 1901. died the next year. Mrs. Lynch, the subject's wife, died on January 15, 1910, after an illness of about one year. The family are Baptists. The subject is a Democrat in his political belief. The subject's mother brought the first cook stove into I'utnam county. Her mother. Katherine. was the best posted woman on Scripture in the county. Three generati(jns have occupied the house and three acres of ground which constitute the present home of Air. L}-nch. It is located at the foot of West Washington and Gillespie streets, the latter being named in honor of the original owners. The place was noted for the hospitality of the mother and grandmother and the other members of this fine old familv.

This name recalls an honored and venerable citizen who in his active years was known throughout the state. At the time of his death he was one of the oldest native-born Indianans. and few men used so long a life to so good a purpose.

James Washington Cole was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, February 2. 1820. the eldest son of Solomon and Sarah (Remy) Cole, the former born in ^Maryland, near Philadelphia. August 11. 1784, and the latter born near Winchester. \'irginia. Januar}- u. 1797. Their marriage occurred .-\pril 29. 1819. in Indiana, to which state they came about the time the state w-as admitted to the L'nion. The Coles were of English origin and among the earliest of those who came and conquere;] the forests of Indiana.

James \\'. Cole, the eldest of nine children, was reared to a life of toil. He came to Putnam county, Indiana, in the spring of 1863 and engaged in the pump manufacturing business. In 1865 James W.. Robert S., William R. and John J. Cole organized a company, incorporated for ten years under the laws of Iowa, at Mt. Pleasant, that state, with a capital of thirty thousand dollars, for tlie manufacture of lightning rods and pumps. In 1875 they were able to re-organize with a paid-up capital of two hundred thousand dollars. They eventually gave up pump manufacturing.

in many ways a notable man. He was very philanthropic and took a broad and liberal stand in favor of all movements for the social and moral uplift of the community. Full of energ>', and of good business judgment, he usually pushed to success whatever he undertook. Fraternally, he was a Knight Templar Mason and an Odd Fellow. He w^as a Republican of very decided views and enthusiastic in supporting the party ticket, but he never sought office. He died June 5, 1907, at his home in Greencastle.

On December 24, 1853, Mr. Cole married Susan Olivia Mathers, who died March 30, 1891, without issue. September 21, 1892, Mr. Cole married Phila Olds, of Erie, Pennsylvania, a lady of distinguished ancestry. Her parents were Lewis \\'ilson and Louisa E. (Ackerly) Olds, the former born in East Mill Creek, Erie county, Pennsylvania, July 21, 1822, and the latter at Middletown, New York, Alarch 11, 1826.

Lewis \\'. Olds was a son of Asa Gilbert Olds, a native of Alstead, New Hampshire (born November 15, 1877), and Lucy Church, a native of Winsted. Connecticut. John Church, father of Lucy Church Olds, enlisted, when eighteen years of age, in the patriot army at Saybrook, Connecticut, and was with Arnold at the siege of Quebec in 1776.

Lewis W. Olds and Louisa E. Ackerly were married May 9, 1848. To them came seven children, viz: Inez, Clark, Nettie, Phila, William C, Florence and Charlotte Marian. Mr. Olds was a man of great ingenuity and large business "capacity. He was engaged in the pump manufacturing business in Erie,Pennsj'lvania, for many years and was one of that city's leading and influential citizens. It is claimed that he was the first man in the United States, if not in the world, to reduce the old log pump to an article of commerce. "He died June 25, 1908.

Mrs. Cole, the fourth of the children, was born at Erie, Pennsylvania, and is a graduate of the high school of that city. She was regent of Washburn Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, for four }-ears, and is a member of the Century Club, of which she was also president for one vear. She is a member of the Episcopalian church. One child, James Gilbert, born September 20, 1894, is now in school.

Perry L. Hubbard

Few residents of Putnam county are as widely known and as highly esteemed as the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. A representative of a highly esteemed pioneer family, and combining many sterling qualities of mind and heart for which his antecedents were distinguished, he took an active and influential part in the development of the section of the county in which he still lives, and after accumulating a comfortable competence retired to the town of Cloverdale, where he is now spending the evening of a long and useful life in quiet and content. In the time of the country's greatest need he demonstrated his love and loyalty to the flag by giving three and a half of the best years of his life to its defense, and is -now one of the honored veterans to whom the Government is so greatly indebted for the strength and stability which has made it one of the great and influential powers of the world.

Perrv L. Hubbard is descended from English ancestry and traces his familv history in this country to about the middle of the seventeenth century, when three of the Hubbard brothers came to America and settled presumably in the colonv of Virginia. Moses Hubbard, a descendant of one of these immigrants and a native of Albemarle county. Virginia, was the greatgrandfather of the subject. Joseph Hubbard, his son. in an early day migrated to Garrard coimty. Kentucky. He died in 1853 at the age of eightysix years, near Cloverdale, Putnam county. Indiana, leaving several sons and daughters, among the fonner being William H. Hubbard, whose birth occurred in Garrard county. Kentucky, on IMay 20, 1793. Reared amid the stirring scenes of the "Dark and Bloody Ground." William Hubbard grew up a strong, rugged man and well fitted for the duties which afterwards fell to him as a pioneer settler of Indiana, to which state he removed in 1830, settling in Owen county, with the early history of which his subsequent life was very closelv identified.

Henrietta Baker, who became the wife of William Hubbard about the vear 181 7. was also a native of Garrard county. Kentucky, born April 7. 1803. She bore him ten children, namely : James, Thomas. Joseph. Wesley, William, Pleasant, Lucinda, Xancy, Lizzie and Louisa Ann, of which large family none survive. James Hubbard became one of the best known school teachers of Owen county, and numbered among his pupils some of the leading citizens of that part of the state. William also became a successful teacher, served in the }vlexican war, and at the breaking out of the great Rebellion went to the front as captain of Company B, Twenty-seventh Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry-, with which he achieved a creditable record as a brave and gallant soldier. Of the remainder who grew to maturity and reared families of their own, the majority became successful tillers of the soil, and by upright lives added to the luster of an honora])le family name. Mrs. Hubbard dying in 1839. Mr. Hubbard the following year, while on a visit to Kentucky. married Sarah Vest, with whom he li\ed in Owen county until the fall of 1870, when he removed to Cloverdale township, in the county of Putnam.

where he died on the 25tli of May ensuing. Mrs. Hubl)ard departed this hfe in Ma\', 189O. Tliis marriage resulted in the birth of two sons, W'ilhs and Perrv L. of this review. The former was a member of Company B, Twentyseventh Regiment Indiana Vokmteer Infantry, in the late Civil war. Like his brother. Willis Hubbard proved a capable and fearless soldier in a number of bloodv battle fields, and. being captured by the Confederate guerillas under General ]\Iosbv, died in the military prison of Belle Isle before his exchange could be effected.

P'erry L. Hubbard was born September 18, 1845, '" Owen county, Indiana, and spent his early life on the family homestead, attending, during his childhood and youth, the common schools of the neighborhood. Among the youthful experiences which he recalls with much interest was going with his father on a visit to Kentucky when but four years of age, making the trip in a two-horse wagon and spending several days on the way. It was in the latter state that he first saw a negro, the appearance of whom made an impression upon his young mind which has never been eradicated. At the proper age voung Hubbard bore his full share in the cultivation of the farm and he was thus engaged until the breaking out of the great Rebellion, when he exchanged the implements of husbandry for the death-dealing weapons of Avarfare. On November 7, 1861, he enlisted in the Eighth Indiana Light Battery, with which he served with an honorable record until June 25, 1865, taking part in the various campaigns in which the annies of the Ohio and the Cumberland were engaged. During his military experience he was under the command of Generals Grant, Sherman, Buell, Rosecrans and Thomas, and participated in some of the most sanguinary battles of the war, including Pittsburg Landing or Shiloh on x\pril 7, 1862, Perryville, October 8th of the same year, Stone River, January i, 1863, Chickamauga, September 18, 19 and 20. 1863, where he celebrated the eighteenth anniversary of his birth under circumstances better imagined than described. He was also with his command at Lookout ^Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Rocky Face Ridge. Dalton. Resaca and various other engagements from the Atlanta campaign to the Chattahoochee river, including a raid with General McCook's cavalry division, during which, in an action near Jonesboro, the battery was surrounded and onlv escaped by the men cutting their way through the ranks of the enemv at a loss of nearly half of their number and two pieces of artillery. During the latter part of the war Mr. Hubbard, with others of his command, was detached to go down the Tennessee river on a gunboat to intercept the Confederates under General Hood at Mussel Creek Shoals, and after returning home he assisted in the capture of several deserters who had taken refuge in various parts of Owen county, besides taking part in dispersing a band of guerillas and Southern sympathizers w ho for some months had been creating a disturbance in tlie neighljorliood and causing much uneasiness among the people by their acti\e influence in behalf of the Confederacy.

Receiving his discharge at Chattanooga. Tennessee. June 25. 1865, Mr. Hubbard at once returned home and. resuming the cultivation of the soil, was soon on the highway to prosperity. On ^lay 31. 1867, he entered the marriage relation with !\Ialinda M. White, who was born in Mercer countv, Kentucky. September 22. 1S47, being one of ten ciiildren whose parents. Burr and Lucinda (Salter) \Miite. were also natives of that state. The White family moverl to Putnam county. Indiana, in 1851, locating near the village of Putnamville. where Mrs. White died five years later. 'Sir. ^Vhite subsequently changed his abode to Sullivan county, where he spent the remainder of his days, departing this life on June 10. 1S79. Their children were as follows: Ellen. Lucinda. Ann. Lizzie. Malinda. Molly. Fountain (who died a prisoner of war at Andersonville), L'vin and Henr\-. Mr. and Mrs. W"hite were esteemed members of the Methoilist Episcopal church and are held in grateful remembrance by those with whom they formerly mingled.

Two chiklren ha\'e been born to Air. and Mrs. Hubbard, both daughters, Ella Alay and Luretta. the former born January i, 1868. dying October 6, 1872; Luretha married Samuel AlcClure. a farmer of Cloverdale township. Putnam Cl^unt^'. and is the mother of four children, viz: Minnie Lee AlcClure. a teacher in the public schools in the above township since her seventeenth year; Daphne, cashier and bookkeeper in the Hitz commission house. Indianapolis; Beryl, a third-year pupil in the Cloverdale high school, and Ray. who is pvu'suing his studies in the public school near his home.

Mr. Hubbard is a public-spirited man who keeps in touch with the thought and activity oi the times in which he lives. He began life, as already stated, as a tiller of the soil and as such continued with encouraging success until accumulating a sufficiency of material wealth to enable him to retire from actixe labor. He first purchased sixty-six acres from his father, on which he lived until 1S71. \vhen he bought a farm of one hundred and fifty-five acres in sections 13 and 14. Cloverdale township. Putnam county. On the latter place he lived until 1892. when b}' reason of failing health he discontinued active pursuits and moved to the beautiful home in Clo\'erdale which he purchased in 18S7. He is an active and influential member of Cloverdale Post. Xo. 422. Grand Army of the Republic, in the organization of w'hich he took a leading part and which he has served four terms as post commander. In the summer of 1886 he attended the national encampment at San Fran- cisco, and while absent visited a number of leading citizens and interesting cities of the Pacific slope, Colorado, and other western states and territories, and meeting with not a few of his comrades who shared with him the hardships and dangers which they endured while upholding the honor of their country during the bloody scenes and experiences of former years. In his religious belief he subscribes to the faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, Mrs. Hubbard being a consistent member of the Christian Disciple church. Both are highly esteemed for their many estimable qualities and their friends are as the number of their acquaintances.

Allen Brothers

The well-known firm of general merchants which forms the caption of this brief review is too well known to the readers of this history to need extensive comment, since it has long been one of the leading business houses in Greencastle. It numbers its patrons by the thousands throughout this locality, the store being a gathering place for visitors from the rural districts, but from whatever quarter customers come they are accorded uniform courtesy and the kindest consideration, always finding here a well kept, neat, attractive and well managed store, stocked with a complete and carefully selected general line of merchandise, second to none, the prices of which are regarded by their many patrons of long standing as being remarkably low considering the excellent quality of goods offered.

Something of the individual character of the gentlemen who have so successfully managed this large concern will be of interest to the scores of readers of this work who know them so well and yet know but little of their familv historv, therefore it is with no small degree of satisfaction that we here make mention of the senior member of' the firm, Joseph P. Allen, who was born at ]\Iilton. Wayne county, Indiana, January i6, 1852. He is the son of James L. Allen, a native of Brookville, Franklin county, Indiana, where he was born about 1823. He early in life turned his attention to merchandising and was for many years the successful manager of a store at Milton, also Thorntown, Indiana, later in life moving to Greencastle, where his death occurred in 1907, rounding out a life replete with honor, good deeds and a fair measure of success, his long span of years being measured over one of the most interesting and momentous epochs of the world's historv. He was a fine character, being a descendant of Old Dominion stock, but his father. Joseph Allen, grandfather of the gentleman of whom this immediate sketch is written, was born in Indiana, and here he devoted his life principally to surveying. His grave is at the famous Tippecanoe battle ground. Tippecanoe county.

The mother of the Allen brothers, of this review, was known in her maidenhood as Lucy Waring, who was born in Union county, Indiana, her parents coming to this countr.- from Ireland. She was reared and educated here, dving at the age of fifty-two years. Six children were born to Mr. and [Mrs. James L. Allen, a daughter, the oldest member of the family, now living at St. Paul. Minnesota.

loseph P. Allen grew to maturity at Thorntown. Indiana, where he was educated in the public schools, later attending Earlham College, at Richmond. Indiana, receiving an excellent education. Following in the footsteps of his worthy father, he early in life turned his attention to merchandising and after finishing school he went to Cincinnati. Ohio, and began traveling for a wholesale dry goods concern, but notwithstanding his success as a commercial salesman, he abandoned this line of work and came to Greencastle on November 9, 1875. and purchased the interest of Wiles Jones, of the firm of Jones & Vennilion. and in a few years purchased the entire business. After three or four years of unusual success his brother bought a half interest in the store and they have continued to do an excellent business from that time to the present.

Joseph P. Allen was married to Mary Sims, of Delphi. Indiana, in 1873. the daughter of Dr. John Sims, who was a soldier in the Union army and died from the efifects of the service. Mrs. Allen was born, reared and educated in Union county, Indiana; she was eleven years old when her father died, her mother having died when she was nine years of age. One child, a son. has been born to this union. Joseph P., Jr.. who is a member of the firm of Allen Brothers. He married Blanche Swahlen. daughter of Dr. W. F. Swahlen. professor of Greek in DePauw University, they are the parents of two children.

Mr. Allen is a member of the College Avenue Methodist Episcopal church, and has been one of the official board for a number of years, also chairman of the board of trustees.

Hiram C. Allen, the other member of the firm of Allen Brothers, is a man of equal business ability and good standing in the community. He was born in Tulv. 1854. and was educated in the common schools at Thorntown, later went to school in Cincinnati. Ohio. He. too. turned his attention to merchandising earlv in life with the intention of making it his permanent vocation. He began by clerking in a retail store at Richmond. Indiana, later traveled out of Cincinnati in the shoe business, then engaged in the retail dry goods business at Belle fontaine, Ohio, thus getting an excellent start in his chosen line. In 1879 he came to Greencastle, Indiana, for the purpose of joining his brother, Joseph P., in the general merchandise business, and he has done his full share in building up an extensive trade here.

Mr. Allen was married to Josephine Sims, of Delphi, Indiana, the daughter of Lewis B. Sims, an attorney. She was born and reared in that place. To this union five children have been born, named as follows : Lucy is engaged in teaching at Calumet. jNlichigan; Hiram C. Jr., is a member of the firm of Allen Brothers; he married a Miss Harding, of Crawfordsville, and one child has been born to them; Grace is teaching German in the high school at Dixon. Illinois; Martha Jean married a ^Nlr. Wallace and is living in St. Louis; Josephine is attending DePauw L'^niversity. Mr. Allen is a member of the College Avenue Methodist Episcopal church, having been a member of the official board for many years.

The Rogers Family

The southern part of Putnam county knew no more honorable and worthy citizen during the past generation than James Harvey Rogers, who is now numbered among those who have taken up their journey to the "undiscovered bourne" in the great beyond. He was born north of Greencastle in 183J. the son of Edward and Susan (Wood) Rogers, the father a native of Kentucky, where he grew to manhood, the latter a native of Putnam countv. Ophelia (Taylor) Rogers, mother of Melvin Rogers and Mrs. Abe Cohn. of Cloverdale. was born at Orange, Virginia, in 1838. She came with her parents in a wagon overland from Virginia to Cambridge City, Indiana, in the earlv forties, and there the family remained until about 1856. when thev moved to near Bainbn'dge. Putnam county, buying a farm there which thev worked the rest of their days. Edward Rogers, the grandfather of Mrs. Abe Cohn. entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land north of Greencastle and lived there until he was nearly seventy-five years of age. when he sold out and went to live with his son. Harvey, of this review. He died at the age of eightv-one vears. , .

Harvey Rogers lived in the north part of Putnam county until his marriage to Ophelia Ta\-lor. then bought a farm two miles east of Clovenlale. about 1868. lia\ing eighty acres there. He made a good living and was liked bv all who knew him. His death occurred Alarch j8. 19OJ. .-\lleii Rogers died Januaiy 6. 1905.

Melvin Rogers was born near Eainbridge. Putnam county, Indiana, in i86^. the son of Tames Harvey and Ophelia (Taylor) Rogers. The family first located two miles east of Eainbridge. and while ^^lelvin was an uifant. the family moved two and onedialf miles east and mie-half mile south of Cloverdale and there the eight children of the Rogers family grew to maturity. They were: Joseph Lee. who is living on a farm east of Cloverdale; Susan married .-Yndrew Kuhns and lives at Center Point. Clay county; Melvin is in business at Cloverdale: IMerritt lives at Campbellsville. Kentucky; ^lillie married Riley Stanton and lives in Owen county, this state: Nettie lives with her mother in Cloverdale; Eva Lacy married Abe Cohn (see his sketch elsewhere in this work) : Allen married Lucetta Wilson and lived on the home farm east of Cloverdale. and he died January 6, 1905. leaving three children. Ber\l. Leia and Lenore.

Mrs. Har\ev Rogers continued to live on the home farm after her husband's death until 1907. when she moved to Cloverdale. where she now resides.

Melvin Rogers lived on the home farm until he was twenty-one years of age: he came to Cloverdale to tiy his fortune and for about twenty years w-orked in the store owned by the late Meig Cohn. one of Cloverdale's oldtime merchants. In the fall of 1905 Mr. Rogers opened a store of his own in Cloverdale. carrying a general line of goods and he has continued to do a large business here, his store being neat and well kept and a modern line of goods is always on hand. He enjoys a very satisfactory trade. Pie is a member of Clrnenlale Lodge. Xo. 13-'. Free and Accepted Ma.sons. In September. 1907. he married Alice Omullane. daughter of Juhn and Tenipa Omullane. She was reare<l in Cloverdale. her parents having moved there from Ouincv. Owen county. Her father was born in Ireland and came to America in bovhood. Mr. Rogers has one son. \'irgil Clell Rogers, now six years old. Joseph Lee Rogers first married .Mice Morgan, of Cloverdale town- .ship.'the daughter of John and Sarah. ( Martin ) De\'ore, and this union resulted in the l)irth of two children. John H. and Gladys. Mrs. Alice Rogers died January 10. 1901. and Joseph Lee Rogers then married. ^larch 28. i<)06. ?\Ir"s. Laura (AlcCoy) Davis, widow of Alb.ert Davis. One daughter was l)orn to this second union. Delcie Lee Rogers, ^[r. Rogers now lives on tlie home farm east of Cloverdale.

Elder Ezekiel Wright

No estimate of the immense amount of good that comes from a long and useful life like that of Elder Ezekiel Wright, can be made, for it is farreaching in its effects and will continue through coming generations, like the light that "shines more and more unto the perfect day." Few lives have been so unselfish, so pregnated with good deeds and so controlled by an insatiable desire to be kind and beneficial to his fellow men; therefore he is held in the highest esteem by thousands whom his life has touched directly or indirectly, and he is now. in the mellow twilight of his age. one of Madison township's most honored citizens. He was born near Lexington, Davidson county. Xorth Carolina. December 19. 1821. His parents were Amos and Elizabeth (Parrish) Wright. This family came to Indiana as early as the fall of 1826. three or four families, consisting of Reuben Wright, brother of Amos Wright, and Edward Parrish, brother of Elizabeth Parrish. Reuben Wright settled near Manhattan, Washington township, Putnam county, and there spent the remainder of his life. Mr. Parrish settled near the Brick Chapel and lived there until his death. Mrs. David Boswell is his grandchild and a son lives in Owen county, and the descendants of Reuben \\'right are still living in this county. The father of Elizabeth Parrish was a soldier in the Revolutionary- war. He came to Indiana with the rest of the family and lived here until his death, having reached the ripe old age of over ninety years; all that is mortal of him rests in the Long Branch cemetery, his grave never having been marked by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Amos Wright settled on Long Branch, entering one hundred and sixtv acres of land there. He built the present residence of John Ouinlisk about 1833 and he spent practically the remainder of his life there, selling out in his old age, but continued to live in Madison township, dying at the advanced age of eighty -eight years, on October 9, 1870. His wife was sixteen years old when she married; she, too, reached a remarkable age, ninety years, dying in September. 1879. The former had lived. in this township for forty-four years. He was a Whig politically, but later in life was a Democrat. At one time he served as road supervisor of the entire township, which at that time, was a difficult task. He was a member of the Church of Christ. His cousin. Elder Levi Wright, of Clinton township. held services at the home of Amos, also at Andrew Frank's and finally organized a church, the first building being at the Long Branch cemetery, the present Christian chapel being built in 1867. Amos \\'right and his wife were lifelong members of that church. The family belonged to the Baptist church in Xorth Carolina, the father of Amos having been a preacher there, and Amos an eider.

Of the thirteen children born to Amos Wright and wife, six sons and six daughters grew to maturity. Each married and reared a family ; only three of the number are living in 1910. A sister. Dicie Stewart, died in Kansas. February 2. 1910. She would have been ninety-nine years old in August. 1910. Turner Wright is living at Denver. Colorado, now eightytwo years of age.

Thus we see that this family has been remarkable for its longevity, also its piety, their lives being lengthened, no doubt, by good temperate habits in all the walks of life, by a strict avoidance of the many vices that tear down the mechanism of the mortal body.

Elder Ezekiel ^Vright grew to maturity on the home fann. and, thus reared in the days of the early development of the agricultural life of the countn.". was required to assist with the general work about the place. He remained under the parental roof until he was twenty years old. when he married his second cousin. Celia Wright, daughter of Elder Levi Wright. He built a cabin on eighty acres of the land entered by his father. He soon had a good start and he built a substantial and comfortable dwelling, in which he has continued to live for a period of sixty years. He has been very successful in his life work and old age finds him surrounded by all the comforts of life and many evidences of his fonner years of thrift. He joined the church when seventeen years of age and in due course of time was made an elder, and he soon began to preach in his own church and has served as an elder of the local congregation ever since. The Christian chapel stands on land formerly owned by him. He has served the church each month in four different places, often preaching in school houses. He is one of the oldest ministers in this section of the state: for many years he would work on his farm all week, start out on Saturday to his "appointment" and preach that and the following day. He has "gone about doing good"' in many ways and has been the popular marrying preacher, and he has officiated at many funerals. - in fact, he is always ready to ser\-e wherever necessary. In June, 1908. he assisted in the fiftieth anniversary' of Charles Dailey and Linnie Wright. He has served as trustee of Madison township by appointment and was twice elected : however, he has never sought public honors.

After forty-three vears of mutually happy and congenial wedded life. ^Irs. \\'right was called to her reward in 1884. Six children were born to this union, one daughter dvinij in chil(lhoo<l. The others are. Henrv. who died in Mav, 1909. lacking one day of his sixty-fifth birthday: he hved at Parsons, Kansas: since his death his son. Otto, a locomotive engineer, was killed while on his run at Lincoln. Nebraska, in December, 1909. Fanny, the widow of Austin Sims, makes her home with her father. Barton Stone spent twentv-three years in Kansas, but is now at home with his father. Levi Clarion lives near the old homestead. Xancy Elizabeth married Scott Irwin, of Madison township: she has one son. Lillie. the wife of Bernard Bradfield, lives near Riley, Indiana: Xora is the wife of Alfred Johnson, living near Bainbridge. this county.

The gentleman to whose life record the biographer now calls the reader's attention was not favored by large inherited wealth or the assistance of influential friends, but in spite of this, by perseverance, industry and a wise economy, he attained a comfortable station in life early in his career, and he is widely and favorably known throughout Putnam county, and even his repiUation as a skilled dentist has penetrated into other counties, so that his office in Greencastle has long been a very busy place, for the work he turns out is alwavs satisfactory and his patients become his constant patrons and his friends.

The Overstreet family originated in England, the first member of the familv coming to .America in a very early day. Samuel Overstreet. grandfather of the Doctor, was l-;orn in Kentucky. February 19. 1780. He there grew to maturity and married, on November 25, 1804. Elizabeth Hawkins, who was born ^Nlay 3, 1787. and they became the parents of the following children: Lorinda. born November 4. 1805: Nancy, born .\pril i. 1807: T'^hn H., born January 12. 1809; Martha, born .April 8. 1810: James :\Iadison. born November 23. 1812: \\'illiam H. H.. born February 25, 1814: Catherine, born May 20, 1816: Elizabeth, bom September 17, 1817: Gabriel Monroe, born Mav I2. 1818: he was the father of Congressman Jesse the Blue Grass state, where he was reared and educated. He came to Indiana about 1S50, locating at Frankhn. Johnson county. later moving to a farm in Clark township where he lived until his death, in October, 1883, at the age of se\-enty-four }-ears. having been born January 12, 1809. He was a successful farmer and a man whom ever\'body respected for his industry and e.xemplary habits.

Doctor Overstreet received a good common school education and he recei\ed his practical dental education at Bedford. Indiana. He moved to Greencastle on Xo\'ember i. 1874. and began the practice of dentistry, soon building up an excellent patronage and he has been continuously in the practice here e\er since, in the same Iniilding. He is the oldest practicing dentist in Greencastle.

Doctor Overstreet married first Margaret E. McXutt. of Johnson county. Indiana, by which union three children were born, namely : Ralph and Elizabeth, both deceased, and Dr. Orsa Fred. The mother of these children passed to her rest in 1890. and Doctor Overstreet married Nellie Cutler, of Greencastle, INIarch 4, 1897. This union is without issue.

Dr. Willis G. Overstreet was elected city treasurer in 1906. his tenn expiring in 1910. He is a Republican and has long been active in the ranks.

Dr. Orsa Ered 0\'erstreet came to Greencastle with his parents when a child. He received a public school education and graduated from the high school in 1885, after which he took three years' work in DePauw University. He desired to follow in the footsteps of his father and accordingly took up the study of dentistry, graduating from the Indiana Dental College, in Indianapolis, in 1891 and he began practicing his profession in Greencastle that year which he has continued to the present with verv gratifying success. He was married in August, 1892. to Jessie J. Joslin. of Crawfordsville. where she was born, reared and educated. She is the daughter of Xoah S. and Frances (Squires) Joslin. an influential family there. One son. Ralph, has graced this union, born April 5. 1895.

Doctor Overstreet is now and has been for the past ten years a member of the Greencastle school board, being president of the board in which he has taken an abiding interest and in which he has made his influence felt for better education. He is a member of the ^Modern Woodmen of America and the Sigma Chi fraternity. Pie is active m Republican politics. The Overstreets are among the leading families of Greencastle. and are prominent in all circles here.

Major James Francis Fee

Xo greater badge of honor could be conferred on an American citizen than to give him the distinction of having offered his services and his hfe. if need be, in defense of the government, for such service is always far-reaching in its effects upon subsequent generations. The late Maj. James Francis Fee was a gallant defender of the flag and is eminently worthy of a place in his country's history, not alone for his military career, but for many reasons, for he was one of those strong, self-reliant, honest and determined characters who are occasionally met with and who are of such a distinct type as to seem to be born leaders of their fellow men. Not that [Major Fee courted that distinction, for he was entirely unassuming, but his great force of character and his zeal and energy in whatever he undertook naturally placed him at the head of the crowd, and he was a potent factor in the development of Putnam county, where he long maintained his home and where he was well known to all classes for his honorable and industrious life, in both private and public.

Major Fee was born in Heltonsville, South Carolina, June 6, 1842, the oldest son of Dr. Mathew and Sarah Fee, natives of South Carolina and well known in their vicinity, the father dying there when James F. was seven years old, the family then moving to Bloomington, Indiana, where the mother lived to an advanced age, dying there twelve years ago.

At Lincoln's first call for troops, James F. Fee, then a lad in his teens, enlisted in the Thirty -first Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and he served through the war as gallantly as any older veteran, participating in various trying campaigns and thirty-one battles, his record being one of which his descendants should be proud, for he went in as a private and came out as captain, his rise being through merit. He was a private in Companv K, Fourteenth Indiana Infantry, from May 10 to July 9, 1861 ; private in Company G. Thirty-first Indiana Infantry, September 5, 1861 ; he was promoted to sergeant the same month; he was promoted to second lieutenant February 22, 1864, and to first Heutenant on the 15th of the following September, and he was returned home a captain, having been honorablv discharged January 10, 1866. He was captain of Company I. First Indiana National Guard, being appointed to this office June 27. 1891, and on Julv 17, 1895, he was promoted to the rank of major. He belonged to the One Hundred and Fifty-ninth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which was organized June 12. 1882. as the first veteran regiment.

Indiana Legion. He enrolled April 26, 1898, as major and was mustered out November 33, 1898. He was an ardent military man, a gallant soldier, a trusted commander and he was always ver\- popular with his men, with whom he was firm but kind, and they trusted him implicitly, recognizing his ability as a true commander, and he always had the respect and often the admiration of his superior officers.

At the close of the Civil war Major Fee came to Greencastle and engaged in the real estate and insurance business and for some time was pension attorney. He continued in this line of work, for the most part, during his remaining lifetime, having engaged again in insurance and real estate after the Spanish-American war, and he was very successful in this line of endeavor, having built up a very satisfactory business, and because of his honesty and straightforward dealings with his fellow men and his popularity with all classes he was well known and liked by all. The death of this excellent citizen occurred on February 19. 1905.

Major Fee married, on February 10, 1868, Margaret Wylie, daughter of William and Margaret (Curry) Wylie, an excellent and well established family of Bloomington, Indiana. Mrs. Fee's mother died when she was a small child, and her father died in 1902. They reared seven children, two of whom are now living.

Politically Mr. Fee was a Republican and for two terms he served very acceptably as city clerk of Greencastle. He belonged to the Presbyterian church, and he was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Royal Arcanum and the Grand Army of the Republic.

Jesse A. Poynter

A career marked by earnest and indefatigable application has been that of this substantial mechanic and honored citizen of Cloverdale, where he has maintained a residence for nearly a third of a century, during all of which time his life has been an open book known and read by his fellowmen. He was a valiant soldier of the Civil war where his fidelity was of the type which has characterized his actions in all their relations and gained for him the confidence and esteem of the public and unbounded respect of all with whom he has been brought into contact.

Samuel Povnter was born near Owensboro. Kentucky, ]\Iay 8, 1816, and on the 8th day of December, 1836, married Nancy Davis, whose birth occurred on Februarv- 6, 181 5. The names of their children with dates of birth are as follows: William F., October 12. 1837; ]\Iary ].. February 15, 1839; Benjamin F., ]\Iay 25. 1840, lieutenant in Company F, Seventy-ninth Regiment, Indiana \'olunteers, and killed at the battle of Stone River, January 2, 1863: Alartha L., November 9, 1842: ^^largaret E., February 9, 184^: [esse A., subject of this sketch, April 9, 1S48; Nancy E., July 4, 1S52; Eliza, February 21, 1S54. Samuel Foynter, the father of these children, departed this life on April 14, 1871, his wife preceding him to the other world May 22, 1869.

Samuel Povnter accompanied his parents upon their removal from Kentuckv to Indiana in quite an early day, his father dying before the family reached their destination. Later he entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church and for many years was actively engaged in the itinerancv, having had charge of a number of circuits in various parts of central and southern Indiana, during the pioneer period. He was an able and eloquent preacher, a faithful and conscientious worker in the cause of the Master and through his labors and influence churches were established at different points and hundreds brought to a saving knowledge of the truth.

The first nine years of Jesse Poynter's life were spent in the town of Pittsboro, where his father was then stationed, but being transferred to the Putnamville circuit at the expiration of that time, with headquarters at Ouincy, the subject remained at the latter place until the removal of the familv to Cloverdale in the year 1859. Meantime he attended the public schools of the above towns and was pursuing his studies when the national skies became overcast by ominous clouds of approaching civil war. Two voung to enter the ranks as a soldier, Jesse, in the year 1863, before his fifteenth vear. enlisted as a drummer in Company C, One Hundred and Fifteenth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for six months, at the end of which time he re-enlisted as a musician in Company B, Thirty-first Regiment, Indiana Volunteers, with which he served until the end of the war. the Thirtv-first being the last Indiana troops to be mustered out. Mr. Poynter shared with his comrades the experiences of active warfare in various parts of the south, taking part in the siege of Knoxville and in Sherman's campaign up to the operations against Atlanta. From the latter place his command was sent to Tennessee to assist in checking the Confederate advance on Nashville, and he participated in the hard-fought battle at that place and at Franklin, after which the regiment was ordered to re- join Sherman's army in the eastern part of the state. The force proceeded as far as (jreenville. when news of Lee's surrender caused a halt, and from tliat city tlie Thirty-first Indiana with several other regiments were sent to Texas to be in readiness in case any trouble should arise over the French occupancy of Mexico. Xot being needed, the regiment was duly mustered out in the spring of iS66, following which the subject returned to Putnam\-ille. where his father was then living and operating a saw-mill.

Actuated b_\' a desire to increase his scholastic knr)wledge. Mr. Po\'nter subsequently entered Asbury (now DePauw) Uni\-ersity. but owing to financial stringency attended that institution only a short time, being obliged to turn his hand to some kind of occupation for a livelihood. Rejoining the famil)-. which in the meantime had removed to Eminence, ^Morgan county, he took up the blacksmith's trade, which he learned partly in tha,t town and partly at Cloverdale with his brother, and at which he soon acquired more than ordinaiy efficiency as a workman. After following his chosen calling at Eminence until 1S70. he returned to Cli5verdale where he has since resided and operated very successfully the large blacksmith and general repair shop of which he is still proprietor, this being the oldest as well as the best patronized establishment of the kind in this part of Putnam countv.

On Januarv 2<'\ 1873. Mr. Povnter was united in marriage with Martha Letitia Bennett, daughter of Mansfield and Sarah (Littell) Bennett, both parents members of old and respected families of Monroe. countv, Indiana, where Mrs. Poynter's grandparents settled in an early day on land purchased from the government. Mrs. Sarah Bennett was a daughter of Isaac and Zerelda (Til ford) Littell. who moved from Clark county to Morgan county in pioneer times and took an active part in the settlement and development of the section of countr\- in which they located. When a mere child Mrs. Poynter was taken to Morgan county by her parents and there remaine<l until her marriage. After spending five years of their wedded life at Eminence, Mr. and Ishs. Poynter removed to their present place of . residence, with the subsequent history- of which they have been closelv identified. Three children have been born to them, viz: Deward. St. Paul and Tessie Adelaide, all born while the parents lived in Eminence. Tlie first named died in infancy. St. Paul is a graduate of DePauw T.'niversity and is now a journalist by profession, living at Sullivan, where he publishes the Sullivan Democrat and the Times, the former a weekly paper and the latter a dailv. He married Alice Wilkev. daughter of Xelson and

Jessie Adelaide is also a graduate of DePauw University in the department of music, having stood highest in the class in the school of piano music. She is now the wife of Dr. James B. McEvoy, a physician and surgeon of Ft. Wayne, to whom she has borne three sons, Paul Bertrand, James Poynter and Maurice Francis McEvoy.

In all his relations with his fellow men Mr. Poynter has been actuated by a high sense of justice and honor and his life and character are above reproach. Mrs. Poynter is a lady of beautiful character and sterling worth and as active member of the Christian church wields an influence for good among all with whom she mingles. She is a member of the Woman's Relief Corps of Cloverdale.

Alec A. Lane

The Lanes are of old English stock and claim descent from a representative who came over in the "Mayflower." The family thus started with the first settlement of the country and its members took part in the struggle and privations that preceded civilization in New England. We hear definitely of Alexander Lane, who was born near Lexington, Kentucky, in what is known as the Crab Orchard district. He married Lydia Burks, also a Kentuckian by birth, and in 1826 they came to Indiana and settled in Union township, Parke county, on land obtained from the government. At the time of their arrival there was only one other white man in Parke county, he being a brother of Mrs. Lane, who had come out the year before. The trip from Kentucky was rather an adventurous one in those days and not unattended by danger, as w'ild beasts and Indians were numerous. They rode all the way on horseback and often recalled passing through what is now the thriving city of Greencastle, which was then merely a cluster of small cabins. This sturdv pioneer couple ended their days on the land they had settled and where they had witnessed so much of hard work, privation and sorrow. The husband died at the comparatively early age of fifty, but his wife survived to the extreme age of ninety-two years. They had eight children, five of whom are living. John A. Lane, the seventh child, was born on the old homestead in Parke countv, but in 1871 removed to Greencastle and engaged in the mercantile pursuits, which occupied his time for many years. He was also a carpenter and contractor and quite prominent in the Democratic politics of

Plt-Vam Colxty, Ixdiana

Putnam county. He married Sarah E. Todd, a native of Parke county, by whom he had three children. Alec A.. Frank L. and Earl C. Frank L. is in the meat market business and Earl C. is manager of the Model Clothing Company. The father died August 5, 1899; his widow makes her home with her eldest son in Greencastle.

Alec A. Lane, eldest of the children, was born in Parke county. Indiana, May I, 1869. When two years old he was brought by his parents to their new home in Putnam county, where he attended the district schools as he grew up. Having received a fair primary education, he entered DePauw University, from which he graduated in 1894. He took up civil engineering as his life work and has since continuously followed this useful calling. He began the general practice of land surveying and worked over the entire state. In 1902 he was elected county surveyor on the Democratic ticket, and on Januan,' i, 1903, he entered upon the duties of his office. He has been reelected every two years since and has made one of the best surveyors the countv ever had. During his long and active tenure he has laid out about four hundred miles of gravel and macadamized roads. He has also designed all the bridges in the county, including the largest single-span bridge e\er erected in Putnam. This is known as the Perigo bridge over Eel river, near Reelsville, and this imposing structure is a monument to Mr. Lane's mechanical skill and taste in bridge architecture. Some twelve other bridges, all of superior design and workmanship, equally attest the resources of this useful citizen. He set the axis lines and level lines for the building of the new court house, which is the pride and glory of Putnam county. Mr. Lane has been called into everv' county in the state to settle land disputes and surveys. Mr. Lane has ne\er married. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Greencastle and chairman of the Putnam countv Democratic central committee.

The Pluninier family, owing to the industrious anil honorable lives of its various representatives in Putnam county since the early days, deserves to hold high rank among the present generation of citizens, especially of Madison township. James H. Plummer being one of the best known. His parents v>ere James William and Sarah E. (Swinford) Plummer. the former born on Long Branch, this township. March 15, 1837. His parents. (40)

Isaac and Elizabeth (Tucker) Plummer. were natives of North CaroHna. where they spent their youth, married and emigrated overland to Putnam county. Indiana, about 1835. bringing their four children, and they spent the remainder of their lives on the Long Branch, where in true pioneer fashion, they began in a small way to develop a good farm. James William was fifteen years of age when his father died, consequently remained at home and cared for his mother and sisters. He married Sarah E. Swinford on January 25, i860. She was the daughter of James and Mary (Orr) Swinford, both natives of Harrison county. Kentucky, where they grew to maturity and were married. In the fall of 1839 they came to Indiana and settled on Big Walnut creek, near its convergance with the Little \\'alnut. and there lived until their deaths. James Swinford dying February 9. 1868. lacking six days of his eightieth birthday. His second wife survived him until Februarv- 15. 1894, reaching the age of eightyeight years. Sarah E. Swinford was born on the old homestead. May 6, 1842, and was one of a family of four sons and two daughters; only two of the number are now living. Sarah E. Plummer and Josephus Swinford. of Hindsl)oro. Illinois.

Soon after their marriage, in October, i860, Mr. and Mrs. Plummer came to Putnam county, and settled on the land still owned by the Plummer family. The land was cleared by them and later more added to it until they had an excellent farm of one hundred and seventy-five acres. After the death of ]\Irs. Plummer's father, Mr. Plummer purchased an interest in the Swinford homestead and farmed on an extensive scale. After his death Mrs. Plummer and her sons erected the present buildings on the place, the widow having continued to live on the old place, which has been greatly improved by James H.. her son. who is regarded as a modern twentieth-centur\- agriculturist in every respect, and it has always been his delight to care for his mother, she having received his careful attention since 1882.

This family consisted of seven children, two of whom died within a few weeks of the father, five living to maturity, namely; James H.. of this review; Albert, of Pueblo. Colorado, who married Sarah Wright; Salinda married Ed. Stoner. living in Franklin township. Putnam county; Mary married John Cox, of Madison township; John Isaac, who lives in ]Madison township, this county, married Nora Basinger.

James H. Plummer was born November 4, i860, on the present Plummer farm, soon after his parents located here, and he has spent his life on this place. In his early youth he attended the district schools and worked in the stone quarries and on the railroad section force. He was fourteen years old when his father died, his youngest brother being three years old. The mother kept the children together on the farm. She maintained a boarding house while bridge gangs and railroad constructors were at work in this vicinity, the new line of the Big Four railroad passing through the fann, the Plummer cut of eighty-seven feet being a well known -i:ot to train-men on this line. Besides her own children, ^Mrs. riummer reared Lottie Cox, a granddaughter, who has now been with her for four vears. Mrs. Plummer is a member of the Long Branch Christian church, having held membership with this denomination since a girl. James H. Plummer has never married, preferring to give his attention exclusively to his mother and the other members of the family. They have a good home and a well cultivated farm.

Elder Willis E. Gill

Elder Willis E. Gill, banker, of Cloverdale. Putnam county, is an Illinoisan by birth and may justly bear the title of "self-made man." having worked his way unaided from the humble ranks of toilers, through the vicissitudes and adversities of life, to an admirable and influential position among the business men of Putnam county. The success attained by him in his business affairs has been greatly owing to his steady persistence, stern integrity and excellent judgment, qualities which have also won for him the confidence and esteem of the public to a marked degree.

Willis E. Gill was born in Edgar county. Illinois, on September 21, 1869. and is a son of John B. and Mary C. (Smith) Gill. He is descended from a family of five brothers, all of whom were natives of Virginia and who served under ^larquis de Lafayette in the war of the Revolution. The subject's maternal grandfather was William Gill, who was a son of Robert Gill, who went from Virginia to Illinois in an early day, and dying there at the remarkable age of about one hundred years. The subject of this sketch was reared on the paternal farmstead in Edgar county. Illinois, and received his elementary education in the common schools. Subsequently he was a student in the State Normal School, at Danville, Indiana, after which he engaged in teaching school. He was successful as a pedagogue, which profession he followed ten years, first in countn.- schools, but later at Kansas, Illinois. After leaving the school room Mr. Gill engaged in the fire insurance business at Kansas, in which he remained engaged until 1903. when he disposed of his business there and came to

Cloverdale, Indiana, where he entered the banking Inisiness in partnership with Messrs. D. V. Moffett, F. P. Moffett and X. R. Bennett, the bank being organized under the state laws governing private banks. Mr. Gill is cashier of the institution and is in active management of its affairs, much of the success which has attended it being directly due to his sound judgment and splendid executive ability.

The subject is a member of the Primitive Baptist church, and is the pastor of the Smyrna Baptist church, which charge he has held practically ever since coming to Indiana. He first engaged in the ministry about 1 89 1, while residing at Kansas, Illinois, and since that time has had charge of churches, sometimes as many as three at one time.

Aside from his activities in business and the ministry. Elder Gill is also an enthusiastic fanner and owns two hundred acres of fine land situated about a mile north of Cloverdale, and which he operates with profit and considerable personal gratification.

On March 4, 1890, Elder Gill married Lily May Moffit, daughter of Elder S. H. ]\Ioffit. of Kansas, Illinois, and this union has been blessed by two children, Jessie and Carlyle. Fraternally, Elder Gill is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Politically he is a Democrat and, while not a politician in the ordinary sense of the word, he takes an intelligent and commendable interest in public affairs. He has been a member of the school board of Cloverdale for the past six years and is now serving as its treasurer. Having been a teacher himself, he takes a strong interest in educational matters, and since becoming a member of the board he has labored to raise the standard of studies and during this period the Cloverdale high school has been raised from a noncommissioned to a commissioned high school. A man of public-spirit and broad sympathies, he exerts a genuine influence for the best things in the community and is held in the highest regard by all.

The Bank of Cloverdale was organized in July, 1901, by John Laughliu. who operated it individually until June. 1903. when it was bought by Messrs. D. V. Moffett. W. E. Gill, F. P. Moffett and X. R. Bennett, who still own it. The I)ank has a capital stock of ten thousand dollars, and has deposits of about one hundred thousand dollars, its business having increased rapidly in the past few years. The present officers are D. V. Moffett, president; W. E. Gill, cashier, and O. V. Smythe, assistant cashier. In the financial stringency of 1908 the bank at all times commanded the full confidence of the people of the community, this fact being largely due to the personnel of the gentlemen who are back of it. it being considered among the solid and influential monetary institutions of Putnam county.

The practice of medicine and surgery is one of the most exacting of professions in which a person can engage. It is ahke trying upon the physical and the mental powers. Physical strength and vigor are as necessary in it as is the mental ability which must be possessed by him who would succeed. Dr. Walter K. Prichard, for man\- years one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Putnam county, is evidently possessed of all the essential qualifications of a successful medical practitioner, judging from his past eminently worthy and successful record, which is attested by the large and constantly increasing practice for which he is at present caring.

Dr. Prichard was born in Cloverdale. this county. Januan,- 4, i860, the son of Lewis and Joanna (Ross) Prichard, long a prominent family in this vicinity. This family is of Welsh descent, the first Pochards having come to America in an early day, making their way westward to Kentucky, in which state, Lawrence county, Lewis Prichard was bom. He grew to maturity there and. deciding to enter the medical profession, after he had completed his priman,- schooling, he entered the Cincinnati Eclectic School of :\Iedicine. from which he was graduated and in a short time he was successfully engaged in the practice of his profession. He came to Putnam county, Indiana, in 1858. where he became well established and successfully engaged in practice, becoming the owner of a large tract of valuable land. He was prominent in public affairs and a worker in the Democratic party. He was a man of strict integrity and one of the community's leading citizens. His death occurred on November 27. 1889.

Desiring to follow in the footsteps of his father, Walter K. Prichard became a very studious lad early in life, passing through the common schools and completing the course at the Hendricks County Xormal School, at Danville, Indiana. He studied medicine under his father and attended the medical department of the Virginia L'niversity, receiving the degree of Medical Jurisprudence. On :\Iarch 10. 1S81, he graduated from the Miami Medical College. Since that date he has been successfully engaged in practice at Cloverdale, Putnam county, where he was very extensively patronized from the first, and now his name has become a household word in the southern part of the county, having won a reputation for his excellent surgery which extends far beyond the limits of the county, ranking high among the best medical men in this section of the state. In 1884 Doctor Prichard took a post-graduate course at the Xew York Polyclinic.

The Doctor has found time in the midst of his professional duties to look after some business interests, among which is his splendid and well improved farm of over three hundred and forty acres which he keeps well cultivated and stocked with a high grade of various kinds of livestock. He oversees his place and takes a great delight in its management. Notwithstanding the fact that his has been an unusually busy life, he has found time to travel extensively and to keep well abreast of the times not only in matters pertaining to his profession but in all topics of vital import.

Doctor Prichard was married on March 11, 18S4, to Virginia Remley, a lady of culture and refinement, representing an excellent Cincinnati family. This union has resulted in the birth of three children, Estella, Irma and Calita.

The Doctor is as pronounced in his views against intemperance as was his worthy father before him and he leaves no stone unturned whereby he can aid the cause of temperance. He is a public spirited man and a loyal Democrat, and he very ably served at one time as a member of the board of pension examiners. Fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Lodge No. 132; also the Knights of Pythias, Diamond Lodge, No. 344. and the Modern Woodmen Camp. No. 7155.

David D. Skelton

The founders of the family of this name were Southerners. Allen and Elizabeth (Keysey) Skelton. the former a Virginian, met and married in Kentucky. Soon after they removed to Indiana, living for a while in Morgan county, but later locating in Putnam county, near Reelsville, in about the year 185 1. Allen was a shoemaker and worked at his trade in Reelsville. which was on the old National road. It contained a mill, a store and a blacksmith shop. The stage coaches made much travel both ways and the roads were enlivened with herds of hogs on their way to the packing house at Terre Haute. In 1S53 the Skeltons located on a farm in Madison township, situated on Snake creek in the southern part, and here Allen lived until his death in 1S63. His widow continued to live with a son on the old place until lier death, at past seventy-five years of age. They had five children: James H., who lived near the old home, died at the age of forty-five; David D. ;, Samuel, retired farmer in ^^lonroe county. Indiana;

Allen, a retired farmer of Monroe count}', Indiana: Sarah, widow of Fred Sigel. who was killed in a stone quarr}-, is a resident of Indianapolis.

Da\-id D. Skelton. tlie second chiUI, was born in Alorgan county, Indiana. April 14. 1S42. and remained at home until the completion of his twentieth year. In October. i86[. he enlisted in Company ?I, Forty-third Regiment. Indiana \'olunteer Infantry, under command of Capt. WilHam Lane. He served until the close of the war. though ten months of the time was spent in a southern prison at Tyler. Te.xas. He was captured at Marks Mills in Arkansas. April 25. 1S64. while serving under General Steel, who was moving to relieve General Banks. He was detailed as guard of the wagon train from Camden to Pine Bluff. The stockade at Tyler held three or four thousand prisoners and was a miserable den in which the Union soldiers suffered much. Mr. Skelton was finally exchanged and left the stockade February 25th, went to Xew Orleans, drew a supply of clothing and was sent back to Indianapolis, where he recruited, reorganized and did guard duty. ]Mr. Skelton was a good soldier, always ready for duty and was several times promoted, being a sergeant when he was captured. He re-enhsted in Jannar>', 1864. and was with General Steel when he entered Little Rock. After his discharge. Mr. Skelton returned to his old home and began farming with his mother. In 1867 he married Elizabeth Jones, daughter of John and Hannah Jones, born in Ohio, from which state she came with her parents when six years old. After marriage he took charge of the farm and managed it until his mother's death. He soon began to buy out the interests of the heirs and in a few years owned the entire estate. It consisted originally of one hundred and sixty acres, but Mr. Skelton added to it until he owned two hundred and forty acres. All of this, however, he deeded to his children-, and in !March. 1903. came to his present home of seventy-five acres. His wife died May 14. 1897,- and on October 19. 1898. he married ]^lrs. J. C. Jones, who two years before had come, a widow, from Roanoke City. Virginia. Her maiden name was Jennie Davis, and she was a native of Giles county. Virginia; she married Mr.. Jones at Roanoke City. She came to Indianapolis in search of a brother who left Virginia when sixteen years old. She learned that he was in Kansas City. Missouri, where he has since died. In 1908 a twin brother of the one above mentioned visited Mrs. Skelton after an absence of thirty years. 'Sir. Skelton had five children : John Allen, a farmer in Madison township: George D.. a stationary engineer in West Terre Haute: Ora D. married Henry V. Thoinas. of Clinton Falls, Putnam county: Sarah .\. married Adam Ellis and resides on the old homestead : Charles O. is an engineer in ^^"est Terre Haute.

James W. Croxtox

Prominent among the business men of Cloverdale, Putnam county, Indiana, is James W. Croxton, who for a number of years lias been closely identified with the growth and development of the communit}-. Marked business ability, sound judgment and his sterling personal traits have commended him to the esteem of all who know him and he is numbered among the leading men of his community. James W. Croxton is a native son of the Blue Grass state, having been born at Warsaw. Gallatin county, Kentucky, on the 6th day of March. 185J. He is a son of Eli and Rebecca Jane (Ralston) Croxton. The former was born in Ohio and was the son of Thomas Croxton. while the latter was bom in Owen county. Kentucky. Their marriage occurred in Gallatin county. Kentucky, and their union was blessed with eleven children, namely : James. Thomas, George. Harriet. Margaret, Luella. Anna. Belle. Laura and Xanna. About 1859 the family moved to Switzerland county, Indiana, where the father obtained employment as engineer in a flour mill at Florence, and at the same time carried on farming operations. The son James, under his father's instructions, learned the trade of engineering in these mills, and during the following twenty years he was engaged in that line of work. When about nineteen years of age James Croxton went to Tipton county. Indiana, \\here he engaged as engineer and also ran a sawmill. Two years later he went to Frankfort. Clinton county, where for ten years he had charge of a stationary engine. In 1884 he bought a half interest in a flour mill at Denver. Miami county, and in the latter part of the following year he went to Delphi. Carroll county, where he bought an interest in a flour mill, w hich he operated for about four years. He then went to Monticello and was employed as engineer in Laughrv' Brothers' flour mill, but six months later he returned to Delphi and during the following six months was engaged in the baking and confectionary business. Going to Milwaukee. Wisconsin, at the end of that period, he was employed for a year and a half as engineer in the street railway power house. At the end of that time he returned to Denver, Indiana, and rented a half interest in the mill with Avhich he had been formerly connected. Six months later. October 1892. Mr. Croxton came to Cloverdale. and bought a half interest in the flour mill, his partner being Henry Horn, the builder of the mill. A year later, the latter sold his interest to Justice Kerbaugh. and Messrs. Croxton and Kerbaugh continued as partners about four years, when Mr. Croxton became the sole owner, and still continues to operate the business. When Mr. Croxton became connected with the business, the mill was but a small affair, but since then the property has been greatly enlarged, a more powerful engine and new boilers being installed, and the capacity for handling and shipping grain has been greatly increased. In addition to the manufacture of flour and feed. 'Sir. Croxton is engaged extensively in the buying and shipping of grain to the eastern markets, and also deals in all kinds of hard and soft coal. He is president of the Cloverdale Hardware and Lumber Company, whose store is one of the most complete of its kind in the state and whose yards are filled with an immense stock of lumber and all kinds of building material. They also have, in connection, a well-equipped planing mill, the only one in that locality. In all his business deals Mr. Croxton exhibits a shrewdness and sagacity which has enabled him to realize a gratifying success and his advice is considered valuable in all business affairs.

In iSSq Air. Croxton was united in marriage with Annie M. Gobel. the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Price) Gobel. These parents were natives of Preble county. Ohio, and afterwards moved to Clinton county. Indiana, where l^Irs. Cro.xton was reared. To Mr. and Mrs. Croxton have been born two children. Josephine and ]\[argaret. Josephine became the wife of Charles Denny, of Cloverdale. and they are the parents of four children. Cecil. Dolos Marie. Rudolph and Alarie. Margaret married John A. Omullane. the proprietor of a butcher shop in Cloverdale, and they have four children. Mildred. Carl, William Franklin and Frederick Nomian.

Religiously 'Sir. and Mrs. Croxton and their daughters are members of the Church of Christ at Cloverdale. and give to the church a warm and liberal support. They are worthy members of society and enjoy the friendship of all who know them.

George Exxis Raixes

The name of Raines has been for many years an honored and respectetl one in Putnam county, and the gentleman of that name who is the immediate subject of this sketch is richly deserving of the universal respect and esteem which is accorded him in the community in which he lives. He has achieved success in the pursuit of husbandn.-. being numbered among the progressive and enterprising fanners of the county, and he has also been accorded definite recognition in the political circles of the county, being

Mr. Raines is a native son of the county in which he Hves, having been born on the 13th day of March, 1867. His paternal grandparents. Walker and Tabitha Raines, were natives of Virginia, that state from which have come so manv noted men in our national history. Walker and Tabitha Raines were reared and married in their native state, subsequently moving to Kentucky, and in 1829 they came to Putnam county, Indiana, locating in Monroe township. The fonner died soon after locating here, but his widow continued to reside here until her death, which occurred in August, 1864. All of their seven children are now dead. Walker Raines was a shoemaker by trade and in religion he was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His son, Cornelius Gillum Raines, father of the subject of this sketch, was born in ]Montgomery county, Kentucky, September 26, I Si 6, and at the age of thirteen years accompanied his parents on their removal to Putnam county, where he was reared to manhood, receiving his education the meanwhile in the common schools. In February, 1843-, he married Penelope Dale, to which union were born five children, of which number only one is now hving, Sarah, the wife of Caleb Reeves, of Kansas. The names of the deceased children are James W., Robert W., Selena and Elizabeth. Mrs. Penelope Raines died in 1856 and in 1859 Mr. Raines married Lutetia Heath, the widow of Christopher Heath, of Putnam county, and a daughter of Enos and Polly Hardin, early and wellknown settlers of this county. To this union were born nine children, of whom six are living, as follows: Ella, the wife of Frank Allee. of Greencastle: George; Albert; Artemas; Minnie, the wife of Albert Welch, of Danville, Illinois: Emma J. became the wife of James Farmer, who was killed by a traction engine, and she is now the wife of Henry Dorset, of Jefferson township, this county. The deceased children are John D., Cornelius and Mary. The father of these children located on a farm of two hundred and forty acres, west of Fillmore, in Greencastle township, where he successfully followed the pursuit of agriculture, being also extensively interested in stock raising. He was a man of splendid business qualifications and was a generous and kindly disposed man to those with whom he was acquainted. In politics he was a Democrat, though never an office seeker. He died Mav 5. 1901. and was buried in Union cemetery. Marion township. His widow and unmarried son. Albert, now reside on and operate the old homestead farm, which is considered one of the best agricultural properties in the township.

Putnam Couxty, Indiana

George E. Raines remained on the paternal farmstead, assisting his father in its operation, until he was twenty-three years old, receiving in the meantime a good practical education in the public schools of the locality. At the age mentioned he was married and immediately went to housekeeping on a farm of eighty-six acres, which he had purchased, located two and a half miles northwest of Fillmore, where he deviated himself to farming and stockraising. Here he has since remained and has met with a satisfacton,' measure of success. The place is characterized by a spirit of thrift and progressiveness that at once stamps its owner as a man of sound judgment and practical ideas.

In 1890 ^Ir. Raines was united in marriage with Elizabeth Welch, the daughter of George Welch, of Fillmore. After her graduation from the Greencastle high school she was a student at the State Normal School at Danville, and at the time of her marriage she was teaching in the schools of Fillmore. To ^Ir. and Mrs. Raines have been born three children, Gladys B., Gwendolyn B. and Eugene.

Politically Mr. Raines is a stanch Democrat and for a number of years he has taken a prominent and leading part in the political affairs of the county, enjoying a wide acquaintance in his party. In 1906 he was elected a member of the board of county commissioners, and so satisfactory were his services to the county in this capacity that in 1908 he was reelected and is now serving his second term, being president of the board. He is a sound, practical business man and gives to the administration of his public duties the same careful attention that he does to his own private affairs. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Order of Ben Hur. ]\Irs. Raines is a member of the Christian church at Fillmore and is an active worker in the Ladies' Aid Society connected with that church. Because of his sterling qualities of head and heart. Mr. Raines is deservedly popular with all classes and is numbered among the leading men of the countv.

Thompson' Browx

The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is widely known as one of the old and honored citizens of Clo\erdale. Putnam county, Indiana. He has lived here over a half century - indeed, his long life of more than eight decades has been practically spent within the confines of this county - and during the greater part of this time he was prominently identified with the business interests and the development of the community. His welldirected efforts in the practical affairs of life brought to him a fair measure of prosperity and in all the relations of life he has commanded the respect and confidence of those with whom he has been brought in contact and a history of Putnam county would be incomplete without a record of his career.

Thompson Brown was Ijorn in Warren township, four miles from Greencastle. Putnam county, on the 17th day of February-, 1829. His bovhood days were spent on the parental farmstead and his preliminary education was obtained in the primitive log school houses of that day, the principal equipment of which was a few hard, uncomfortable seats and the typical wide-mouthed fireplace. At the early age of seventeen years he commenced life on his own account and went to Greencastle and apprenticed himself to learn the business of cabinetmaking and undertaking, which at that time were generally combined. After working three years, he started out to see something of the world and to broaden his knowledge by personal observation and contact, going to Chicago, Milwaukee and other cities, and finally accepting employment at cabinetmaking in Chicago, where he remained for a time. He then went to Rockville. Parke county, Indiana, and worked for a time at his trade, after which he returned to Greencastle and entered into a partnership with his old employer, Greenup Lee, in the furniture and undertaking business. In 1852 Mr. Brown came to Cloverdale and entered upon a career which continued without interruption for the long period of si.xty years lacking nine months, having retired from active business in the month of October, 1905. During the period noted he witnessed wonderful changes and transformations in his own business. When he first went into business he himself made practically all the furniture and all the coffins for his patrons, whereas at the present dav these articles all come from factories especially equipped for each line of work. There has transpired also a marked change in the style of furnif.ire. almost every decade showing some radical innovation in this line.

In connection with his furniture business, Mr. Brown also followed carpentering and contracting, in which he was considered a leader, and during the fifteen years immediately subsequent to 1858 he built many of the best liouses in and about Cloverdale, having done more building than any other man in the town - indeed it is said that one-third of the houses in Cloverdale were constructed by Mr. Brown. Honest and conscientious in all his work. Mr. Brown acquired an enviable reputation for thoroughness and efficiencv and nothing left his hands that was not right in all respects.

In October, 1850. ^[r. Brown was united in marriage to Martha Mc- Pheters, who was reared northwest of Greencastle, this county, though their marriage occurred at Rockville. Thus, if this worthy couple are spared until October, 1910, they will be able to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of their wedding. To them were bom six children, all of whom are now dead. They are briefly mentioned as follows: Sarah Matilda. who died in 1S83, became the wife of Wesley O'Danie! of Cloverdale, and they had one daughter. Eva M., who now makes her home with the subject: May Frances died at the age of eight years: Martha Ellen, who died February 2g. 1S9J. was the wife of Enos Wood, and they had a daughter, ^Miriam Esther: the latter married William Evans, of Cloverdale, and they have two daughters, Catherine and Lillian : John Franklin Brown, who died September 16. 1861, at the age of about six years; Edward Oscar, who died December iS. 1S60. in early infancy; T. Elmer E., who died September 8, 1889. spent four years in Asbury College at Greencastle. after which he became assistant civil engineer on the Muskingum Valley railroad in Ohio, in which capacity he was employed when his health failed, his death occurring six months later. The mother of these children was born in (jranger county, Tennessee, and in about 1830 at the age of six years, came to Putnam county, and in point of years of continuous residence she and her husband are probably the oldest couple in the countv.

Religiously Mr. Brown has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for over half a centurs'. and Mrs. Brown has been a member for sixty-nine }-ears. and during nearly all of this time he has served as an officer of the church, as steward, trustee, class leader. Sundav school superintendent, etc. He has at all times taken a firm stand for the moral uplifting of his fellow citizens, having been allied with the Sons of Temperance and the Good Templars during the life of these organizations, as well as the Blue Ribbon. Red Ribbon and other societies organized and maintained in the interest of temperance and sobriety. For the long period of forty-two years he has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to both subordinate lodge and encampment and he has al.-o been a member of the grand lodge and grand encampment for over forty years. About twenty-five years ago he also joinerl the Masonic order. ^.Ir. Brown is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, this association being consistent from the fact that during the Civil war he rendered valiant serA-ice as a member of Company F. Fort\--Third Re.<^iment. Indiana \'olunteer Infantry. The major part of his service was in the State of Kentucky, being on duty most of the time at Camp Burnsides and Camp Wilson. In every avenue of Hfe's activities Mr. Brown has stood "four square to every wind that blows" and when called upon to take a firm and uncompromising stand for any great moral question he has never been found wanting, but he has at all times exerted a definite and potential influence for the best things. Regardless of his advanced age, he retains a good memory of events of the early days and his recital of early reminiscences is extremely interesting. Now, in the golden sunset of life, he is resting from his labors, secure in the love and veneration of those about him, the "grand old man" of the community.