Putnam County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1910 (part 13 of 16)

Putnam Couxtv, In'Diaxa

fullness to the wife bereaved of a stalwart companion, a ter.der husband, and to the son. himself dangerously ill and unconscious of his father's fall, for he will need the father's gxiiding hand and will miss the father's solicitous care for him."

Xot alone are those worth}- of biographic honors who have moved along the loftier planes of action, but to an equal extent are those deserving wh(3 are of the rank and file of the world's workers, for they are not less the conservators of public prosperity and material advancement. In these pages will be found mention of worthy citizens of all vocations, and at this juncture we are pennitted to oflfer a resume of the career of one of the substantial and highly esteemed representatives of the agricultural interests of Putnam county, of which he is the popular commissioner, serving his constituents in a manner that elicits their hearty praise, and where he and his family are well known, the Iloucks having been prominent in this locality for several generations.

^Ir. Houck was born September 5. 1855. For a full history of his parents and other members of the family the reader is directed to the sketch of David Houck. appearing on another page of this work. He spent his boyhood on the home farm in Madison township and on the day he was twelve years of age his parents brought him to the farm where he now lives. He received a verv serviceable education in the local schools and decided early in life to devote his attention to farming, in which line he has been ver}- successful. From 1876 to 1892 he was associated with his brother. John, a sketch of whom is to be found elsewhere in this book: in fact, they are still in partnership in the stock business, although they divided their real estate in 190J. James E. taking the old home place, the present home having been l;uilt by John Gilmore about 1861. but it has been thoroughly overhauled and modernized. One of the bams was built about 1845 by Mr. Gilmore, the other was built by the present owner of the place, the first barn being of hewn timbers. In 1892 the father, David Houck. left the farm. This place is near Hamrick Station, six miles from Greencastle, on the Vandalia railroad. O. X. Houck. son of David, also owns a fine farm near there.

elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. James E. Houck are the parents of one son, David W., now sixteen years old, and a student in the Greencastle high school.

Mr. Houck has a fine farm, which he has managed in such a manner as to stamp him as a man fully abreast of the times in all agricultural matters and as a stock man he ranks second to none in his township.

Although he has always been a very busy man, Mr. Houck has found time to take an interest in county affairs, and in November, 1908, he was elected county commissioner from the third district, having been selected at the primaries, and his record has been so satisfactory that he was re-nominated at the recent primaries. He is a man in whom his neighbors and friends have always reposed the utmost confidence and respect.

James M. Trusedel

The career of the widely-known and public-spirited citizen whose name appears above affords an impressive example of what energy, directed and controlled by correct moral principles, can accomplish in overcoming an unfavorable environment and lifting its possessor from a comparatively humble origin to a position of usefulness and comparative affluence.

James M. Trusedel was bom in Hamilton county, Illinois, in 1857, and is a son of James H. and Mary (Yates) Trusedel. The former was born in Maysville, Kentuckv, November 26, 1828, and the latter was born in the state of Ohio April 21, 1826. She died June 21, 1S76, when her son, the subject of this sketch, was about nienteen years old. In about 1858 the family moved from Illinois to Putnam county, Indiana, locating in Jefferson township, where the father carried on fanning operations the remainder of his life, his death occurring December 29, 1908. James H. and Mary (Yates) Trusedel had six children, viz: John, born May 19, 1850, died Februarv- 5. 1879; Jesse, born October 24. 1851, lives on a farm in Cloverdale township, married Johanna Dix. no children: William H, Trusedel, born December 2, 1854, and died October 12, 1873: James M., of this review; Benjamin Franklin, born December 18, 1859. and died August 7, 1893: Maiy Jane Trusedel, born February 14, 1865, married Joe Young, and died January 7, 1886.

Putxam Col'Xty. Ixdiaxa

September 14. 1805. in Kentucky, and they had five children, viz: James H. (father of subject), born Xovember 26. 1828: Hilary A., born Xovember 4. 1830. and died September 19. 1849; William H. Triisedel. bom February 4. 1837, and lives on a farm south of Cloverdale. having married Jane Piercy and they had tliree children, only one living. Hattie, who lives in Kentucky: the fourth child was Jesse Trusedel. bom December 4. 1839, married Rebecca Steele, and had three children, two living. Andrew and Mrs. Belle Watson: John 'SI., born June 2S. 1842. married Mattie Sackett. and had two children, one living. Mrs. Hattie r^IcGill.

James ]\[. Trusedel was reared on the farm until the age of sixteen or seventeen years, when he started out on his own account, working by the month for others. At the time of his marriage, in 1881. he began farming for himself in Jefferson township, but afterwards moved to Cloverdale township, and still later to Warren township. Five years after his marriage he bought a farm of eighty acres in the eastern part of Cloverdale township, in the Eel river bottom, but about three years later he moved back to a small fami which he owned in Jefferson township, where he lived during the following se\en or eight years. In 1900. selling both of his farms, he bought one hundred and sixty acres of good land in \\'arren and JefiFerson townships, the place being bounded on the south by the Cloverdale town.ship line. Here he lived until about 1905. when he bought residence property in Cloverdale. which he soon afterwards sold and bought another property in the same town, where he now makes his home. He continues the operation of the farm, which he has maintained at a high standard of excellence and which is a source of considerable income. It is well improved in every respect and is considered one of the good farms of the locality.

On April 7. 1881. Air. Trusedel was united in marriage to Lucretia Wright, the daughter of William Wright, and to them have been born five children. Elmer. Ethel. Fred. James and William. Mrs. Tmsedel died on August 17. 1895. and on April 7, 1897. he married Arrettia Miller, daughter of Thomas and Equilla ( Stierwalt) ]\[il!er. She was born two and a half miles west of Gosport. Indiana, both of her parents also being natives of this state, the father born near Gosport and the mother near Ouincy. Owen county. Mrs. Trusedel's paternal grandparents were Bryce and Elizabeth (Glover) Miller, the latter being a daughter of William and Xancy Glover. The Glovers were originally from Virginia, while the Millers came from the Carolinas. Equilla (Stierwalt) Miller was a daughter of Frederick and Janie (.Asher) Stierwalt. At the age of fifteen years Frederick Stierwalt ran awav from his Carolina home and went to Kentucky, and about four years later came to Owen county, Indiana, locating about a mile and a half north of Gosport. He accompanied William Asher from Kentucky and after coming here he married the latter's daughter Janie. He entered a tract of government land in the northwestern part of Morgan county, east of Eminence, and subsequently entered several other tracts, at one time owning an entire section of land south of Ouinc}-, Owen county, though some land \vas sold from time to time. Frederick Stierwalt was the father of ten children, of which number Equilla was the eighth in order of birth. To Air. and Mrs. Trusedel have been born four children, namely: Glen M., Gale T., Glee O. M. and Gladys Dorthia. Of the children by his first union, Elmer married Lena McKamey, daughter of John and Ella McKamey, and they live in Jefferson township, being the parents of four children, Austin, Velva, Vesta and Eugene, Vesta dying at the age of fourteen months ; Ethel is the wife of James Scott, living on the old Scott farm in Warren township, and they have two children, Lucile and Marcellus ; Fred, who operates a farm in Jefferson township, married Elsie Grissom, and they have two children. Albert and Earl; James makes his home with his brother Fred; William died October 28, 1904, at the age of thirteen years. The children by the second marriage, the eldest of who is eleven years old, are all at home with their parents.

Mr. Trusedel is noted for his industrious habits and good management. During his earlier years he was, by dint of necessity, compelled to practice the most rigid economy and this habit of husbanding his resources was one of the keynotes to his future success. He established a reputation for reliability and sound judgment and met with gratifying success in every line of effort to which he applied himself. For over twenty years he has been in the threshing machine business, covering a wide field from Martinsville through ^Morgan, Owen, Clay and Putnam counties, and in this territory he enjoys a large acquaintance. Religiously he and his wife are members of the. Christian church, to which they give an earnest support.

John Eranxemax

One of the leading agriculturalists of Cloverdale township is John Branneman, who was born in Knox county, Ohio, June 19, 185 1. the son of Jacob and Elizabeth ( Stillinger) Branneman and the grandson of Daniel Branneman. The father came to Ohio from \'irginia with his parents, and there he married Elizabeth Stillinger. She was born in Darmstadt. Gennany, and was brought to America by her parents when eight years of age, the voyage across the Atlantic requiring sixty-three days, owing to persistent high winds against the old-fashioned sailing vessel on which they made the trip. The Stillingers and Brannemans were of German blood. Daniel Branneman and wife, being German born, spoke more of that language than they did of English.

In 1S54 John Branneman came to Indiana with his father and located in Jefferson township, but he soon came to Cloverdale township, where the father bought a farm three or four miles southwest of Cloverdale, consisting of one hundred and twenty acres and there spent the rest of his days, dying in 1865, and his wife, mother of John, of this review, died at Cloverdale, in March, 1893.

John Branneman grew up on the home farm southwest of Cloverdale, he being the fifth child in a family of eight children, named as follows : Joseph married and is now deceased, one daughter surviving him. named Almeda; Samuel married and li\ed in the eastern part of Cloverdale township, where he died, leaving seven children ; Marilla married Frederick Wander and lives south of Cloverdale; she died leaving one son and one daughter; Lydia lives at Boulder, Colorado; Emma, the sixth child, married Henry Sacket, a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war; he died in this county and liis widow moved to Colorado City, Colorado; five children were born to them. William grew to maturity in Cloverdale township, but lives at present in Indianapolis, is married and had seven children, three dead, four living. Charlie died when twenty-four years of age. unmarried.

John Branneman grew to maturity in Cloverdale township and with the rest of the children, attended the public schools. On October 2^. 1877, he married Telitha Davis, daughter of Arabian and Kizzia (Williams) Davis. Mrs. Branneman was born west of Cloverdale in Cloverdale township, where slie lived until her marriage and where she was educated. Her father was bom in Xurth Carolina and when a child his parents moved to near Nashville. Tennessee, where he married and where five of his children were born. This family came to Indiana about 1835. living in Owen county for a time, later coming to Putnam county, and about 1850 bought the old home place where Mrs. Branneman was bom. She was the youngest of thirteen children. There her parents reared their children and spent the balance of their days, owning one hundred and forty acres of land. Mr. Davis died December 4. 1886. and Mrs. Davis died .\pril i. i8Sj.

father's farm, then moved to the east part of Cloverdale township and bought one hundred and nineteen acres and hved there sixteen years. He got an excellent start and then bought the fine farm where he now resides in section 4, east part of Cloverdale township. He follows diversified farming and has been ver\' successful. He has divided up his land among his children, still retaining enough to insure him a comfortable income, but is not now so actively engaged in farming as fomierly.

To Mr. and Mrs. Branneman eight children have been born, six of whom are li\ing at this writing, one dying in infancy. They are Retha Elta, who marrietl \'erley O. Greenlee and lives in the east part of Cloverdale township, is the mother of one son. Delbert; Cora Annis is living at home with her parents; Hattie Jane married Cass Broadstreet and lived on the farm a.djoining that of her father, where she died February 19, 1907; her three children all preceded her to the grave: Oren Reginald married Bonnie ]May Rule and li\'es on the old home place where her father formerly lived in the east part of Cloverdale township; Flossie married Vetta O. Mann and lives one and one-half miles northeast of her father's present home; she has one son. Gerna: Ezra died in infancy; Clarence is at home with his parents; Hazel is also a member of the home circle.

Mr. Branneman is a Democrat, but not an office seeker; however, he has been on the advisory board of his township for a period of eight years, a position which he still holds, but which he did not seek : he very ably discharges the duties of the same and if he would consent to do so his neighbors and friends would be very glad to confer upon him many local favors in the \\a\- of offices, but he prefers to lead a quiet home life and look after the interests of his family. He and his wife are both members of the Christian church.

Bextox C. Burkett

One of the highly honored and successful farmers of the past generation in Putnam county whose name should be perpetuated in his country's history was Benton C. Burkett. who was born in 1822 in Russell township, in the pioneer days, and he lived to see and take part in the great subsequent development of this county. He was the son of Abram and Catherine (Hire) Burkett. who came from North Carolina very early. They lived to advanced ages. Benton C. Burkett grew up in much the same manner as

Other children of first settlers, learning what hard work meant when hut a small boy, and being compelled to forego the advantages of higher learning. When he reached maturity he married Rebecca Xutgrass, daughter of Harrison and Xancy (Johnson) Xutgrass, of Clinton township, her parents being from Kentucky. Rebecca was born in 1S30 and she was four years of age when her parents settled in this vicinit}'.

Benton C. Burkett first located in Russell township, and began clearing land and de\"eloping a farm, adding to his first holdings until he owned about twelve hundred acres of valuable land and was regarded as one of the leading farmers and substantial citizens of this part of the county in his day and generation. All of his land was in Russell township and was so managed as to yield him a ver\' satisfactory income from year to year. He also dealt extensively in livestock and was successful in whatever he undertook. He had the confidence of all his neighbors, which he never betrayed, for he was upright in all his relations with his fellow men.

The death of this well remembered and influential citizen occurred on August II. 1879, at the age of fifty-seven years, six months and fifteen days. }ilrs. Burkett died on August 2. 1894, at the age of sixty-four years, three months and one day. They are buried at the old Blakesburg cemetery. They were members of the Dunkard church at Ladoga, twelve miles distant: they also attended the Little \\'alnut church, about seven and one-half miles distant. This congregation held services frequently at the old L'niversalist church at Blakesburg,

To Mr. and ;\[rs. Benton C. Burkett eleven children were born, all living at this writing, named as follows : Xancy C, commonly known as "X'an," married Joseph A. Thomas, whose sketch appears elsewhere; Rudy H.. of Greencastle; Sarah E. married Milt Bowers, of Franklin township; Rachael ^L married Sanford Bales, of Russell township; Mary Jane is the widow of Henry Crodian and lives on a part of her father's land; Sophia A. married Walter Gosling, of Franklin township; F. Marion lives on a part of his father's estate; Dulcina D. married James Skillman, of Franklin township; Susan Edna married \\'illiam Obenchains and lives on the old homestead; Effie B. married Charles Shannon and lives on part of her father's estate; Ida Olivia married Harvey Gardner, of Roachdale. They all live in Putnam countv, as do also all of the Thomas children.

The mission of a great soul in this world is one that is calculated to inspire a multitude of others to hetter and grander things, and its subsequent influence can not be measured in metes anil bounds, for it affects the lives of those with whom it comes in contact, broadening and enriching them for all time to come. Such thoughts are inspired by a contemplation of the eminently worthy career of William Jefferson Florer. who, although long since a pilgrim to "the sunset land of souls," left such a record behind him as to influence for good the li\es of many who remember him, for his efforts proved of the greatest value to his fellow citizens as well as to himself. He so shaped his career along worthy lines and directed them along well defined channels of endeavor as to stamp him as a man of distinct force and individuality, of marked sagacity, of undaunted enterprise, yet a man who was genial, courteous and easily approached; consequently his career was such as to warrant the trust and confidence of the business world and his activity in industrial, commercial and financial circles forms no unimportant chapter in the history of the state honored by his citizenship.

Mr. Florer was born in Newport, Indiana. February 12, 1834, the scion of a fine old pioneer family, noted for their piety and hospitality, qualities that characterized his entire life. He was reared to manhood in Vermillion county, Indiana, where he attended the graded schools and afterward the seminarv' at Newport. He made the best possible use of every opportunity and received a very serviceable education which in later life was greatly augmented by home reading and by contact with the world. It was indeed interesting, in later life, to listen to his quaint and charmingly told reminiscences of the early days, of the vast changes he witnessed and took part in and of the marked difference in the modes and customs of a half century, the most interesting in the history of the state. He remained in Vermillion countv until 1S61. then moved to Coles county. Illinois, where he lived until the early seventies, successfully continuing his chosen vocation - banking.

Believing that an excellent opportunity existed in Wabasha. Minnesota, to engage in the banking business, he moved to that place and established such an institution, which was so sanely and conseni-atively managed by him that it was well patronized and won a reputation for being one of the soundest and safest banks in that country. Mr. Florer soon becoming one of the most influential men in financial and other circles of that place, being consulted on matters of financial import by people of all classes and religions.

He remained in Wabasha until the final summons came to close his earthly accounts, on July 21, 1881. the community losing one of its most highly respected and valued citizens.

Mr. Florer was married at Newport. Indiana, on July 19. 1S57. to IMary Ann Louise Washburn, daughter of James Elliott and Mary Ann (Cain) Washburn, natives of Vermont and Massachusetts, respectively, each representatives of sterling New England families. :\Irs. Florer was educated in the Vermillion County Seminary and developed int(5 a woman of rare charm of character and a fit companion for her worthy husband, \\ith whom she sympathized and encouraged in his unilertakings. She moved to Greencastle, Indiana, soon after his death in order to get the benefit of the schools for her children, and she has resided here continuously since 188 J. She has long been a favorite with a host of warm personal friends here who 'delight in the genial sunshine of her declining years which are replete with good and permeated by a wholesome atmosphere.

To Mr. anil Mrs. William J. Florer four children were born, named as follows: Clara Collett married Dr. Frank H. Lammers, late a well known physician of Greencastle, now deceased, ]\Irs. Lammers still making her home here, a full sketch of the Doctor appearing on another page of this work. Dana Washburn is. deceased. Warren Washburn. A. B.. graduated from DePauw University in 1890. receiving the degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy; he then became assistant professor of German in the University of Michigan. Of him. "Who's Who in America" has the following sketch: "Member of Modern Languages Association of America: Das Konigliche Deutsche Seminar, Leipzig University; Der Acadamie Neuphil Verein of Germany; Delta Tau Delta; Sons of American Revolution; Free and Accepted Masons; contributor to 'Poet Lore' and educational magazines ; author of various text books and studies in German literature." Laura Lelia. a teacher in the Greencastle public schools, graduated from DePauw Universitv in 1892 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. She is a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.

Mr. Florer was a [Methodist and a liberal supporter of the church, and Mrs. Florer has also been a faithful member of this denomination since her vouth. Mr. Florer was a Republican in politics, and fraternally he was a Mason, having attained the Royal Arch degree. He was a truly good and useful man. successful, and worthy of the high esteem in which he was universallv held. The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. John W. Rav and he was laid to rest in beautiful Riverview cemetery', as he desired, "with stately bluffs standing untiring sentinels and the mighty Mississippi

Charles B. Bridges

Charles B. Bridges, late successful farmer of Franklin township, Putnam county, clearly demonstrated what an honest, earnest, hardworking man can accomplish, although he had to hew his own fortune from the obstacles that beset his way, for he started life with no great aid from anyone. But he was industrious and economical, so that he became the owner of a fine farm and had a competency so that he was able to enjoy an old age of comfort and quiet. He was born March 19. 1854, in Russell township, and was the son of Robert L. and Catherine (Leaton) Bridges, the former a native of Montgomery county, Kentucky, and he was four years old when his parents brought him to Putnam county, Indiana. He was the son of Charles Bolds Bridges, who was a native of Kentucky. He married Rachael O. Lockridge. Thev came to Putnam county, Indiana, in 1835 and remained here the rest of their lives, Mr. Bridges being a farmer and a store-keeper, and he became well and favorably known here. Robert L. Bridges was three years old when he was brought to Putnam county. Here he grew to maturitv, was educated, married and reared a family of three daughters and four sons, named as follows: Charles B., John L., William B., Clay D., Marv- Alice, Bettie and Rachael. Mary A. became the wife of J. C. Williams; Bettie became the wife of H. C. Cooper: Rachael married Grant Williams.

Charles B. Bridges was the oldest of the family and he began working on the farm and attending the district schools during the winter months, remaining on the farm with his father until twenty-one years of age.

Mr. Bridges married Alman J. Hymer, daughter of Jesse P. Hymer, a highly respected citizen of this county, their wedding occurring in March, 1875. Two children have been born to this union, namely: Laura C, born August 2T,, 1877. died September 13th, following: Xellie. born May 31, 1879, received a common school education and is now the wife of Alonzo McGaughev, a furniture dealer and undertaker in Russellville. Indiana.

tilled, but he later retired from active farm work. His death occurred on April 10, 1910. He was very successful in his life work and was surrounded by the evidences of thrift of his earlier years of endeavor.

Mrs. Bridges is a member of the Universalist church at Fincastle, having been active in the good work many years. Politically he was a Democrat, but he never had an ambition to be a party leader or an office holder, preferring to lead a quiet, unassuming, honorable and straightforward life, consequently he wi~>n the confidence and esteem of all who knew him.

John L. Bridges

Among the representative farmers and honored citizens of Franklin township, Putnam county, is John L. Bridges, who has found it to his best interests to remain in his native community, and, judging from the eminent success that has attended his efforts, he was wise in doing so. for he is the owner of one of the finest farms in the northern part of the county and he is carrying on the \'arious departments of his enterprise with that discretion and energx' which always find their natural sequence in definite success if persisted in. To such men as ^[r. Bridges we turn with particular satisfaction as oftering in their life histories justification for works of this character, owing to the life of honesty and sobriety he has led and his energetic nature and patriotic spirit. His birth occurred here on August 13, 1S58, and he is the son of Robert L. and Catherine ( Leaton ) Bridges, the former being the son of Charles B. Bridges, who was a native of Kentucky and who came to Putnam county, Indiana, about 1835, settling in Russell township, spending the remainder of his life in this county. He was a man of sterling principles and a hardy pioneer. His son, Robert L., was four years old when the family moved to Putnam county. The son grew to maturity here and assisted with the hard work of clearing and developing a farm in a new cinmtrv-. Besides farming he later in life successfully conducted a mercantile establishment at Fincastle, Franklin township, for a period of fifteen years. He also traded in stock and was widely known and highly respected. Flis wife, Catherine Leaton, was born in Putnam county. Indiana, the daughter of John Leaton, an early settler and prominent farmer, who was a justice of the peace many years. He died in August, 1904.

To Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Bridges seven children were born, namelv : Charles B. ; AFary .V. is the wife of James C. Williams: John L., of this re-

John L. Bridges was reared on the home farm in Franklin township and. as already intimated, has resided in the township all his life. As soon as he was old enough he began working on his father's farm and attended the district schools during the winter months; he also took one years work at the Danville Normal School, then gave his entire attention to farming.

Mr. Bridges was married on October 6, 1881, to Vina Harris, who was bom and reared at Carpentersville. this county, her birth occurring on August 12. 1863, and she grew to maturity there, being educated in the district schools of her home town, where the Harris family had become well known and influential people. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bridges, namely : Hettie A., who died when fourteen years of age, and Chasie, who was born in 1886, was a student at Western College, Oxford, Ohio ; she married Franz O. Myers, and they live near Ladoga, Montgomery county. Indiana; two children have been born to them, Howard B. and Aladona.

Mr. Bridges has been veiy successful as a farmer and stockman, because he has been a hard worker, a good manager and has been quick to seize opportunities at the right time. He is now the owner of three hundred and twenty acres, all in Franklin township, which is under a high state of cultivation and is well improved in every respect and ranks with the best farms in this part of the county. He started out as a farmer with only eighty acres of land, but he has so managed his business as to reap the large rewards that always attend properly applied principles of business. He skillfully rotates his crops so as to get the best results and at the same time preserve the strength of the soil. He has an attractively located, comfortable and nicely furnished home, excellent barns and outbuildings. - in fact, all that goes to make a complete and desirable rural home.

Mr. and Mrs. Bridges are members of the Universalist church at Fincastle. Indiana. Politically. Mr. Bridges is a Republican and. while he has been too busv to take any special interest in politics, he has always been readv to do his just share in promoting the county's interests in any way. He was elected countv commissioner from the first district by seventy-nine votes when the countv was six hundred Democratic, and he very acceptably and faithfully served in that capacity for a period of three years, from 1895 to 189S. giving the utmost satisfaction to all concerned, irrespective of party alignment. The fact that he was elected to this office in the face of such overwhelming odds is certainly evidence enough of his high standing in the communitv and of the confidence reposed in him by his fellow citizens.

Bexjamix F. Walls

Agriculture has been the true source of man"s dominion on eanh e\er since the primal existence of labor and it has ever since controlled, for the most part, all the fields of action to which his intelligence and energ\- have been devoted. Among this sturdy element of Putnam county whose labors have profited alike themselves and their neighbors is Benjamin F. Walls. who owns a good farm in Jackson township, where he was bom on March 7. 1S70. He is the son of William and Mary (X'orris) Walls, the father being a nati\e of Buone county. Indiana ; he followed farming and was \'erv successful in his life and he and his wife were highly respected.

Benjamin F. Walls was reared on the farm which he began working when a mere lad. the home place being situated three-fourths of a mile from where he now lives. He attended the district schools in the winter months and became fairly well educated, leaving school when about eighteen years of age. and he has continued farming ever since, having first rented land when he began life for himself. Being economical and a hard worker, he soon accumulated enough to purchase a place of his own. his present farm consisting of ninety-six acres in section i6. Jackson township, which he has carefully managed and which has yielded him a good income. He has a comfortable home and he devoted considerable time to stock raising, feeds and ships cattle and hogs in large numbers and owing to his intimate knowledge of the stock business he has been very successsful in this line.

Politically yiv. A\'alls is a Democrat and he has long been active in local aftairs. He was elected trustee of Jackson township in X'ovember, 1908, assuming charge of the ofifice in January, 1909. which he has since conducted in an able and conscientious manner and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. He is regarded as straightforward and honorable in all his dealings with his fellow men and he and his family bear a good reputation.

Air. Walls was married in 1890 to xAnna E. Dickerson, who was born in Montgomery county, Indiana, August 26. 1868. where her family was well and favorably known. She is a daughter of Floyd and Elizabeth (Pennington) Dickerson, both natives of Indiana, where they were married. He was engaged to marry before the late war and carried his sweetheart's picture with him when he was fighting for the maintenance of the Union. After the war he married and settled down to farming. He continued through life a Democrat, but never aspired to ofifice. He formerl_\- was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; later he withdrew from his lodge work. Six children blessed their union. Emma S. (second wife of the sub- ject. whom she married in 1898). Charles, W'ilham, James, Hattie (Mrs. Daniel Shackleford) and Anna E. Mrs. Anna Walls died on June 12, 1895, no chiklren having been born to the union, and in 1898 Mr. Walls married her sister. Emma S.

John Breckexridge Burris

John Breckenridge Burris was born in Putnam county, Indiana, September 5, 1859. the son of James A. and Mary A. (Piercy) Burris. each representative families, the father born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, where he spent his boyhood and where his people were well known for several o-enerations. James A. Burris received a fairly good education in the common schools of the early days and he began working on a farm wheti a mere lad. He devoted his life to agricultural pursuits with a reasonable measure of success, being a good manager and honorable in his dealings with his fellow men. His farm in Jefferson township, Putnam county, was one of the best tilled in that locality. He died some time ago, his widow surviving, being well known in this locality, where she has many friends, having spent her "life in this county where she was born. Four children were born, of whom two sun-ive Mrs. Burris : James Clay, deceased ; William Sims ; Mary Ellen (deceased), and John Breckenridge, of this review.

The last named spent his boyhood days on the paternal homestead, where he assisted with the work during the crop season, attending the district schools during the winter time, later graduating from the high school, and Purdue University in 1888. with the degree of Bachelor of Science, having made an excellent record there for scholarship.

Mr. Burris married Harriet McCoy, on October 25, 1899. » lady of excellent educational attainments, having graduated from DePauw University in the class of 1898. She is the daughter of James H. and Ellen (Utterback) McCoy, both natives of Putnam county and representatives of old families.

;Mr. Burris carries on extensive farming interests with an energy and discretion that always result in success, having made a very careful study of '-intense'" farming, employing as far as possible scientific methods in farming and stock raising. Some fine specimens of livestock are to be found on his place at all times. His land is well improved in every respect and his is one of the attractive and desirable farms of Putnam county. He has a comfort- able residence and gocal outbuildings. He has added very extensively to the estate left him by his father. Although his residence is in Cloverdale, he operates his farm himself. He is widely regarded as an authority on all agricultural questions, having devoted his life to studying the same. He is deeply interested in institute work and is widely known as a well informed and interesting lecturer on agriculture. He was at one time president of the Imliana Corn Growers' Association, his work in the same resulting in the accomplishment of much good and the fostering of new enthusiasm.

Mr. Burris has traveled extensively, having made a trip around the world which greatly broadened his views, having observed many things which will be of permanent and inestimable value to him. In every sphere of endeavor in which Mr. Burris has taken part, his unpretending bearing and integrity have elevated him in the contidence of his fellow men.

James M. Owsley

The rec(jrd of the gentleman whose name introduces this article contains no exciting chapter of tragic events, but is replete with well defined purposes which, carried to successful issue, have won for him an infiuential place in business circles and high personal standing among his fellow citizens. His life work has been one of unceasing industn,- and perseverance, and the systematic and honorable methods he has ever followed have resulted not only in gaining the confidence of those with whom he has had dealings, but also in the building up of a large industry.

James M. Owsley is a native of the old Blue Grass state, having been born in Cumberland county. Kentucky. May 3, 1856. the son of Oscar and Almira (Aliddleton) Owsle}', who were highly respected and honorable people, spending their lives on a farm in that state, rearing their son, James M., to farm work, alternating the same with work in the district schools. While yet a young man he went to Missouri, where he continued farming and attending school until he was about seventeen years of age. when he started in life for himself, having gained the consent of his parents. Having heard of the opportunities existing in Putnam county, Indiana, he came here, his total capital upon arriving aggregating something o\er one dollar. But even at that early age he manifested traits of character that never fail to win in the battle of life, for he was courageous, was not afraid of hard work and was not overawed at seeminglv insurmountable obstacles. He soon hired out as (44) a farm hand at from eighteen to twenty-one dollars per month, and. having faith in his future aljility to make money, he was not especially economical at that period, spending most all he made until his marriage, which event took place on Fehruan,' 19. 1879. His choice for a life partner was Mary E. Sutherlin, who was born in Jackson township, this county, the daughter of a well known family there. His father-in-law furnished the young couple a place to live. Prospering, in a short time he purchased the place and he has ever since been gradually climbing to the front until he has become of the leading agriculturists of Jackson township, owning at one time four hundred and forty acres of rich land which he placed under an excellent state of cultivation and improvement. He proved to be a good manager and made few mistakes in the management of his large affairs. Having given his son-in-law help in buying a farm near his home he now owns three hundred and twenty acres. Most of his present handsome competence he has made unaided by skillful fanning and the judicious handling of stock, having long been accustomed to raising and selling large numbers from year to year while for several years he has bought and fed cattle for market. He introduced the breed of Shorthorn cattle which are proving to be a great stride for this country.

Mrs. Owsley has been of great assistance to her husband in his everyday affairs in the way of encouragement and sane counsel. She owns stock in the Roachdale Bank, also in the Central National Bank at Greencastle. Thev ha\e a pleasant and attractively located home, well furnished and commodious, and the outbuildings on the place are all that could be desired. One daughter. Alma, has been born to this union, her birth occurring on December 24. 1884. She is a graduate of the Roachdale high school and is the wife of Allie Miller, of Jackson township, a member of a prominent family of the county.

Mr. and Mrs. Owsley are members of the Christian church, of which Mr. Owslev has been elder. In politics he is a Democrat, but has never taken much interest in political affairs, preferring to devote all his time to his individual affairs: however, he may always be depended upon to lend his support in the promotion of any movement looking to the general good of Putnam countv.

Aarox B. Stewart

The subject of this sketch has spent his useful and unusually active life in Putnam county, antl he has always had deeply at heart the well being and improvement of the community with the result that he has always been held in high esteem by all who knew him, as were his ancestors. He was bom in the house where he now lives in Jackson township. September 8, 1S58. the son of Lewis H. and Elizabeth (Gillen) Stewart, highly respected people. Thev were the parents of eleven children. Aaron B. being the fourth in order of birth. He was reared on the home farm, which he worked when he became of proper age. attending the district schools in the winter time, remaining at home until his marriage with Lilly Keithy. daughter of Doctor Keithy, a well known local physician. To this union one daughter, Lillie, was born, who became the wife of Rev. Arthur Hackleman, of Montpelier. Luliana. Mrs. Lilly Keithy Stewart died when this child was born, and Mr. Stewart married Mar}- Hixon in December, 1878. She was born February 25. 1858. in Parke county, wdiere she was reared and educated, and she is the daughter of Michael Hixon. a successful farmer wdio lived on the land his grandfather entered from the government in a ver}- earlv day. They first located on the farm where he lived, but later moved to a farm in Franklin township. Two sons were born of this union, namelv : Otto M. born November 25. 1SS8. is living at home and is a graduate of the Roachdale high school: Lewis H. was born October 20, 1890, is a graduate of the Roachdale high school and is living at home.

Mr. Stewart has a good farm, well improved and carefully tilled and he makes a very comfortable living from his fields year by year, at the same time laying by something for the future. He has a pleasant home and is deserving of credit for what he has accomplished, for he has received little help from outside sources. He is engaged in the stock business, buying hogs and cattle wdiich he feeds for market.

Fraternally he is a member of Roachdale Lodge. No. 602, Free and Accepted ]\Iasons. Both he and his wife are members of the Eastern Star, Chapter No. 247. Mrs. Stewart being associate matron. Politically Mr. Stewart is a Democrat, but he never takes much interest in politics, preferring- to attend strictlv to his individual affairs.

Joseph West

This venerable pioneer and representative farmer of Jackson township has long been identified w-ith the interests of Putnam county, and thus he has witnessed and taken part in the development of this section of the state from a sylvan wild to its present status as a progressive locality. He early began to contribute to the work of clearing and improving the land of its primitive forests, later assisted in establishing schools and better public improvements and facilities, while his course has been so directed as to retain for him the unqualified approval of the community in which he lives.

Joseph West was born in Madison county, Kentucky, November 26, 1832, the son of Richard and Lavina (Hochersmith) West, both natives of Madison county, Kentucky, where they grew to maturity, were educated in the early pioneer schools and there married, spending most of their lives in the Blue Grass state. They came to Indiana later in life, but did not remain long until they returned to Kentucky, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Joseph West was eighteen years of age when he came to Hendricks county, Indiana. He was first employed by Doctor Hoadley and he remained there three years, then he returned to Kentucky, where he remained until 1856 when he came to Putnam county, Indiana. He had been a hard worker through his youth and had saved his money, having about one hundred and seventy dollars when he arrived here. He first rented a farm and later moved to Ladoga, Indiana.

Mr. West married Mariah L. Merchant shortly after taking up his residence in Putnam county, of which she was a native. After living a year in Montgomery county, they rented for five years and then located on 'Mr. West's present farm of one hundred and sixty acres, the same which he rented and which his wife inherited later. He has sold a part and yet owns one hundred and seven acres. His land is highly improved and well cultivated so that he has been amply rewarded for his toil from year to year. He has also been a very successful stockman, having long raised various kinds of livestock for the market ; however, he is at present living practically retired from the active duties of life, renting his farm. He has a comfortable and substantial dwelling and is spending his declining years in peace, surrounded by plenty.

To !Mr. and Mrs. West three children were born, named as follows : Millie T-. wife of George Ratliff. of Roachdale, this county: George R. is living at home, and John lives in Decatur county, Indiana. ^Irs. West died Febniarv 25, 19 10. Mr. West belongs to the Christian church, having been one of the deacons of the local congregation and long active in its affairs. He is a member of the Roachdale Lodge. Xo. 602, Free and Accepted Masons. In politics he is a Democrat, but he has never taken much part in political affairs. He is highlv honored by all who know him, for his life has been led alone: safe and honorable lines.

Ira Morelaxd

This well known and highly honored citizen of Jackson township is eminentlv entitled to conspicuous mention in this history, owing to the fact that he was one of the worthy pioneers of Putnam county, having seen and participated in the development of the same from the early days and the life he has led is one of commendation and worthy of emulation by younger generations, for it has been led along lines of usefulness and integrity.

Ira Moreland is a native of Jackson township, this county, his birth having occurred on January lo, 1844. His parents were James and Fannie (Shedals) Moreland. who in the early days here were influential and did their full share in blazing the forests and laying the foundation for later generations to enjoy the richness of the opportunities found here. They were each from honorable and industrious families, James Moreland having been born in Harper's Ferrv-, Virginia, and Fannie Shedals was a native of Kentucky. Thev grew to maturity in their native states and received a meager schooling in their native communities. They were married in Montgomery county, New York, and migrated to Putnam county, Indiana, as early as 1838, locating in Jackson township where they developed a good home from the virgin soil, reared their children in respectability and spent the rest of their lives, James Moreland was influential in local politics. He was a skilled mechanic and spent much of his life engaging in this line of work, which, in those pioneer days, was a great treat to the early settlers for they were remote from large towns where gunsmiths, etc., could be found to do their repairing. I\Ir. Moreland was not only skilled in his work. but. owing to his thoroughly honest dealings with all his neighbors, he established a reputation that brought him many customers who invariably remained his friends.

To Mr. and Mrs. James Moreland nine children were born, four of whom are living in 1909, viz: Rebecca (^Vlrs. Murphy), Ira (the subject), Joseph, of Jackson township, and Thomas, also of this township.

Ira Moreland was reared on the farm which he assisted in developing when he became of proper age, beginning work in the fields when but a mere lad. He had a limited opportunity to attend school, but he improved such as he had. When a young man he learned the plasterer's trade, becoming very proficient in the same and for many years his services were in great demand and he did contracting in Putnam, Montgomery. Boone and Hendricks counties, some of his contracts being large ones, and he was enabled to lav b\- a competency at this which enabled him to buy a farm of seventy acres later in life, which he now owns and which he manages in such a skillful manner that he reaps abundant harvests from year to year. He has a good home and is very comfortably situated to enjoy old age in peace and surrounded by plenty. Besides farming, he raises and feeds stock for the market, in which he meets with gratifying success.

;Mr. Moreland was married to Sarah Morgan, who was born in 1845 and reared in Fountain county. Indiana, where her people were well established. This union has resulted in the birth of two children, William and Nellie O.. both single and at home.

Mr. Moreland is a charter member of the Carpentersville Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he also belongs to the encampment. Politically he is a Democrat. During his long and useful life in Putnam county he has witnessed many momentous changes and he has played well his part in the subsequent development of the locality, for when he was a boy the country was in its primitive state, abounding in vast forests through which roamed wild beasts and much wild game, and it has been just such sturdy pioneers as he who have reclaimed the country and brought it to its present high state of prosperity. He is well known here and his life has been led along honorable lines at all times.

Hesekiah Evaxs

Hesekiah Evans was one of the old and greatly esteemed pioneers of Putnam countv who have now passed on to the undiscovered mystic land, leaving behind a priceless heritage, the memory of good deeds and an exemplary life, for he was a type of man seldom met with now - sterling, rugged, honest and hard working, kind to his neighbors and hospitable alike to friends and strangers.

The first one of the Evans family of which there is any authentic record was Thomas Evans. St., great-great-great-grandfather of Simpson F. Evans, born at Delornes, Wales, about 1662, and died in December 1756. at the age of ninety-four years. He married Sarah Martha Elizabeth Roberts at Philadelphia in 1730, and she died in Pennsylvania on June i, 1803, at the age of one hundred and eleven years.

Thomas Evans, Jr., their son. was born in Pennsylvania in 1739. He ran away from home and joined the army under Col. George Washington and fought under him in the French and Indian wars. He ser^-ed during the whole Revolutionarv struggle. 1776- 1783. He died in Kentucky in 1825.

Putnam Couxty, Ixdiaxa. 695 '

He was married in ijoj to Sarah Clark, born [March i, 1743. and died at Russellville. Indiana, June 5, 1834. Rev. John Evans, their son, born October 25, 1763, died at Russellville, July J, 1841, aged seventy-eight years. He was married in Kentucky to Susanah Prater, who was born in 1766 and died at Russellville, Indiana, October 25, 1S31.

James Evans, their son. was born June i, 1797, in Bath county, Kentucky, and died August 22, 1878, aged eighty-one years. He was married Fel)ruar\- 14. 1822, to Ruth Vanschoiack, born in Nicholas county, Kentucky. September 21, 1802. and died March 24. 1867, Hesekiah Evans was the son of James Evans and Ruth Vanschoiack.

He was born January 18. 1826, and received a limited education in the primitive schools of his day. coming to Putnam county when a young man. Here he met and on April 19. 1858, married Hannah M. Pratt, who was born September 9, 1837: she, too. came to this county with her parents, when young, in 1827.

James Evans bought land in section 6, he and Mr. Forgy buying a tract of three hundred and twenty acres in one body, dividing the same between them, it being agreed in the division that the last half was the better and to make an equal division, the west part was to contain one hundred sixtyseven and one-half acres and the east half one hundred and fifty-two and onehalf acres. Tossing coppers for choice, Mr. Evans secured the first pick of the land and chose the east side. On this he erected a log cabin, cleared the land and began farming which he followed all his life in connection with stock raising, being one of the best known stock men of his day. He was a breeder of fine horses, keeping the best in his neighborhood. Politically he was a Republican and he and his wife were both members of the IMethodist church for a period of about sixty years. He died at the age of eighty-one years, falling dead on the fair grounds which he had leased from a neighbor for the purpose of holding fairs. He and his wife were the parents of seven children. i\\-e bovs anti two giris : it was a coincidence that the two previous generations of his ancestors had families of five boys and two girls, making the same in numbers for three succeeding generations.

The father was reared to manhood on the home farm and attended the common schools of his day. His wife was the daughter of Austin Pratt, of Parke countv. Indiana, and she and Mr. Evans began their married life on a farm in Brown township. Montgomery county, on one hundred and sixty acres which Mr. Evans purchased. The father and sons worked together, helping each other until each son had his own farm. Hesekiah Evans later added one hundred acres to his place, owning then two hundred and sixty acres when his father died. He and his brother Daniel bought the heirs out and later the father bought the interest of his brother and gave his attention to the feeding of shorthorn cattle. He showed them at the county fairs and took a number of premiums. Mr. Evans reached the advanced age of eightyone years, retaining his active faculties to the last, dying May 8, 1907, and was buried in the cemetery at Russellville. His widow makes her home among her children. They are, James W., born February 22, 1863, married Lena Summers and they have the following children : Harold, John, Howard and Vernon, the last named being deceased; Henry G., born June 30, 1864, married Florence Allen and they have two children. Lee and Josephine; Simpson F.. whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume.

Alexander Campbell Stevexsox

The above named gentleman was born in Woodford county, Kentucky, X'ovember 21, 1802, and died January 2, 1889, at the advanced age of eightyseven years. He was the eldest son of James Stevenson and Margaret (Campbell) Stevenson. His mother was a daughter of Alexander Campbell, a pioneer of Kentucky. His paternal grandfather, Benjamin Stevenson, of the eastern shore kif Maryland, was, during the war of the Revolution, a soldier of the patriot army, and soon after that conflict removed from Maryland to Kentucky, when the latter was a territory of Virginia. His son James entered the United States army in the war of 18 12, as a private, and in that struggle endured such hardships that he ever afterward remained an invalid. This fact made the subject of this sketch, while yet a boy, the stay and support of the family. This constant labor and training gave to him a splendid phvsical and intellectual manhood. Educational advantages he had but sparingly. The schools of Kentucky in that day were but indifferent and seminaries and colleges distant and expensive; he therefore made nature his principal text book, and acquired wisdom and diligence from her precepts. He was strongly opposed to slavery and the injustice of that institution made strong impressions on his mind, and he determined to seek a home in a land of free institutions, where to labor was honorable. Impelled bv this principle, he, at the age of nineteen, in 1821, left Kentucky and came to Indiana seeking a location. He entered land northward horn where Rockville now stands. He was not disappointed with the country and from that time regarded Indiana as his home, .\fter satisfactorily prospecting the

Hoosier state, he returned to Kentucky where he was intkiced by his familv to study medicine. On completing his course he entered Transylvania University at Le.xington. Kentucky, and subsequently received his medical degree at that institution in the days when the illustrious Dr. Benjamin Dudle\- was the head of the school and in the height of his surgical renown.

.\fter recei\ing his medical degree Doctor Ste\'enson practiced his profession for a short time in his native state, but in 1826 he set his face for final residence in Indiana. On his return he was most favorably impressed with the situation and advantages of Greencastle and the "blue grass" lands surrounding. These considerations induced him to cast his lot with the people of that place, \\here he engaged in the practice of his profession and in other pursuits for a period of more than t-liree-score years. On his arrival at Greencastle he was without money, friends or acquaintances, but he had good health, excellent medical attainments and energy, with determination to succeed, reinforced with all the natural shrewdness and business capacity requisite to bring about the result. Riding a borrowed horse loaned by a relative, he halted at the village tavern and said to the proprietor, "I am a doctor: my name is Stevenson, from Kentucky. I desire to locate with you, but have no ready means to pay my way: but if you will board me and my horse for the first si.x months and use your influence for me in the community I will give yott half I make." As there were two physicians from the ^\'est. well stocked with the necessary outfit required to practice medicine in that early day. already established in the locality of the tavern, the keeper hesitated to accept his proposition, but told him to stay all night with him anyhow and he would think the matter over. Being favorably impressed with his personal address and conversational powers, he concluded the following morning to accept the arrangement. Doctor Stevenson was soon acti\-ely engaged in the treatment of diseases incident to a new country. Numerous incidents might be cited to show that he was a man for emergencies, and he was not required to wait long until opportunities presented themselves to show his judgment, decision and ability as a physician and surgeon. He rose rapidly to eminence in his profession and as a surgeon was without a peer. His parents came to him in Indiana, and he. with them, brought from Kentucky the sla\es owned by his father and gave them their freedom, and they remained in Indiana until after the constitution of 1850 w-as adopted. That instrument, as he thought, restrained them of liberty and he aided them to a home in the colony of Liberia. In his own life total abstinence had been the rule, and he felt that moral suasion was the true remedy. A man of strong will and unquestioned courage, these convictions soon impelled him into cuiiHict with intemperance, and tins conflict was life-long. He it was who delivered the first temperance lecture in this county, and the novelty of it brought friends and foes to hear. Men brought with them whisky in bottles and drank bumpers to each otlier and t(3 the speaker, while he, in nothing daunted, hurled anathemas at the traffic and deplored the evils of intemperance.

Careful investigation and thorough study convinced him that free institutions were wholly dependent on morality, integrity and intelligence. This conviction made him the friend of common schools and higher education. In the securing of Asbury University for Greencastle he was a liberal and active co-worker and contributor, became a member of its first board of trustees; saw ten years continuous service as such, three years of which time he was the president of the joint board. He was an active participant in securing free schools for Indiana, and did much to bring his adopted county into line in favor of that system. Some educational opinions then entertained by him were in advance of the times. Insisting that the common schools should be thorough and facilities for higher education ample, he. in an address, urged the necessity for schools in which complete training in agriculture and mechanical arts could be acquired. This brought him in conflict with some leading educators, but time has demonstrated the wisdom of his thought, as Rose Polytechnic Institute and Purdue University evidence. Eminent as a phvsician, his lucrative practice enabled him to acquire a large estate in wild lands. This he did preparatory to returning to agriculture as a profession. From these lands the inferior timber was removed and the land set in blue grass. This at that time was considered a waste by many, but he reaped from it afterwartls abundant harvest of rich pasture and fat cattle. Though engaged in an arduous profession, he. through study, became a believer in and an advocate of the American system of Mr. Clay. This brought him earlv into political prominence as he had the courage of his convictions, the result was that in 1831, 1832. 1844 and 1845 he represented his county in the Indiana House of Representatives and in the last term was speaker of the house. In 1839, 1840 and 1841 he was the Whig candidate for lieutenant-governor of Indiana. In 1850 he was elected to the convention that framed the constitution of Indiana in 1851, and was active in the deliberations of that bodv. His services in this convention closed his political career. He sympathized with labor and with men too intensely to readily reconcile himself to the compromise measures of 1850. and never again became a candidate. In i860, however, he earnestly advocated the election of Lincoln and gave to his administration an earnest, loyal and enthusiastic sup- port. Shortly after the Civil war he was the caucus nominee for United States senator, with certainty of election to that high office, but declined the honor. In 1843 '''^ removed from Greencastle to his farm two miles east of that town, and gave up his medical practice as rapidly as his patients would permit. Tlience forward he devoted his time to farming and stock raising. For a time he edited an agricultural department in a newspaper, and in this way, as well as in public addresses, sought to introduce better modes of farming. More through his efTort than of any other was the Putnam County Agricultural Society organized. He introduced into the county and bred large flocks of Spanish Merino sheep and for a time made sheep husbandry most prominent. While thus engaged he endeavored to organize an incorporated company for the purpose of importing and breeding Shorthorn cattle. Xot succeeding in this through defects in Indiana law, he began that enterprise alone. In 1848 he purchased and brought into Putnam county the first thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle. In 1847 he was commissioned by Governor Whitcomb a member of the Indiana state board proper and was himself a member of the board for several years, during three of which he was honored as president. It was while he was a member of the board that the plans were matured and action taken which have enabled that body and its agencies to accomplish so much for the stock breeding, agricultural, mechanical and mineral interests of Indiana. And in these labors he assumed his share, doing his full portion of the work. In 1853, at his own instance and cost, he went to England, inspected the principal Shorthorn herds of that kingdom and bought for himself a small herd of the best and brought them to Putnam county, and this was the first importation of Shorthorns direct from England into Indiana. His prominence as a stock grower caused him to become prime mover in calling the Indiana Shorthorn Breeders' Convention, which assembled at Indianapolis on May 21, 1872. He was made president of the convention and was afterward president of a national organization of the same kind. His efforts were not wholly confined to stock raising. He organized the company that built in 1867 the first gravel road in the county. The line was nineteen miles long, and is yet operatetl. though its success was originally doubtful. Xow in the county are maintained over one hundred fifty miles of improved roads. From 1840 until about 1880 Doctor Stevenson was a man of wealth, but wishing to administer on his own estate, he divided his lands and goods among his twelve children, giving to each an equal share, and reserving for himself and wife a modest competency during the remainder of their lives. He was always delighted with employment and instructed his children to lalwr, often himself going with them to the fields and by precept and example showing them how to accomplish the best results. He was from early life a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Liberal in his views, clear in convictions, logically a reasoner, far-sighted and methodical in business, firm and persistent in purpose, able and persuasive in argument, careful of the rights of others, of profound thought power, industrious, hospitable, courteous and generous, a good husband and a kind father, he made firm and lasting friends and led a successful life. He lived to see his county acquire and maintain hiofh rank among the best in the Hoosier state.

There is no class to whom greater gratitude is due from the world at large than to those self-sacrificing, sympathetic, noble-minded men whose life work has been the alleviation of suffering that exists among humanity, thus lengthening the span of human existence. There is no known standard by which their beneficent influence can be measured: their helpfulness is as broad as the universe and their power goes hand in hand with the wonderful laws of nature that come from the ven,- source of life itself. The skillful phvsician. then, by the exercise of his native talents and his acquired abilities, is not only performing a service for humanity, but is following in the footsteps of the divine teacher himself.

One of the best known and most successful practitioners of medicine in the northern half of Putnam county is Dr. Y. X. Xew. a resident of Jackson township, who was born in Hancock county, Indiana, Xovember 26, 1869, the son of John J. and Hannah (Xewhouse) Xew, a well established family, who moved to Boone county, this state, in 1870. The Doctor while yet a mere lad began assisting with the work about the home place, attending the district schools during the winter months. He was an ambitious lad and studied hard, passing through the district schools. Later he entered the schools of Valparaiso, Indiana, then took a preparatory- course in medicine in the Danville Xormal School, having made a splendid record in all these institutions. For five years he followed teaching ver}- successfully, but he did not take kindly to this line of work and he began the study of medicine in earnest, entering the School of Medicine at Louisville, Kentucky, from which he was graduated in the year 1893. and in 1894 he located at Barnard. Putnam countv. Indiana, and he has since been engaged in the practice here.

his success having been gratifying from the first, and he is now enjoying a very extensive and increasing patronage. He is deserving of a great deal of credit for the eminent success he has attained owing to the fact that he is purely a self-made man and was compelled to work his way through college.

Besides an attractive home at Barnard, he is the owner of a valuable farm of one hundred and twenty-six acres in Jackson township, this county, his wife also owning a tract of twenty acres in Clinton township, this county.

Doctor New was married in 1S96 to Naomi Wilson, born February 8, 1873. daughter of B. F. and Mary A. (Carman) Wilson, a highly respected family of Barnard, this county, where Airs. New was born and reared. She is a graduate of the common and high schools and is a woman of culture. This union has been blessed by the birth of one child. Cecil A., born March 10, 1898.

Doctor New is a member of the county and state medical societies, and politically he is a Democrat. His career has been fraught with much good to the people of Putnam county and he is held in high esteem bv all classes.

Shelby H. Blaydes

Although a Kentuckian by birth. Shelby H. Blaydes, a successful and highly honored agriculturist and stock man of Jackson township, has been deeply interested in its general progress since locating here, having at heart the well being and improvement of Putnam county, using his influence wherever possible for the promotion of enterprises calculated to be of lasting benefit to his fellow men, besides taking a leading part in all movements for the advancement of the community along social, intellectual and moral lines. He has won a host of warm friends since coming here, which he retains, being popular with all classes in his community where he maintains a home that is comfortable, substantial and pleasant in all its appointments and which is regarded as a place of generous hospitality and good cheer; all this he has made himself by hard work and proper business principles persistently applied.

Mr. Blaydes was bom in Hardin county, Kentucky, September 2, 1850, the son of John S. and Nancy D. (Cash) Blaydes. each coming from a fine old Southern ancestry and highly honored in their community.

Shelby H. Blaydes was reared on a farm in his native state, and when a mere lad began working on the same and he has ever followed this line of endeavor in a manner that stamps him as a master of modern agricultural details. He attended the public schools of his neighborhood and received a fairly good education. In the fall of 1865 he came to Putnam county, Indiana, arriving here with only fifty cents in his pocket ; but he was a courageous lad and he set to work with a will, nothing daunted, and soon had a foothold in the new country. He began here as a farm hand at one dollar per day, working with his brother, John W. Blaydes, for a period of two years.

Mr. Blaydes married, on December 31. i860, America A. Dean, who was born and reared on a farm in this county and received a common school education here. She was called to her reward on April 16, 1909, after proving to be a most faithful and kind helpmate, no children being born to this union. He was married January 18, 1910. to Mrs. Sophia A. Simmons, widow of George T. Simmons, and the daughter of John S. Michael, a prominent farmer of Floyd township, this county.

Mr. Blaydes is the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and nine and one-half acres, and he is worth about nineteen thousand dollars, all of which he has made himself, being an excellent manager and straightforward in his dealing with his fellow men. He formerly dealt extensively in livestock and made considerable money in this way. He has a well improved and highly cultivated farm in which he has always taken a great pride. His place is called the "Jackson Park Farm," and is located three miles from Roachdale. Here often come admirers of his fine Poland-China hogs, for which he has long been noted.

Politically Mr. Blaydes is a Democrat and he has always taken more or less interest in local political affairs, although too busy with his farm and stock to waste any time seeking office ; however, he desires to see good men in the local offices and assists the best he can to this end.

William B. Modlix

Although William B. Modlin does not claim Putnam county as his place of birth and his honored ancestors lived, wrought and died in another commonwealth, he has been deeply interested in the general progress of this locality and has ever stood ready to do his part in carrying on the splendid work begun by the first settlers. He has a neat little farm which he so manages as to make a very comfortable living from year to year. He was born in Tennessee, January 19, 1867, the son of Edmund and Martha (Owens) Modlin. who spent their early lives in Tennessee, coming to Put- nam county, Indiana, in i86g and settled in Jackson township, where Mr. Modlin still lives. He at tirst rented land until he got a good start. He has been veni- amply rewarded for his toil here and has a pleasant home. He is highly honored in his community.

William B. Modlin was reared on the farm which he worked when merely a lad and he therefore took naturally to this line of endeavor and has always followed it for a livelihood. He attendeil the district schools in the winter time and received a fairly good education.

Mr. Modlin was married on October 2^. 1890. to Sarah E. Boner, who was born and reared in this county and educated in the public schools and DePauw University. The young couple immediately located on a farm and they have now a good little place of fort}- acres, well fenced and otherwise well kept, located in one of the richest sections of Jackson township.

Mr. and Mrs. Modlin are members of the ^lethodist Episcopal church at Roachdale. this county, and Mr. Modlin belongs to Roachdale Lodge. Xo. 602. Free and Accepted ilasons. also Roachdale Lodge. Xo. 297. Knights of Pythias. They are both members of the Pythian Sisters. Mrs. Modlin having passed all the chairs in the local lodge, and has been a delegate to the grand lodge. Mr. ]\[odlin is a past chancellor of his lodge. Politically he is a Repulilican. but does not take any special interest in the affairs of his partv or aspire to public office. He and his wife are well liked by their neighbors for they are kind and honorable to all. Their daughter. Alice, is spending her second vear in high school and is also a member of the Methodist church.

Simpsox Fletcher Evaxs

Bv a life of persistent and well applied industry, led along the most honorable lines, the gentleman whose name appears above has justly earned the right to be represented in a work of the character of the one at hand, along with the other men of Putnam county who have made their influence felt in their respecti\-e communities.

Simpson Fletcher Evans was born September 24. 1S66. in Montgomery county. Indiana, and was reared to manhood on his parents' farm in this county, receiving a good common school education. August 21, 1889. he married Ella ]vlay Kendall, daughter of Philip and Xancy Jane Kendall, natives of this county, both now deceased, Ella May being the third in a family of five children, namelv: Horace R., Stella. Ella May. Rose and X'ell. Three children have been born to Air. and Airs. Evans, named as follows: Shirl, born December 7, 1892; Hesekiah Earl, born November 20, 1894; Olive, born October 31, 1899.

Air. Evans owns and lives on the old home place, consisting of one hundred and fifty-three acres, near Russellville, which is valued at one hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre. It is one of the best farms in the community, having been carefully tilled and well managed, so that the soil is just as productive as formerly. He has a neat, comfortable home and is regarded as one of the township's best citizens. Considerable attention is paid to stock raising, he being an extensive breeder of shorthorn cattle, which are admired by all, and with which he makes a very creditable showing at the county, fairs, having taken many premiums, and no small part of his annual income is derived from the judicious handling of stock.

Louis Weik

Of the men closely identified with the early- commercial history of Greencastle no one has contributed more to its proper development and success than the late Louis Weik, who died at his home in that city April 11, 1898. Air. Weik was born in the grand duchy of Baden, one of the little states or divisions of the German empire, June 18, 1830. His birthplace was called Bischofsheim. - in English, the Bishop's Home, - a village near the eastern bank of the Rhine and about seven miles from the city of Strassburo-. famed alike for its great cathedral and its memorable siege during the Franco-German war of 1870. His father was the village baker, as also was his o-randfather - in fact, for generations back, that industry had been controlled bv the Weik family. Even today the business is still carried on by a member of the present generation and in the same room in which the common ancestor. Christian Weik, erected the oven and molded bread in the latter half of the eighteenth century. After learning the trade, the subject of this sketch crossed the Rhine into French territory, where he found work in Strassburg, near the house where Gutenburg. the inventor of printing, experimented with his "mo\able types." Aleanwhile he had been an earnest and diligent student at the public schools of the day and by virtue of persistent application had made unusual progress in his studies. In the cur- riculum of the German schools great stress has always been laid upon mental arithmetic antl in this regard the young pupil was remarkably apt and proficient.

There being thirteen children in his father's family, of which he was the fifth in order of birth and also the eldest son. Louis W'eik concei\-ed the idea of setting out in the world for himself and thus making a little more room for the already crowded household. Besides, he yearned longingly for a sight of the great, unsettled and inviting land across the Atlantic. In due time his opportunity came. Two of his friends having determined to emigrate to America, he secured the consent of his parents to join them. .Accordingly, on the 1st day of August, 1848. he bade his family and friends farewell, took a seat in the diligence for Paris and rode away from his birthplace destined never to see it again. Two days later he sailed from Havre in the good ship "L'Aurore" bound for New York.

An ocean \-oyage in those days was no inconsequential matter, especially if one shipped as a steerage passenger; and, in this instance, it was fortythree, days before the young immigrant passed through the gates of Castle Garden in New York harbor. A few days later he left the great city on ^lanhattan island en route to his destination, Cincinnati. The journey was long and tedious, by river, canal, lake and rail ; but once arrived, he promptly went to work at his trade. The river traffic of that day outstripped all other kinds of inland transportation and Cincinnati, being the most important point between Pittsburg and New Orleans, was indeed the Queen City and reigned supreme. It was a splendid school for the young artisan, eager, vigorous and determined to win. After several years spent in Cincinnati he decided to try life in a country- town and accordingly accepted a situation in Greencastle, Indiana, to which place he removed in the spring of 1853. It was the last remo\al he e\-er made. For several years he followed his trade, being employed by John Weinhart, Jesse Holmes, J. F. Duckworth, Pleasant Hubbard and John Burley in succession till 1858, when he became the partner of the last named in a business already estaljlished. In i86j he withdrew from the fimi and formed a partnership with \\'illiam \A'. Lyon, which continued till 1S75. From the latter year until 1S80 he was associated with Edward .\llen. after which he carried on the business himself, with the assistance of his sons, until his death.

Before he had left Cincinnati Mr. Weik had joined the order of Odd Fellows and also the Everett Street Methodist church and shortly after his removal to Greencastle he became a Freemason. After 1861 he affiliated with the Republican party, but never sought any sort of political reward or preferment. The only public office he ever accepted was that of city councilman, to which position he was chosen by his fellow citizens and neighbors without his solicitation and despite his refusal to become a candidate.

Louis Weik was a splendid type of the foreign-born American citizen. Although he had passed through the fanaticism and violence of the Knownothing period and had endured the opprobrium and abuse heaped upon those who happened to have migrated from beyond the national boundaries, yet he was, from the beginning, a steadfast, uncompromising and unyielding champion of Auierica and .American institutions. He had unquestioned faith in the people and the profoundest affection for the government and allowed no man to surpass him in loyalty, zeal and veneration for the country of his adoption. At the same time he was not ashamed of the land of his nativity - in fact was proud of her histoiy and her achievements.

Born to labor, he took pride in his calling and in every way strove to elevate and improve it; he was honest and invariably square in all his dealings, therebv winning and maintaining the approval and good will of his neighbors; instinctively modest, he never boasted, never prated of his own doings; candid and sincere by nature, he could not flatter, could not cajole; unremitting in his devotion to his family, and sacrificing much that they mic'ht receive the best education and training that his means would admit, he labored to the ver}' end and. although he could bequeath to them no great estate, he left them that which is beyond all material accumulations - the aroma and sanctity of a good name.

In the absence of county historical societies, many important facts and events in the lives of the men who helped to make history in the early days of the statehood of Indiana, which were once as familiar as household tales, are entirely forgotten. After the lapse of many years it is impossible to give a clear and connected review of a life where no records are available. The reader, bearing this in mind, will be indulgent to the writer, who undertakes this work of love, deploring the negligence of the past in not securing information from living witnesses, and who now attemjits to record the meager facts at hand.

The parents of Edward W. McGaughey were .\rthur O. and Sarah (Bell) McGaughey. His father was born on March 3, 1788. and came from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to the West when a \'ers- young man, with a company of "Rangers" - I presume a military company, armed for protection. At Corydon. Indiana, in about 1810, he married Sarah Bell, who was Ijom in Kentucky on June 11, 1790. Their family consisted of si.x children - William B., Edward W., Thomas D., Marv- Jane. John and Harriet. Mar}' Jane McGaughey was tlie first white child born in Putnam county. The records of Putnam county show that the first term of court heki in that county was at a private house about sixteen miles south of town, on the 3d of June, 1822. and that Arthur McGaughey was clerk of the court, and that the first case taken to the supreme court was by Arthur McGaughey. He held this ofiice for twenty-three or four years and lived on a farm about three miles south of Greencastle up to the time of his death, ^lay 2, 1857. His wife was a woman of strong character and keen intellect, and was well known for her independent and fearless frankness and energy in the discharge of her duties. She was a stanch member of the Baptist church, and was a familiar figure, mounted on her gray mare, on her way to attend meetings and associations, in sunshine or rain. During one of her absences on Sunday an old soldier made a visit to her husband, who was \ery fond of a practical joke. He drew the man out on his favorite subject of conversation - his war experiences - anil about the time he expected his wife's return he said to the soldier: "X'ow take a piece of charcoal and mark out on the floor the plan of the battle of Lundy's Lane, so I may know just the position of the British and American forces." The old man ol:)e}'ed. and was so absorl)ed in his work, explaining it as he drew the heavy lines on the clean, white boards, that he did not notice the exit of his host, nor the entrance of the host's wife, till he heard her indignant tones demanding the cause of his defacing her floor, and ordering him to desist at once.

The life of the pioneers was very prosaic and practical, and devoted almost exclusively to the useful arts, but by some means an industrv- was introduced in this household that bordered on the ornamental, in the cultivation of silk-worm cocoons. A large mulberry tree fumished the nourishment required, and the experiment was successful. The thread was prepared and knit into gloves. A pair yet remains that was given to her son, Edward, who took pride in showing the handiwork of his mother. He manifested his love for his parents and his thoughtfulness for their welfare in providing for them in his will.

Edward W. McGaughey was born in Putnam county, Indiana, on January i6, 1817. He was principally self-educated, as he entered his father's office as deputy clerk at a very early age. He was married to Margaret Matlock on January 18, 183S, at Greencastle, she being the daughter of James Matlock and Rosanna (Wood) Matlock, of Danville. Indiana. He signed his own marriage license, "Arthur ]VIcGaughey, Clerk, per E. W. Mc- Gauo-hev, Deputy." His father was opposed to his marriage on account of his youth. At the March term, 1835, the records show that E. W. Mc- Gaughey produced a certificate of good character and, after examination, was admitted to the practice of law in Putnam county at the age of eighteen years. In the fall of '1840 Thompson killed Rhynerson. He was arrested, indicted, tried and hung, all within thirty days. The trial was in January, 1 84 1, and the hanging in February, 1841. E. W. McGaughey defended Thompson.

In 1842 E. W. McGaughey made his first race for office - that of state senator - and was elected, defeating Albert G. Hutton. When the Legislature convened his first efifort was to have the congressional district in which he was residing changed, so as to give the district to the Whigs, which was done. He resioned to make his first race for Congress. This, I think, was in 1843, when his opponent was Joseph A. Wright, who won the election by three votes. In looking over a copy of the Western Visitor, July 20, 1843, Published at Greencastle, I find it brim full of this race, and as it was a Whig paper it was very sanguine of the election of its candidate. It says: "But the citizens of old Putnam raised Ned McGaughey, and well may they be proud of him. They are ; and they will not be ashamed to own it on the first ]!vIondav in August next." In this same paper is a reference to R. W. Thompson from the Wabash Courier, which refers to a speech made there, and to his intention of making Terre Haute his residence.

Mr. McGaughey was elected to the twenty-ninth Congress, which convened in December, 1845, ^^'^ ^^^° ^° ^^^ thirty-first, which convened December 3, 1849. I think he was a candidate for the thirty-second Congress and was defeated by John G. Davis, of Parke county. He was a strong opponent of the 3.1exican war and delivered a strong speech on the subject in Congress.

President Taylor nominated him governor of the territory of Minnesota, but he failed of confirmation by the Senate, in consequence of his attitude on the war question. His rejection caused great excitement and indignation among the Whigs of Indiana. In speaking of the distinguished men of Parke county, the Rockz'ille Tribune, in 1896, had this to say of Mr. Mc- Gaughey :

"There was another, also an adopted son of Parke county, and though the number of years he spent within her borders was comparatively few, yet we claim him with as much pride as if he was to the manor born. No one who has come down from a former generation but remembers with a glow of enthusiasm and admiration the gifted, clear-headed, courageous, ambitious and brilliant Xed McGaughey. His triumphs at the bar were the fireside talk of those early days. His defiant and chivalric contests on the stump were the pride and glorv of his friends and the terror of his political enemies. In person he was about five feet seven inches in height, slenderly made, had a sallow complexion, dark hair, was thin visaged and slightly stoop-shouldered. His voice was not mellow or musical, but had about it a nasal Yankee twang - clear, piercing and penetrating. He was a prodig}' of industry and energy. Dav and night his active and acute mind was on the alert, devouring and absorbing the principles of law and politics.

"He seemed to dwell entirely in the region of the intellectual. His mind and body were disproportioned : the hungry, grasping, aggressive intellect did its work clearly, positively, completely, but at the expense of a delicate and feeble constitution. His brain seemed to outn.m his body, and, as a consequence, he died comparatively in early life. The leading characteristics of his mind were great clearness of mental vision, and an unyielding, uncompromising and absolutely logical method of mental operation. No flights of imagination or flowers of rhetoric adorned his arguments before the bar and the people ; he made no efforts at rounded periods, or the mere graces of oratory to attract, amuse or please ; but a bristling point was in every sentence, defined by exact language, and enforced by the power of pure reasoning. Either knowing or caring nothing for the sensibilities, his field of battle, in his intellectual contests, was in the realm of the intellect and the will, save at times when he let fly a glittering sentence of sarcasm or invective, which cut right and left, like a Damascus blade ; or scratched and scathed and blistered and shivered like a molten bolt of lightning."

"Edward W. McGaughey was born in Putnam county, and practiced law in and was elected to Congress from that county. He came to Parke county about the year 1848. and entered into partnership with Governor Wright in the practice of the law. He was elected to Congress while a resident of this county, but in a subsequent race for congressional honors was defeated. He was mortified and chagrined over his defeat, and it largely influenced him in his determination to remove to another field. He turned his face toward the sunset land and determined to cast his lot and exercise his great talents in the state of California, to which state he finally went. But the overworked and delicate constitution at last gave way before his career in that distant land began. The lamp of his life, brilliant and constant to the last, went out in darkness forever. His remains sleep on the golden slopes of that far-off state, but time nor distance can elTace from the memory of our people his talents and his brilliant public service, or abate the tithe of a hair our claim that his ashes and his fame are the common property of the people of Parke county."

Mr. AIcGaughey was at one time an applicant for the appointment of commissioner of the general land office, but failed. The story is thus told in the "Life of Lincoln," by W. H. Herndon and Jesse William Weik :

"Lincoln says : T believe that, so far as the Whigs in Congress are concerned, I could have the general land office almost by common consent ; but then Sweet and Dan Morrison, and Browning and Cyrus Edwards all want it. and what is worse, while I think I could easily take it for myself I fear I shall have trouble to get it for any other man in Illinois. The reason is that McGaughey, an Indiana ex-member of Congress, is here after it, and being personally known he will be hard to beat by any one who is not." ' The authors say : "But, as the sequel proved, there was no need to fear the Hoosier statesman, for although he had the endorsement of General Scott and others of equal influence, yet he was left far behind in the race, and along with him Lincoln. Morrison, Browning and Edwards. A dark horse in the person of Justin Butterfield, sprang into view and with surprising facility captured the tempting prize."

"It is our painful duty to record the demise of Hon. E. W. McGaughey, who arrived in San Francisco on the 4th inst. by the A\'infield Scott.' He died at James' Hotel yesterday morning at one o'clock of Panama fever, with which he was attacked on the passage. Doctor Greathouse, of Kentucky, Judge HamnKJud, of Indiana, and other kind friends, who were with him on board the steamer, were unremitting in their attentions to him. and slight hopes were entertained that he would recover on reaching this place. Im- metliately on lainling. Doctor Aldrich. of this city, was called on to assist in attending to him and exerted every means that medical skill could suggest for his restoration. But he had become so emaciated and enfeebled that all was without avail. He did not die among strangers. Old acquaintances and friends were around him and paid him every possible attention. Among them were Hon. George C. Bates. ex-Governor McDougal and Hon. P. W. Tompkins. G>!. E. D. Baker, who had known him familiarly, was not in town at the time of his death. Mr. McGaughey was formerly a Whig member of Congress of Indiana, and one of the youngest members of that body, and of more than average talents. He had embarked for California with the intention of prosecuting his profession of law and politics."

The following letters, one from W. D. Griswold, and one from the late Governor Joseph A. Wright, tell of the esteem in which he was held by his contemporaries : ":vlrs. E. W. McGaughey: