Rush County, Indiana - The whole text, 1921 (part 11 of 18)

W. A. CAMERON, a former farmer in Richland township, but now retired and living in New Salem, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on April 30, 1857, and is a son of Alonzo and Cordelia (Lee) Cameron. The father, who was born and reared in Cincinnati, was married there and for a good many years he followed the business of contracting, a part of the time in partnership with his father. They erected many of the best buildings in Cincinnati at that time, including the Cincinnati hospital. To him and his wife were born three children, Lydia, W. A. and one who died in infancy. Lydia is the wife of Robert Dorsey. W. A. Cameron received his educational training in the public schools of Hamilton county, Ohio, and Franklin comity, Indiana. At the age of nine years he was brought to the latter county by his grandparents, with whom he thereafter lived. After completing his studies, he remained on the farm with his grandfather until his marriage, when he bought eighty acres of land in Franklin county. He devoted himself to the cultivation of that land until 1906, when he came to Rush county and bought a farm of 246 acres in Richland township. He was eminently successful in his farming operations and seven years after locating there he was able to retire from active work and moved to New Salem, where he is now living. Mr. Cameron married Rachel McCrady, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George McCrady, and to this union have been born seven children, of which number two are living, namely: Bessie, who became the wife of Edward Scott and they have three children, Dorothy, Robert and William; George married Jessie Beaver, to which union were born two children, Floyd and Walter Dean. After the death of his first wife, he married Hattie B. Shriner, the daughter of Renatius Shriner. Politically, W. A. 'Cameron is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, though not an aspirant for public office.

REUBEN B. HENLEY, who during the active years of his career followed two occupations, those of farming and carpentry, in Ripley township, is now living in comfortable retirement at Carthage, where, in possession of a pleasant home, he is enjoying the rewards of an industrious and well-spent life. Mr. Henley was born in Ripley township, Rush county, October 19, 1845, a son of Micajah and Ruth M. (Bentley) Henley, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Rush county, Indiana. Micajah Henley came to Rush county in young manhood and passed the rest of his life here, becoming the owner of 120 acres of land in Ripley township and applying himself industriously to the pursuits of agriculture. He and his wife were the parents of eight children, of whom seven are living: Reuben B., Caroline V., Mary S., Harlan H., Eve H., Lenora and Rose. The third child in order of birth, Lavina, is deceased. Reuben B. Henley was educated in the district schools of Ripley township, where he attended the Beach Grove schoolhouse, and on completing his studies took up farming in association with his father. He was thus employed until the time of his marriage, when he embarked upon an agricultural career of his own, having, just before that time, purchased eighty acres of land in association with his brother, Harlan H. Henley. The brothers farmed in partnership for about twelve years, when Reuben B. Henley bought his brother's interest in the property, but after several years disposed of the entire tract and became a renter. He continued to be thus occupied until 1910 when he gave up farming and moved to Carthage, where he applied himself to the carpenter trade, a vocation which he had learned in his youth and which he had followed intermittently throughout his career. In 1917 he gave up all active pursuits and settled down to a life of quiet and contented retirement. Mr. Henley was married in 1872 to Rachael Young, who was born and educated in the rural districts of Rush county, daughter of Joseph W. and Sarah (Binford) Young. Of the five children of Mr. and Mrs. Young, Mrs. Henley is the only survivor. Pour children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Henley, of whom three survive : Herbert O. Henley, an electrician of Greenfield, Ind., who married Jessie Kurts and has had two children, of whom one is living, Kurts ; Lillian R. Henley, who is unmarried and makes her home with her parents, and Harry Grant Henley, a United States rural mail carrier out of Carthage, who married Ruby Stevens and has two children, Ruth B. and Florence M. Mr. Henley has been ever ready to discharge the duties of good citizenship and at various times has been called upon by his fellow citizens to occupy offices of public trust. For eight years he served as road supervisor of Ripley township and for a like period acted as township assessor, while in 1910 he rendered service in taking the census of that township. He is a stanch Republican in politics, and his fraternal affiliation is with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, past noble grand of the Carthage lodge. With his family, Mr. Henley belongs to the Friends Meeting at Carthage.

JOHN W. LOGAN, a retired farmer and substantial citizen of Rushville, was born in Des Moines county, Iowa, December 16, 1850, a son of Thomas and Sarah (Lafforge) Logan. Both parents were born in Rush county, Indiana, where they were reared and married. In 1847 they moved to Iowa, where the father followed farming for seventeen years, then returned with his family to Rush county, where both parents died in advanced age, the father, November 12, 1912, and the mother, November 14, 1914. Their burial was in the Hurst cemetery near Homer. The father prospered in Rush county, acquiring 400 acres of land. John W. Logan is one of a family of twelve children, the other survivors being: Elizabeth J., of Huntington county, Indiana; Harriet A., of Noble township, Rush county; Mary E., of Walker township, Rush county; Emma, of Milroy, Rush county; Alice, of Whitley county, Indiana; Clara, of Huntington county ; Myrto, of Rushville ; and Mattie, of Walker township, Rush county. In boyhood John W. Logan attended the district schools in Walker township for a time and then began farming for his father, with whom he remained until twenty-eight years old, at which time he bought sixty acres of land for himself, in Walker township. He took a great deal of interest in this property, on which he lived for thirty years. He not only developed it into a profitable farm enterprise, but made it attractive by erecting substantial farm buildings and making other improvements. Although he made no feature of exploring for gas, he had one well on the property that he converted to his own use. In 1902 he sold that farm and bought 185 acres in Union township, which he still owns, operating it until 1917, when he retired from active business life and moved to Rushville. Here Mr. Logan bought a handsome, modern residence located at 1209 North Perkins street. On September 18, 1879, he married Mary E. Hilligoss, who was born in this county, daughter of Elliott and Rosanna (Sells) Hilligoss. Mr. and Mrs. Logan have five children: Grace, the wife of Rue Miller, a farmer in Walker township, who has one child, Lotus; Frank L., a farmer in Union township, who married Nellie MeMillian, and has three children, Russell, Wayne and Wava; Fred R., a farmer in Union township, who married Ruby M. Me- Millian, and has one child, William J., Thomas E., now operating the home farm in Union township, who married Clara Kirkpatrick. and has one child, Lucile M. ; and Sally Jane, who married Lowell C. Vickrey, a farmer in Union township, this county, and has one child, Loren L. Mr. Logan and his family are members of the Plum Creek Christian Church. He has always been a Democrat in his political views but has never aspired to public office.

JOHN F. KRUG, a well-known farmer of Richland township, whose life has been characterized by industry, honesty and steadfastness of purpose, is a native son of Indiana, having been born in Decatur county on April 9, 1882, and he is a son of John G. and Christina (Loons) Krug, the latter a native of Hamilton county, Ohio. John G. Krug was born and reared in Bremen, Germany, where he remained until twenty-eight years of age. He then emigrated to the United States, coming at once to the Middle West and locating at Cincinnati, Ohio. Sometime after his marriage, which occurred in that city, he moved to Ripley county, Indiana, where he took up farming. Subsequently he moved to Decatur county, Indiana, where he remained until bis removal to Richland township, this county, whence he again returned to Decatur county, where he spent the remainder of his days. During practically his entire life he devoted himself to agricultural pursuits and was a man of industrious habits and staunch character. He and his wife became the parents of six children, five of whom are now living, as follows : Mary, Margaret, Elizabeth, John F. and Anna. John F. Krug was reared in the parental home in Decatur county and secured his education in the public schools. Upon taking up work on his own account, he was for a time employed as a farmer by his father and others up to the time of his marriage. He then rented a farm of eighty acres and operated rented land until 1917, when he bought the farm on which he now resides, comprising eighty-five acres. He is farming 296 acres altogether and is achieving pronounced success. Mr. Krug also gives some attention to live stock, feeding two ear loads of hogs a year. Mr. Krug was married to Myrtle Christian, the daughter of Wesley and Nannie (Young) Christian. They are members of the United Brethren church, of which Mr. Krug has been one of the most active workers, having served at one time as superintendent of the Sabbath school and is now assistant class leader and assistant Sunday school teacher. He has always been an earnest supporter of the cause of total prohibition of the liquor traffic and stands staunchly for the best things in life, exerting his influence for everything which promises to better his community in any way. Mrs. Krug also was born in Decatur county and was there reared. Her father, Wesley Christian, was born in Ohio and her mother was born in Kentucky. Wesley Christian was a substantial farmer in Decatnr county and he and his wife were the parents of seven children, those besides Mrs. Krug being Edward, Albert, Lucy, Miriam, Lena and Bina.

VAN HOOD, one of the retired residents of Carthage, and who during his active career was one of the chief factors in bringing about the almost universal use of the telephone in his locality, was born in Fayette county, Indiana, July 12, 1867, a son of Alfred B. and Margaret (Gifford) Hood, natives of Rush county, and the latter of whom is deceased. Alfred B. Hood, now living with his son, was reared to the farm and for several years was engaged in operations in Fayette county, but for the most part centered his activities in Rush county, where he became the owner of 344 acres of land. He and his wife were the parents of six children, of whom four survive, Valeria, Hettie, Enoch B. and Van. Van Hood attended the public schools of Rush county in his boyhood, and early displayed an aptitude for mechanics that amounted almost to genius. After graduating from Fairview Academy, in 1884, he took a special course at Butler College, Indianapolis, graduating in 1888, and at that time returned to his father's farm. At that time there were no telephones in Rush county, and there were few who could vision the growth of the great industry or foresee the wonderful effect that the invention was to have on country as well as city life. Mr. Hood was one of those, however, who were able to look into the years ahead, and his training had been such that he was prepared for the work at hand. In 1889, a progressive and public-spirited banker of Rushville, A. B. Irvin, formed a stock company, and installed the first telephone system at Rushville. Mr. Hood in 1890 started the project of installing a telephone system between Falmouth and Rushville, and from the latter city he then strung the wires and put in the instruments and apparatus that put the city within speaking distance of Fayetteville. A later work done by Mr. Hood was putting in the line from Falmouth to Bentonville, and this was followed by the installation of a central switchboard at Falmouth, from which wires ran out into the country, this being the first system in this part of the state by which the rural districts were put into communication with each other and with the towns and villages. Later, Mr. Hood went to Arlington and Fayetteville, at which points he installed a system, which he subsequently sold to a company of stockholders. Mr. Hood's next venture was to buy the Carthage telephone plant which he rebuilt and which he operated for twelve years, finally selling out to the Ripley Farmers Telephone Company, the present owner. In 1914 Mr. Hood, giving up the telephone business, ventured into a new field, establishing the Carthage garage, which under his management flourished and which he sold in 1919 to its present owner, H. T. Beher. He then retired from active pursuits, and is now living quietly at his pleasant home at Carthage. On August 24, 1893, Mr. Hood married Lannie Anderson, who was born in White county, Indiana, but was reared and educated in Rush county, a daughter of Thomas and Rachael (Rader) Anderson, farming people who owned a good property in Shelby county. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson were the parents of eight children, of whom six are living, Margaret, Allie, Frank, Vern, James and Lannie. Mr. and Mrs. Hood are members of the Christian church at Carthage. Mr. Hood is a Democrat in politics, and his fraternal connection is with Rush lodge, No. 580, Free and Accepted Masons, at Carthage.

LEVI R. RETHERFORD, a retired farmer and respected resident of Rushville, was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky', January 26, 1835. His parents were David and Elizabeth (Hall) Retherford, natives of Kentucky, in which state they were reared and married. When their son Levi R. was eight months old, they made the journey from Bourbon county up into Indiana on horseback and settled in Rushville township, this county, where David Retherford developed a farm from the wilderness. Of his family of seven children three are living, Anna E., Matilda and Levi R. The children attended the country schools in youth and Levi R. Retherford gave his father assistance until he was twenty-one years old, then rented land and engaged in farming for himself. When his father died he was able to purchase an interest in the home farm and at a later date bought the entire property. At one time he owned 320 acres in Rush county and still owns 200 acres of some of the best land in Rushville township. He was a hard worker and careful farmer and thereby prospered. He continued to be active in the agricultural field until 1900. when he retired and since then has occupied his comfortable home at Rushville. On October 19, 1856, he married Nancy E. Minor, who was born in Edgar county, Illinois, a daughter of Edward and Hettie (Morris) Minor, and they have had seven children, the five survivors all living in homes of their own within their native state. Edward D. Retherford, a substantial farmer in Center township, married Florence Morris, and they have six children, Carl, Byron, Hallie. Miriam, Margery and Levi. Carl, of this family, married Ethel Gilson and they have two children, Glen and Lois; Byron married Ruby McDaniel, lives at Indianapolis, and their children are, Curtis, Dalton, Kennett and Baby ; Hallie, the wife of George Hopper, lives in Indianapolis and has two children, Gean and June. Laura B. Retherford married William Keisling, formerly a farmer in Rush county. He died in 1908 and was buried in East Hill cemetery. Her second marriage was to Ell Jones, of Rnshville. Jesse Retherford is a farmer in Rush county. He married Mary Dill, and the next son, Ferdinand, married Stella Reeve Mull. The youngest of the family, Nelle Retherford, is the wife of Raymond Brown, a farmer in Rush county. The deceased children were Hettie Lee and Robison. The former married Emory Sutton, of Rush county. The latter married Delilah Kelley and their children were Elbert (deceased), Elma, who married Dr. Charles Greene, doctor of dental surgery, of Rushville, and has two children, Frank and Justine; Hettie, Acsah and Mildred. Mr. Retherford 's children are substantial people, well known in their several communities. In earlier years Mr. Retherford was somewhat active in Democratic politics and served for some time in the office of road supervisor for Rushville township. He is the oldest member of the Christian church at Rushville.

D. D. BARBER, a substantial farmer and landowner of this county, now living retired at New Salem, was born south of Andersonville, Franklin county, Indiana, on May 31, 1861, and is the son of Daniel and Catherine (Hite) Barber, both of whom were born and reared in Franklin county. The subject is descended from sterling old pioneer stock, his paternal grandfather, Simeon Barber, who was a native of New Jersey, having come to Franklin county in an early day. He helped clear much of the land and owned the first sawmill at Andersonville, this being one of the most important institutions of that place and period. Daniel Barber was reared to manhood in Franklin county and on attaining mature years he took up farming and sawmilling as his life work. His mill was a typical one of that day, its motive power being water, but nevertheless it had an important part in the establishment of the early homes. He was successful in his financial affairs, invested his profits in land and at one time was the owner of 389 acres, all located in Franklin county. Of the ten children born to him and his wife, six are now living, namely : Simeon M., John II., Emeline, Luella, Oeorgie A. and D. D. D. D. Barber received his educational training in the public schools of Franklin county. After leaving school he worked with his father on the home farm and in the sawmill for about five years, later devoting himself entirely to the farm until he became twenty-one years of age. He then engaged in farming on his own account, renting land until his marriage, at which time he located on a farm which he had bought several years before, and which comprised 173 acres. To the operation of this farm Mr. Barber gave his close attention, and was rewarded with so satisfactory a measure of prosperity that in 1916 he was enabled to retire from active farm work and since then has resided in New Salem. About 1912 he had bought 100 acres of land in Rush county and in 1916 he bought 108 acres more. Since then he has sold the 173 acres in Franklin county, and is now the owner of 208 acres of good farm land, which he rents out. Mr. Barber married Harriet Hildreth, the daughter of Reese and Elizabeth Hildreth, and they are the parents of two children, Beryl M., who is a student in

Indiana University, at Blooinington, and Amory L., who married Laverne Dunn and has two children, Ruth and Morris. Mr. Barber takes a live interest in the general affairs of the community, supporting all worthy enterprises, and he was one of the organizers of the New Salein State Bank, of which he is now vice-president and a member of the board of directors. Politically, he gives his support to the Republican party, while his religious affiliation is with the Little Flat Rock Christian Church, which he has served as deacon. He is a man of sound judgment and wise discrimination and enjoys to a marked degree the esteem of the entire community.

EDD. OARRIS, a representative citizen of this county and a well known farmer and stock raiser of Center township, was born in Greensboro, Henry county, Indiana, on March 9, 1890, and is the son of Burl H. and Anna (Lutholtz) Garris, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter born and reared in Henry county. The father was brought to Henry county in early life and in the schools of that locality secured his education. He followed agricultural pursuits during all his active years and was well and favorably known in Henry county. To him and his wife were born five children, three of whom are living, namely: Clifford E., Nellie and Edd. Edd. Garris secured his education in the schools of Fayette county and thereafter turned his attention to farming, remaining on the home farm with his father until his marriage, when he moved to Rush county and rented the place where he now lives, comprising eighty acres of good land. After renting this place for six years, Mr. Garris bought it and has since placed a number of permanent and substantial improvements on it, including a new garage. He keeps the place in good repair and its general appearance indicates him to be a man of good taste and sound judgment. Mr. Garris raises general crops and also gives some attention to live stock, raising about 150 head of hogs a year. On February 28, 1910, Mr. Garris was married to Iva Davis, a native of Center township and the daughter of John T. and Sarah (Thomas) Davis, farming folks of this locality. They were the parents of six children, of whom three are living, namely: William G, Mildred E. and Iva. Mr. and Mrs. Garris are the parents of two children, Thelma and Helen L., who are attending the Center school. Politically, Mr. Garris is an ardent supporter of the Republican party. Fraternally, he is a member of Mays lodge, No. 749, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Mays. Personally he is a man of genial disposition and generous attitude toward all worthy enterprises and is held in high esteem by those who know him.

DWIGHT MILLER, one of the leading citizens and representative agriculturists of Richland township, was born in that township on the fourth day of August, 1894, and is indebted to the common schools of Richland township for his educational training, completing his studies in the high school at New Salem. After completing his studies he turned his attention to farming and worked for his father until the latter 's death, since when he has farmed on his own account. He has been successful and is now the owner of the old home farm, comprising 285 acres, of which, however, he only cultivates 125 acres, renting out 160 acres. He carries on a diversified system of farming, raising all the crops common to this locality and feeding his grain to hogs, of which he handles from 150 to 200 a year. His farm is well improved and is numbered among the choice farms of Richland township. On August 19, 1914, Mr. Miller was married to Lois Green, the daughter of George and Mary Green, and they have a daughter, Hazel Mae. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are earnest members of the United Brethren church, and in matters political Mr. Miller gives his support to the Republican party; is a man of influence in local affairs and has always been in thorough sympathy with every movement for the betterment or advancement of his community. He is a man of pleasing address and is deservedly popular in his community.

EDWARD D. RBTHERFORD, is a worthy representative of that type of American character and of that progressive spirit which promotes public good in advancing individual prosperity and conserving popular interests. Members of the Retherford family have been prominently identified with the agricultural interests of Rush county and they have held the confidence and respect of the people generally. The subject of this sketch was born in Rushville township, Rush county, on January 6, 1859, and is the son of Levi and Nancy E. (Minor) Retherford, further reference to whom is made elsewhere in this work. Edward D. Retherford received a sound, practical education in the public schools of Rushville, graduating from the high school there in 1876. He remained on the home farm until his marriage, when he rented a tract of land from his father and was occupied for about four years in its cultivation. Mr. Retherford then went to Shelby county, Indiana, where he bought forty acres of land, on which he lived for about two years. Selling that land, he then returned to Rush county and bought forty acres of land in Posey township, to which he later added twenty-one and a half acres, giving him sixty-one and a half acres. He then sold this place and bought another farm of fifty-five acres in the same township, on which he lived two years. He then bought 130 acres, comprisin his present homestead, to which he has added sixty acres, so that he now owns 190 acres in Center township. He made many fine improvements on his place and here carries on a general line of farming, together with stock raising, feeding about 150 head of hogs a year. On September 19, 1883, Mr. Retherford was married to Florence Morris, who was born in Rushville township, the daughter of Curtis and Rebecca (McMillan) Morris, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Rush county. Mrs. Retherford engaged in teaching school at the early age of sixteen years, following that profession up to the time of her marriage. Her parents had seven children, three of whom are living, Oscar, Mrs. Ida Johnson and Mrs. Florence Retherford. To Mr. and Mrs. Retherford have been born six children, all of whom are living, namely: Carl, a farmer in Center township, who married Ethel Gilson and has two children, Glenn and Lois; Byron, now in the employ of the Van Camp Hardware Company in Indianapolis, who married Ruby McDaniel and has four children, Curtis, Dalton, Kenneth and Dale E. ; Hallie, who married George Hopper, a motor inspector at the Widley Motor Works in Indiauapolis and has two children, Jean and June; Miriam, formerly a teacher of domestic science in the Rushville high school, who married Merle M. Colvin, of Flora, Ind., an inspector and auditing agent of the Atlantic Refining Company of Pittsburgh; Marjorie, a teacher in the schools at Manilla, and Lee, unmarried, who is engaged in farming on the home farm. Politically, Mr. Retherford is an ardent supporter of the Republican party. He is a member of the Farmers' Federation and he and his wife are members of the Christian church at Carthage.

WILLIAM MOORE, now living in comfortable retirement at Carthage, who, commencing life with but a meager education and slight advantages, worked his way to a substantial position in life, was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, September 15, 1848, a son of James M. and Mary (Hostetter) Moore, natives of Virginia. The family came to Rush county during the early '60s, and here James M. Moore followed farming during the remainder of his life. William Moore had little opportunity to secure an education. The family was in modest financial circumstances and his assistance was needed in the work of the home place, and as a consequence his studies were neglected that his labor might produce a larger family income. However, through observation and reading he has acquired a broad knowledge of many practical matters. William Moore continued working with his father until about 1863, when he began working as a f.arm hand, and not long thereafter was married and began to rent land. His status was that of a renter for about eighteen years, at the end of which time he invested his carefully-saved capital in a tract of forty acres of land in Posey township, and this he cultivated with success until his retirement in 1915. In that year he rented his land to his son-in-law and purchased a comfortable home at Carthage, where he has since resided. Mr. Moore was married in 1873 to Ellen Miller, who was born in Ohio, daughter of Abram and Nancy Miller. Of the thirteen children born to this union, twelve survive : Bertha, Mary, James, Sanford, Abraham, Isaac, Andy, Charles, Garland, Samuel, Ira and Jane. Fannie, the next to the youngest child, died at the age of twelve years. The mother of these children died on February 3, 1904, and on July 19, 1905, Mr. Moore married Letha Lowry, who was born and educated at Knightstown, Ind., daughter of George and Anna (Scott) Lowry, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Virginia. Mr. Lowry was a stock buyer and shipper, and a man of standing and worth in his community. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, of whom five are living, Anna, Mary, Walter, Harry and Letha. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have one child, Ruth Ellen, born on July 8, 1907, who is now attending school at Carthage. The family holds membership in the Methodist church at Carthage. In his political views Mr. Moore is a Republican, but has not sought preferment at the hands of his party or his fellow citizens. He has been an active and willing supporter of all movements which have had as their object the betterment and advancement of his community.

GLENN E. MOORE, proprietor of one of the largest floral establishments at RushvilLe, was born in Wayne county, Indiana, July 15, 1886, only son of George F. and Irene (Hunt) Moore, both natives of Wayne county, this state, who had two children, the subject of this sketch having a sister, Hazel. For a number of years Geoi-ge F. Moore conducted a floral shop at Milton, Ind., then moved to Rushville and continued in the business here until 1913, when he retired, selling out to his son. Glenn E. Moore had excellent educational advantages. Following his graduation from the high school at Rushville, he took a course in the Tri-State College at Angola, Ind., and upon his return home began to assist his father and has since continued engaged in the same business. In November, 1913, Mr. Moore purchased his father's plant and now has from 40,000 to 45,000 square feet of glass in his greenhouses. He grows many varieties of flowers but specializes on roses and carnations. On September 30, 1909, Mr. Moore married Lavonne Newhouse, who was born at Arlington, in this county, a daughter of William T. and Mary O. (Downey) Newhouse. The father of Mrs. Moore operated a blacksmith shop for many years at Arlington. She is the youngest of his three daughters, the others being Minnie A. and Rosa M. Mr. and Mrs. Moore have one son, Lowell E. T., who is attending school at Rushville. Mr. Moore and his family are members of the Christian church. Politically he has always been affiliated with the Republican party. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and belongs also to the Odd Fellows and Elks at Rushville. Mr. Moore is numbered with the enterprising and dependable business men of the city.

EARL H. SEARS, a well-known farmer of Center township, is a native of that township, having been born there on August 12, 1875, and is the son of J. Otto and Ella M. (Ballinger) Sears, the former also a native of Center township and the latter born in the state of North Carolina and brought to Rush county in her infancy. The subject's father has been a lifelong farmer in Center township, where he owns 120 acres of good land. Of the three children born to him and his wife, two are living, the subject of this review having a brother, Claude. Earl Sears was reared on the paternal farmstead and secured his educational training in the Schively Corner school. He remained at home with his father until his marriage, in 1899, when he began farming operations on his own account and is still pursuing that vocation, in which he has met with a satisfactory measure of success. He is still operating rented land, and is cultivating his father's farm of 120 acres. He follows general farming, and also raises considerable live stock, handling from 150 to 200 hogs a year. He is methodical and up-to-date in his work and overlooks no means to elevate the standard of his work. On January 11, 1899, Mr. Sears was married to Fern F. Duke, who was born in Rush county, but was educated in the public schools of Greensburg, in Decatur county.

Her parents, John L. and Alnieda (Williams) Duke, are both natives of Rush county, where the father followed farming throughout his life, being the owner of eighty acres of land. He and his wife had four children, namely: Elizabeth, deceased; Ina, Clennie and Fern F. Mr. and Mrs. Sears have one child, Lavaughn D., born on November 2, 1902, who is now a senior in the high school at Knightstown. Mr. Sears is a Republican in his political views and takes a commendable interest in public affairs, especially as pertaining to his own locality. He is now serving as assistant superintendent of roads for the fourth district of Rush county. He is a member of Lodge No. 99, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Knightstown. Mrs. Sears is an active member of the Center Christian church, while the daughter is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Knightstown.

JOSEPH GREEN, who is successfully pursuing his vocation on a farm of 270 acres in Anderson township, was born in Putnam county, Indiana, September 12, 1864, and is a son of James Marion and Martha E. (Smith) Green, natives of Kentucky. The grandparents of Mr. Green, James Green and his wife, who was a Nicholson, were natives of the state of Kentucky, where they spent their lives in agricultural pursuits. James Marion Green also was born in the Blue Grass state, where he was reared, educated and married, and following the latter event moved in 1864 to Indiana and located in Putnam county. After a short time he moved from there to Boone county, this state, where he secured possession of forty acres of land, on which he farmed during the rest of his life. He and his wife, who also was a native of Kentucky, were the parents of nine children : Fannie, Nannie, Lilly, Nettie, Joseph, Charles, Frank, James and Willard, of whom Joseph only is a resident of Rush county. Joseph Green was an infant when taken by his parents to Boone county and there his education was secured in the rural schools. As a young man he took up farming on the home place, and also worked out among neighboring farmers, eventually coming to Rush county, where he was married. At the time of his marriage Mr. Green became a renter and continued as such for four years, when he bought seventy-eight acres, which acreage he has since increased by good management and wise investment to 270 acres, all of which is now under cultivation, and all located in Anderson township. Mr. Green has developed into one of the successful general farmers and live stock growers of his locality and feeds from 200 to 400 hogs annually. Mr. Green married Emily Harlan, daughter of Nathan and Sallie Harlan, and to this union there was born one child, Voorhees Green. After the death of his first wife Mr. Green married Clarissa Harlan, a sister of his deceased wife, and to this union there have been born six children : Oval Harlan; Lottie May, who married Ernest Bower; Clifford, who married Alta Handshoe, and has one child, James Willard ; and Ruth, Mary and George, who reside on the home place and are unmarried. Oval Harlan Green was born in Anderson township, on October 14, 1893, and received his education in the schools of Anderson township and Milroy. After leaving school he took up farming with his father, and was so engaged until the entrance of the United States into the World war aroused his youthful patriotism and caused him to volunteer for service in June, 1917. He was accepted as a member of the Fifty-first Company, Fifth regiment, Second Battery, United States Marine Corps, and was sent to Paris Island, where he was in training until September, 1917, when he went to the Portsmouth (Va.) navy yards. On June 1, 1918, he started overseas and with his command was sent immediately to the front and into action. After seeing hard fighting in Belleau Woods, he met a brave soldier's death at Soissons, July 18, 1918. Joseph Green is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Milroy, and in politics is a Democrat, He and the members of his family are widely known in their community, where they are held in the highest respect and esteem. Mrs. Green is a member of the Christian church at Milroy.

JAMES W. MERCER, conspicuous among the representative agriculturists and stock raisers of Noble township, now residing in New Salem, has spent his entire life in this county. Mr. Mercer was born in Noble township on November 3, 1862, and is a son of John R, and Rebecca (Patterson) Mercer. Both parents were natives of Butler county, Ohio, where they were reared to maturity and were married. Several years after their marriage they came to Rush county and located in Noble township, where Mr. Mercer bought a farm of eighty acres and applied himself to general farming. He was successful in his efforts and increased his land holdings to 176 acres, lying in Noble and Richland townships. In 1865 Mr. Mercer ceased farm work and, moving to New Salem, engaged in the general mercantile business for a number of years. However, he finally again returned to farm work, locating in Fayette county, where his death occurred. He was a man of sterling qualities of character and in early life, in Butler county, Ohio, had been a successful school teacher. To him and his wife were born nine children, Genevera, Daniel W., Margaret Rosalpha, Emma J., James W., Olive Nancy, Jonas, Wilson Shannon and Rapha B. James W. Mercer received his educational training in the public schools at New Salem. Soon after leaving school, he was married and immediately thereafter rented ninety-six acres of land from his father and applied himself to its operation. After working rented land for about six years, he bought twelve acres of land, which he owned but a short time, and then sold that and engaged in the meat business at New Salem, following the latter business for several years. He then was engaged in the grocery business for about seven years, at the end of which time he bought forty-eight acres of land and again turned his attention to farming. Sometime later he sold that tract and bought eighty acres in Noble township, to which he has added twenty acres, making his present holdings 100 aei-es.

Mr. Mercer follows a general line of farming, in connection with which he also gives some attention to the raising and feeding of live stock. Up-to-date and enterprising in his methods, he has met with a very satisfactory measure of success and is numbered among the progressive and representative agriculturists of Noble township. Mr. Mercer was married to Maggie McKee, daughter of James and Emily (Matthews) McKee. Mrs. Mercer is a native of Noble township and received her education in the local schools. Her father was a native of Rush county, while her mother was born and reared in Penn Yan. New York. James McKee, who was the youngest son of Nathaniel McKee, a native of Kentucky and one of the pioneer settlers of Rush county, was a farmer by vocation and also worked some at the blacksmith trade. To him and his wife were born six children, of which number but two are now living, Mrs. Mercer and Henry, of Anderson, Ind. To Mr. and Mrs. Mercer have been born five children, namely : Grace, who became the wife of Leslie Miller and has two children, Ruth and Robert ; Ethel, the wife of Glenn Guffin and the mother of three children. Lowell. Charles and Lucile; Fay, who became the wife of Carl Dausch and is the mother of three children, Russell, Norma and Florence; Eva, the wife of Earl Vogel; and Vera. Politically, Mr. Mercer is a stanch adherent of the Democratic party, served as assessor of Noble township for three years, and can always be counted upon as a supporter of every worthy movement for the advancement of the community.

WILLIAM L. WALKER, an honored veteran of the Civil war, a former member of the board of commissioners of Rush county and formerly and for years postmaster of Carthage, in which city he is now living retired from the active labors of life, is a native son of Rush county and has spent all his life here. He was born on a farm in Center township, this county, June 19, 1943, a son of John W. and Cynthia (Phelps) Walker, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of North Carolina. The father was a lifelong farmer in Ripley township, and became the owner of 400 acres of land. Of the five children in the family, only two survive : Amanda and William L. The educational training of William L. Walker was acquired in the public schools of Ripley township, and at the age of eighteen years, in 1862, he enlisted in Company G, Sixteenth regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for service in the Civil war. He saw three years of hard and hazardous service, and during the engagement at Richmond. Ky., was captured by the enemy, but was subsequently exchanged and rejoined his regiment, with which he remained until the close of his term of service, being mustered out as sergeant major of the regiment. Upon his return from the war, the brave young soldier resumed farming with his father, with whom he remained until his marriage, following which he began operations on his own account on a small farm of forty acres, which he owned. In addition to this he rented other land, and as time went on and his capital increased added to his holdings from time to time until he had accumulated his present property of 199 acres, all in Ripley township. While he now resides at Carthage, he is still the owner of this property and supervises its operation. In addition to being a general farmer, Mr. Walker has made somewhat of a specialty of raising live stock, and for a time was a successful breeder of Duroc hogs. Of more recent years he has devoted himself more especially to the raising of Shorthorn cattle, and his annual sales, at which he disposes of from twenty to thirty head, are largely attended by buyers from all over this and adjoining counties. He belongs to the various state cattle growers' associations and has been particularly active in the Shorthorn Breeders' Association. He bears an excellent rep\itation in business circles, and as a citizen has performed his duties in a capable and public-spirited manner. For nine years he was a member of the board of commissioners of Rush county, and for a like period held the postmastership at Carthage. In his political allegiance he is a stanch Republican. Mr. Walker, as a Mason, was the first to receive the degree of the lodge at Carthage. He belongs to the Carthage Methodist church. On March 11, 1868, Mr. Walker was united in marriage to Nancy A. Hackleman, who was born in Rush county, daughter of Cicero and Elizabeth (Newhouse) Hackleman, farming people of this county, and who died on September 20, 1919. There were nine children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Hacldeman : Charlotte M., Mary A., Amanda, May, Cicero M., Nancy, James M., John and Richard, the last four of whom are deceased.

EPHRAIM W. BALL, senior member of the firm of Ball & Orme, grain elevator operators at Rushville, was born on March 13, 1856, at New Palestine, Hancock county, Indiana. His parents were William and Martha (Moore) Ball, the former of whom was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and the latter in Rush county, in which latter county they were married. Eight children were born to them : Mary, of Shelbyville, lnd. ; Ephraim W., of Rushville; Olive, of Walker township, Rush county; Fannie, of Rushville; Edward, of Washington, lnd.; Minnie, of Alexandria, lnd.; and Hattie and Lot, both of Rushville. The father of this family followed farming in Posey township, Rush county, during the greater part of his life, and owned 160 acres of fine land. Ephraim W. Ball attended the Offutt district school in Posey township and assisted his father on the home farm for a time, then went to Rushville and found employment with the A. G. Mauzy Elevator Company. He remained with this firm for twelve years, during which time he thoroughly mastered the elevator business, which knowledge he later turned to good account when he embarked in the same business in partnership with James H. Ball. For five years the enterprise was conducted under the firm style of the Ball & Ball Elevator Company, at the end of which time the business was sold, but two years later, when Arnold Orme went into the elevator business, Ephraim W. Ball re-entered business and the present firm of Ball & Orme was organized. It is still carried on at its original location which was formerly known as the Mauzy

& Churchill elevator. A prosperous business with considerable expansion has followed, and the reputation of the firm is high. Mr. Ball has been twice married. On February 27, 1877, he was united in marriage to Belle Frazee, who was born in this county, daughter of Capt. James H. and Anna E. (Alexander) Frazee, who were the parents of five children, three of whom are still living, Mrs. Jessie Webb and Mrs. Mollie Gregg, of Rushville, and James Frazee, of Noblesville, Ind. To this union two children were born, Pearl and William H. Pearl Ball married Arnold Orme, Mr. Ball's business partner, and has five children, William, Thomas, Fern, Frank and Fay. William H. Ball also has been twice married and by his first wife is the father of two children, Kathr.vn and Donald. His second wife was Lillian (Ball) Seigersen. Following the death of Mrs. Belle (Frazee) Ball, Ephraim W. Ball married Mary Cherry, of Indianapolis. Mr. Ball and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. As a business man he takes an interest in civic affairs, has always been politically identified with the Republican party, and has served one term as city councilman. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, is a member of the Mystic Shrine and belongs also to the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and the Red Men.

ORA V. SMITH, one of the well known farmers and landowners of Union township living on R. F. D. No. 1 out of Falmouth, was born in Rush county, a member of one of the old families here, and has lived here all his life. He was born on a farm in Union township on June 25, 1875, son of James and Rebecca (Daubenspeck) Smith, both of whom also were born in Rush county. James Smith, who is still living in Union township, is a member of one of the pioneer families of Union township, his father, George Smith, having been a son of Lewis Smith, who was one of the original entrants of land in that township, the Smiths thus having been represented here since the very beginning of a social order hereabout. James Smith "grew up" to the farm and has been engaged in the agricultural vocation all his life, one of the best known men in his home township. To him and his wife three children were born, those besides the subject of this sketch being Verne and Lillie. Reared on the home farm, Ora V. Smith received his schooling in the local schools and from the days of his boyhood has devoted his attention to farming. He remained on his father's farm, a valued assistant in the labors of developing the same, until bis marriage when he rented his father's place. Then he bought a tract of 116 acres, the place on which he is now living, and there established his home. Mr. Smith has done well in his operations and by purchase of adjacent land has increased his holdings to 122 acres. He has developed and improved this place in admirable fashion and has a well equipped farm plant. In addition to his general farming he raises about 200 head of hogs a year and is recognized as one of the progressive farmers of the neighborhood. In 1912 Ora Y. Smith was united in marriage to Henrietta Dissel- koen, who was born in New York state, a daughter of John and Marie Disselkoen, and to this union four children have been born, Florence, Ralph, James and Byron. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are Republicans. Mrs. Smith is a member of the Christian church and Mr. Smith is a member of the Masonic lodge at Rushville. They have a pleasant home and take an interested part in the general social activities of the community in which they live.

BEN F. REEVE, who for many years has been substantially and honorably identified with the agricultural development of Noble township, from small beginnings rising to a prominent position and to the ownership of a property that enabled him to retire in 1917 upon a comfortable allowance, is a native son of Rush county and has lived here all his life. He was born on November 14, 1848, on the farm he still occupies in Noble township, a son of Elder Benjamin F. and Elizabeth B. (Parker) Reeve, the former born on October 28, 1798, in Prince William county, Virginia, of Welsh descent, and the latter of Kentucky. Further mention of Elder Reeve is made in the chapter on churches in this work. The parents of Mr. Reeve had three children, Hester, Jennie and Ben F. By a former marriage, with a Miss Driscoll, Elder Reeve had seven children, George Mae, Clay, Jack, Martha, Lillie, Elizabeth and Matilda. Ben F. Reeve spent his time after the usual manner of farmers' sons, sharing the educational, religious and social advantages of his neighborhood and forging to the front in his understanding and knowledge of agriculture. On leaving school he became associated with his father, with whom he remained until he attained his majority, then beginning his career as a renter on land owned by his father. When the elder man died in 1877, Mr. Reeve began the management and operation of his mother's farm of 160 acres, caring for her as well as the farm until her death in 1881, when he inherited fifty-three acres of the home place. That he was an exceptional manager and shrewd investor was patent to all who knew of his earlier struggles and the industry of his maturity, and he was later able to buy 120 acres additional, farming the whole tract of 173 acres until 1913. In that year he returned to the operation of the fifty-three-acre tract, which was cultivated by him until 1917, when he retired permanently from active labor. During his career Mr. Reeve applied himself to general fanning and stock raising. He always invested a reasonable share of his profits in improvements, and his property generally became one of the model and practical farms of the township. While not now engaged in active participation in farming, he still maintains his interest in matters agricultural, and is frequently consulted by the men of the younger generation who are entering upon their work in this field of effort. In 1871 Mr. Reeve was united in marriage to Lora Mitchell, daughter of Thomas V. and Amanda Mitchell, and to this union there have been born two children, one who died in infancy, and Margaret, who married Dr. George B. Jones and has one child, Richard. Mr. Reeve's first wife died in 1876 and in 1882 he married

Sue Gray, a daughter of George and Mary Gray, and who died on January 10, 1920. Two children blessed this union: Frank, who married Abbie Shrader; and J. Blaine, who married Bertha Bowen and has two children, Agnes and Lillian. Mr. Reeve is a consistent member of the Little Flat Rock Christian Church. He is a stalwart Republican in his political views.

T. L. BEHER, one of the farmers of Rush county who have, by their own efforts, climbed the ladder of success until they are now in a position to command the respect and confidence of their fellows, is a native son of Rush county, having been born in Jackson township on February 19, 1871. His parents, Oren and Laura (Smith) Beher, were both also natives of Rush county. The father followed agricultural pursuits during the major portion of his life, or until 1900, when he retired and moved to Carthage. He and his wife were the parents of eight children, of which number seven are living, namely : Howard B., Cleveland, Herbert, Myrtie, Abigail, Olie and T. L. T. L. Beher was reared under the parental roof and secured his education in the David schoolhouse, in Jackson township. After completing his studies he remained at home, assisting his father in the farm work until his marriage, when he began farming on his own account, first on rented land. After renting for about two years, Mr. Beher bought the place where he now lives in Center township, comprising 101 aci-es of excellent land, on which he has placed many permanent and substantial improvements, maintaining the fertility of the soil and meeting with a satisfactory measure of prosperity. He has remodeled the house, built a new barn and now the place is one of the most attractive in that locality. Mr. Beher carries on a general line of farming, and also gives some attention to the raising of live stock. On October 5, 1890, Mr. Beher was married to Bertha Florea, who was born on the place where she now lives, and who received her education in the Ball school in Center township. She is the daughter of Josiah and Martha (Price) Florea, the former a native of Adams county, Ohio, and the later of Rush county. Mr. Florea was a successful and prominent farmer, owning 120 acres of land in Rush county and 120 acres in Grant county, Indiana. To him and his wife wTere born eleven children, of which number six are now living, namely: Mrs. Sarah Saunders, of Battle Creek, Mich. ; Mrs. Mary Johnson, of Shirley. Ind. ; Mrs. Anna Dore, of Knightstown. Ind. ; Mrs. Lena McDaniel, of Mays, Ind.; Mrs. Bell Jones, of Center township, Rush county, and Bertha, wife of the subject of this sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Beher have no children of their own, but they have an adopted daughter, Doris, the wife of Edward Berry, a bookkeeper in Rushville. Politically. Mr. Beher is independent, preferring to vote for the man and measures approved by his own judgment, rather than to follow blindly the dictates of party. Fraternally, he is a member of Lodge No. 35. Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Rushville. Quiet and unassuming in manner, Mr. Beher possesses the qualities which beget friendships and he is popular to a marked degree among his associates.

HENRY W. SCHRADER, ex-assessor of Rush county, now living practically retired at Rushville, one of the best known men in the county, was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, March 11, 1853, a son of William and Eleanora (Detmersing) Schrader, who were born near Hamburg, Germany, were reared and married there, and in 1848 came to the United States. During the rest of his life "William Schrader fellowed the trade of hatmaker in the city of Cincinnati. Seven children made up his family and four of these are living, William, Henry W., Sophia and Bertha. Henry W. Schrader had excellent public school training at Cincinnati, then learned the trade of watchmaker and jeweler, which he followed for four years after coming to Indiana and locating at Rushville. A desire to see the Western country led him then to go to California and while there he rented land in Sonoma county and followed farming for three years. In 1879 he returned to Rush county and bought a farm of sixty-two acres in Jackson township, which he operated until 1919, when he rented the property to his son and retired to Rushville. He had been a general farmer, giving some attention to stock, and turned off about fifty head of hogs a year. On September 8, 1874, Mr. Schrader married Emma Ross, who died on January 24, 1917, her burial being in East Hill cemetery. She was a native of Rush county, a daughter of J. M. and Elizabeth (Smelser) Ross. Her father was once a man of political prominence, serving in the state legislature, and he owned 1,000 acres of land in Union township, Rush county. Two of the Ross children still live, Josephine and Emerson. Three children were born to Mr. Schrader 's first marriage : Ross, a farmer in Rush county, who married Cecelia Barrett, and has one child, Isabella; William, an electrician living in Chicago, who is married and has a son, William; and Abigail, who is the wife of Prank G. Reeves, a farmer in Noble township, this county. On November 24, 1019, Mr. Schrader married Mrs. Flora (Newhouse) Abernathy, who by her first marriage had one child, a daughter, Irene C, now a student in the Rushville high school. Mr. Schrader is a member of the Presbyterian church at Rushville, while his wife is a member of the Baptist church. A Republican in politics, on that party ticket he was elected, in 1914, to the office of county assessor and served until 1919. Mr. Schrader is a member of Franklin Lodge, No. 35, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Rushville, and Bernice Encampment, No. 12.

S. L. RYON, assessor of Noble township, formerly an active farmer of that township and now living in New Salem, was born in Franklin county, Indiana, on July 8, 1854, and is the son of James A. and Hannah J. (Miller) Ryon, the former a native, of Kentucky and the latter of Ohio. The father was brought to Indiana in his childhood by his parents, who located in Franklin county, where he was educated and grew to manhood. He took up the vocation of farming and in 1853 was married, after which he moved to Rush county, locating in Richland township. There he farmed for awhile as a renter, but eventually he bought eighty acres of land, which he operated until his removal to Hamilton county, Indiana, where he remained for several years. He then returned to Rush county and here spent his last days. Of the five children born to him and his wife, but two are now living, the subject of this review and a sister, Margaret. S. L. Ryon attended the schools of Franklin and Rush counties and then, up to the time of his marriage, he assisted in the farm work of the home place. After his marriage he rented land and for about twenty-two years was engaged in the operation of rented land, renting from 100 to 260 acres. In 1908 he bought eighty acres of land in Boone county, Indiana, which he operated for about four years, and then sold that and, returning to Rush county, bought eighty acres of land in Noble township, which he farmed for four years and then sold. He has also owned other property since then, but no longer gives his personal attention to the operation of his farms. Mr. Ryon was married to Luella E. Watson, the daughter of David Watson. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Improved Order of Red Men. Politically, he is a stanch supporter of the Republican party and is the present assessor of Noble township.

NEWTON I. GRUELL, numbered among the enterprising young farmers of Richland township, is, in his work, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, the love of the soil being ingrained in his nature. He was born in Richland township on February 13, 1886, son of Charles M. Gruell, and grandson of Isaac Gruell. The family was founded in Rush county by the greatgrandfather, Atica Gruell, who, with his wife Rachel, came here and iu 1836 opened a tannery at Rushville. Isaac Gruell, his son, was a farmer and veterinary. He married Sarah Young, who, like him, was born near Waterloo, Ind., and they had eleven children, of whom seven still survive. Charles M. Gruell is now a farmer of Noble township, but has operated farming properties in Richland and Union townships, and is well-known throughout Rush county. On August. 24, 1882, Charles M. Gruell was married to Catherine D. Smith, a native of Noble township. The maternal grandparents of Newton I. Gruell were Thomas N. and Charlotte (Thompson) Smith, natives of Noble township, who later became farming people of Union township, and owners of 600 acres of land. Charles M. Gruell and his wife became the parents of the following children: Ilattie, Newton I., Clem, Lottie. Josephine (deceased), Alice and Harvina. Newton I. Gruell attended the Clifty school in Richland township until old enough to begin farming with his father, with whom he remained until his marriage. At that time he rented 160 acres of land in Richland township, where he has continued ever since. For eight years he has been operating 260 acres of rented land and feeds about 130 head of hogs a year. Mr. Gruell was married on June 3, 1908, to Una Spillman. daughter of George Spillman, and has two children, Lowell and Harold. Mr. and Mrs.

Newton I. Gruell

Gruell are members of the Methodist Protestant church at New Salem, and Mr. Gruell is one of the church trustees. He is a Republican and takes a good citizen's interest in civic affairs.

SAMUEL L. NEWSOM, a well-known citizen of Carthage, who long took an active part in its commercial life, now living retired from active affairs, but maintaining a lively interest in the life of his community, was born at Carthage on February 15, 1869, a son of Allen W. and Anna M. (White) Newsom, natives of Rush county. His father, who was identified with mercantile affairs during thcgreater part of a long, active and successful career, is now living in retirement at an advanced age. He has been married twice. His first wife, the mother of Samuel L. Newsom, died in February, 1878, and in 1883 he married Ellen Pusy. Of his six children, four by his first wife and two by his second, five are still living: Winona, Samuel L., Cora B., Floyd R. and Howard A. Samuel L. Newsom was graduated from the Carthage high school in 1886. He then spent one year at Earlham College and a year at West Point. Returning to Carthage in 1891, he began working for his father and continued to be employed thus until 1899, when he bought out the elder man. During the next twenty years he continued to conduct the establishment in a highly successful manner, and when he sold out, in 1919, it was to retire upon a well-earned competence. He occupies one of the modern residences of Carthage, where he has every comfort and convenience. Mr. Newsom has always been a great booster for his home city and has left no opportunity pass to extol its beauties and advantages, or to support any measure that would add to its advancement or welfare. He is a member of Rush Lodge, No. 580, Free and Accepted Masons, of Carthage, and in political affairs maintains an independent stand. With his family, he belongs to the Carthage Meeting of Friends. On November 30, 1893, Mr. Newsom married Annie W. Henley, who was born at Carthage and attended the public schools of that place and Earlham College. She is a daughter of Thomas W. and Hannah (Williams) Henley, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Ohio. Mrs. Newsom 's parents were agricultural people and the parents of seven children, of whom five are living : R. Edgar, Abbie J., Eunice, William J. and Annie H. Mr. and Mrs. Newsom have one daughter, Katherine, born on September 22, 1894. She was educated in the Carthage graded and high schools and Western College, Oxford, Ohio, and also attended Oberlin College. She married Henry B. Henley, a successful young business man of Terre Haute, Ind., where he is engaged as a wholesale florist.

WALTER T. VANDAMENT, M. D., a well-known member of the medical profession in Rush county, now practicing at Carthage, was born in Union township, this county, April 17, 1887, a son of Joseph S. and Laura R. (Newkirk) Vandament, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Indiana. Joseph S. Vandament was a young man when he came to Rush county and he has passed his life in agricultural pursuits, principally in Union township, where he is the owner of a farm of 115 acres. Of the five children of this parentage, three are living, Doctor Vandament having two sisters, Mary and Mildred. Walter T. Vandament received his education in the public schools of Union township, following which he spent one year at Butler College, Indianapolis, and two ye^rs at the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati. His training for his profession was completed by two years at the medical school of Indiana State University, from which he was graduated with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1912. In that year he went to Kennard, in Henry county, Indiana, where he established himself in practice, and during the six years that he was a resident of that place built up a remunerative and representative practice. The demands of the World war, however, interrupted his career at this time, and on January 20, 1918, he enlisted in the United States Medical Corps, with which organization he served two years and seven months, with the rank of first lieutenant. During fourteen months of this time Doctor Vandament served in France, with an evacuation hospital, but an injury caused his return to the United States, where he arrived on May 29, 1919. He was then appointed flight surgeon at Gerstner Field, Lake Charles, La., where he served until July 10, 1920, going then to Atlanta. Ga., where he received his honorable discharge on August 10, 1920. After completing his military service, Doctor Vandament located at Carthage, where he has since successfully engaged in the practice of his profession. He has shown himself a skilled practitioner and a capable and steady-handed surgeon, while a cheerful personality is not the least part of his equipment for a profession for which he is admirably fitted. He belongs to several organizations of his profession and has the esteem and respect of his fellow practioners. On July 16, 1910, in New Mexico, Doctor Vandament married Gretta P. Kirkpatrick, who is a daughter of Thomas and Sarah Kirkpatrick. Mrs. Vandament was born in the state of Nebraska and is a graduate of the Kearney Normal School of that state. Doctor and Mrs. Vandament have one child, Laura Geneva, born June 12, 1911, who is now attending school at Carthage. Doctor and Mrs. Vandament are members of the Plum Creek Christian Church. As a fraternalist, the Doctor belongs to Phoenix Lodge, No. 62, Free and Accepted Masons, at Rushville. Falmouth Lodge. No. 568, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Tanpah Tribe, No. 102, Improved Order of Red Men. Rushville.

JOHN S. DAVIS, for many years a substantial citizen and successful general farmer in Rush county, was born in Anderson township, this county, January 10, 1870, one of a family of seven children born to Samuel H. and Mary E. (Henry) Davis, the other survivors being James H., Robert S., Eliazbeth, Nancy M. and Charles T. His father spent his entire active life as a farmer in Rush county and at one time owned 525 acres in Anderson township. John S. Davis attended the Stewart school in district No. 4, Richland township, and the high school at Richland, after which he assisted his father on the home farm until he was twenty-three years old. At that time he began farming on his own account, renting 11G acres from his father, and two years later inherited sixty acres of this tract and then bought the remainder. For twenty years after this he devoted himself to the improvement and cultivation of his farm, through good management and careful methods making his undertakings profitable. At the end of that time he traded that property for another consisting of 170 acres situated in Rushville township, which he still owns. Here he carries on general farming and gives considerable attention also to raising hogs, marketing about 200 head yearlv. Since moving from the farm Mr. Davis resides at No. 134 West Seventh street, Rushville. Ou March 23, 1893, Mr. Davis married Lola M. Patterson, who was born in Rush county, second child of Darius and Mary I. (Hite) Patterson, farming people in Richland township. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have one daughter, Pauline LaVerne, who was born on March 10, 1899. After attending the public schools in Richland township and in Anderson township, and after being graduated from the high school at Rushville, Miss Davis spent one year as a student in the state university at Bloomington, and later attended the normal university at Muncie, Ind. Mr. Davis is a member of the United Presbyterian church at Rushville, while his wife and daughter are members of the Christian church. He is a Republican and takes a good citizen 's interest in public affairs.

EDWARD ADKINS, one of the well known farmers of Ripley township and accounted one of the substantial men of the Carthage community, was born on June 1, 1864, in Decatur county, Indiana, a son of John D. and Catherine (Fisher) Adkins, natives of that county, where they were educated and where they passed their lives in the pursuits of agriculture. They were the parents of five children, of whom two survive, Mr. Adkins having a sister, Mrs. May Barger, of Walker township, this county. Edward Adkins was given ordinary educational advantages in the district schools of Decatur county and after being associated for a time with his father, took a trip to Kansas, where he remained two years. Returning to Decatur county, he engaged in farming as a renter, taking care of his mother and sister in the meantime, his father having died, but after four years turned his attention to the drilling of gas wells, although he still continued his operations as a farmer in Decatur county for about one year after taking up the new line. From Decatur county he moved to Carthage, in this county, and rented about 1,000 acres of land in Ripley township, this land being divided into several farms, which he continued to operate for about twelve years. During this time he had four gas well rigs in action and bought and sold stock of all kinds to a large extent. At the present time Mr. Adkins owns 197 acres of excellent land in Ripley township, on which he has the largest sugar camp in the state of Indiana, comprising about 2,500 trees. He buys and feeds off many hogs annuallv, and is an extensive raiser of swine, usually growing about 300 to 400 each year, in addition to twenty-five head of cattle. His extensive operations are carried on in a progressive, energetic way and he has built up a sound reputation in his community. On August 23, 1893, Mr. Adkins married Minnie W. Walker, who was born in Rushville township, this county, and was educated at district school No. 9. She is a daughter of Thomas J. and Harriet (Fleener) Walker, natives of Rush county. Mr. Walker, a lifelong farmer, was the owner of forty-six acres of land in Rushville township. Mr. and Mrs. Walker were the parents of two children, Edgar and Minnie W. After Mr. Walker's death, Mrs. Walker married J. J. Anderson, and is a resident of Edinburg, Johnson county, Indiana. Mrs. Adkins is a member of the Presbyterian church of Rushville, and she and Mr. Adkins are members of Rebekah Lodge, No. 453, Carthage. Mr. Adkins also holds membership in Carthage Lodge, No. 255, Independent Order of Odd Fellows ; Oreensburg Lodge 148, Knights of Pythias and Rushville Lodge, No. 3548, Modern Woodmen of America. In his political views he is a Democrat.

GEORGE WALTER BRODIE, widely known as one of the active and successful agriculturists of Rush county, and proprietor of an excellent farm in Richland township, was born in Franklin county, Indiana, on the twenty-fifth day of August, 1870, and is the son of Peter and Sarah (Hoarth) Brodie, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of Cincinnati, Ohio. Peter Brodie came to the United States when about sixteen years of age, accompanying his parents on the long and tiresome ocean trip of nine weeks. They located near Cincinnati, Ohio, where the lad turned his attention to farm work, at which he was employed until his removal to Franklin county, Indiana, where for a time he operated rented land as a tenant. After his marriage he removed to Decatur county, locating in Clarksburg, where he lived during the remainder of his life. To him and his wife were born eleven children, seven of whom are now living, namely: William, John, Mattie, George Walter, Mary, Bert and Chester. George Walter Brodie secured his education in the public schools of Decatur county and after the completion of his studies he was employed as a farm hand until 1896, when he began to farm on his own account, renting land in Richland township, which has been the scene of his operations ever since, and he is now one of the best known and most highly esteemed farmers in that locality. He is now renting and operating 205 acres of land and also is the owner of 253 acres of fine land in Richland township and Fayette county, his own land being rented out. Mr. Brodie has always given his attention to general farming and stock raising, feeding and sending to market about seventy-five hogs a year. He is enterprising and progressive in his tendency and his farm gives evidence of his industrious and practical habits. In 1892 Mr. Brodie was married to Nancy Elizabeth Brickler, the daughter of George and Sarah (Lewis) Brickler. To this union have been born four children, as follows : Ada, who became the wife of Chester

Bergen and they have five children, Robert, Earl, Lowell, Walter and Lewis Edwin; Ralph; Carrie, who became the wife of Lawrence Richards and is the mother of one child, Paul ; Paul, who was married to Margaret Bohannon and has one child, Charles Donald. Mr. Brodie gives his support to the Republican party, though not an aspirant for public office. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in the subordinate lodge of which he lias passed through the chairs. He and his family are actively identified with the Christian church, of which he has served as deacon. Mr. Brodie is a man of genial disposition and kindly impulses and is well liked by all with whom he has been associated. He is public spirited and gives his support to every movement for the public welfare.

GLEN E. FOSTER, assistant cashier of the Peoples National Bank of Rushville and widely known in commercial circles throughout this section of the state, is a native of the old Buckeye state, but has been a resident of Indiana and of Rush county since the days of his boyhood. He was born at Reiley in Butler county, Ohio, January 31, 1890, and is a son of Robert L. and Mary J. (Welliver) Foster, who are now living on their farm in the vicinity of Greensburg, this state, and the latter of whom also was born in Butler county, a member of one of the old families there. Her father was the proprietor of a wagon factory and in his day supplied the greater part of the local demand in his vicinity for wagons. Robert L. Foster, who has for years been widely known throughout this section of the state, as a buyer of horses, was born in Ripley county, this state, a member of one of the pioneer families of that county, and early became engaged in farming, a vocation he has followed all his life, in addition to which he has been an extensive dealer in horses, buying for the outside markets. For some years he was a resident of Anderson township, this county, proprietor of a farm in the Milroy neighborhood, but presently bought a farm in the vicinity of Greensburg, in the neighboring county of Decatur, and has since made his home there, very comfortably situated. He and his wife have three sons, Glen E. Foster having two brothers, Park E. Foster, unmarried, who is farming in Decatur county and who during the time of America's participation in the World war had eleven months of overseas service as a corporal in the railroad artillery, and Russell H. Foster, also a Decatur county farmer, who married Mildred Christ, of Adams, that county. Glen E. Foster received his primary schooling at College Corner, Ohio, and when his parents came to Rush county he entered the Milroy schools and was graduated from the high school there with the class of 1908. He then spent a year at Winona normal school and upon his return became engaged as a clerk in a general store at Milroy, a position he held for three years, at the end of which time he took a course in the normal school at Marion, Ind., and for the following term was engaged as teacher in district school No. 1 in Anderson township. He was engaged for the succeeding

1913, the Peoples National Bank of Rushville tendered him a position as bookkeeper in the bank. Resigning his school he accepted this position and two years later became a teller in the bank, a position he continued to fill until his promotion on December 1, 1917, to the office of assistant cashier, which office he continues to fill, one of the best known young bankers in this part of Indiana. On June 10,

1914, Glen E. Foster MTas united in marriage to Marie Brown, who was born in this county, daughter of Harvey F. and Carrie C. (Paulus) Brown, members of old families in Rush county and further mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work, and to this union one child has been born, a son, Charles Brown Foster, born on February 20, 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Foster are members of the Christian church at Rushville and during 1919-20 Mr. Foster was secretary of the board of trustees of the same. He is a Scottish Rite Mason and also is a noble of the Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, affiliated with Murat Temple at Indianapolis, and is a member of the local chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star and of the local lodges of the Red Men and the Tall Cedars of Lebanon at Rushville. Mr. and Mrs. Foster have a pleasant home at 1001 North Main street and have ever taken an interested part in the general social activities of their home town.

FIRMAN B. TARPLEE, recognized as one of the leading young farmers of Richland township, was born in Decatur county, Indiana, on September 25, 1890, and is a son of John T. and Mollie (McDaniel) Tarplee. Both of these parents also are natives of Indiana, the father having been born in Decatur county and the mother in Franklin county. John T. Tarplee was reared to manhood in his native county, receiving a good practical public school education. After his marriage he gave his attention to farming pursuits for a time, but eventually engaged in the hardware business at Clarksburg, continuing in that line for twenty-one years. He then sold his business and located on the farm which is now the home of the subject of this sketch, and there he made his home until his retirement from active life, in 1917, when he moved to Clarksburg, where he now resides. He is the owner of 160 acres of excellent farm land. To him and his wife have been born six children, Lillie, Chessie, Myrtle, Looney, Susan and Firman B. Firman B. Tarplee attended the school of Clarksburg, including two years in the high school, and then entered his father's store, where he remained until 1915, when he turned his attention to farming. The following year he started working on his father's farm and in 1917 he rented the place and has continued to operate it since. The place, which comprises 160 acres, is well equipped in every respect, and has been maintained at the highest standard of excellence. Mr. Tarplee is practical and up-to-date in his ideas and is gaining an enviable reputation as a progressive and successful agriculturist. Mr. Tarplee puts about forty acres out to corn and a like acreage to small grain, and also gives considerable attention tc live stock, feeding about 100 hogs and a carload of cattle annually. On February 25, 1917, Mr. Tarplee was married to Grace May Pike, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Pike. Mr. and Mrs. Tarplee are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Clarksburg and Mr. Tarplee belongs to the Free and Accepted Masons at Clarksburg. Politically, he gives his support to the Democratic party.

LLOYD M. MACY, recognized as one of the energetic farmers of Posey township, was born in that township on August 22, 1891, and is the son of Byron and Lena (Miller) Macy, both of whom also were born and reared in Rush county. The subject's father was a lifelong farmer, operating the farm where the subject now lives during a major portion of that time. Lloyd M. Macy received his educational training in district school No. 9 and the Arlington high school. He remained at home, helping with the farm work, until eighteen years of age, when, his father having died, he assumed entire charge of the place and has continued to operate it to the present time. Some time ago Mr. Macy bought his sister's interest in the farm and after his mother's death bought the other one-third, now owning the whole farm. Mr. Macy carries on general farming operations, including stock raising, and has been very successful. He usually feeds and markets about a carload of hogs each year. On November 25, 1917, Mr. Macy was married to Muriel Van Seyoc, who was born in Shelby county, Indiana, the daughter of John H. and Alice (Robbins) Van Seyoc. Mr. Van Scyoc was a farmer by vocation and stood high in public esteem. He and his wife had four children, one of whom is deceased, the survivors being Eva, Burl and Muriel. Mr. and Mrs. Macy are members of the United Brethren church and in politics Mr. Macy gives his support to the Republican party. Genial in disposition and unassuming in manner, he enjoys the friendship and good will of all who know him.

ARGUS D. WAGONER, one of the progressive and enterprising young farmers of Orange township and a widely recognized specialist in seed culture, was born in that same township and has lived there all his life. He was born on August 28, 1879, son and only child of James and Clara (Cartmel) Wagoner, the latter of whom was born in Liberty township in the neighboring county of Shelby and both of whom are still living in Orange township. James Wagoner was born in that township, a member of the well known Wagoner family which has been represented here since pioneer days, and has followed farming and stock raising all his days, the owner of a well kept farm of ninety-six acres which his son is now managing. Reared on that farm, Argus D. Wagoner received his schooling in the neighborhood schools and was early trained to the ways of the farm. He also learned railway telegraphing and for a year or more during the days of his young manhood was engaged as a station telegrapher on the Big Four railroad. He married at the age of twenty-five and has since made his home on the home place, which he has rented from his father. He also owns a tract of four acres surrounding his home, and in addi- tion to his general farming gives considerable attention to the raising of live stock, feeding about fifty head of hogs a year. For some years Mr. Wagoner has given his most thoughtful attention to seed culture and in 1919 at the "open to the world' ' show at Columbus, this state, won first prize on his exhibit in that line, and at the national swine show at Des Moines, Iowa, he won first prize for the best ten ears of yellow corn shown there, and also won the sweepstake single ear cup at Rushville in 1920. On November 23, 1904, Argus D. Wagoner was united in marriage to Ida Haehl, who was born over in Union township in Shelby county, and to this union one child has been born, a son, Ira, who is now (1921) attending school at Moscow. Mrs. Wagoner is a daughter of George and Katharine (Kuhn) Haehl, well-known residents of Shelby county, who had twelve children, ten of whom are living, those besides Mrs. Wagoner being Pauline, Henry, William, Flora, John R., Robert, Walter, Laura and Ella. Mr. and Mrs. Wagoner are members of the Blue Ridge Methodist Episcopal Church and take their part in the work of the same. They have a pleasant home on rural mail route No. 1 out of Manilla and have ever taken an interested part in the general social activities of their home community. Mr. Wagoner is a Republican. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Masonic lodge (No. 217) at Waldron.

JOHN H. HOWARD, a well known farmer of Richland township and a man who has contributed in a very definite way to the prosperity and well-being of the community iu which he lives, was born in Leslie county, Kentucky, on August 22, 1S62, and is the only child born to the union of Henry and Rosanna (Howard) Howard, both of whom also were natives of the old Blue Grass state. There Henry Howard was reared to manhood and there he followed the pursuits of agriculture during all of his active years. He was a veteran of the Civil war, having rendered valiant service in the Union army. He became the owner of 300 acres of land, which he devoted to general farming. He died in 1902, having long survived his wife, who passed away in 1871. John II. Howard attended the common schools of his native county and after completing his studies he came to Indiana and was employed as a hired man on farms in Rush county for about five years. He then rented from his father-in-law the place on which he now resides, comprising 100 acres, and here he is achieving success in his vocation. He is also giving some attention to the raising and feeding of live stock, is thoroughly practical and up-to-date in his ideas and methods of work and is held in high repute in his section of the county. Mr. Howard was married to Mary E. Marlow, the daughter of Alphonso B. and Anna E. (Halstead) Marlow, and they have one child, Alphonso. The latter married Mabel E. Wood and they have a child, Anavelle Helen. Mrs. Howard was born in Deeatur county, Indiana, but was brought to Rush county by her parents when she was a child of but ten years, the family locating on the farm where she now lives and which she inherited at the time of her father's death. Alphonso B. Marlow, father of Mrs. Howard and one of the well known farmers of Richland township in his generation, was a native of Kentucky, born in Scott county, that state, in 1818, a member of one of the pioneer families of that section. When he was three years old his parents moved with their family to Indiana and settled in Decatur county, arriving there on February 28, 1821, the Marlows thus becoming one of the very first families of this section of the state. Alphonso B. Marlow grew to manhood in Decatur county and was there married, his wife, Anna E. Halstead, having been born in the neighboring county of Franklin, a member of one of the pioneer families in that county. In 1860 Mr. Marlow came with his family up into Rush county and settled in Richland township, where he spent the remainder of his life. He and his wife had two daughters, Mrs. Howard having had a sister, Sarah V., who died in 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Howard are active members of the Christian church, of which Mr. Howard formerly was a deacon. He is a member of Lodge No. 96, Free and Accepted Masons, at Andersonville, and is an ardent supporter of the Republican party.

CLARENCE SCULL, a well known and progressive young farmer of Orange township, was born in Rush county and has lived here all his life. He was born on a farm in the township in which he still lives, May 18, 1897, son of James L. and Effie (Archey) Scull, both of whom also were born in Rush county, membei-s of old families here, and the former of whom died on the farm in Orange township which had been his home for many years. His widow married Spencer Griffith, of Termopolis, Wyo., and is now living at Los Angeles, Cal. James L. Scull and wife had two children, Clarence Scull having a sister, Edna, wife of William H. Davies, superintendent of air brakes on the Wabash railroad. Reared on the home farm in Orange township, Clarence Scull received his schooling in the local schools, leaving school after four years of high school work, and from boyhood was carefully trained in the way of farming. He married at the age of twenty-one and then began farming on his own account, renting a part of the home place, and is still living there, farming 100 acres. In addition to his general farming Mr. Scull gives considerable attention to the raising of hogs, and has about 100 head of pure bred Duroc hogs, his operations along that line during the past few years having been quite successful. He maintains a well equipped farm plant and his operations are carried on in accordance with strictly up-to-date methods. On August 24, 1918, Clarence Scull was united in marriage to Faye Westerfield, who also was born in this county, and to this union one child has been born, a daughter, Dorothy L., born on June 17, 1919. Mrs. Scull was born on a farm in Walker township, daughter of Byron and Belle (Turner) Westerfield, the former of whom also was born in Rush county, a member of one of the pioneer families here, and the latter in Brown county, this state. Byron Westerfield and wife have five children, those besides Mrs.

Scull being Owen, Gale, Vivian and Inez. Mr. and Mrs. Scull have a very pleasant home and take an interested part in the community "s general social activities. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Milroy. Mr. Scull is a Democrat.

JOSEPH W. TODD, who has long been one of the influential citizens of Rush county, has spent his life here. He was born in Center township, on May 21, 1854, and is the son of Andrew J. and Elizabeth (David) Todd, the former of whom was born in Penns3Tlvania and the latter born and reared in Bourbon county, Kentucky. "When Andrew J. Todd left his native state for the West, he traveled down the Ohio river as far as Lawrenceburg, Ind., which was his stopping place for some time, but in 1839 he came to Rush county, where he spent the remainder of his life. During his first ten years here he was employed by the day as a farm hand, but he then engaged in farming on his own account, buying eighty acres of land in Center township, to which he later added thirty-seven acres, making his holdings here 117 acres, and on this farm he made his home up to the time of his death, which occurred on April 18, 1890. His wife had died on November 18, 1887. Of the seven children who blessed their union, three are now living, namely: Joseph W., Leah and Jacob D., who is represented elsewhere in this work. Joseph W. Todd secured a good practical education in the Ball school, in Center township, and after completing his studies he applied himself to the work of the home farm, assisting his father during the latter 's active years and later assuming the operation of the farm up to the time of his father's death. The subject then bought part of the home place, his first purchase amounting to forty acres, to which he later added sixtyeight acres,, thus making his holdings 108 acres, all of which is located in Center township. For many years Mr. Todd carried on general farming operations here, also raising considerable live stock, but he is now retired and is now enjoying the fruits of his former years of toil. He has always maintained his place in fine repair and has been numbered among the enterprising and progressive men of Center township. He is now renting his land. Politically, Mr. Todd is an ardent advocate of the Democratic party.