Randolph County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (2 of 2 so headed), 1914 (part 14 of 20)

Mr. Kabel was born in White River township, this county, July 15, 1853. He is a son of Philip and Mary (Getz) Kabel, and was one of ten children, namely: Peter and Philip are both deceased; Mary Adam and John are all living; Lizzie and Barbara are both deceased; Frederic, of this review; Nicholas is living; Charley died in youth. The parents of these children were both born in Germany, but they came to the United States when young and were married in Cincinnati, Ohio. The father was a wool carder by profession. He moved with his family to Richmond, Indiana, then to Hagerstown, finally to White River township, Randolph coimty, where his death occurred in March, 1898, at the advanced age of eighty-four years; his wife died on the homestead on February 10, 1902.

district schools. He was married December 21, 1879, to Florence Mercer, a daughter of John Mercer, a cooper by trade, who lived in West River township, and whose familj' consisted of ten children, eight daughters and two sons.

Seven children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Herbert, who lives in Winchester, taught school for a period of fourteen years, married Alma Gwin and they have two children; Florence, who is living near Fountain City, has been twice married, first to Bruce Keever, by whom she had one child, Dallas K. ; her second marriage was to Clyde Miller, and to this union one child was born, Olive. Iva married Percy Stump,- a farmer of White River township, and they have two sons, Corwin and Virgil; Ray died at the age of sixteen years; Clara is the widow of Henry Johnson, who was a farmer near Lynn; Ella, who was for four years primary teacher at Huntsville, was born February 17, 1892; Elfie, the youngest, was born February 12, 1899. These children were given excellent educational advantages. Ella was educated at the State University, at Bloomington, Herbert in the Normal, at Danville, and Clara in Marion.

Mr. Kabel has devoted his life to general farming and stock raising and has lived on his present finely improved and valuable farm for thirty-three years. His place consists of one hundred and forty acres and on it stand a good group of buildings, everything denoting excellent taste.

Proper intellectual discipHne, through professional knowledge and the possession and utilization of the qualities and attributes essential to success, has made Dr. Pliny C. Barnard, of Parker, Randolph county, eminent in his chosen calling, and for many years he has stood among the -scholai'ly, enterprising and successful physicians and surgeons in a community long distinguished for the high order of its medical talent. Since coming here he has shown himself to be a high-minded, obliging, honorable and courteous gentleman who has the best interests of his town and county at heart and he has won the good will and confidence of the people throughout the locality of which this history treats.

of six children, namely : Edna, who died at the age of forty-five years, was the wife of John Meckel, an architect, and she left four children; Hon. William O., a lawyer of New Castle, Indiana, was elected to Congress in 1908 and has a brilliant reputation as a politician; he married Mary Ballinger, of Spiceland, and they have four children; he was judge of the circuit court for six years and was prosecuting attorney for six years ; Isaac M., who is farming in Rush county, married Emma Williams, and to them three children were born, one of whom is deceased; Jacob N., a banker at Daleville, Delaware county, married Carrie Nipp, and they have adopted two children; Lawrence Carl, a merchant of Winfield, Kansas, married Myrtle Nichols, of Middletown, Indiana, and they have two children; Dr. Pliny C, of this review. The father of the above named children spent his active life engaged in general farming and stock raising, in Fayette and Henry counties. He died January 27, 1914, at the age of eighty-five years. He grew up amid pioneer conditions and talked most interestingly of early-day conditions. His father came from North Carolina through the wilderness roads to Indiana in the year 1818 when the state was in its infancy and little improved. The Doctor's maternal grandparents were natives of Pennsylvania from which state they came to Indiana also in pioneer times. The mother of our subject died in 1908 at an advanced age.

Dr. Barnard grew to manhood on the home farm and he received his early education in the public schools, later attending the Normals at Spiceland and Terre Haute. In 1897 he entered the Central College of Physicians and Surgeons at Indianapolis where he made a splendid record and from which he was graduated with the class of 1901. He began practicing at Oakville, Delaware county, Indiafia, where he remained ten years, enjoying a large practice, then practiced two years at Hamilton, and has since been located at Parker, Randolph county, where he has built up a large and constantly growing practice.

Dr. Barnard was married April 5, 1901, to Agatha Leslie, of Tipton county, Indiana, where she grew to womanhood and was educated. She is a daughter of S. Parker Leslie and wife, and to this union three children have been born, namely : Harry Leslie, who died when nine months old; Mary L., born May 9, 1907, and Edna Lucille, born January 1, 1910.

Dr. Barnard is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Improved Order of Red Men, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Politically he is a Republican.

Orville E. Aukerman

Many families throughout the United States during the past few decades have gone to much trouble and expense to collect their records back to the first settlement of their ancestral emigrant, thus laying the foundation of a permanent family tree in this country for the benefit and pleasure of all descendants. There can be no doubt of the importance of this step. One of these days, in the entailment of estates, such a record 'syill be invaluable to descendants. It will be found that those who do not have such a record will not be able to prove their right to inherit valuable property. The saving of such a record is simply a matter of self-preservation for the descendants. The Aukerman family, represented by Orville E., cashier of the Greensfork Township Bank, of Spartanburg, Randolph county, has preserved a' fair record, good enough, no doubt, to make the claim certain in case of a misunderstanding over an estate, and this sketch will, to a certain extent, prove this claim.

Mr. Aukerman was born in German township, Darke count)', Ohio, September 19, 1874. He is a son of James K. and Jennie (Cloyd) Aukerman. The father was born in the same locality as was our subject, on Ma)'- 5, 1844. He is a son of Lewis and Elizabeth (Brower) Aukerman. Lewis Aukerman was born in Preble county, Ohio, September 24, 1802, and was of German descent. He grew up in his native state and devoted his active life to agricultural pursuits. His death occurred on October 16, 1854. His wife was also of German descent, and was born in Virginia, March 22, 1812, and died February 17, 1895. They became the parents of thirteen children. James K. Aukerman grew up on his father's farm ,in the old Buckeye state and he received the usual educational advantages of those early days in the rural districts. He turned his attention to farming when a young man and has followed this vocation all his life with the exception of a few years when he operated a threshing machine. He now owns a sixty-acre farm in German township, Darke county, Ohio. Politically he is a Democrat and in religious matters a Universalist. He and Jennie Cloyd were married in December, 1873. She was born December 28, 1854, in the township and county where she and her husband now reside. She is a daughter of Allen and Catherine (LesHe) Cloyd. To the parents of our subject five children were born, all living.

niunity, which has been greatly supplemented in later years by wide reading and actual contact with the business world. He spent one year in the Ohio Normal at Ada, Ohio, and two years at the National Normal at Lebanon, Ohio. He began life for himself by teaching, which he followed with much success for a period of eight years in Darke county, Ohio, and was fast winning a reputation as one of the leading educators of that county, but believing that a business career was more to his liking he abandoned the school room and took up the grain business in Lewisburg, Ohio, which he followed one year, then came to Crete, Indiana, and continued in the same line of endeavor for five years, building up the jmeanwhile a lucrative bu'siness. Returning to Ohio he located at New Madison and in 1910 came back to Randolph county, Indiana, this time taking tip his residence at Spartanburg, and assisted in organizing the Greensfork Township Bank, and was elected cashier of the same, which position he has continued to hold to the present time in a manner that has reflected much credit on his ability and to the eminent satisfaction of the stockholders and patrons of the bank.

Politically, Mr. Aukerman is a Democrat and religiously he is a Universalist. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias, in which lodge he has held high office and is also a member of the Indiana Grand Lodge of this order. He also belongs to the Masonic order.

Mr. Aukerman was married September 3, 1902, to Ora Pickens, who was born in German township, Darke county, Ohio, and there grew to womanhood and was educated in the common schools. Three children have been born to this union, namely: James R., born May 12, 1906; Ralph O., born January 1, 1910, and Myron O., born July 21, 1911.

Ralph V. Murray

Washington township has among its citizens some of the leading farmers of Randolph county. The Murray family, of which Ralph V., is a most creditable representative, has been, it would seem, especially favored by Ceres, supposed to Ije, according to the ancient mythologies, the goddess of husbandry, having charge of crops, especially grains, for the Murrays have for many decades been known among the most successful agriculturists of the locality of which this history treats.

who were of Irish and German descent. The birth of the father occurred in 1812, in Ohio, from which state he removed with his parents when a lad, to Indiana. They were ^^'illiam and ^Martha Murray, who settled on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Henry county, and there spent the rest of their lives. Cornelius Murray, great-grandfather of our subject, was born in Dublin, Ireland, and when a young man he emigrated to the United States and fought in our Revolutionary War, being about twenty-seven years of age when he enlisted. After the close of the struggle, he married Elizabeth McFadden, and they settled in Xew Jersey, later removing to Butler county, Pennsylvania, in which state William ^Murray, grandfather of our subject, was born. The latter married Mary Boal in 1804 and to them ten children were born. Leaving the Keystone state they removed to Butler county, Ohio, in 1813, where they remained until 1834, when the}' came to "Wayne county. Indiana, and for six years \\'illiam Murray was keeper of the county infirmary there. He subsequently removed with his family to a farm in Henry county, where he spent the rest of his days, dying when about eighty years of age. Cornelius B: ^lurrav, father of our subject, came to Indiana in 1833 and was one of the early school teachers in Wayne, Delaware and Henry counties, dying when about eighty-two years of age.

Ralph V ^Murray received a common school education and he remained on the home farm until in August, 1861, when he proved his patriotism by enlisting in Company D, Thirty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in which he saw much hard service and fought in a number of the leading battles, including Pittsburg Landing, Corinth and Chickamauga, being wounded in the latter, and for two months he was confined in the hospital, and it was nine months before he could rejoin his company. He was discharged November 1, 1864, having proved a most gallant defender of the Union. Returning to his home community he operated his father's farm for some time, then worked in a woolen factory for six months. He first settled on a place south of Farmland, where he remained two years, then spent a Aear in ^^'ayne county. He afterwards operated the -homestead and finally purchased one hundred and four acres where he still resides in Washington township. He has brought his place up to a high state of improvement and cultivation and carries on general farming and stock raising successfully. He keeps a good grade of livestock and he has a pleasant home and good outbuildings and many kinds of modern farming implements. He owns a threshing machine, in fact has been engaged in threshing for a period of over thirty-five years and is one of the best knowm men in this line of business in the county. He also ov^ns a clover huUing outfit and has threshed and hulled all over this section of the state.

Mr. Murray was married March 8, 1866, to Frances J. Boyden, a daughter of Orville and Bethia (Miller) Boyden. Her father was a minister in the Methodist church and his death occurred at Angola, Indiana, in 1865. His widow survived him ten years, dying in Muncie. They were the parents of the following children: Frances J., wife of Mr. Murray; Dr. Wilbur J., of Muncie, and Linnie, who married Charles Linn. The brothers and sisters of Mr. Murray are John, an engineer of New Castle, who died October 20, 1904, at the age of sixty-seven years; William H., ex-auditor of Delaware county; Martha E., who died March 21, 1914, married John Beeson, of Buffalo, N. Y. ; Orilla married L. Gerome Wiggins, of Randolph county; Oren, deceased, who married a daughter of Nathan Stutsman; Marcus L., a rural mail carrier in Farmland, who married a daughter of Mahlon Beeson; Julia A., deceased, married Samuel Beeson of Buffalo, N. Y. ; Dr. Albert P., of Albany, deceased, married daughter of Samuel Orr, and Charles C, a blacksmith. The mother was called to her rest in 1871, after which the father established his home in Hagerstown, Indiana.

Eight children have been born to Ralph V. Murray and wife, namely: Nora was born July 26, 1869, and was united in marriage with Oliver Lambert, December 30, 1886. who died December 16, 1891. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lambert, Henry Harrison and Mary Frances. On July 30, 1894, she was again married to S. A. Phillips and three children have been born. Naomi M., Esther M. and Lydia E. : Boyden, who was born December 26, 1872, was united in marriage to Effie L. Addington. April 4, 1896, and she died April 28, 1897 He was again married to Cora Thornburg, nee Jackson, April 23, 1914; Hubert A., born February 6, 1875, married Julia A. Addington September 26, 1896, and to this union three children were born, Pauline A., Albert R., and Glen C. She died July 17, 1905; Gilbert M., who was born November 12, 1877, was united in marriage with Opal E. Holliday, January 31, 1900, and they have three children, Clarence R., Mary D., and Oma E. ; Gusta I., who was born August 24, 1879, was married to W A. Stanton, April 4, 1896, and to this union four children were born, Minnie, Lucile, Charles V. and Helen M. Gusta I. died November 17, 1911; Maudie V., who was born April 26, 1886, died July 30, 1886; two children died in infancy.

Mrs. Murray died October 7, 1913. She was a member of the Christian church; he is a Progressive in politics. In 1881 he was elected sheriff of Randolph county and served one term with much satisfaction to all concerned. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Grand Army of the Republic.

John M. Turner

This brief biography has to do with a character of unusual force and eminence, for John-M. Turner has been for a long lapse of years one of the leading agriculturists and prominent citizens of Wayne township, Randolph county, having grown up in this locality amid pioneer environment, and here he has been content to spend his life and assist in every way possible in bringing about the transformation of the country from the wild condition found by the early settlers to its later day progress and improvement, and all who know him well will readily agree that his more than three-score and ten years have not been spent in vain.

Mr. Turner was born near Winchester, Randolph county, September 14, 1840. He is a son of William Turner, a native of Virginia, from which state he came to Randolph county when a young man and bought a farm and became one of the prosperous general farmers and stock raisers of his community. He also dealt quite heavily in real estate. He built many business blocks and residences in Union City, and here he erected the first opera house at the corner of Oak and Howard streets. He was an influential man in the city and township in his day and generation and did much for the general upbuilding of the same. Politically he was a Republican and in religious matters belonged to the Christian church.

John M. Turner grew to manhood on the home farm and there worked when a boy. He attended the common schools in his neighborhood. He remained with his parents on the farm until he was twenty-one years of age, then began working on the home farm with an interest in the crops, remaining there until 1861 when he proved his patriotism and courage by enlisting for service in the Federal army, Company H, Eighty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, in which he served one year, then returned home and resumed farming on the home place, with an interest in the crops there, and he also looked after a farm of one hundred and sixty acres of his own, on which, after his marriage, he made a home for himself and wife. He has continued general agricultural and stock raising pursuits and by his good management, thrift and persistency he has become one of the substantial men of his town- ship and the owner of about seven hundred acres of valuable land which he has placed under modern improvements and a high state of cultivation, farming on a very extensive scale. He is a heavy stockholder in the Union Loan & Trust Company of Union City and is a director in the same. He was elected president of this company May i, 1913, and is discharging the important-duties of the same in a manner that reflects much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of the stockholders and all concerned and is making a great success. He is deserving of a great deal of credit for what he has accomplished, having begun at the bottom of the industrial ladder and worked his way upward without assistance, making his fortune himself and by honorable methods. He is a man of progressive ideas, rare business acumen and sound judgment. He is charitably inclined and has been of great assistance to many poor people of his community, helping young men to get properly started in business, but being conservative no one ever hears him tell of such deeds.

Mr. Turner was married, first, in June, 1864, to Mary Jane Hartman, who was born in Wayne township, Randolph county, January 13, 1844. She was a daughter of John Hartman, whose death occurred many years ago. To our subject and his first wife the following children were born: Efifiie B. first married a Mr. Armacost, later John M. Shockney; Loftus Orville married MoUie Smith; Minnie Alta married and died some time ago; Margaret 1-ene married Ernest Thornburg. The mother of the above named children pas ied to her eternal rest March 9, 1879. Mr. Turner married Nancy Eveline Hinshaw in 1881. She w-as born August 25, 1856. She is a daughter of Silas Hinshaw, long since deceased. To our subject and his last wife these children have been born: Mary Jane married Stanley Bortner; John, W. married Garnett Watson; Ada Garfield; Goldie and Silas Lester are at home, also Walter McKinley, the youngest of the children.

Mr. Turner has always been an ardent Republican, and has been more or less active in party affairs. In the election of 1912 he was committeeman of Bartonia, a precinct which remained loyal to the "grand old party," standing forty-one to fourteen for Taft. Mr. Turner has been township trustee for two years. He was elected county treasurer of Randolph county in 1887, serving one term. As a public servant he has ever been most faithful and given satisfaction to his constituents. He is a quiet, unpretentious gentleman, kind and generous to the poor and needy, not forgetting the time when he was one of their number himself, and he has every sympathy for the worthy of that class.

Thomas W. Gaddis

Human life is made up of two elements, power and form, and the proportion must be invariably kept, if we would have it sweet and sound. Each of these elements in excess makes a mischief as hurtful as would be its deficiency. Everything turns to excess; every good quality is noxious if unmixed, and to carry the danger to the edge of ruin Nature causes each man's peculiarity to superabound. One peaking from the standpoint of a farmer would adduce the learned professions as good examples of this treachery. They are Nature's victims of expression. You study the artist, the orator, statesman and inventor to find their lives no more excellent than that of mechanics or farmers. While the farmer stands- at the head of art as found in Nature, the others get but glimpses of the delight of nature in its various elements and moods. Thomas W. Gaddis, now living in retirement m Huntsville, West River township, Randolph county, is a man who has ever taken a delight in nature and existence, because he has ever been m touch with the springs of life, having spent his days on the farm.

Mr. Gaddis was born in the above named township and county, July i6, 1841. He is a son of Elisha P. and Lydia (Macy) Gaddis, whose family consisted of eleven children. The father was born in Pennsylvania and there spent his younger days, later moving to Ohio, where he lived until he was twenty-eight years old, then moved to Indiana where he married and here spent the rest of his life, dying at the age of seventy-six years. The mother of our subject was born in West River township and was eighty-six years old at the time of her death. She was among the earliest white children born in this locality. The paternal grandfather of our subject was a native of Scotland, from which country he emigrated to Virgmra in a very early day.

Thomas W. Gaddis was reared on the home farm and educated in the rural schools. On December 10, 1865 he married Lucy A. Harris, a daughter of Patrick Harris, a farmer of West River township, whose family consisted of six children, and here Mrs. Gaddis grew to womanhood and was educated in the country schools.

To our subject and wife eight children have been born, namely: Ella May, married Sam Johnson, a farmer in Iowa and they have five children; Elisha P., who is farming near Griswold, Iowa, married Mamie Campbell, and they have five sons and one daughter; Lena is the wife of Charles Harvey, a farmer near K'okomo, Indiana, and they have three children; Levi L., who is farming in West River township, married Gertrude Howell, and they have ten children; SaHna married W. Z. Sheppard. a farmer of West River township, and they have four children; Thomas G., of Winchester, married Blanche Botkin, and. they have four children; Lydia L., who married Roy Shreeves, is farming in Randolph county, and they ha-\'e two children; James B., residing with subject, married Cecil Coulter, and they have two children; Elsie died in infancy; Celia also died in infancy.

Thomas W. Gaddis has spent his life engaged in general farming and has met with encouraging success all along the line. He went to Iowa in 1869 where he resided twenty-five years, and during that period most of his family was born. He now owns a valuable and highly productive farm of forty acres near Huntsville, and has a good home and is well fixed in every respect,

Mr. Gaddis is one of our honored veterans, having enlisted for service against the hosts of treason in 1862 in the famous Sixty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving faithfully as a private in Company D, taking part at the battles of Richmond, Kentucky; Champion Hill, Mississippi, where he was captured, and was a prisoner for some time until he was exchanged. He fought in all the principal battles of the West, and was honorably discharged and mustered out on July 5, 1865, at Mobile, Alabama.

Politically, Mr. Gaddis is a Republican and he has always been interested in the upbuilding of his community. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is known as a good and useful man.

It is not always easy to discover and define the hidden forces that move a life of ceaseless activity and large professional success; little more can be done than to note their manifestations in the career of the individual under consideration. In view of this fact the life of the successful and popular physician whose name appears above affords an excellent example of well defined purpose with the ability to make that purpose subserve not only his own ends but the good of his fellow-men as well. Dr. Abel, has long held distinctive prestige in a calling which requires for its basis sound mentality and intellectual discipline of a high order, supplemented by rigid professional training and thorough mastery of technical knowledge with the skill to apply the same, without which one cannot hope to rise above mediocrity in ministering to human ills. In his chosen field of endeavor Dr. Abel has achieved . sue- cess such as is not attained by all and his present eminent standing among the progressive medical men of this section of Indiana is duly recognized and appreciated throughout Randolph county.

Dr. Abel was born in Jay county, Indiana, April 16, 1860. He is a son of George W. and Esther (Reed) Abel. The father was born in Clark county, Ohio, in 1820, and his death occurred in 1865, in Union City, Indiana. The paternal grandfather was one of the pioneers of Jay county, locating in the woods there in 1838, and he built the first brick house in that county. The Doctor's father was postmaster at the town of Salamonia, in 1852, and there he conducted a general store which he, sold out in 1864 and removed to Union City, Randolph county, where he bought a store which he conducted until his death, which occurred at the early age of forty-five years. Grandfather Abel was born in Virginia and there grew to manhood and married Elizabeth Franklin, also a native of the Old Dominion. Her father was a slave holder. Grandfather Abel was an Abolitionist of pronounced views. The Doctor's mother was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, from which county her family removed to Indiana, in 1840, when she was thirteen years of age. She is still living at the advanced age of eighty-six years. Seven children were born to George W Abel and wife, namely: Mary died in infancy; William H. died when twenty-three years of age; Loretta married J. W. Miller, a farmer of Bloomington, Indiana, and they have six children; Martha married D. G. Heister, of the Ridgeville Tile Works, and they have four children; Josephine married Henry E. Castor, a farmer of Portland, Indiana, and they have four children; Dr. Oscar E., of this sketch; Albert Reed, an attorney of .Sioux City, Iowa, served as judge in Kingsbury county. South Dakota.

Dr. Abel grew to manhood in Jay county and there attended the common schools. He began life for himself by teaching which he followed four years, then attended the Ridgeville College four years, also studied at Valparaiso one term, later studied two years at the University of ^Michigan, leaving that institution in 1884, then entered the Indiana Medical College, at Indianapolis, from which he was graduated. He began the practice of his profession at Bryant, Jay ccninty, where he remained four years, being successful from the first, then removed to Winchester, Randolph county, and practiced there five vears with everincreasing success. He has been engaged in the practice at Huntsville since 1895 and has a large and lucrative practice throughout this part of

Dr, Abel was married May 14, 188^, to Ada G. Miller, of Portland, Indiana, a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Whipple) Miller, an excellent family of that place. Mrs. Abel was one of four children, two sons and two daughters. She was reared in her native county and received a good education, and has proven to be a faithful helpmeet in every respect.

To Dr. Abel and wife six children have been born, an equal number of sons and daughters, namely: Claude M., who is farming in this county, married Nettie Hartzell and they have one child, Elizabeth, born July 7, 1913; E. Reed, who is farming in West River township, married Lucille Haynes, and they have one child, Paul, born December 22, 1912; George, born November 29, 1890, was graduated from the AA^inchester High School, is now attending Purdue University; Ruth, born September 9, 1895; Esther, born August 15, 1898; Doris, born August 19, 1902, are all three at home.

Dr. Abel is a Progressive in politics, a member of the M. E. church over twenty years and at one time a member of the Knights of Pythias, Red Cross Lodge No. 88, and now a member of the Modoc Lodge, also a Mason. He served as secretary of the Randolph county medical society.

Joseph E. Freidline

Farming is the biggest business in the world, and constructive work that will permanently benefit agriculture must be planned on a big, broad, comprehensive basis. Co-operating with the farmer as an individual is not sufficient a.nd will not reach the heart of the problem. The heavy and more important work can be done only through organization. There must be a partnership between industries and each line of organized industry within its own orbit. Many changes have been brought about during the career of Joseph E. Freidline, one of the honored retired farmers of West River township, Randolph county, but he has been a man who was quick to see changing conditions and has not been slow to adapt himself to the vicissitudes of time, therefore, has succeeded admirably at his chosen life work.

Mr. Freidline was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, January 29, 1849. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Nei¥) Freidline, and was one of family of ten children, seven of whom survive, six sons and one daughter.

John Freidline, father of our subject, was a native of Pennsylvania and there grew to manhood, and after a service of five years in the regular United States army he came to Ohio, where he joined his father's family, who had moved to the Buckeye state the meanwhile. He devoted his life successfully to general farming and his death occurred at the age of seventysix years. The mother of our subject was a native of Ohio, and her death occurred at the old homestead in 1908, at the advanced age of eighty years. The paternal grandparents who were natives of Pennsylvania, were of German descent.

Joseph E. Freidline was reared on the home farm and he worked hard when a boy, receiving his education in the rural district schools during the brief winter months between crop seasons. Toward the close of the Civil war, he enlisted in February, 1865, in the One Hundred and Fortyseventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Col. Pedon, in Company E, with Capt. Dillon Hiatt. He was at this time only sixteen years of age, and he regretted that he was not old enough to serve throughout the war. He was mustered in at Richmond, Indiana, and was mustered out at Harper's Ferry, Virginia, the following August 4th, having seen active service in the army of the Potomac.

yir. Freidline was married March 25, 1871, to Sarah Rust, a daughter of Jacob and Mavy Rust, of Monroe township, and whose family consisted of three sons and two daughters; the parents are both deceased.

Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Freidline, namely: Minor J., bom January 28, 1872, lives in Wisconsin, and is superintendent of the Brook Hill dairy farm; he married Edna Aldstadt, of Muncie, Indiana, and they have three sons. Max Rudolph, Joseph Warren and Ralph. Bertha, married John Stoneman, and she died at the age of thirty years, leaving five children, Leland, Hovey, Geneva, Chelsea and Hubert. Myrtle, third child of our subject, is the wife of Edwin Dickson, a minister in the Methodist church, at present in charge of the church at Etna Green, Indiana; they became the parents of three children, Hubert Devoe, Georgia and Margaret.

Mr. Freidline has devoted his life to general farming and stock raising and has been very successful all along the line, so that he is now enabled to retire from active work and is taking life easy in the midst of comfortable surroundings. He owns a valuable and attractive farm of ninety-three acres in West River township, and he has a commodious home, and everything denotes thrift and good management thereabout. Politically, he is a Progres- sivc, and lie and liis wife are members of the Methodist church and are well thought of throughout the community for they are neighborly, hospitable and honest in all their relations with other people.

Julian Sheppard

Farming in the United States compares favorably with other lines of endeavor from the standpoint of success. It is said that ninety per cent, of the merchants fail and sixty per cent, of the manufacturers, but there are very few farmers that make an assignment. It is true no great riches are acquired by the individual farmer, but at the big feat of making both ends meet the record of the farmer is good, and they seem to have fewer skeletons in their closets than those who toUow any other industry. One of the most painstaking and intelligent farmers of West River township, Randolph county who has succeeded all along the line in his chosen life work is Julian Sheppard.

Mr. Sheppard was born in the above named township and county, April 9, 1853. He is a son of Joshua J. and Martha J. (Paschall) Sheppard, and is one of a family of seven children, only two of whom survive at this writing, a brother, Marcellus C, lives on a farm near Julian's. The latter grew to manhood in his native community and received his education in the common schools. He has been twice married, first to Mary E. Rogers, a native of Washington township Randolph county. To this union three children were born, namely; William Z., a farmer near Huntsville, Indiana, married Salina Gaddis, and they have four children; Arley G., who works our subject's farm, married Anna Bogue, and they have one child, Ruth; Emma Gertrude is the wife of Fred Whitehead, a farmer, and they have one child, Helen. The wife and mother was born in 1854 and her death occurred in 1894. Our subject's second wife was Mrs. Amy Keppler, who was a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Parrent) Bowers. This latter union was without issue.

Mrs. Sheppard's first marriage was with John Keppler who was born May 31, 1838, and was a native of Wittenburg, Germany. He was a soldier in the Civil war, having come to America a short time before and enlisted in Company D, Sixty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving all through the war. After the war, he followed farming through life. They were the parents of four children; Sarah Elizabeth married Walter Bowers, and they have two children, Harry and Everett; Margery Ann; Margaret Ann mar- ried Ernest Hunt and have three children, NelHe, John Richard and Leal Russell; Locia May married George Rowe and they have two children, Harold Keppler and Doris Amy. Mr. Keppler died July 20, 1892. Mrs. Sheppard's children were educated in the local schools, in which they made good records.

The father of our subject was born in Virginia, from which state the family eventually removed to Indiana and established their future home. One of his sons, Marcellus C, mentioned above, lives on the old home place. The death' of Joshua J. Sheppard occurred in 1904, after a useful and industrious life. His wife preceded him to the grave in 1902. The Paschall family came to Indiana from Clinton county, Ohio, and were highly respected.

Julian Sheppard has devoted his life to general farming and stock raising with very gratifying results, and he is now owner of a valuable and well-tilled farm of one hundred and twenty acres in West River township, where he has a substantial group of buildings and in every way well prepared to spend his declining years in comfort. Politically, he is a Republican. He was trustee of West River township for a period of four years.

The world owes much to the plain, courageous and hardy old pioneers, and this is as it should be, for they are deserving of every consideration; they have done so much for us of this generation that we can not begin to repay them, even in gratitude; in fact, we often lose sight of the great sacrifices they made for us, their descendants, and of the hardships they endured that the bounds of civilization might be placed farther westward and outward. They had a hard time, and no mistake, combating the root-interlaced soil, the quick-growing underbrush and weeds ; combating the wild folk of the woods and the air, that sought to destroy their crops, domestic animals and sometimes even themselves; combating the skulking, treacherous red men who claimed the domain on which the pale face settled. It is doubtful if we of today, many of us at least, would be willing to brave the wilds as did our progenitors, and wrest from a resisting nature and blood-thirsty race the fair realms now to be seen dotted with happy homes, thriving cities, comfortable school houses and church spires pointing skyward.

B. V. M. Brouse, a substantial farmer and influential citizen of Randolph county, himself a product of the pioneer period, is a scion of sterling pioneer ancestry. He was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, November 30, 1838. He is a son of John A. and Mary M. (Bright) Brouse, whose family consisted of ten- children, four sons and six daughters, namely: Mary M., who died in 1896, was the wife of James H. Xickey, a farmer, and they were the parents of seven children; B. V. M., of this sketch was second in order of birth; Hansel Peter, deceased; Elizabeth Esther is the wife of William D. Anderson, a retired farmer near Urbana, Illinois ; Sarah Catherine died in infancy in July, 1848; Priscella H. died in 1888 at the age of fourteen years' John Daniel died in 1858 at the age of twelve years; Amanda A. Virginia died at the age of sixteen years; Salena Amazetta is the wife of Robert Jackson, of Ward township, and they have two children; Laura Almeda, wife of J. C. Michael, of Winchester, has two children.

John A. Brouse, father of our subject, was born in Stark county, Ohio, in 1812, and his death occurred in Randolph county, Indiana, in 1872, whither he had removed in 1845. He was a cooper by trade, which he followed in Ohic- until he came to Indiana. Here he bought a farm which claimed his close attention the rest of his life, together with saw milling, he having established a saw mill here. He also did some coopering. He was a successful man financially and highly respected in his community. The mother of our subject and her parents came from Virginia in the early thirties and located in Montgomery county, Ohio, coming to Randolph county in 1845. Grandfather Bright was a teacher by profession, while Grandfather Brouse was a potter by trade.

B. V. M. Brouse grew to manhood on the home farm and he worked hard when a boy assisting to develop the place from the virgin soil and establish a comfortable home in the new country. He was educated in an old log school house, but most of his information in a general way has since been gained through contact with the world and by wide home reading. Early in life he took up farming for a livelihood and this has continued to be his chief life work. He is now owner of a valuable and well improved farm of eighty acres where he carries on general farming and stock raising, and he has a pleasant home and a good set of outbuildings.

Mr. Brouse was married November 30,, 1859, to Ann Eliza Clark, a daughter of Thomas Clark, who is mentioned elsewhere in these pages. The Clarks have long been a prominent family in Randolph county, and here Mrs. Brouse grew to womanhood and received her education. To our subject and wife eight children have been born, named as follows : Anna Ella Frances is the wife of Wilson Sperry, a carpenter of Winchester, and they are the parents of five children, one of their sons having been in the navy twelve years ; Mary Elizabeth, who is an invalid, is at home with her parents ; John T., who is employed by the National Cash Register Company in Dayton, Ohio, married Maude Brouse, and they have five children ; Clara Cecilia married William Redmond, of Dayton, Ohio; Laura Amelia, who died in 1903,"" married William Reitenour, a farmer, and to them five children were born; Sarah Catherine died in infancy; Peter L., a farmer in Ward township, married Callie Shafer, and eight children have been born to them; Susie married Jacob Hollowell, and to thern one child was born, Opal, who married John W. Shierling, a farmer.

In 1882, Mr. Brouse was nominated for trustee of Ward township but was defeated by a small number of votes. Mr. Brouse was the organizer of the American Society of Equity in Randolph county. He is president of the Reitenour Cemetery Association and was the originator of the movement in 1902. He was behind the successful movement to build the Christion church at Clear Creek, and was secretary and treasurer of the same, also a trustee. He has been a member of the Christian church since 1880. He has been writing for The Winchester Journal for fifty years, and for The Winchester Democrat ever since it was established, also for the Herald of the Gospel of Liberty of Dayton, Ohio, and is a popular writer. In 1912 the first reunion of the Brouse family was held at Glen Miller Park. Mr. Brouse was elected the historian and authorized to write and publish the family history, which he has done, in a most creditable way, furnishing a work that has given general satisfaction.

Albert King

The record of a life well spent, of triumphs over ob.stacles, of perseverance under difficulties and steady advancement from a modest beginning to a place of distinction in the world of affairs, when imprinted on the pages of a history, present to the youth of a rising generation a worthy example. Such a life is that of the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this review, well-known coal dealer of the city of Winchester and ex-sherifif of Randolph county, and the able and conscientious manner in which he has ever looked after the interests of this, his native locality has called forth much praise for Mr. King from his fellow citizens.

The father was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, and the mother was a native of Randolph county, Indiana. They grew up in their respective localities and received such educational advantages as the early school afforded. When a young man Bennett King came to Randolph county, this state, about 1855, believing that better opportunities existed in the newer country than in the old Keystone state, and, being impressed favorably with the Hoosierdom he decided to cast his lot permanently here. When a young man he learned the miller's trade, which he followed with much success for a number of years, then turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits with gratifying results, becoming, in due course of time, owner of one of the best farms in Randolph county, and he is still living on the farm, which lies in Stoney Creek township, and which is well improved and well kept. His wife is also still living and they are both highly respected in this county, where they are well known. They are the parents of three sons and two daughters, of whom Albert, of this sketch, is the oldest. The others are Emma, who married Fred Dick, and they live in Stoney Creek township, this county; Harvey lives in Delaware county, Indiana; Rose is with her parents on the home farm, and Taylor, who has also remained in Stoney Creek township, is engaged in farming.

Albert King was reared on the home farm in his native community and when a boy he did his full share of the work there. During the winter months he attended the district schools. He Was married on August 30, 1890, to Ada Thorn, daughter of David and Lucy (Keever) Thorn, of Randolph county, a highly respected old family here. The father is now deceased but the mother is residing at the town of Lynn, this county. Here Mrs. King grew to womanhood and received a practical public school education.

The union of our subject and wife has resulted in the birth of three children, namely: Walter, an office man with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, at Fort Wayne, Indiana, and is regarded by his superiors as a most efficient and trustworthy employee; Marie, who was a member of the graduating class of the AVindsor High School, in 1913, is at home with her parents; Byron, who is also with his parents, is assisting his father in business.

Following his marriage Albert King engaged in general farming in AVhite River River township, this county, and, being a hard worker, and a good manager he soon had a good start. He continued thus until 1897 when he became deputy sheriff of Randolph county, under

Thomas J. Overman, which position he held for a period of four years in an 'eminently satisfactory manner, learning thoroughly every phase of the work of the sheriff's office. AVe next find him engaged in the restaurant business in Winchester where he remained three years, his place becoming popular with the public during that period. In the fall of 1906 he was elected sheriff of his county, and assumed his official duties the following January, serving four years, in a manner that reflected m-uch credit upon himself* and to the entire satisfaction of his constitutents, proving to be one of the best officials the county has ever had. After his term of office had expired, Mr. King returned to his farm, in White River township, where he continued with his usual success until the fall of 1911, when he began in the coal business, in Winchester, where he has since remained, building up a large and constantly growing business as a result of his energy, foresight and honest and courteous dealings with his many patrons. He carries a large and well selected lot of coal, all kinds and grades, in fact, and all kinds of building material, drain tile, sewer piping, lime, cement and plaster.

Fraternally, Mr. King is a member of the Masonic Order, the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Politically he is a Republican and has long been active in the ranks of his party, in fact, active and influential in general public matters. He has served frequently as a member of the Republican county committee. He and his family are members of the Church of Christ and he is a deacon in the same.

Mr. King's business office is at 244 West North street, and his pleasant home is at 446 South Main street, in one of the best residence sections in the city.

John Christopher

The true western spirit of progress and enterprise is strikingly exemplified in the lives of such men as John Christopher, one of Randolph county's honored native sons, whose energetic nature and laudable ambition have enabled him to conquer many adverse circumstances and advance steadily until he is today one of the financially strong men of his community, influential banker and leading agriculturist. He has met and overcome obstacles that would have discouraged men of less courage and fortitude and earned for himself not only a handsome competency but also a prominent place among the enterprising men of this section of the great Hoosier com- monwealth. Such a man is a credit to any community and his life forcibly illustrates what energy and consecutive effort can accomplish when directed and controlled by correct principles and high moral resolves, and no man is worthier of conspicuous mention in a volume of the province of the one in hand.

Air. Christopher was born on the old homestead in section 32, West River township, Randolph county, January 20, 1866. He is a son of Addison G. and Sarah A. (Lamb) Christopher, a highly esteemed old family of this locality. Addison G. Christopher was born in Claiborne county, Tennessee, November 28, 1829, and was a son of Garrett and Elizabeth (Walls) Christopher, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of North Carolina, where they were married and where they lived several years, then removed to Tennessee. To them three children were born, J. M., Addison G., and Minza. The grandfather of our subject died in 1833 and was buried in Tennessee. The mother removed with her children in 1835 to Wayne county, Indiana, and bound them out. The following year she married Isaac Fisher, who later moved to Iowa and located on a farm, and to them were born William, who became a farmer ; Susan, who married Elwood Tiffany, of Chicago; Mary, married Jacob Wittenmire, of Iowa, and Hannah, who married Simeon Wittenmire, of Iowa. Mr. Fisher died in 1S73, and his widow later went to Kansas to live with her son, and there her death occurred July 31, 1890. Addison G. Christopher remained fourteen years with Albert Macy, or until he had attained his majority, having been bound out to Mr. Macy after his father's death. He then clerked in Huntsville, Indiana, three years, and while there he married, in 185 1, Sarah A. Lamb, who was a daughter of David and Delilah (Butler) Lamb, who came to Indiana from Campbell county, Virginia, their marriage having occurred in the latter state December 6, 1827. Mrs. Christopher was three years old when the family located in Wayne county, Indiana, but the following year they came on to Randolph county, where the father died August 26, 1838, and the mother passed away a few days later, September 2d. They had three children: Elizabeth H., who married Allison Andrew, a farmer of Randolph county; Charles B., who became a harness maker, and located in Iowa, and Sarah A., mother of the subject of this sketch. For about three years after his marriage Addison G. Christopher continued clerking, then moved to a farm which he operated until 1855, then embarked in merchandising in Huntsville, selling out a year and a half later, and in the fall of 1856, purchased a fine farm of two hundred and twenty acres in West River township, Randolph county, one of the best improved and most de- sirable farms in the county. He has been a very successful business man and laid by an ample competency, and he gave his children forty acres of land each, of whom there were eight in number, four of whom are deceased, namely : Charles M., a lumber man of New Castle, Indiana, died at the age of fifty-seven years, leaving a widow and one child; David O., a merchant at Greenville, Ohio, married Ida Eikenbery, and they have one child, Zerlina Ella died in youth; Ida O. also died young; Elmer E.. a carpenter and builder, of Richmond, Indiana, married Mary L. Brown, and they have three children; Edwin R. died when three years old; Celia E., who married Oliver Botkin, a farmer, and they had eight children, one of whom is deceased; John, of this sketch is the youngest.

The death of Mrs. Addison G. Christopher occurred February 11, 1904, when well advanced in years. Mr. Christopher is an industrious, publicspirited, honorable and useful man, and he is now spending his old age quietly, surrounded by all the comforts of life as a result of his earlier years of industry and good management.

John Christopher was reared to manhood in the usual manner of farmers' boys in his day, aiding in the labors of the field during the summer months and attending the district schools in the wintertime, his early education later being greatly supplemented by wide home reading and by contact with the business world. He began life for himself as a teacher, which he continued successfully for five years, then turned his attention to farming for two years, next we find him launching out in the mercantile life, and in 1892 he formed a partnership with his brother, Elmer E. Christopher, at Modoc, and they soon built up a large trade as general merchants, and, dealing uniformly in an honest and courteous manner with their customers they became the leading merchants of this part of the county. Mr. Christopher has proven himself to be a man of exceptional business ability and foresight and he has acquired considerable valuable property. He is also heavily interested in the Citizens Banking Company of Modoc, of which he has been president for the past eight years, the pronounced success of the same having been due for the most part to his able management and popularity as a man and citizen, the people of this community reposing the utmost confidence in both his ability and integrity.

Mr. Christopher was married in Nettle Creek township, July 19, 1890, to Ida E. Wright, who was born, reared and educated in that township, and is a daughter of Hicks K. Wright, a prosperous farmer and stock man, now living in Winchester. Mrs. Christopher is one of five children. To our

Fraternally, Mr. Christopher is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Masons. He and his family attend the Methodist church, and politically he is a Republican, but while he takes an abiding interest in public affairs, always ready to assist any movement looking to the general good of his community, he prefers to devote his attention exclusively to his large business interests and his home, rather than be an office holder or a political leader.

John Charles Brickley

During the past decade or two an irresistible force has been working for the improvement of general farming conditions, the agricultural colleges, the farmers' institutes, farm publications and manufacturers. All have foreseen all along the need of labor-saving equipment, also understood the ne- , cessity of so constructing outbuildings that livestock could have comfort, and the buildings be kept in sanitary condition, also how the largest results from the minimum amount of labor. Necessity has proven to be the mother of invention in respect to the husbandman and stock man as well as in other fields of human endeavor. The architect has given his thought to convenient, economical and sanitary construction and ventilation and the manufacturer has produced the needed equipment, while the progressive farmer has adopted them. So, gradually a great change is being brought about. The labor of the architects, the manufacturers and teachers has been farreaching and much good is being accomplished.

One of the farmers of Randolph county who has proven to be wideawake and ready to adopt new methods and modes of agriculture is John Charles Brickley, who was born on the old homestead in White River township, this county, April 25, 1856, on land which his grandfather, John Brickley entered from the government in the days of the first settlers here, and from that early time to the present the members of this family have been noted for their skill as farmers. Our subject is a son of Simeon and Eliza Ellen (Mclntire) Brickley,^ both natives of- this county, born in White River township, and here they grew to maturity, were married and spent their lives successfully engaged in farming, and here the father died January 19, 1913, and is buried in Maxville cemetery. His family consisted of four children, namely: Thursa died in infancy; Angeline, married R. C. Addington, a farmer of Randolph county; Louisa married Ira Branson, banker, of Farmland, and they have three children: John Charles, 'of this sketch. R. C. Addington and wife, Angeline, reared an adopted daughter, Mamie Porter.

John C. Brickley grew to manhood on the home place and there did his full share of the general work when a boy. He attended the rural schools in his native community and received a very practical education. He began farming when young and this has continued to occupy his entire attention. He owns eighty acres which he has well improved and on which he makes a good living as a general farmer, and stock raiser.

On December 25, 1887, Mr. Brickley was married to Belle Bower, a daughter of Joseph Bower, of Ohio, whose family consisted of thjee .children. Mrs. Brickley received a common school education. To our subject and wife one child has been born, Joseph, whose birth occurred May 18, 1890. He was educated in Farmland and was graduated firom the high school there.

Mr. Brickley is a Progressive politically, however, still is inclined to Republicanism, but of the old-time brand. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he attends the Methodist Episcopal church.

Eli Wright Keys

The old-fashioned notion that hard work, patient industry and farsightedness make for success in the various avenues of life, does not seem to be accepted so universally in our day. The spread of pessimism engendered by many phases of our complex life is in a great measure responsible for lack of faith in the old idea. However, if we observe conditions closely, we will find that the intelligent individual who leads a practical and industrious life, will reach a point of success commensurate with his efforts. The life of .Eli Wright Keys, one of the leading agriculturists and stock men of Randolph county, will afford us an instance of this, for he is an advocate of persistency, honesty and the adoption of modern methods in his vocation, the economy of labor, and he therefore gets the largest results possible from the minimum amount of labor and expense. It is a delight to look over his well-cared-for acres, his sleek, well-bred livestock, and to visit his modernly appointed home; for he believes in having system about everything he does, and this is perhaps very largely due to his large success in his chosen field of endeavor.

miles east of Winchester, where he now lives. He is the oldest of seven children, five sons and two daughters, born to Joseph and Betsie (Coats) Keys, one of our best known and most influential pioneer families, who spent their lives engaged successfully in general farming. The death of Joseph Keys occurred February i8, 1906, at the age of seventy-five years, ten months and fifteen days. His wife preceded him to the grave on May 8, 1901, at the age of sixty-seven years, eleven months and twenty-two days. They were a fine old couple and highly esteemed by all who knew them.

Eli W. Keys was reared on the home farm and was educated in the old log school house which stood near his father's farm. He remained at home, assisting with the general farm work, until his marriage, which took place October 22, 1881, when he espoused Martha J. Davis, a daughter of Benjamin and Margaret (Chambness) Davis, a highly respected family of Randolph county, both the Davis -and Chambness families, like that of our subject, having been prominent early settlers here. Benjamin Davis engaged in farming near the town of Lynn, and William Chambness, father of Margaret Chambness, was one of the pioneer millwrights of this locality. The death of Benjamin Davis occurred October 30, 1905, at the advanced age of eighty years, and his wife died April 24, 1869, at the early age of thirty-four years. They are buried in Cherry Grove cemtery, while Mr. Keys' parents lie in Jericho cemetery.

Two children have been born to our subject and wife, namely : Artie V., is married to Minnie Hodgin and is operating one of his father's farms in White River township ; Ira J. is married to Hazel Ross and lives at home, assisting his father in the management of the home place.

Eli W. Keys first began farming on the place where his oldest son now lives, and there he remained until April 25, 1907, when he removed to the old home farm the year following his father's death, and here he has lived ever since, three and one-half miles east of Winchester. He has always been a farmer and extensive stock raiser and feeder of great droves of hogs annually, preparing the best grades for the markets and no small portion of his competency has been derived from this source. His two farms consist of eighty acres each. They are both well improved and under a high state of cultivation. He has himself retired from active life, merely overseeing his farms in a general way, leaving the actual operating of them to his sons.

Mr. Keys is a staunch Progressive, and while interested in public affairs has never been an office seeker. He and his family are members of the Jericho Friends church, a church which his father and grandfather helped (88) to found. The latter, Benjamin Keys, came to this country from North Carolina and his old flint-lock musket is owned by Ira J. Keys, his great grandson. The weapon was brought along from the old Tar state for defense while threading the great wildernesses of those primitive days.

William W. Smullen

One of the twentieth century agriculturists and stock men of Randolph county who has shown himself to be decidedly progressive in his ideas is \A''illiam W. Smullen, and it is a pleasure to visit his tastily kept and productive farm. He has been a close student of everything that pertains to his vocation, realizing that farming is as complicated a business as any other and that one must be alert, far-seeing and energetic to make the most of his opportunity, realizing the value of labor-saving equipment because of shortage of help, the necessity of preventing the waste of labor and time and of making the most of every day, striving for the largest rewards by the minimum amount of labor, looking out for improved methods and labor-saving applicances. Such a' citizen as Mr. Smullen not only succeeds in a material way but his example to the community results in incalculable good.

Mr. Smullen was born in Stoney Creek township, Randolph county, April 27, 1853. He is a son of Smith and Margaret (Reed) Smullen, and is one of three children, having two sisters, Mary J., who lives in Medina county, Ohio, married J. L. Offterdinger, a farmer, and they have three children; Alice married Austin Freidline, a real estate dealer of Farmland, and they have one child. Smith Smullen was born in Stoney Creek township, this county, on the old home place and there he spent his life, successfully engaged in general farming and there his death occurred August 19, 1900. His wife was a native of Kentucky. Her death occurred in 1905 at the age of seventy-four years. They were an honest, hospitable and hard-working couple who were highly esteemed by their neighbors and acquaintances. Randolph Smullen, our subject's grandfather, came from Highland county, ( )liio, to Randolph county in pioneer days and entered eighty acres in wnaf is now Stoney Creek township, the patent being signed by President John Quincy Adams in 1826, which patent is now in possession of the subject of this review. The country was a wilderness indeed at that time and the elder Smullen endured the usual hardships and privations of those who braved the wilds where settlers were very few and far between. Later he entered another eighty, in 1837. the patent being signed by President Martin

William W. Smullen grew to manhood on the old home place and he received a good practical education in ihe common schools of Stoney Creek township. He has devoted his life to general farming and stock raising on the homestead, with the exception of a few years when he was engaged in the mercantile business in Muncie. He has kept the farm well improved and carefully tilled so that it has retained its original fertility, and the buildings are in good repair. He has been successful above the average farmer and is one of the substantial men of his township. He is a stockholder and a director in the State Bank at Farmland.

Mr. Smullen was married July 23, 1876, to Nancy Gilmore, and to this union two children were born: Tessie S., a son, who died at the age of twenty-six years, and Margaret, who was born February 7, 1896. Mr. Smullen subsequently married, on September 21, 1906, Sarah Vance, of Davies county, Indiana, and to this union one child has been born, Winifred, born May 8, 1907.

Politically, Mr. Smullen is a Democrat and has been something of a local party leader for many years. In 1912 he was elected county commissioner for a term of three years, the first Democrat elected to this office for a period of fifty years. This would indicate the popularity of the man and the- fact that the people have implicit confidence in him. Personally, he is a gentleman of pleasing address, friendly, capable, public-spirited and of honest convictions, enjoying the respect and good will of all.

Samuel C. Puckett

The inclination to study the soils and the planting of crops suitable to their peculiar composition; the ever-increasing clover and grass acreage, the adoption of the silo, which not only conserves but tremendously expands the feeding value of the acres represented in its contents, are among the things which have not only greatly increased the actual profits of thb farm but have safeguarded the farm operations and increased many-fold the attractions of farm life. One does not have to spend much time in looking over the well kept and productive farm of Samuel C. Puckett of Stoney Creek township to realize the fact that he deserves to rank among our up-to-date Randolph county farmers.

stead, August i, i860. He is a son of Nathaniel and Sarah J. (Spray) Puckett. The father was born also in the above named township and county, the date of his birth being February 28, 1825. He was one of the early pioneer children here, his father having braved the wilds of this locality when settlers were very few and the principal occupants of the land were wild beasts. Nathaniel Puckett was a son of Zachariah and Edith Puckett, the father a native of North Carolina. His death occurred in 1865. The early life of Nathaniel Puckett was passed on the home farm which he helped clear and develop, there acquiring that courage, industry and thrift which stood him in good stead in later life. He began farming for himself early in life and soon had a good start and purchased a farm of his own, becoming one of the leading farmers and respected ctizens of his community. He came into possession of the place upon which he remained until his death [March 18, 1880. The home farm which was in White River township and consisted of one hundred and six acres, remained in possession of the family nearly a century. He was married April 11, 1864, to Sarah Adamson, daughter of John and Phoebe Adamson, natives of Randolph county and descendants of early pioneer families of northeastern Indiana. Abraham Adamson, father of John, was one of the first settlers of Randolph county; Mrs. Phoebe Adamson was the daughter of Samuel Spray, also a pioneer of Randolph county, having moved here from South Carolina at an early period of the county's history. These children were born to Nathaniel Puckett and wife, Zachary Taylor, a farmer near W'inchester ; Samuel C, of this review ; James, a farmer of W'^hite River township ; Elmer, also a farmer of \\'hite River township; Elizabeth is living in this township; Chester has a farm in the same township; Phoebe died in youth; Mary E. died in infancy. Nathaniel Puckett was a birthright member of the Friends church, the pure, simple faith of which he exemplified in his daily walk and conversation and was a good citizen in every respect.

Samuel C. Puckett was reared on the home farm and there worked when a boy. He received a good education in the common schools, and he began life for himself as a teacher, but followed this vocation only eighteen months. After his father's death he took charge of the home farm which he operated successfully until his brothers were old enough to take the work in hand. He then farmed with John Clayton for nine years, men purchased his present fine farm of eighty acres, two and one- fourth miles from Farmland, which place he has now under excellent improvements and cultivation, has a pleasant home, convenient outbuildings and keeps a good grade of livestock.

Mr. Puckett was married October 15, 1887, to Minnie A. Cheesman, a daughter of Davidson and Ann Cheesman, of Wayne county, Indiana. To this union two children liave been born, Ina J., born Christmas day, 1 89 1, was educated in the local schools and in DePauw University; she is a teacher in English history and Latin, and is at this writing principal of the Modoc High School, and is giving much promise of a prominent educator ; Anna Frances, the second daughter, was born December 15, 1909.

Mr. Puckett and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he has been trustee for a period of six years. In politics he is a Republican. In 1908 he was elected trustee of Stoney Creek township.

John W. Sipe

One of the best farmers of the vicinity of Saratoga, Randolph county, is John W. Sipe, who never was lured away from the pleasant hills and vales of his native locality by the wanderlust spirit, has been content to spend his life here at home, and he has succeeded because he early grew familiar with the local conditions governing soils, crops and the various phases of the calling which he has been pleased to follow.

Mr. Sipe was born in Randolph county, Indiana, March 15, i860. He is a son of Henry and Elizabeth Sipe, who had a large family, eleven sons and two daughters, named as follows : Irvin, of Muncie, married M. Mansfield, and they have six children ; George died at the age of twenty-one years ; Allen who married Catherine Limbert, is living retired at Saratoga; Samuel makes his home at Gas City; Frank is farming in Jackson township, this county; Lorenzo died when twenty-five years of age; Mary lives in Saratoga; William died when forty-five years old, leaving a widow; John W., of this review ; Elliott is farming in Ward township, married Etta Shireling, and they have eleven children ; Laura lives in Pennsylyania ; James, of Saratoga, married twice, had five children by his first wife, three of whom are deceased, and three children were born of his second union ; Daniel died in infancy.

Henry Sipe, father of our subject, was born in Pennsylvania where he spent his earlier years and received such educational advantages as the early-day schools afforded. He eventually removed to Indiana, locating in Randolph county where he engaged in general farming until his death which occurred June 29, 1890, at the age of seventy-two years. His wife was born March 22, 1824, and died at the age of sixty-seven years.

John W. Sipe grew to manhood on the home farm where he worked when a boy and he received his education in the common rural schools of his neighborhood. On September 8, 1888, he married Emma Fields, a daughter of Harrison Fields, a farmer in Ward township, Randolph county. Here she grew to womanhood and was educated in the rural schools.

To our subject and wife four children have been born, named as follows : Lorenzo, who married Carrie Coby, is engaged in the butcher business at Saratoga; Earl is teaching school in Ward township, this being his second year ; he was educated in the local schools of Saratoga and at the State Normal in Terre Haute and is making a success as an educator; Herschel was born in 1894 and is at home; Murrill was born in 1901, is also with his parents.

Mr. Sipe began farming for himself when a young man and this has continued to be his life work. He is owner of a finely improved and well cultivated farm of fifty acres two miles from Saratoga, where he has a good home and is engaged in general farming and stock raising. Politically, he is a Democrat. He has been township supervisor for the past eight years and has discharged the duties of this office in a manner that reflects much credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the people in general. He attends the Methodist church.

John E. Orr

One of the families of Randolph county who have lived to pass through the various gradations of things and who can witness the fact that "the old order changeth," is the Orr family who located in the locality of which this history deals in the pioneer epoch when there were few of the conveniences of the present time, at a time when they were compelled to be self-sustaining for the most part and to undergo, like all new-comers to an unimproved and sparsely settled country, many hardships and inconveniences; but being people of sterling fibre and indomitable fortitude and courage they were not given to backing out or even to complaining and they, in due course of time, became comfortably situated and wielded no small amount of influence in their community and from that early day to this the various members of the family have been useful and highly respected citizens.

One of the best known of the present generation is John E. Orr, now a successful general farmer and stock raiser, but formerly one of our most noted local educators, having devoted a quarter of a century to that field of endeavor here with continued success. He was born in Randolph county, December 8, 1862, and is a son of Darius and Louisa (Jenkins) Orr, whose family consisted , of three children, namely : Josephine, who married John Vanasdal, a lineman who fell from a pole and was killed in 1901, leaving two children, Murley and Walter, both now living in Indianapolis; John E., of this sketch, was second in order of birth; William is employed by the Citizens Telephone Company, at Holland, Michigan, married Retta Kinnear, and they have two children, Harry and Gladys.

Darius Orr, father of our subject, was born in Fayette county, Ohio, and he came to Indiana in young manhood with his parents who settled in Green township, Randolph county. Darius Orr spent the rest of his life successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits and merchandising, in Green township and later at Powers Station and at Deerfield where he had moved in November, 1876, his death occurring there in 1906. The mother of the subject was also born in Fayette county, Ohio and when quite young she was brought to Randolph county, Indiana, where she grew to womanhood and married Mr. Orr. She is still living, being now seventy-two years ola.

John E. Orr grew to manhood on the home farm in this county and there he assisted with the general work during crop seasons, and he received his education in rural schools of his community and the high school at Ridgeville, later attending the Central Normal school of Indiana, and also the University of Chicago. Thus exceptionally well equipped for his chosen life work he began teaching in Ward township, this county, later teaching in Green and Jackson townships for a period of four years, then taught at Geneva, Indiana, three years, also at Fortville in high school work, then taught at Albany two years, and four years at Redkey, about twentyfive years in all. He gave eminent satisfaction in all those places, being popular with both pupils and patrons and, keeping Well abreast of the times in all educational matters he did much to build up the work wherever he was employed. In the school room he was regarded as, both an instructor and an entertainer and his services were always in great demand. He became one of the best known educators in this section of the state. Finally tiring of the school room he took up farming, moving in 1904 to the place where he now lives in Ward township, wnich consists of two hundred and fifteen acres, which he has brought up to a high state of improvement and cultivation and on which he is carryirig on general farming and stock raising successfully. He has a pleasant home and a good group of outbuildings-.

ested in public matters he has never sought pubhc office or leadership. Fraternally, he belongs to the Free and Accepted Masons at Redkey, Indiana. He is a member of the board of advisors of his township. He attends the United Brethren church.

:\Ir. Orr was married December 25, 1888 to Minnie Lollar, a daughter of Elisha Lollar, a farmer of Ward township where she was reared and educated. Her father on whose homestead our subject lives, was a soldier during the Civil war, serving in th» Eighty-fourth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He saw much hard service and was dangerously wounded at the battle of Chickamauga. His death occurred in 1885.

To Mr. and ]\Irs. Orr three children have been born, named as follows : Jessie, born October i, 1889, was educated in the State Universities of Indiana and Ohio; Ruth, born September 2, 1891, and Mary Louisa, born August 27, 1899.

Lee L. Driver

Among Indiana educators, Lee L. Driver, superintendent of the schools of Randolph county occupies a place in the front rank. He was born February 22, 1867, in Stoney Creek township, Randolph county, Indiana. His father was Joab Driver, son of Jacob Driver, an early pioneer of the county ; his mother was Mary (Burres) Driver, daughter of Samuel C. Burres. Both antecedent families have been well-known and highly esteemed throughout the county. Mr. Driver has three brothers, Alton D., Elverson T. and Hal E., and one sister, Mrs. Myrtle Reece.

The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood in his native county and attended the country district school one winter, then the schools of Fannland and graduated from the Central Normal College at Danville, Indiana, in 1883. He then taught school a year in Stoney Creek township, four years in Monroe township and one year in Green township.

Mr. Driver was married April 15, 1886, to Carrie A. \\'ood, daughter of William H. and Margaret Wood, then in her twentieth year, having been born January 21, 1867. Oscar M. Wood and Mrs. Emma O. Reed, of near Parker, are brother and sister to Mrs. Driver. Four children ha^e been born to this union, i. e. ; Clarence W., born March 8, 1887, Herschel W., born March 10, 1892; Mary, born December 7, 1896 and died January 25, 1897, and Agnes, born January 22, 1904. Both Clarence and Herschel are graduates of the Winchester high school and also graduates of Purdue Universitv, Clarence in the class of 1910 and Herschel in 1913.

In the fall of 1895 the family moved to Winchester and Mr. Driver began teaching in the city schools. For two years he was in charge of the eighth grade, and was teacher of mathematics and botany in 1897, and was then, for ten years, in the high school, seven years of which time he was principal. He attended the State Normal school two terms in 1895. He is also an under-graduate of the Indiana State University. He was elected superintendent of schools of Randolph county, June, 1907, and has continuously held that office until the present time.

Mr. Driver has proved himself a school man of marked ability. He has constantly raised the standard of teaching in his county year by year ; is a fine organizer and has enlisted the aid of teachers and school trustees to that degree that great uiianimity of action has resulted in building up a fine school spirit. Today no other county in the United States has so great a number of pupils in consolidated schools as has Randolph county. There are eighteen commissioned or certified high schools in the county. In ten out of twelve townships, agriculture is taught, likewise, manual training and domestic science. As a rule college graduates are in charge of the high school courses. The buildings are all modern in almost every respect, including toilets, pressure tanks, hot air or steam heat, engine and ventilation fans and libraries. More than three hundred thousand dollars' have been expended in this splendid work and all the buildings, except one, have been erected since Mr. Driver became superintendent.

The name of superintendent Driver has been heralded throughout the State of Indiana and many demands have been made upon him for public addresses in all sections, upon the value of consolidation. For a number of vears he has "been active before the State Teachers' Association. In 1909 he was made a member of the Legislative Comrnittee of County suprintendents, which had charge of Indiana school affairs, in General Assembly, and was chairman of the same committee in the sessions of 191 1 and 1913. At the present time he is chairman of the Legislative Committee of the State Teachers' Association. He was vice-president of the Northern Indiana Teachers' Association for the years 1912-1913; and president of the State Association of County Superintendents in the years 191 3-19 14.

In an extended article contributed by Mr. Driver to the 19 12 Report of State Superintendent Greathouse, he set forth the value of consolidation. The demands for this report have come from England, Germany and Canada. Last year Mr. A. E. Winship, editor of the. Journal of Education, Boston, journeyed to Indiana solely to inspect the Randolph county system of con-

Our subject has been for many years active in church and fraternity circles. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has been a teacher in the Sunday schools ever since his advent into Winchester. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen, Knights of Pythias and Masonic lodges and has served as the master of Summer's Lodge Free and Accepted Masons for a period of five years.

Mr. Driver is an entertaining speaker and writer, fluent, and forceful. For several years he has been giving an illustrated lecture recounting pioneer history of Randolph county, which has been heard, not only throughout this county, but in the many adjacent counties. He is also a welcome contributor to the leading educational journals of the country and keeps abreast with all the latest and best educational philosophy of the times. The person who peruses this history will readily discern Mr. Driver's ability as a historian.

In this community where he is best known he is highly esteemed as a man of fine ability in educational work, public-spirited as to all matters pertaining to his city, county and state, and ever alert to their best interests. He is a generous neighbor and a loyal friend, and it would be a source of great pleasure to a host of his fellow citizens to see him advance to higher stations of preferment in his chosen field of labor.

William Julian Losch

Some men speak loudest by talking volubly and frequently, while others speak loudest by their actions. It has been said that we should never torm our opinions of men on what they say, but only on what they do. Talking, dreaming, planning amount to but little; it is what a man does that counts. Realizing this early in life William Julian Losch, farmer of Randolph county wisely decided to "saw wood but say nothing," and thus by the habit of keeping his well-laid plans and schemes to himself and keeping industriously engaged he has forged gradually to the front in his vocation and at the same tinie has established a reputation for good citizenship.

Air. Losch was born in Jay county, Indiana, March 31, 1862. He is a son of Frederick Charles and Eliza (Stick) Losch, and is one of two children ; his brother John lives in Bond county, Illinois, on a farm, he married Spicy Brown and they have six children.

was brought from Germany, where he was born, to the United States. The family settled in New Madison, Ohio, where they remained some time, then came on to Jay county, Indiana, where the paternal grandfather of our subject spent the rest of his life, dying at the age of sixty-nine years. He entered a farm from the government of four hundred and eighty acres, which he cleared and developed and became one of the leading farmers of his locality. The parents of the subject of this sketch were married in Jay county and there established their home.

William J. Losch grew to manhood in Jay county and worked on the farm when a boy. He received a common school education, and on December 24, 1884, he married Emma S. Iliff, a daughter of William T. Ilifif, a farmer of Ward township, Randolph coiinty, where she was born and grew to womanhood and she received her education in the public schools there. Mrs. Losch is one of ten children.

To Mr. and Mrs. Losch seven children have been born, namely : Hettie married Frederick Toumey, a farmer of Jay county, and they have three children, Mary Esther, Harriet Elizabeth and Frederick Losch; Lloyd M. died in infancy ; Carrie L. married Chauncy V. Lindley, professor in a business college at Picjua, Ohio, and they have two children, Byron and Loren Lee; Rosa died when ten years of age; Gertie, born January 19, 1894; Mary, born December i, 1897, is preparing herself for teaching; George Raymond, born January 5, 1900.

Mr. Losch is owner of a fine farm of one hundred acres, on which stand substantial and convenient buildings He makes a feature of fruit growing and is one of the best informed men on horticulture in the county. He is deserving of a great deal of credit for what he haS accomplished, having to start out empty-handed and forge to the front, entirely on his own account. He was two years old when his father died, his death having occurred from the effects of a disease contracted during the Civil war, while chasing Morgan the invader. Our subject was bound out when he was only six years of age to Henry Stick, with whom he remained until he was twenty years of age. After he regained his freedom he worked out seven years, and with the aid of a small legacy left him by his Grandfather Losch and what he had saved by economy he was enabled to begin farming for himself. He was to receive a horse, saddle and bridle at the termination of the period during which he was bound out, but he received only a colt of small value.

I400 Rantdolph County, Indiana D. E. Barber

To attain a worthy citizenship by a Hfe that is always honored and respected, even from childhood, deserves more than a cursory glance by the biographer and a casual mention by the historian. All will agree that it takes a man of sterling mettle to successfully overcome the rrianifold temptations of youth and early manhood and establish a character in the minds and hearts of those with whom he is fated to associate that will remain an untarnished figure throughout the future years. But this is what D. E. Barber, well known citizen of the vicinity of Saratoga, Randolph county, has accomplished. Here his life has been spent and he has looked so well to his habits of living that no one speaks ill of him. He has become one of our leading farmers and contractors and is a splendid native-born citizen, a typical representative of this thriving community.

Mr. Barber was born in Saratoga, Indiana, September ii, 1867. He is a son of George W. and Amanda (Diehl) Barber and was one of five children, also had a half-brother: David died in infancy; Amy is the wife of C. A. Ballard, a railroad man of Springfield, Illinois, and they have four children, two boys and two girls ; O. L., who is engaged in the fence manufacturing business at Muncie, Indiana, married Lilly M. Milliken and they have one child; D. E., of this sketch, was next in order of birth; Rosa died when thirty-eight years old, leaving a husband and four children; Ora R., half-brother of our subject, is engaged in railroading at Amherst, Wisconsin.

George W. Barber, father of the above named children, was born in Portsmouth, Ohio, and when three years old his parents brought him to Randolph county, Indiana, locating at Saratoga and in that vicinity the parents established their home on a farm in the pioneer period and there George W. grew to manhood and spent his life successfully engaged in general farming. He was an honored and industrious citizen. His death occurred September 23, 191 1. His wife, Amanda Diehl, was born in Jackson township, this county, and here grew to womanhood. She was a daughter of Ephraim Diehl and wife, and was one of eleven children. Her death occurred February 22, 1873.

D. E. Barber grew to manhood on the home farm where he worked when a boy and he received his education in the common schools at Saratoga. In early life he learned the painter's trade which he followed for some time, but he has devoted his attention to general farming and stock raising since he reached manhood. He has prospered through close application and goodmanagement and is now owner of two splendid farms of sixty-five acres near

Saratoga, which he has brought up to a high state of improvement and cultivation and on which stand a commodious residence and substantial outbuildings. An excellent grade of live stock is to be found about his place at all times. Although a very busy man with his general fannmg and stock raising he finds time to do a great deal of contracting, doing a great deal of cement work and road building and turns out some large jobs annually. His work is always high-grade and is promptly done.

j\Ir. Barber was married February 4, 1890, to Sarah Almonrode, a daughter of Alexander Almonrode, a successful farmer, now deceased. Here Mrs. Barber grew to womanhood and was educated. Five children have been born to this union, namely: Dorothy, born January 2, 1891, married Charles Hesser, a farmer of Jackson township, and they have two children, Virginia and Nerval Edgar; Tracy, born July 25, 1894; Noel A., born October 5, 1896; Juanita, born December 20, 1900; Cordelia, born July 7, 1904.

Mr. Barber is a Republican in politics. He attends the Methodist church. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Encampment Red Men and Loyal Order of Moose.

Albert E. Zimmerman

Randolph county, Indiana, has furnished comfortable homes for many of the enterprising citizens hailing from the great German empire who have been settling within her borders since the pioneer epoch when the land was still the haunts of various tribes of Indians, the Weas, Rickapoos, Miamis and others, and also the haunts of many species of wild denizens of the northern woods. We have always welcomed those of Germanic blood, and this is as it should be, for they have been courageous and not afraid of hard work and have been of untold assistance to us in clearing the fertile soil of its heavy timber of beech, oak, ash and other wood common to this locality, and they, too, have helped build our substantial dwellings, comfortable public buildings and attractive business houses. Few of these visitors from that alien land had any capital when they arrived, at least, very little, not enough to be of much consequence ; but they didn't need much, for they were strong in body and mind and did not hesitate at obstacles, and thus in due course of time they attained a competency and a position of influence in the locality in which they chose to reside.