Putnam County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1910 (part 2 of 16)

Coupled with Francis M. Lyon's ability as an attorney is his unusual clearness of perception, analytical tact and soundness of theory, also his courteous manners, persistency and unswerving integrity, these and other commendable attributes rendering him one of the strong and influential attorneys of Putnam county and one of the successful practitioners of a communitv noted for the high order of its legal talent. For many years his office in Greencastle has been a very busy place and many of the principal cases in the local courts find him on one sitle or the other, always alert, fair, unswerving and always laboring for the interests of his large clientele.

Mr. Lyon represents an old and highly esteemed family of this county, his forebears having located here in an epoch which historians are pleased to allude to as "early" and they have since played well their parts in transforming the locality from its primitive state to the opulent present. He was born at Hamrick Station, Putnam county, Indiana. :\Lay 9, 1857. His father was Valentine Lyon, a native of Fluvanna county, \'irginia. born April 3, 1798. He there grew to maturity and moved to Owen county. Indiana, in 1 8 JO. where he lived until 1846. when he moveti to Greencastle for the purpose of educating his children in old Asbury L^niversity. being a strong advocate of higher etlucation and a man who delighted in giving his children every opportunity possible, and he was a strong supporter of the university here; also took an active part in the Methodist congregation. He devoted his life to farming and was verv successful. Remaining in Putnam until 1861. he returned to Owen county, where he lived until his death in 18S7, at the advanced age of nearly ninety years. His long and useful life was a lesson to all who knew him for he never neglected a chance to be of service in any relation of life: scrupulously honest and always hospitable - a typical old-time Virginia gentleman. He married Zarelda Myers, daughter of Xoble J. Myers. and she was born on a farm three miles north of Greencastle. January jj.

Putnam Col-Xtv, Indiana

i8j6. Her mother was the daughter of Solomon Kaufman. [Mrs. Lyon uas a woman of many beautiful traits of character, and she passed to her rest in 1906, at the age of eighty years. Valentine Lyon was first married to ]^rary Payne, a native of Shelby county, Kentucky, which union resulted in the birth of thirteen children, twelve of whom lived to maturitv. but only four of this large family are living at this writing. Seven children were born to the second union, named as follows: Charles E. is living in Topeka, Kansas: Francis M., of this review: George W. lives in Clinton. Iowa: Henry Eascom is a resident of Cheyenne. Wyoming: Prof. Oliver L. lives at Enid. Oklahoma: Mrs. Emma Florence Roberts lives near [Manhattan. Putnam county : Ulysses G. lives on a farm near Reelsville. Putnam countv.

The remote ancestors of the Lyon family were French .Acadians, who came into the L'nited States from Xova Scotia, having been banished from Acadia and cast ashore, later landing on the coast of Maryland. From there they went to Virginia where the family became well established and prosperous: there, in Fluvanna county, James Lyon, grandfather of Francis M., was born. The Lyon family has always been strongly bent toward educational and musical lines: nine members of this family of the recent generation were teachers.

Francis 'M. Lyon was educated in the high school at Spencer, Owen county, Indiana, then attended the Central Xormal School at Danville and the State Xormal at Terre Haute. His first inclination was to practice medicine and with this end in view he studied medicine during the summer months and taught school in the \\ inter time, soon becoming well known throughout the county as an able and painstaking instructor. In 1889 he was elected superintendent of schools of Putnam county, and so faithfully and well did he perform the duties of this office that he was re-elected three times, holding the office four terms or eight years, during which time the work throughout the county was greatly strengthened, the courses made more attractive to pupils, teachers were encouraged and patrons pleased with the excellent svstem perfected by him. Flad he continued in this line of work he doubtless would have become one of the leading educators of the state: but turning from both teaching and medicine, he began the study of law under Silas A. Hays, making rapid progress and was admitted to the bar in due course of time. He formed a law partnership with Charles T. Peck, which still exists, the firm being one of the best known in the county and regarded as strong and reliable, fio-uring prominently in all local courts. ;\[r. Lyon is regarded by his large clientele as a fair, painstaking, energetic champion of their rights, and he is a "ood lawyer.

A. Houck, the refined daughter of Anthony and Martha A. Houck. of Putnam county, where Mrs. Lyon was born October 9. 1861. This union has resulted in the birth of three sons, namely: Oscar Earl, who died in infancy, Orrell E. w as born on October 26. 1885 ; Glen Houck Lyon was born on July 17. 1898.

Mr. Lyon is purely a self-made man, educated himself, working liard to do so. and he is deserving of much credit for the success he has achieved. He is attorney for the Western Tin-Plate Company. He is the owner of two fine farms and is extensively engaged in loaning money. For ten years he has ])een a member of the lioard of directors of the Commercial Club of Greencastle. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to the blue lodge, the chapter, commandery. Scottish rite and the Ancient Arabic Order of Xobles of the Mvstic Shrine. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and belongs to the Gentlemen's Literary Club, a very exclusive organization. In politics he is an active and influential worker in the Democratic ranks, and he and Mrs. Lyon are members of the College Avenue Methodist Episcopal church.

Mr. Lvon has always taken a great interest in the prosperity and advancement of Putnam county and endorses even.' movement which he believes will prove a benefit to humanity. He is genial, a good mixer, sociable and straightforward in his dealings with his fellow men. His achievements represent the results of honest endeavor along lines where mature judgment has opened the way. He possesses a weight of character, a native sagacity, a discriminating judgment and a fidelity of purpose that command the respect, if not the approval of all with whom he is associated. He takes first rank among the leading citizens of Putnam county, being a leader in financial, educational, social and civic affairs.

Charles Lueteke

The biographer is glad to herein set forth the salient facts in the eminently successful and honorable career of the well remembered and highly esteemed citizen of Putnam county whose name appears alwve. the last chapter in whose life record has been closed by the hand of death and the seal set thereon forever, but whose influence still pervades the lives of those with whom he came in contact. For many years he was closely identified with the industrial development of the county and aided in every way possible in promoting the general good of the community. The terms "progress" and "patriotism" might be considered two of the keynotes of the character of

Charles Lueteke. for throughout his career he labored for the improvement of both business and public interests, and at all times was actuated by a patriotic love for his adopted country and her welfare. During his long and eminently worthy career in Putnam county no man was better known or held in higher esteem and he is certainly deserving of most conspicuous mention in the history of his locality.

Mr. Lueteke was born in Mecklenberg. Germany, on }ilarch 7. 1844. and when fourteen vears of age he began his apprenticeship to the baker's trade, which he thoroughly mastered at an early age. All trades are taught with minute nicety in the old country and the case of Mr. Lueteke was no exception to the common rule and he devoted his life work almost exclusively to this work, remaining in his native land until 1868, when he emigrated to the L'nited States. He made his way to Indiana and Uicated at Greencastle, and here he at once secured work with Lyon & Weik. as a baker. After a residence of three years in this country he returned to Germany, making a visit of three months to his childhood home, during which time he was married to Johanna Voss. Returning to America, they located in Chicago and engaged in the bakery business. He was prospering- when misfortune overtook him during the great fire of 187 1 which burned him out completely. Thrown again on his own resources with little capital, he went to Indianapolis and after working there for a short time at his trade, came to Greencastle and entered the same business, locating on the square, but the fire fiend still pursued him and he was one of the victims of the big fire in October, 1874. which proved so disastrous to Putnam county's capital city. The blow was serious, but. being a man of indomitable courage and fortitude, he was not to be subdued by disaster and soon we find him reinstaterl in South Greencastle in the baking business, under the firm name of Lueteke & Stephenson and in a few vears became sole owner by buying- out his partner. His business grew bv leaps and bounds - it grew because he was well informed on all the details of his line of business, because he was progressive and because he was honest, his numerous customers knowing that they would get a fair deal with him. his bakery long supplying by far the greatest amount of bread to this anil adjoining cities, such as Coatesville. Stilesville. Amo. Cloverdale and manv others. He successfully met competition from many quarters. He had a liig trade in cakes and rolls, his bread trade being sometimes enormous for a small city. To have built up a business of such proportions in a city the size of Greencastle. and to win a name throughout this section of the state in the baking business proves that ^f^. Lueteke was possessed of both administrative and executive abilitv ; it means that he discovered the truth of the old axiom that "there is room at the top" for any well conducted enterprise. He entered lite without anything except his good business judgment, energy and honesty, and besides his well equipped bakery he owned Lindenhurst, one of the finest homes in Greencastle. He was known as a very charitable man. He was exceptionally kind in his home and was at all times respected and trusted in all walks of life.

This excellent citizen was called to his rest June 5, 1902, having been suddenly stricken with cerebral hemorrhage while engaged in the regular course of his duties. He was fifty-eight years old and was robust and very active up to the day before he passed away.

Mr, Lueteke was a member and a liberal supporter of the Presbyterian church. He was elected to the city council about 1890 and proved a useful member in urging movements calculated to better the condition of the city.

To Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lueteke eight children were born, Harriet, Charles, Frank (deceased), Nellie, Harry, Albert and two children that died in infancy. The mother of these children, who, with her husband, is sleeping the sleep of the just, is remembered as a woman of pleasing personality, kind and gentle bearing and who spared no pains in rearing her children in a wholesome home atmosphere. She was born in ^lecklenberg, Germany, November 2, 1844, the daughter of Fredrica and Carl Voss, the father a forester of the above named city. She came to America with Charles Lueteke, whom she married in the Fatherland, August 30, 1870, and during all the business vicissitudes of her husband she proved to be a wise counselor and her encouragement and optimism were no doubt very largely responsible for much of his later success. The vocation of her father and the beautiful character of her mother gave her superior advantages for the development of a rich, full life and close comradeship with what is best in the three kingdoms. She was bv nature of a deep religious character, but in the home was where her virtues shone with a peculiar luster. She was reared in the Lutheran faith, but since this denomination had no existence in Greencastle she united with her family in full membership with the Presbyterian church, October 22, 1 88 1. She was strong in humanity and large in the making and keeping of friends. She was always ready and very willing to comfort the sorrowing and raise the fallen. Her sincere friendships included what was best in every rank of society. This good woman was called to her reward Mav II. 1908, and it seemed fitting that she and her husband both should meet their Pilot face to face in the full tide of May when everything in nature betokens a coming of perfect fruit and cloudless skies.

Charles Lueteke, Jr., the eldest son of the family, who is proving a worthy son and taking his place among the progressive citizens of Greencastle, was born at Greencastle, Indiana. He received good educational advantages and, under the guidance of his father, he soon learned the bakery business and was thereby well qualified to assume full charge of the same upon the death of his father, and he has been very successful, devoting his close personal attention to every detail of the business, carr}-ing on both a wholesale and retail trade which are extensive in their scope, enjoying not only a very satisfactory patronage in Greencastle, but also with the surrounding towns.

Fraternally Mr. Lueteke is a member of the Elks and Independent Order of Odd Fellows and a Republican in politics. He is a member of the city council from the third ward and rendering good service to his immediate constituents as well as the people at large. He seems to have inherited his father's geniality and popularity, is liked by everybody and fulfills all the requirements of a good citizen. He is a liberal giver in the cause of worthy charities, but does it without ostentation.

The Lueteke family has long been popular in all circles in this city and none enjo}' a wider acquaintance or more true friends. They are fine examples of our best German citizenship, industrious, frugal, enterprising, and cheerfully aid in all worthy causes to help along the. community and build up the town, thereby making themselves popular with all classes.

Isaiah Veraiillion

One of the sterling pioneers of the Middle West who figured in the history of the early days and assisted in paving the way for subsequent de- \elopment was Isaiah Vermillion, who was bom ?^Iarch 24, 1782, probably in \'irginia, and. after a remarkable career for those days, which was prolonged to well nigh the century mark, he passed away on October 23, 1871, in Monroe township, Putnam county, Indiana, where he had long been an honored resident. He grew up to hard toil and received only the mere rudiments of learning. When he reached maturity he married Tabitha Cumi Akers, who was born January iS, 1799, and who passed to her rest September 15, 1879, having lived four score years.

Their family consisted of the following children: Eight reached maturity ; Anderson, who is mentioned in the sketch of O. L. Jones : Woodford spent his life in Putnam county, but died in Montgomery county: Millie married Nelson Wood; Cvnthia married Allen Cox; Permelia married Franklin

Harrah; Cvrena. who married Robert Brothers, is the only survivor; Clarissa married Americus Young; Franklin died when a young man: Lucinda married Thomas Slavens. Isaiah Vermillion became a well known minister in the Predestinarian Baptist church. He devoted his life principally to farming and was fairly successful, being a hard worker. He was a man whose word was never discredited and whose deeds were always in accordance with right living and right thinking.

Raser Bittles

Raser Bittles was born near Water ford, Erie county, Pennsylvania, Octol)er 6, 1857. He is the scion of an e.xcellent ancestry, many representatives of which figured more or less conspicuously in public and business life in the Emerald Isle. His father, Thomas Bittles, was born in the county of Armagh, near Belfast, Ireland, and there grew to maturity and was educated. He joined the tide of emigration setting in strongly for the United States in 1850. and selected as his location Water ford. Pennsylvania. He devoted his life to agricultural pursuits in that vicinity, establishing a good home there, winning the honor and confidence of all his neighbors, and spent the remaining years of his life very comfortably, passing to his eternal rest in 1898. at the advancetl age of eighty-three years, his birth having occurred in 1815. He was of strong religious convictions. ha\ing been a member of the Presbyterian church. Thomas Bittles married Jane !\Iatchett. a native of county Armagh. Ireland, where she grew to maturit\- and where they were married. This union resulted in the birth of seven children, namely: Mrs. Maggie Reynolds, of Springboro, Crawford county, Pennsylvania, where John Wesley also lives; Robert James is deceased; Raser. of this sketch: Addie Jane Brown lives in Carbondale. Illinois: William Charles lives in Westfield. Xew "^"ork : Andrew Bell is a resident of Oil City. Pennsylvania. The latter was adopted bv an aunt and now bears the name of Gordon.

The mother of the children just enumerated passed to her rest on April 4. 1863. at the age of thirty-seven years. The father re-married, his second wife being Airs. Eliza Taylor, of Waterford. Pennsylvania, and this union resulted in the birth (if three children. Allen J., of Meadville. Pennsylvania: Emmett. of .\lbion. Pennsylvania: Elizal)eth. of Girard. Penn.sylvania. The mother of these children is living at Um'on City, that state.

Raser Bittles lived at Waterford. Pennsylvania, until he was seventeen years of age. He recei\ed his schf)oling in the public scho(5ls there. recei\ing a very serviceable education, which has later in lite been greatly supiilemented bv miscellaneous reading and contact with the business world. He began life b\- farming, and after four years at hard work in the fields he began working in a factory as a common laborer, w hich he continued for two years or until he had learned the mechanical part of the work; this was in the handle factory of A. L. Clark & Son, in which factory he worked as a mechanic for a period of fourteen years, thoroughly mastering the business in the meantime. In rSo5 'i>^ went in business for himself, having come west to Putnam county, Indiana, establishing the Roachdale Handle Company, which he conducted there for a period of eight years, building up a very e.xtensive patronage, so that he sought a larger field and better shipping facilities, moving to Greencastle in 1903. Here he carries on his business under the individual name. R. Bittles. having purchased the balance of the stock owned by A. J. Brake. His business has continued to grow until it has reached remote parts of the country, his factory being e(juipped with all modem appliances where twenty skilled workmen are constantK' employed, making D handles for sho\els and spades. Onlv higli class work is turned out and the best of material used, and the result of this conscientious, straight for\vard and honest manner of conducting his business has been the large rewards that always come as the sequel to- rightly applied energy. Mr. Bittles is a self-made man and is deserving of the large success that has attended his efforts.

The chapter bearing on the domestic life of Raser Bittles dates from October 31. 1S83, when he married Susie M. Hollingshead, the representati\'e of an honored and influential family of Dunkirk. Indiana, the daughter of Thomas and Prudence f Peck") Hollingshead, the father a native of Delaware county. Indiana, and the mother of Blackford county, this state. Air. Hollingsheail was a farmer ami lived in Delaware county until his death in January, [Sjj, at the early age of thirty-three years, having been born in 1839. He was a !\Iason ; his parents came tr(3m Greene coimty. Ohio, reaching Indiana about 1836. The mother of Mrs. Bittles was born Februarv- 27, 1842. and her parents came from Ohio in 1838. Three children were born to yir. and Airs. Hollingshead, one dying in infancy; James H. lives in Ft. Smith. Arkansas, where he is engaged in the manufacture of handles.

Fi\e children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Bittles, named as follows : Alta. born September 10. 1884; Frank, born Februarv- 20. 1887; Claire, bom Augtist 5, iS()2: ?^rary, born May 14. 1895: James, born October 6, 1897. They are all li\ing at home at this writing. Alta graduated from DePauw University in iqnj. and Frank is a senior in that institution, and graduates fi9)

Mr. and Mrs. Bittles and their three oldest children are members of the College Avenue Methodist Episcopal church. Mrs. Bittle.s is an active wOrKer in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of this congregation.

Fraternally Mr. Bittles is a Mason, belonging to Temple Lodge. Xo. 47, having joined this fraternity in 1881. He is also a member of Greencastle Chapter. Xo. 22. Royal Arch Masons, and Greencastle Commandery. X'o. 11, Knights Templar. Politically he is a Republican and he has long taken more or less interest in public affairs. At the present time is is a member of the citv council of Greencastle.

Mr. Bittles has a fine home on Eash Washington street, which is known to a large circle of friends as a place where genuine hospitality and good cheer es'er prevail.

Everett Ai. Hcrst. M. D.

Among the successful and well known physicians of Putnam county is Dr. Everett M. Hurst, of Cloverdale, who is enjoying a splendid reputation and a large clientele because of the ability he has displayed in the treatment of disease and also because of his high personal character. He is a representative citizen of the community and is well entitled to specific mention in a work of this character. A complete genealogical record of the Hurst family appears elsewhere in this volume and mention will only be made here of the Doctor's immediate ancestors. His paternal grandfather was Jefferson Hurst, who was born in Marion township. Putnam county, Indiana, Alarch 28, 1824, the son of William and Fanny Hurst, the former a native of Virginia. The family came to Putnam county in 1823. being among the first settlers in the county. They located at Deer creek. Marion township, where the father entered several tracts of government land. He at once cleared a small space and erected a log cabin, putting in a small crop of corn the first year. He died in 1850, widely known and highly respected by all who knew him. In politics he was a Democrat and in religion he was a member of the Primitive Baptist church. He was known far and wide as a peacemaker and was frequently called upon to settle neightorhood disputes.

Jefferson Hurst was reared to manhood under the parental roof, receiving a somewhat limited education in the common schools. He had a large experience in pioneer life, and it is said attended log rollings for two weeks at a time. On December 24, 1S44. he married Elsie Vowel, and they became the parents of eight children. Martin C. WiHiam. Levi. Squire J.. James H George W'.. Benjamin F. and Mar}- ].. the wife of Daniel V. Moffett. Mrs. Elsie Hurst died on Xovember 2. 1879. and on September i. 1881. Air Hurst married Alary E. Tilley. of O^-en county, to winch union were born two children. Joseph B. and Flossie M. Mr. Hurst settled upon his farm in section 36 Greencastle township, about 186.. ownmg about six hundred acres of lan,l wh.ch was considered one of the best farms in the cotmty. He was a n,embe; ot the Prnuitive Baptist church, of which he was clerk

Anril"^'' rf ''"; ^^ '"""' ^""^- ""^ ^^" '" Greencastle township, comn^on schools. He remamed at home until his marriage on Februarx- ; Inestock wh.ch occupation he followed until 1S80. when he engaged in the at that po nt. Durmg the last ten years of his life he was retired from active

Everett M. Hurst was born October 26. 1874. at the Hurst homestead m the northern part of Warren township, this countv. At the age of ei-xhteen months he was orphaned by the death of his mother and he was t!,en^aken by his paternal grandparents, with whom he lived until he was nine years old when he returned to the home of his father, the latter having again married' Everett Hurst attended the common schools at Alt. Aleridian and later the high school at Greencastle. where he was graduated in 1894. Durinc. the two following winters he engaged in teaching school in Alarion township Having determined to make the practice of medicine his life work, he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the medical department of the University of Illinois, of Chicago. He remained there four vears. graduatmg on April 18. 1900. with the degree of Doctor of Aledicine. Dunno- his educational years the Doctor had assisted during the summers with the work ot his father's farm and during two summers he was employed as a salesman m the buggy and implement business of his lincle, James Hurst, at Greencastle. In his youth he had to some extent engaged in the business of buvmg and selling livestock, in which he w.is successful to an unusual decree

On January 4, 1900, Doctor Hurst located at Cloverdale and entered upon the active practice of his profession, in which he has met with a gratifying measure of success, having built up a large and lucrative patronage among the best people in the community. He keeps in close touch with the latest advances made in the healing art and has successfully handled many e.xtremely difficult cases. The Doctor has erected in Cloverdale a beautiful and attractive residence, one of the finest in the town. and the spirit of hospitality is ever in evidence, the Doctor and his wife being numbered among the best social circles of the town.

Politically Doctor Hurst is a Democrat, and takes an intelligent interest in public affairs, though he has never sought public ofiice of any nature. Fraternallv he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his wife are members of the Christian church.

In September, 1900. Doctor Hurst married Eliza ]\I. Herod, the daughter of Johnson C. Herod, of Greencastle, who served as county assessor for ten years. They became the parents of a son, Olney Eugene, but he was taken by death at the age of sixteen months. Doctor Hurst is a man of broad sympathies and kindly disposition and is well liked by all who know him. He takes a live interest in everj-thing tending to benefit the community in anv wav, and is thoroughly reliable in every department of activity in which he engages.

Doctor Hurst has business interests aside from his profession, owning a splendid farm in Jeffers<in township, and also an interest in the general store at Putnamville.

Isaac S. Sinclair

The importance that attaches to the lives, character and work of the early settlers of that part of Indiana of which Putnam county is a part and the influence they have exerted upon the cause of humanity and civilization is one of the most absorbing themes that can possibly attract the attention of the local chronicler or historian. If great and beneficent results - results that endure and bless mankind - are the proper measure of the good men do, then who is there in the w^orld's histor}' that may take their places above the hardy pioneer. To point out the way, to make possible our present advancing civilization, is to be the truly great benefactors of mankind for all time. This was the great work accomplished by the early settlers and it is granted by all that they builded wiser than they knew. Among the sturdy old pioneers whose efforts counted for much in the early development of this part of Indiana, mention should be made of Isaac Sinclair, who occupied a position of prominence in the community where he lived. He was a native of the state of Virginia, where he was reared and educated. Subseciuently he emigrated to Kentucky and in about 1822 he came to Indiana, locating in the northern part of Owen county. He had married Anna Patterson and they were the parents of the following children: William. John P., Isaac P., Samuel S., Cynthia, Morris, Ann and Eliza. These children all came with their parents to their new home in the Hoosier state and here grew to honorable manhood and womanhood. The family located three miles north of where Cloverdale now is, but several years later located in Owen county. The father afterwards returned again to Putnam county and spent his latter days with his son Samuel. His death occurred about 1852. his widow surviving until near the close of the Civil war. Isaac Sinclair was one of the grand old men of his day, his life being characterized by an integrity of purpose and a consistency of conduct that won for him the unbounded confidence of all who knew him.

William, during the late twenties and early thirties, owned land three miles south of Cloverdale, but eventually he mo\-ed to Kentucky and did not again return to Indiana.

John P. married Sarah Martin before he came to Indiana. He became a minister of the ilethodist Episcopal church, and was numbered among the early "circuit riders." He first lived a mile west of Cloverdale. but later located three miles south of that place, where he cleared land and made a good home. About 1850 he went to Greencastle and afterwards made several other changes in location, eventually locating about a mile north of Putnamville. About 1854 he engaged in running a sawmill at Cloverdale. He returned to the old home south of Cloverdale. but his last days were spent near Putnamville, where his death occurred. He was survived by three sons and si.x daughters, namely: Strange \\'.. Isaac L.. John T.. Serelda. Xancy. Mary, Lucinda, America Ann and Elizabeth.

Isaac P. Sinclair, Jr., lived just west of Cloverdale in his young manhood. He married America L. Martin, of Kentucky, a daughter of Thomas Martin, who came from that state to Indiana with Isaac Sinclair, Sr.. and entered land north of Cloverdale. He afterwards located near Cloverdale. but a fewyears later mo\-ed o\-er into Owen county. Later in life he bought a farm three miles south of Cloverdale, where his death occurred. From his home west of Clo\erdale Isaac Sinclair. Jr.. moved to 0^ven county, but two or three years later he returned to the southern part of Putnam county, where he built a large and attractive brick residence about 1840. In 1848 he moved to Greencastle, which was his home during the remainder of his life. He was engaged in the management of a warehouse there at the time of his death. He had also laid out an addition to the city of Greencastle and had erected several houses. He died on October 25, 1854, and was survived many years by his widow, whose death occurred in 1878. They were the parents of four sons and four daughters, namely: John P.. Thomas Martin. Lee W.. Isaac S., Minerva, Martha Ann, Elizabeth and Eliza J. Of these children. John P. lived on the home farm until 1848, receiving his education in the public schools of Greencastle. He married Rebecca A. Hardin. He spent most of his life in Putnam county, removing in 1875 to Iowa, where his death occurred. Thomas Martin died at the age of about se\"enteen years. Lee W. spent his early years in Greencastle. looking after the \varehouse for his father, and was also engaged in the wool business. He married Eliza Brandt and went to Salem. Indiana. Later he went to South Chicago, where he operated a woollen mill, and then went to West Baden, Indiana, where he is now engaged in running the West Newton Springs Hotel. His first wife died in 1873 ^^'^ h^ subsequently married Caddie Percise.

Isaac Simpson Sinclair, son of Isaac P.. Jr.. was boi:n in 1840 on the farm in the southern part of Cloverdale township, where he remained until eight years of age. after which the family made several moves, though the greater part of his time was spent on the farm, occupying the brick residence built by his father. About 1895 he moved to Cloverdale and engaged in the hay business, and in 1900 he moved to his present home, a fourth of a mile west of Cloverdale, where he operates a good farm. The familv are members of the Church of Christ at Cloverdale. Isaac S. Sinclair married, in 1862, Minerva Piercy. daughter of Jacob Piercy. Jr. The latter's father. lacnb Pierc\'. Sr.. came from Kentucky to Indiana in about 1822 and bought land a mile north of Cloverdale. Jacob. Jr.. married Rosanna Hedrick and thev had five children, of whom three died in childhood, the two sur\-iv<5rs being Mrs. Sinclair and Mary Jane, who became the wife of William H. Truesdale. To Mr. and Mrs. Isaac S. Sinclair were born six children. Albert P.. Alfred Lee. Charles S.. Luella. Mary Winnie and Curtis C. Of these. Marv Minnie died at the age of two months. Curtis C. at the age of ten vears and Alfred Lee at the age of t\\ent_\'-two years. Luella. \\ho is now at home with her ])arents. formerly taught .-^cliool, ha\ing attended the normal school at Greencastle. Minerva, daughter of Isaac P. Sinclair, became the wife of Alfred Glazehook and during her later life lived at Rensselaer. Indiana. Martha Ann became the wife of James McKenzie and spent most of her married life in

Pltxam Couxty, Indiana

Cumberland county. Illinois, where her death occurred. Elizabeth became the wife of Richard Lennon and lived at St. Louis, Missouri. Eliza I. married Hiram T. Crawley, and they formerly lived on a farm in Putnam countv, later nKn-insa^ to Greencastle. and then to Indianapolis, where thev now reside.

Examples that impress force of character on all who stutly them are worthy of record. By a few general observations may l;e conveyed some idea of the high standing of Harry M. Smith as a business man and public benefactor, or. an editor of unusual felicity of expression, ha\-ing niatle the (ireencastle Biuiucr. of which he is proprietor, one of the brightest and most influential papers in this section of the Hoosier state. United in his composition are so many elements of a solid and practical nature, which during a series of 3'ears have brought him into prominent notice, and earned for him a conspicuous ])lace among the enterprising men of the county of his residence, that it is but just recognition of his worth to speak at some length of his achie\ements, although the record of such a life as herein set forth is necessarily an abridgement.

AFr. Smith is desceniled from an old and well established Indiana family, members of which have been known for their sterling qualities tlin^ugh se\'eral generations - from the trx'ing period which historians are pleased to allude to as "the early days" down to the opulent present. His birth occurred at Thorntown, Indiana. November 25, [86j. His boyhood days were spent under his parental rooftree much like those of other lads of his age and generation and was without incident, .\fter an education in the public and high school he turned his attentii^n to the printing and newspaper business, and finding the same to his liking, has continued his labors in this particidar field of endeavor to the present time, or for a period of over thirty years, gaining well-merited success. He learned the printer's trade in Danville. Indiana, in the otfice of the Danville U>iioii. at the time comlucted bv his father, and worked at the trade while finishing his education.

Tlie subject is the son of Mr. and ]\Irs. O. H. Smith, mentioned elsewhere in this work, and a member of a famil\- oi five chiUlren. Though having resided at earlier periods in his life in other cities, he has for a quarter oi .1 century been a citizen of Greencastle and has always been loval to the city's interests. He was a pronounced advocate of a new court house for the ctjunty and has alwa\s been in the aihance in urging improvements for the

After employment on the Republican papers of the county at diverse times, he purchased the Greencastle Banner in 1898 and has been sole proprietor of the same since that time, having so ably managed the same as to greatly increase its prestige, its influence in molding public opinion, its value as an advertising medium and its brightness in mechanical appearance. The Bajiiicr is one of the oldest papers in the state and it has always stood in the front ranks of the Republican party, fighting for its principles and has been a potent factor in local political issues.

On January 18, 1888, Air. Smith married Anna Allen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John D. Allen, and they reside at No. 122 East Walnut street in Greencastle. The Allen family has long been a highly honored one in Putnam county.

Fraternally Air. Smith is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias, and he takes considerable interest in both lodges, and is one of the prominent boosters for the best interests of Greencastle in every way, both through his paper and as a private citizen.

Charles W. Laxdes

There is no positi\'e rule for achie\'ing success, and }-et in the life of the successful man. like that of the late Charles W. Landes. long a well known druggist of Greencastle. there are always lessons which might be followed. The men who gains prosperity is he who can see and utilize the opportunities that lie in his path, the essential conditions of human life being ever the same, the surroundings of individuals differing but slightly: and when one man passes another on the highway of life to reach the goal of prosperity before others who perhaps started out before him, it is because he has the power to use advantages which properly encompass the whole human race, and the best wav to measure the true worth of a man is in his intluence upon others. In both this and the achievement of success Air. Landes nnist be recorded as one of Putnam countv's foremost citizens of the past generation, as all who knew him well can attest.

Charles \V. Landes was bom in this county on Januan,- 13. 185 1. the descendant of a prominent and influential ancestry, one of Putnam's oldest pioneer families, the first representatixes of which located here in an early dav. having made the long imirnev from Virginia in old-fashioned covered wagons. They were John and Henry Landes. the latter the father of Charles W. and for many years a successful and prominent business man, having engaged in the manufacture of wagons in Greencastle, being a very skilled workman so that the products of his shop were eagerly sought for. In April, 1S49. he married Elvira Ree\es, which union resulted in the birth of four children, namely: Charles \V., of this biographical memoir; James died in infancy; Sarah Olive died when eighteen years of age; Frank L. died in December. 1903.

Charles W . Landes received an excellent education, having attended the public schools and graduating in 1872 in Asbury (now DePauw) University, with proper honors. He had long desired to devote his life to the profession of pharmacy and soon after leaving school he accordingly, in 1S73, entered the drug business, the fimi being known as Phemister & Landes. The following year he purchased his partner's interest and continued the business with gratifying success, building up a constantly growing and lucrative patronage Avith the city and surrounding county until his death, February 17, 1899. In all his business relations with his fellow men he is remembered as being generous and fair, thereby winning and retaining the confidence and good will of all. Mr. Landes. as was his father, was a stockholder in the First National Bank of Greencastle. Mr. Landes was a Republican in politics. He left an estate of approximately fifteen thousand dollars. He was a prominent member from early manhood of the College Avenue Methodist Episcopal church, being on the official board for more than twenty-four years.

Mr. Landes was married on October 17, 1877, to Lilly Frances Root, a lady of refinement and such pleasing address as to gain for her hosts of friends wherever she is known. She is the daughter of Rev. Lucius I. Root, long a prominent Presbyterian minister in Greencastle. He was a native of the state of Xew York and a graduate of L'nion College of Schenectady, New \ork, also of the Princeton Theological Seminary. He was always regarded as an eloquent and earnest exponent of the doctrines of the Nazarene and accomplished a great work in winning souls to his Master and in building up strong churches. Frances R. Taft was the maiden name of Mrs. Landes' mother. She w as a native of Williamstown, Massachusetts, and she is a relati\e of President Taft. he being of this same family tree. Peter Taft. the great-grandfather of Mrs. Landes. was an officer in the patriot army during the Re\"olutionary war.

Two children graced the pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Landes. bearing these names. Nellie, bom January 24. 1879. was called to the unseen world on March 27. 1904: Hallie was born in February, 1880. They both recei\ erl excellent educations, graduating from DePauw L'ni\-ersitv.

The latter is at this writing state secretary for the Michigan Young Women's Christian Association, and is prominent and beconn'ng w idely known in this laudable line of work.

Xo more prominent or highly honored famih' than the Landes is to be found in Putnam county, and Charles W. was a worthy representative of this influential and esteemed name, and his influence in the business and social life nf Greencastle was far-reaching and such as to merit the rewards he won.

David Robert .Mazr

An enumeration of those men of the present geueratitm who ha\e won honor and public recognition for themsehes. and at the same time have honored the locality to which they belong, would be incomplete were there failure to make mention of the one whose name forms the caption to this sketch. Prominent in local political circles, successful in business affairs, and keenly alive to the best interests of the community, he enjoys to a marked degree the confidence and esteem of the entire community and is numl^iered among the representative men of the county.

David R Maze is a native son of the Hoosier state, having been born near Cataract Falls, Owen county, on June 18. 1849. ^^ is a son of Robert and ^lahala (Campbell) Maze. The father was born near Crab Orchard, Kentucky, in 1804. and at the age of five years was taken by his parents to near Hamilton, Ohio, and later to Shelljy county. Indiana. In 1846 he mo\ed t(j Owen c<juntv and located in Jennings township, ncit far from the Putnam county line. He married Mahala Campbell, daughter of Jijlm Caaipbell. She was born in Ohio and came with her parents first to Union county, Indiana, thence to Edinburg, Johnson county, where her parents died. Her marriage to Mr. Maze occurred before their removal to Owen county.

David R. Maze remained on the paternal estate in Owen county until he had attained his majority. He then started out in life on his own account, going into the sawmill business, which was his chief occupation until [905, being- occupied either in running the mill or bu}'ing timber, in Ix^th nf which he I)ecame an expert. He commenced his active operations at Santa Fe. Owen township, but in 1871 he moved the mill to the eastern part of Cloverdale township and then sold it. He then came to Cloverdale and ])ecame head sawyer in a mill owned by Howard Hart. He afterwards I^ouglit this mill and operated it fi\-e \-ears. He then sold the mill, but continued to work in it as head sawyer, which positi<in he held until 1905. In the pre\ious year he had been elected sheriff of Putnam county anti he now appHed himself exclusively to the discharge of the duties of this office. In 1906 he was re-elected to succeed himself, thus holding the office four years in all. He made a splendid official and retired from the office with the good will and approval of everyone. In July. 1909. Mr. Maze went into the grain and feed business in Cloverdale. in which line he is still engageil. He is a hustling business man and is meeting with a gratifying degree of success in his new venture.

Politically. Mr. Maze is a Democrat, having voted the tickets of this party consistently since becoming a voter. In 1890 he was elected trustee of Cloverdale township for a four-year term, which, by legislative enactment, was e.xtended a year, giving a five-year tenure. He rendered efficient service in this office and gained additional prestige thereby. As above stated, he afterwards served two terms as sheriff, aside from which offices he has never been before the people as a candidate. He stands high in the councils of the party and takes a leading part in local campaigns. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he became a member December 31, 1873. ^^ Cloverdale. He is also a member of the encampment oi Patriarchs ]\filitant at Greencastle, being, with one exception, the senior in length of membership at Cloverdale.

On June i. 1881. Mr. Maze married Nannie Sinclair, the daughter of Rev. Strange \\'hite and Hannah | rirnham ) Sinclair. Rev. Strange Sinclair was born December 9, 1829. on Raccoon creek, near Greencastle. and was a son of Rev. J. P. Sinclair, a Methodist minister who came \rom Kentuckv in an early day. The latter was numbered among the pioneer ministers of the gospel and "rode the circuit" for man}- years. In later life he settleil down to farming and trading, owning about a section of land three miles south of Cloverdale. as well as .several other tracts of land between Greencastle and Owen county. He lived several years at Greencastle and died on his farm near Putnamville in 1879. ^^'^ ^'^"- Rev. Strange \Miite Sinclair, was a graduate of oM .\sbury (now DePauw) University and, following in his father's footsteps, entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church. Pie was also a school teacher, having taught for about forty years in Putnam and Owen counties, or until he was past sixty years of age. Hannah Sinclair was a daughter of James and Hannah ( McElroy) Graham, natives of near Cork, Ireland, and of Scotch-Irish antecedents. They were Presbvterians in religious belief, having descended from the old Scotch Covenanters. .\t the age of seventeen years Mrs. ^[aze began teaching school and has been thus engaged for nearly nineteen years, the greater part of the time in Putnam county. Ti) Mr. and Mrs. Maze have been born three daughters. Xota Dell.

Coralie Graham and Pearl White. The first-named became the wife of Lee O. Cofifman. son of James Coffman, by whom she has three children, Marjorie Lee, Virginia Jeane and James Robert. The mother of these children completed her education at the State University and taught school two terms. Coralie became the wife of Charles Gilbert Shaw, a photographer at Linton, Greene county, Indiana, and they have two children, Charlotte ]VLaze and Analie Frances. Mrs. Shaw is a graduate of DePauw University and her husband is a graduate of the MclNIinnville School of Photography at McMinnville, Tennessee, and later was instructor in this institution. Pearl White Maze, who also is a graduate of DePauw University, is now teaching her second term as English teacher in the high school at Linton. The sAject and his family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which they give an earnest and liberal support.

Mrs. Maze is an accomplished painter of china, as well as in water colors, her work being greatly admired by all who see it. Competent judges pronounce some of her work the equal of any now on exhibition, possessing a rare beautv of form and tone.

Douglas Huffman

Among the numerous Kentuckians who cast their lot with Indiana during the formative period of the state was Edmond Huffman, a man of sterling qualities and exemplary character, who became one of the most influential men of his community. He was born August i6. 1824, and was about nine years old when brought to Putnam county from the old homestead in Nelson county. Kentucky, by his parents, Peter and Cynthia Hufifman. The family was of German descent and, being seasoned by the early colonial struggles and the dark days on the border, their descendants were of the material to make hardy pioneers of new states. When this family came here, Indiana was still decidedly crude, giving little promise of the great commonwealth familiar to those living in the twentieth century. Edmond went through all the privations and vicissitudes incident to pioneer days. There was plenty of hard work and not much play; the state, however, was filled with fine game, the hunting of which had much to do in training the youth to out-door sports from which they deriveil strength and health to meet the inevitable hardships incident to clearing the land, opening roads, building cabins, burning logs cut from the seemingly inexhaustible forests and doing all the other thinss essential to the making oi a state from the raw material.

Edmonil Huffman settleil in section iS, Washington township, in 1836. On April 5, 1849, ^^ married Louisa Ann Rightsell, who was born August 9, 1830. tlie daughter of George and Alargaret Rightsell. At the age of nineteen. Edmond Huffman started out to do for himself, worked six months for .William Alexander, near Gosport, Indiana, at five dollars a month, at the end of which time he ga\-e all his wages, thirty dollars, to his father, who soon afterwards made him a present of a colt worth fifteen dollars. It is said at the time of his marriage Edmond Huftman could neither read nor write, but by the aid of his good wife he soon acquired both and finally became well informed on the current topics of tlie day, and from a very humble beginning he worked hard and managed well, success attending his efforts, until at one time he was the owner of eighteen hundred acres of valuable land, and while he was laying by an ample competence for his old age and his family he did not lose sight of his duty to his neighbors, but did his full part in the development of the county. Being an ardent Democrat, he took a prominent part in the struggles incident to the old days of Whigs and Democrats. He was strictly a self-made man and altogether was a fine tvpe of the men who made Indiana. He was a believer in the predestinarian Baptist doctrine. On his farm in Washington township was held the first court seen in Putnam county. The death of this highly honored and public-spirited citizen, successful farmer, kind and generous neighbor and indulgent father, occurred on September 7, 1900, soon followed to the mystic land by his faithful life companion, ]Mrs. Huffman passing away on December 14th of the same year.

Mr. and !\Irs. Pluffman were the parents of tweh'e children, eight of whom suiwive. namely: James Roberts, born Jamiary J5. 1850; Maria E., born October 6, 1851; Cephas, born January 28, 1853, died February 20, 1853; John A., born January 10. 1855; Douglas, of this review, was fifth in order of birth; Ivan, born July 31. 1S59; Daniel Vorhees. born March 22, 1864: Lucretia A., Ixirn IMay 13, i8(')3: General Jackson, born September 6, 18^18: Margaret, born March 20. 1870; Greeley R.. born June 2_-^. 1872.

Douglas Huft'man was born May 10. 1857, and grew up to be a worthy son of a worthy sire, assisting him in the farm work during his boyhood and youth, meantime obtaining a fair education in the local schools. He was diligent in his studies, went through the common schools to graduation and afterwards was engaged in teaching for two years in Washington township. After his experience in the school room he embarked in merchandising at Reelsville. and for a perioil of twenty-two years conducted a general store at that place. He built up an extensive trade and was ven- successful. In 1900 he retired to lonk after his farms, being the owner of two excellent places, one of two hundred and seventy acres in Washington townsliip, and one of two hundred and ninety-three acres in Owen county. He utihzes these tracts to carry on general farming and stock raising, not branching out into fancy farming, but contenting himself with raising the staple cereal crops and feeding all the livestock the land will fairly support. His land is well tilled and under modern improvements. ^Ir. Huffman makes his residence in a fine, attractive home in one of the best residence sections of Greencastle. where the nianv friends of the family are delightfully entertained. The presiding spirit of the home is a lady of refined tastes and amiable disposition, known in her maidenhood as Mollie Baumunk, whom he married on April 20, 18S4: she was born and reared in Putnam county, where her people were always well respected. This union has resulted in the birth of three children. Of these. Murrav and Morris E. died in infancy; Merle C. born in 1896. is attending high school.

Mr. Huffman's fraternal associations are with the Masons and he is a member of the Greencastle Lodge, No. 473, of that order. He is also a member of Lodo-e Xo. 1077, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of Greencastle.

Mr. Huffman occupies a conspicuous place among the representative citizens of Putnam county and enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him. His record demonstrates that where there is a will there is a way and that obstacles to success may be overcome by courage and self-reliance. His career, though strenuous, has been fraught with good to his fellow men and his example is cordiallv commended to the youth of the land wdiose life work is vet a matter of the future.

Joseph Willard Cro-Mwell

Among the modern agriculturists of Putnam county is Joseph Willard Cromwell, who is the owner of a splendidly improved farm in Warren township. He is a native of Clav county, Indiana, where his birth occurred April 6, i860, the son of John O. and Diana E. (Barnettj Cromwell, the latter the daughter of John and Rachael (Ellis) Barnett and was born April 2, 1832. Mr. and Mrs. Barnett were pioneer settlers, coming to this county in 1827; the father died in .Vugust. 1875, at the age of seventy-eight years, and the mother in the same year, being seventy-five years old. John 0. Cromwell was the son of Nicholas D. and Amelia (Marshall) Cromwell, descendants of the noteil Cromwell of England. They first settled in Maryland, thence going to Kentucky and then to Indiana. Nicholas was the first sheriff, also the first treasurer of Clay county and was jndge of the circuit court for a period of se\-- enteen years. He was born in 1771. and died in 1848. at Bowling Green, Clay county. Indiana. John O. Cromwell was reared on a farm and followed this line of work all his life, dealing extensively in livestock; for two years he engaged in the retail merchandise business. Politically he was a Democrat and held the office of justice of the peace twelve years and was trastee of his township for four years, and he was a notary public - in short, a very useful man in his cummunity. where he was honored by all who knew him. During the Civil war he sent a substitute, for which he paid eight hundred and fift}- dollars. At the time of his death he was a resident of Pleasant Garden, ^\'ashingto^ township, dying April 7, 1902, His wife died October 16, 190^. They were the parents of the following children : Charles X. married Allie Browning, now deceased: two children were born to them, Tunis and Claude; his second wife was Minnie Anderson, also deceased; he married a third time, ]Mrs. Maud Pounds, John E. Cromwell married Kate Brock and they are the parents of three children. ]\Iable. Pearl and Grace. Grandal T. married Laura .\kers and resides in Terre Haute; Curtis Clay is deceased; Rella. who remained single, is an evangelist; Josephine married George McKinlev and they have three children. Helen (deceased). Jesse and Margaret; DeW'itt P. married Lillie Shadwick. reside in Indianapolis and are the parents of two children. DeW'itt, Jr., and Helen; Florence, who married Charles Lee. is a widow ; Rella and Josie were teachers for some time in the public schools of Putnam county and Clay counties. Mr. and Mrs. Cromwell have fifteen grandchildren living and two dead.

Joseph W. Cromwell, of this review, remained at home with his parents until sixteen years of age, when he accepted a position with the V'andalia Railroad Company, in the employ of which he has remained continuouslv for a period of thirty-four years, being employed as steam shovel engineer most of the time and he has always been regarded as one of the most trusted of the company's employes. February i. 1885, he was married to Laura B. Hepler. born August 16. 1864, the daughter of John D. and Elettita (Leonard) Hepler. her parents having been among the old settlers of Putnam countv, spending their lives on a farm here. y[r. Hepler was a native of Putnam county and he became the owner of a large tract of land near Putnamville, where he still lives, having sold much of the land he formerly owned. He has reached an advanced age. Daniel Hepler. grandfather of Mrs. Cromwell, was

A few years after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph W. Cromwell purchased a tract of land adjoining that of Mrs. Cromwell's father and here they have continued to make their home. In the spring of 1910 they moved into a new, modern and beautiful home which they erected beside their old home. They are the parents of seven children, five of whom are living; they are. Vita B., born October 20, 1885; John W., born January 21, 1890; Eulah D., born No\ember 25, 1S94; Oliver, born October 30, 1900; Mary E., born October i, 1902; Fred B., born ^larch 23, 1887, died April 2d following; Isabella, born December 22, 1895, died young. The oldest child, Vita B., was married August 12, 1908, to Charles Klotz, and they reside in Indianapolis.

Jasper N. Miller

Amono- the well known and popular citizens of Putnam county is he whose name forms the caption of this sketch and who is very satisfactorily fiUino- the office of county treasurer, his labors among his fellowmen in Putnam countv having made him a much liked public character, being known as a man of keen perceptive faculties, unusual soundness of judginent and upright in all his dealings with his fellow countrymen, until today his name stands high on the scroll of honored residents of this locality. Being descendants of worthy ancestors who figured conspicuously in the early development of this countv, hence being history makers, the Miller family is gladly accorded proper recognition in this work.

Jasper X. JMiller was bom in Franklin township. Putnam county, December iS, 1S53, the son of James T. and Mary (Brown) Miller. The former was born October 28. 1S30, in this county, the son of one of the early pioneers here, havino- entered three hundred and eighty acres of land in Franklin township, the faniilv having come here from 'Sit. Sterling. Kentucky, in 1829, and amid the wilderness began developing a new home, and in due course of time became well established.

The parents of Jasper X. ^Tiller were married on X'ovember 30. 1850. 'SltiTY Brown, who was born February 16, 1831, was the daughter of Jonathan and Eliza (Camp) Brown, both of whom came from Tennessee at an early date. ha\ing been prominent pioneer citizens. This couple grew up to honest toil in a new countrv. where they received only a meager schooling in the old-time schools of the early days. Five children were born to them, named as follows: Jason Riley, bom September 2, 1859; Jasper Newton, of this review; Eliza Vorhees, born September 10, i860; Sylvia Alice, born September 10, i860, and died February 9, 1888; Serilda Jane, born December 20. 1856, and died January i, 1874.

James F. Miller, father of these children, devoted his life exclusively to farming, at which he was very successful, being a man who was never afraid of hard work, owing to the fact that it fell to his lot to assist in clearing and cultivating the old homestead in F'ranklin township when he was but a mere boy. He is a man of the very highest integrity and honor, a Democrat but not a public man. He still li\'es in Monroe township with his wife where he is highly esteemed by all his neighbors and friends. He removed from Franklin township to Monroe township in 1872.

Jasper X. Miller, the immediate subject of this review, received his early schooling in the common schools of his native township, and later in life he greatly augmented his early training by close application to the study of general topics at home and by contact with the world in general. He early began farming and has followed that vocation practically all his life, in connection with which he has sold wind-mills and pumps, being considered an authority on wind-mills, representing the Zimmerman Manufacturing Company of Auburn. Indiana, in a very satisfactory manner. He also followed the well-drilling business for some time, but up to 1S72 his attention was given exclusively to assisting his father on the home farm. For a number of years he rented land, buying sixty acres in 1876. He has prospered by reason of his close application to his business affairs and the exercise of splendid judgment and principles that cannot help but lead to gratifying results when they are rightlv applied as they have evidently been done in his case, for he is now the owner of one of the choice farms of Putnam county, consisting of two hundred and thirteen acres, on which he carries on general farming and stock raising, always handling some very fine specimens of livestock, for which he finds a readv market. He has a very comfortable and well located dwelling and such outbuildings and modern farming machineiy as his needs require.

Mr. Miller was married on April 29, 1872, to Sophia A. James, born August I. 1853, daughter of David and Mary Ann (Howard) James, an old and highly honored pioneer family of Putnam county. David James was born near Natural Bridge. Kentucky, and came to Putnam county when six years old. ]\rar>- Ann James came from Tennessee. This union has resulted in the birth of three children, named as follows: Viola Mae. who was born on September 9. 1S75. married E. R. Denny, a farmer of Monroe township. (20) this countv; Rav K.. bom February 6, 1885, married Anna McFadden, living on the parental farm ; Mary C, born November 3, 1889, is assisting her father in the county treasurer's office.

Mr. Miller has always been deeply interested in the affairs of Putnam countv and has stood ready at all times to forward any worthy movement looking to the betterment of the same, ever loyal to the principles of the Democratic party, and as a reward for his interest in public affairs, his sterling honesty and his genuine worth he was selected by his party for the office of county treasurer, being nominated at his first effort for the office. During his campaign he never went into a saloon, and his total expense was not over one hundred dollars. He was elected on November 3, 1909, taking office in January, 1910, and he is very satisfactorily discharging the duties of the same, his election being a criterion of his popularity in the county, his majority being four hundred forty-five. On January 7, 1910, he was honored by being renominated for the office.

Fraternallv ]Mr. Miller is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Lodge No. 75, at Bainbridge, Indiana. He also belongs to the Supreme Court of Honor. The Miller family holds membership in the Christian church.

Personallv Mr. Miller is a man whom ever\-body likes, being courteous, a o-ood mixer, honest and conscientious in his service to his fellow men in every capacity.

William Woodson Hodge

One of Putnam county's substantial farmers and gallant veterans is William Woodson Hodge, who was born within her borders, February 10, 1845, and whose life has been spent principally in Warren township, where his well-kept farm is to be found. He is the son of George W. and Gabrella Courtnev (Williamson) Hodge, natives of Kentucky, the former born October 16, 1 819, and the latter January 29, 1826. The father was six years old when his parents. Drew and Sarah Hodge, came to Putnam county in 1826 and built a log cabin on an eighty-acre tract which they entered from the government, on which Mr. Hodge lived until his death in 1S40, his widow surviving until 1868. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and they are buried at the Walnut church grave-yard. To them eight children were born : Russell, Alexander, ]\Ieshak, Shelton, George W., Laura, Sina and Margaret. Thev are all deceased. George W. Hodge, father of William

\\'.. of this review, spent his boyhood assisting with the work on the home farm and recei\-ed the advantages of such scliools of his day as were afforded by the log school house, with its open fire-place and with slabs for seats.

In 1842 George W. Hodge married Gabrella Courtney Williamson and began his married life on his parents' farm, which he heired. He sold this place and for several years lived on several different tracts, which he bought and sold in turn, finally purchasing seventy acres in section i, Washington township, and spent the remainder of his life there, dying March 21, 1865, his widow surviving until 1898. He devoted his life to farming, and he was assessor of his township for one term. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a Greeley Abolitionist in politics. He and his wife were the parents of nine children, seven of whom are now living, namely: Mrs. Matilda Bryant, of Lawrence county. Indiana; Mrs. Laura Corwin is living in the state of Idaho; Mrs. Susan Jackson, of Missouri; Mrs. Julia Ford, of Kansas; Charles W., of Idaho; Mrs. Mary Taylor, of Idaho; Ellen and Margaret Frances are deceased; William W., of this review.

\\'iniam W. Hodge remained with his parents on the home farm, receiving a common school education, gained mostly in subscription schools. In 1863, when only seventeen years of age, he enlisted in Company F, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served through many trying campaigns and hard-fought battles until the close of the war, among which was the siege of Atlanta, battle of Nashville, battle of Franklin, battle of Wise Forks, North Carolina, and he was present at the surrender of Johnston. He was honorably discharged August 25, 1865. returning to his home and managing the parental acres for two years thereafter, his father having died while he was in the service.

On March 26, 1868, Mr. Hodge was married to Lucy A. Sellers, daughter of James and Nancy Sellers, of Warren township, where Mr. Sellers carried on farming, ;\Ir. and Mrs. Hodge went to live with the former's mother on the home farm. Later he purchased one hundred and fifty acres in section 17, Warren township, paying one thousand dollars in cash and going in debt for the balance. His mother moved onto this farm and he remained on the home place, though for several years they farmed the two places in partnership. When, in 1880, his mother moved back to her old home, he moved to his own farm and has made it his home ever since, having fully paid the debt long ago. He has been very successful as a general farmer and especially as an horticulturist, having a fine orchard of forty acres, planted in an excellent variety of choice trees. He is an authority on peach growing and no small part of his income is derived from his orchard. He also finds time to raise stock of a very- good quality which always finds a ready market. - in fact he usually commands fancy prices owing to the high grade of his stock. But it is principally as a fruit grower that he is widely known, not only throughout Putnam county, but also over the state, being considered an authority in horticulture. He has taken an interest in political affairs and for two years was trustee of his township.

Mrs. Hodge died January i, 1879, and Mr. Hodge then married Emran Mercer, daughter of Eli and Lucy Mercer, of Washington township, her father having been one of the old farmers of Putnam county and a highly respected citizen. Mr. Hodge's first marriage resulted in the birth of six children, namely : Carrie, James. Dora, Frankie, Lucy and William ; the last two named being twins. Two children were born of the second union, Minnie and Mont ray.

Carrie B. Hodge was born August i, 1869, married Frank A. Pearcy, a carpenter, and they are the parents of one child, Harold, now five years of age. James W. Hodge was born September 10, 1871, has remained single, and he is a graduate of the State Normal, also of DePauw University, and he is now superintendent of the schools at Aberdeen, Washington, having followed teaching. Dora B. Hodge, who was born September 5, 1873, married George Pearcv, and they are the parents of one child, George E., now four years old. Charles F. Hodge, who was born April 13, 1876, died September 21, 1877; William W. Hodge, Jr., born January i, 1879, died July 6th following. Lucy A., born January i, 1879, died February 18, 1880; Minnie was born August 10, 1881, married W. O. Lewis, of Warren township, and they have two children. Aubrey and Bernice; Alontray was born February 24, 1885, died August 6, 1887.

To spend a few hours with William Yates Lewis, a venerable and highly honored citizen of Warren township, listening to his interesting reminiscences of the olden times in Putnam county, one could not well be better entertained, for his long, useful and, in some respects, eventful career has been spent in his native locality, which he has seen advance from the wild woods to the modern twentieth-centur}- civilization, and he has taken no small part in this work of transformation, having been a hard worker all his life and deeply interested in the growth of his community in all lines, being ready whenever occasion presented itself to do his full share of the work to be done here.

Mr. Lewis is a nati\"e of Monroe township, born Febrnarv' 19, 1S32, the son of Israel Gregg and Xancy Susan Jane Lewis, the father a native of Kentucky and the mother of Virginia. They came to Putnam county, Indiana, as early as 1826. locating one-half mile east of Brick Chapel, Monroe township, buying there one hundred and sixty acres of land at five dollars per acre, which, in those days, was a high price ; however, the place had some improvements, including a log house, which Mr. Lewis continued to occupy for a period of twenty-five years, making various additions to the same. He finally sold this place and purchased two hundred and sixty acres in section 15, Warren township, upon which stood a hewn-log house. He was a successful farmer for those days and he lived here until his death in 1855, his widow surviving to a ripe old age, dying on February 25, 1890. Israel G. Lewis found time from his farming to do a great deal of church work, having been a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church, having charge of a circuit; he also studied medicine and was successful as a practitioner as well as a minister, and in these ways he accomplished a great amount of good and became widely known. In his day log-rollings were frequent and it had long been the custom to have plenty of whisky at such events, but Mr. Lewis discarded the jug and gave his neighbors coffee on such occasions, which seemed to be appreciated and had a good effect upon the morals of the community. He was known for his generosity and hospitality in entertainment of both friend and stranger. Politically he was a Whig. He was patriotic and volunteered during the war of 181 2 and he was in the famous charge at the battle of the Thames, when the great war chief and British general Tecumseh was killed. He and his wife were the parents of the following children : Rhoda A., now ^Irs. Cowgill ; James Nathaniel, Oscar Thomas Lewis, Solomon Colmbs. Lucy Emarin, now Mrs. Bridges; William Yates, of this review; George Ewing. Charles Henry, Gabriel Clay, Susan Jane, Louisa Elizabeth, now Mrs. Evans; Gabriel died in infancy; Israel died when five years of age; Nancy died in infancy. Only three of these children are now living, two sisters beside the subject of this review. Susan Jane, who has remained single and makes her home with A. L. Evans on the old homestead, and Louisa E., the wife of Arthur E. Evans, of Warren township.

William Yates Lewis spent his early life on the home farm, attending school in the log houses of his day, with their rude furnishings. Such schools were conducted on the subscription plan, and only the rudiments of an education could be gained unless the pupil took the pains to further his own researches.

Mr. Cleanvater being one of the early settlers of this county and one of the builders of the National road. His parents were natives of Virginia.

'Sir. Lewis and his bride went to housekeeping on one hundred and fifteen acres in section 22, Warren township, and he has continued to make his home here to the present time, having made a very comfortable living, improved a fine farm and laid by an ample competency for his old age. He first lived in a double log house, and in 1888 built a more pretentious dwelling just in front of the old house which he tore down, leaving the old rock chimney, twelve feet in height, built of dressed Putnam county stone, and which is still in excellent condition, and is now covered with vines. It is prized by all the family as a relic of the old home. General farming and stock raising has occupied Mr. Lewis' attention. He is a Republican in politics and for two years was trustee of his township; formerly he was a Whig. He is a member of the ^lethodist church at Bethel.

Six children constitute Mr. Lewis' family; they are: Ida Belle, born November 12, 1866, married George H. Hurin, of Crown Point, Indiana, and four children have been born to them, ;May, Joyce Lewis, Mary Jean, Nellie Rose, Ezra Clay Lewis, born December 3. 1867, married Love D. Wills, and he has followed the painter's trade in this county ; they are the parents of six children. Vernie Clare, Bertha Gladys, Forest Wills, Ernest Paul, Gertrude M. and Leslie L. Lou Nellie Lewis, born September 6, 1870, married ;M. E. Cooper and they are the parents of four children. Alarion L.. Mary F., Ruth and Catherine. Charles Ernest Lewis, born ]\Iay 2. 1873, married Lottie Roberts and they are the parents of four children, Dorothy, Helen L., John W. and Edward C. : they live on a farm in this county. Catherine Gertrude Lewis, born August 14, 1875, married first, Owen T, Wright, then George O. Whittaker : she lives on a farm in Putnam county and is the mother of two children, Wayne Lewis and Esther Catherine, Otis Lewis, born November 11, 1881. married Minnie Hodge: they live on a farm in this countv, and are the parents of two children, Aubrey G. and Vernice L,

Among the enterprising citizens and prominent and successful business men of Fillmore, Putnam county, Indiana, is the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch. A lifelong resident of this county, he has so lived as to merit the unbounded respect and confidence of his neighbors

Ebenezer \V. Smythe was born February 4. 183J, in this county, and is a son of Ebenezer and Elizabeth (Sill) Smythe. both of whom were natives of Shelby county, Kentucky, the father having descended from sturdy Scotch- Irish ancestrv. He came to Putnam countv in 1824 and located on eightv acres of land which he had purchaseil near Greencastle. He lived on this land until his death, which occurred in 1861, when he was sixty-three years old. His wife had preceded him to the unseen land, dying in 1S56, at the age of fiftytwo years. Their remains were interred in the family burying ground on their homestead farm. Ebenezer Smythe followed the occupation of farming during his active years and was numbered among the active and influential men of his community. In religious belief he was a Presbyterian, while his wife was a member of the Baptist church. They became the parents of nine children, of whom four are now living, namely: George V., a farmer in Greencastle township, this county; Hannah R., the widow of John Clark Ridpath. the eminent historian, who for many years was one of the best known citizens of Greencastle ; Harriet, of Illinois, the widow of the late Benjamin Cof^een : Ebenezer W.. the subject of this sketch.

Ebenezer ^^'. Smythe spent his boyhood tlays on the paternal homestead and received his education in the common schools. He was reared to the life of a farmer and remained as his father's assistant until his marriage, in 185S. at which time he located at Fillmore and engaged in the contracting business. Fie was a careful and expert workman and a good business man and many of the best buildings, public and private, in and about Greencastle were erected by him. In 1865 ]Mr. Smythe removed to Greencastle, continuing his former line of work and at the same time engaging in the undertaking business, which line he followed for twelve years. He then moved to Chicago and engaged in the manufacture of cotton presses, in which he met with gratifying success. so that f(5ur }-ears later he retired from that business and returned to his former location at Fillmore, where he erected a neat and attractive residence, moflern in every respect. an<I in this comfortable home he is now living and enjoying life. He is not passing the time idly, however, but has recently superintended the erection of the new school house just completed at Fillmore, his sound judgment and integrity being generally recognized. He has at all times taken a keen and intelligent interest in current events and gives an earnest support to all movements tending to the advancement of the best interests of the community.

On October 31, 1858, Mr. Smythe was united in marriage to Sarah Oliver, a daughter of Morris and Martha OHver, of Marion township, this county. Mrs. Smythe died on February 14, 1885, and on October 31, 1888, Mr. Smythe married Louisa C. Knight, the daughter of Lloyd and Katherine Knight, of Marion township, the former having served as coroner of Putnam county for four years.

Mr. Smvthe is the father of seven children, all by his first marriage, namelv : Clara Belle, who is unmarried and is employed as a saleslady in Allen Brothers drv goods store in Greencastle ; Jennie, the wife of Henry Pentenoy, of Chicago: Arthur L., who married Lola Snyder; Oliver H., of Chicago, marrierl Kate Callahan, and they have one child. Clara : Wesley W. married Mabel Kissinger and they have three children. Eban, Grace and Arthur; Frank R. married Bertha McFrase and they have four children, Jean Marie. Bertha. Frank R. J. and Freda E. ; Harry B. married Susie B. Kissinger and they ha\-e three children. Royal, Allen and Sarah C.

Fraternally ^Vfr. Smytlie is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, the Knights of Pythias, and the Foresters, as well as the Carpenters' Union. Religiously he is a member of the Christian church and his wife of the Methodist Episcopal church. .

The family of this name is of English stock on the paternal side and German on. the maternal. It is of ancient origin and has been identified with the eastern part of the country from early colonial days. The emigrating ancestors settled on Kent Island. Marydand. on land granted to them by the King, and they lived in that locality for generations, meantime sending out offshoots to various parts of the countr}-. Among the descendants of this emigrant ancestor is William H. Ayler. a native of the eastern shore of Maryland and a master mechanic by prefession. being now in the employ of the L'nited States government at the national capital. He married Jane Rebecca Gladfelter, whose family also was one of old and well-established connections, dating their origin in Switzerland. That they were notable people in their native county is attested by the fact that a canton there now bears their name. Casper Gladfelter was the first of the name to come to America and he settled on a farm near York. Pennsylvania. In 1907 a family reunion was held on the old farm that had been cleared by this first emigrant and there were oxer two thousand descendants present, representing forty-two states.

Putnam Col'Nty. Indiana. 3I3

Mrs. Jane Rebecca Ayler. who was a granddaughter of Casper Gladfelter. died in 1905, at Baltimore, Maryland, at the age of sixty-four years. She was one of eleven children and the first of the family to die. By her union with William H. Avler she became the mother of nine children, of whom eight are living, namelv: John S.. of Baltimore; Henry E., an employee of the postotifice department at Washington; Ella R., wife of Jacob Hunt, of Baltimore: Thomas T.. in the postal department at Baltimore. Maryland; Reuben A., a twin brother of Ella R.. died in infancy; Amos Evans, of Greencastle; Lila V. and Rosa E., residents of Washington ; William L., who is a manufacturing chemist at Dallas, Texas. All these children were bom at Baltimore, except the youngest, who is a native of Wilmington. Delaware. A notable characteristic of the Ayler family is the unusual number of twins. William H. was a twin, and the father of twins, and one of his sons met with the same double blessing.

Amos Evans Ayler, the sixth in order of birth of this interesting family, was born at Baltimore, Mar>land, December 5. 1870. He remained in the city of his nativity until the completion of his twenty-seventh year, meanwhile attending the public schools and being graduated from the high school. In 1S90 he entered the Cleveland Medical College and after spending one year in that institution he became a student in the Southern Homeopathic College at Baltimore and after three years of diligent application was graduated with the class of 1897. He served for awhile as senior interne in the Baltimore Homeopathic Hospital, after which he became physician in charge of the National Homeopathic Hospital at Washington. D. C. He retained this responsible position for twenty-six months and then decided to find another field for his energies in the central West. August 8. 1899, he located at Greencastle, Indirna. and ever since has been closely identified with the business, social and professional life of that city. He has practiced his profession continuously and assiduously, meeting with the success that is sure to follow talent well applied and industry of the unwearying kind. Indeed, his success has been unusual, with the result that he is recognized as one of the most progressive physicians in Indiana, with advanced and definite ideas regarding the treatment of diseases by the most modern methods. His ability is recognized beyond the confines of his adopted county and he is frecjuently called in obstinate cases where the best talent is desired. Doctor Avler is the owner of a splendid property, extending one hundred and four feet on Washington street and two hundred and twenty feet on College avenue, comprising a half square, and on this property he has

Fraternally Doctor Ayler is especially conspicuous as a Freemason, having passed through the various degrees including those of Knight Templar in the York rite and the thirty-second of the Scottish rite. He has been honored by official distinction in several of the bodies, being a past high priest in the chapter of Royal Arch Masons at Greencastle and the present eminent commander of the conimandery of Knights Templar. He is also a member of the Ancient Arabic Order of Xobles of the Mystic Shrine, belonging to Murat Temple at Indianapolis. The Doctor is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Junior- Order of xA.merican Mechanics. Professionallv he is a member of the American Institute of Homeopathy, is independent in politics and altogether is one of the most notable and popular men in Greencastle.

On June 21, 1899, Doctor .\yler was married, at Washington, D. C. to Wilhelmina Reocher, a native of Pomeroy. Ohio, whose parents were John Franklin and Margaret F. Reocher, both of German stock. To Doctor and Mrs. Avler have been born twin daughters. Amy Evelyn and Mary Elva, born Alay 17, 1903.

John M. Bowman

Among the well remembered and highly respected men of Putnam county, who. during a former generatii^n. did much for the general good of the residents here and who have "cast off the robes and instruments of senss" and now sleep the sleep that knows no waking, is John M. Bowman, who left his familv a valuable estate near Fillmore and also left Ijehind him what is more valuable, an honored name, for he was a man in whom his neighbors placed the utmost confidence, knowing him to be honest and kind and of a likable disposition.

Mr. Bowman was born December 25. 1S35. the son of Leonard and ^[arv (Hickman) Bowman, who came to this county from Kentuck}- in 1833, locating on a farm. He was a farmer and carpenter and he and his wife were members of the Methodist church; his death occurred April i. 1870, Afrs. Bowman reaching an advanced age, dying Alarch 13. 1900. Bc^th are buried at ]\[t. Carmel, this county. They were the parents of eleven cln'ldren. namely : John M.. the immediate subject of this sketch : Matilda Jane. Martha

Katherine, William, Elizabeth Margaret, George, Charles. Alice, Lyddia, Gilbert B. and Martha; all are deceased except the last two named. They were all born on the present Bowman homestead here. Martha is the wife of William Denny and Gilbert Brown is living at Lebanon, Indiana.

John 'M. Bowman received a common school education and spent his boyhood days on the home fann. He married Sarah J. Smith, February 24, 1S64, She is the daughter of Robert L. and Elmina Smith, an old and highly respected family of this county, Mr. Smith having been a successful and honored fanner, owning a farm adjoining that of Leonard Bowman.

Mr. and Mrs. Bowman went to housekeeping in a log hut on a farm joining the land owned by his father, consisting of two hundred and thirtynine acres, which he bought in 1873.

Mr. Bowman was one of the patriotic sons of the North who enlisted in defense of his countrs-, becoming a member of Company H, Eleventh Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served five months or until the close of the war. Upon his return from the front he moved from his original home and settled on the old home place, where he resided until his death, February 3. 1907. He received a pension of fifty dollars a month. He was not only a successful farmer, but also raised stock of a good quality. He was a Republican in politics and a progressive citizen, believing in good roads and all kinds of public improvements. He belonged to the ]vIethodist church at Fillmore, of which congregation his wife is also a member. Mr. and IMrs. Bowman were the parents of fourteen chiklren, named as follows : Laura Isabelle is the wife of John C. Broadstreet. a farmer of Mill Creek township, and they are the parents of six children, Austin (deceased). Martin, Linnie, Mingle, Wayne and Verlin. Linnie Elma married a Mr. Broadstreet and is now deceased : Mary Eddy is deceased ; Luella is the wife of Charles Bins, of Marion township: they live on a farm and are the parents of four children, Jesse. Maynard, Alberta and Walter. Charles Edgar married Lennie Forest Perry (deceased), and they had one child, Gladys; they live on a farm in ^Marion township. The next child died in infancy; Lee Hulda is the wife of Walter Wright, a farmer in [Marion township, and they are the parents of two children, Olen and Dorothy; Ollie Elmina is deceased, and left one child. Lois Cowell ; Claude Orlando is deceased ; Martha Catherine is deceased ; George Clyde is living at home, with one child. Clyde; Baddy E. (deceased) ; Candace Alice is the wife of Dr. Bert O'Brien; they have two children. Bernice and William Waldo ; they live at Winchester. Hendricks county : I^ta Elizabeth, deceased. >

Lycurgus Stoner

Tlie family of which the subject of this review is an honorable representative has been identified with Putnam county since the pioneer period and today there are few names in this part of Indiana as widely known or as highly esteemed. Lycurgus Stoner. a veteran of the late Civil war and a prominent citizen of Washington township, is a grandson of Peter Stoner, of Mar\-land, whose antecedents were among the early settlers of that colony. Peter Stoner was born September 14, 1763, and at the age of sixteen ran away from home on account of his stepfather and entered the American army, enlisting in 1780 for three months' service. At the expiration of that time he re-entered for si.x months, still later for ten months, and during his military experience participated in a number of battles and skirmishes, including the engagements at Monks Corner and Eutaw Springs, North Carolina, in. the latter of which he was twice wounded. Some time after the close of the war for independence he settled in Orange county, North Carolina, where he lived until his removal, about the year 1832, to Putnam county, Indiana. In September, 1832, he applied to the government for a pension, which in due time was granted, this fact together with his war record being attested to in March, 1890. by Valentine Warner, commissioner of pensions at Washington, D. C.

Peter Stoner was married August 13, 1793. to Eva Cotnerand became the father of several children, among whom were Peter, Jr., who moved to Putnam county in 1823. Joseph, who also settled in this county, locating on Little Walnut creek in JMadison township, where he cleared a farm and spent the remainder of his life. He was a member of the society of Friends, was twice married and lived to be quite an old man. Peter Stoner was a man of fine business ability and at his death, which occurred on April 7, 185 1, left a valuable estate.

Peter Stoner, Jr., son of the above, preceded his father to Putnam county by about nine years, settling two miles west of Greencastle, between Little and Big Walnut creeks, in 1823. He drove from his North Carolina home in a two-horse wagon, which contained his few belongings in the way of household goods and agricultural implements, and upon his arrival the sum total of his available cash amounted to just fifty cents. In due time he erected a log cabin, in which his children were afterwards bom. and by dint of hard and long-continued labor, cleared and improved a farni on which he spent the remainder of his life. The present house, which replaced the original cabin, was built in 1853 and has been used continually since that year, being one of the oldest farm dwellings in the community and in a good state of preservation. Mr. Stoner added to his holdings at intervals until he became the owner of about four hundred acres of land which afterwards increased in value and placed him in independent circumstances. He directed his energies to the clearing and developing a part of this land and as a farmer he easily ranked with the best in the county and acquired a handsome competency, leaving at his death an estate con.ser\-atively estimated at over a hundred thousand dollars. Although a member of no church, his life was singularly noble and upright and against his character no breath of suspicion was ever uttered. His death, on June 4, 1876, was profoundly lamented by the large circle of friends and neighbors. Mrs. Stoner. who preceded her husband to the grave about two or three years, was a woman of excellent repute and stood high in the confidence and esteem of all who knew her. The family of this worthy couple consisted of the following children: Joseph W.. Lycurgus. William P., Peter S., John W.. Sarah J., widow of John Davis of California; Lucy, wife of Benjamin Daggey, of LaPorte county. Indiana; Eve. who married James H. Torr. and lives on the old homestead in Madison township, and Indiana, wife of John L. Hillis. of Greencastle.