Rush County, Indiana - The whole text, 1921 (part 10 of 18)

MRS. JANE MORAN, of Rushville, widow of the late Patrick Moran, is a native daughter of the Emerald Isle, born in County Galway, but has been a resident of this country and of Rush county for many years. She was twenty -nine years of age when she came to the United States from Ireland. After a brief residence at Milford, Mass., she came to Indiana and took up her residence in Rush county, where not long afterward she was married to Patrick Moran, also a native of Ireland, who had become a farmer in this county. After their marriage she and her husband made their home on the farm, reared their family there and continued to make that place their home until their retirement from the farm and removal to Rushville, where Mr. Moran 's last days were spent and where Mrs. Moran still lives, having a very pleasant home at 730 North Willow street. Patrick Moran, who was born in 1835, was but fourteen years of age when he came to the United States with his parents, the family proceeding westward to Indiana and settling in Franklin county, where Patrick received his schooling and grew to manhood. As a young man he came over into Rush county and bought a tract of eighty acres in Rushville township. He at once began the development of this tract and after his marriage to Jane Toolen, made his home there. He later bought an adjoining "eighty" and thus had a farm of a quarter of a section which he developed into an excellent piece of property. Incidental to his farming Mr. Moran became well known as a road supervisor and it was he who superintended the construction of the Winship pike. He was a Catholic, as is his widow, earnest members of St. Mary's parish at Rushville, and when the parish entered upon the task of erecting the new St. Mary's church it was he who gave security for the loan for the erection of the edifice. He also was a member of the local council of the Knights of Columbus and in other ways took an active interest in parish affairs. It was in 1908 that Mr. Moran retired from the farm and moved to

Rushville, but he did not live long to enjoy the relaxation which he had justly earned, for his death occurred in the following year, 1909, he then being seventy-four years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Moran had nine children, of whom all are living save two, Patrick and Jane, the others being Beatrice T., May, Katherine, Elizabeth, Joseph, Nora and John. Mrs. Moran 's parents were Owen and Nora Toolen, both born in Ireland.

JOHN W. BEYER, a well-known farmer of Noble township, who is recognized as a representative citizen of Rush county, was born in that township, October 3, 1865, son of John and Mary Jane (Emmett) Bever, natives of Rush county and Ohio, respectively. John Bever was reared in Noble township where he was educated and where he spent his life, devoting all of his mature years to farming and stockraising. He was a son of John and Nancy Bever, both of whom were born in Kentucky, but migrated to Indiana and settled in Rush county. The homestead of John Bever contains 160 acres of land, and he specialized in raising pure-bred Short Horn cattle and Poland China hogs. Seven children were born to John Bever and his wife, four of whom survive, "William, Ross, John W. and Lora. John W. Bever attended the Pinhook school in Noble township, and after he ended his school days he began farming with his father, remaining on the home farm until his marriage. Following that event he started out for himself on rented land, biit after four years as a renter he was able to receive a fair price for his stock and equipment, so sold and moved to Anderson, Ind., where for twenty-four years he was engaged in a decorating business. However, the appeal of the soil was too strong, and in 1913 he returned to Rush county, locating on his present farm, where he is carrying on general farming and stock raising. He grows about thirty-five acres of corn annually which he feeds to hogs and cattle, having about sixty to seventy head of the former. Mr. Bever was married to Ida, daughter of William and Sarah Ann Carney, and they have three children, Arthur. Hazel and Margaret, the latter of whom married Alton Lentz. Mrs. Bever belongs to the Christian church. Fraternally, Mr. Bever maintains membership with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of Anderson, Ind. He is a strong Republican, but has never been an office seeker. Upright and hard working, Mr. Bever has deserved the success which life has brought him, and with this material reward has come another, equally well-merited, the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens.

JOHN W. STOTEN, a prominent and well-known citizen of Center township and one of the creditable representatives of the agricidtural element in Rush county, is a native son of the old Hoosier state, having been born in Dearborn county on June 6. 1859. He is the son of James and Hannah (Morgan) Stoten, both of whom were also natives of Dearborn county. About the year 1864 they brought their family to Rush county. Seven children came with them and one was born after their arrival in this county. Mr. Stoten followed farming here all the remainder of his life and became an influential and respected citizen. John W. Stolen was reared on the paternal farmstead and secured his educational training in the Farmington and Hinchman schools. He remained on the home farm, assisting his father, until about twenty years of age, when he began to work out as a farm hand, continuing in this way for about five years. Then he began farming rented land on crop shares, but three years later he changed to cash rent, on which basis he continued to rent land until 1917, when he bought the place where he now lives, consisting of sixty acres of land in Center township. He keeps the place in good repair, raises all the common crops of this locality and also raises some live stock. On September 7, 1892, Mr. Stoten was married to Bertie Smelser, a native of Union township, this county, and the daughter of John P. and Rebecca (Barnes) Smelser, both of whom were natives of Rush county, where Mr. Smelser followed farming throughout his active years. Of the seven children who blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Stoten, five are living, namely: Wallace, a farmer in Posey township, who married Lavonna Ruby and has two children, Merrill W. and Howard \V. ; Marion, a painter, living in Knightstown, Ind., who married Ruby Oldham and has one child, Wendell M. ; Teddy, Donald and Effie ; and Mildred, who died at the age of two years. Mr. and Mrs. Stoten are members of the Center Christian church. Politically, Mr. Stoten is a stanch supporter of the Republican party and stands at all times for the best interests of the community. He possesses many excellent personal qualities and is a popular member of the circles in which he moves.

JACOB WINFIELD HITE, now living retired at Clarksburg and who, prior to his retirement, had been engaged for many years in agricultural pursuits in Richland township, this county, where his steady industry had gained him success, is a member of an old and honored family of which further mention is made elsewhere in this work. He was born on a farm in Richland township, June 10. 1852, a son of William N. and Sarah (Fisher) Hite, the fonner a native of Virginia and the latter of Clermont county, Ohio. The Richland township schools furnished Mr. Hite with his early educational training, following which he pursued a course at Richland Academy, and then took up farming in association with his father. He was one of the elder man 's assistants until 1879, when he was married, and in the establishment of his own home rented a part of the property on which he had been born. After spending five years as a renter, he purchased a part of the home place, consisting of 135 acres, and during the active period of his career increased his holdings to 240 acres, all in Richland township. Mr. Hite demonstrated his ability as a general farmer and raiser of live stock, and frequently fed out as many as 150 hogs annually. He retired from active pursuits in 1916, and two years later removed to Clarksburg, where he has since made his home, occupying a comfortable modern residence. Mr. Hite married Allie M., daughter of Eliza Hood, and to this union there have been born three children, Bertha, who married Fred Goddard and has two children, Alice and Anna ; Nina, who married John Sidebot- torn and has three children, Carter, Winfield and Marjorie; and Wilbur. Mr. and Mrs. Hite are members of the Christian church and have supported its movements generously. He is a blue lodge Mason, and in his political adherence is a Democrat. Mr. Hite has gained prosperity and esteem while pursuing his industrious and well-directed career, during which he has not only set an example of practical, intelligent farming, but of public-spirited citizenship.

W. R. VANSICKLE, a progressive farmer and stockman of Anderson township, this county, owns what is probably one of the finest herds of registered Jersey cattle in this part of the state. Mr. Vansickle was born in Anderson township on May 7, 1877, a son of John and Margaret Vansickle, the former of whom was born in Madison county and the latter in Dearborn county, Indiana. John Vansickle was young when his parents moved to Rush county and settled near Rushville. He was a farmer in this county until 1897 when he retired, moved to Decatur county and still lives there. Of his eight children three survive, Albert, W. R. and Ben, of whom W. R. Vansickle is the only one living in Rush county. In boyhood W. R. Vansickle attended school in Anderson township, then worked as a farmer for six years in the township, and after that was engaged in the livery business at Milroy for two years. Upon returning to agricultural life he rented his present, farm of 132 acres, then belonging to the late William Bowles, which he conducts largely as a stock farm. Mr. Vansickle is justly proud of his herd of twenty-six registered Jersey cattle, with the registered bull "Wildoos-Plymouth Lad" at the head, and is doing well his part toward upholding the prestige of Rush county as a fine stock center. On March 19, 1895, Mr. Vansickle married Grace Smith, daughter of George W. and Mary A. Smith. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Milroy and of the lodges of the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows at that place, having "passed the chair" in the last named organization. He is a Republican and hearty in his support of the policies he deems best and wisest for the country.

WILLIAM BOWLES, who is mentioned above and who in his generation was one of the best known residents of Rush county and the owner of an excellent piece of property, part of which is now owned by W. R. Vansickle, in Anderson township, was a native of Harrison county, Kentucky, but had resided in Rush county since the days of his boyhood. Mr. Bowles was the son of Robert Bowles and was but a child when he came here from Kentucky with his parents, the family locating in Anderson township, where he received his schooling and in time became one of the prominent figures of that community. He started out as a poor boy, with no special advantages, but his energy and foresight counted in the race and he died possessed of more than 400 acres of land. Mr. Bowles was widely known as a trader and his investments were made with wise discrimination. He died in February, 1904, and at his passing left a good memory.

William Bowles

LUTHER G. RENEGAR, included among the agriculturists of Rush county, a prosperous husbandman of Ripley township, and a resident of Rush county since boyhood, is a native of North Carolina, having been born in Yadkin county, that state, August 23, 1877, a son of Moses and Alice (McDaniels) Renegar, who were born in the same state. The parents came to Rush county when their son, Luther G., was a child, and for years were well-known and highly respected residents of Jackson township. The mother died on April 18, 1918, and the father now resides in North Carolina. They were the parents of eleven children, Luther G., Betty, Arthur, Lelah (deceased), Irvin, Leonard, Samuel, Harvey, Grace, Russell and Irene. The district schools of Jackson township and Shelby county furnished Luther G. Renegar with his educational training, and after completing his studies he began farming as a hand in the fields. He continued thus employed until his marriage, when he commenced his independent career, first as a renter. After renting for nine years, during which time he conserved his means carefully, he invested his savings in his present property, a tract of seventy-eight acres situated in Ripley township, not far from Carthage. Here he has made numerous improvements, having repaired all the buildings and put up entire new fencing, in addition to installing much up-to-date equipment. He is progressive in his views and operations, keeps fully abreast of the advancements being made in his vocation and is accounted a capable agriculturist and an excellent judge of live stock. His activities as a general farmer are extensive and as a breeder of live stock he ships about 125 head of hogs each year. On August 23, 1905, Mr. Renegar married Myrtle Aldridge, who was born in Tipton county, Indiana, and was brought to Rush county at the age of two years and here educated in the public schools. Her parents, natives of Rush county, attended the Locust Grove schoolhouse and were engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout their lives. They were the parents of six children, of whom four are living : Walter, Minnie, Homer, and Bert (deceased), Myrtle and Shirley. Mr. and Mrs. Renegar have two children, Donald L., born on April 25, 1907, and Roy A., July 18, 1909, both now attending the Walnut Ridge school. Mr. and Mrs. Renegar are members of the Methodist church at Carthage, the movements of which they support liberally. Politically, Mr. Renegar is a Republican, although he is not a politican and has not sought preferment at the hands of his party or his fellow citizens. As a fraternalist he holds membership in Ivy Lodge, No. 27, Knights of Pythias, at Rushville.

WILLIAM 0. PRAZEE, of Rushville, owner of a farm just south of town and well known throughout the community, is a native son of Rush county and has lived here all his life. He was born on a farm in Washington township on April 19, 1852, son of John and Mary Jane (Caldwell) Prazee, the latter of whom also was born in Indiana, member of one of the old families of the neighboring county of Fayette. John Frazee was a native of the Buckeye state, born in Butler county, Ohio, who came over into Indiana with his parents in the days of his boyhood, the family locating in Payette county where he grew to manhood and became engaged in farming. In 1846, not long after his marriage he came over into Rush county and bought a quarter of a section of land in Washington township, where he established his home and where he spent the remainder of his life, one of the best known and most influential residents of that community. For eight years John Frazee served as justice of the peace in and for "Washington township and as "Squire" Frazee was widely known throughout that part of the county. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, of whom but four now survive, those besides the subject of this biographical narrative being Felix, Fannie and Louis W. Reared on the home farm in Washington township, William 0. Frazee received his schooling in the excellent schools of that neighborhood and as a young man became engaged in farming on the place, renting the farm from his father and directing its operation, and for twelve years was thus engaged. In 1896 he moved from that place to another farm, but eighteen months later disposed of his farming interests and moved to Rushville, where he became engaged in the livery business. This did not prove to his liking, however, and eighteen months later he sold his livery barn and bought a farm of seventy-two acres in Rushville township, which place he presently sold and then bought an "eighty" of the old home place in Washington township and there re-established his home, remaining there until he sold out and returned to the vicinity of Rushville, buying the eighty-acre farm which he now owns south of town. On this place there is a gravel pit of apparently inexhaustible dimensions from which since 1912 Mr. Frazee has sold about 30,000 yards of excellent gravel. It was in 1895 that William O. Frazee was united in marriage to Emma L. Stewart, daughter of John S. and Margaret Stewart, and to this union one child has been born, a daughter, Elsie M., who married Paul Newhouse. Mr. and Mrs. Frazee are members of the United Presbyterian church and have ever taken a warm interest in the work of the church, Mr. Frazee for years having been a member of the board of trustees of the church. Politically Mr. Frazee is a Democrat, but reserves the right to vote independently should the needs of the occasion seem to warrant in his estimation of the needs of good government.

JOHN HEATON, who for many years was connected with the agricultural life of Rush county, is now living in honorable retirement in Noble township where he is held in high esteem. He was born on the farm that is still his home, on April 13, 1846, son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Armstrong) Heaton, natives of Noble township and Fleming county, Kentucky, respectively. When he was about three years old Joseph Heaton was brought to Rush county by his parents, John and Hester (Jarvis) Heaton, who settled in Noble township in 1822, at which time they entered land from the Government. Here they passed the remainder of their lives, and were always engaged in farming. Joseph Heaton was reared in Noble township where he received his schooling as well as his practical training as a farmer under his father's watchful supervision. Marrying in this township, he here began farming, at first in a small way, and while attending to his own land he also worked out by the day in order to secure some ready money. As he could he kept on baying land until at one time he owned 305 acres, and he continued to live on his farm until his death, January 10, 1901. His wife died in December, 1891. They had six children, James, Salena, John, Thomas, Sanford and Oscar. John Heaton attended the local schools of Noble township, and after he had completed his schooling he began to farm, remaining on the homestead both before and after his marriage. He continued to work in partnership with his father until the latter 's death, and then secured the home farm of 130 acres, where he has since continued to live, and where until his retirement he carried on a general line of farming, being quite successful in his operations. Mr. Heaton married Mary Conner, daughter of Thomas and Phoebe (Ryker) Conner, and they have two children, Bert and Vonnie Belle. Bert Heaton married Anna C. George and has two children, Mary and Robert. Vonnie Belle Heaton married Carl "Wilson and has three children, Harold. Dorothy and Catherine Louise. Bert Heaton and his wife belong to Little Flat Rock Christian Church and he has been an elder, deacon and Sunday school superintendent of the same. His political convictions make Mr. Heaton a Democrat, A quiet, hard-working and thrifty man Mr. Heaton has always done what he considered to be his duty toward his family, church and community, and his present prosperity has been fairly earned through legitimate effort.

W. RILEY RHODES, a well known farmer of Center township, is the scion of one of the old and respected families of the northern part of Rush county, his paternal grandfather having entered land here in an early day, and he has spent his entire life within the borders of this county. By persistent industry, good management and clean living, he has attained not only material success, but also the confidence and respect of the entire community. Mr. Rhodes was born in Center township, this county, on February 6, 1866, and is the son of Lewis R. and Elizabeth J. (Leisure) Rhodes, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Kentucky. Lewis R. Rhodes was brought to Rush county by his parents when four years of age, the trip being made in the typical overland wagons of that early day. He received such education as was possible to obtain in the primitive log-cabin schools of the day and his youthful years were spent in the work of the home farm, for his father had entered eighty acres of land in Center township. Here he remained up to the time of his marriage, when he began farming on his own account. For awhile he operated the home farm on the shares, but eventually he bought the place from his father. He was prospered in his business affairs and at one time was the owner of 400 acres of land in Center township. To himself and wife were born eight children, five of whom are living, namely : W. Riley, Frank, Noah, Serena and Cora. W. Riley Rhodes was reared under the parental roof and secured his education in the Center school. He took an active part in the operation of the home farm, remaining with his father until 1899, when he located where lie now lives, a place comprising eighty-five acres, which he farmed in partnership with his father until the latter 's death. He then inherited this tract, and also bought forty acres adjoining, thus giving him 125 acres all in one body. Here he carries on general farming operations, and also gives some attention to the raising of live stock, feeding about 100 head of hogs a year. He has made many substantial improvements on the place and is considered an up-to-date and progressive farmer. On February 15, 1899, Mr. Rhodes was married to Hattie Sears, who was born in Henry county, Indiana, the daughter of James W. and Mary E. (Emmons) Sears, both of whom were born and reared in Henry county. Mr. Sears was for many years a blacksmith at Spiceland. Four of their eight children are living, namely: Eva, Walton, Oscar and Hattie. Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes have a daughter, Myrle V., born on December 12, 1901, who was educated at Center school, being a graduate of the high school. On June 6, 1920, she became the wife of Ralph Moffitt, a farmer in Center township. Politically, Mr. Rhodes gives his support to the Democratic party. Personally, he is genial and unassuming and enjoys to a marked degree the good will and esteem of all who know him.

EDWARD A. FARTHING, former trustee of Richland township and former township assessor, and who, after a life of energy and usefulness, is now retired from active labor and enjoying the fruits of his former years of activity, was born in Franklin county, Indiana, on May 10, 1856, and is the youngest of the three children born to his parents, William Alfred and Grabella (Hite) Farthing. The paternal grandfather, Edward Farthing, who was a native of Rockbridge county, Virginia, came to Indiana in an early day, becoming one of the pioneer settlers of Franklin county, where he entered a large tract of land and there spent the remainder of his days. William A. Farthing, who was born in Rush county, grew to manhood in Franklin county, was married there. After the latter event he located on a small farm in that county, but several years later he moved to Howard county, Indiana, where he bought eighty acres of land and devoted himself to its cultivation. He was successful and gradually increased his land holdings there to 250 acres. He remained in Howard county until 1873, when he disposed of his holdings there and, coming to Rush county, bought the land where his son, Edward, now lives, the entire tract then comprising 234 acres. Here he conducted general farming and stock raising, with considerable success, until his retirement, when he moved to Clarksburg, where he lived until going to make his home with his daughter near Indianapolis, where his death occurred in January, 1902. He was a man of active and industrious habits, keen and sagacious in his dealings and at one time was the owner of 284 acres of land. His wife died in June, 1897. They became the parents of three children, namely: Omer, of Indianapolis; Ella, deceased, and Edward A. Edward A. Farthing was reared on the paternal farmsteads and received his education in the public schools of Howard and Rush counties. After completing his studies, he farmed for a while with his father, later renting a part of his father's land in this county. After the latter retired from active labor and moved to Clarksburg, the subject rented the entire farm of 234 acres, which he operated until 1898, when the land was divided among the children, and since that time Mr. Farthing has operated the land belonging to himself and his deceased sister's estate. He has been successful in his operations and is numbered among the progressive and enterprising agriculturists of his section of the county. Mr. Farthing was married to Gertrude Dobbyns, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Dobbyns, and to that union were born two children, Berney, who married Luverne Davis, and Willard, who married lone Moore. Mrs. Farthing died on April 17, 1918. Mr. Farthing has always been an ardent supporter of the Republican party, and has been active in his participation in public affairs, having served one term of four years as trustee of Richland township and a six-year term as assessor. He is a member of the Christian church, of which he formerly was an elder, and is keenly interested in every movement calculated to advance or promote the public welfare.

LEWIS E. HITE, whose career is an expression of well-directed and intelligent industry and of devotion to the best interests of the community, has passed his life in Rush and Decatur coiinties, in both of which he is the owner of land which has come to him through the exercise of thrift, good management and business sagacity. Mr. Hite was born on a farm in Richland township, Rush county, September 7, 1849, a son of William N. and Sarah (Fisher) Hite, the former a native of Virginia and the latter of Ohio. William N. Hite learned the trade of blacksmith in his native state, and came to Indiana as a young man, becoming an early settler of Richland township, where he entered land from the Government. While gradually getting his land into condition for crops, he worked at his trade in the little shop which he had erected on one corner of his land, but as his operations as a general farmer and stock feeder grew to large proportions, he gave less and less attention to blacksmithing and finally abandoned that trade altogether. When his original eighty acres were cleared, he began to add to his holdings, and at one time was the owner of 460 acres of good land, all located in Richland township, where lie was known as a substantial general farmer and feeder of hogs and cattle. His life in this township was passed on the same farm that had been his original home, and there his death occurred on September 27, 1896, when he was eighty-five years of age. Mrs. Hite, who was born in Ohio and came to Indiana in young womanhood, survived him until October 2, 1913, and was also in advanced years at the time of her demise. They were the parents of ten children, of whom six are now living, David F., Lewis E., Winfield, Eliza Jane, Irene and Lola. Lewis E. Hite secured the advantages to be obtained by attendance at the district schools of his day in Richland township, after leaving which he began to assist his father in the hard work of clearing and cultivating the home farm. He remained with the elder man until the time of his marriage, when he embarked upon a career of his own, buying ninety acres of land in Richland township, which he increased by industry and good business management to 202 acres, lying in Rush and Decatur counties. He has always been a general farmer and stock raiser and his efforts have been attended by success. Mr. Hite married Mary Elizabeth Miller, who died leaving three sons : Edgar E., who married Eva Cartmel and has one child, lone ; Albert, who married Cora Dunham and has two children, Edwin and Mary Alice; and Carlos Clair, who is unmarried and resides with his father, whose assistant he is. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Hite married Mrs. Clara (Gross) Bowman. Mr. and Mrs. Hite are members of the Christian church, of which he was formerly treasurer and is at present a member of the board of trustees. His political allegiance is with the Democratic party, but he has avoided the thorny paths of the office-seeker, contenting himself with the casting of an intelligent vote. A man of sterling general worth, he is respected by all with whom he is associated, and presents, in the extent of his success, an example worthy of emulation by the youth of the rising generation.

HERBERT W. CHAPPELL, an energetic and progressive young farmer of Ripley township and the owner of a well-cultivated and valuable piece of property, has passed his entire life in Ripley township, where he was born on April 11, 1895, son and only child of John W. and Marcia (Binford) Chappell, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Rush county. John W. Chappell came to Rush county from the Old North state in young manhood, and here spent the rest of his life in farming. While he did not reach advanced years, he profited through his native industry and good management, and at the time of his death was the owner of 114 acres of Ripley township and the possessor of a well-established reputation for honesty, fair dealing and good citizenship. Herbert W. Chappell was given excellent educational advantages in his youth. He first attended the public schools of Walnut Ridge, and after his graduation from the. high school there and at Carthage was sent to Earlham College, where he spent two years. Having decided upon a career in agriculture, he next took a short course in that vocation at Purdue University, leaving that institution in order to take over the management of the home farm several years after his father's death. He conducted this for himself and his mother until the latter 's demise, when he became the owner of the land. The Chappell farm is one of the model properties of Ripley township, upon which there are improvements of the most modern character, the buildings including a new residence and barn built by Herbert W. Chappell in 1917. In addition to carrying on general farming he has been successful in his stock raising activities, and is shipping about seventy head of hogs to the big markets every year. Mr. Chappell is unmarried. He is a member of the Walnut Ridge Friends Meeting. In political matters Mr.

Chappell takes an independent stand, preferring to rely upon his own judgment in his choice of candidates and issues rather than to party dicta.

LUCIEN B. OSBORN, a well known farmer of Rushville township now living retired in Rushville, was born in Union county, this state, but has been a resident of this county most of his life. He was born on July 25, 1849, son of Larkin and May (Howell) Osbom, both of whom spent their last days in this county. Larkin Osborn was a native of Kentucky who came up into Indiana from the Blue Grass state in the days of his young manhood and settled in the neighborhood of Fairfield, where he married and where he remained until in 1851 when he came to Rush county with his family and bought a farm of 225 acres two miles south of town in Rushville township. In addition to his general farming Larkin Osborn engaged quite extensively in the raising of live stock, with particular attention to hogs, and developed a fine piece of property on his farm. On that place he spent his last days. He and his wife were the parents of eight children, three of whom are still living, the subject of this sketch having two brothers, Theodore and Lewis, the former of whom also is a resident of Rushville township. Lucien B. Osborn grew on the farm and received his schooling at the Sugar Orove school. He was but fourteen years of age when his father died and he thus early began to assume mature responsibilities, he and his brother Theodore operating the home farm after their father's death. After his marriage Mr. Osborn bought a farm of sixty-nine acres west of town and there made his home for about three years, at the end of which time he sold that place and moved to Shelby county, where he bought a farm of seventy-nine acres. On this latter place he made his home for sixteen years and then returned to Rush county and bought back his old farm west of Rushville and again established his home there. As his affairs prospered Mr. Osborn added to his holdings until he became the owner of a fine farm of 102 acres, all under cultivation, and on this place he continued to make his home until his retirement from the farm and removal to Rushville, where he and his family are very comfortably situated. Though retired from the active labors of the farm Mr. Osborn continues to take a supervisory interest in the place and is still quite extensively engaged in the raising of hogs, with which he has had much success. It was in 1880 that Lucien B. Osborn was united in marriage to Harvina Gruell, who was born in this county, daughter of Isaac and Sarah (Young) Gruell, both of whom also were born in Indiana, the former in the vicinity of Waterloo. Isaac Gruell came to Rush county with his parents in the days of his youth, the family locating on a farm west of Rushville where he grew to manhood. After his marriage he established his home in that same vicinity and there spent the remainder of his life. In addition to his general farming Isaac Gruell carried on a wide practice as a veterinary surgeon and was widely known throughout this and neighboring counties. He and his wife were the parents of eleven children, of whom seven still survive, those besides Mrs. Osborn being

Charles, George, Laban, Newton, Samuel and Jennie. To Mr. and Mrs. Osborn three children have been born, Bert, Fred and Jennie. Bert Osborn has been twice married. His first wife, Lavon Hilligoss, died, leaving him one child, Lowell, and he then married Myrtle Smith, by whom he has two children, John and Thomas. Fred Osborn married Beatrice Austin and has one child, Wilma Mae. Jennie Osborn married Chase Cross and has three children, Ollie, Mary Ellen and Anna Belle. Mr. Osborn is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Methodist church.

CHARLES V. SPENCER, vice-president of the Farmers' Federation of Rush county, whose splendid farm is located in Richland township, and who has spent practically all of his life in this county, is descended from sterling old Scottish ancestry, his paternal grandfather, John Spencer, who was born and reared in Scotland, having come to this country in an early day. He became ardently identified with the then new republic and fought for this country in the War of 1812. Among his children was Rodrick Spencer, who was born in Butler county, Ohio. While the latter was still but a lad, the family moved to Franklin county, Indiana, where he was reared to manhood, and where he was married to Mary Masters, a native of Pennsylvania. He became employed as a farm hand, but at the same time he seriously took up the study of surveying and civil engineering, in wiiich he became accomplished and in which he was engaged to a greater or less extent during most of his active years. Some time after his marriage he moved to Metamora, Ind., where he was employed as a clerk and bookkeeper, but subsequently he located near Spring Hill, Decatur county, 'and for several years was engaged in teaching school in that vicinity. Several years later Mr. Spencer came to Rush county and located in Richland township, where he bought eighty acres of farm land, to the operation of which he gave his attention. He also gave considerable attention to civil engineering and for twenty-four years he served officially as surveyor of Rush county. A few years prior to his death he was elected county assessor, serving about six years, and then, because of the failure of his health, he retired from active life and spent the remainder of his days quietly on his farm. He had been successful in his business affairs and had accumulated an estate of 200 acres, all in Richland township. In addition to general farming, he also had given considerable attention to the raising of live stock, and he held a high rank among the successful agriculturists and public spirited citizens of Rush county. To him and his wife were born five children, of whom two are now living, John L. and Charles V. Charles V. Spencer was reared on the paternal farmstead and received his educational training in the public schools of Richland township. After completing his studies he turned his attention to farming, renting from bis father a part of the home farm. In 1895 he received from his father 120 acres of the farm and he has devoted his attention to farming continuously since. He has achieved a notable success as an agriculturist and has increased his land holdings to 390 acres, all of which lies in Richland township. Mr. Spencer also gives serious attention to the raising and feeding of live stock, feeding from 400 to 500 hogs and about two carloads of cattle a year. He is progressive and up-to-date in his methods and no citizen of Richland township occupies a higher place in general esteem than does he. In addition to his agricultural operations, Mr. Spencer is also actively identified with several strong financial institutions in this section of the state, having taken an active part in the organization of the Clarksburg State Bank, of which he has served as president since 1912, and he also assisted in the organization of the Broad Ripple State Bank. In 1920 he was elected vice-president of the Farmers' Federation of Rush county, and is now serving his second term in that capacity. Mr. Spencer was married to Mary Margaret Logan, the daughter of Hugh and Catherine Logan, and they are the parents of one child, a son, Howard L. Spencer, who is now a student in the high school at Clarksburg. Mr. Spencer and his family are active members of the Presbyterian church, of which he is now serving as treasurer. Politically, he is a Democrat, and fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons.

JOHN E. KIRKPATRICK, one of the progressive agriculturists of Center township, this county, has performed well his part in life and it is a compliment worthily bestowed to say that this locality is honored in his citizenship. Mr. Kirkpatrick was born in Center township on the 4th day of September, 1866, and is the son of James B. and Malinda M. (Newhouse) Kirkpatrick, both of whom also were born and reared in Rush county, the father in Union township and the mother in Jackson township. James Kirkpatrick followed agricultural pursuits throughout his active life, mostly in Center township, where he became the owner of 500 acres of farm land. To him and his wife were born eight children, five of whom are living, namely : Samuel D., William B., John E., Mary and Amanda. John E. Kirkpatrick received his educational training in the Carter school in Center township, and after completing his studies he devoted himself to work on the home farm, remaining with his father imtil his marriage, when he began farming on his own account, locating on the farm where he now lives and which now comprises 165 acres of land. He first started in as a renter, but later bought thirty-five acres, the remainder of the land coming to him as an inheritance. Mr. Kirkpatrick has made fine improvements on the place, including new buildings and his farm is now one of the best improved and most attractive in this community. He carries on a general line of farming and raises about 150 hogs a year. On January 12, 1886, Mr. Kirkpatrick was married to Flora M. Sample, who was born in Marion county, Indiana, but who received her education in the Ball school in Center township, her parents, Asa E. and Sarah A. (Ketley) Sample, having moved to

Rush county when she was nine years of age. To Mr. and Mrs. Kirkpatrick was born a son, Lewis M., on November 23, 1S96. He attended the Center township common schools, graduated from the Rushville high school, and was then a student for three years in agriculture at Purdue University, at Lafayette, Ind. On September 1, 1918, he enlisted in the United States service at Rushville and a few days later was sent to Purdue, going first into the Auto Mechanics' Corps, from which he was transferred to the Motor Transport Corps. He was graduated from the Transport Training School at Purdue on October 31, 1918, and on November 27, 1918, was promoted to the rank of corporal. After being held at Purdue for two months, he was sent to Fort Sheridan, where he remained for six weeks, and on December 16, 1918, he was transferred to Fort Wingate, New Mexico, where he remained up to the time of his death, which occtirred on April 13, 1919, after an illness of one week. His body was brought back to his home and now lies in East Hill cemetery, Rushville. Mr. and Mrs. Kirkpatrick are members of the Center Christian Church and give their support to all worthy benevolent and charitable objects. Politically, Mr. Kirkpatrick gives his support to the Democratic party. He possesses many splendid qualities of head and heart and enjoys the confidence and esteem of those about him. BIRNIE BEAVER is one of the industrious and reliable farmers of Noble township, classed with the rising generation of agriculturists, who are acknowledged to be as broad and scientific in their methods and as fruitful in valuable results to the community as the workers in any other branch of modern industry. In the field of agriculture it has often happened that the fathers and grandfathers have secured the broad and fertile tracts of land which the sons and grandsons have brought to their full capacity of productiveness. The rough, preliminary labors of the pioneers are as necessary as the developing work of the after generations; all combine for the general advancement of the wonderful agricultural interests of the country. Mr. Beaver was born in Rushville township, Rush county, -June 25, 1888, a son of Morrison and Florence (McGrew) Beaver. He received his education in Noble township, where he was taken as a child, and on leaving school his appreciation of land tillage waned temporarily, and he sought release from the ceaseless round of duties on his father's farm as an apprentice to a drop forger, at Newcastle, Ind. However, after following that vocation for eight and one-half years, he returned to the home place and resumed agricultural activities, and at the present time is farming 160 acres of his father's which he has brought to a high state of cultivation, in addition to twenty-five acres which he rents. He has about fifty to 100 acres in corn and thirty- five acres in small grain, and feeds out about 200 hogs a year. Mr. Beaver is progressive in his methods and energetic in his work, and is steadily forging his way to a place among the substantial men of his township. He is a Republican. Mr. Beaver married Alicedell Jay, and they are the parents of two children, Florence L. and George Morrison.

LYLE H. ANDERSON, a practical and zealous farmer of Richland township, and one who for many years has promoted the best interests of the community, was born on the farm which he now occupies, May 26, 1871, a son of James W. and Livonia (Hopkins) Anderson, the former born at Greensburg and the latter near Kingston, Ind. James W. Anderson was born on March 24, 1832, and grew to manhood in Decatur county, Indiana, being nineteen years of age when he married the seventeen-year-old Livonia Hopkins, who was born on January 20, 1834. Shortly following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Anderson came to Rush county, where the former bought 190 acres of timber land. This he transformed through industrious labor into productive farming property, and subsequently became a prominent and successful trader in land, increasing his own holdings to 2,000 acres in Rush county, other lands in Decatur and Tipton counties and about 1,400 acres in northern Missouri. He was said to have been the largest landholder in Rush county during his day, and in his farming operations also was widely known as a dealer in hogs and mules. In all of his operations he was guided by high business principles and his community knew him as a man of sound and substantial worth. He was a member of the official board of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in his political allegiance was a Republican. Mr. Anderson died on November 29, 1892, and his widow survived until May 26, 1905. They were the parents of six children, of whom four survive: Alice, who married William Winship and died in 1908; S. Bernie, a resident of Rushville township ; Mary E., who resides on the old home place ; John, who died in infancy ; Lyle H. ; and James W., on the home farm. The educational training of Lyle H. Anderson was acquired in the public schools of Richland township, and upon leaving school he devoted himself to farming on the home place, in association with his father. At the elder man's death, the sons assumed the responsibilities attendant upon the cultivation of the large property on which the home was situated, and for some years Lyle H. Anderson has been associated with his brother, James W., and his sister, Mary E., in the ownership and operation of 700 acres of land. About 500 hogs annually are fed out, and cattle by the car load, and some fifty or more mules are kept on the place, on which the improvements are modern and the buildings substantial and attractive. Mr. Anderson is unmarried. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he was a steward for some years, and has been a subscriber to religious and educational movements as well as to those enterprises which have been promulgated by public-spirited citizens. His political belief makes him a Republican.

JAMES M. BROOKS, a well-known farmer of Ripley township, and an honored veteran of the Civil war, is a native son of Rush county, his birth having occurred in Ripley township, on February 28, 1848, his parents being Robert and Ellen (Templeton) Brooks. the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Ohio. Robert Brooks was a young man when he went to Ohio, and there met and married Ellen Templeton, the couple subsequently coming to Indiana and locating in Ripley township, this county. Here the father entered 160 acres of land from the United States Government, and was engaged in farming thereon during the remainder of his life. A man of industry, he developed a valuable property, and by reason of his integrity and good citizenship won a high place in the esteem and confidence of the people of his community. He and his wife, who like her husband was held in the highest respect, were the parents of three children, of whom only James M. now survives. James M. Brooks was educated in Ripley township, where he attended the Walnut Ridge schoolhouse. Leaving school at the age of fifteen years, he presented himself for enrollment as a soldier of the Union army, and in 1863 was accepted as a private of Company E, Ninth regiment, Indiana Volunteer Cavalry, an organization of which he was a member until after the close of the Civil war. Mr. Brooks participated in numerous hard-fought engagements during the last two years of the conflict, among them being Franklin, Nashville, Springhill and Sugar Creek. He received his honorable discharge at the close of the war and was mustered out of the service in August, 1865. On the completion of his military duties, Mr. Brooks returned to the home farm where he was associated in agricultural operations with his father until his marriage. He then began farming on his own account, as a renter, and was thus engaged for about five years. His wife then inherited sixty acres of land, in Ripley township, and on this Mr. Brooks has continued to be engaged in general farming and stock rais ing to the present. On August 10, 1872, Mr. Brooks was united in marriage to Mai-y E. Woodley, who also was born in Ripley township, daughter of Isaac and Mary (Cloyd) Woodley. natives of North Carolina, who for many years were engaged in agricultural pursuits in Rush county, where they were well known and highly respected by all. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brooks: Frank; Alice, who is married ; Albert, who is married ; Fred ; Walter ; Charles, who is married; Roy, married; and Hallie and Benjamin. With his family, Mr. Brooks has been an active member of the Friends church for many years, attending at Walnut Ridge, and in politics is a stanch Republican. He is one of the popular members of the Grand Army of the Republic, and it is needless to add that his are among the most interesting of the reminiscences of Civil war time which enliven the annual campfires.

WILLIAM R. MARTIN, a well known and substantial farmer and land owner of Union township and former trustee of that township, is not a native son of Rush county but lias been a resident here for more than twenty years and has come to regard himself as much a part of the community as though "native and to the manner born," and takes as deep an interest in community affairs as though all his life had been spent here. He was born on a farm in Union county, this state, January 16, 1867, son of Samuel and Mary (Lafuze) Martin, the latter of whom also was born in that county, a member of one of the old families there, and both of whom spent their last days in that county. Samuel Martin was born over the state line in Preble county, Ohio, a son of Austin Martin, a Virginian, who had been a resident of Ohio since the days of his young manhood. When Samuel Martin was about five years old his parents moved over into Indiana with their family and located in Union county, where they spent the remainder of their lives, developing there a good farm. Samuel Martin took up farming in his turn and after his marriage to Mary Lafuze established his home on a farm in his home county and continued that vocation the rest of his life, becoming the owner of an excellent farm of 195 acres. His wife died in 1907 and he did not long survive her, his death occurring in 1909. They were the parents of six children, of whom five are still living, those besides the subject of this sketch being Charles 0., Oscar B., Walter M. and Samuel L. William R. Martin was reared on the home farm in Union county and received his schooling in the neighborhood schools. When twenty-one years of age he bought a team and began farming on his own account, renting a piece of land nearby, and continued as a renter for about four years, at the end of which time he bought a tract of 100 acres in Brownsville township, Union county, and, having married meanwhile, established his home there. Mr. Martin remained in Union county until 1900 when he disposed of his interests there and came over into Rush county and bought a 120-acre farm in Union township, where he remained until 1910, in which year he moved to the eighty-acre tract on which he is now living in that same township, erected on that place the modern house in which he is living and has since continued to make that place his home, he and his family being very comfortably and pleasantly situated. As his affairs prospered Mr. Martin added to his land holdings from time to time until he became the owner of 572 acres in Rush and Fayette counties, but has since disposed of a portion of this land and now has 280 acres, all in this county save an "eighty" over in Fayette. Mr. Martin is farming 200 acres and in addition to his general farming feeds out about 150 head of hogs a year. His place is admirably improved, the farm plant being well equipped and up-to-date, and everything is "ship-shape," he long having been recognized as one of the consequential farmers of that section. In 1889, while living in Union county, William R. Martin was united in marriage to Ollie R. Leab, daughter of Emanuel and Sabra (Clevinger) Leab, and to this union four children have been born, namely: Fred E., who married Lillian Rea and has two children, Janet and Alice Ruth ; Orville S., who married Ruth Laughlin and has one child, a daughter, Ellen Jane; Thomas O, who married Ocie Kirkpatrick and has one child, Alvin Noel, and Ruth, who is at home with her parents. The Martins have a very pleasant home on rural mail route No. 10 out of Rushville and take an interested and hospitable part in the community's general social activities. They are Republicans and give proper attention to local political affairs, Mr. Martin having served for six years (1909-15) as trustee of Union township. Mr. and Mrs. Martin are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Falmouth and Mr. Martin has served as a member of the board of trustees of the church. Mr. Martin is a York Rite Mason, a member of the blue lodge at Rushville and the Rushville Commandery, Knights Templar, and is also a noble of the Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, affiliated with Murat Temple, Indianapolis.

JAMES MADISON ("MAT") BEVER, who maintains a high standing among the substantial farmers of Noble township, where he is the owner of a fine farm of eighty-two acres, has devoted his entire life to agricultural pursuits, in which his ability and industry have enabled him to achieve success. Mr. Bever, more familiarly known among his many friends and acquaintances as "Mat" Bever, was born in Noble township. May 28, 1870, a son of James and Harriet (Emmett) Bever, both natives of Rush county. James Bever. who was an agriculturist in Rush county throughout a long and industrious life, started in a small way but through inherent capability and persistent endeavor achieved marked success in his operations, and at the time of his death in October, 1897, was the owner of 415 acres of land and occupied a high place in the esteem and respect of his fellow-citizens. His widow, who survives him, is a highly regarded resident of New Salem. Mat Bever received his education in the country schools of Noble township, and after leaving school engaged in farming in association with his father. At the latter 's death he embarked in operations on his own account, and now carries on general farming and stock raising on his well -cultivated farm of eightytwo acres, lying in a favored locality in Noble township. He has made numerous improvements on this property which now presents an attractive appearance, with substantial buildings and modern equipment. Mr. Bever is accounted an experienced and capable man in his business, and feeds out from eighty to 100 hogs per year. Mr. Bever married Jennie Smith, daughter of David Smith, and to this union there have been born three children : Mayme. who married John Hedrick and has two children. Harold and Maurice; Ruth, who married Elmer Ryan and has one child, Donald; and Gladys. Mr. and Mrs. Bever and their children are members of the United Brethren church. In politics he is a Republican, although be has taken no particularly active part in public affairs and has not cared for public office or preferment.

AUGUSTUS WILLIAM WILKINSON, proprietor of an up-todate bakery plant at Rushville and one of the enterprising and progressive business men of that city, is a native of the Blue Grass state, but lias been a resident of Rushville since the days of his boyhood. He was born in Spencer county, Kentucky, January 6, 1871, son of Dr. L. P. and Matilda L. (Summers) Wilkinson, both natives of North Carolina, whose last days were spent in Rushville. Dr. L. P. Wilkinson, who for years practiced the dental profession at Rushville, was educated for the medical profession and for a time practiced that profession in Kentucky, to which state he had gone upon becoming equipped for practice in North Carolina, but later became more attracted to the dental branch of surgery and as a dentist spent the rest of his life. He was married in Kentucky and remained there until about 1880, when he came to Indiana with his family and located at Rushville, where he opened an office for the practice of dentistry and there spent the remainder of his life. He and his wife were the parents of seven children, of whom four are still living, those besides the subject of this sketch being Stillwell, of Rushville; Rosa B., of Brownstown, and Sally, of Medora. A. W. Wilkinson was seven years of age when he came with his parents from Kentucky to Indiana and his schooling was completed in the Rushville high school. Not long after coming here he entered the bakery of J. W. Carnine at Rushville and in that establishment learned the baker's trade, which he later followed as a "journeyman" until 1911, when he opened an establishment of his own at Rushville, equipping the same with up-todate appliances for effective operation, and from the very start has made a success of the business. Mr. Wilkinson knows the value of modern equipment and not long ago renewed his plant with machinery of the most up-to-date character, with a capacity of 3,000 loaves daily, and has now the only retail bakery in the city and is doing an excellent business, his progressive methods recommending the products of his ovens to a discriminating and growing trade in and about Rushville. In 1895 A. W. Wilkinson was united in marriage to Daisy Mae Wilson, daughter of John W. Wilson, and to this union three children have been born, John W., Gertrude and Lillian Pauline. John W. Wilkinson is an efficient aid to his father in the operation of the extensive Wilkinson bakery plant and Miss Gertrude Wilkinson is a teacher of commercial forms in the high school at Connersville. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson are members of the Christian church and Mr. Wilkinson is a deacon in the same. He also is a Royal Arch Mason and has been "through the chairs" in the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias. Politically, he is a Republican and has ever given a good citizen's attention to local civic affairs.

HARRY T. MILLER, who is conspicuous among the enterprising farmers and stock raisers of Noble township, has succeeded in his chosen life work through the qualities of persistence, sound judgment and honorable dealings, which have earned for him the esteem of the entire community. Harry T. Miller is a native son of Rush comity, having been born in Richland township on October 28. 1886, and he is the son of Eliphilet and Mollie Miller. He is indebted to the common schools of Richland township for his educational training and after completing his studies he took employment as a farm hand for six years in that community. During the following four years he cultivated a farm of ninety-four acres in Richland township, and then he moved to Noble township, where he rented a farm of 240 acres. Two years later he located on the farm where he now resides, comprising 175 acrs, and here he is farming with a gratifying measure of success. He carries on general farming, raising all the crops common to the locality, and he also feeds about 200 hogs annually. lie is thorough and methodical and is up-to-date in his ideas relative to farming. Mr. Miller was married to Sylvia Walker, daughter of Daniel and Belle (Kennedy) Walker, and they are the parents of three children, Donald, Dorothy and Gladys. Mrs. Miller, who is a native of Rush county, is a lady of many estimable qualities of character and is a popular member of the circles in which she moves. Politically, Mr. Miller is a Republican.

FRED GODDARD, trustee of Richland township and a substantial land owner of that township, was born in Clinton township, Decatur county, Indiana, on November 18, 1880. His paternal grandparents were John and Louisa (Miller) Goddard, natives of Kentucky, who came overland to Decatur county, Indiana, settling in Clinton township, where he bought a tract of land and devoted the remainder of his active years to its cultivation and improvement. Among their children was a son, Oliver, who was born and reared to manhood in Decatur county, and who married Anna Wellinger, a native of New Jersey. Oliver Goddard gave his attention to farming on the old homestead until after his marriage, when he rented other land and so continued until 1883, when he bought his first farm, comprising 104 acres. He was successful in his operations and at one time was the owner of 640 acres of good farm land. He devoted himself to general farming and stock raising until 1914, when he retired from active business pursuits and moved to Greensburg. To him and his wife were born seven children, of whom six are now living, namely : Fred, Margaret, Henry, Robert, Oliver, Jr., and Benjamin. Fred Goddard received his educational training in the public schools of Clinton township, Decatur county, and after leaving school he assisted his father in the operation of the home farm until he was twenty-three years of age, at which time he was married. He then engaged in farming on his own account, renting 210 acres of land in Clinton township, to which he devoted his attention during the ensuing nine years. In 1912 Mr. Goddard bought the place which he now occupies in Richland township, and onto which he moved the following year. His first purchase was seventy-eight acres, to which he later added by purchase until he is now the owner of 162 acres. He has made a number of permanent improvements to the place, including an attractive and conveniently arranged house, barn and other necessary farm buildings, the general appearance of the place indicating him to be a man of sound practical ideas and discriminating judgment. Mr. Goddard has met with success in the handling of live stock and feeds about 120 head of hogs and a carload of cattle each year. He also gives close attention to the breeding of pure bred Duroc Jersey hogs, his stock commanding above average prices. Mr. Goddard was married to Bertha May Hite, the daughter of Jacob W. and Alice (Hood) Hite, and their union has been blessed in the birth of two daughters, Alice and Anna, both of whom are attending school.

Fred Goddard

Mr. Goddard and his family are members of the Presbyterian church, in the work of which they take an active part, and Mr. Goddard is a trustee of the church. He has always given his support to the Republican party and is now serving his first term as trustee of Richland township. A man of good business qualifications and accurate judgment, he is proving a good public official and enjoys the esteem of the entire community. A lifelong resident of this section of the state, he has been a witness to and a participant in the splendid development which has characterized this locality and because of his life and labors has earned his position among the leading farmers and influential citizens of Rush county. J. LEVI LORD, M. D., who for nearly a quarter of a century has been practicing medicine at Mays, this county, is a native son of the county now honored by his citizenship. He was born in Posey township on December 10, 1858, the son of James J. and Sarah (Billings) Lord, the former of whom was born in Kent county, Delaware, on October 11, 1828, and the latter born in Butler county, Ohio, on January 4, 1837. They were brought to Rush comity in their childhood and received their education in the schools of this county, their marriage taking place in Jackson township on October 11, 1855. Here Mr. Lord followed farming pursuits and became a man of prominence and influence. To him and his wife were born seven children, of whom four are now living, Doctor Lord having a brother, William A. Lord, and two sisters, Mrs. Lily J. Lawson, and Mrs. Harriet L. Leisure. The deceased children of this family were Francis 0. Lord, who became a substantial farmer of the eastern part of Howard county, this state, and who died on April 9, 1921, in his fifty-ninth year, and Ann and Elsworth, who died in infancy. Doctor Lord received his elementary education in the public schools of Howard county, Indiana, whither his parents had moved in 1860 but when nineteen years old (in 1877) he returned to Rush county and made his home with his uncle, Henry Lord, who assisted him in the completion of his education. He attended the Rushville high school, where he was under the instructions of David M. Graham as superintendent and Mrs. R. A. Moffitt, principal. Then he taught four terms of school in Union township, this county. Having determined to devote his life to the practice of medicine, he matriculated in the Medical College of Indiana, at Indianapolis, and graduated on March 1, 1882. Doctor Lord first engaged in the active practice of his profession at Point Isabel, Grant county, Indiana, where he remained nearly five years. He then moved to Marion, Ind., where for eleven years he was numbered among the active and successful doctors of the community. During this period he served two years as coroner of Grant county, his commission bearing the signature of Governor Isaac P. Gray. While living at Marion Doctor Lord owned an interest in a drug store. The Doctor has always taken a keen interest in political, religious and educational matters and was one of the first advocates of the establishment of the normal college at Marion. He remained in the latter city until 1898, when he returned to Rush county and entered upon the practice at Mays, where he has since remained and where he has built up a large and representative patronage. Doctor Lord is a careful reader of the best professional literature, keeping himself in touch with the age in latest discoveries pertaining to the healing art, and his practice covers a wide radius of surrounding country. On March 14, 1883, Doctor Lord was married to Queen V. Hamilton, who was born in Rush county on July 31, 1861, the daughter of Francis and Elizabeth (McManus) Hamilton, both of whom were natives of Rush county. These parents had two children, Queen V. and Mary B. Doctor and Mrs. Lord have three children, all of whom are married and have established homes of their own, as follows : Charles W., a farmer in Washington township, who married Jennie C. Hamilton and has two children, Beatrice J. and Norman K. ; Clarence H., a farmer in Center township, who married Leila Mull and has one child, Francis R. ; and Ralph H., now engaged in the mercantile business at Dunreith, Ind., who married Leonora Pickett and has two children, Helen M. and Rosemary. While Ralph Lord was a student in the public schools, he was the winner of five consecutive medals in oratoi-ical contests given under the auspices of the Woman 's Christian Temperance Union. Politically, Doctor Lord is independent, reserving the right to vote in accordance with the dictates of his own judgment. Fraternally, he belongs to the Tribe of Ben-Hur at Marion, Ind., and the Improved Order of Red Men at Mays. He is an earnest member of the Center Christian Church near Mays, and gives his support to all worthy benevolent movements as well as to all enterprises for the advancement of the general welfare. During the time of America's participation in the World war, Doctor Lord volunteered his services in behalf of the medical corps and was enrolled for service on November 9, 1918.

WALTER E. PATTON, classed among the leading representatives of farming and stock raising in Richland township, where he is carrying on extensive and successful operations on a tract of 280 acres, is a member of a substantial and well-known agricultural family, and his entire life has been passed in the atmosphere of the country. Mr. Patton was born in the neighboring county of Decatur, December 24, 1875, a son of Samuel R. and Mary E. (Humes) Patton. His father was born at Richland, Rush county, and attended Richland Academy, shortly after leaving which he enlisted for service during the Civil war, as a member of the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years and participated in a number of important engagements. Upon receiving his honorable discharge he returned to Indiana and located at Greensburg, Decatur county, where for about a year he conducted a general store. Subsequently he located on a farm near Spring Hill, in the same county, which he had purchased from his father, and continued to cultivate that land until 1879, when he sold out and came to Rush county, locating on a farm of 280 acres in Richland township. Mr. Patton was a man of education and ability, and was frequently called upon to serve his fellow citizens in responsible public offices. For two terms he was trustee of Richland township and for a period of nine years acted as a member of the board of Rush county commissioners. Mr. Patton married Mary E. Humes, who was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, and they became the parents of seven children, of whom five are living, C. 0., Harry B., John E., Walter E., and Elma. Walter E. Patton secured his education in the schools of Richland township, after leaving which he took up farming with his father and remained at home until the elder man's death in 1903. At that time, Walter E. Patton and his brother, H. B., took over the home place of 280 acres, which they have since operated. Mr. Patton has kept his farm well improved, and has centered his activities in general farming and stock raising. He now has from 100 to 125 acres in corn and eighty acres of wheat, and feeds out about 300 hogs per year and two carloads of cattle. In addition he always keeps a large bunch of mules on his place. He is a man of energy, capability and reliability, and stands high in the esteem of his associates and the confidence of all with whom he has come into contact. In September, 1903, Mr. Patton was united in marriage to Elsie O. Marshall, daughter of John S. and Cora (LaRue) Marshall, of Franklin county, and to this union there has been born one child, a daughter, Pauline, who is attending school. Mr. and Mrs. Patton are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Richland. He is a Mason, belonging to the blue lodge at Milroy, and his political views cause him to support the candidates of the Republican party.

ADOLPHUS T. MAHIN, superintendent of the city light and water plant at Rushville, was born in Walker township, this county, May 4, 1857. His parents were William E. and Elizabeth (Hodge) Mahin, both of whom were born in Rush county and reared and educated in Walker township. William E. Mahin grew up on his father's farm and when prepared to begin farming for himself, bought eighty acres of land in Walker township, paying $8 an acre for a part of it that now commands a price of $250 an acre. He followed agricultural pursuits all his life and at the time of death owned 160 acres in Walker township. There were six children in the family and all are living: Alpheus E., of Connersville, Ind. ; Charles W., a minister, residing in Oklahoma; Addie, of Greencastle, Ind.; Melvina, of Kokomo, Ind. ; Sarah, of Elwood, Ind. ; and Adolphus T. The last named after enjoying public school privileges in Walker township, attended Holbrook College, at Lebanon, Ohio, and later the Eclectic Medical College, Cincinnati, from which institution he was graduated. For the past twenty-two years Mr. Mahin has been identified with the electric light plant at Rushville. The initial installation was in 1892 and by 1894 the plant, the second municipal plant in the state, was in first class order. For four years the plant was located near the C. I. & W. railroad tracks, removal then being made to its present situation, when a water plant was installed. These utilities have been enlarged to about five times the original area, the present capacity of the three engines in use amounting to 1,051 horse power. The electric plant of 855 horse power, has 804 connections for light and heat, and there are 1,320 water connections for domestic and commercial purposes, water being pumped by electric power from ten driven wells. The success of this great public enterprise is largely due to Superintendent A. T. Mahin, who has devoted himself closely and effectively to the affairs of the city light and water plant since 1907, prior to which time for six years he had been district manager for the Central Union Telephone Company, with headquarters at Connersville, Ind. On September 8, 1876, Mr. Mahin married Josephine Fouche, who was born in Tipton county, Indiana, a daughter of James B. Fouche. The father of Mrs. Mahin followed milling in both Tipton and Rush counties, for fifteen years being engaged in that industry at Rushville, during which time he lost one mill by fire but immediately rebuilt. Of his eight children the following are living : Wilbur T. and Mattie, both of Indianapolis ; Frank E., of West Baden, Ind. ; and Mrs. Mahin, of Rushville. Mr. and Mrs. Mahin have four children, Maxwell E., Howard, Florence and Margaret R., all of whom have domestic circles of their own except the youngest daughter, who resides with her parents. Maxwell E. Mahin is a farmer in Fayette county, Indiana. He married Bertha Hnbell and they have two children, Francis and Mildred. Howard Mahin is a farmer in Rush county. He married Hazel Readle, and they have one son, James H. Florence Mahin married AVilliam McGuire, an architect of Indianpolis. Miss Margaret R. Mahin was graduated from the Teachers' College at Indianpolis and is now (1921) teaching in the Webb school in Rushville township, this county. Mr. Mahin and his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church at Rushville, of which he has been treasurer for twelve years. In politics he is a Republican but has never sought public office, serving, however, one term in the city council. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and belongs also to the Red Men and the Odd Fellows.

ALBERT M. IIITE. The general farming and stock raising interests of Rush county have a worthy representative in Richland township in the person of Albert M. Hite. Not only does Mr. Hite maintain the reputation for business-like effort established by his father and pioneer grandfather, but. has augmented this by a demonstration of what may be accomplished when one has youth, ambition and a clear brain in the twentieth century. Albert M. Hite was born in Decatur county, Indiana, January 27, 1888, a son of Lewis E. and Mary Elizabeth (Miller) Hite. William N. Hite, father of Lewis E. Hite, was born in Virginia, where he learned the trade of blacksmith, and as a young man came overland to Indiana, and secured eighty acres of land in Rush county. For a time he continued to follow his trade in a little shop on one corner of his farm, but later turned his entire attention to farming and became one of the successful agriculturists and stock feeders of his locality. He accumulated 460 acres of land in Richland township, and died in his eighty-fifth year, in 1896. He married Sarah Fisher, who was born in Ohio, and she survived him until 1913.

Albert Kite

They had ten children, of whom six are now living : David F., Lewis E., Winfield, Eliza Jane, Irene and Lola. Lewis E. Hite was born in 1849, in Richland township, and as a young man adopted farming, a vocation which he has followed throughout his life, being now the owner of 202 acres, located in Rush and Decatur counties. He now makes his home in Fugit township, in the latter county, where he has a well-cultivated property. Mr. Hite married Mary Elizabeth Miller, who was born in Franklin county, Indiana, and she died leaving three sons : Edgar E., who married Eva Cartmel ; Albert M., and Carlos Clair, the latter of whom is unmarried and resides with his father. After the death of his first wife, Lewis E. Hite married Mrs. Clara (Gross) Bowman. Albert M. Hite received his education in the public schools of Decatur county and farmed in association with his father until several years after his marriage, when he secured his present property, a farm of ninetyeight and one-half acres in Richland township, this county. Under his judicious management this farm has developed into one of the model properties of its size in the township, it being devoted to general farming and stock raising. On August 31, 1909, Albert M. Hite married Cora Dunham, who was born in Berrien county, Michigan, daughter of Enos and Alice (Hethman) Dunham, natives of that same county, and they have two children, Edwin and Mary Alice. Mr. and Mrs. Hite belong to the Christian church. He is a blue lodge, chapter and council Mason, and is a Democrat.

JOHN R. WEIR, a successful farmer and carpenter of Noble township, this county, was born in Laurel township, Franklin county, Indiana, on October 17, 1857, and is the only child born to his parents, Ashbury and Jeannette (Searne) Weir, the latter a native of Hamilton county, Ohio. Ashbury Weir was born and reared in Franklin county, Indiana, and, after completing his education he applied himself to the vocation of agriculture, which he followed during his entire active life, being the owner of thirty acres of land. He died in August, 1859, and was survived by his widow, whose death occurred in 1902. She had been brought to Franklin county when about twelve years of age, her parents settling north of Brookville. After the death of her first husband, she became the wife of George Weir and to them were born five children, of which number four are living, Oliver N, Malissa, Sarah and Oren. The subject is descended from sterling old English stock and his paternal grandfather, who was of direct English descent, came to Indiana from North Carolina. John R. Weir attended the common schools in Franklin county and when old enough he devoted his energies to work on the home farm, where he remained until he had attained his majority. He then rented a farm, on field rent, operating it until he was twenty-four years of age, then for nine years operated land for cash rent. He then came to Rush county and rented 225 acres of the McCoy farm, to the cultivation of which he devoted himself for thirteen years. He then bought the farm which he now owns, in Noble township, comprising fifty-one and a half acres of land, which he operated until 191G, when he retired from farming: and has since followed the trade of a carpenter. His farm is well improved and is a valuable tract of land. Mr. Weir was married to Lucinda Huntsinger, the daughter of Adam and Mary (Abercrombie) Huntsinger, and they are the parents of four children, Leora Mae, Sarah Alice (deceased), Jeremy Francis and Goldie Edith, Jeremy Francis Weir married Ella Kingery and they have two children, Earl Carlos and Maurice. Mr. Weir and his family are identified with the Little Flat Rock Christian Church. Politically, he is a strong adherent of the Republican party, while, fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias at Laurel and the Improved Order of Red Men at Andersonville.

McCLELLAND APPLE, one of the substantial and well-known citizens of Center township, has spent his life in this county, and has been successful in his business affairs, building up a valuable estate. He was born on the 19th day of April, 1866, in the township now honored by his citizenship, and is descended from sterling old pioneer stock, his paternal grandfather, George Apple, having come to Rush county in 1826 and entered eighty acres of land, a part of the subject's present farm comprising this original entry. The subject's parents were Jabez and Mary A. (Rhodes) Apple, both of whom were born and reared in Center township. Rush county, the father's birth occurring on October 30, 1837, and the mother's on April 5, 1840. The father followed agricultural pursuits all his life and became the owner of 170 acres of land in Center township. To him and his wife were born six children, four of whom are living, namely: Alva A., Mary M.. Cora L. and the subject of this sketch. Sarah Jane and Rosa Almoretta died in infancy. McClelland Apple attended the Shively Corner school in Center township, his vacation periods being spent in work on the home farm. He remained with his father until his marriage, when he began farming on his own account, at first renting sixty acres of land in Center township. He continued to rent until 1920, when he moved back to the home place, 140 acres of which he bought, and of this land all is tillable excepting about five acres of timber land. Mr. Apple carries on a general line of farming and stock raising, feeding about 150 head of hogs a year. He keeps the place in good repair and is numbered among the progressive and enterprising farmers of Center township. On December 23. 1888, Mr. Apple was married to Ida B. Clark, a native of Center township and the daughter of George W. and Elizabeth ( McBride) Clark, the former a native of Hamilton county, Indiana, and the latter born and reared in Rush county. George W. Clark was a farmer, owning ten acres of land in Center township, and also followed the carpenter trade. To him and his wife were born five children, four of whom are living, namely : Anna J., John J., William H. and Ida B. ; Fred C. is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Apple have had eight children, of which number seven are living, as follows: Ola C. Mary E., George J., Russell L., Luva L., Clara A., Leroy and Inez M. The deceased child was Mary E., who died at the age of eight years. Ola C. Apple who is a farmer in Center township, married Ruth M. Earnest, who died on February 16, 1920. George J. Apple, who is farming in Ripley township, this county, married Mazie M. Newsom. The rest of the children are unmarried and at home. Mr. and Mrs. Apple are members of the Center Christian Church. Politically, Mr. Apple gives his support to the Democratic party and lends his influence to the advancement of every enterprise for the general welfare.

JAMES ARNOLD, who followed farming in Hanover township, Shelby county, for a number of years, but who is now living in Carthage, Rush county, was born on December 11, 1852, in North Carolina, a son of Frank and Betsey (Dosset) Arnold, also natives of the Old North state. Frank Arnold, who was a farmer throughout his life, brought his family to Indiana in 1858 and settled in Shelby county, where he acquired land and rounded out his career in the cultivation of the soil. He and his wife were the parents of five children, of whom four survive, Alfred, James, Emily and Elizabeth. In his boyhood, James Arnold experienced much of hardship and little in the way of advantages as they are enjoyed by the country lad of the present day. He attended the district school and after his schooling was finished gave his attention to farming in association with his father, remaining under the parental roof until the time of his marriage. After his union, he was without capital and his career was therefore started as a renter, which continued to be his status for about twenty years. He then purchased a property of about fifteen acres which he operated for several years, then selling out to purchase a forty-acre tract adjoining forty acres which his wife had received as an inheritance from her father. This land was located in Hanover township, Shelby county, and Mr. Arnold continued its operation until 1912, when he disposed of his entire property and moved to Carthage, which has since been his home. While practically retired from active affairs, Mr. Arnold acts as a straw buyer for the Carthage Board and Paper Company. In 1875 Mr. Arnold married Theodosia Graham, who was born in Shelby county, daughter of James and Margaret. (Kendle) Graham, and to this union there were born nine children, of whom seven are living : Walter, of Morristown, Ind., who married Sarah Unger and has three children, Jessie, Glenn and Blanche; Maggie, who married Harry Talbert, of Morristown, and has eight children, Maude, Clifford, Nella, Porter, Harold. Mary, Robert and Myrtle; Frank, of Shelby county, a farmer, who married Ethel Dennis ; Pearl, a sawmill man of Washington, Ind., who married Vera Rutherford, and has three children, Earl, Velma and Alice; Oler, a farmer of Shelby county, who married Eva Vansyock, and has three children, Louise, Juanita and Mary; William, of Carthage, who married Grace Holbrook, and has two children, Har old and Martha J. ; and Ona, who married Forest Rawuls, a barber, of Carthage, and has one child, Helen Juanita. Mr. Arnold and his family belong to the United Brethren church at Gwynneville. He has been a supporter of the principles of the Republican party, and for eight years was assessor of Hanover township.

JOHN E. HARRISON, former county commissioner and a well known citizen, farmer and stock raiser of Anderson township, this county, was born in that township on September 20, 1854, a son of Josiah B. and Jane (Ricketts) Harrison, both of whom were born in Nicholas county, Kentucky. Josiah B. Harrison came to Rush county with his parents when he was twelve years old, grew to manhood and was educated in Anderson township, married here and engaged in farming and stockraising in Anderson township all his active life. He prospered and owned a farm of 160 acres. Of his family of seven children five are living : Martha, of Greensburg, Ind. ; I. 0., also of Greensburg; Ira, of Illinois; William, of Colorado, and John E., of Anderson township. The last named attended the district schools in his native township, the university at Valparaiso, and the normal school at Danville, one year each, after which he taught school for two years. Mr. Harrison then became a farmer in Decatur county, where he remained eight years, but when ready to settle permanently, he came back to Rush county and in 1888 bought 220 acres in Anderson township. He is now operating 340 acres, all in one body, and carries on general farming and stockraising, feeding 150 head of hogs a year. Mr. Harrison has improved his property and has a comfortable modern farm residence. In 1881 he married Lista Jane Keisling, who was born in Anderson township on October 5, 1861, and died on May 23, 1916. Her parents were Lloyd and Mary Keisling, the latter of whom was born in Rush county and the former in Decatur county. Lloyd Keisling came to Rush county, a miller by trade, in 1852, and settled on the place in Anderson township now owned and occupied by Mr. Harrison. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison have the following children : George, who married Goldie Cox and has two children, Opal M. and Pearl; Orie, who married Frank Kennett, and died in 1908, leaving two children, Russell and Robert ; Ben, who married Glendora Harrison and died on March 5, 1920, leaving two children, Dorothy Bernice and Phoebe Jane; Elmer, who married Lucy Power and has two children, Marjorie and Cecil, and Claude and Lillian, both of whom live at home. Mr. Harrison is a Republican and served as a member of the board of county commissioners from 1911 to 1919. He is a member of Milroy Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, at Milroy.

HENRY J. MILLER, a well-known and representative citizen of Rush county, a successful general farmer aud stock buyer, at New Salem, was born in Ripley county, Indiana, on February 6, 1882. and is a son of Henry and Mary (Weasel) Miller, the former a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and the latter born in Harrison, that state. The father grew to manhood in his native county and then came to Decatur county, Indiana, where he was employed as a farm hand for a number of years. Eventually he bought eighty acres of land in Ripley county, on which he located and to the cultivation of which he devoted his attention for almost a half century, when he retired and is now making his home in New Salem. He was married in Decatur county and to this union were born five children, four of whom are now living, namely: Elizabeth, John, Felta and Henry J. Henry J. Miller received his education in the common schools of Ripley county and after the completion of his studies he was employed as a farm hand for several years in that county. He thou came to Rush county and for about ten years he was similarly employed and was also engaged in buying stock for Aaron Wellman. He then entered into a partnership with Mr. Wellman and for nine years they have continued to buy live stock through this section of the country, being among the best known men in their line of this section of the country. Mr. Miller also looks after the cultivation of 160 acres of land, which he rents in Noble township. He gives considerable attention to the feeding of live stock, having fed about 440 hogs iu 1920 and is now feeding about a carload of cattle. In 1901 Mr. Miller was married to Anna Dausch, the daughter of William and Julia Dausch, and their xinion has been blessed in the birth of two children, Lawrence aud Delores. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Roman Catholic church, while, fraternally, Mr. Miller belongs to the Knights of Columbus, the Improved Order of Red Men and the Modern Woodmen of America.

LEROY BITNER, a well-known farmer of Rush county and a substantial landowner of Center township, was born in that township on May 14, 1876, and is the son of Benjamin P. and Charity (Rich) Bitner, who also were natives of Rush county, the father having been born on February 9, 1839, and the mother on November 5, 1840. Benjamin Bitner followed farming during all his active years and became the owner of 290 acres of land in Center township. He and his wife were married on February 5, 1860, and became the parents of eight children, seven of whom are living, namely : Albert, Mary, Ida, Minnie, India, Walter and Leroy. Leroy Bitner received his education in the school at Mays and then, up to the time of his marriage, he remained at home assisting with the farm work. After his marriage, he rented land and began farming on his own account, carrying on his operations for a year in Center township, moving then to an eighty-acre farm in Ripley township which he rented from his fatherin-law for about a year. Mr. Bitner becoming the owner of this fai-m by inheritance, Mr. Bitner moved to his father-in-law's farm, which he rented for about ten years. At the end of that time he bought the place where he now lives, comprising 109 acres, which he has continued to cultivate to the present time, with success and profit. He is also the owner of 200 acres of land elsewhere in Center township. Mr. Bitner carries on a general line of farming and also gives due attention to stock raising, that most important adjunct to successful farming, and feeds about 350 head of hogs a year. He keeps his farms well improved and is considered one of the leading farmers in his township. On October 18, 1899, Mr. Bitner was married to Stella J. Gilson, who was born and reared in Center township, the daughter of William and Samantha (Kirkpatrick) Gilson, and to them has been born one child, Ruth M., wife of P. Parrish, a fanner in Center township.

Politically, Mr. Bitner gives his support to the Democratic party and he takes a keen interest in public affairs, giving his support to every movement for the advancement of the general welfare.