Putnam County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1910 (part 12 of 16)

Winfield Scott Irwin

A worthy representative of this well established and highly honored pioneer family of Putnam county is Winfield Scott Irwin, who has spent his life in Madison township, now^ living on the farm on which he was bom December 13, 1856. He is the son of Smiley D. and Mary (Bicknell) Irwin, the father a native of Hardin county, Kentucky, born there Januarv- 29, 1820, the son of Isaac and Elenore (King) Irwin, the former a native of Virginia. The family moved to Putnam county, Indiana, in 1829. when Smiley D. was nine years old, and settled at Morton, Clinton township, or more properly the village of Morton, which was later built on the land upon which they settled. The elder Irwin was a great hunter. He first came to this locality from Kentucky alone and on foot in 1823, while on a hunt, sleeping out at night in this vicinity. He liked the country and decided to return and make it his permanent home, partly because of the abundance of game here. At that time there were only a few homes in the present city of Greencastle; his brother Joseph, and his son. Lewis, had preceded him here and had established homes, and when he returned for final settlement in 1829 he found them here. He located by a fine spring in :Madison township, where the village of Brunerstown is now located, and there he lived until his death, about November. 1858, having reached the advanced age of eighty-four years, having then lived here about thirty years; his wife preceded him to the silent land two years, having reached the ao-e of sixty -nine years. Isaac Irwdn was twice married, the following children being bom of the first union : Hiram, Betsy, Lewis. The children of his second wife were. John Rowan, Hetty, William. Isaac. Smiley. Sarah

Smiley Invin was born January 29, 1S20, and was married January 15. 1850. to Mary Bicknell, daughter of George and Susan (^loore) Bicknell, and she was born in Chestnut Hill, now a part of the city of Philadelphia, Februar}- 10, 1824. She came to Indiana in 1S39 and settled at Brunerstown, Putnam county. The place had been given a name, but there were no houses there. Her father set up a blacksmith shop there and operated it in connection with farming, working at his trade for several years. Toward the latter part of his life he abandoned his shop and moved to Lafayette, Knox county, Illinois, where his death occurred at the age of sixty-three years. Smiley Irwin and wife settled on the farm now owned by Winfield S. Irwin, in 1851. It had a good house on it; the old log house, made of yellow poplar, is still standing on the adjoining farm, and is still in an excellent state of preservation. Mrs. Smiley Irwin lived there for a period of fifty-eight years with the exception of three years spent in Nebraska, from 1865 to 1868. They took a homestead and bought additional lands, having sold the old farm, but upon returning to Putnam county, bought it back, ha\ing grown tired of the high winds and the undeveloped wild prairies. They moved to the present house in 1870. Mr. Irwin became prosperous and finally owned three hundred and forty acres, which he divided among his children. Mr. Irwin was a man of excellent business ability, honorable in all his dealings and a man whom every one liked who knew him. His death occurred August 31, 1895, ^^t^r a harmonious married life of forty-five years. Politically he was a Democrat and served at one time as justice of the peace. He was a faithful member of the Otter Creek Primitive Baptist church and was a deacon in the same. Two of his brothers, Isaac and Charles, were ordained ministers of the Baptist church and another brother, William, was ordained deacon. Mr. Irwin engaged in general farming and kept an excellent grade of stock. His family consisted of six sons and two daughters, namely: Henry Clay, who lived on an adjoining farm and died at the age of thirty-three years; George Edward died when twenty-six years old, unmarried; John Rowan lives at Oblong, Illinois: Winfield Scott, of this review, who lives on the old homestead; Robert Smiley is a fanner near Clinton Falls, Putnam countv; Isaac King is Hving in IMadison township; Susan Ellen married William White, of Chrisman, Illinois: :\Iary Louisa died in young womanhood.

district schools in the winter months - in fact, he spent most of his time at home until his marriage, when thirty-two years old, marrying Lizzie Wright on Alay 2 J, 1889. She was the daughter of Elder Ezekiel Wright and a full sketch" of her family is to be found on another page of this work.

Mr. Ir\-in has devoted his life to agricultural pursuits with gratifying results, having remained on the farm, purchasing the old homestead of one hundred and twenty acres which he has improved in many ways. He has devoted considerable attention to dairy stock. He is active in township politics and was assessor for a period of four years. He is committeeman of his precinct and is always to be found at the various conventions assisting his friends who are candidates for office. He has long been influential in local politics.

Mrs. Irwin is a member of the Christian church. Fraternally Mr. Irwin is a Mason. His home is of the comfortable, old-fashioned sort where hospitality is to be found. It is still graced by the serene presence of his aged mother, who, despite the vicissitudes of long years, is well preserved.

The family of this name originated in Scotland, but subsequently by emigration figured extensively in Virginia. Kentucky and Indiana. The traditional history is to the effect that two brothers left Scotland during the early half of the eighteenth century, crossed the ocean in a sailing ship, eventually -landed on the shores of America and found an abiding place in the colony of Virginia. William Hanna, a descendant of one of these immigrants, left his native Virginia to join the early pioneers of Kentucky, where he settled and lived until his death. He left a son. James M. Hanna. who was born in Shelby county. Kentucky, in January, 1800, and removed to Indiana in 1830. He settled in Montgomery county and there pursued his trade as a tanner until death overtook him in January, 1862. He married Sarah Wilcox, whose people emigrated to America from England and located in Shelby county. Kentucky, where she was born. There were twelve children by this union, those living being as follows: Adam. Thomas. George W^. and Martha E.. widow of David Xealy. of Waveland. James and Robert, two of the sons, were killed in the Civil war. The father died in 1862 and the mother, who was born in 1806, closed her career at the age of sixty-seven.

George W. Hanna, ninth of the family, was born at Waveiand, Montgomery county, Indiana, December 3, 1844. He lived on rlie farm until twelve years old, when his father bought a farm near Brown's Valley, in Montgomery county, and here he lived with his parents until the completion of his twenty-first year. In August, 186 1, Mr. Hanna. then a lad of fifteen, went to Lafayette and offered his services to his country in the great civil conflict then pending, but was refuseil on account of his tender age. His two older brothers. James and Robert, were accepted and both sacrificed their lives while taking part in the historic charge up Missionarv- Ridge. In 1S66 Mr. Hanna located on a fann near Morton, in Putnam county, where lie spent six years and then engaged in -the mercantile business at Morton in partnership with Walter Sewall. This firm continued for fifteen years when Mr. Hanna sold his interest and purchased the Sammy Darnell farm, which he still owns. On this place he lived until his removal to Greencastle in 1906 for the purpose of seeking retirement. For some years Mr. Hanna served as trustee of Clinton township. In 1895 he was elected to the lower house of the Indiana Legislature as a Republican and ser\ed with unusual credit. He was appointed as one of the commissioners that built the handsome new court house in 1904 and was complimented on all sides for the business judgment aufi integrity displayed in carrying out' that important trust. He served two terms as member of the advisory board of Monroe township and brought to the discharge of his duties the same good ju<lgment that had characterized him in other positions. He has always been a Republican and active and influential in the party ranks. He has attended every state convention for thirty years and never missed a countv convention since he was old enough to vote or shout for the ticket. He was secretary of the temperance organization which had charge of the campaign for local option in January, 1909, when Putnam countv was carried for the "drys" by a majority at one thousand five hundred. At present he holds the position of president of the Putnam Civic Union. He has always been foremost in upholding all moral causes and is a citizen without reproacli in all walks of life.

On December 5, 1S65, Mr. Hanna married Mary, daughter of James I. and Pollv Xel.son. of near Morton. Putnam county. Mr. and ^Irs. Hanna have had three children, but two died in infancy. Xellie, the sur\-iving daughter, is the wife of O. M. Tustison. a farmer residing near Morton. The parents are members of the College Avenue Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Hanna is a Knight Templar Mas<5n. The family enjoys the high social consideration and general esteem among a wide circle of acquaintances, both of the okler and younger generations.

The late Theodore ^McGinnis Layne. of Cloverdale. was long one of the leading citizens of Putnam county, and he is remembered as a man of rare force of character and business acumen, eminently deserving of the large success that attended his efforts, for success in this life does not often come to any except the deserving. It is an axiom demonstrated by all human experience, that a man gets out of this life what he puts into it, plus a reasonable interest on the investment. The individual who inherits a large estate and adds nothing to his fortune cannot be called a successful man. He that falls heir to a large fortune and increases its value is successful in proportion to the amount he adds to his possession. But the man \vho starts in the world unaided and by sheer force of will, controlled by correct principles, forges ahead and at length reaches a position of honor among his fellow citizens, achieves success such as representatives of the two former classes can neither understand nor appreciate. To a considerable extent the gentleman whose name forms the introduction of this sketch was a creditable representative of this class last named, a class which has furnished much of the bone and sinew of the country and added stability to the government and its institutions.

:\Ir. Layne was a native of Putnam county, born here on July 29. 1855, the son of Joseph and Sarah (^IcGinnis) Layne. an excellent and influential old pioneer family, the father a native of Indiana and the mother of Virginia. They came to this country in an early day and soon became well established and were known as people of high honor.

Young Theodore enjoyed the advantages of an excellent education in his vouth. having attended the common schools and later graduated from the Terre Haute Business College. He learned very rapidly, being an ambitious lad. and when only sixteen years of age. taught a very successful school at Poplar Grove, this county, and he continued in this line of endeavor for a period of eight years, during which time he gave the utmost satisfaction to both patron and pupil. But believing that the business world offered o-reater attractions and rewards for the exercise of his talents, he launched into the grocery business, in 1876, which he continued for a few vears with varving success, and up to the time of his death, which occurred on December 27. 1908, he was identified with the commercial interests of Cloverdale. in fact, was the leading business spirit of the place and did more for its upbuilding than any other citizen. He owned and operated a number of hardware stores and was familiarly known as the "hardware man." for years selling immense quantities of goods throughout this locality. He also did a great deal of general trading and bv persistency, close application to his individual affairs, keen foresight and honesty in his dealings with his fellow men he accumulated quite a fortune, owning at the time of his death, besides his Cloverdale interests, valuable farming lands, consisting of twelve hundred acres, but he managed all the large affairs with a masterly hand and made few mistakes, giving his personal attention to almost ever\- minute detail. He had a beautifully located, commodious and nicely furnished home, in which he took a great delight and which was known as a place of hospitality and good cheer to both friend and stranger, for ^Ir. Layne was something of the old-fashioned, genteel, hospitable gentleman, generous, kind, considerate and always ready to do his full share in promoting any worthy movement. Politically he was a Democrat, but he never sought public office. He was always active in church affairs, being a very religious man and philanthropical in church and other noble causes. He was a member of the ^^lasonic fraternity and he believed in carrying his religion and the sublime precepts of this lodge into his ever\-day life. He also belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America.

Air. Layne's happy and harmonious domestic life began on October 1876, when he married Mary Frances McCoy, a woman of many commendable traits who proved" to be of great encouragement to her worthy husband in his life work. She was the daughter of Andrew and Polly Anne (Berry) McCoy, both natives of Kentucky and early settlers in this county. :Mr. McCoy having owned the land where the town of Cloverdale now stands. He was long a prominent character in this vicinity and he and his family were highly esteemed.

Twelve children were born to :\rr. and Mrs. McCoy, three of whom survive, namely: ]\[rs. Theodore M. Layne. widow of the subject of this review; Alexander IMcCoy and Harrison McCoy. Mr. and Mrs. Layne's marriage was without issue but they have reared three orphan children. Clara Xicholas (deceased), Ethel and Lela, neices of .Mr. Layne. Ethel is now dead. Lela is the wife of James D. Alartin. a furniture dealer at Bedford, Indiana.

Henry Harrison Hillis

This name was familiar to two generations in Putnam county owing to the prominence and wide business achievements of him who bore it. He passed his h'fe in useful employment, developing the industries of the countv. giving employment to many men and adding to the general wealth. He was a strong character, upright, honest and square dealing. In fact Putnam countv never had a finer citizen than Henry Harrison Hillis, no one who did more to develop the county's resources. He was bom at Mount Pleasant, Putnam county. March 7. 1840. the son of Abraham and Elizabeth Peck Hillis. After the usual routine of children of the pioneers with its farm work, short terms of school in the winter seasons, young Hillis became a farmer, but soon concluded that this field was too narrow for him and that he could do much better in other lines. In 1861 he eno-ao-ed in the brick business at Oakalla, some six miles from Greencastle, and soon showed his aptitude for manufacture by the success he obtained. From a small beginning, he steadily increased his business until the output of his plant amounted annually to more than ten milhon brick. Mr. Hillis was of an ingenious turn of mind and was the inventor of the improved kiln.- It is estimated that not less than forty million brick are now standing in various Greencastle buildings, all of which were the product of Mr. Hillis' yards. This makes a stable monument to the memory of a man who is well worth remembering. Not content with the supervision of this valuable industry. Mr. Hillis branched out in other enterprises, all of which were beneficial to the public. He purchased and operated a large stone quarr\' just east of Greencastle. developed it into a fine paying property and did a large business over a wide scope of territory both local and interstate. He employed thirty men and always treated them with such fairness that they had for him the greatest esteem. In fact, it was often remarked that ^h. Hillis had .creat influence over his employes and this influence was always - exercised for their good. He himself was a model citizen in all respects and although he accumulated wealth, it did not spoil him, always being found bv those who approached him the same simple mannered, unpretentious man. wlio dealt squarely with everybody. Though a Republican in politics. Mr. Hillis was elected county treasurer in 1879 '" the Democratic countv of Putnam, which was a trilnite to his great personal popularitv. He was social in his disposition and bore his full share in pushing alon"- all movements calculated to better the community. His fraternal relations were with the Masons and Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he was always attentive to his lodge duties. For years he was a member of the Methodist church at Mount Pleasant and no one could ever say that he was not a true man in all the relations of life. When he died. May 14. 19CO, it was the universal remark that Putnam county had lost one of her most valuable citizens.

On February 27. iSfi". ^Ir. Hillis married Sarah E. O'Hair, member of an influential and widely distributed family. Her parents were James E. and Margaret ( Montgomerv-) O'Hair, who were generally and favorably known to all the people of the county (for further details of this family's history see sketch of Bascom O'Hair. published elsewhere in this \'olume). Mrs. Hillis is of distinguished ancestry, which entitles her to become a member of the patriotic order of Daughters of the American Revolution. James Theodore, born August 3. 1868. the eldest of the eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Hillis. is engaged in mining in British Columbia; Jennie, born June 4. 1881, died August 25, 1881 ; Emma Ethel, born May 26. 1883, died October 29. 1883: Margaret Elizabeth, born September 20. 1870. married Frank Shoptaugh and is a resident of Greencastle: Edward Babers. born September 5, 1872. died March 9. 1874: Alice Alma, born October 26. 1874. married A. C. Lockridge. of Roachdale. son of Robert Lockridge: Fred B.. born February 25. 1879. married Clara Caldwell, of Ladoga, and is engaged in the coal business in Greencastle and with Mr. Shoptaugh is engaged in well drilling: Albert, born October 31, 1876. died January 21. 1885.

Alexander S. Bryax

If it be true - and there is good authority for the statement - that one's environment has much to do in influencing his character, then the men who have had the good fortune to pass their lives in the midst of movements which have brought about the rapid development and remarkable advancement of Putnam county, might well be expected to have exhibited independence, self-reliance, enterprise and practical sagacity. In the life of the late and well remembered Alexander S. Bryan, long a prominent agriculturist and stock breeder of this county, were found to a marked degree the qualities above enumerated, his success having been based principally upon a prompt and judicious use of opportunity. But while he was \ery successful in the management of his individual affairs, he never neglected his duties to his neighbors and the general pubHc, but always stood ready to bear his just share in the march of progress; these commendable traits, together with his unswer^'ing integrity and honor upon all occasions, rendering him popular and influential as well in the community where he so long maintained his home.

^[r. Bryan was born of an excellent family in Bourbon county. Kentucky, September 18. 1824, the son of Alexander and Elizabeth (Parker) Bryan, the father of the former having been a soldier in the Revolutionary war; his name was James Bryan, and he was a noted character in his day. He came to Indiana in 1834 and settled in Marion township, Hendricks county. In that county his son. Alexander Bryan, father of the immediate subject of this re\-iew. took up the life of a pioneer citizen and developed in due course of time an excellent farm and a good home and remained there until 1S53, moving to Putnam county, Indiana, the following year; thus since 1854 the name Br\-an has been well known in this locality.

Alexander S. Br\an received a limited education, public schools in his youth being of a primitive sort and, besides, it was necessary for him to assist with the work of developing a farm in a new country. On April 10, 1849, he married Susan J. Farrow, daughter of Col. A. S. and Elizabeth (Xelson) Farrow, who came here in 1830. Colonel Farrow having for many years been one of the leading characters of this county, a complete sketch of whom appears on another page of this work. Colonel Farrow, father of Mrs. Bryan, was captured in the British and Indian war of 1812. He was a colonel in the "Home Guards"' during the war between the states. He was ever pronounced in his views against intemperance, as was also Mr. Bn,-an.

To ^Ir. and Mrs. Alexander S. Bryan the following named children were born: Belle (deceased) was the wife of E. X. Yates: James P.; Elizabeth is the wife of \\'alter Hamrick : Elvira is the wife of A. X'. Keller, of Sterling, Kansas: Flora (deceased); Marion f deceased ) ; Mary is the wife of John Stanlev, of Denver. Colorado; Auta (deceased) was the wife of Edgar Harris: Frederick, Jennie (deceased"). Pearl (deceased), and Frank.

INIr. Brvan. as has already been explained, was a ver\- successful farmer and stock man, breeding some of tlie best stock in the county, for which he alwavs found a ready sale. He operated a very valuable farm and was the owner of several hundred acres of as valuable land as the countv could boast: this he highly improved and very skillfully cultivated, giving it his personal attention along with his large livestock interests. He was a public-spirited man and always ready to lend his suppijrt to any measure looking' to the general good of the community, especially being interested in the success of the Republican party: however, he was no office seeker, preferring to devote his exclusive attention to his pri\-ate business affairs.

This excellent citizen, much liked neighbor, indulgent father and kind husband, was called to his reward on a higher plane of action, on June 27, iqoi. lamented by all who knew him. the community sustaining an irreparable loss.

Lawrence H. Athey

James H. Athey. founder of the family of this name in Indiana, deserves distinction as the man who built the tirst cabin in Putnam county. He was a native of Bourbon county, Kentucky, and first settled at Fort Harrison, in Vigo county. After remaining there two years he came to Putnam county in January, 1S18, and entered land in Washington township at the forks of Eel river. On this place, which is now owned by Ivan Huffman, the old Kentucky pioneer put up a rude log structure in which he made his home for manv years. John M. Coleman, another of the first pioneers, came to the United States with Grandfather Athey and located on adjoining land. Local histoiy may be said to have begun in this pioneer cabin, as the first court which was held in the county in 1S22 found shelter under Mr. Athey's roof, the records showing that he was allowed twelve dollars for the use of his premises. He married a Cunningham and had three children, the oldest of whom was Henry H. Athey, and survived to an advanced age before death overtook him. Henry H.. his son. was a native of Kentuckv and moved to Washington township when four years old. He married Mary Movers, of Putnam county, by whom he had ten children: Henrv H.: ]^Iarv P. Carr. of Lansing. Kansas: Lucinda. deceased: Lawrence H.: William D., of Lansing, Kansas: Xannie, Frances and Dora, deceased: RoI)ert. of Vigo county, Indiana: and Fl.ira, wife of J. H. Lohman, of Lansing, Kansas. The father died in Washington township November 22. 1893, eighty-one years of age.

Lawrence H. Athey. fourth of the family, was born in Washington township, Putnam county. Indiana. April 8. 1859. He remained on the farm until 1906, when he moved to Reelsville. In the same year he was nominated for countv recorder on the Democratic ticket and was elected.

Septemljer 8. 1907. he came to Greencastle and in January, 1908, assumed the office to which he had been elected. He has since been serving with entire acceptance to his constituents. He ranks as one of the soHd citizens of Putnam county, where his whole life has been spent, and enjoys general esteem aniong all the people of the county.

On November 25, 18S6, Mr. Athey married Mary E. McElroy. a native of Washington township. Putnam county. She is a daughter of Stephen C. and Isabella (Coltharp) McElroy. members of an old and well known familv. Mr. and Mrs. Athey are members of the Regular Baptist church and he is a Mason and Knight of Pythias.

Samuel Rightsell

It is with a great degree of satisfaction to the biographer when he averts to the interesting life of one who has made the rough path of life smooth bv his untiring perseverance, has attained success in any vocation requiring definiteness of purpose and determined action. Such a life, whether it be one of calm, consecutive endeavor or of sudden meteoric accomplishments, must abound both in lesson and incentive and prove a guide to the voung man whose fortunes are still matters for the future to determine. For manv years Samuel Rightsell. prominent agriculturist of Washington township, has directed his efforts toward the goal of success in Putnam county and by patient continuance has won pronounced success.

Mr. Rightsell was born on the farm on which he now lives, April 18, 1839, the son of George and Margaret (Sharp) Rightsell, both natives of Greene countv. eastern Tennessee, near Greenville, the county seat where President Andrew Johnson maintained a tailor shop when a young man. Thev grew to maturity and married there and in 1823 came to Union countv. Indiana, and in 183 1 moved to the farm in Putnam county where Samuel Rightsell now lives. He entered eighty acres from the government which is still a part of the home place. He began life in true pioneer fashion, first living in a rude hewn beech-log house. Prospering by hard work, he later bought an adjoining eighty, on which his son Samuel now lives, and after developing a good fami and making a comfortable living for his familv for many years, and becoming known in the township as an honest and industrious farmer of the best type, he was summoned to his reward on January i. 1865. at the age of sixty-four years and six months, his widow sur\i\ing until March 30. 1874. at the age of sixty-nine. He finally became the owner of four hundred and fifty-seven acres, all in a bodv. with fortv acres of Ixittom land on the Eel river. He devoted his attention exclusively to his fann, leading a quiet life, highly respected, for he was a first class citizen in e\'ery respect.

To Mr. and Mrs. George Rightsell five sons and three daughters were born, namely : William remained on the home farm with Samuel, ds'ing on January 23, 1905, at the age of seventy-four years; James lives in Cloverdale township; John married Mary Neese and lived all his life in Cloverdale and \\'ashington townships, and he is now tleceased; Samuel, of this review; Howard is a farmer near Hannony, Clay county. Indiana; Louisa Ann married Edward Huffman, a sketch of whose family appears on another page of this work under the caption of Douglas Huffman; Matilda has remained single and is keeping house for Samuel; Mary married James McCullough. of Washington township, and is now deceased, being buried on the Rightsell homestead.

William. Samuel and Matilda Rightsell were left together on the home farm. lia\ing bought out the other children. The home place now consists of three hunflred and sixty acres, which has been well kept and carefully tilled. Mr. Rightsell being a good manager and with general farming he raises some good stock of various kinds, he and his brother William having been successful feeders for years, always finding a ready market for their stock.

About twenty-two years ago Mr. Rightsell built an attractive, commodious and comfortable house, standing on an elevation from which a fine \iew may be obtained.

George W. Starr. M. D.

The life of Dr. George \\'. Starr, a well known and highly honored druggist at Bainbridge. Putnam county, has always been led along a plain of high endeavor, always consistent with the truth in its higher forms and ever in keeping with honorable principles. He is the scion of sterling ancestors who did much in their dav for the communities in which they lived.

and Doctor Starr is a worthy descendant of his forbears. Thus for many reasons, not the least of which is the fact that he was one of the patriotic sons of the North who, when the tocsin of war sounded, left his comfortable hearthstone and business to do what he could in saving the national Union, he is gladly given conspicuous representation in this work. Such a man is a credit to any community and his life forcibly illustrates what energy and consecutive endeavor can accomplish when directed and governed by sound principles.

Dr. George W. Starr was born January 23. 1S48. on his father's farm, one and one-half miles northeast of Bainbridge. He is the son of John and Mary (Xethercutt) Starr, the father born August ^,0, 1818, and the mother March 6, 1816, the father in Preble county and the mother in Union county, Ohio. Each family were pioneers and highly honored in their respective communities. John Starr received a good education and devoted his life to the law, becoming an able and noted attorney in his day. having begun the practice of law in Putnam county on February 13, 1845. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, a truly useful and honorable man who took a delight in the progress of his community in all lines.

The family of Mr. and Mrs. John Starr consisted of six children, named as follows: William E. ; George \V., of this review: ]\Iartha A., James W., Moses Milton and Mary Alice.

Doctor Starr received an excellent education in the home schools and, being ambitious to enter the medical profession, he began studying to that end, first entering the drug business in Bainbridge in 1870, building up a verv satis factorv business which continued to increase from year to year. In point of resistance he is the oldest citizen in Bainbridge and he has done much for the town's advancement along all lines.

Doctor Starr is a graduate of the Indiana Medical College, and after fullv equipping himself for this calling he practiced for a period of three years in Clay county, Indiana, then came to Putnam county.

The Doctor's militarv record is one of which he may well be proud. He enlisted in Companv I, One Hundred and Fifteenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantrv. in 1S63, when only fifteen years old, anil served eight months. Then he enlisted in the Eighteenth Indiana Battery and ser\-ed till the close of the war. He saw much active and trying service in Tennessee. Alabama and Georgia, was in the Atlanta campaign, taking part in many severe battles and skirmishes.

Putnam Cocxty, Ixdiaxa. 65I

union resulted in the birth of one child. Fred AT. Starr, a professor in Tri- State College, at Angola, Indiana. He was born November 21, 1879. After the death of the Doctor's first wife, which occurred June i. 1881, he married Julia A. Springer, on July 19, 1SS7. She was the daughter of Rilev and Susan ( Smith) Springer, a well known family, a historv- of which is given elsewhere in this volume. To them have come one child. Elizabeth Mabel, born October 20. 18S7. She is the wife of Roy M. Eads of Roachdale, Indiana. She is a gra.luate of DePauw University.

Doctor Starr has been very successful from a financial standpoint, having managed his affairs well and laid by an ample competency for his declining vears. He is the owner of large and valuable tracts of land which he looks after; however, he is now living practically retired from active business. He has held all the offices in Post No. 463. Grand Army of the Republic, at Bainbridge, of which he is now adjutant. He has won and retained the confidence and respect of the people of this community as a result of his exemplary life and he has hosts of warm friends throughout the county. Doctor and Mrs. Starr are members of the ^Methodist church, and the Doctor is one of the trustees and superintendent of the Sunday .school.

Greeley Richard Huffman

Greelev Richard Huffman is a member of the old and well known Huffman family which has figured so prominently in the affairs of Putnam county since the pioneer period, being the youngest of the twelve children of Edmund and Louisa Ann (Rightsell) HufTman. who are mentioned elsewhere in these pages. He was born on the family homestead one mile south of Reelsville. June 23, 1S73. and grew to maturity in close touch with nature, attending the meantime the district schools. His educational training, however, was more practical than scholastic, consisting largely of the knowledge of men and things obtained by contact with the world, and in all that constitutes a well informed and evenly balanced mind, he stands today a notable example among the intelligent men of his community. Mr. Huffman was early instructed in the duties of the farm and grew up in the belief that labor is honorable and that idleness even among those not obliged to work for a livelihood is akin to disgrace. He assisted in the cultivation of the farm as soon as his ser\-ices could be utilized and remained with his father until his twenty-third year, receiving in the meantime two hundred acres of fine land in the division of his father's large estate. Removing to this land about 1893, he at once inaugurated a series of improvements which in due time were carried to completion and since then he has added to his possessions until he is now the owner of a valuable farm of three hundred acres, all bottom land of great fertility and admirably adapted to agriculture and pasturage. The land lies on both sides of Walnut creek, which affords ample water and drainage and, under the masterful management of the proprietor, it has been brought to a very high state of cultivation, ranking among the most productive farms in Putnam county and with its splendid improvements making a model and in every- respect desirable home.

Mr. Huffman has not been content with the ample start in life which his father gave him but, like a wise and prudent man, has managed his affairs so judiciously as to increase his holdings and add largely to their value. Forceful, energetic and progressive, he has forged rapidly to the front among the leading agriculturists of his part of the state and from the beginning his career presents a series of advancements and successes such as few attain. Like the majority of enterprising farmers, he does not depend upon crops alone for his income but devotes a goodly portion of his land to pasturage, for which, as already indicated, the land is peculiarlv adapted. He has achieved distinctive success in the matter of livestock, raising high-grade cattle and hogs which he feeds from the farm, realizing from this service alone handsome profits, to say nothing of the returns from the products of the soil which he markets every year.

Mr. Huffman believes in using his means so as to accomplish the greatest possible good, to which end he has not been sparing in providing those dependent upon him with the comforts and luxuries of life. His first consideration in this respect was the home, in the construction of which he devoted not a little time and money in making it one of the most desirable country residences in the township. Within its walls reigns a spirit of domestic concord which makes it a home in fact as well as name and it is also the abode of old-fashioned hospitality which all who cross its threshhold have learned.

'Sir. Huffman is alive to all that benefits the community and is helpful to his fellow men and is not unmindful of the duties which every true citizen owes to the public. He manifests a lively interest in political matters and votes with the Democratic party, but has never sought ofiice nor aspired to any kind of public distinction. The Knights of Pythias and Modem Woodmen represent his fraternal relations and in addition to these orders he is a friend of the church and school, believing that knowledge and religion

The domestic life of Mr. Huffman dates from August 28, 1901, at which time he was happily married to Belle Combs, daughter of Stacy and Sarah Combs, of Washington township, the union being blessed with one son. who answers to the name of Earl Huffman. Mrs. Huffman has proven a fit companion and helpmate to her energetic husband, being a lady of practical intelligence and unexceptional character, an excellent housekeeper and moving in the best social circles of the community. She is not only the reigning spirit of the home, but enjoys the confidence of her neighbors and friends and exerts a wholesome moral influence among all with whom she mingles. ]\Irs. Huffman taught school in Washington township for six vears.

Daxiel Craft

Among the prosperous and influential fanners and stockmen of the southern part of Putnam county is Daniel Craft, owner of a beautiful and valuable landed estate in ^^'ashington township where he is ranked as a model farmer and citizen. He was born in Logan county. Ohio, |uly 22, 1842. the son of Peter and Elizabeth (Funk) Craft, both natives of \'irginia, from which state they came to Ohio in an early day with their parents, grew to maturity in the Buckeye state, met and married there. Daniel Craft accompanied his parents to Owen county. Indiana, in iStI. locating southeast of Bowling Green, later mox'ed to Patricksburg. that county, where his death occurred at the age of se\enty-two years. There were nine children in this family, six of whom reached maturity, four of them li\ing at this writing, namely: Abraham, living in Harvey county. Kansas: Daniel, of this re\-iew : Susan, who lives in Patricksburg, and Margaret Frances, who resides at Lewis, Aigo county, Iniliana.

Daniel Craft left home when seventeen years of age and worked as a hired hand on a farm for two years until he could get a start, at sixtv dollars per year: howe\'er, he could save but little out of so meager a wage. He then learned the tanner's traile in Bowling Green, Clay county, and followed the same for a period of three years, receiving one hundred and twentv dollars per year and board, and he became quite proficient in this line. At the end of three years he was able to buy a house beside his clothing, etc. He then started a tannery at Patricksburg in company with his uncle. Abra- ham Funk, who suppHed the capital, which partnership continued successfully for two years, when they closed out, realizing a profit of about one thousand dollars as a reward for Mr. Craft's persistent labor and skill, this sum proving to be of great advantage to him just at that time; but he then worked in a saw mill for a time, after which he began farming, renting, for a period of five years, the farm in Washington township, Putnam county, which he now owns, the place having formerly been owned by Elias Garner, and is located on Alill creek and the Eel river in the southern part of the county. At the expiration of the rented term he bought the place, which consists of two hundred and twenty-four acres, for which he paid the sum of seven thousand and six hundred dollars, assuming a debt of all but one thousand dollars, paying six per cent, interest. He proved to be a good manager and a hard worker and greatly improved the place from year to year, paying off the entire debt in fifteen years. He has cleared thirtv acres, leaving forty acres of the original natural timber; he has about ninetv acres of rich corn land. He carries on general farming, but his principal dependance is in hogs, which he raises for the market in large numbers. He has prospered and has added a splendid tract of two hundred and ninety acres, just south of his original farm, operating two places as one. His fields are well tilled, well kept and highly improved and he has a substantial, comfortable and imposing dwelling, built at the foot of a high bluff, near some delicious crystal springs, not far from the river.

Mr. Craft was married September i, 1864, in Clay county, to Thursy Jane Crouse. a native of Clay county and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Crouse, her father having operated a water mill on Eel river on a farm above the Craft place, his mill being a popular one for a number of years. It was known as the Kinsley mill, one of the oldest in the country and it is still standing, one of the old mill-stones now gracing the front yard at Mr. Craft's home.

Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Craft, two of whom died in infancy, the others reaching maturity, namely: Van Milroy is farming in Washington township; Zora Frances is not married and is living at home; Lucretia Florence is married to John Baumunk and is living in Washington township; Minnie Mercy married Robert Evans and is living in Washington township; Carrie Belle married Wesley Neese. a farmer of Vigo county; Curtis Theodore is operating part of the homestead: Ursula Ann married David Modisett, of Harmony, Clay county; Isaiah Henry is also assisting in the management of the home fami : Benjamin Carl is still a member of the familv circle.

Daniel Craft served one term as justice of the peace in a verv- acceptable manner. Being an independent tliinker. he is not aUied to any party, preferring to vote for the man of the best principles and qualifications. He has been a follower of the teachings of the Christian church, and he holds membership with the Mill Creek congregation, being a liberal supporter of the local church, and known as one of the community's leading citizens in every respect.

Moses Dillon Bridges

Putnam county has had few finer citizens than the late Moses Dillon Bridges, whose whole career of sixty-odd years was identified with the county's development and progress. He was a man of very active life and useful in many ways; whether it was politics, merchandising or general business, he was always at the front to have his say and do his part. His long life was lived without a blemish to mar his integrity or stain his character. He dealt honestly with all. never asking a cent more than was coming to him. He was successful in e\erything he undertook, which after all is the severest test of a man's ability, if not his worth. Aloses Dillon Bridges was born at Greencastle, Indiana, in Xox'eniber. 1S39, when the village and Putnam county were still undeveloped. His parents, Moses Thomas and Mary (\'ansant) Bridges, were among the earliest of the early pioneers, coming over from Kentucky when Indiana was little more than a wilderness. Like many of the pioneers, he was forced by circumstances to become a sort of "jack of all trades," being a farmer, merchant and shoemaker. For many years he conducted a general store at Fillmore, Putnam county. His son. 3.Ioses Dillon, grew up on a farm at a time when school advantages were difficult to obtain. Such as they were, however, run on the subscription order with the teacher "boarding around," young Bridges took advantage of at brief intervals until he was sixteen years old. His father started him in the general merchandising business at Groveland and also gave him an interest in the store at Fillmore. Though young at the time, he soon "caught on" and gradually de\eloped into a successful merchant for those days, which was before trusts, combines and comers had been heard of and all business was conducted on the basis of the freest kind of free competition. In 1874 he removed to Greencastle, was elected county clerk, served four years, was re-elected and afterwards made his residence at the county seat. In office he showed the same fine qualities as in other positions and so conducted official affairs as to gain the good will and confidence of ail the people. He entered the Central National Bank as cashier and was subsequently elected to the position of vice-president. Here, too, in entirely new duties he showed his levelheaded qualities and his knowledge of general business, as well as that intricate problem known as human nature. He liked the storm and struggle of political campaigns, took active part, in all the hotly contested battles and was acknowledged as one of the foremost and safest of the Democratic local leaders. He rose to the Knight Templar degree in Masonry and was regular in his lodge attendance. He was a member of the Christian church and one of the board of trustees, always manifesting interest in the cause of religion.

Mr. Bridges married Maude Roberts, who was born in Hendricks countv in January, 1848. Her parents, John S. and Martha Anna (Hopwood) Roi^erts, were natives of Kentucky, who came to Indiana in an early day. Her father was a furniture maker by trade, of Welsh descent, and her ancestors were Scotch-Irish on the mothers side. Mr. and Mrs. Moses Dillon Bridges had seven children: Ollie, born June 10, 1871. married Fred Gordon, of Indianapolis; Grace Pearl, bom July i, 1873, married Dr. R. J. Gillespie, a dentist at Greencastle; Hallie, born September 5, 1876, married Dr. J. M. King, one of the well known physicians of Greencastle; Nellie married S. C. Savers, a merchant of Greencastle; Hazel, bom December 22, 1883, is still living under the parental roof; Harold Moses, born September 26, 1887, died on Januarv 5. 1892; Gerald, born February 6, 1S92, is attending the public schools.

It is a pleasure to examine the life record of such a useful character as the Rev. James \V. Carver, for it has been one of unselfish endeavor to ameliorate the condition of his fellow men and the good he has done cannot be measured in metes and bounds, for such influence is far-reaching and will continue to brighten the pathways of many for generations to come.

Mr. Carver was born of an excellent family in Parke county, Indiana, May 2, 1854. His father was Benjamin Durham Carver, a native of Danville, Kentucky, who came to Indiana with his parents when four years old, his father, Starling Carver, coming to Indiana and settling near Russellville, later near Portland Mills. He was a farmer and lived in this country the rest of his life, dying in October, 1869, at the age of sixty-eight years. He was one of tlie early workers in the Methodist church and widely known as a great "class leader." For many years he was trustee of Green township, Parke county. He married Jane Durham, of near Danville, Kentucky, at which place her brother. Milton J. Durham, who is the oldest graduate of De- Pauw University, still lives. He has long been a noted politician and was comptroller of the currency during Cleveland's administration. He is a lineal descendant of the famous Governor Carver of colonial days. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Starling Carver. Mrs. Carver was called to her rest May 3. 1S89, at the age of eighty-three years.

William Carver, father of Starling Carver, came from Virginia to Kentucky and thence to Illinois. The former's father was Joseph Carver, a New Yorker who later in life moved to Virginia. Not one of the Carvers from Joseph to James \\". has ever used liquors or played cards. A notable feature of this family is the fact that they are all physically large. The father of James \V., Benjamin Durham Carver, lived at Morton from 1867 His death occurred December 19. 1897, at the age of seventy years, having been born in Eoyle county, Kentucky, July 4. 1827. He came to Russell ville. Putnam county, in 1 83 1. In 185 1 he married Margaret Frances Johnson, born in Kentucky, from which state her parents removed to Parke county, Indiana. He joined the Methodist church in his twentieth year. As steward, class leader, Sunday school superintendent and trustee he rendered the church splendid service, bringing to the discharge of each duty virtue, piety and discreet judgment, and he became one of the best men in his community. On the day of his death, which was Sunday, he taught a class in Sunday school anrl closed the morning service with a fervent prayer, took the preacher home with him for dinner and the end came while he was stooping over to re-kindle the fire in the old-fashioned fireplace, which he was very fond of, practically "dying in the harness." ^Many laymen have doubtless excelled him in special lines of church work, but in all lines, both secular and spiritual, his equal was seldom found.

Of the nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Durham Can-er, four are now living, namely: James W., of this review: Clay B.. of Rockville; Mrs. Sallie Ferguson, also of Rockville: Oscar R., of Morristown, Tennessee; Oliver :Morton was killed by a horse falling on him when he was thirty-two vears of age: Martha Ella died in young womanhood; Malcolm died in 1877; Nettie died in 1872; Edgar died in 1877.

Tames \\". Carver spent his childhood on the farm where he was born and which he worked, except during the short winter months when he was in (42) school until he was twenty-two years of age, having received a ver\- good primary schooling in the country schools. Ambitious to become highly educated, he spent six years in DePauw University, graduating in the class of 1876. In that vear he went to Des Moines, Iowa, where he entered the Simpson Law School, in which he remained for one year, having read law before going there. He located in Boone, Iowa, where he remained for a period of four years. He started out with a very satisfactory clientele and had he continued in the legal profession he would have doubtless become widely known as an able attorney. He was admitted to practice by the supreme court. He was compelled to relinquish this profession on account of losing the use of his voice for fc.nir vears.. He spent one year at Sidney, Iowa, and about four years on a farm near Ida Grove, Iowa. In 1882 he began preaching, becoming a member of the Xortluvest Iowa conference of the Methodist Episcopal church, preaching first at Battle Center, Iowa, for two years, then he went to ]\It. Union, that state, where he remained one year, then at Gushing one year, thence to Rock for two years, then to Ledyard two years, then Pierson for two years, later to Holstein, then Danbury. He returned to Greencastle, Indiana, in 1S99, when his health failed and retired from the active ministry, taking up farming; however, he has continued to preach when able, being at present pastor of the church at Knightsville. During his ministerial career he has baptised over two thousand six hundred persons and during the past eleven vears, since retirement, over nine hundred, six hundred by immersion. He is regarded as a ver}- forceful speaker, earnest, sincere and often truly eloquent, and he is always ready to minister to the sick and do good in any way possible. He has been very popular wherever his lot has been cast and held in the highest esteem by all classes. He served two years in the city council, - 1904 to 1906. Since coming to Greencastle he has given his attention very largely to orchard culture, having now one of the finest orchards in Indiana. He has studied horticulture until he is regarded as exceptionally well versed in all its phases, in fact, an authority. Views of his orchard appear in the report of the Indiana Horticultural Society. His orchard comprises sixty acres of very valuable land, which raised over twelve hundred bushels of apples and over three hundred bushels of peaches during 1909. He has been unusually successful in producing fine crops. He has a pleasant and nicely furnished home, equipped with a large and carefully selected librarv of the world's choicest literature, where Mr. Can-er spends much of his spare time.

Mr. Carver was married on July 29, 1S79. to Louisa Webb, born in Ohio, the accompHshed and refined daughter of Spencer C. and Jemima (Street) Webb, both natives of Bahimore. Four children born to this union died early in life.

Mr. Carver is a member of ^Morton blue lodge and the Greencastle chapter and commandery of the Masonic fraternity, and he was prelate of the commandery for eight years. Like his religion, he has carried the sublime precepts of this ancient order into his everyday life. Politically he is a Republican, as was also his father.

As might be expectetl, the subject is a man of the most excellent personal traits, courteous, generous, obliging, hospitable, genial and kind to stranger and friend alike, so that it is indeed a pleasure to know him, and especially to be enlightened by his learned and entertaining conversation. He has been a power for good and he never loses an opportunity to be of service to his fellow men, not for their praise but merely for the sake of fulfilling the commands of the lowly Nazarene, in whose footsteps he finds great pleasure in trving to tread, and whose approval and that of his own conscience he alone tries to gain and reconcile, not seeking the plaudits of men.

Xotwithstanding opinions to the contrary, much depends upon being well born, and the old adage that "Blood will tell" is not only true but profoundly philosophical. In a large measure we are what our antecedents were, their characteristics and attributes as a rule constituting a heritage which have had a powerful influence in moulding our lives for good or evil. "Like produces like." a recognized law of the physical world, also obtains in matters of mind and morals, as the experience of the human race abundantlv attest. That parents have a wonderful influence upon the minds and hearts of their offspring cannot for a moment be gainsaid, hence the necessitv of measuring up to the high standard which both nature and God require of fatherhood and motherhood. In matter of birth the subject of this sketch has indeed been fortunate, inheriting as he does the sterling characteristics of his ancestors, who were long distinguished for strong mentality, intellectual acumen and moral worth. His father, John M. Williamson, a native of Ireland and a son of a merchant, was educated in the L'niversitv of Dublin with the object in view of entering the ministi-v of the church of England, but, circumstances preventing him from carrying his intention into effect, he subsequently became a teacher and achieved marked distinction in educational work. He came to the United States when young and for some time thereafter taught in Cincinnati, later accepting a professorship in a college, which he held with distinguished success until his removal to Indiana some years afterwards. While in Cincinnati he became acquainted with Maria James, an intelligent and highly accomplished young lady who like himself was engaged in teaching and to whom he was subsequently united in the bonds of wedlock.

Airs. Williamson was a native of England, which country her father, the Hon. James James, represented as a minister at the court of Norway and Sweden, having been a man of eminent talents and one of the leading statesmen and diplomats of his day. He died in the land of his birth, sometime after which his widow and daughters came to the United States and located at Cincinnati ; one of the daughters, Helen James, subsequently completed the prescribed course of Oberlin College and became a teacher. She was employed in various parts of Ohio and Indiana and was one of the early teachers of Putnam county where she taught for a number of years and where som.e of her pupils, now venerable gray-haired men and women, still live to honor her memor\'.

Shortly after their marriage, John M. Williamson and wife moved to Franklin county, Indiana, where their oldest child was born and where they continued to make their home until 1854 when they changed their residence to Putnam county, locating on the farm in Washington township which Mr. Williamson purchased and on which he and his faithful wife spent the remainder of their days. Mr. Williamson was in many respects a remarkable man and it is to be hoped that some future biographer will give him the notice, which he deserves, but which the limits of this article forbid. As alreadv indicated, he was highly educated and accomplished and during his entire life he never ceased being a student. While attending to the duties of the farm he studied soils and their adaptability to the different crops, made careful notes of every kind of plant and vegetable the place produced and his love of nature also led him to spend much of his leisure in the woods, meadows and along the by-ways, where in due time his investigations made him one of the most thorough and accomplished botanists and naturalists the state of Indiana has ever known. It is greatly to be reo-retted that he did not publish the results of his studies and investigations, for had he done so science would have received a wonderful stimulus from his active and brilliant mind. He not only pursued his investigations in matters as above mentioned, but was also a great reader, his knowledge of the world's best literature of all ages and among all peoples having been wide and profound. With all his varied accomplishments, he was an humble and sincere Christian, a devout student of the sacred scriptures, who exemplified his religious faith in his relations with his fellowmen. and it was his custom morning and evening to gather his family about him to thank God for the blessings of which they were the recipients. In public matters he always kept abreast of the times and in touch with the leading questions and issues before the people, on all of which he was thoroughly informed and an authority among his neighbors and friends.

Although not a very practical farmer. Mr. Williamson was nevertheless possessed of fine business ability and succeeded in accumulating a comfortable competency for his family, including three hundred acres of fine land much of which was cleared and fitted for cultivation by his own labor. He was a man of noble aims and high ideals and his influence was ever for the right side of every moral issue. He presented the highest type of manhood and citizenship and his life was a benediction and a power for good among those with whom his lot was cast. The death of this excellent man occurred on the 6th day of January. 1866. at the age of sixty-six years, his widow surviving him twenty-six years and departing this life in 1892. shortly before the eightieth anniversan." of her birth.

John M. and ^Nlaria Williamson were the parents of six children, namely: Mary M.. who married Joseph ]\Iann and moved to Oklahoma, where both afterwards died: William H.. of this review; George, who went to Clay City. Indiana, about thirty years ago, where he was engaged in the grain trade until his recent removal to California, where he now resides; Henrs-. who died when a young man of twenty-three; John, who has spent the last twenty years in California, and Emma, who married Samuel Brownrigg and moved to Kansas, thence to California, where she now resides, the subject being the only representative of the family in Putnam county.

William H. Williamson spent his early life on the home farm in Washington township, and received his educational training in the public schools. Blessed with excellent home influence, he grew up with good habits and while young received the bent of character which has had such a marked influence in directing his life in proper channels and developing a mind capable of grasping the various problems which one meets at the beginning of his career. He assisted his father until the latter's death, when he began buying his brothers' and sisters' respective interests in the estate, which being accomplished in due time, he afterwards added one hundred eight acres to the homestead, making the place four hundred five acres, its present area. His farm Hes in a body extending across Deer creek, adjacent to \vhich is some fine bottom land, the part in cultivation amounting to one hundred twenty-five acres, the balance consisting of pasturage and timber. The latter he has been at pains to keep intact and he now has a considerable area of original forest growth, in which are to be seen some of the finest oak. maple, walnut, poplar, beech and other varieties of trees in this part of the state.

Mr. Williamson has a model farm and as a tiller of the soil he is progressive in his methods and fully abreast of the times in all matters relating to modern agriculture. He usually raises from eighty to one hundred acres of wheat, a grain for which the farm seems peculiarly adapted, and about twenty-five acres of corn, all of which he feeds to livestock, to the breeding and raising of which he devotes special attention. He is also much interested in horticulture and has one of the best orchards in the county, which he set out himself, exercising great care in the selection of his trees and sparing no pains in keeping them in healthful condition in order to enhance their productiveness. Mr. Williamson's splendid modern dwelling, furnished with all the latest conveniences, occupies a fine location and is one of the most beautiful and attractive rural homes in Putnam countv. His former home was destroyed by fire in 1884, since which time he has guarded against a repetition of the loss by making his present residence as nearly fire-proof as possible, and using for heating purposes a furnace instead of stoves. He has been unsparing in the expenditure of money for the beautifying of his place, believing that home should be made attractive in order to be the one ideal spot to which his children's memories will fondlv return after they have grown to maturity and left the family circle. For a number of years Mr. Williamson was quite extensively engaged in the manufacture of maple syrup, having a fine orchard of twentyfive acres, containing five hundred trees, the yield from which each spring season added very materially to his earnings. Recently, however, he discontinued this feature of the farm the better to give his attention to other and more profitable interests.

Like his father, Air. Williamson is an intelligent observer of events, a reader and thinker and his opinions on the questions of the day carry weight and command respect. He is a Republican, but not a partisan and has never disturbed his quiet by seeking office or aspiring to leadership. He manifests a lively interest in the welfare of the community, gives his influence and assistance to any worthy enterprise for the good of his fellow men and dis-

On Febrnan' 9. 1879. Mr. "W'ilhamson was united in marriage with Airs. Maty L. Hedges, widow of the late W. H. Hedges, of Putnam county, and daughter of B. F. and Louisa { Harvey) Utterback. natives of Bourbon county. Kentucky, the father by trade a saddler and harnessmaker. These parents moved to Indiana in 1S52 and located at Putnamville. where Mrs. Williamson was born on February nth of the same year, but subsequently. 1S64. thev changed their residence to Manhattan, still later to Reelsville where Mr. Utterback died September 15. 1S87. at the age of sixty-three, his widow surviving him until June 15. 1909. when she was called to her final reward in the seventy-ninth year of her age. \\'. H. Hedges. ^Nlrs. Williamson's first husband, was a graduate of Indiana State University and a civil engineer bv profession, having been official surveyor of Putnam county at the time of his death in 1877.

yir. and ^Irs. Williamson have children as follows: Fred D.. who is interested with his father in agriculture and stock raising, is an intelligent, wide-awake voung man of progressive ideas and an enterprising farmer and public spirited citizen: he holds membership with the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the blue lodge at Knistville and the chapter at Greencastle. Belle, the second in order of birth, married Elijah O'Xeal and is the mother of three children. Florence. Albert and Everett, the oldest and youngest living with their grandmother. Florence, the youngest of the family, is the wife of T. F. Talbot and lives at Harristown. Illinois: Mrs. Williamson has been a member of the Baptist church since her girlhood, both she and her husband belonging to the Walnut Creek church of that denomination in Washington township, being deeply interested in the various lines of worth under the auspicies of the organization and libera! contributors to its support.

Charles J. Arnold

Charles J. Arnold, the efficient secretary-treasurer of the Star-Democrat Publishing Company of Greencastle. and one of the active managers and editors of the H'cckly Star-Democrat and the Daily Herald, was born in Greencastle. January Ji. 1S79. the son of F. A. and Elizabeth ( Boley) Arnold. The father was a native of London. Canada, from which place he came to Putnam county. Indiana, over forty years ago. He became a man of influence and prominence in this county after taking up his residence here. Up to 1907 and for many years previous he was editor and pubhsher of the newspaper now controlled jointly by his son and his sonin-law. Charles J. Arnold and Francis C. Tilden. F. A. Arnold is now vicepresident of the Central National Bank and one of Greencastle's leading and substantial citizens.

Charles J. Arnold was educated in the public schools of Greencastle and at BePauw University, where he made a good record for scholarship. On leaving college he turned his attention to journalism and for some time was a member of the reportorial stafif of the Kansas City Star and also the Kansas Citv Journal. He soon evinced a natural aptitude for newspaper work and in October, 1906, he returned to Greencastle and became interested in the Jl'ccklv Star-Democrat and Daily Herald, the former the official organ of the Putnam county Democracy, and the latter an enterprising and popular daily. His services with these newspapers has greatly benefited the community in general and the Star-Democrat and Daily Herald are potent moulders of public opinion.

Mr. Arnold is secretary of the Greencastle Merchants' Association and is also secretary of the Indiana Democratic Editorial Association. He is a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is a well bred, agreeable, forceful and energetic voung man. of agreeable personal graces and unquestionable business abilitv.

The subject of this sketch enjoys the distinction of being the leading contractor and builder in the southern part of Putnam county and in the pursuance of his trade has doubtless contriI)uted more to the material prosperity of his section of the county than any other man. He is a native of Massac countv, Illinois, where his birth occurred on the first day of Januarv, 1842. and where his parents. Jacob and Eliza (Summers) Plummer, of Kentucky, had settled in the year 1837. When Jacob was an infant, these parents returned to Kentucky and remained in Kenton county, that state, until i860, when they removed to Greencastle. Indiana, where the father lived in retirement about eight vears. at the end of which time he changed his residence to \\"ashington township, where he made his home until his removal to Vigo county, where his death occurred in 1902, at the age of seventy-nine years, his wife dying sometime previous to that date in Clay count}'.

Jacoli C. Pluminer was about eighteen years old when his parents came to Indiana and since i860 he has been an honored resident of Putnam county and closely identified with the interests of the people among whom he has lived. While still a youth he manifested a decided preference for mechanical work and it was not long until he turned his talent to good account by taking up the trade of carpentry, at which he soon became quite proficient and to which his energies have since been devoted. In 1868 he came to Washington township, Putnam county, where he at once took high rank as a mechanic and in the month of March, 1880, he moved to his present farm, fifty acres of which are in cultivation, the remainder consisting of woodland and meadow. Air. Plummer devotes little time to the cultivation of the soil, being, as already indicated, the leading contractor and builder of his part of the county, with enterprises on hand which call him from home and demand all his attention. The majority of the better farm dwellings, barns and other buildings in Washington township were erected under his management and elsewhere throughout the county in both towns and rural districts are numerous edifices which bear the stamp of his workmanship. Among the many country residences which he has built from time to time are those belonging to George Rissler, John Rightsell. Jack Huft'man, James Rightsell, George Zeener, Vincent McCollough, John Rissler and many others, all of which rank among the best structures of the kind in the county and speak volumes in his praise as a master of his vocation. He has also erected a number of school houses, churches and other public edifices, the demands for his services being such as to call for a number of additional helpers. Of recent years he has carried on several buildings at the same time and given employment to from eight to fifteen mechanics and at intervals has conducted his business in partnership with R, E. Ozment. a master workman who learned the trade under his direction.

Mr. Plummer, on Mav i, 1S64, was happily married to Luella Shoptaugh. sister of George Shoptaugh, ex-superintendent of the Putnam county poor asylum. Mrs. Plummer was born on the old Shoptaugh fann, in Marion township, August 26, 1834, and belongs to one of the earliest and best known pioneer families of that part of the county. Three children ha\e blessed the union of Mr. and INlrs. Plummer, the oldest being Arthur,

Laura Ethel, the second in order of birth, taught for a number of years in the public schools and achieved marked distinction in that profession. She began her educational work before becoming the wife of Prof. John R. Starr, of \Vinaniac, and also spent a part of her married life in the school room, her husband being principal of the commercial college at Marshalltown, Iowa. Mrs. Starr was a woman of fine mind and her lamenteil death, four years after her marriage, terminated what promised to be an unusually brilliant career.

Bessie Lee, the youngest of the subject's family, married Jack Huffman and lives in Washington township, a sketch of her husband appearing on another page of this work.

Early in life ^Mr. Plummer resolved to master the vocation to which his energies have been directed and that he has done so is apparent to those at all familiar with his work. He easily stands in the front rank among the builders of his part of Indiana, and since engaging in his life work he has instructed (|uite a number of young men in carpentry, among whom Rufus E. Ozment and Ernest Matthews are perhaps the best known and most proficient. Mr. Plummer has a pleasant home and is well situated as far as material wealth is concerned, being in comfortable circumstances with sufBcient means to insure his future against the proverbial "rainy day"' which overtakes so many men in their old age. He has been a life-long Democrat in politics and with his wife belongs to the Christian church, the house in which the congregation worships having been erected some years ago.

John H. Meek

The record of the gentleman whose name forms the caption to this biographical review is that of a man who has worked his way from modest beginnings to a place of intluence and comparative independence, his life having been one of unceasing industry and perseverance, and the notably svstematic and honorable methods he has employed have won him the unbounded contidence and regard of those with whom he has come in contact.

^leek was born Septenilier i, 1831, in Morgan county, Indiana, and was the son of James and Samyra ( Staley) ]\Ieek. His fatlier died when he was but four years of age. and he inherited a tract of land in Mill Creek township. Putnam county. On attaining mature years he married and then lived on this land until i86j. He then sold the fann and moved to near Bedford. Iowa, where he ran a stage line and operated a hotel. Subsequently they moved to Missouri, but a year later they returned to Indiana. In 1862 they again went to Iowa, where they remained a year or two. and then returned to Putnam county, locating in Jefferson township, where they spent the remainder of their Hves. the mother dying on March 12, 1906, and the father on June 3. 1909. He was a man of prominence in the community and served as justice of the peace. Abraham Meek was married in 1848 to Sarah Ann Rakes, a daughter of John and Marjorie Rakes. She was born in Kentucky and in her young girlhood was brought to Indiana by her parents, who bought land in section 9, Jefferson township. Putnam county. At that time the young lady planted a cottonwood tree, which is still standing and which is now sixteen feet in circumference. Only about four acres of land had been cleared on this land, but the father went to work with a will and eventually developed a fine farm, and there he and his wife spent their remaining years. The father was a radical Republican in political faith and stood high in the esteem of those who knew him.

John H. ^leek was reared on a farm and accompanied his parents in their several removals, finally locating in Putnam county, where he has spent his active years. He secured a fair education in the common schools and has always followed the pursuit of agriculture. At the time of his marriage, in 1878. he and his wife established their home where he now lives, his real estate then amounting to twenty-seven and a half acres, on which was a small pioneer home. This humble building was subsequently remodeled into a verv comfortable home, which served the fann'ly as a residence until Februarv i. 1906. when it was totally destroyed by fire, causing a serious loss. However, on the 14th of the following May the family moved into a new home which had been erected on the ashes of the old. the present home being very comfortable and attractive. Mr. Meek's present farm comprises two hundred acres of splendid, fertile land, practically all of which is under cultivation and well improved in every respect. All Mr. Meek has is the result of his own efforts and he is eminently deserving of the success which has crowned his efforts. Besides a general line of farming, he has run a threshing machine, been a dealer in and shipper of livestock, and owned a sawmill, and in each of these lines he was successful. He possesses

On October 13, 1878. Mr. Meek married Alice Lewis, a daughter of Gaskin and Margaret (Brinton) Lewis. She was born on the farm which she now lives, her father having been a native of Ohio and her mother of Kentucky. Her paternal grandfather was James Lewis, an early pioneer of this section of the state, while her maternal grandparents were Bryant and Mary (Tharp) Brinton, who came here in an early day and entered a quarter section of land lying in sections 9 and 10, Jefferson township. Gaskin Lewis followed farming, and was also a successful school teacher, having also served as assessor of Jefferson township. He died in 1872. being survived a number of years by his widow, whose death occurred in June, 1897. To ;Mr. and ]vlrs. Meek have been born five children, namely: Ora Everett, who lives on the home place, married Marie Farmer; Elsie Jane is the wife of Harrison Hunter, of Marion township, and they have two children, Helen Irene and Harold Harrison ; Margaret Ann, Emma Opal and Wilfred Claude. Politically Mr. Meek is a stanch Republican and has taken an active interest. in the success of the party in local elections, having served for twelve years as chairman of the township committee. He has also served as township assessor. Fraternally he is a Freemason, belonging to the blue lodge at Cloverdale. Mr. Meek has taken an intelligent interest in the welfare of the community and gives his unreserved support to every movement that promises to benefit the community along moral, educational or material lines. Genial and courteous in his relations with his fellow men. he enjoys a large circle of warm friends, who esteem him for his personal worth.

William and Margaret Thomas, who came from Kentuck}- in 1834, settled on land just north of Greencastle and were pioneers of that part of the county. William died in the fall of 1839 and in the following year his widow, with her two sons. George and Lewis, settled in Madison township. She lived with George until her death, in March. 1863, aged sixty-four years. George has been living in Parke county for thirty years, and Lewis, who also removed to Parke county, died there in 1907. There were two other sons. William and Isaac, who both died in Parke county. Joel Thomas, one of the children, was born in Mason county. Kentucky, and was brought to Indiana by his parents in .1834, when fourteen years old. He married Mary, the daughter of Aaron and Martha Stites, of Clinton township. She was born in Ohio, but came to Indiana with her parents when a young girl. Joel, after marriage, rented a fami for a number of years and in 1854 bought one hundred fourteen acres in the wild wood. By hard work he was able to pav for it. though the job of clearing it was a long and difficult one. He built a double log house which at that time was regarded as an unusually fine residence. He spent the rest of his life on this fami. placing eighty acres in cultivation. On November 8, 1884. he was instantly killed by a Big Four engine while walking on the railroad track in company with his brother and others, returning from a ratification at Carbon, being in the sixty-fourth year of his age. His first wife died August 4, 1879, after which he married Elizabeth Hart, a widow who died about four weeks before her husband was killed. His children, still living in 1910. consisted of eight sons and one daughter, as follows: William, of this review; Hiram, of Clinton township; John, of Madison township; James, of Parke county; Joel, of Washington township; Aaron, of Madison township; Levi, of Vigo county; Isaac Clarion, a resident of the state of Washington; Fanny, wife of Frank Burcham. of Hickman, Nebraska.

William Thomas, eldest of the family, was born in Putnam county, Indiana. June 17, 1844. He remained at home until over eighteen years old. when he decided to face the world on his own account. Buying four horses, he was engaged for four years in hauling saw-logs to mill and threshing during the other seasons of the year. In about four years he had secured eightv acres of land, which he later sold at an advance and continued to trade about until 1873. when he got possession of his present farm. It was the homestead of Joseph Priest, eight miles west of Greencastle. It was an improved place and Mr. Thomas paid four thousand two hundred and fifty dollars for the one hundred twenty acres. He has since added until his holdings in the home farm amount to two hundred twenty acres. He alsiT owns one hundred acres in Parke county and his land is largely devoted to raising and feeding hogs and cattle. He sAll continues also to operate his threshing outfit. He has been with the machine every season since he was eleven years old. making fifty-four consecutive threshing seasons. Of late years he has added clover hullers. corn buskers and other modern improvements. Mr. Thomas is well known as a thresher over a wide scope of territory. In 1899 he won a handsome medal as a prize offered bv the Milwaukee Thresherman to the thresherman who had been in the service longest in the United States. For twenty -eight seasons he threshed for any one of a set of customers from Raccoon creek, also for a period of twentv-six years for a bunch of men in Clay county. He has used more machines than any thresherman in the United States, being now on his twelfth machine. The first machine he was with was a "groundhog," fourhorse-power chaff-piler. He was among the first to use steam power. Mr. Thomas served seven years as township trustee, though he did not care for or seek office.

On January i, 1S63, Mr. Thomas married Elizabeth, daughter of George and Eliza (Gregg) Ewing, of Madison township. They came from Fleming county, Kentucky, and settled in AEontgomery county, Indiana, where Mrs. Thomas was born October 5, 1842. Her parents brought her to Putnam county when she was five years old and settled in Madison township when she was eleven years old. Her father died at the age of fortytwo. Her mother was left with five children, the eldest of whom, Elizabeth, was only thirteen years old. The widow kept the family together until her marriage with Isaac Thomas, a brother of Joel. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have had a large family, whose names are as follows : Henry, a traveling salesman, resident of Indianapolis; Oscar, superintendent of the Putnam county schools; J. Elmer, an attorney at Lawton, Oklahoma; Charles B., undertaker at Rosedale, Parke county, Indiana; Fred, a buggy dealer, of Greencastle; Cleveland, a teacher in Putnam coimty; all but Henry and Charles have been school teachers; Dora, widow of Charles Reeves, living at home, is a^ trained nurse. Three of the daughters reached maturity. Eliza married Charles J. Priest and died at the age of eighteen years ; Leona, a teacher, married Edward Wiley and died at twenty-three years of age; Bertha, a teacher, died at the age of twenty-three.

Joseph D. Torr

Few families have left a more distinct impression upon Putnam county than that of the Torrs, who have been identified with this section for over eighty-two years. The first arrival reached here in 1828 when James moved his brother William to Indiana with a six-horse team. James came himself in 1842 and located near his brother. He at once secured the farm in Madison township which has figured so conspicuously in the family affairs and been regarded as one of the county's landmarks. He first purchased two hundred acres, whose only improvement was a log cabin. To this he shortly afterward added two hundred acres more, and to the clearing, cultivating and improving of this fine tract he devoted the rest of his life. The present house was built in 1854 and at the time was regarded as one of the finest countr}- residences in the county. It was constructed almost entirely of a fine yellow poplar. This splendid tree, which grew nearby, was one hundred feet to the first limb, two hundred feet in height and seven feet in diameter. Sawed with an old fashioned upright saw, it made the lumber for the house, including the frame, rafters and most of the interior work, as well as the shingles. The finishing was done in black walnut and Mr. Torr burned his own lime in log heaps. He devoted his place to the raising of stock, grain and fruit, fed many cattle and other kinds of stock, practically the entire farm being kept under cultivation all the time. He was friendly to the cause of religion and his house and bam were open at all times for services bv the itinerant ministers. He was a great friend of Asbury University, now DePauw, and provided one of the scholarships. In 1874 Mr. Torr developed a stone quarry on his land, by the line of the Big Four railroad, which then ran through his place. He built a lime kiln and conducted this industry for six years, the product being of sui^erior quality. Some ten or fifteen men were employed at the start and this force was increased to thirty-five or fifty. He had a passion for fine orchards and set several acres in fruit trees. He was also a lover of flowers and took great pride in his lawn, which was laid out with beautiful taste and ornamented with shrubs, evergreens and various kinds of flowers. He was a self-educated man. as three months would cover all the schooling he received. His death occurred Tune 30, 1S80, as the result of an untoward accident. While returning home from Greencastle, his buggy was struck by a train at the railroad crossing, his injuries resulting fatally a few hours later. His wife died December 4, 1893, after becoming the mother of fourteen children. Twelve of these, six sons and six daughters, reached maturity and nine are living in 1910. }vlrs. Torr was an accomplished woman and learned German in order that she might talk it to her children.

Joseph D. T(3rr, one of the sons, was born September 14, 1S56, and was the first of the children to see the light of day in his father's new house. He spent four years in the classical course at DePauw University. After leaving the university he engaged as a coal dealer at Greencastle and carried on farming operations with his father. After the latter's death he formd a partnership with his elder brother, William M., to conduct the stone quarries and lime kiln. Joseph rented the home farm of his mother during her lifetime, though he continued to live at Greencastle. He installed a crushing plant, and in company with his brother contracted to build bridges for the county, furnish material for buildings and finally took charge of railroad bridge work. The quarries closed when the railroad changed its route and left them bv the wayside. The Torr Company had extensive contracts for all stone work on the Big Four railroad, and later they secured contracts for two years with the Vandalia railroad, since then shipping crushed stone to the extent of ten carloads daily. Joseph Torr finally bought the old home farm, and devotes it principally to stock feeding, several cars of stock being prepared for market on the place every year. On March 4, 1885, Mr. Torr married Josephine Cavins, of Bloomfield, Greene county, Indiana. Her father. Col. Aden G. Cavins, commanded the Ninety-seventh Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry during the Civil war. She is a graduate of DePauw University, class of 1884. and was for a time one of the teachers. Mr. and Mrs. Torr have had eight children : Aden Cavins. Maynard Deem, Harold Livingston. Lucile, Helen, Josephine; Eleanor Matilda having died in childhood, and Margaret. Mr. Torr is a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. The original Torr' residence, or one that stood near the present homestead, served as the first court house in the county, at least the first court was held there.

Col. Edward Dorsey. a son. was commissioned as an officer of Colonial troops, was a member of the House of Burgesses, was keeper of the great seal and trustee of the port town of Annapolis, besides holding various other positions of public trust from 1682 to 1704.

Rachel Dorsey. a descendant of Edward Dorsey. was married to Cliarles Van Dyke Anderson, of Flemingsburg. Kentucky. Their son, Eli D. Anderson, moved his family from Kentucky to Greencastle in 1862 and engaged in the hardware business under the firm name of Dorsey & Anderson. Success followed this undertaking and ^Nlr. Anderson became a man of considerable influence in local affairs. He was a member of the Greencastle school board when the high school luiiiding on Elm street was erected (1877). which, aside from the east college Iniilding and the court house, was then the most beautiful piece of architecture in the city.

Dorsey L. Anderson

Among- Mr. Anderson's carehilly cherished papers were found, after his .leath, letters from James A. Garfield. WiHiam H. Seward. Zachar>- Taylor and several from Benjamin Harrison, all of which testify to the personal regard and high estimation entertained for' Mr. Anderson bv the writers. Dorsey Leakin Anderson, son of Eli D. and Eliza A. f Still well) Anderson, the youngest of a family of eleven children, was born October 20, 1863, at the old Anderson home on Elm street. He graduated from the high school and attended DePauw University until his sophomore year. When but eighteen years of age he left college to take a position with Cole Brothers" lightning rod factory and was in full charge of the factory at the time of his death, which occurred September g, 1907.

Air. Anderson was keenly alive at all times to the welfare of the public and there was no one more loyal to the interests of his native city. For nearly fourteen years he had been treasurer of the city school board and it was one of his rigid principles that all the money earned by public money should revert to the public and in that time he turned many hundreds of dollars into the treasury thereof. As a member of the board and also through love for his own city he originated and became active in the movement to secure a Carnegie Library' and it was principally to his perseverance and energy that the present magnificent home of the library was built and it will be a lasting monument to his memorj- along with that of its donor. One of his mi«t clierished plans was to see a handsome high school building erected on the "Xutt'' and adjoining property, for the purchase of which he had long worked and had but finally consummated.

He was active in his political, religious and social relations at all times. He was a member of the Christian church, sen-ed several times as treasurer and at the time of his death was chairman of the parsonage building committee. In his lodge affiliations he was a Mason, a Knight Templar. Knight of Pythias, reaching the title of major in its Uniform Rank, and was also a member of the Modern Woodmen order.

On October i, 1890, Mr. Anderson was married at Oswego, Xew York, to Xellie E.. daughter of Capt. W. S. Turner and Mary fMead) Turner.' Mrs. Anderson graduated from the Oswego State Xormal School and taught in DePauw University, also in the State X'ormal School at Winona. Minnesota. The only son of .Mr. and Mrs. .Anderson. Dorsey Mead, born June 13. 1894, is a student in the Greencastle high school.

"Our treasurer, our co-worker, has passed from labor to reward. "In an old record under date of July i, 1893. 'S to be found a minute sioiied 'D. L. Anderson, Act. Pres." It is subscribed to the minutes containing a memorial in honor of the Hon. Marshall A. Mo<3re. who signed the preceding minutes of July 19th. Like his predecessor. Mr. Anderson attended the meeting of the board preceding the one that records his memorial. It was the evening of August 23rd. 07. He was a sick man then, but work called him and his habit was to answer. Every school board for fourteen years has known Dorsey L. Anderson as a worker. He was each year loaded with the onerous duties of the school city's treasurer. He has introduced a svstem of bookkeeping that is a model for simplicity and comprehensiveness. "D. L. Anderson was thoroughly indoctrinated in the gospel of work. He was a good planner ; but a good plan was unsatisfactory to him ; his joy was complete when working the plan out. The impractical plan, no matter how seemingly reasonable, must be abandoned. He was ver>- generally right ; but if he sometimes saw more clearly the material side than the culture phase of school needs, it was because he was pre-eminently a business man. It was his wish to act for the best, and if he was sometimes mistaken in the worth of an end he sought to attain, it was because of the warmth of his impulses; nor was he ever known to continue such a proposition after having time to deliberate.

"Possessing a lightning-like business perception and great promptness in acting, he always carried more than his full share of every burden. If no one else was against the load, he pushed it along alone. He won many victories, but if he had any tendency to self-congratulation over them, it was not discovered ; he had not time between battles to display it. He coveted friends and he had them, most among those who knew him best, and if he sometimes trampled the grain in someone's pet field, it was because he saw the object of attack onlv and was going straight toward it. He was ambitious. Ambition is a most valuable asset. But he was public-spirited and liberally divided that asset with his city. Owing to his official capacity the city's educational interest has received its full sharg. This is to be seen in school buildings sanitarv in appointment, aesthetic in decoration, modern in equipment; in the public librarv; in increased playgrounds for children; ground acquired for the needed new high school building; in all these he has borne his full share and as much more as he could get his shoulder under.