Rush County, Indiana - The whole text, 1921 (part 12 of 18)

W. A. BILLINGS, farmer and stockraiser in Anderson township, is a member of one of the old pioneer families of Rush county. His grandfather, Andrew Billings, came to Indiana from Delaware, and entered eighty acres of Government land in Jackson township, this county, on which he lived for a number of years, then sold and moved into Howard county where he lived out his days. W. A. Billings was born in Posey township, this county, January 6. 1865. His parents were Joseph and Rachel (Leisure) Billings, both of whom were born in Rush county. Of their eight children there are five survivors, Edward, Frank, Orville, W. A. and Caroline. The father was a farmer and stock raiser all his active life, owning a farm of eighty acres in Union township. W. A. Billings attended school in Jackson township and afterward assisted his father on the home farm, not moving to Anderson township until after his marriage, when he began farming for himself. Mr. Billings has a well improved farm with an attractive modern residence all the surroundings indicating thrift, intelligence and careful farm management. He raises grain and stock on the eighty acres, devoting twenty-five acres to wheat and the same to corn and feeds out about fifty head of hogs yearly. September 3, 1901, he married Minnie A. Parker, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Crane) Parker, and they have one daughter, Dorothy Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Billings are members of the Christian church at Milroy, of which he has been a deacon for many years. Although not a politician, Mr. Billings takes a good citizen's interest in public affairs and local matters, and votes the Democratic ticket. He belongs to the order of Knights of Pythias at Milroy.

THOMAS J. MARTIN, a substantial land owner of Rush county, now living retired at his pleasant home at Lewisville, was born on a farm in Washington township, this county, July 17, 1852, a son of Simon and Mary (Waddle) Martin, natives of Union county, Indiana, where they were educated and married. Shortly after their marriage the parents came to Rush county, where the father secured a tract of eighty acres of wooded land, upon which the timber stood so thick that he was forced to clear a space before he could build his primitive log-cabin home. A man of the greatest industry and perseverance, and possessed of good business abilities and shrewd judgment, he won a notable success, and at the time of his death was the owner of approximately 1,000 acres of land. He and his wife became the parents of eight children, of whom five are living, Julia, Dorothy, Charles, Thomas J. and Nancy. Thomas J. Martin received his education in Washington township, where he attended the Martin school, so named because of its proximity to his father's property. On the completion of his schooling, he started assisting his father in the work of the home place, and continued thus engaged until his marriage, at which time his father gave him eighty acres, and since then he has added 320 acres to this original property, being now the possessor of 400 acres of some of the best land to be found in the county. Mr. Martin continued the personal operation of this handsome estate until 1919, when, feeling that he had done his share in the work of development, he turned over the labor and responsibility to younger shoulders and retired to his pleasant home at Lewisville. During his active years he was accounted one of the most progressive agriculturists of his locality, and as a live stock feeder shipped from 200 to 300 hogs to the markets annually. August 17, 1875, Mr. Martin was united in marriage with Eliza B. Watson, who was born in Henry county, Indiana, daughter of Lewis and Sarah (Morris) Watson. To this union there has been born one daughter, Bertha, who married Frank Houston, a music teacher of Indianapolis, and has seven children, Anna, Ruth, Rebecca, Nellie, Weldon, Prank and Bettie Jane. Of these children, Anna, the first born, married Dr. Harold Henderson,a physician, and has two children, Helen and Jean. Mr. Martin has always been ready to discharge the duties of citizenship, and for about five years served as a member of the county council of Rush county. As a fraternalist he holds membership in Raleigh Lodge, No. 640, Free and Accepted Masons; and Lewisville Lodge, No. 191, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He and Mrs. Martin are faithful members of the Christian church of Raleigh, and in politics he is a stanch Democrat. He is a genial and sympathetic man, and the grind of labor has not hardened his nature or rendered him less the friend of youth and happiness.

JOSEPH H. PIKE, proprietor of an excellent farm in Richland township and one of the strong, sturdy characters who have contributed largely to the material welfare of that community, is a native son of Rush county. He was born on July 2, 1861, the son of Ephraim and Beulah (Yates) Pike, both of whom were born and reared in North Carolina. They were married there and the following year they came to Indiana, locating in Henry county, where for a time Mr. Pike was employed by the day. Later he came to Rush county and here spent the remainder of his life. He died in 1911 and was survived by his widow, who died on December 31, 1919. Of the ten children who blessed their union, four are living, namely: Nathan H., William L., Hannah E. and Joseph II. The subject of this sketch received his education in the schools of Rush county and then for five years he was employed by the month at general farm work. He then rented a farm in Anderson township, which he operated for over five years, at the end of which period he located in Noble township, where for six and a half years he operated a rented farm of 200 acres, followed by five and a half years on rented land in Anderson township. He then moved to Circleville and for a year operated 395 acres of rented land. He then moved to Richland township and bought 160 acres of land, but one year later he sold that and bought 160 acres where he now lives, which he has cultivated continuously since 1902. This farm is well improved in every respect and here Mr. Pike carries on general farming and stock raising, in which he has meet with a very gratifying measure of success. He generally feeds from 300 to 350 head of hogs a year. In addition to his regular vocation of farming, Mr. Pike has also done much successful work throughout this community as an auctioneer. Since taking possession of the farm he has greatly improved it by tiling and building new barns and now has one of the best farm plants in the township. Mr. Pike was married to Clara Hall, the daughter of Joseph and Martha (Innisl Hall, and they are the parents of five children, namely: Fred D., who married Luetta Gerhart and has five children, Cecil, Helen. Dorothy, Ruth and Thelma ; Hal E., who married Lula Chestnut and has one child, Joseph; Frances C, who became the wife of Kenneth Helman ; Grace M., who became the wife of Firman Tarplee, and J. Gayle, who is unmarried and remains at home. Mr. and Mrs.

Pike are members of the United Presbyterian church at Milroy. Mr. Pike gives his support to the Democratic party. Genial in disposition and unassuming in manner, he has won and retains to a marked degree the good will and esteem of the entire community in which he lives. During the time of America's participation in the World war Mr. Pike was chairman of the township committee for war work.

JAMES W. MAUZY, a well known and substantial farmer and landowner of Union township now living practically retired from the active labors of the farm, was born in Rush county, member of one of the pioneer families here, and has lived here all his life, in the long period of nearly eighty years, which has since elapsed, having been a witness to many striking changes in the manners and customs of the people here and in the methods of doing things as compared with the pioneer days of his first remembrance. Mr. Mauzy was born on a farm in Union township on December 23, 1843, son of William and Caroline (Griffin) Mauzy, the latter of whom was born in Pennsylvania and had come here with her parents from the old Keystone state in the days of her girlhood. William Mauzy was a Kentuckian by birth and was but a child when he came up into Indiana with his parents, Silas Mauzy and wife, the family locating in Rush county and settling for a time in Noble township. They later moved to Union township where Silas Mauzy bought a tract of land and established his home, becoming a substantial farmer, the owner of 240 acres, and there spent the remainder of his life, one of the influential pioneers of that section. On that pioneer farm in Union township William Mauzy grew to manhood, well trained in the ways of the farm, to which vocation he devoted his life, and for a time after his marriage made his home there but later moved to a farm in Noble township and there established his home, remaining there until his retirement from the farm and removal to Rushville, where his last days were spent. William Mauzy was a good farmer and owned an excellent place of 203 acres. He was for many years influential in local affairs, was a deacon in the Little Flat Rock Christian church, and helped erect the old church edifice which has since been torn down. He and his wife had two children, sons both, the subject, of this sketch and William H. Mauzy. James W. Mauzy was but a small child when his parents moved from Union township, where he was born, to Noble township and on the home farm in this latter township he grew to manhood. He received his schooling in the schools of that neighborhood and until he was twenty-five years of age continued farming with his father. His father then gave him a "forty" adjoining a similar tract of land he had bought in Union township and on this "eighty" he started farming on his own account, and after his marriage in 1875 established his home there. On that place Mr. Mauzy carried on his operations with such success that lie gradually was able to enlarge his land holdings until he became the owner of a fine farm of about 500 acres, a portion of which he has deeded to his children, eighty acres to each child in 1913. There he has continued to make his home, although in 1916 he retired from the active management of the farm. Mr. Mauzy is a Republican and has for many years taken an interested part, in local political affairs, though not an office seeker. He and his wife are members of the Little Flat Rock Christian Church and he has served on the diaeonate of the church. In 1875 James W. Mauzy v.as united in marriage to Alice J. Heizer, who had come up here from Kentucky with her parents in the days of her girlhood, and to this union four children have been born, namely: John W., who married Josephine Arnold and has one child, a son, Clifford William; Luella, who married Charles Arnold and has three children, Richard, Edmund and Alice; Charles G., who married Iona Gilson and has two children, Dorothy May and Glenn, and Chester C. Mauzy, who is unmarried and who is still at the old home. Mrs. Mauzy was born in Mason county, Kentucky, daughter of John and Mary (Crawford) Heizer, both of whom were born in Ohio, where they were married, later moving to Kentucky, where they remained until they came with their family up into Indiana and settled in Fayette county. In 1865 John Heizer moved to Illinois, where he died. He and his wife were the parents of five children, three of whom are still living, Mrs. Mauzy having a sister, Susan, and a brother, John Heizer.

ALVAH T. JUNKEN, who now lives retired at Rushville, has large property interests in Rush county, one of these being the well known "Pine Highland" stock farm situated in Jackson township. He was born in Posey township, this county, September 22, 1866, a son of Edward and Sarah (Beal) Junken. His father was born in Kentucky and accompanied his parents to Rush county in boyhood, and his mother was born in New York and was also young when she was brought here. They had four children and three are living, Maggie, Jerusha and Alvah T. All the children attended the Offutt district school. Alvah T. Junken began to assist his father in the days of his youth, and continued to help at home until his marriage. He then worked one year as a farm hand and after that rented and operated land for ten years. About that time his wife inherited 300 acres of land in Jackson township. To this he subsequently added 420 acres, the 720 acres comprising "Pine Highland" farm. For a number of years afterward Mr. Junken devoted himself to the improvement and operation of this large estate, paying particular attention to stockraising, his output aggregating from eighty to 100 head of cattle and 400 head of hogs a year. Since retiring to Rushville, Mr. and Mrs. Junken reside at No. 223 East Sixth street, which is one of several valuable holdings he has in this city. On October 25, 1893, Mr. Junken married Dollie Morris, who was born in Jackson township, this county, daughter of Theodore and Sarah (Beamon) Morris, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Rush county. They had seven children, three of whom survive, Prank, Edward and Dollie. The father of Mrs. Junken was a widely known farmer and stockman, in early days traveling all through Rush county buying stock, which he drove to Cincinnati to market. At the time of his death he owned 1,000 acres of land in Rush county. Mr. and Mrs. Junken have four children, Virgil, Esther, Mary and Josephine. Virgil Junken, who carries on farming in Jackson township, .jmarried Lillian Lee. Esther Junken married Russell Carfield, a farmer in Rush county. Mr. Junken is a member of the Presbyterian church at Rushville and his family are members of the Christian church. He belongs to the Odd Fellows, a member of the lodge at Arlington, and in his political views is a stalwart Republican.

HUGH C. ARCHEY, a veteran of the Spanish-American war, former editor of the Milroy Press and a well known and progressive young farmer of Orange township,, this county, was born in Rush county, and has lived here all his life. He was born on a farm in Richland township on October 2, 1880, son of James P. and Elizabeth (Hill) Archey, the latter of whom also was born in Indiana, a member of one of the old families of the neighboring county of Franklin. James P. Archey was born in Rockbridge county, Virginia, but came to Indiana with his parents when but a lad, the family locating in Franklin county, where he married Elizabeth Hill. Shortly after his marriage he came over into Rush county and located in Richland township, later moving to Orange township and still later to the village of Milroy. He became a substantial farmer, the owner of a good farm of 240 acres, and was also for years engaged in the shipping of live stock. James P. Archey and wife were the parents of seven children, of whom six are still living, those besides the subject of this sketch being Effie, Edgar, Zelma, Clyde and Cleveland J. Reared on the home farm in Orange township, Hugh C. Archey completed his schooling in the schools of Milroy and was but eighteen years of age when the Spanish- American war broke out in 1898. He enlisted his services as a member of A Company, One Hundred and Fifty-eighth regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served with that command until it was mustered out at the termination of the brief war. About a year later he married and then began farming on his own account, renting a part of his father's farm, and was thus engaged for about fifteen years, at the end of which time he took over the Milroy Press and was for two years engaged in conducting the destinies of that sprightly newspaper, but finding newspaper work not so much to his liking as was the old line he returned to farming, locating on the farm he now occupies in Orange township, and after about five years of tenancy there bought the farm, a well kept place of 120 acres, and is very comfortably established. In addition to his general farming Mr. Archey feeds out from two to three car loads of hogs a year and is doing well. It was on February 1, 1900, that Hugh C. Archey was united in marriage to Eva E. McCraeken, who was born on a farm in the neighboring county of Decatur, daughter and only child of Benjamin P. and Margaret (Robins) McCraeken, both of whom also were born in Decatur county, members of pioneer families there, and to this union one child has been born, a son, Lawrence C. Archey, born on May 13, 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Archey are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Milroy, and have ever taken an interested part in church work, as well as in the general social activities of their home neighborhood. In his political views Mr. Archey is "independent." Fraternally, he is affiliated with Milroy lodge, No. 139, Free and Accepted Masons, and with the local lodge, No. 5851, Modern Woodmen, and in the affairs of both of these fraternal organizations takes a warm interest.

WILLIAM FISHER, the subject of this sketch, has spent practically his entire life in Rush county and is a worthy representative of one of its pioneer families, the Fishers having been identified with Rush county since 1821, which year marked the arrival here of Jacob Fisher and wife, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, where they were reared and married. Later they migrated to Clermont county, Ohio, where they lived until their removal to Indiana, where Jacob Fisher entered 160 acres of Rush county land. This land, which was still in its primeval wildness when he obtained it, was splendidly located and he at once applied himself to the task of clearing it and putting it in cultivation. He created a fine farm and there spent the remainder of his life. To him and his wife were born nine children, of which number the youngest was Jacob, father of the subject of this review. Jacob Fisher, junior, was born, reared and educated in Richland township, and here spent his entire life engaged in agricultural pursuits. He eventually became the owner of 320 acres of land and occupied a leading place in the community, having served for eighteen years as trustee of Richland township. He married Elizabeth Jane Buck, of Preble county, Ohio, and their union was blessed in the birth of nine children, of which number six are now living, namely : Marcus. William, Mary, Martha, Lula and Ira. William Fisher, who was born in Richland township on January 18, 1856, was reared under the paternal roof and secured his elemental education in the public schools of Richland township, completing his studies in Richland Academy. He remained on the home farm, assisting his father until his marriage, when he rented the old Fisher homestead, which he operated for two years. He then moved to Richland and since 1884 he has been renting and operating the farm on which he now lives, comprising 298 acres. He also gives some at- tention to the raising of live stock, feeding about 125 hogs a year. He keeps the farm well improved and is numbered among the intelligent and practical farmers of Richland township. Mr. Fisher was married to Mary Ray, the daughter of David and Mary Ann (Loper) Ray, and they have one child, a son, Charles J. Fisher, who married Pearl Brown. To the latter union has been born a daughter, Margaret S. Mr. Fisher has been a life-long supporter of the Democratic party and served for seven years as assessor of Richland township. He and his family are active members of the Christian church at Clarksburg. His life has been a record of unceasing industry and honorable effort and he has richly earned the highest esteem of all with whom he has been associated.

OSRO M. DRAPER, a progressive farmer of Ripley township and a fit representative of the young and enthusiastic agricultural element recruited from the farming class of Rush county, has passed his entire life in Rush county. He was born in Posey township, on July 22, 1894, his parents being James 0. and Viola (Nelson) Draper. Mr. Draper belongs to a farming family which has long resided in Rush county, and which has contributed in no small way to its development. His education was acquired in Posey township, where he had the advantages of attendance at the Beaver Meadow schoolhouse, after leaving which he became associated with his father in the cultivation of the home acres. The partnership existing between father and son continued until the latter 's marriage, when he started out upon an independent career, and moved to the property which he now occupies, a tract of 120 acres which he rents from Ezra Hill. Mr. Draper is a young man of progressive ideas and naturally his work is carried on according to the modern methods of his vocation. His general farming operations have been successful, and as a grower of live stock he has likewise met with prosperity, he now shipping approximately 100 hogs annually. On February 18, 1917, in Posey township, Mr. Draper was united in marriage to May Plummer, who was born in Hancock county, this state, a daughter of William and Hattie (White) Plummer, natives of Rush county, who were the parents of four children, Vernie, Orville, May and Margaret. Mrs. Draper was educated in Center township and at the schools of Carthage, and is a faithful member of the Christian church at Carthage. Mr. and Mrs. Draper have one child, Anna Louise, born on December 1, 1917. Mr. Draper maintains an independent position politically, preferring to depend upon his own judgment rather than to follow blindly the call of party. He is a lover of good horses, and has in his stable a Belgian horse, which at the age of two years and eight months weighed 1,800 pounds.

GEORGE WEINGARTH, a well known general farmer, operating 230 acres of land lying in Rush and Shelby counties, is a resident of Walker township, Rush county. He was born in Union township, Shelby county, September 6, 1871, a son of Henry and Julia (Theobold) Weingarth, the former born in Germany and the latter in the state of Ohio. Henry Weingarth served three years in the Civil war, as a member of Company K, Eighteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, after whi'ch he engaged diiring the rest of his life, in general farming in Shelby county, this state. Of his eight children the following are living : George, Albert, Nora, William, Catherine, and Emma Louise. Charles died on January 10, 1900, at the age of thirty years. George Weingarth obtained his schooling in Shelby county and assisted his father on the home farm until his marriage, when he moved into Morristown, in Shelby county. During the eleven years he lived there, he was an active business man and was superintendent of the line of the Morristown Gas Company, of which company he was a director. In 1911 he returned to the homestead and since then has been operating the farms in Rush and Shelby counties on shares with his mother. He carries on a general farm business, growing grain, produce and stock. On March 5, 1902, Mr. Weingarth married Etta Nelson, who also was born in Shelby county, daughter of Francis M. and Mary J. (Smith) Nelson. The father of Mrs. Weingarth served three years in the Civil war, a member of Company E, Fifty-second Indiana Volunteer Infantry, surviving the dangers and hardships of army life as did Henry Weingarth. Of his family of eight children, six are living, Etta, Elva, Minnie, James, Luther and John. Mollie and Rose are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Weingarth have three children, Marie, Julia and Paul, all of whom are in school, the two elder being students in the high school at Manilla, Marie graduating with the class of 1921. Mr. Weingarth and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Manilla. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge at Morristown, in which he has passed the chairs. In politics he is a Republican.

WILBUR C. BROWN, farmer and stockraiser in Orange township, this county, and trustee of that township, was born in Shelby county, Indiana, January 8, 1872. His parents are William J. and Missouri (Hume) Brown, the former a native of Shelby county and the latter of Illinois. They have four children, Harvey F., Stella, Clarence and Wilbur C. William J. Brown has been a farmer during the greater part of his life and owns 110 acres in Orange township. Wilbur C. Brown attended the Selby district school in Orange township and afterward assisted his father on the home farm until his own marriage, following which he operated rented land for about twenty years. His wife then inherited 180 acres of land in Orange township, to which he added by purchase a tract of forty acres, and now has 220 acres all in one body. He carries on a general line of farming and raises about two car loads of hogs together with some cattle and sheep annually. Mr. Brown is not only a successful farmer, but he is a useful citizen in a public way.

He is now serving as township trustee, and for years was township assessor, elected to both offices on the Democratic ticket. On September 5, 1894, Wilbur C. Brown married Myrtle M. Paulus, who was born in Orange township, this county, daughter of Daniel and Hulda (Ilungerford) Paulus. The father of Mrs. Brown was a farmer and stockman in Rush county and owned 331 acres of land in Orange township. He had but two children, Rena and Myrtle. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have two children: Mary, who married Earl Harcourt, a farmer in Orange township, and has one son, Robert Lincoln, and Carrie, who is the wife of Clifford Harcourt, a farmer in Orange township. Mr. Brown and his family are members of the Christian church at Moscow. He belongs to Milroy Lodge, No. 139, Free and Accepted Masons, and to Milroy Lodge, No. 204, Knights of Pythias, at Milroy.

JAMES D. CLIFTON, a well known citizen and experienced farmer of Washington township, this county, was born in that township, March 14, 1873, a son of William A. and Martha E. (Kerr) Clifton. Both parents were born in Fayette county, Indiana, were reared and married there and then came to Rush county. William A. Clifton was an extensive farmer and stockraiser, at first operating 220 acres of land in Washington township and later operated 400 acres. He continued active until his death in 1912. The children of William A. and Martha E. Clifton were Maude, Nellie, Ethel, Thadeus, James D., Louella and Fannie, all surviving except Louella and Fannie. James D. Clifton had school advantages in Washington township, then assisted his father until his twenty-first birthday. He then purchased eighty acres of land in Washington township, to the cultivation and improvement of which he has since closely devoted himself. He married Edith A. Cummins, of Fayette county, Indiana, and they have three sons, Harold, Ray and Paul. Harold Clifton married Addie Dunavent, who was born in Kentucky, and they have three children, Wilma, Dorothy, and Harold, Jr. Ray Clifton married Ollie Dunavent, a native of Kentucky, and they have one son, Russell. Mr. Clifton and his sons vote the Democratic ticket. Mr. Clifton is held in high regard in fraternal circles at Falmouth, where he belongs to the Masonic, Odd Fellows and Red Men's lodges. Mrs. Clifton is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Falmouth.

HARLEY WIKOFF, a well known citizen and successful farmer and stockman of Washington township, this county, was born in that township, October 24, 1862, and was early adopted by J. M. and Jane (McCrory) Wikoff, both of whom were born in Rush county and died here, the former on January 18, 1913, and the latter, May 29, 1912. J. M. Wikoff was a prosperous farmer and stock buyer in Washington township, and was quite prominent in county politics, at one time serving on the board of county commissioners. He was a son of Garrett Wikoff, who was born on Feb- ruary 3, 1799, and died on February 24, 1886. He founded the family in Rush county, coming here among the pioneers from Ohio, and entered land in Union township, which is now occupied by Edward Dolan. Harley Wikoff attended Fairview Academy and for about three years afterward was his father's main helper on the home farm, when he married, moving to another farm belonging to his father. His present well improved farm of 100 acres originally belonged to his father. It is a fine, well kept property and Mr. Wikoff turns off about 150 hogs a year. He gives his entire time to the management of his farm and all his industries are in a prosperous condition. On March 12, 1884, he married Alfa Clifford, daughter of the Rev. Edward H. and Elizabeth (Franklin) Clifford, both of Rush county, and the former of whom aside from preaching devoted much time to farming and had also been engaged in merchandising in Indianapolis and Anderson. Mr. and Mrs. Wikoff have one daughter, Lena, who is the wife of Richard Gray, of Fayette county, and an adopted son, Franklin Wikoff Clifford. Mr. Wikoff and his family are members of the Christian church at Fairview. In politics he is a Democrat.

E. 0. GEORGE, for many years a substantial agriculturist of Rush county and a factor in its material growth and civic and moral upbuilding, was born in Franklin county, Indiana, on December 15, 1871, and is the son of William H. and Lavina R. (George) George, who were born, reared, educated and married in Franklin county. While still a lad William H. George turned his attention to farming, remaining with his parents, Henry and Anna George, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. William H. George came to Richland township, this county, where he engaged in farming for a few years, and then moved to Noble township, where he was engaged in farming up to the time of his death, at which time he was the owner of 320 acres of land. To him and his wife were born eight children, of which number seven are living, namely: E. O., Chester, Arthur, Anna, Frank, Riley and Earl. E. O. George received a good practical education in the public schools of his native county, and thereafter he was engaged in farming on the home place until 1892, when he came to Richland township and bought a small tract of land and at the same time rented other land, to the operation of which he devoted his energies with such success that in 1916 he was enabled to purchase 103 acres, comprising the nucleus of his present farm, and he also inherited forty acres from his father's estate. Here he carries on general farming operations, including the handling of some live stock, feeding about one hundred head of hogs and a carload of cattle annually. For about twenty years Mr. George has also operated a threshing outfit, with which he has covered a large part of the surrounding country. He maintains his place at a high state of improvement and is thoroughly up-to-date in his methods of work. Mr. George was married to Nelle Sparks, the daughter of Mrs. Edna (Sparks) Carr, and they have one child, Charles, who is now attending school. Mrs. George is an earnest member of the Christian church at Andersonville. Mr. George gives his support to the Republican party and is a member of the Masonic lodge at Andersonville. He is genial and unassuming in manner and is held in high esteem throughout his community.

CHASE P. MAUZY, one of the leading farmers and stock raisers of Jackson township, and a member of the city council of Rushville, is a prominent factor in the agricultural and civic life of his community. He was born in Jackson township, December 1, 1882, a son of Greeley P. and Alice (Newhouse) Mauzy, a review of whose lives will be found elsewhere iu this work. Chase P. Mauzy secured his schooling in the country schools of Jackson township and the graded and high school at Rushville, and after leaving the latter engaged in farming in association with his father. Subsequently he embarked upon a career of his own, and at the present time is the owner of eighty acres of land in Jackson and Union townships, in addition to which he rents 210 acres from his father. He operates all of this land as a general farmer and live stock raiser, and each year feeds about 300 head of hogs and from fifteen to twenty head of Shorthorn cattle. He is energetic in spirit and progressive in his views, and his industry and good management are combining to win him deserved success. In politics a Republican, Mr. Mauzy has entered actively into civic affairs, and during his two terms as a member of the Rushville city council has shown himself a constructive and valuable worker in that body. He is well known in fraternal circles, being a member of the Elks, and of the blue lodge, the chapter, the council and the commandery of the Masonic order, and holds membership likewise in the Rushville Social Club. With his family he belongs to the Christian church. On November 29, 1905, Mr. Mauzy married Florence Davis, who was born in Wayne county, Indiana, daughter of Oliver G. and Alice (Smith) Davis. Mr. Davis, who conducted an undertaking establishment at Williamsburg, Ind., was the owner of about 600 acres of land in Wayne county, but always rented his farm. Mrs. Mauzy owns 200 acres of the tract, which is operated by her husband. Oliver G. Davis died on February 22, 1914. Mrs. Davis passed away September 3, 1907. They were the parents of two children, Howard and Florence. To Mr. and Mrs. Mauzy there have been born two children, Emily, born on July 13, 1907, and Ruth, December 21, 1912, both now attending school at Rushville.

JOHN H. BROWN, a well known general farmer in Walker township, this county, was born in Union township, Shelby county, Indiana, July 18, 1865, one of a family of eight children born to Robert C. and Mary (Bright) Brown. His parents were born, reared and married in Shelby county, where his father was a farmer all his active life. Mr. Brown has two brothers : Seott Brown, who lives at Manilla, this county, and Samuel C. Brown, who is a resident of Waldron, in Shelby county. John H. Brown obtained a public school education in Union township, Shelby county, and remained at home helping his father until he was twenty-one years old. Then he worked as a farm hand for several years before renting land and starting out on his own responsibility. After about fourteen years as a renter, he bought forty acres in Walker township, this county, which he still owns and operates as a general farmer. On August 17, 1889, he married Mima Hewitt, who was born in Shelby county and who died on April 3, 1891, her burial being in the Vienna cemetery. Her parents were Martin and Nancy (Ray) Hewitt. On December 14, 1893, Mr. Brown married Sylvia Lee, who was born in Decatur county, Indiana. She died on March 27, 1895, her burial being in the Vienna cemetery, where also rests their one child, Earl, who lived but five months. On September 5, 1897, Mr. Brown married Katherine Weingarth, who was born in Union township, Shelby county, Indiana, October 5, 1872. Her parents were Henry and Julia (Theobald) Weingarth, well known and substantial people of Shelby and Rush counties. Her father was a veteran of the Civil war. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have had five children : Julia I., Alma M., Emma E., Claudius and Robert. Julia I., widow of the late Forest Webb, a farmer in Rush county, has a son, Hugh V. Alma M., who was the wife of William Ormes, a mechanic living at Connersville, Ind., died on October 24, 1918, and her burial was in East Hill cemetery. Emma E. was graduated from the Manilla high school with the class of 1921. The other children are still in school. Mr. Brown and his family belong to the Christian Union church at Homer. In politics he has always been a Democrat, but not a seeker for public office. He belongs to the Masonic lodge at Manilla and also to the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias at Blue Ridge in Shelby county.

JAMES GRAY, one of the oldest and best known farmers and landowners of Rush county, proprietor of an excellent farm in Union township, now living retired at Mauzy, is a native son of Rush county and has lived here all his life, a witness to and participant in the amazing development that has taken place hereabout since the days of his boyhood. He was born on a pioneer farm in Union township on February 8, 1834, son of James and Mary (Nichols) Gray, who were among the early settlers of that township. James Gray and his wife were Virginians. They decided to make their home in the promising lands then being opened up in the comparatively new Hoosier state and having disposed of their interests in Virginia drove through with their belongings and located in Union county, this state, where for a year James Gray operated a grist mill. In March of the next year he came on over into Rush county and bought an "eighty" in Union township where he established his home and spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring there in 1872. His widow survived him for eight years, her death occurring in 1880. James Gray was a good farmer and as his affairs prospered he added to his original "eighty" until he was the owner of a fine farm of 300 acres in Union township and was long accounted one of the substantial and influential men of that community. He and his wife were the parents of six children, all of whom grew to maturity but of whom the venerable subject of this sketch now is the only survivor, the others having been Margaret, Mary, Nancy A., John and George. The descendants in the present generation of the pioneer James Gray and his wife form a quite numerous connection, many families of which continue to make their home in Rush county, and of all these James Gray, the only surviving son of these pioneers and the subject of this biographical narrative, is the acknowledged dean. In his own family his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, the latter comprising the fifth generation of Grays in this county, are in themselves a considerable assemblage when all together and the venerable head of the family is justly proud of the manner in which the name is being perpetuated. James Gray grew up on the pioneer farm in Union township above referred to and in the then somewhat primitive schools of that neighborhood received his schooling. As a young man he continued working on the home farm helping his father develop the same and when he married at the age of twenty-three, established his home on the place and continued operations in association with his father until the latter 's death in 1872, when he took over the old home place and there continued to make his home until his retirement from the farm in 1919 and removal to Mauzy, where he and his wife are now living and where they are very comfortably situated. Mr. Gray has an excellent farm and always insisted on having things kept up in "ship-shape" fashion. He had increased his original interest in the home acres to 202 acres, but not long ago disposed of forty-nine acres of this tract and now is the owner of but 153 acres, all of which is well improved and profitably cultivated. In his political affiliation Mr. Gray is a Republican and has given his ardent support to the principles of that party ever since the time of its organization in 1856, in which year he had his first presidential vote. He and his wife are members of the Ben Davis Christian church and have ever given their interested attention to church work and to the general good works of the community of which they so long have been an influential part, and in which during their long residence there they have done much to promote movements having to do with the advancement of the common cause; during this time having witnessed wonderful changes in the manners and customs and in comparison with other days have many interesting stories to tell concerning the manner of doing things in "the good old days." On December 20, 1857, more than sixty-three years ago, James Gray was united in marriage to Martha Jane Nichols, who was born in Illinois, daughter of James and Sina Ellen (Gerard) Nichols, and to this union twelve children have been born, of whom eight are living, William, Rebecca, Andrew, Vincent, Adaline, Cary, Minnie and Nancy Agnes. William Gray married Carrie Hinchman and has two children, Walter, who married Ethel Eakins, and Clara, wife of Leslie Hinchman. Rebecca Gray married Gilbert Hanna and has two children, Wilbur and Stella, the latter of whom married Samuel Laurence and has one child, a son, John Thompson. Andrew Gray married Claudia Jackson. Vincent Gray married Matilda Kirchbaum. Adaline Gray married Hugh Beaver. Cary Gray married Bessie Patton and has four children, James, Virginia, Cary Patton and Ethel Ada. Minnie Gray married Oriel Stephens and Nancy A. Gray married Jesse R. Norris and has one child, a son. Dr. Jesse L. Norris, a graduate of Chicago University, who had the distinction of having been the first man in the state of Montana to enlist his services in behalf of the army upon the entrance of the United States into the World war in the spring of 1917, and who served overseas in that war for two years. Another of Mr. Gray's grandsons, Wilbur Beaver, also served overseas in the great war, serving with the Three Hundred and Thirty-second Infantry in Italy and thus participated in the campaign against the Austrians.

DAVID FISHER HITE, one of the old and honored agriculturists of Rush county, was born in Richland township, this county, August 5, 1847, a son of William N. and Sarah (Fisher) Hite. William N. Hite was born in Virginia, where in his youth he learned the trade of blacksmith, and as a young man came to Rush county and entered eighty acres of land from the Government in Richland township. Here he erected a small blacksmith shop and followed his trade in connection with his work in clearing his property and making it ready for the planting of crops, but in later years abandoned this vocation and gave himself unreservedly to the occ\ipations of farming and stock raising, in which he became greatly successful. At one time he was the owner of 460 acres of land, all located in Richland township, and his death occurred on his farm, September 27, 1896, when he was eighty-five years of age. Mrs. Hite, who was born in Ohio, survived her husband until October 2. 1913, and was in advanced years at the time of her passing away. They were the parents of ten children, of whom six are now living: David Fisher, Lewis E., Winfield, Eliza Jane, Irene and Lola. David F. Hite attended the district schools of Richland township, following which he pursued a course at Richland Academy, and then began teaching school during the winter terms, a procedure which he followed for ten years, during which he farmed during the summer months. He then turned his attention to mercantile pursuits and for about ten years conducted a store at Clarksburg. Ind., but eventually turned his attention to farming and stock raising, which he has followed to the present. He is now farming sev- enty acres of good land, located near the Decatur-Rush county line, and has attained marked success in his work. In connection with his farming- operations, Mr. Hite handles fire insurance and has made this a very profitable side line. He is one of the best informed and most progressive residents of his locality, a man of genial and approachable manner and a citizen who takes a keen interest in the affairs which engage the attention and affect the welfare of the community. He is a Democrat and his fraternal connection is with the Masonic lodge at Clarksburg, of which he has been the secretary for thirty-two years. For the past thirtyfive years he has served as a deacon in the Christian church and is now an elder. Mr. Hite married Florence A. Ray, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Loper) Ray, and to this union one child has been born, a daughter, Tinnie Myrtle, who has been twice married, her first husband, the Rev. W. F. Folks, having died leaving her with one child, a daughter, Lavon, who married Capt. Thad Talmage Taylor, of the United States Marine Corps. Mrs. Folks married, secondly, the Rev. David J. Thornton.

DAVID H. WEBSTER, one of the best known citizens of Posey township, was born in Shelby county, Indiana, on January 30, 1873. He was educated in the public schools of Rush county and after leaving school he engaged in the laundry business in Rushville. After conducting that business for about ten years he located on the farm where he now lives. Mr. Webster carries on a general line of farming and also raises about eighty head of hogs each year for market. He keeps his farm well improved and is numbered among the progressive and enterprising farmers of Posey township. On September 6, 1899, David II. Webster was married to Jerusha B. Junken, a native of Posey township and the daughter of Edward A. and Sarah (Beale) Junken. To Mr. and Mrs. Webster have been born two children, Samuel E., who is a pupil in the Arlington school, and Thomas A. Mr. and Mrs. Webster are earnest members of the Christian and Presbyterian churches respectively, at Rushville. Mr. Webster's fraternal relations are with the Improved Order of Red Men at Rushville. He is a man of good judgment and pronounced views, keeping himself well informed on current events and taking a lively interest in all public affairs of his township and county.

JAMES E. CALDWELL, who is accounted among the men of influence in Jackson township, and who has a fine farm in that township, was born in Jackson township on January 4, 1861, and is a son of James M. and Alcy (Ploughe) Caldwell, the former a native of Bedford county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Decatur county, Indiana. The father was reared to the life of a farmer, which vocation he followed during all his active years, owning 160 acres of land in Jackson township, a part of which estate is now occupied by the subject of this review. To James and Alcy Caldwell were born eight children, six of whom are living, namely: William A., Mary R., Sarah,

Lydia, James E., and Oliver. James E. Caldwell received his educational training in the Downey school in Jackson township and after completing his studies he remained at home, assisting his father in the farm work, until his marriage. He then bought the interest of some of the other heirs in the homestead, which he continued to cultivate, but he now only owns eighty acres of the home farm. Here he carries on general farming operations and his indefatigable industry, persistence and good management have been rewarded with a gratifying measure of success. He also gives some attention to the raising of live stock, feeding and marketing about sixty hogs a year. On April 25, 1900, Mr. Caldwell was married to Elizabeth Casady, a native of Rush county and the daughter of John W. and Tabitha (Plumner) Casady, the former of whom was a lifelong farmer in Rush county and a highly respected citizen of his community. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell are earnest members of the Christian church at Rushville. Politically, he gives his support to the Republican party and has served one term as trustee of Jackson township. Fraternally, he is a member of Ivy Lodge, No. 27, Knights of Pythias, at Rushville. He takes a keen interest in the affairs of his community and gives his unreserved support to every movement for the advancement of the general welfare.

GEORGE W. HARDESTY, a well known and substantial farmer of Orange township and formerly and for many years a teacher in the schools of that township, is a native son of Rush county and has lived here all his life. He was born on a farm in Anderson township on December 17, 1871, son of Thomas and Lucy E. (Wall) Hardesty, the latter of whom also was born in Indiana, a native of Dearborn county. Thomas Hardesty was a Kentuckian, born in Henry county in the old Blue Grass state, who came into Indiana in the days of his young manhood and located in Rush county, where he married Lucy E. Wall, who had come here with her parents from Dearborn county not long before. After his marriage Thomas Hardesty began farming on his own account and in time became the owner of an excellent farm of something more than 102 acres in Orange township. There he spent his last days. He and his wife were the parents of two children, the subject of this sketch having a sister, Alice, wife of Frank Humes, now living at Manato, Col. Reared on the farm, George W. Hardesty received his schooling in the old Selby school house in Orange township and from the days of his boyhood devoted himself to farming. He also gave close attention to his studies and early became qualified as a teacher in the schools of Rush county and for fifteen years taught during the winters in the schools of his home township, farming during the summers. He remained at home until his marriage when twenty-four years of age and then began farming "on his own," living on a rented farm for about six years, at the end of which time he bought the place on which he is now living and has since resided there. Mr. Hardesty has a well kept place of eighty acres and since coming into possession of the same has made numerous substantial improvements on the place, these including the erection of a new house, the building of a new barn and the erection of new fences throughout. In addition to his general farming he gives considerable attention to the raising of hogs and is doing well in his operations. Mr. Hardesty is a Democrat and gives a good citizen's attention to local civic affairs, but has never been what may be called particularly "active" in politics. It was on August 9, 1896, that George W. Hardesty was united in marriage to Biddie S. Mahin, who also was born in Orange township, a daughter of Delancy and Casander (Owen) Mahin, both of whom were born in Rush county, members of old families here. Delancy Mahin was a well known farmer of Orange township and remained there until his retirement from the farm and removal to Shelbyville, Ind. He aud his wife were the parents of nine children, of whom seven are still living, those besides Mrs. Hardesty being Mollie, Nettie, William, Altha, Benjamin and Gertrude. Mr. and Mrs. Hardesty have a pleasant home on rural mail route No. 2 out of Milroy and have ever taken an interested part in the general social activities of the community in which all their lives have been spent and where they are known by all.

JOSEPH E. SCOTT, a well known citizen and successful farmer and stockraiser in Washington township, this county, was born in that township, on June 8, 1876, a son of James R. and Mary J. (Finney) Scott, and a grandson of Jesse and Margaret (McCannon) Scott. Jesse Scott was a pioneer in this part of Rush county, coming at an early date from Washington county, Pennsylvania, and he entered eighty acres of Government land in Washington township, on which he passed the rest of his life. He had four children : Mrs. Ellen Prine, Mrs. Catherine Frjr, Mrs. Jeanette O'Banion and James R. James R. Scott was born in 1838 and grew to manhood in Washington township, attending the neighborhood schools in boyhood and afterward until twenty-five years old, giving his father assistance on the homestead. At that time he married Mary Jane Finney, of Washington township, and shortly afterward bought eighty acres, which by thrift and good management he later increased to 320 acres. He carried on a general line of farming and raised 150 head of hogs a year. He always stood well in the community, was a good neighbor and reliable citizen. His children were: John P., Mrs. Sarah C. Rider, Joseph E., James R., Albert S., Jesse E., Amos E. and an infant that died soon after birth. Joseph E. Scott was born in Washington township, attended school here and had practical farm training on the homestead. After his father's death the estate was divided and he received fifty-three acres as his portion, subsequently adding sixty acres which he purchased from his sister. He devotes his land to general farming and stockraisiug, industries in which the Scotts have been unusually successful as a family. Mr. Scott is not married, making his home with his brother, John P. Scott, and family. John P. Scott, the eldest son of the late James and Mary J. Scott, was born in Washington township on March 16, 1864. He attended school there through boyhood and when twenty-three years old took over his portion of his father's estate. He is now operating 145 acres, having increased his original farm to this acreage, and like his brother Joseph E. carries on farming and stockraising. At New Castle, Ind., Mr. Scott married Winona Nipp, on September 8, 1887, and they have had two children, Elsie, and one who died in infancy. The brothers vote with the Democratic party but neither has aspired to political office.

ORA T. LOWER, an industrious, capable and highly successful farmer of Rush county, who is carrying on operations as a farmer and stock raiser, making his home at Homer, was born in Walker township, this county, January 21, 1881, a son of James M. and Marinda M. (Heaton) Lower, natives respectively of Rushville and Walker townships who were educated in their home communities. During the greater part of his life James M. Lower, who died on September 10, 1903, followed farming in Walker township, and he and his wife were the owners of 200 acres of valuable land. They were the parents of six children : Daisy M., Ora T., Bertha A., Cecil E., Laverne H., and Elbert M., the last-named being deceased. Ora T. Lower attended district school No. 7, known as the Alexander school, after leaving which he took up farming at home with his father. He remained under the parental roof until the time of his marriage, when he entered upon an independent career as a farmer and has so continued. He purchased a small tract of his own and to this he has added by industry, good management and perseverance, aided by his capable wife, until they now own 960 acres, in Rushville, Posey and Walker townships. Mr. Lower rents out a part of his land, and the rest is devoted to general farming and to the raising of hogs for breeding and market purposes, Mr. Lower raising in the neighborhood of 500 hogs annually. At present, Mrs. Lower is interesting herself in the raising of Speckled Sussex chickens, a breed of poultry just being introduced in this country from England. On January 10, 1906, Mr. Lower married Dessie Hilligoss, who was born and received her education at Homer, followed by two years of attendance at the high school at Manilla and two years at Shelbyville. Mrs. Lower also took a course in music at the David Graham Academy, at Rushville, and is a woman of numerous accomplishments and splendid business judgment. She is the daughter and only child of James V. and Mary M. (Hodge) Hilligoss, the latter a native of Walker township. Mr. Ililligoss was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, and was two years of age when brought by his parents to Rush county, where he followed farming and stock raising throughout his life and became the owner of 703 acres. He died on October 3, 1914. His wife passed away on October 25, 1901. Mr. Lower is a popular member of Manilla Lodge, No. 34, Free and Accepted Masons, and in politics is a Democrat. He and Mrs. Lower are members of the Christian Union church of Homer. Their home at Homer is regarded as one of the finest residences in Rush county.

WILLIAM P. WHITE, a substantial farmer and representative citizen of Washington township, this county, was born in Union township, on May 24, 1864. His parents were Timothy P. and Marian M. (Smith) White. Timothy P. White was born in Maine and was about thirty years old when he came to Rush county, where he spent the rest of his life. He was a man of education and of business capacity. At first he taught school, then conducted a general store at Smelsers Mills in Union township, subsequently buying the mills which were afterward known as White 's Mills. He acquired 700 acres of land in Union township and went into the stock business, feeding from seventy-five to 100 head of cattle yearly. After coming to Rush county he married Marian M. Smith, a native of the state of New York, and they had four children: Mrs. Clara Young, William P., Minnie and Sumner, the last two now being deceased. William P. White had school advantages in Rush county and later at Valparaiso, after which lie returned to Union township and assisted his father on the home farm until his marriage, when he took over the entire responsibility and made his home there while managing the various farm industries. In 1899 he purchased 155 acres of very desirable land situated in Washington township, and this place has been the family home for the past twenty-two years. During this time Mr. White has made many improvements and has carried on large farming operations prudently and profitably. For twenty-five years he has specialized in raising Polled Angus cattle, selling for breeding purposes. Mr. White was married first to Ella Shover and they had two children, Ray T., who survives, and Harry, who is deceased. Mr. White was married second to Ora Opal Bitner, who was born in Center township, this county and they have two children, Thelmer and Mildred, both of whom are attending school. Mr. White and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Falmouth.

WILLIAM A. MULL belongs to one of the old-established families of Rush county. His present fine farm in Rushville township was entered from the Government by his grandfather, George Mull, in 1820, and among his cherished possessions is the sheepskin deed which gave ownership to this land which has always been in the Mull family. William A. Mull was born on his present farm, June 2S, 1861, son of Henry C. and Elvira (Shaw) Mull, both of whom were natives of Rush county. Henry C. Midi spent his life on the homestead, and was always engaged in farming. He and his wife had six children, three of whom survive : William A., Clara and Catherine. Mary A. died at the age of thirty-seven, and two died in infancy. William A. Mull was educated in Rushville township, attending district school No. 11, known as the Compromise school. Up to the time of his marriage Mr. Mull worked with his father on the home farm, and after that conducted the place for about ten years, but then bought his first land, a small farm of twenty-nine acres, and farmed it in addition to the homestead. About three years later he bought twenty-four acres more, and for two years was engaged in farming his own land. For the next twenty-six years he was engaged in drilling gas and oil wells, and kept on investing in land, becoming the owner of 365 acres in Rushville township. Since retiring from the well business he has bought ninety-one acres more, having now 365 acres, which land is conducted by his sons, who are doing general farming and raise about 110 head of hogs annually, and about twenty head of cattle. On September 3, 1885, William A. Mull married Laura J., daughter of Benjamin and Margaret (Cross) Fisher, natives of Shelby and Ripley counties, respectively, farming people. Mrs. Mull was born, reared and educated at Blue Ridge in Shelby county. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Mull ; Harry A., a farmer on the home place, who married Beulah Murphy ; Ernest, also a farmer on the home place, who married Blanch Crawford, and Margaret E., who is unmarried and lives at home. Mr. Mull belongs to Homer Lodge, No. 471, Independent Order of Odd Fellows; and Manilla Lodge, No. 34, Free and Accepted Masons. For some years he has been a member of Pleasant Ridge Methodist Episcopal Church, and is highly regarded in this congregation. He is a Democrat. Mr. Mull is well-known all over Rush and adjoining counties.

MAURICE W. MANCHE, whose range of activities has included the promotion of agriculture, religion, education, politics, banking and business, is the owner and operator of a magnificent farm of 480 acres, located in one of the richest farming sections of Rush county, upon which stand one of the finest country homes and one of the most modern barns to be found in Ripley township. Mr. Manche was born in Hancock county, Indiana, September 1, 1877, a son of John and Mary (Ashcraft) Manche, natives of the same county. His father, reared an agriculturist, was still but a lad when the Civil war broke out, but enlisted in an Indiana volunteer infantry regiment, with which he fought bravely until the close of the conflict. When his military service was over and he had received his honorable discharge he returned to Hancock county and was married. Settling down to agricultural pursuits, he managed his affairs so well and prosecuted his activities so persistently, that he became the owner of 1,400 acres of land and was regarded as one of the most influential and highly respected citizens of his community. He and his wife became the parents of six children, of whom four survive : Charles. Delia G., Elizabeth and Maurice. The education of Maurice Manche was acquired in the public schools of Hancock county, after leaving which he began farming in association with his father, and continued to be thus engaged until his marriage. Not long thereafter he changed his residence to Ripley township. Rush county, where he is now the owner of 448 acres, all within the township boundaries. Here he has built one of the finest country homes in the township as well as one of the largest barns, and his other buildings are proportionate in value and attractiveness, while his improvements are of the most highly improved and modern character. Mr. Manche follows general farming and stock raising on a large scale and uses the most effective and up-to-date methods to secure his desired results. Primarily a farmer, his business abilities have led him into other activities, and at this time he is a stockholder in the Citizens Bank of Charlottesville, Ind., and the Hungate Wholesale Company. In politics he is independent and takes a good citizen's interest in matters of a political nature. Good movements, however, secure his immediate and generous support, whether they be of an educational, religious, charitable or civic nature. With his family, he belongs to the Methodist church, being a member of the congregation at Carthage, and fraternally he is affiliated with the Carthage blue lodge of Masons. On August 1, 1901, Mr. Manche married Laura B. Scott, daughter of Robert J. and Elizabeth A. (Scudder) Scott, of Hancock county, Indiana, and to this union there have been born two children, Raymond W. and Ruth E., both at home.

IRA HUNGERFORD, one of Orange township 's landowners and well-known farmers, living on rural mail route No. 1 out of Manilla, is a native son of Rush county and has lived here all his life, a period covering a bit more than the traditional ' ' three score and ten years, ' ' and he is still hale and hearty with the expectation of going on a considerable distance farther on the journey of life. He was born in the township in which he still makes his home, September 3, 1850, son of Melvin and Sarah E. (Willey) Hungerford, both of whom were born in Butler county, Ohio, but who came over here into Indiana following their marriage, established their home in Rush county and here spent the remainder of their lives, respected and useful members of the community in which they settled in the year 1844, the Hungerfords thus having been represented here for nearly eighty years. Melvin Hungerford became the owner of an excellent farm of 240 acres and was accounted one of the substantial citizens of his time in the community in which he lived. He and his wife were the parents 'of seven children, five of whom are still living, those besides the subject of this sketch being Richard, Hulda, Addison and Bertha. Reared on the old home farm in Orange township, Ira Hungerford received his schooling in the old Alter school house and from the days of his boyhood has devoted himself to farming. He remained an assistant in the development of the home farm until he was thirty years of age when he started farming for himself, renting a tract of 160 acres in Orange township, and after his marriage continued as a renter until he and his family moved onto the present farm of 135 acres in that same township, which his wife had inherited in the distribution of her father's estate, and has since resided there, he and his family being very comfortably situated. Though not as active a participant in the labors of the farm as in days gone by Mr. Hungerford still regards himself as able to "make a hand" in a pinch and still keeps a close supervisory eye over the operation of the place. In addition to his general farming he lias long been accustomed to give considerable attention to the raising of live stock and has done well. In his political leanings Mr. Hungerford is a Democrat and has ever been one of the ardent supporters of that party in this county, maintaining the cause for its own sake regardless of the opposition majority which it usually has to face. On May 13, 1885, Ira Hungerford was united in marriage to Mary M. Peck, who also was born in Orange township, daughter of Alfred and Elizabeth (Oliver) Peck, both members of pioneer families in this county, and to this union five children have been born, namely: Matthew, now engaged in the undertaking business at Detroit, Mich., who married Ida Imm and has two children, Beulah and Mariel; Ethel, who married Otto Meal, a barber, living at Rushville, and has two children, Thelma and Larau ; Chloris, now living in the vicinity of Bowling Green, Ky., where he is engaged in drilling oil wells, and who married Lena Mabel and has one child, Gale ; Welton, at home, and Flo F., wife of Earl Lef fler, living at St. Paul, Ind.,

WILLARD WILKISON, whose memory is revered by a host of friends and acquaintances among whom he labored, having spent his energies through a life of honest endeavor to make the most of his opportunities as well as to assist as best he could those about him, was a man whom everybody liked, for he possessed a social nature and by his genial and kindly attitude to those about him won the confidence and respect of everyone. His career, though not long in years, was a busy and useful one, and he had excelled in those things which go to make a well-rounded character and a successful life. Willard Wilkison was born in Franklin county, Indiana, on April 26, 1883, and was a son of John T. and Lucy A. (Lee) Wilkison. He was educated in the public schools of Jackson township, Rush county, attending the Kenning and Osborn schools and completing his studies in the Osborn high school. After leaving school he remained on the home place, assisting his father in the farm work. On the death of his father he took over the homestead and operated it on his own account up to the time of his death, which occurred on July 19, 1919. The farm comprises 110 acres of fine tillable land and here Mr. Wilkison carried on general farming operations, in connection with which he also gave some attention to stock raising, feeding and marketing about 175 hogs annually. He had made many substantial improvements on the place and was practical and up-to-date in his methods. In 1907 Mr. Wilkison was married to Ethel Powell, who was born in Jackson township, Rush county, the daughter of George and Lam-a M. (Cross) Powell. These parents were both natives of Rush county, where the father had followed agricultural pursuits during all his active years, owning a fine farm of ninety acres in Jackson township. Mrs. Wilkison received her educational training in the Downey school in this township. To Mr. and Mrs.

Powell were born three children, all of whom are living, namely: Ruby, Dalton and Ethel. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkison became the parents of two children, Ruth and Delbert, who are attending the Osborn school. Mr. "Wilkison was an earnest and active member of the Church of Christ at Little Blue River. Politically, he gave his support to the Democratic party. He always took a deep interest in public affairs, especially as relating to his own locality, and he gave his support to every movement for the advancement of the general welfare. Industry, perseverance and sound common sense were the elements which contributed to his success and he enjoyed an enviable standing among his life-long acquaintances and friends.

ELMER E. ALEXANDER, an enterprising farmer in Walker township, this county, was born in that township, on August 27, 1877, one of a family of four children born to William and Emily J. (Lower) Alexander, both of whom were born in Rush county, where the Alexander family is an old and highly respected one. It was Mr. Alexander's grandfather who donated the ground on which the Alexander school stands in Walker township. Elmer E. Alexander attended school there with his one sister and two brothers, Lora, Minnie and Edward, after which he assisted his mother in the operation of the home farm of seventy-six acres, situated in Walker township. With this responsibility resting vipon him he remained at home until he was thirty years old, then married and bought a farm of his own in Walker township. Mr. Alexander has a well improved farm of 52y2 acres on which he carries on general farming and gives considerable attention to registered Duroc Jersey hogs, raising about fifty head annually. On September 5, 1907, Mr. Alexander married Jessie Steele, born in Shelby county, Indiana, daughter of John C. and Alice (Hiner) Steele. The father of Mrs. Alexander was a well known farmer in Rush county. She has one brother, Harry, and one sister, Fern, the latter of whom is the wife of Herbert M. Dearinger. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander are members of the Christian Union church of Homer. He belongs to the order of Odd Fellows and has passed the chairs in the lodge at Homer. In his political views he is a Democrat.

PERRY McCRORY, who died at his home in Union township in the fall of 1912 and whose widow is still living there, left a good memory at his passing and it is but fitting that there should be carried in this volume of biography of the old families of Rush county some modest tribute to that memory. Mr. McCrory had been a resident of this county ever since his marriage in 1877 and had gained many fast friends here who will not soon forget him. Though not a native of Rush county he had put in his part with the people of this county in the days of his young manhood and remained faithful to the new relations thus established, so that in this memorial he is regarded as one who was as much "one of us" as though "native and to the manner born," even as he felt himself to be. Perry McCrory was born on a farm in the neighboring county of Fayette on June 23, 1853, and was thus in his sixtieth year when he died. His parents, William and Melissa (lies) McCrory, both also were born in Fayette county, members of pioneer families there, and spent all their lives in that county. William McCrory was a farmer of diligent and methodical habits and developed an excellent piece of property. He and his wife were the parents of twelve children, of whom but one now survives, Mrs. Margaret Mount, of Wells county, this state. Reared on the home farm in Fayette county, Perry McCrory received his schooling in the neighborhood schools and from the days of his boyhood was devoted to a farmer's life. He remained an assistant to his father in the operations of the home place until he reached his majority when he rented a piece of land and began operations on his own account. When he married at the age of twenty-four he bought an "eighty" in Union township, this county, the place on which his widow is still living, established his home there and continued to reside on that place until his death on September 11, 1912. It was in 1877 that Mr. McCrory bought that place and upon taking possession he straightway entered upon the system of improvement which in time gave him one of the best kept little farms in the community, a place in the upkeep of which he ever took a personal pride. He also was a widely known breeder and trainer of fast horses. He was a good neighbor and a faithful friend and there are many in the community who will not soon forget his quiet friendliness to mankind. In his political views Mr. McCrory was a Republican and had ever given his interested attention to party affairs in the county ; though his was a quiet participation in politics, but none the less effective in its way, and his circle of influence was an ever widening one. On September 25, 1877, Perry McCrory was united in marriage to Fannie Halsted, who was born in Grant county, this state, daughter of William and Mary J. (Austin) Halsted, the latter of whom was born in Baltimore, Md. William Halsted was a native Hoosier, born in Fayette county, and was living in Grant county, where he had established his home after his marriage, when the Civil war broke out. He enlisted his services in behalf of the Union and went to the front with one of the Indiana regiments, was captured by the enemy at the battle of Richmond and died in service in 1863, leaving his widow with four small children, but two of whom are now living, Mrs. McCrory and her brother, Herschel Halsted. For ten years before her marriage Mrs. McCrory was engaged as a teacher in the schools of Indiana, her first term and her last term being conducted in Rush county, the remainder of this period of service in the school room being spent in Fayette county, where she taught for eight terms, and she thus acquired a wide and very agreeable acquaintance hereabout, even before her marriage and permanent residence in this county. To Perry and Fanny (Halsted) McCrory four children were born, three of whom are living, namely : Fred, who married Mary Agnes Hughes and lias five children, Marie, William H., Grace, Charles and Irene; Alice, wife of Jesse Ridout, and Ernest, who married Torla Stevens and has two children, Herschel and Beatrice. Since the death of her husband Mrs. McCrory has continued to make her home on the home farm where she has so long resided and where she is very comfortably situated, on rural mail route No. 2 out of Glenwood. She is a member of the Christian church in Orange and has ever given her interested attention to church work as well as to other neighborhood good work, helpful in all ways in promoting movements having to do with the common welfare hereabout, her long experience as a school teacher in days gone by having been helpful in many ways in these gentle labors of love.

JOHN BOWLING, a venerable retired farmer and landowner of Orange township, living on rural mail route No. 2 out of St. Paul, was born in that same township and has lived there all his life, a period of more than eighty-six years, during which time he has been a witness to and a participant in the amazing changes which have been wrought in conditions and in the way of doing things since he was a boy. Despite his years Mr. Bowling continues to take a lively interest in current affairs and has many interesting stories to tell by way of comparison with events that were transpiring when he had a first conscious knowledge of affairs in the days of the early development of the community in which he has so long lived. Mr. Bowling was born on January 28, 1835, son of Richard and Sarah (Brown) Bowling, who were among the pioneers of Orange township. Richard Bowling and his wife both were born in Kentucky, the former on February 4, 1800, and the latter on December 28, 1800. They were married in Kentucky in 1828, and shortly afterward came up into Indiana and located in Rush county, settling on a farm in the then almost wilderness section of Orange township, where they established their home and spent the remainder of their lives, useful and influential residents of that community. They were the parents of five children, the subject of this sketch having had three sisters, Lucy, Maria and Susan, and a brother, Hiram Bowling. Reared on the pioneer farm on which he was born, John Bowling grew up to the ways of the farm and has been continuously engaged in that vocation. At nine years of age he began "working out" by the month, though continuing to make his home with his parents, and on through his young manhood continued to hire his services on the farm of the neighborhood, in the meantime carrying on his studies in the sometimes not always well equipped school in his home district, his schooling being secured at the old Slifer schoolhouse, which is still remembered by some of the older residents of Orange township. When about, twenty-three years of age Mr. Bowling began farming on his own account, renting a farm in tbe neighborhood, and after his marriage, some three years later, continued to make his home on a rented farm for three or four years longer, at the end of which time he bought twenty acres of the tract he now owns and there established his home and has ever since resided there. As his affairs prospered Mr. Bowling gradually added to his acreage until he became the owner of his present well kept farm of 141 acres, and continued farming the same until his growing weight of years necessitated his practical retirement from the active labors of the farm and he has since rented it out "on the halves." It was on March 3, 1861, that John Bowling was united in marriage to Nancy Lee, who was born in 1837 in the neighboring county of Shelby, a member of one of the real pioneer families of that county, her parents having been Jonathan and Mary (Copland) Lee, early settlers, and to this union one child was born, a son, John II. Bowling, who took up the carpenter's trade and is now living at Indianapolis. John H. Bowling married Alice Cadwell and has one child, a daughter, who married Roy Williams, an employe of the Belt Railroad at Indianapolis. Mrs. Nancy Bowling died on May 12, 1902. Mr. Bowling is an ardent Republican and has ever taken an interest in political affairs, though uever having been an office seeker. He is affiliated with the Masonic lodge at Waldron and with the Red Men's lodge at St. Paul and has for years taken a proper interest in the affairs of these popular fraternal organizations.

ELBERT M. REDENBAUGH, one of the well known and substantial farmers of Orange township, this county, was born in that township on February 24, 1866, and has lived there all his life, making Lis home on the place in which he bought the interest of the other heirs after the death of his father, who developed the farm. His father, Philip Redenbaugh, was born in Jefferson county, Indiana, and when a young man came up into Rush county, where he married Mary McDuffy, who was born in this coiuity, member of one of the pioneer families of Orange township, and established his home on a farm in that same township, becoming the owner of an excellent farm of 145 acres, and there spent the remainder of his life with the exception of ten years spent in Franklin county. Philip and Mary (McDuffy) Redenbaugh had ten children, of whom five are still living, those besides the subject of this sketch being Alpheus T., Robert M., Ulysses and Stella M. Reared on the home farm in Orange township, Elbert M. Redenbaugh received his schooling in the old Stewart schoolhouse and at Gowdy and from the days of his boyhood has devoted himself to farming. He remained at home during the days of his young manhood and after his marriage continued to make that place his home, renting the place from his father and farming on his own account. Upon his father's death five years later he bought the interests of the other heirs in the farm and has since continued to occupy it and has made numerous substantial improvements in the place, a well kept farm of 145 acres, the operations of which Mr. Redenbaugh carries on in up-to-date fashion. It was on April 24, 1907, that

Elbert M. Redenbafgh

Elbert M. Redenbaugh was united iu marriage to Millie Owen, who was born in Orange township in 1867, daughter of Benjamin and Jane (Mitchell) Owen, and to this union four children have been born, Leona B., Charles, Ray and Millie. The Redenbaughs have a pleasant farm home on rural mail route No. 2 out of Manilla, and have ever taken an interested part in the community's general social activities. Politically, Mr. Redenbaugh is a Republican, but while ever giving a good citizen's attention to local civic affairs has never been particularly active in "politics." Mr. and Mrs. Redenbaugh are members of the Christian church at Moscow.

JOHN H. COLLINS, one of the substantial farmers of Posey township, and a worthy representative of old families of this part of the state, was born in Marion county, Indiana, on September 17, 1890, and is the son of Perry and Maggie J. (Nelson) Collins, the former a native of Hancock county, Indiana, and the latter of Rush county. The father followed the vocation of farming during the major portion of his life and was a man of respectability and standing in his community. Of his five children, two are now living, the subject of this sketch and Claude. John II. Collins secured his education in the public schools of Shelby and Rush counties. He remained at home until seventeen years of age, giving his attention to the work of the home farm, but at that age he began to work out as a farm hand, being so employed for seven years. He then engaged in farming on his own account, locating on the place where he now resides, consisting of seventy-nine acres, which he inherited from his grandfather Nelson. Mr. Collins has made extensive improvements on the place, putting everything in good repair and maintaining the soil cultivation at the highest possible standard of excellence. He follows general farming and also raises some stock, shipping about a carload of hogs a year. On August 16, 1913, Mr. Collins was married to Agnes Gardner, who was born in Decatur county, Indiana, and educated in the schools of Decatur and Rush counties. She is the daughter of Levi D. and Alice (Elliott) Gardner, both of whom were born and reared in Decatur county and who became the parents of seven children, of whom the following are living: Olsa, Dora and Agnes. To Mr. and Mrs. Collins have been born two children, Delphia M. and Frederick L., the latter dying in infancy. Politically, Mr. Collins gives his support to the Democratic party and he is a member of Beech Grove Lodge, No. 399, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Arlington. Personally, Mr. Collins is genial and companionable and has a host of warm and loyal friends.

JOHN SILER, who after many years of connection with farming in Ripley township, is now living retired, one of the captains of success who has piloted his own craft to harbor in his several varieties of experience has followed farming and stock raising, and has served his community in public office. Mr. Siler was born on a farm in Ripley township, this county, July 13, 1845, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Reddick) Siler, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio, who came to Indiana in the early days of Rush county with their respective parents. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Siler entered about 480 acres of land in Rush county, and became one of this locality's prominent and influential citizens. Jacob Siler also followed farming throughout his career in Rush county, and at one time was the owner of 160 acres of good land in Ripley township, where his death occurred. He was the father of eight children, of whom four are living: Anna, John, Henry and Jesse. William, Susan and Peter are deceased. John Siler was educated in Ripley township, where he attended the Earnest schoolhouse, and after leaving school took up farming on the home place. He continued to be associated in farming operations with his father until three years after his marriage, when, with two of his brothers, he bought the homestead from the other heirs of the estate, the father having died. Later John and Jesse Siler bought the interest of the other brother, and continued to be associated in its operation until their retirement. Since then John Siler has rented his share of the property to his son-in-law. During the active years of his career Mr. Siler was known as a capable and industrious agriculturist, who was progressive in his methods and. energetic in carrying his plans to completion. On September 24, 1868, he married Elizabeth Brosius, who was born in Rush county, daughter of George and Evaline (Campbell) Brosius, and to this union there have been born two children, Louise and Elizabeth. Louise married Oren Saunder, a farmer of Ripley township, and has four children : Pearl, who married George Fanchier, a farmer of Rush county, and has two children; Helen, who married John Dyer, a farmer of Posey township, Rush county, and has one child, Claribel; Paul, and Claude. Edith Siler married Mike Lovett, a farmer of Center township, Rush county. Mrs. Elizabeth (Brosius) Siler died on March 2, 1904, aged fifty-nine years, nine months and twenty-three days. On February 27, 1908, Mr. Siler married Ella Steffey, who was born and educated in Hancock county, Indiana, daughter of Henry L. and Elizabeth A. (Ormston) Steffey, the former a native of West Virginia, and the latter of Hancock county, Indiana. Henry L. Steffey was brought as a small boy to Hancock county, Indiana, where he grew to manhood and was married, and throughout his active career followed farming in Hancock county, where he was the owner of eighty acres of good land. He and his wife were the parents of four children, all of whom are living: Frances, Nettie, Melvin and Ella. Mr. Siler is a Democrat, and at various times has been called upon to serve in public office, having filled the positions of school director and road supervisor of his township. Mr. and Mrs. Siler belong to the Christian and Friends churches respectively, at Carthage.

HENRY E. GUPFIN, who died at his home in Union township in the summer of 1918, and whose widow is still living there, was not only one of the substantial farmers and landowners of Rush county, but had rendered valuable public service and at his passing left a good memory that not only is a priceless heritage to his family, but will long be cherished in the community at large. He had served as representative in the Indiana General Assembly from this district and in other ways had rendered to the public that which was due in every relation of life ; a good man, a true patriot, a faithful friend, a neighbor beyond reproach, and had done well those things which his hand had found to do. Though not a native of Rush county, for he was born in the neighboring county of Franklin, he had been a resident of this county since the days of his young manhood, having located here immediately after his marriage in the spring of 1884, and had thus grown to regard himself as a very part of the community to which he thus by choice devoted himself and in all his relations to that community had rendered a true account, so that at his passing, as noted above, he left a memory that will long survive. Henry E. Guffin was born in the pleasant village of Andersonville, not far from the Rush county line in Franklin county, this state, January 25, 1863, son of Harry and Mary (Leach) Guffin, the latter of whom was born in that same county, a member of one of the old families there. Harry Guffin was born in Rush county, a member of one of the pioneer families and here grew to manhood. After his marriage to Mary Leach he for some time made his home over the line at Andersonville, but presently moved to Rushville, where he became engaged in the mercantile business. Some years later he moved to Indianapolis and there became engaged in the real estate business, a line he followed the rest of his life, his last days being spent in Indianapolis. He and his wife were the parents of three children, all now deceased. Having been but a lad when his parents moved from Rushville to Indianapolis, Henry E. Guffin received his schooling in the schools of the latter city and there remained until his marriage to a Rush county girl when he returned to this county and became engaged in farming, locating on the farm on which his widow is still living, and there spent the rest of his life successfully engaged in the vocation to which he had devoted himself, his death occurring there on June 11, 1918. Mr. Guffin not only was a good farmer, but a successful breeder of live stock and his operations were carried on on a quite extensive scale. As his affairs prospered he gradually added to his land holdings in Union township until he was the owner of a fine farm of 550 acres and had long been accounted one of the substantial men of the county. He was an ardent Republican and in 1904 was elected to represent this legislative district in the lower House of the Indiana General Assembly. He was a member of the Ben Davis Christian church, as is his widow. Fraternally, Mr. Guffin was affiliated with the local lodge of the Masons and the Knights of Pythias. On April 3, 1884, Henry E. Guffin was united in marriage to Minnie Gray, who was born in Union township, and who, as noted above, survives. To this union were born five children, Mary G., Fred E., Nellie G., Florence E. and Chase L., all of whom are living. Mary G. married Gano Perry and Florence E. married Alva 0. Bitner and has two children, Helen Louise and Marthena. During the period of this country's participation in the World war Chase L. Guffin served as a soldier, attached to the Three Hundred and Thirtyfourth regiment, located at Camp Taylor. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Guffin has continued to make her home on the farm, her sons carrying on the operations of the place. The Guffins have a very pleasant home on rural mail route No. 10 out of Rushville. Mrs. Guffin has lived in Union township all her life. Her parents were Virginians who had come to Indiana after their marriage and had located in Rush county, making their home in Union township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. George Gray was a good farmer and he and his wife were the parents of nine children, of whom five are still living, Mrs. Guffin having three brothers, John, George and Morton Gray, and a sister, Margaret.