Randolph County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (3 of 3 so headed), 1882 (part 4 of 24)

Henry Taylor Semans

Winchester, Ind., was born at Macksville, Randolph Co., Ind., July 30, 1837. His father, Solomon M. Semans, was a native of Highland County, Ohio, his mother, Hester Ann (McIntire) Semans, of Randolph County, Ind. His parents were among the hardy pioneers, and of the class who by dint of industry and economy have done so much to develop our country to the high state of excellence we now enjoy. The youthful days of young Henry T. were spent in the uneventful rounds of farm life, with but meager opportunities for gaining information or knowledge of the ways of the world, being only such as were afforded by the district school. Desirous of gaining a more liberal education than they afforded, he attended Liber College in 1858-59, for three terms. After leaving college, he was engaged as clerk by the firm of McKee & Keener, who at that time kept a general supply store for the country trade at Farmland, Ind. Here Mr. Semans rapidly gained an insight into business, and early displayed many of those excellent qualities which have marked his career. In August, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company A, Eightyfourth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and upon the organization of the company he was chosen and mustered in as First Lieutenant. He participated in all the campaigns in which his regiment was engaged, and was in many severe conflicts, the principal of which were Chickamauga, Resaca, Franklin and Nashville. He, with his regiment, remained in the field until the close of the war, and was mustered out June 14, 1865. After his return home, he was appointed Deputy County Clerk under John B. Goodrich. In 1868, he was elected by the Republicans Clerk of Randolph Circuit Court, which responsible position he filled with marked ability for four years. After retiring from the Clerk's office, he engaged for some years in the grain trade, but since 1876 has not been engaged in any special business, having accumulated a handsome fortune, which he proposes to enjoy in 2 rational manner. He was married to Miss Mary J. Edger, daughter of Edward Edger, of Winchester, Ind., October 8, 1867, a lady of most excellent character, who has in all respects proved a worthy companion. They are the parents of three promising sons. Mr. Semans, while not a man of radical character, has always been a pronounced Republican, and, so far as he ever attempted, a very successful politician. He is not a member of any religious denomination, and is liberal in his views on all theological questions.

CLINTON D. SMITH, Winchester, Ind., was born at Williamsburg, Clermont Co., Ohio, February 26, 1828; he was the son of Stephen and Sarah (Kain) Smith, who were of German descent, and came to Ohio from New Jersey. Mr. Smith, Sr., was a mill-wright by trade, but early placed his son, Clinton D., to learn the printing business in the office of the county paper published at Batavia. Young Smith went to lowa,in 1847, and engaged in publishing the Ottumwa Courier for eighteen months, but on account of poor health was obliged to dispose of it, after which he returned to Ohio, and was engaged on the Herald of Freedom at Wilmington for two years, and on the Independent at Greenfield for two years. Mr. Smith came to Indiana in 1854, and engaged to publish the Connersville Telegraph for one year, during which time he was married to Miss Eliza Irvin, daughter of Robert Irvin, late of Randolph County, October 11, 1855, who has in all respects been to hima worthy companion, and is a lady of excellent social standing. They are the parents of four children, three of whom are living. At the beginning of 1856, Mr. Smith removed to Winchester, and purchased the Journal, and began the publication of the first Republican paper in Eastern Indiana; he continued its proprietor for four years, after which he purchased the Times at Muncie, Ind., in which publication he was engaged at the breaking-out of the rebellion, when he sold out and enlisted in the Nineteenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, where he served one year, when he returned and aided in recruiting the Eighty-fourth Regiment, enlisting as a private in Company E; he shared in its toilsome and dangerous campaigns, and was promoted to First Lieutenant of Company C for good conduct; he was severely wounded at Chickamauga, his left arm being shattered, from the effects of which he remains an invalid. He was honorably discharged, having faithfully served his country for three years. Since his return, he has been engaged in theprinting business as foreman of the Herald, and recently in the same capacity with the Journal. Mr. Smith is not a member of any church, but is liberal in his views on theological questions; he has led a busy life, and is deserving the esteem in which he is held by his friends and neighbors.

WASHINGEON B. SNEDEKER was born in 1825 in Tuscarawas County, Ohio; his father, Jacob Snedeker, was born in Virginia about the year 1789, and was of Scotch descent. Four brothers by the name of Snedeker emigrated from Scotland to Long Island at an early day, and from them have descended all who bear that name in America. Jacob Snedeker removed to Knox County Ohio, locating between Mount Vernon and Londonville, where he died in 1884. His widow married again, and removed to Mercer County, Ohio, in 1837. Washington, the subject of this sketch, attended the common schools, and acquired a good English education; he became an apprentice at the carpenter's trade when a young man, and acquired great proficiency as a mechanic. In 1841, he returned to Knox County, Ohio, where -he,was engaged at his trade for four years. In 1845, he returned to Mercer County, and in 1846 was married to Charlotte Hossler, who died in 1852. By this union they were the parents of three children. In 1857, he married Jane Maddock, one child being the fruit of this second union. Until 1854, he was engaged at his trade, but in that year embarked in in the daguerreotype business, leading a migratory life, traveling from town to town in his car, and taking pictures in all towns of any consequence in Northeastern Indiana, and Van Wert, Mercer and Darke Counties, Ohio; he located at Winchester, Ind., in 1868, and from that date until 1876 he owned and operated a planing mill at this place, and from 1876 to 1880 he was the proprietor of a restaurant. He possesses rare genius as a mechanic, and has designed and invented several articles of practical value, among them being the churn and a chair. In early life, he spent a great deal of time and money in studying and perfecting projects, and still delights in developing new methods of convenience and utility. By a life of industry and prudent management, he has accumulated a comfortable fortune, and by his honorable and upright nature has gained the esteem of his fellow-men. He is the proprietor of a brick block on Main street, containing four good business rooms on the ground floor, while the second story contains a commodious exhibition room, capable of seating 600 people. The hall is a model of convenience and safety, possessing ready means of access and egress, and thoroughness of ventilation.

John L. Stakebake

John L. Stakebake was born in Preble County, Ohio, January 13, 1837. His father, John Stakebake, was a native of Pennsylvania, and came to Randolph County, Ind., in 1853. He was amillwright, but did little work at his trade after locating in this county, as he died in the same year (1853). He had a family of eleven children, ten of whom grew to maturity, and nine are now living. Eight of this number are married. John L., the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm, and learned the carpenter's trade when a young man. He came to Randolph County, with his father, in 1858, but returned to Ohio in the following year, where he worked at his trade. In 1858, he was married, in Preble County, Ohio, to Miss Mary E. Brawley, and in the following year removed, with his wife, to Randolph County, Ind., and located on a farm about four miles south of Winchester, where he remained for four years. At the end of that time, he returned to Winchester, where he was engaged at his trade. In 18/0, he embarked in the manufacture and sale of furniture at

Winchester, in which he has ever since been successfully engaged. In 1864, while engaged in contracting and carpenter work, Mr. Stakebake enlisted as a private soldier in Company F, of the One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Ohio Regiment, and served in the Virginia campaigns until the spring of 1865, when he was honorably discharged. As a business man and manufacturer, he has been very successful, and as a citizen and neighbor he is highly esteemed by all who know him. In politics, he has always been identified with the Republican party, and although never an aspirant for office, he has been called upon, at various times, to fill local positions of honor and trust. In 1876, he was elected a member of the School Board of the town of Winchester, and was appointed Treasurer of the Board, in which capacity he still continues to act. He is an active member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and stands high in the order. He is an upright, honorable man, and deserves and enjoys the respect of his fellow-citizens. His wedded life has been blessed by five children, named, respectively, Marion A., Frank E., Irma V. and Oak. One died in infancy.

L. W. Study

Levi W. Study was born August 28, 1849, in Randolph County, Ind. His father, Levi Study, was born in Wayne County, Ind., and reared on a farm there. He came to Randolph County about the year 1842, and purchased a tract of unimproved land in Washington Township, within five miles of Winchester. He died here, at the age of thirty-five years, in 1849, his wife surviving him until 1863. Levi, the subject of this sketch, remained at home with his mother until her decease, which occurred in March, 1863, and afterward made his home with his married sister, working out during the day as a farm laborer. At the age of eighteen years, in the winter of 1867-68, he began teaching school, and contifiued this line of employment for two years, in the meantime attending a summer school at Winchester. In December, 1869, he entered the law office of his brother John, at Union City, and began the study of law. Shortly afterward, he removed, with his brother to Rushville, Ind., and, continuing his studies there for two years, went West at the end of that time in quest of a location. After visiting several cities, he returned to his native county, and on the 22d of July, 1872, was admitted to the bar of this county, and entered at once upon the practice of his chosen profession at Winchester. On the lst of December, 1874, partnership relations were entered into between himself and James S. Engle, which continued until December, 1880. Since that time, Mr. Study has practiced alone. He was, married, on the 20th of April, 1876, to Miss Louisa, daughter of Adam Hirsch, Esq., a prominent citizen of Winchester. By this union, they are the parents of one son - Carl A. As an attorney, Mr. Study has risen rapidly, and occupies a place among the best at the bar of Randolph County. He is honorable and conscientious, devoted to the interests of his clients, safe as a counselor, and able as a pleader. In September, 1881, hs was appointed by Hon. L. J. Monks to the office of Master Commissioner of this county - an office of responsibility and importance. In politics, Mr. Study has always affiliated with the Republican party, and during his residence at Winchester has attended every State, county and district convention, either in the capacity of a delegate or spectator. He is an active worker, and has accomplished good results in the interest of the party. He has never held public office, and never permitted his name to be used as a candidate. In private life, he is esteemed by all who know him for his gentlemanly bearing and uniform kindness and courtesy. He was one of the charter members of Winchester Lodge, No. 91, Knights of Pythias, and was the first Past Chancellor of the lodge. He is now Deputy Grand Chancellor. He was made a Mason in July, 1880, in Winchester Lodge, No. 56. He is now Royal Arch Captain in Randolph Chapter, No. 35, Deputy Illustrious Master in Winchester Council, No. 20, R. & S. M., and Junior Warden of Winchester Lodge, No. 56.' He is also a member of the Commandery at Richmond, Ind. He united with Winchester Lodge, No. 121, I, 0. O. F., in June, 1873, and in October of the same year became a member of White River Encampment, No. 50, and is now Senior Warden in the latter body.

IRA TRIPP was born April 23, 1828, within eight miles of the city of Toronto, Canada. His father, David Tripp, was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., in 1787, and was married there to Susan Weller, who was born in the same county in 1813. The father removed, with his family, to the Dominion of Canada, where he died in 1843. He had eight children, four of whom are now living. Ira, the subject of this sketch, enjoyed but limited educational advantages in boyhood, walking three miles to a log schoolhouse of the rudest type, and acquiring his primary education under the instructions of a teacher as rude as the school and its surroundings. He went to the State of New York in 1852, and after the removal to that State completed a course of study at Willson Academy, Niagara County. He was reared on a farm, and during boyhood and youth his time was principally employed in the performance of farm work. When eighteen years of age, he became a clerk in a mereantile establishment, at Willson, N. Y, and later engaged independently in mercantile pursuits. In 1857, he located in Darke County, Ohio, where he sold goods for several years, removing to Winchester, Ind., in December, 1864. Here he again engaged in mercantile pursuits, which he continued successfully for a number of years, retiring from this branch of business in 1870. In 1871, he was elected Justice of the Peace, but resigned in 1872. In April, 1880, he was elected Trustee of White River Township, and is now serving in that capacity. In politics, he is identified with the Republican party, and was elected as the candidate of that party. In the discharge of his official duties, he has proved himself efficient and faithful, and has won the confidence of the public by his administration of the office. His jurisdiction contains an area of more than seventy square miles, and includes twenty-one schoolhouses, besides those at Winchester - the oversight of these interests requiring a large amount of time and labor. He is an untiring worker, and exhibits commendable enthusiasm in the cause of public education. He has been a resident of Winchester for eighteen years, and during this period has always arrayed himself on the side of honor and right, establishing a good name, and gaining recognition as among the best citizens of the community. He was married, in 1860, to Miss Christina Jane Lawrence, of Darke County, Ohio. She is an estimable lady, and a general favorite in the social circle.

William A. Thompson

Mr. Thompson is a prominent member of the Randolph County bar. He was born August 8, 1840, in Shelby County, Ill. The families of both his parents were among the earliest settlers of that county, and were prominent participants in the events of its early and later history. The subject of this sketch is the eldest of a family of sixteen children, fourteen of whom are now living, and eleven married and settled in life. His early life was spent on the home farm, working during the farming season, and attending school during the winter. He first attended the district school near his home, subsequently entering the Shelbyville High School, then known as one of the best in the State. In 1860, he went to Moore's Hill, Ind., and became a student in the college at that place. He spent the college year of 1860-61 in study, leaving school at the outbreak of the war. At the age of eighteen years, he took charge of the graded schools at St. Paul, Ind., and afterward taught six months in the district schools of Shelby County, achieving fair success as a teacher. Ile united with the Methodist Episcopal Church at the age of sixteen years, and in 1862 entered the ministry of that denomination. In the following year, he joined the Southeastern Indiana Conference, of the Methodist Episeopal Church, and traveled as a member of that body for eight years. In 1863, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary R. Wilkinson, who died in 1865, leaving one child. After the death of his wife, he again entered Moore's Ifill College, where he spent the college year of 1867-68. In 1868, he was married to Miss Elizabeth S. Lamb, daughter of Judge Lamb, of Indianapolis, and resumed his ministerial labors. On account of failing health, he withdrew from the Conference, and retired from the ministry in 1870, and shortly afterward began the study of law in the office of Judge Lamb, finishing his studies in the office of Gordon, Browne & Lamb, at Indianapolis. In June, 1871, he located at Winchester, and began the practice of his profession. He was at. first associated with Gen. Thomas M. Browne, from 1871 to 1873, forming partnership relations with Judge J. J. Cheney, in the latter year, which continued until 1874. From 1874 to 1879, he was the partner of Judge L. J. Monks, and since the dissolution of this relation has been associated with Capt. A. O. Marsh. As an attorney, he has achieved marked success, and combines with his legal attainments the virtues of a Christian gentleman. He is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Winchester, in which he has held, and still holds, responsible official positions. He is an able and effectual pleader, and a safe and conscientious counselor. The firm of which he is a member have been engaged in the defense of five persons accused of murder, during the past few years, and have gained a reputation for success in this specialty. Although an active politician, Mr. Thompson has always refused to be a candidate for public position. He is a stanch Republican, and has canvassed the county several times in the interest of his party, with good results. Ife is a man of positive temperament, firm in his convictions, and forcible and fearless in his adhesion to principles. He is esteemed by all who know him, as an upright, honorable man. He is identified with the Masonic Lodge of Winchester, and is an active member of that fraternity.

RICHMOND TITORNBURG was born September 19, 1819, in Perry Township, Wayne County, Ind. In early life he learned the carpeuter's trade, and followed that occupation for three years. Subsequently he learned the tailor's trade, and finding the latter more to his taste, has made it his occupation through life; he located in Randolph County, Ind., in November, 1860, and voted for President Lincoln two days later; he resided six years at Bloomingsport, in this county, where he occupied the position of clerk ina store. In 1866, he removed to Farmland, and in 1867 to Camden, Jay County, Ind. In November, he returned to Farmland, and later in the same year, located again at Winchester, where he has ever since devoted his time and attention to the pursuits of his chosen occupation ; he has achieved pronounced success in this line, having been engaged at this vocation for thirty-five years. On the 26th of January, 1866, he was married to Miss Hannah Etta Semans, in Wayne County, Ind. By this union they are the parents of two children, named respectively Thomas M. and Myrtle May. Mrs. Thornburg is the daughter of David Semans, who was the father of twenty-four children, sixteen of whom are still living. Her father died in April, 1881, aged seventy-four years. Mr. Thornburg is identified with the Masonic fraternity of Winchester, having attained the degree of Master Mason. In politics, he isa Republican; he has never sought nor accepted public office, but has always taken an active interest in public affairs and the success of his party. He is highly regarded by all who have known him, and is a worthy and estimable citizen.

WASHINGTON ULLOM was born in Virginia March 19, 1815, and is a son of William and Ada Ullom. He was brought up on a farm; his parents moved with their family to Preble County, Ohio, in 1822, and to Darke County, Ohio, in 1825. Mr. Ullom was married in 1837, to Mary Miller, a native of Wheeling, Va. They have had eleven children, ten living - Isabell, Ada, Sarah J., Almira, Mary A., Rebecca, Alice, George W., William H. and Jacob A. Mr. Ullom came to this county in 1863; owns 103 acres of land, and is engaged in farming.

Hon. Thomas Ward

Mr. Ward is a worthy representative of that class of citizens in this community who are justly styled our self-made men; men who have risen from humble positions to affluence and high standing, unaided by adventitious circumstances, and having only their own industry and native ability to thank for their attainments. He is of the grandson of Thomas Ward, a native of North Carolina, in which State he lived during the Revolutionary war. He was a Quaker, and took no part in that struggle, though both the Americans and British tried unsuccessfully to force him into service. Ie had a brother who was a Colonel in the American army, and a brave officer. Thomas Ward had a family of eight children - two sons and six daughters - all of whom, except Sarah, the eldest daughter, emigrated to Randolph County, Ind. Joel, the eldest son, and Joab, the father of the subject of this sketch, came to this county in 1819. Mary, the second daughter, married Joseph Moffatt, father of Zimri Moffatt, of Randolph County; Margery married Elias Kizer, father of Thomas W. and Henry P. Kizer, of Winchester; Nancy married Mr. Tomlinson, and Lydia married Thomas Pierce; Elizabeth married Burkett Pierce, one of the earliest settlers on the Mississinewa in this county. She is now deceased, but her husband still survives, having attained the advanced age of ninety years. Joab Ward was long a prominent and influential citizen of Ward Township, and was one of the earliest settlers of that locality. He endured the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life, and watched the growth of the settlement from a scattered collection of log cabins to a thrifty farming community; and in all the public improvements inaugurated during his life he bore a full share of the burden. He was an honorable, upright man, and possessed the confidence and good will of all who knew him. He died in 1874, and his remains, as also those of his wife, rest in the Friends' Cemetery at White River Chapel.

Thomas, the subject of this sketch, was reared in a pioneer settlement, and his early life was passed like that of all boys who have been similarly situated. Work at home demanded the most of his time, but in the winter he was permitted to attend school, and there, in one of those schoolhouses so truly characteristic of early days in Indiana, he began his education. His advantages were limited, but his father's house was the resort of travelers, many of whom were very intelligent men, and took pleasure in imparting a portion of their knowledge to the boy, who always evinced an inquiring disposition, and learned readily. 'Thus, by patient study in leisure hours, and by intercourse with intelligent men, he laid the foundation for a splendid business education, and was well prepared for the active life of later years. At an early age, he began trading with his neighbors, and nearly all his transactions redounded to his success, so that, when twenty-one years of age, he had accumulated 600 acres of land. His first earnings were made by '' deadening'"' timber for new purchasers. He would take the contract for '' deadening'' the timber on these lands, and after sub-letting it, usually had a profit left for himself. He never retrograded in his financial standing ; the property which he had accumulated during the years of his minority stimulated him to greater achievements, and in the years which followed he found his prospects brightening, and his prosperity increasing. In 1840, he was married, and in 1841 removed to a tract of land near Ridgeville, fram which he developed a good farm. This farm was cleared and improved by himself, and after cultivating it for four years, he removed to Winchester, and embarked in mercantile pursuits at this point. He was thus engaged until 1870, carrying a general stock for a part of the time, and later in the hardware trade exclusively, while at another time he was the proprietor of a harness shop. He was one of the first friends of the Cincinnati, Richmond & Fort Wayne Railroad, and was one of the Board of Directors. He had invested $35,000 in stock, but it was found that the company would be unable to complete the road to Fort Wayne. Upon this discovery, the Directors sold the road to another company, and by the change he lost all he had invested, except about $3,100. In 1865, he became one of the company who organized the First National Bank of Winchester, and served as its President until 1868. He served as one of its Directors at the same time, and still continues to act in this capacity. The bank retired its circulation in 1878, and was reorganized under the State Banking Law, and is still continued as one of the prosperous and substantial institutions of this town. Mr. Ward has been called to fill other places of trust of a public nature. He was the Whig candidate for Sheriff of Randolph County in 1841, but the party was divided against itself at that time, and he was defeated by the opposition. In 1864, he was elected to the Indiana Senate, and at once arose to a position of prominence and honor, serving on important committees. He voted for the ratification of the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution of the United States, and introduced a bill to admit the testimony of colored witnesses in cases where white litigants were involved. He also introduced a bill to make the sale of liquor a penal offense, and served as Chairman of the Committee on Corporations. The bill to compel railroad corporations to furnish transportation and equalize freights was also introduced by him. He served his constituency well, and retired from his official position with the good will of all good people. His political affiliations were first with the Whig party, but since the organization of the Republican party, he has acted with the latter. Ile is a valuable member, and has done effectual work for the good of the party. He was never an aspirant for political honors, and his candidacy, in both cases, was at the solicitation of his friends. He is a man to whom defeat is intolerable, and his political canvasses were conducted with the same vigor and energy that have characterized his career as a business man.

By his industry and good management, Mr. Ward has accumulated a competence, and is regarded one of the wealthiest citizens of Winchester, Yet his ample fortune has not changed his kindly nature, and among those who know him best he is esteemed as a kind and amiable friend. His dealings with his fellow men have always been governed by a high sense of honor, and his integrity is above reproach. He hag long been identified with the temperance movement, and has boldly arrayed himself among the advocates of public morality and good order. Whatever seems to him to be of public benefit receives his support and encouragement; but he has always discountenanced what seemed to him reckless extravagance. He has grown up with this county, watching its progress, and lending a helping hand to its public enterprises.

He has been married four times: first, in 1840, to Sarah Ellen Tharp, who died in 1852. He was married to Jane Swayne, of Richmond, Ind., in 1854. She died in 1865, leaving three children. His third wife was Susan Lykins, who died in 1878, leaving two children. In April, 1876, he was united in marriage with Laurinda, daughter of Isaiah Osborn, Esq. By this union, they are the parents of one child.

At the age of sixty-three years, Mr. Ward is still active and vigorous - attending regularly to matters of business - and enjoying the rewards of a life of industry, while he possesses the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens. In 1880, he was one of the organizers of the Ridgeville Bank, at Ridgeville, and has been prominently identified with this institution ever since. Upon the death of its President, Arthur McKew, Esq., in January, 1882, he was chosen as Mr. McKew's successor for the unexpired term, and in July, 1882, was elected President for the current year. His identity with this bank has been greatly for the good of the institution, which has prospered from the first, while his counsel and experience in financial affairs have materially aided its prosperity.

Hon. E. L. Watson

Enos L., son of James and Nancy Watson, was born December 22, 1830, in Greene County, Ohio, His father was a farmer, but died while the son was an infant, and the later life of the latter was passed under the care of a stepfather. In 1832, he came with his mother to Randolph County, Ind., and located on a farm near Deerfield. The region around them was unsettled, and they had no near neighbors. Their own farm was a wilderness, and the boy spent a large share of his time assisting his step-father to clear and improve it. He shared the experiences incident to pioneer life, with but few educational privileges. In 1848, when eighteen years of age, he came to Winchester, anxious to enter the world in the struggle for fortune, and to be his own master. The County Seminary then stood with open door, inviting entrance, and from 1849 to 1862, he was a pupil in this institution, under the excellent instruction of Prof. E. P. Cole. Later, he taught school as a means of furthering his plans for acquiring an education, but it was not long ere the watchful people took the boy in hand, giving him active employment in the woods and on the farms as County Surveyor. He was elected to this office in 1852, when scarcely more than a boy, and it was a well-merited compliment to his ability, while it was indicative of the confidence reposed in him. He performed the duties well and satisfactorily through the term for which he was first elected, and at its expiration, in 1854, was promptly re-elected for another term of two years. During his incumbency of this office, he was reading law with Judge J. J. Cheney, at Winchester, and in 1856, was admitted to practice. The public seemed to be waiting for his services, for upon the expiration of his second term as Surveyor, in 1856, he was nominated and elected to the office of Prosecuting Attorney, in which capacity he acted until 1860, having been re-elected at the expiration of his first term. Ih 1862, he was again elected to this office, serving until 1864. In that year, he entered into partnership with Judge Cheney, which relation continued until 1872. After the appointment of Judge Cheney to the Common Pleas bench, he entered into partnership with Hon. L. J. Monks. Afterward, the partnership relations between himself and Judge Cheney were resumed, and continued for two years. He is now associated with J.S. Engle. In the session of 1867-68, he was the Representative from Randolph County in the Legislature of Indiana, and was again called to serve in this capacity during the session of 1879- 80. In this capacity, as in all others in which he has acted, he proved himself a man of honor and integrity, true to the interests of his constituency and the public welfare. Originally, his political affiliations were with the Democratic party, but he severed his associations with that party in consequence of the repeal of the Missouri Compromise, and has since stood firmly by the principles of the Republican party. He purchased the Winchester Gazette, and converted it into a stanch Republican organ, under the name of the Winchester Z/era/d, conducting it as editor and proprietor until it passed by purchase into the hands of its present owner, John Commons. Mr. Watson has devoted his life to his profession, and has achieved a reputation at the bar of which he and his descendants may justly be proud. He ranks with the best of his colleagues as an attorney, while as a neighbor and friend, he possesses the affectionate regard of all who know him. He was married, in 1854, to Miss Mary M. Judd, an amiable and accomplished young lady, who has shared with him the hopes and disappointments, the reverses and successes of his career throughout a period of twenty-eight years, and has won her way into the hearts of a large circle of friends.

Lap Walts

Isaiah P. Watts was born June 16, 1840, in Richland County, Ohio. His father, Samuel Watts, was at one time a prosperous merchant in the county, but, owing to financial reverses and impaired health, he turned to the woods of Indiana in the hope of improving his fortunes. He removed with his family to Wells County, Ind., in 1847, locating in Nottingham Township. The country was wild and rugged, and often they shot turkeys from the door of their cabin, while deer abounded, and bears were sometimes seen. Hunters from Wayne County often came to the Watts cabin, and thus many acquaintances were formed, which proved pleasant in after years. Here, on a little farm, between Camden and Bluffton, the subject of this sketch passed the days of his boyhood and youth, amid the privations and hardships incident to pioneer life, inured to toil and self-denial. Prior to the removal of the family, he had attended school in Ohio, but in the woods of Wells County he was denied this privilege. He first attended school in this State in 1850, at Kifesburg, eight miles from his home, boarding with Henry Elston, and doing farm work for his board. Although only ten years old, he cut the fire-wood, fed and attended seven head of horses, an equal number of milch cows, fourteen head of hogs and several steers, At the age of fourteen years, he worked on the railroad in winter, in order to earn funds to pay his way in school. While working for Elston, he made rapid progress in the Rifesburg school, and when seventeen years of age, having saved a little money, he started to attend Liber College. This little college had been recently founded in the wilds of Jay County, but in after years became famous as an institution of learning. He arrived at this place with a capital of $7.50; he paid $6 for tutition and $1.50 for music lessons, and four months later, left school with 65 cents in cash, and an added store of useful knowledge. He attended this college five terms, ending his school life in 1860, just as the cloud of war began to thicken and lower over the country. In August, 1861, he was united in marriage with Miss Ann Eliza Diggs, and in 1862, enlisted in Company H, of the EHighty-fourth Regiment, Indiana Volunteers. While in the army, he served much of the time on detached duty. During the winter of 1862-63, he was Chief Clerk of the General Hospital, at Ashland, Ky. In June, 1863, he was taken ill and sent to the hospital at Murfreesboro, Tenn., and during his convalescence, was transferred to Chattanooga, Tenn. There he was assigned to duty as Chief Clerk of the General Hospital, and afterward as clerk in the office of the Medical Director at Chattanooga, Tenn. In January, 1864, he was appointed Counsel of Administration, to take charge of the effects of deceased soldiers and forward them to their proper destinations. A more eloquent tribute to his honor and integrity could scarcely have been expressed. In March, 1864, he came home on a furlough of thirty days, rejoining his regiment in April, at Blue Springs, Tenn., and continuing with it until the close of the war, participating, meanwhile, in the battles of Buzzard's Roost, Tunnel Hill, Rocky-Face Ridge, Dalton, Resaca, Kingston, Pumpkin- Vine Creek, Pine Mountain, Kenesaw, Neal Dow Church, Culp's Farm, Peach- Tree Creek, the battles in front of Atlanta, Shoal's Creek, Lovejoy's, Franklin and Nashville. Since his marriage, Mr. Watts has resided at Winchester, excepting the time spent in the army. He was mustered out on the 16th of June, 1865, and returning to Winchester, engaged at the trade of a silversmith. While thus engaged, he employed all his spare time in the study of law, and was later a student in the office of Cheney & Watson. He was admitted to the bar in 1866, and from that time until 1870, was the partner of E. B. Reynolds. In 1878, he formed partnership relations with Capt. A. O. Marsh. which were coatinued until 1874. After that date he practiced alone. In 1376, he was the Republican candidate for Secretary of State. That canvass was one of the most exciting in the recent, political history of Indiana. The State went that came to all the Republican candidates that year. In 1880, after an exciting canvass, he was nominated by the Republicans for the office of Clerk of the Randolph Circuit Court, a position to which he was elected in the fall of that year. He took charge of the Clerk's office in August, 1881, and has since been engaged in the duties of his position. During his incumbency he has proved himself a faithful and efficient officer, prompt in the transaction of his duties, and polite and obliging to all whose business calls them into his office. He is popular among the people of this county, and the majority by which he was elected was a flattering testimonial of the high regard in which he is held. For a number of years he has acted as a pension agent in this locality, and has had the satisfaction of aiding many a comrade, and many a widow and orphan to secure the relief awarded by a grateful country. In addition to his official duties, Mr. Watts has pastoral care of the Christian Church at Winchester. He united with this denomination early in life, and for the past eight or nine years has been identified with it asa laborer in the ministry. He isan able and convincing speaker, active and zealous in the work of religion, and selfsacrificing in his devotion to the church, In the affairs of business and everyday life, his actions are governed by a high sense of honor and right, and he has gained the confidence of the community in which he resides. His wife is an excellent lady, and has won her way into the affections of a large circle of friends by her gentle manners and uniform kindness to all classes. She is the daughter of Littleberry Diggs, one of the oldest pioneers of Randolph County, who served as Associate Judge of this county in early days. Mr. Watts and wife are the parents of five children, four of whom are now living. Their eldest daughter, Miss Inez, having graduated at the Winchester High School, is now a student at Butler University at Irvington, near Indianapolis, and gives excellent promise of high attainments in scholarship.

FRANCIS M. WAY was born January 10, 1830, in Randolph County, Ind., where he received his education and grewto manhood. He taught school in this county for several years, and in 1863, enlisted in the Union army, as a member of the Seventh Indiana Cavalry. He was mustered in as First Sergeant of Company B, in August, 1863, and on October 1, following, was promoted to the office of First Lieutenant of the same company. At Jackson, Tenn., he was granted a short leave of absence, and came home, rejoining his his regiment at Memphis. From that time until the date of his discharge from the service, he was in command of his company, and was commissioned Captain, but was never mustered as such. He was with the regiment until aftcr the fight at Independence, Mo., taking an active part at the head of his company. His health failed, and he was incapacitated for duty to such an extent that he was discharged from the service upon the recommendation of the surgeon, and very much against his own inclinations. His discharge was made out at Memphis, Tenn., on February 11, 1865. He wasa brave soldier, and always enjoyed the esteem and good-will of his comrades. He returned to Winchester, after the close of his army life, and resumed his place as a private citizen. In 1869, he was appointed Postmaster at this place, and discharged the duties of this office with great efficiency and satisfaction to the public until 1878, when he was succeeded by C. E. Ferris, the present incumbent. In the spring of 1881, he went to Minnesota, with the view of making that State his future home; but failing to find a satisfactory location, he returned to Winchester, and is now conducting a profitable trade as a merchant tailor and dealer in gents' furnishing goods. In 1858, he was united in marriage with Miss Lydia P. Ward, sister of Hon. Thomas Ward, of Winchester. By this union they are the parents of four children, three of whom are now living. His wife is an excellent lady, and the family are counted among our best citizens.

CHARLES W. WOOLVERTON, one of the leading boot and shoe dealers of Winchester, was born March 21, 1836, in Bucks County, Penn. He emigrated with his parents to Wayne County, Ind., in 1855, where his father, Charles Woolverton, Sr., still resides. In 1856, the subject of this sketch went to Richmond, Ind., to work as a shoemaker, haying learned this trade from his father. In the fall of that year, he returned to his father's house at White

Water, in Wayne County, and in 1857, established a shop in that town, working at his trade until the outbreak of the rebellion. In July, 1861, he enlisted in the Nineteenth Indiana Regiment, and served in the field until August, 1862. From that time until February, 1863, he was confined to the hospital, and was finally discharged for physical disability. Returning from the army, he learned the photographer's art, but finding this pursuit unfavorable to his health, he abandoned it and resumed work at his trade. He next took a stock of goods to Anderson, Ind., and was engaged in mercantile pursuits there for two years. At the end of that time he returned to White Water, resuming work at his trade. Later, he held the position of foreman in the shoe store of J. M. Williamson & Co., at Richmond, Ind., and afterward took charge of a branch store for this firm at Lewisville, Henry Co., Ind. In 1871, he conducted a shop of his own at Huntsville, Randolph Co., Ind., and in 1873, came to Winchester, where for six months he was foreman for J. T. Elliott. Later in the same year, he established himself in the boot and shoe trade in this town, and still conducts a satisfactory and extensive business, In addition to the retail trade, he is largely engaged in the manufacture of a sewed brogan, or

Kokomo, New Castle, and other points in Indiana and Ohio. Throughout his life he has been industrious and energetic, and his labors have yielded him an ample reward in a successful business and a comfortable income. He is genial and pleasant in his intercourse with society, and is a general favorite among his friends. Politically, he acts with the Republican party, but has never been an active politican, beyond exerting his influence for the success of the principles he holds. He cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln in 1860, and has never since wavered in his fealty to the party. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity of Winchester, having advanced to the rank of Knight Templar. He took the Thirty-second Degree in the fall of 1881, at Indianapolis. He is a gentleman of fine moral character, and a worthy and valued citizen.

White River General Description

This is by far the largest township in the county. 'Itis from ten to eleven miles long and seven miles wide, embracing seventyfour sections, as follows:

The township is located directly upon White River, being divided by that stream into two somewhat unequal portions, the smaller part being on the north side, which is drained almost wholly into the Mississinewa by Hickory, Mud and Bear Creeks. The south side lies wholly in the White River Valley, being drained by the upper course of White River itself, and by Salt, Sugar, Sparrow, Hight Mile and Cabin Creeks, only a small portion in the southwest corner lying on the latter stream. This region was in the beginning a favorite with emigrants, and large numbers crowded into it from the time of its original settlement.

It is said to have been first reached, not by crossing from Wayne County nor by exploration from the settlements previously made in the southern part of Randolph County, but thus: A party of men from South Carolina struck into the White River Valley near its mouth, and threaded its entire extent in its utter wilderness state through what is now ten flourishing counties - Knox, Daviess, Greene, Owen, Morgan, Marion, Hamilton, Madison, Delaware and Randolph. They rode through the dense woods, camping out and picketing their horses at night, and spending several weeks in the trip. What they lived on we cannot tell; they subisted on something, however, for most of them were still in the land of the living full fifty years after that adventurous journey. For some reasons they were not satisfied till they arrived in Randolph County, a few miles west of Winchester. The whole valley of White River was then in possession of the Indians. Not a white man had ever dwelt anywhere throughout its whole vast extent. The French had planted themselves about Vincennes, and that settlement spread from the Wabash across to the White River; but above the French colony all was wilderness.

This party located lands for settlement, and finally in the fall of 1816 (some of them remaining), returned to South Carolina to make arrangements to es large company of emigrants from that distant country. d they came - a colony of about thirty persons, with their wagons and their goods, from South Carolina, across'the Apalachian Mountains, through Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, into Indiana, during the severe winter of 1816-17, meeting the snow on the summits of the Cumber- land Range, and keeping company therewith the whole way onward, arriving at White River in March, 1817, with the snow a foot deep, which left not before the April following.

Second, a horseback jaunt through the entire' White River wilderness to its sources in Randolph County, and a tarry in the woods of that region.

Third, a return trip also on horseback through the sparse settlements of Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina to the Palmetto State.

Fourth, a wagon journey from that southern land over mountain and stream, over horrible roads, through the cold and snow of that extreme winter, to plant themselves at last in the wilderness, fifteen miles from any other settlers.

When they came, indeed there were some cabins for some of them, as well as for one of the men who tarried in the wilderness, and who, being a believer in the Bible in general, and in that declaration in particular that ''It is not good for man to be alone," had gone down among the settlers of Wayne County, in the White Water Valley, and had found a virgin after his own heart, to whom he had been joined in the bonds of holy wedlock; and together they returned to his chosen home, and there for more than forty days that loved and loving couple dwelt in the desolate forest alone. Years afterward that bride used to relate how for six weeks of that first sojourn she saw no white face besides that of her husband.

But thecompany came, and they, too, went to work, and it was not Jong till not one alone, but several dwellings were to be seer nestling among the trees.

The party who traversed on horseback the long and desolate valley of the White River were Paul W. Way, Henry H. Way, William Way, Robert Way (a lad of sixteen, and nephew of the rest, and son of John Way), and William Diggs, Jr.; and Paul Way, in the fallof 1816, returned, as has been stated, and conducted a company from that country to this That group of emigrants was as follows:

Paul Way's family, seven in all; John Way's family, seven in all; Armsbee Diggs and wife; John Moorman and family, six in all; George Wilson and family, five in all; making a company of twenty-seven persons, belonging to five families.

Meanwhile, William Diggs had married, and, as already stated, was keeping house on White River. . Henry Way married in the same way, about the same time, so that when the whole colony there united, they amounted to nearly twenty-five persons all Ways and Diggses. Soon after, others of the connection and their acquaintances came from South Carolina, among others the father of William Diggs, Jr., William Diggs, Sr.

Norr.+ - The tale of the trip up White River on horseback is so romantic that it is with great regret that we are obliged to state that William Diggs, the sole survivor of the party referred to, declares that the trip never was taken. The party did come to Randolph, but not by so wild and ''sensational" a route as that; yet the story is itself so excellent, and shows so vividly what might have been done when Indiana was all a wilderness, that we cannot find the heart to reject it from the text, out let the "supposed incident" remain, appending thereto in the interest of ''sober truth " this cautionary remark, that while the story is good enough to have been true, that yet, in fact, the thing did net take place.

At nearly the same time, say in 1817, families of the Wrights came, and also some of the Haworths, and by the summer of 1818 a farge company of Wrights and others were present, insomuch that at the first election for county officers (held August, 1818), three had the name of Wright - John Wright, Judge; David Wright, Sheriff, and Solomon Wright, Coroner. This John Wright in particular seems to havebeen an estimable man, since he was retained as Judge by successive elections for

There seems to have been not much prejudice against ''carpet baggers"' in those days, for they hardly waited long enough for them to become yoters till they had them elevated to high (not to say lucrative) offices.

Some others came whom there is not time to name. In August, 1818, there were, according to Hon. Jere Smith's statement, fifty or sixty families on White River and Salt and Sugar Creeks, all of whom are supposed to have been in the present bounds of White River Township.

1817 - Simon Cox, east of Winchester; Benjamin, Cox, east of Winchester; William Kennedy, near Mount Zion Church; Solomon Reynard, on Hight Mile Creek: John Wright (Hominy), west of Winchester.

1819 - John Coats, east of Winchester; - - - - Lasley, south of Winchester; David Lasley, south of Winchester; Peter Lasley, south of Winchester; Robinson McIntyre, near Maxville; Zachariah Puckett, near Dunkirk; Joseph Puckett, near Dunkirk.

1820 - Henry D. Huffman, west of Winchester; Tarlton Moorman, west of Winchester; Albert Macy, west of Winchester; Thomas Puckett, near Dunkirk; Isom Puckett, near Dunkirk.

1822 - Stephen Clayton, west of Winchester; James Clayton, west of Winchester; John Robison, east of Winchester; W. Robison, east of Winchester; Mary Reeder, near Winchester; Martin A. Reeder, near Winchester.

Of course there were other prominent families, among whom were the Wysongs, the Elzroths, the Edwardses and thej Starbucks, besides others too numerous to mention, and very many of whom are to the writer utterly unknown.

CHURCHES. The first church was probably Dunkirk, built by the Friends, and during many years an important center of moral and religious light and activity. 'lemperance and anti-slavery found from the very first its spring and power for good largely among the body of Friends at that place. But the glory of Dunkirk has departed; the old church stands tenantless and forsaken, and even the graveyard seems woe-begone and forlorn, neglected if not forgotten. The church was built in a begutifnl grove, open but shady, and as one stands gazing at the old edifice and the graveyard near at hand, and thinks of the more than sixty years that have rolled along since men began to gather among those shades for the worship of the 'Unseen,' and lay their dead silently and reverently away beneath that consecrated ground, he can scarcely realize how changed is the current of public feeling and how the channels of thought and sentiment and desire flow permanently elsewhere.

Routes Of Travel

Several chief routes of travel pass through White River, viz: From Richmond; from Centerville and from New Castle to Winchester; from Greenville to Muncie; from Winchester to Fort Wayne, via Deertield, pass almost centrally through its extensive territory, well nigh large enough for a county of itself. Pikes run from Winchester in every direction. The routes to Lynn, to Huntsville, to Windsor, to Deerfield, to Greenville, to Jericho, and the two roads to Union City all extend along its surface.

Two railroads cross it- - the Bee Line from east to west, and the C. R. & F. W. from north to south, intersecting at Winchester. Winchester and Maxville are the only towns within its limits, Unionsport and Buena Vista, however, being upon its borders, and their northern half upon its soil. Sampletown was in White River but it was an abortion.

White River is a very large and thriving township. . It has surface enough for two good townships, having about seventyfour square miles. Lying as it does around Winchester, with that important town nearly in its center, there seems to be no suitable way to make a proper division of its territory, and up to this time it remains entire. There are twenty-two school districts within its bounds, not including the corporation of Winchester.

Tt is remarkable that White River, though so large and so rich a township, and though it has nearly twenty miles of track within its bounds, has but one railroad town to accommodate its numerous population. In fact, there never has been within its bounds any towns besides Winchester, except Maxville. And Maxville is for purposes of trade practically extinct. So that for seventy-four miles of territory this immense township can boast of but one town. There are, indeed, two small and unimportant villages on the line in the southwest corner - Buena Vista and Unionsport, but for business they present very few attractions.

The Windsor pike has about seven miles in the township; the two Union pikes five miles each in the township; the Deerfield pike about six miles in the township; the Lynn pike about four miles in the township; the Huntsville pike about four miles in the township; the Greenville pike about three miles in the township; the Buena Vista and Unionsport pike about four miles (on the township line), making at least eight distinct lines extending through the township.

It has direct communication by pikes with most of the towns in the county; with Union City, Deerfield, Randolph, Farmland, Windsor, Losantville, Unionsport, Buena Vista, Huntsville Lynn, Bloomingsport, and Arba, and indirectly with Spartansburg. The northwestern townships, Franklin, Green and Monroe, are nearly destitute of graveled roads. Within two or three years, the spirit of improvement in that respect is rising in that region, and it is to be hoped that the people there will hunt up their gravel beds and get the gravel out where it belongs - on the highways.

Miscellany

White River, though destitute of towns (except the county seat), is nevertheless a fine, rich, well-improved region, with many good farms and many fine dwellings.

White River is bounded north by Monroe, Franklin and Ward: on the east by Wayne; on the south by Greensfork, Washington and West River; on the west by Stony Creek and Monroe.

It is a remarkable fact that White River touches every other township in the county but two - Green, in the extreme northwest, and Nettle Creek, in the farthest southwest. It is bounded by eight townships as above, and corners with one, Jackson, in the extreme northeast.

Such another township as to situation may not exist, perhaps, in the nation. Another notable fact exists as to White River, that it is the only central township in the county, and as to the others, that every one reaches the external boundaries of the county, all being arranged around and outside of White River Township as a common central region.

Entries By Sections

Maxrville. Location, Section 20, Township 20, Range 13, on White River; Robison McIntyre and Robert Cox, propriétors; twenty-six lots; streets, north and south, Railroad avenue, East; cast and west, Main. Recorded May 28, 1850. [Note. - The town was established many years befure that date, about 1832. |

The town was laid out in about 1832 by Robison McIntyre. It stands on Section 20, Township 20, Range 13, and .is located on the Winchester & Windsor pike. The town plat seems not t6 have been recorded till May 28,1850. The commencement of business and the establishinent of the town, however, dates back to 1832. Solomon Seamans built the first house, and kept the first store; he also had a hotel and was a physician. For a time a large amount of business was done. Maxville became the center of a brisk and thriving trade. There have been at one time places of business as follows: Two smith shops, one grist-mill, three stores, two physicians, one saw-mill,.one church, one schoolhouse, two limekilns, one lodge, A., F. & A. M., one lodge, I. O. O. F., one post office. It might in time have become an important town, if the old order of things had continued, but the Bellefontaine Railroad was built and missed the town about a mile, running, also, on the other side of the river, and besides, Farmland started up on the railroad, about a mile off, and our aspiring, hopeful little ''burg*' became a doomed town, and its business has long been almost wholly lost. In fact. no business proper is done in the place. The grist-mill is still in operation in the suburbs, and so are the limekilns. The schoolhouse is there, and the meeting-house stands near, and the old cemetery still raises to sight the sad memorial stones, the melancholy tokens of the final resting-place of friends long since taken from earth. The mill isin good repair, possesses a substantial reputation, and does excellent work, standing on

There are now about ten good residences in the village, and the town has a pleasant appearance. The church belongs to the Episcopal Methodists. The cemetery is of long standing and is filled with graves, and a new burying-ground has been established across the road from the old one, and contains already many tombstones.

The country around has been long settled, the residents near there coming in, many of them, from 1816 to 1820. The farms are under good improvement, and there are many fine residences. The Windsor & Winchester pike, one of the oldest pikes in the county, has been built for many years. This road was originally, and for a long time, the grand thoroughfare between the Hast and the West, and it was thronged with travel of all sorts for many years. In fact, till 185%, at the opening of the railroad, the amount of travel passed along this route amounted sometimes to hundreds of wagons per day. Thousands of cattle and sheep have been known to pass within a single twenty-four hours. The "taverns" on that road in those days were well patronized, and many a landlord made money by the business, even at the wondrously low prices in vogue at the time. The charges used to be 37% cents for man and horse overnight, including supper, lodging and breakfast for both. 'The boys of those days, now old men, remember how they had often to sleep in the barn or the hay-mow to accommodate travelers with lodging. But those days are long past, and there is not a country hotel from one end of the county (or hardly even of the State) to the other.

New Dayton. - It is a hamlet; not incorporated; on Section 2, Township 20, Range 13. It is not laid out as a town, but is simply a little hamlet with a name. There has been a store for twenty-five years, and a smith shop for thirty-six years. Lately, a wagon shop has been set up. There is also a church and a graveyard. Larmon Sherman keeps the store. Mr. Carns owns the smith shop. Wesley Carns (son of the above) runs the wagon shop. The meeting-house was built in 1877. It belongs to the Episcopal Methodists. The graveyard has been there a long time and it is much used. A post office has been granted, and a new mail route through that region has been set on foot, with mail three times a week. The mail delivery covers a circuit of three to five miles. L. W. Sherman is Postmaster. There is no pike and no railroad. The region around New Dayton is well settled with industrious and thriving farmers.

Sampletown. - Was on White River, two miles east of Maxville. Judge Sample entered land there, January 16, 1817 (Sections 3, 20, 13), and laid out Sampletown very early, but it never flourished. His mill and a tanyard were near, and were operated for some years, but the town as such never really began at all, and even its name has been extinct for thirty years. The Sample farm was not far east of the new boundary. Some of the timbers of the old mill are to be seen on the banks of the river, but the tan-yard has been all gone for years.

In May, 1820, a road was laid from Sample's mill to Huntsville, and another, in 1825, from Sample's mill to Lewallyn's mill (Ridgeville). Henry Sample, son of old Judge Sample, resides at La Fayette. Judge Sample left in 1845, for Iowa, and died some years ago. He was a prominent citizen. Sample's mill is thought to have been the first mill on White River, and it stood there many years. It may have been the first mill in the county. Lewallyn's mill, at Ridgeville; Sample's, on White River, and Jessup's, on Greenville Creek, north of Spartansburg, appear to have been built not very far from the same time. Some say that a mill built by a Mr. Wright, near Winchester, was tho first in the county.

Vernon. - There seems to have been, at some time away back in the "beginning of things," a town by the name of Vernon. One of the roads laid out by the Commissioners is said to end at the principal street of the town of Vernon. No one now seems to know the location of that ancient site. Probably it is identical with what is popularly known as "'Sampletown," on the

Windsor road, west of Winchester. A town was begun there, but it did not flourish and soon died away. The name which lived in the popular memory is Sampletown, from Mr. Sample, who settled there very early, as soon as 182() or sooner. He built a mill on White River; his son established a tan-yard and laid out a town, and the locality is called Sampletown to this day, yet the real name may have been (and probably was) Vernon. The place is at the schoolhouse, at the 'Corners,' just south of the iron bridge, near Stephen Moorman's, where the north and south road crosses White River, and five miles west of Winchester, on the line between Sections 21 and 22, 20,13. The locality appears in old times to have been well known, or it would not have been the point for the termination of a road; yet it seems strange that the name of Vernon has faded entirely from the popular memory.

Biography

Thomas Addington, Sr., was born in 1778; married Tamar Smith in 1807 (who was born in 1786). He died in 1839, aged sixty-one years, and she died in 1845, aged fifty-nine years. They moved to Wayne County, Ind., in 1807, three years before Wayne was a county, and nine years before Indiana was a State. There were then only three counties in Indiana Territory, viz., Knox, Clark and Dearborn. They came to Randolph County, Ind. (Sparrow Creek), in 1834. He and his wife rode horseback from North Carolina to Wayne County, Ind., in 1807; they had during their lives thirteen children, as follows: Hannah, born in 1806, died in 1854, aged forty-six years; Matilda, born 1810, died 1811, aged one year; David, born 1812, died 1813, aged one year; Jesse, 1814, married Margaret Sullivan, has had three children, lives on Bear Creek, is a farmer; James, born 1816, married Susan Kelly, has four children; Mercy, born 1819, married Littleberry Diggs, and then Joseph Hawkins, has had one child - Calvin W. Diggs, and resides at Collett Station, Jay Co., Ind.; Joseph, born 1820, married Susan Sullivan, has seven children; George, born 1823; Mary, born 1823, married - - - Roberts, has thirteen children; Elizabeth, married Marshall W. Diggs, they have eight children, he has been pastor of the Congregational Church at Pisgah, near Fort Recovery, Ohio, for twenty-three years; Thomas, born 1829, see account elsewhere. There were two more, names not given.

Rev. R. Brandriff, Piqua, Ohio. The annexed sketch is so full of interest, and throws so much light on the early history of the county that we insert it, though possibly not in the most appropriate place.

Mr. Brandriff was born about 1800; he became a preacher very young, and, in 1822, was appointed to the Greenville Circuit by the Annual Conference, in session at Marietta, Ohio, September, 1822; his colleague was Moses Crume, and the Presiding Elder was Alexander Cummins, and the circuit belonged to the Miami District. His predecessors were James Collard, Benjamin Lawrence, J. P. Durbin and William Hunt; his successors were James Murray, Silas Calvin, Isaac Elsbury, Benjamin Lawrence, Amos Sparks, Elijah H. Field. In 1822, the Greenville Circuit included all of Preble and Darke Counties, Ohio, all of Randolph and part of Wayne County, Ind.

Mr. Brandriff states the matter thus; ''We traveled from Chenoweth's, in Darke County, Ohio, toa brother Canada's (William Kennedy's), a few miles from Winchester, from there to Winchester. Winchester was then right in the woods, a very new place. My recollection is that there were two streets running at right angles, and on the northwest corner, was a log house, at which I preached. I think the name of the man was Odle, at any rate he was father-in-law of George Ritenour, at whose house we preached on the Mississinewa, near Deerfield. From this place I went to Sumwalt's on White River. The good people had blazed the trees from Ritenour's to Sumwalt's, and I followed them as my road. From this place I went to Hunt's, and from Hunt's I followed an Indian trail to the East Fork of White River, as there were no roads in that direction. When I arrived at Whitewater, I found a farm and a kind family who entertained me. I mado their acquaintance, obtained permission to preach in their house, formed a class and had it as a regular preaching place. The family was one by the name of Williams. Inseo Williams, the painter and proprictor of the Bible Panorama, which was so celebrated many years ago, and which was burned at Philadelphia, was a son of this family, and so also was Dr. Williams, now of Kansas. From hero we went to Wiggins', or New Garden, or Newport, as since called. T'rom there we went to New Paris, and preached in the house of John Cottom, who has since been a resident of Winchester. I will only add here that Iam the first Methodist who ever preached in Richmond, Ind. It was in the smmmer of 1822; some brother on the Oxford Circuit, which I was then traveling, made the arrangements. They had heard of the boy preacher, and desired that I should visit them. A friend entertained. me. I preached in a small schoolhouse, and was astonished at the interest the good Quaker took in me."

This for Mr. Brandriff. He is still living, a sprightly old man, at Piqua, Ohio. During anti-slavery times, Mr. B. joined the ''True Wesleyans," and was a preacher in their connection. What he is now we do not know.

Simeon Brickley, Maxville, born in 1822, in Preble County, Ohio; came to Randolph County, Ind., in 1843; married Eliza Ellen McIntyre; has four children, including two marricd daughters. Mr. Brickley is a farmer, a Methodist and a Republican; he is also a lime-burner, owning a splendid lime quarry on the banks of, and on the bed of White River; he has burned as many as eighteen to twenty kilns in a single year, now about eight or ten kilns a year, from 6()0 to 800 bushels in a kiln. The other kilns in the neighborhood, are smaller. There are three sets of kilns - Brickley, McIntyre, McNees. The State Geologist says that deeper down might be found building stone in abundance, of an excellent quality, but none of the proprietors have tested the matter. Mr. Brickley has taken no rock deeper than five feet. The rock that is quarried for lime is from two to six inches thick. The deposit of lime passes directly under the channel of the river, and they quarry stone from both sides of the stream.

Stephen Clayton, born in 1788, in Maryland; married Mary Chivens; came to White River about 1822, entered 120 acres of land west of the 'Boundary; hehad eight,children; seven grew up and four yet survive. He died in 1834, and his wife in 1859 His sons own about 1,200 acres of land.

James Clayton (brother of Stephen), born in Maryland in perhaps 1798; came to Randolph County in 1822; married Abigail Way (sister of Paul W. Way); they had no children; he lived many years on his farm west of Winchester, afterward moving to Winchester, to Middleboro, and finally to Newport, where he died some years ago. His wife died at Winchester in January, 1880, while on a visit there. Mr. Clayton was an Abolitionist, a Wesleyan and a Republican; he was a sterling citizen and an earnest Christian, active in every good work, though so firm and stern as not to be altogether genial in his intercourse with his fellow-men.

Thomas Clevenger, White River, was the son of Jonathan and Sarah Clevenger, of Warren County, Ohio, both of whom died in 1870; he was the third of ten children and the eldest of seven surviving; he was born in 1816, in Warren County, Ohio, and moved to Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1820; margied Mary A. Clarion, in 1889; moved to Randolph County, Ind., one mile from Arba, in 1845, and to White River Township, five miles east of Winchester, in 1863, where he has resided ever since.

He has had ten children, six now living; he has been a farm er throughout his life; he has held several positions of honor and trust - Appruiser of Real Estate for Randolph, 1859; County Commissioner, 1868 to 1877. He came to Randolph early enough to get twenty-five years of log-rolling and to clear up 100 acres of her virgin forest.

As an officer, Mr. C. has been noted for his stern integrity and his firm resistance to every attempt to filch money from the treasury. Persons who wished for fat. jobs would be found crying out against his administration, but the people said, '' Well done, good and faithful servant" bya double re-election. How- ever, though frugal, he was not parsimonious, and when the county, though strong and rich, had been for years without a court house, he (with the other members) felt that the time had come to wipe that disgrace away and to redeem her fame by erecting a court house, which should be an honor in time to come; and, against great opposition and much detraction, the board went forward and accomplished the task, faithfully and well. By this bold and manly course, he lost a renomination to a fourth term. The retiring members felt satisfied with their own action, believing that time would vindicate them, which it has done. Randolph has a court house of rare and wondrous beauty, built at a cost marvelous for its cheapness; the debt incurred is now paid, and probably not a man now wishes to go back to the time when this great and rich county had to go begging for a court room. Mr. C. is a worthy example of a diligent, thriving, hardworking farmer, proud of his calling, honoring his vocation, commanding the esteem of his fellow-citizens and cheerfully and thankfully enjoying, not a fortune, but a competence, the worthy result of his life-long faithfulness, industry and frugality.

The Coatses

The Coatses have been and still are numerous in this region. They are of Scotch descent, and a brief account of their ancestry may be found in connection with the life of Rey. John Coats, late of Coatsville, Ind., but now residing in Randolph County. Three brothers, Robert, James and William, belonging to the '* House of Coats" and the family of the thread-makers, of Paisley, Scotland, came to South Carolina before the Revolutionary war, but at what exact date cannot now be stated. These brothers settled in Carolina and resided there till their death.

John Coats, the first of the name in Randolph, was the son of 'William Coats, one of the three brothers emigrants from Scotland, above named. William Coats was the son of Philip Coats, of Scotland, and a sister of William Coats was the mother of Rev. John Coats, of Coatsville, elsewhere noticed. William Coats had a large family, at least) seven of. whom came to the Northwest from Carolina, as follows: John Coats, William Coats, Joseph Coats, Hepsy (Wright), Rhoda (Wrench), Hetty (Harrison), - - (Beanblossom). John Coats was born in Carolina in 1786; married Sally Wright, daughter of Thomas Wright, in 1807 (she was born in 1789); they came to Ohio soon afterward, and, in 1819, moved upon White River, Randolph County, Ind. John Coats and Thomas Wright, his father-in-law, lived for awhile near Covington, Ohio, upon what are now the famous and valuable stone quarries at that place. While residing in that region, the Indians were troublesome. 'There was a fort not far off, and they moved into it for safety, the mother leading one child by the hand and garrying the other at her breast.

At one time, Mrs. Thomas Wright and her daughter, Mrs John Coats, were emptying meal into a barrel. An old Indian came into the house. He said nothing, coming in unobserved, till he had reached the middle of the room. His hunting-knife had slipped around in front, and, as he undertook to move it back upon his hip, they thought he was going to kill them. The children were lying on the bed, and the women forgetting all aboat them, ran wildly past the Indian out of the house. Recollecting the children, they rushed back, and, seizing them, ran with the whole group, five in all, to the shelter of the fort. Mr. Wright coming home in the evening found them there, and was much surprised at the fact. The Indian was peaceable and intended no harm.

These families came to*Darke County, perhaps in 1809, and lived there during the war of 1811-13, undergoing the manifold hardships and dangers of that perilous time. Messrs. Coats and Wright removed, in 1819, to Randolph County, Ind., and, in process of years, their descendants became very numerous in that whole region, as well as elsewhere.

John and Sally Coats were the parents of fourteen children; seven were born before their emigration to Randolph County, Ind., and seven afterward. The names of the children are as follows: Thomas W., born 1808, six children, died 1868; Isaac, born 1810; eight children, died 1876; Charlotte (Hiatt), born 1812, ten children, widow; Charity (Coffin), born 1813, sixteen children, widow; Betsey Rose, born 1815, died 1816; William, born 1817, four children, living; James, born 1819, six children, and he is now living; Mary (Pogue), born 1821, four children, widow; Gabriel, born 1824, ten children, killed at Vicksburg by the bursting of a shell, he belonged to the Fifty-fourth Indiana Infantry, Capt. Carter; Joseph, born 1826, nine children, died 1878; John, born 1828, died 1833; Lewis, born 1830, six children, lives in Kansas; Andrew, born 1833, one child, and is dead; Dempsey, born in 1835, has six children, and is living in Miami County, Ind.

John Coats entered eighty acres of land three miles east of Winchester; he was a farmor and a chair-maker. At one time, he held the office of Justice of the Peace, and his jurisdiction extended at first to Fort Wayne, and possibly, to the northern limit of the State. Mr. Coats was County Commissioner during several years. In religious connection, he was a Friend; in politics, in olden time, a Whig, and in later years, a Republican. His death occurred in 1878, he being ninety years old; his wife had preceded him three years, her death taking place in 1875, and her age being eighty-six years. Twelve of their children grew up and were married and had families. All the sons and all the sons-in-law but one were Republicans. A re-union of the connection was held about twenty years ago at the family homestead, at which about 300 descendants of John Coats were present. Several other like gatherings have since taken place, with the attendance of hundreds of children, grandchildren, etc. During later years, many of the relatives have removed from the county, yet a large number still remain.

At a re-union held near Harrisville, in the summer of 1882, at the request of Rev. John Coats, of Coatsville, nearly two hundred of the connection were present. William and Joseph Coats, brothers of John Coats, Sr., did not reside in Randolph County.

William Coats (son of John Coats, Sr.), was born in Ohio in 1817, was brought to Randolph County in 1819, and married Mary Moffatt, in 1837; they have had four children, all living and all married; his wife and himself ure both living; he owns sixty-four acres of land east of Winchester, is a sound Republican and a worthy and esteemed citizen.

Rey. John Coats, of Coatsville, Ind., was born in England, in the town of Lockton, Yorkshire, in 1810; his father was Robert Coats, who was the son of Robert Coats, who lived upon the estate which had been in possession of the family for 300 years, and doubtless will be for 300 years in time to come. John Coats is the lineal descendant of the famous Coats family of thread-makers, of Paisley, Scotland, who have come down from the fourteenth century to 1882, filling in rank ahd business every station of enterprise and usefulness among men.

The Coats family are found in every State and Territory, the sole representative in Washington Territory being the only son of Rev. John Coats. Glorious record! Failures, indeed, there have been, but, on the whole, the family presents a bright and shining scroll of honor and integrity and success. They are a numerous line through six centuries, comprising twenty-four generations of active, energetic men. They extend far back of even that ancient time. They were once free shepherds of Rome, feeding their flocks upon the fertile pastures of sunny Italy, and, mayhap, are joined through the back-extending ages of the past with those who watched their flocks by night on the plains of Bethlehem in the sacred land of Judea, when angelic strains resounded through the midnight air, announcing to their astonished ears a Savior born - the wondrous babe of Bethlehem.

J. C. spent three years in searching through the 500 volumes of English history to find the traces of his ancestors. On the tented field they led their flocks, in the land of ancient Rome, and afterward, but how he cannot tell, they became dwellers upon the soil of Britain. - In the fourteenth century, the family were divided. King Henry II, directed that every man of age might choose his own calling, and part chose farming and part chose to be shepherds. One group went to England and one to Scotland; one branch spelled their name Coats and the other Coates.

Rev. John Coats was born in England; came to Canada in his ninth year; lived among the Indians for five years with no companions but the dusky sons of the forest, and in 1826 his home was transferred to Northern Ohio, in the neighborhood where lived the Garfield family, and still again, to the banks of the Mad River. Many a time has he been chased by the wolves, as his parents dwelt in the deep, dark forests; he has more than once seen his father and mother seated, one on each side of the huge cabin fire-place, weeping bitter tears because they had no food for themselves and their children, and knew not how nor where to obtain it, being sixteen miles from a white inhabitant. Hardship and poverty and toil have been his lot; but now, thank God, as he stands trembling on the brink of the grave, he can look back and say with the sacred writer, ''I have been young, and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread."'

When young, in England, the family were very poor, yet when a lad seven years old, J. C. had himself earned 30 shillings "tending crows." The gentlemen keep immense rookeries, with, perhaps, one hundred nests in a single tree, and, in time of harvest, they have to be watthed, When twenty years of age, he could not speak a word of English, though born and bred in England. Broad, rough, rugged '' Yorkshire" was all he knew; he could not tell a letter in a book or make a character with a pen. After his marriage and the birth of his first child, his wife said, '* John, I don't want to be the mother of thy children while thou art so ignorant as thou art." And he built a schoolhouse and went to school and learned to read and write, and kept on studying and acquiring knowledge till he might have graduated in the medical schools of the times. But he cared not for the empty honor of a conferred degree, and went back to his farm. He has never been sick (excepta brief attack of paralysis), has never had a physician feel of his flesh and never took a potion of medicine; and his only son, a man in middle life, can truthfully say the same. He is now engaged in traveling through the country visiting his numerous relatives and gathering up a history of the Coats connection.

And both branches of the family have prospered and greatly helped the world to achieve success. As an example of high results may be named Mr. Boyer, of Lancaster County, Penn., who married the daughter of Henry Coats, and who has a worldwide fame as a prince among agriculturists, known and honored in France, in England, in Russia, in Germany, as well as throughout America itself. Among scholars may be named Russell Coats, eminent in physiological learning among the scientists of the day.

They have everywhere been noted for energy, for decision, for strength, for hardy endurance and for firm and steady perseverance against every obstacle and against hardships in their severest form.

Benjamin Cox, White River, born in North Carolina about 1785, moved to Ohio in 1806, and to White River, east of Winchester, in the fall of 1817; he married Ann Rhoads and had eight children - William, John, Ruth, Ann, Patience, Lydia, Mary, Benjamin. All grew up, were married and had families, and three are still living. He entered land on White River and lived there till he died (in about 1852), sixty-seven years of age; he was a recorded minister among Friends; his work was acceptable and useful; his wife died in her sixty-third year, while her husband was absent on a religious mission in North Carolina (he was gone about three months). Mr. Cox also taught school, having taught the first school in the settlement, about 1820 probably.

Littleberry Diggs, White River, was born in South Carolina in 1798; he was tho son of William Diggs, Sr., and a brother of William Diggs, Jr., now called ''Old Billy Diggs' and still living, residing at Harlham, Iowa. LL. D. married Lydia Way, in South Carolina in 1811. He emigrated to Randolph County in 1817; his wife died in 1827, and he married Hannah Mendenhall, March 11, 1841, dying himself in 1846. He had eleven childron, eight by his first wife and three by his second; his second wife has lived a widow thirty-five years, residing at the present time with Isaiah P. Watts, her son-in-law, in Winchester.

The children of Littleberry Diggs were these: Lucy (Macy), born 1812, resides in Iowa; Caroline (Thomas), born 1813, died in 1844; Eveline (Overman), born 1815, lives in Southwestern Kansas; Lydia, died young; Littleberry C., 1820, died 1850; William Way, 1822, died young; Marshall Way, 1824, resides at Pisgah, Ohio; Benjamin Franklin, 1827, died at Lawrence, Kan., 1880; Ann Eliza (Watts), born 1842, resides in Winchester; Francis C., born 1845, resides in Kansas; Elizabeth, born 1848, died at seven years. Littleberry Diggs was at one time Associate Judge of Randolph County.

Henry Edwards, White River, was born in Guilford County, N. C., March 2, 1795; married Polly Hamilton, October 18, 1815; came to Wayne County, Ind., in the fall of 1821, and to Randolph County in the spring of 1831; died at the residence of his son, Hamilton Edwards, November 6, 1881, aged eighty-six years, six months and two days. He had been married sixtysix years, and had resided on his homestead fifty years; he is the father of eleven children, and his wife is living still, as also seven of the children. He was, in early life, a Whig, and later, an Anti-slavery man, and still later a Republican; in religion, a Friend, and in occupation a farmer.

Mr. E. was buried in the Friends' Cemetery, at White River Meeting-House, in the presence of a large and sympathizing assembly. The discourse was delivered by Rev. Nathan Butts from the text, '' When a few years are gone I shall go whence I shall not return.'"" - Job, xvi, 22.

The surviving children are four boys and three girls, all of whom were present at the funeral. Their son Hamilton occupies the homestead, and the aged widow still views the old familiar scenes, upon which, for half a century, they have rested. She was born in 1798, in North Carolina. Seven of her children were daughters and four sons. Four girls are dead and three are living, as are also the four sons.

Edwards Family. - There were six brothers - William, Eli, David, Robert, Henry and Jonathan. Some of them came from North Carzolina about 1818 to Randolph County. William was Judge for many years, emigrated to Missouri and died four years ago, a very old man. Eli died near Indianapolis, perhaps ten years ago. Henry remained in Randolph County, and died in the fall of 1881, more than eighty years old; his wife is living still with her son Hamilton, south of Winchester. Jonathan Edwards also ended his days in Randolph County, four or five years ago. Rvobert died in Randolph County more than forty years ago. Henry, Eli and Jonathan settled south of Winchester. Robert bought land and settled northwest of the same

John Elzroth lived near Henry Edwards (their farms joining). Mr. E. was an early settler and died on the Miami Reserve, in the fall of 1880, more than eighty years old.

There was another set of Elzroths, one of whom was Justice of the Peace in Winchester more than forty years, and a brother of his died at the age of nearly or quite ninety years, in the southern part of the State, in the spring of 1881.

Other early settlers were John Irving, Mr. Hill, David Wysong, Willis Willmore, John Lykins, Jones Lykins, the McNeals, Jacob, White, Felty Iler, Ellis Pugh, Abram Karnes, the Lasleys, the Heastons, Christopher, Jacob, Big Dave, Little Dave, and Uncle David (making three Davids), John Monks, the Elzroths, Jo Locke, Henry White, etc.

All the brothers Edwards (five in number) left North Carolina together. Henry stopped a year or two near Richmond, and then moved up into Randolph, and had resided in the vicinity of Winchester more than sixty years.

Jacob Fisher, White River, was born in Pennsylvania in 1811; came to Randolph County, Ind., in 1826; married Delila Ruble, in 1837; had a large family of children; resided on White River, some miles west of Winchester, and died some twenty years ago; his widow still lives on the same farm.

John Fisher, White River, came from Pennsylvania to Ohio, and from Ohio to Randolph County, Ind., in 1824; he had fifteen children; twelve lived at home at one time, a rather lively. wide-awake family, one would think. Mr. F. has been dead more than forty years; he was a Methodist; his children have mostly moved away to the West; he lived in White River Township near White River.

Absalom Gray, White River, born in North Carolina in 1796; came to White River in 1818; married Margery Cox (sister of Simon Cox), and afterward, Mary Pickett, who is still living; he hed fourteen children, eleven grown, eleven married and eight living; two in Randolph County, three in Iowa, one in Missouri, one in Nebraska and one in Oregon. A. G. entered eighty acres of land in Randolph County; moved to Iowa in 1845, and died there in 1875, seventy-nine years old; he was a farmer by occupation; in religion, a Friend; in politics, a Whig, an Abolitionist and a Republican.

Simon Gray, White River (son of A. Gray), born in 1826 in White River; married Nancy Smith, in 1846: has had four children, three of whom are now living; he is a farmer, and a thriving business man; his residence was burned down a few years ago, but he has built another fine dwelling. S. G. is an enterprising and influential member of religious society and of the community; he is a Friend and a Republican.

Stephen Harris, born in North Carolina in 1787; married Hannah Mace (who was born in 1784); came to Randolph County, Ind., in 1831, and settled east of Winchester two miles. He bought Jand of Samuel Cox, 160 acres for $223, entirely unimproved. He resided there.nearly all the rest of his life, but died at Cherry Grove at the house of his son, William Harris, with whom he had made his home for a time. His death occurred in 1857, in his seventieth year; his wife died near Farmland in 1864, aged eighty years and three months. She, too, was residing with her son William.

Mr. H. was a farmer, steady, sober-minded, thoughtful, indnstrious, upright; he was an Abolitionist and Anti-slavery Friend, and altogether a worthy citizen and a valuable member of society; he had five children - Benjamin, living on Sparrow Creek, farmer, six children; William, died in 1869, six children; David, three children; Henry, died in 1854, seven children, Stephen, living in Winchester, single.

They were all Friends and all Abolitionists, and all lived to be grown and married; they were every one born, moreover, in North Carolina, and came with their father to Randolph County.

Stephen Harris' father, Jesse Harris, came to Wayne County, Ind., in 1848, a very old man aged ninety years; he was born in 1753, and died a few weeks after his removal to this Staté; he was of Virginia stock and of English descent.

When Stephen Harris came, in 1831, some of the settlers were as follows: Benjamin Cox, Joshua Cox, Isaiah Cox, Simon Cox; Thomas Ward, an old man, grandfather of the present Thomas Ward; Joseph Moffitt, son-in-law of Thomas Ward; Thomas Pierce, brother of Burgett Pierce, still living near Deerfield; John Cox; John Coats, an old man, father of Joseph Coats, late of Union City, Ind.; William Coffin, an old man; Joel Ward, brother of Joab Ward; Zachariah Hiatt, Jonathan Hiatt. These ull lived east of Winchester. John Walker and Harrison Rawson had been old settlers, but they went with the Mormons.

Jonathan Hiatt, father of George Hiatt, who lives on the pike east of Winchester, was born in North Carolina about 1770; married Rachel Williams in North Carolina; moved to Virginia before 1805; came to Champaign County, Ohio, in 1810, with eight children, and to Randolph County, Ind., in 1818, with ten children, and two were born in Randolph, making twelve in all. All grew up and were married, but only two are now alive.

He was a farmer, and he settled near White River Meeting- House, east of Winchester, in March, 1818, entering half a section of land; he died in 1836, sixty-six years old, and his wife in 1871, aged eighty-one years, in Wabash County; he was a Friend, a Whig and a strong Anti-slavery man; an active temperance man, a good scholar and an estimable citizen, with good reputation und highly respected.

His children were John, had eight childrn, died in Montgomery County, Ind.; Silas, had nine children, died in Wabash County, Ind.; Josiah, six children, died in Grant County, Ind.;

'nine children, living near Winchester, Ind.; Nathan, six children, living at Peru, Ind.; Martin, five children, died in Iowa; Richard, seven children, died in White River, Ind.; Lydia ee eight children, died in. Wayne County, Ind.; Mary Cox), seven children, died at Lynn, Ind.; Rachel (McDonald), four children, died west of Winchester; Sarah (Coats), four children, died in White River.

J. H. has had eighty-four grandchildren; he was the second settler in the White River settlement, east of Winchester, Benjamin Cox being the first. John Cox came next, about 1820, and there were no others till that time. Mr. Hiatt lived ina camp at first, but before very long built « hewed log house of