Rush County, Indiana - The whole text, 1921 (part 8 of 18)

Carthage, of which he is a past noble grand, having "passed through the chairs." Politically, he is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party. Personally, Mr. Tweedy is a man of kindly manner and genial disposition and enjoys a host of warm personal friends throughout the section of the county where he lives.

JESSE MURPHY, owner of a well-cultivated farm in Noble township and a man who has exercised a helpful influence for progress and good citizenship, was born on the farm which he now occupies, November 7, 1865, a son of John and Anna (McCrory) Murphy, and a grandson of Jesse Murphy. John Murphy was a child when brought to Rush county by his parents, from his native Butler county (Ohio), and he was educated and reared in Union township. There he engaged in farming upon reaching his majority, but some time after his marriage to Anna McCrory, a native of Fayette county, moved to Noble township, where he purchased a farm. He was a man of industry, good judgment and able management and succeeded in the accumulation of 232 acres of land, which he devoted to general farming and stock feeding. He and his wife were the parents of eight children, of whom five are now living, George, Charles, Jesse, Roy and Ida May. Jesse Murphy received his education in the public schools of Noble township, and upon the completion of his schooling began to farm on the home place. He remained with his mother after his father's death, and was married at the age of twenty-four years, following which he continued to center his activities in the operation of the home property. When the estate was divided, following the death of his mother, he received his share, and also farmed considerable land in addition, but during the past three years his property has consisted of forty-two acres, on which he has successfully applied himself to the growing of grain and the feeding and shipping of cattle and hogs. Of the latter he generally feeds out from fifty to sixty annually. Mr. Murphy is a Republican in his political allegiance. In 1890 he married Clara, daughter of Joseph and Emily Horton. She died in 1913, leaving one daughter, Hazel, who married Ernest Applegate.

WILBUR STIERS, cashier of the Rushville National Bank, is a member of one of the old families of this county and has ever held the county's best interests closely to heart. For more than twenty years actively engaged in the banking business in Rushville Mr. Stiers has gained a knowledge and a comprehension of the general commercial, industrial and economic conditions of this community second to none and during that time has done much to promote these interests, helpful in many ways in advancing the cause of sound and healthy investment and enterprise hereabout. Starting in his youth to acquire a knowledge of banking methods and procedure, Mr. Stiers applied himself diligently and thoughtfully and step by step was advanced in the bank's service until before he was thirty-five years of age he was made cashier of the institution to the interests of which from the very beginning of his connection he had given his most studious and punctilious attention, and has since done much to further those interests. Mr. Stiers was born on a farm in Anderson township, this county, July 4, 1879, son of John M. and Mary Frances (Morgan) Stiers, both of whom also were born in this county, members of pioneer families, the latter of whom died on February 5, 1910, and the former of whom is still living at Rushville. John M. Stiers was born on a farm and all his life has been interested in farm development. Following his marriage he established his home on a farm in Anderson township, later acquired a farm in Noble township and continued actively engaged in farming until his retirement and removal to Rushville, where he now resides. Since taking up his residence in Rushville, however, Mr. Stiers has not wholly relinquished his interest in farming and not long after moving there bought a farm in Rushville township and to the operations of this piece of property gives his active oversight. He has four children, the subject of this sketch having three sisters, Stella, Effie and Chessie. Reared on the home farm in Noble township, "Wilbur Stiers was graduated from the New Salem high school in 1897. For two years thereafter he attended a business college at Indianapolis and in 1899 was taken into the Rushville National Bank as a bookkeeper. By close application to the duties in hand he showed himself worthy of promotion and in 1911 was made second assistant cashier of the bank and in 1913 the board of directors of the bank elected him to the responsible position of cashier of the bank, which position he since has held, one of the best known bankers in this part of the state. In October, 1911, Wilbur Stiers was united in marriage to Mae Bebout, daughter of William J. Bebout, of Rushville, and to this union have been born two children, Elinor and Evan. Mr. and Mrs. Stiers are members of the Christian church and Mr. Stiers has served as a member of the diaconate of the local congregation. Mr. Stiers is a Knights Templar Mason, affiliated with the local lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, at Rushville, and with the Commandery. Politically, he is a Democrat and has ever given a good citizen's attention to local civic affairs.

MILTON W. OSBORN, manager of the plant of the Pinnell- Tompkins Lumber Company at Mays, this county, is a native son of the Hoosier state, having been born in Franklin county on June 21, 1859, and he is the son of James T. and Elizabeth (Sutton) Osborn, both of whom were born and reared in Franklin county. James T. Osborn was a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted as a private in the Sixty-eighth regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served over three years, taking part in a number of the most important battles of that great conflict, including those of Stone Mountain, Chickamauga and Cumberland Gap. After the close of the war, he returned to Franklin county and was engaged in farming for about ten years. He then worked at the carpenter trade for a few years, and then purchased a general store at Buena Vista, Franklin county, becoming also postmaster at that place. To him and his wife were born eight children. The subject of this sketch received his educational training in the common schools of Franklin county and after leaving school he was employed as a farm hand up to the time of his marriage. He then moved to Connersville, where he lived until 1896. when he moved to a farm of 145 acres, which he operated for about four years. In 1901 he moved to Mays and engaged in carpentering and contracting, in which he has met with pronounced success, being now one of the largest contractors in Rush county. He has done a great deal of construction work and enjoys an enviable reputation because of the high quality of his work and his fair dealing. In 1918 Mr. Osborn became manager of the Pinnell-Tompkins Lumber Company at Mays and is still holding that position. Mr. Osborn was married to Margaret A. Evans, a native of Decatur county, Indiana, and they have had three children, namely : Myrta, who became the wife of Berry Rush, of Mays, and they have two children, Elmyra and Russell; Maude became the wife of Fred Jackson, of "Washington township, and they have five children William, Byron, Morris, Thelma and Luella; Glodys, who was born in 1888 at Connersville, received her education in the schools of that city and at Mays. She became the wife of P. H. Kirkpatriek, of Center township, and they had two children, John W. and Floretta. The mother of these children died in December, 1918, of influenza. Politically, Mr. Osborn is an active supporter of the Republican party, while, fraternally, he is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men. He is a man of kindly manner and generous impulses, keenly alive to the best interests of the community and stands high in the esteem of the community.

THEODORE F. HOLDEN, one of the worthy native sons of Rush county and a progressive fanner of Noble township, but now practically retired from active work, is the peer of any of his fellows in the qualities that constitute correct manhood and good citizenship and is therefore eminently worthy of representation in a work of this character. Mr. Holden was born on February 28, 1863, in the township where he now lives, and is the son of James T. and Lucinda Jane (Hunt) Holden, both of whom were natives of Rush county. The subject's paternal grandparents were Reuben and Frances (Talbott) Holden, natives of Kentucky, whence they emigrated, in 1827, to Rush county, Indiana, where they established a homestead and spent the remainder of their lives. James T. Holden was reared in the Noble township home and secured a limited education in the common schools of that early period. He then obtained employment as a farm hand, but later for a number of years he operated rented land. He was energetic and a good manager, so that eventually he was enabled to buy land of bis own, his first purchase of eighty acres being increased to 137 acres, on which he made his home up to the time of his death, which occurred on November 6, 1909. His wife had died on February 13, 1908. They became the parents of seven children, of whom five are now living, namely : William T., Flora A., C. Cade, Theodore F. and Ellen. Theodore F. Holden received his educational training in the common schools of his home neighborhood and then turned his attention to the work of the home farm, on which he has spent practically his entire life. For many years he was an active agriculturist, giving his attention to general farming and he met with splendid success, so that he was enabled to lay aside the actual details of farm work and is now enjoying that rest which former years of labor entitle him to. He is the owner of 125 acres of well improved land, with substantial and well-arranged buildings, all of which he now rents out, Mr. Holden gives stanch support to the Democratic party. He is a member of the Little Flat Rock Christian Church. A man of genial personality and genuine worth, he has long enjoyed the sincere regard and loyal esteem of all who know him. Mr. Holden gives his thoughtful attention to local civic affairs, and to general movements having to do with the betterment of conditions in his home county. He has held a commission as notary public since 1908, and in 1920 was the census enumerator for Noble township.

ARTHUR BRADEN, whose excellent farm is located in Ripley township, Rush county, was born in Scott county, Kentucky, on the 26th day of December, 1862, and he is the son of Harvey and Dorcas (Powell) Braden, both of whom were born and reared in Kentucky. The father, who followed farming during the most of his active years in the Blue Grass state, came' to Rush county in 1878. To him and his wife were born twelve children, of which number seven are living, namely: Wyatt, James, Tison, Irvin, Arthur, Hallie and Lillie. Arthur Braden received his educational training in the schools of Scott county, Kentucky, and Rush county, Indiana. After leaving school he turned his attention to farming, remaining on the home farm until 1886, when he went over into Fayette county, and began farming on his own account on rented land. Two years later he went to Muncie, Ind., where he was employed by a glass factory as a straw buyer. After being engaged in that work for one year, Mr. Braden went to Scott county, Kentucky, and for two years was engaged in farming there. Then, his wife having died, he returned to Rush county and worked as a farm hand. Subsequently he again married and on the death of his father-in-law he and his wife moved on the place with Mrs. Braden 's mother, where they continued until her death, October 29, 1909, when Mrs. Braden inherited the farm, comprising 120 acres, where they now live. The farm is well equipped and improved in every respect, and here Mr. Braden is successfully carrying on general farming, and also gives considerable attention to stock raising, being one of the largest hog raisers in Rush county. He is energetic and progressive in his methods and has merited the reputation as one of the best farmers in his community. Mr. Braden has been twice married, first on September 9, 1886, to Belle Hardy, who was born in Scott county, Kentucky, the daughter of George and Rebecca ( Jarvis) Hardy. This union was blessed by one child, Alma D., born on May 17, 1888, who became the wife of' Albert J. Fields, an attorney at Bedford, Ind., and they have two children, Mary E. and Elizabeth. On June 9, 1890, Mr. Braden was married to Minnie

A. McCarty, who was born on December 1, 1865, in Rush county, where she was reared and educated. She is the daughter of John and Catherine (Rhoeds) McCarty. John McCarty was born in Lincoln county, North Carolina, March 14, 1816. When but four years of age he was taken to Champaign county, Ohio, by his parents, who settled on a tract of woodland. Three years later the mother died and seven years later the father remarried. In about 1833 the parents came to Indiana and settled in Rush county, where the father spent the remainder of his life, dying when eighty-three years of age. John McCarty remained in Ohio a short time after the removal of his parents, but in 1835 he likewise came to Rush county and here he too spent the remainder of his days. He was twice married. On December 24, 1836, he married Eliza Siller, who was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, on February 2, 1818. She died on December 14, 1863, and'on February 1, 1865, Mr. McCarty married Catherine Rhoeds, who was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, on October 10, 1828, the daughter of George and Sarah (Ruby) Rhoeds. When John McCarty was first married his only capital was a pair of willing hands and a courageous determination to succeed, and so energetic and persistent were his efforts that he succeeded in accumulating an estate of 120 acres of fine land in Rush county. His wife also owned forty acres of land in the same township. John McCarty died on December 22, 1895. Arthur Braden is a Democrat in his political predilections and he is a member of Knightstown Lodge, No. 266, Knights of Pythias, at Knightstown. He is a member of the Baptist church, and Mrs. Braden is a member of the Christian church. Personally, Mr. Braden is a man of genial manner, obliging disposition and public spirited in his attitude towards all movements for the advancement of the general welfare.

CHARLES H. FOUST, one of the substantial agriculturists and leading citizens of Ripley township, was born in that township, January 22, 1858, a son of Henry and Rachel M. (Isgreeg) Foust, Henry Foust was born in Pennsylvania and as a young man came to Rush county, where he met and married Miss Isgreeg, a native of Ripley county. They spent the rest of their lives in Ripley township, where the father accumulated some 400 acres of land before his comparatively early death when but forty-eight years of age. He was a man of great industry and native ability, and in his community was held in high esteem because of his high principles and strict integrity in matters of a business nature. He and his worthy wife were the parents of nine children, of whom five are living, Margaret, Josephine, Lucy, Columbus and Charles H. Charles H. Foust was educated in the public schools of Ripley township, where he attended the Stinger schoolhouse, and upon the completion of his studies began farming on the home place with his father. At the time of his marriage Mr. Foust built a house for himself and bride on the home farm and resided therein for some ten years. His mother then becoming enfeebled by the ill health of advanced age, Mr. Foust and his wife moved to her home and cared for her until her death. Since then Mr.

Foust has continued to carry on general farming and stock raising operations on this land, which he has brought to a high state of productiveness. His crops are large and each year he ships about fifty head of hogs to the big markets. June 27, 1883, Mr. Foust married Mary Dieter, who was born in Adams county, Ohio, and resided there until her eighth year, when following the death of her father she was taken by her mother to Hancock county, Indiana, where she received her education in the public schools. Her parents were John C. and Mary J. (Smith) Dieter, the former a native of Strausburg, Germany, and the latter of Adams county, Ohio. Mr. Dieter immigrated to the United States in young manhood and followed farming in Adams county, Ohio, until his early death. He and his wife were the parents of six children, of whom three are living, John, Florence and Mary J. Mr. and Mrs. Foust have one son, Russell E., who was born on September 18, 1891, and was educated in the public schools of Carthage, since which time lie has been assisting his father in the work of the home farm. He married Louva Roberts, of Carthage, and they have one child, Edna G., born on August 7, 1914. The family belongs to the Methodist church at Carthage, and the Fousts are Republicans in their political allegiance.

RUSH W. TOMPKINS, proprietor of the leading general store at. Milroy, and well and favorably known to the citizens of that thriving little city where he has resided all his life, was born at Milroy on June 6, 1876, a son of Nathan E. and Louisa (Crosby) Tompkins, both natives of Rush county. Nathan E. Tompkins was reared at Milroy. where he adopted a business career and was for many years a merchant at that place. He was known to the people of his community as a man of the highest integrity and strictest business honor, and also won respect and esteem by reason of his neighborliness and good citizenship. He and his wife were the parents of three children, Edward F., Mary C. and Rush W. Rush "VV. Tompkins completed high school of Milroy, after leaving which he became associated with his father in the conduct of the store. At the end of six years, in 1901, he and his brother, Edward F. Tompkins, bought out the father and continued the business at the same location for eleven years, at the end of which time they moved it to its present location. This is a modern ' establishment, and the leading general store of Milroy. A wide and well-chosen assortment of goods is carried and the industry and unfailing courtesy of the proprietors have combined to swell the trade and to make the business a flourishing one. Rush WTompkins is a stalwart Republican in his political views, and his religious relationship is with the Methodist church of Milroy. On January 23. 1902, he was united in marriage with Mary B. Winship, who was born in Rush county and who attended school at Richland. She is a daughter of William H. and Alice (Anderson) Winship, who passed their lives in farming in Rush county, where they accumulated 160 acres of land. They had three children, Lavone, Mary B. and Vera. Mr. and Mrs. Tompkins have one child, Alice Maurine, who was graduated with the class of 1921, Milroy high school.

JOSEPH FEY, one of the up-to-date farmers and stock raisers of Richland township, who has worked hard for what he now possesses and who among those who know him best bears a reputation for sound judgment, exercising the duties of citizenship in a conscientious manner, was born in Franklin county, Indiana, on June 7, 1872, and is the son of Adam and Sophia (Kutzendoffer) Fey, both of whom were born in Germany. Adam Fey came to the United States in young manhood and located in Franklin county, where his marriage occurred. He followed farming as a vocation, in which he was successful and became the owner of 120 acres of land. When he bought the land it was covered with timber, which he cleared off and broke the soil to cultivation. He improved the farm in every needful respect and made of it a good farm. To him and his wife eight children were born, namely: John, Benia, Andrew, Joseph, Edward, Albert, Mary and Carrie, Joseph being the only member of the family living in Rush county. Joseph Fey attended the schools of Franklin county, and on completing his studies obtained employment as a farm hand, his first pay being at the rate of $8 a month. He also clerked some in a store and as farmer and clerk he was employed until he was twenty-five years of age, when he rented a farm with his brother Andrew for two years in Franklin county. He then returned to the old home farm, which he operated until he was thirty years old. During the following two years Mr. Fey rented a farm of 143 acres in Franklin and Rush counties, and at the end of that time returned to Franklin county, and for six years operated a rented farm of 133 acres. Then for five years he operated 160 acres of land in Rush county. In 1914 Mr. Fey bought 1 12 acres, comprising his present farm, and here he has given his efforts to make the farm one of the best in the locality, in which effort he has been notably successful. He keeps the farm well improved and carries on general farming and stock raising, feeding about a carload of cattle every year. Mr. Fey was married to Ella Marlin, the daughter of John and Caroline Marlin. Politically he gives his support to the Republican party, and in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community is deeply interested.

ALVA NEWHOUSE, trustee of Jackson township, one of the substantial farmers and leading citizens of that township and recognized as one of the representative men of Rush county, was born in Jackson township on May 30. 1867, and is a son of George L. and Mary S. (Downey) Newhouse. These parents were both born, reared and educated in Rush county, and here Mr. Newhouse followed agricultural pursuits all his life, mostly in Jackson township, where he owned a home of twelve acres. To him and his wife were born two children, the subject of this sketch and a sister, Elizabeth. Alva Newhouse attended the district schools of his home community, and then spent a year at the normal school at Lebanon, Ohio. During the following five years he was engaged in teaching school in Jackson township, presiding over the Downey, Norris and David schools. Mr. Newhouse then turned his attention to farming and for a time was engaged in the cultivation of rented land in Jackson township, but eventually he bought the place where he now lives in Jackson township, and which comprises ninety-one acres of fine, tillable land, and he also cultivates 120 acres of land which his wife owns. He carries on general farming and stock raising and has met with a satisfactory measure of success. His place is well improved and its general appearance indicates the owner to be a man of good taste and sound judgment. On the 2d day of November, 1893, Mr. Newhouse was married to Audit P. Gartin, a native of Jackson township and the daughter of John G. and Arkansas (Porter) Gartin, and they are the parents of two children, Elsie, who is the wife of John Ellison, a farmer in Center township, this county, and Herschel, who is unmarried and lives at home. Politically, Mr. Newhouse is a strong supporter of the Republican party and is the present efficient trustee of Jackson township. He and his wife are earnest members of the Hannegan Christian Church and give their support to every worthy benevolent movement or other enterprise for the advancement of the best interests of the communitv.

WILLIAM RUSH LEE. In the death of William Rush Lee, Posey township, this county, lost one of its most valued citizens. Practically his entire life was spent here and during that period he took an active part in the general progress of the county. He took an intelligent interest in public affairs and gave his support to those movements which promised to promote the general welfare. Mr. Lee was a native son of Rush county, having been born in Posey township on the 24th day of August, 1875, and he was the son of William H. and Catherine (Nelson) Lee. He received his elementary education in the common schools of his home neighborhood, and later attended two -terms at the normal school at Danville, Ind., becoming a symmetrically ediicated man and possessing a wide fund of general information. On completing his studies he turned his attention to agriculture, working on the home farm until 1895, when he began to cultivate it on his own account. After his marriage, in 1899, Mr. Lee moved onto another farm owned by his father, and there continued to reside up to the time of his death with the exception of two years' residence in Arlington. He was the owner of ninety acres of land, a part of which he inherited, and here he successfully carried on general farming and stock raising. He was up-to-date and progressive in his ideas and methods and was held in high regard by his fellow agriculturists. On August 9, 1899, Mr. Lee was married to Lorena Payne, who was born in Rushville township, Rush county, the daughter of Alvin and Martha (Megee) Payne, both of whom were also natives of Rush county, where Mr. Payne followed the vocation of farming all his active life. To Mr. and Mrs. Lee was born a daughter, Alta May, born on June 3, 1901, who was graduated from the Arlington high school with the class of 1919. Politically, Mr. Lee gave his support to the Republican party, while, fraternally, he was a member of the Modern Woodman of America, at Rushville. He was an earnest member of the Christian church at Arlington and gave his unreserved support to every worthy benevolent or charitable movement. Personally, he was genial and companionable and he enjoyed to a marked degree the friendship and good will of the entire community in which he had spent his life.

JOHN T. REED, an enterprising farmer and substantial citizen of Rush county, who has resided for a number of years in Noble township, is a native son of the old Blue Grass state, having been born in Bracken county, Kentucky, on December 23, 1869. His parents, John S. and Minerva (Hamilton) Reed, were also natives of that state, the former having been born in Mason county and the latter in Bracken county. John S. Reed was reared to manhood and educated in Mason county, but about the time of attaining his majority he located in Bracken county, of which he was a resident during the remainder of his life. He followed the pursuit of agriculture, in which he was successful. He died in 1907 and his wife passed away in 1910. They were the parents of two children, William W. and John T. John T. Reed was reared under the parental roof and secured his education in the common schools of Bracken county. On leaving school he went to Petra, Ky., and engaged in the mercantile business, in which he was successfully engaged for twentyfour years. He then disposed of his interests there and came to Indiana, in December, 1914. Locating in Noble township. Rush county, he first bought 122 acres of land, which he has since increased to 162 acres. The place is well improved and here Mr. Reed carries on general farming operations and stock raising. He usually plants about, fifty acres to corn and the same amount to small grain, and he also devotes considerable attention to live stock, feeding about 1.50 hogs annually. Mr. Reed is practical in his methods and a good manager of his business interests, having attained a gratifying measure of success as a farmer. Mr. Reed was married to May M. Henry, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William E. Henry, and they have one child, Helen Irene. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Reed was again married, Nelle Blanche (Mingle) Ruff, the daughter of Cornelius Mingle, becoming his wife. Politically, Mr. Reed gives his support to the Republican party, while his fraternal relations are with the Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Improved Order of Red Men and the Haymakers. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

EARL F. PRIEST. Rush county lias been singularly fortunate in securing for its public officials men of intelligence, ability and public spirit, who are governing its affairs in conscientious and capable manner and whose services have contributed materially to the county's welfare and development. Among these men is Earl F. Priest, county assessor, and a member of a family which has been well and favorably known in the county since pioneer days. Mr. Priest, was born on May 30, 1876, in Anderson township, Rush county, a son of Ezekiel and Margaret S. (Hilligoss) Priest, natives of the same county. His grandfather, David Priest, was born in Kentucky, and as a young man migrated to Rush county and became one of the earliest settlers of Anderson township, where he passed the rest of his life in agricultural pursuits and established an excellent record for farming industry and good citizenship. Ezekiel Priest, after a public school education, entered upon his career as a farmer and stock buyer, callings which he followed throughout his life. He was the owner of a farm of eighty acres, and was widely known in this section as he bought stock all over the county. He died, highly respected, July 9, 1913. His wife had passed away on April 20, 1899. The only child of his parents, Earl F. Priest received his education in the public schools of Rushville and at Graham Academy, and as a youth took up farming on the home place. In addition to the home farm of eighty acres, he rented other land in the community, and general farming and stock feeding have formed his principal activities, Mr. Priest shipping about two cars of hogs to the markets each year. His operations have resulted successfully, and he is rightly accounted one of the substantial men of his locality. Mr. Priest has always taken an interest in public affairs and interested himself in civic movements. In 1914 he was the choice of his fellow-citizens for the post of assessor of Rushville township, and so capably did he discharge the duties of this position that in 1918 he was elected assessor of Rush county, a post which he retains. His record in this office has been a splendid one and his fellow-citizens have had no reason to regret of their choice. He is a stanch Republican in his political views, and as a fraternalist holds membership in the Knights of Pythias, the Improved Order of Red Men and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He has been a member of the Christian church since 1901. On December 1, 1897, Mr. Priest married Mary, daughter of Frank Cameron, of Rush county, and to this union there have been born four children, Donald, Lucile T., Loren and Earl Frank, Jr.

BERRY RUSH, a well known building contractor at Mays, this county, was born in Union township, Rush county, on the 11th day of September, 1880, and is the son of Alonzo M. and Elmyra (Moffett) Rush. Alonzo M. Rush was also born and reared in Union township and received his education in the Fairview Academy. He then spent several years in the West, mainly with the object of seeing the country, and on his return to Rush county he engaged in the operation of 220 acres of land in Union township, a part of which was given him by his father and part of which he bought. He was very successful in his business affairs and exerted a large influence in the locality. To his union with Elmyra Moffett, a native of Fayette county, Indiana, were born six children, of whom the living are Ora, Alta, Robertie and Berry, while the deceased are John and Grace. Berry Rush was reared under the parental rooftree and received his educational training in the Fairview school. He remained on the home farm with his father until his marriage, in 1902, when he rented 100 acres of land in Union township and engaged in farming on his own acount for two years. He then moved to Mays, where he has since resided and where he has been busily engaged in carpentering and contracting. lie is an expert workman and has successfully handled a number of large contracts in this vicinity, earning a well-merited reputation as a careful and conscientious man in everything he does. In 1902 Mr. Rush was married to Myrtle E. Osborne, of Mays, and they are the parents of two children, Elmyra and Russell, both of whom are in school. Politically, Mr. Rush gives his support to the Democratic party, while, fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and the Improved Order of Red Men.

AUGUSTUS N. WILLIAMS. Since he came to Rush county, over a half century ago, the subject of this review has been a witness of very important changes in his vicinity, and his reminiscences of the former days here are most interesting and entertaining. Mr. Williams first saw the light of day in Franklin county, Indiana, on the 9th day of December, 1837. His parents, John P. and Nancy (Morris) Williams, were natives, respectively, of Warren county and Butler county, Ohio. After their marriage, which occurred iu that state, they moved to Brookville, Ind., where Mr. Williams operated a pottery plant for four years. He then moved to Blooming Grove, Ind., where eight of his nine children grew up. From Blooming Grove he moved to Waterloo township, Fayette county, where he lived on a farm which he owned. After eight years of residence there he sold his farm and moved thence to Brookville, Ind., where he became engaged in pork packing and general grain business, buying and selling grain. He then moved to Wapello county, Iowa, where he again engaged in the pottery business. He died in that county on November 11, 1874. Of the nine children who blessed the union of himself and wife, the subject of this review is now the only survivor. Augustus N. Williams secured his educational training in the public schools of Brookville, Ind. About two years later he enlisted for service in the Civil war, serving faithfully for four years, during seven months and twenty days of which time he was confined in the notorious Andersonville prison pen. On his return from the army, Mr. Williams went west, stopping for about three months in the state of Iowa, but he decided that Indiana was good enough for him, and so he returned and located in Rush county. About that time he was married and at once rented a farm, to the operation of which he devoted himself during the ensuing twelve years. He then bought seventy-eight acres of land, which he still owns, but has increased his total holdings to 1S1 acres. Mr. Williams has put all the improvements on the place, including buildiugs. fences, ditching, etc., and carries on a general system of farming. On June 24, 1866. Mr. Williams was married to Julia E. Osborn, who was born and reared in Franklin county, Indiana, the daughter of Larkin and Mary (Howell) Osborn. To this union were born seven children, of whom four are living, namely: Edwin F., who owns a fruit farm at

Marysville, Washington, married Martha Williams, and they have had two children, one of whom, Mary, is living; Cortez W., who is a traveling salesman, living in Ottumwa, Iowa, married Mabel Tuttle and they have one child, Dorothy ; Ethel B. became the wife of George N. Morris, a mechanic at Yazoo, Miss., and they have one child, George A. ; Culver B., of Rushville. Mrs. Julia Williams died on November 3, 1S85, and on August 3, 18S7, Mr. Williams was married to Minnie C. Caldwell, a native of Rushville township and the daughter of William II. and Sarah (McKeehan) Caldwell, the former a native of Boone county, Indiana, and the latter of Butler county, Ohio. Mr. Caldwell was a farmer by vocation and owned eighty-five acres of land in Rush county. To him and his wife were born nine children, of whom six are living, as follows : George A., Minnie C, Anna E., Mattie M., Mary R., William A., Harriette, Clara and Prank. By his second marriage, the subject became the father of two children, Augustus N. and Mary M Augustus N. Williams, who is in the civil service at Washington, D. C, was married to Murle Olive Wildman. Mr. Williams is a lifelong supporter of the Republican party, while his religious belief is that of the Methodist Episcopal church, holding membership in that society at Arlington. A man of kindly manner and friendly disposition, he has long enjoyed the friendship and esteem of the entire community.

W. A. NORRIS, who is the president of the New Salem State Bank and a scion of one of Rush county's old pioneer families, has spent his entire life within the borders of the county, using his influence wherever possible for the promotion of enterprises calculated to be a lasting benefit to his fellow men. He was born on the farm in Noble township where he now lives, on October 7, 1858, and is the son of Benjamin F. and Charlotte (Chandler) Norris, both of whom were natives of Kentucky, the mother having been born and reared in Bracken county. Benjamin F. Norris was a son of Capt. Benjamin and Priscilla Norris, natives of Kentucky who emigrated to Rush county in an early day. In the War of 1812 Capt. Benjamin Norris was in command of a gunboat, in which capacity he served throughout that conflict. Benjamin F. Norris was but twelve years of age when he was brought to Rush county by his parents, who settled in Noble township and bought eighty acres of land. Here he grew to manhood and secured his education in the common schools of the neighborhood. He followed the vocation of farming throughout his life and met with a very gratifying measure of success, becoming the owner of 1,200 acres of excellent farm land. Of this, he cultivated about 640 acres, devoting his efforts to a general line of farming and stock raising. He gave special attention to the raising of mules, always having a herd of them on his place, and he also feeds large numbers of cattle and hogs. To him and his wife were born ten children, five of whom are now living, namely : Lenora, Charles, W. A., Alice and Lotta. W. A. Norris attended the public schools of

Noble township and gave his father assistance in the operation of the home farm, remaining with him until his death. After the death of the father, the subject continued to farm on his own account, and he has been more than ordinarily successful as an agriculturist. He is cultivating 310 acres of land, all of which is located in Noble township, and is devoting his time and energies to general farming and stock raising. He is a successful breeder of Shorthorn cattle and feeds from 300 to 400 head of hogs each year. He has put many good improvements on his farm and it is now one of the most up-todate farms in this section of the county. In 1886 Mr. Norris was married to Ora May McMillin, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John T. McMillin, and they have become the parents of five children, namely: Walter, who married Mabel Myers and has three children. "William, Harold and Richard; Lowell, who married Edith King and has two children, Mary and Paul ; Helen, wife of Loren Martin ; Ben F. and Rema May. Mr. Norris and his family are members of the Little Flat Rock Christian Church, of which Mr. Norris is the present treasurer. Politically, he is a Republican. Mr. Norris has long had at interest the welfare of his section of the county and took an active part in the organization of the New Salem State Bank, of which he was elected president and is still serving in that capacity.

THOMAS J. ADDISON, who died at Iiis home in this county in the fall of 1916, was an honored veteran of the Civil war and had labored diligently and well as an agriculturist of Hancock and Rush counties for many years. Mr. Addison was born in Shelby county, Indiana, November 19, 1844, a son of Thomas and Catherine (Smith) Addison, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Virginia. Thomas J. Addison was educated in the rural districts of Shelby county, and on leaving school, his parents being agricultural people, took up farming in association with his father on the home place. When but nineteen years of age he enlisted, February 13, 1864, in the Nineteenth regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, under Capt. Richard T. Henderson, and had his baptism of fire in one of the most terrible struggles of the Civil war, the battle of the Wilderness. The Nineteenth and Twentieth Indiana regiments were so reduced by casualties that the two were subsequently combined, and Mr. Addison continued to serve with the reconstructed organization until the close of the war, receiving his honorable discharge on July 12, 1865. On his return from military service, Mr. Addison once more took up farming, securing employment as a farm hand. When he had accumulated some small capital, he bought a forty-acre tract. and from that time forward his career was one of steadily increasing success. The summer before his death he gave to each of his five children a tract of forty acres, and still at the time of his death, October 19, 1916, owned 147 acres, now the property of his widow, who survives him and makes her home at Carthage. Mr. Addison was married on August 11, 1866, to Elizabeth Cathon and they became the parents of five children, all of whom survive : William A., a traveling salesman living at Indianapolis, Ind., who married Crilla Small and has one child, Ruby, the wife of Leonard Hark; Delphina C, the wife of Dayton H. Gates, a farmer of Hancock county; Orland F., a farmer of Hancock county, who married Mary A. Heller and has four children, Paul P., Elizabeth W., William B., and Thomas M.; Charles T., a farmer of Rush county, who married Beulah Collins, and has three children, Delphina M., Mary M., and Eli P. ; and Ruth A., who married Thomas Lee, a farmer of Rush county, and has two children, Mabel K. and Thomas Harlan. Mr. Addison never lost his interest in his old comrades who had worn the blue, and was a popular member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He was a faithful member of the Friends Meeting at Walnut Ridge. He was appreciated for his many stable and reliable traits of character, for his unceasing devotion to the best interests of the community, and for the example which his life offered of ability, perseverance and ultimate success. EDGAR V. RUBY, the owner and operator of a well-improved farm in the Carthage locality of Ripley township, was born in that township, February 14, 1870, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Stouder) Ruby, and a grandson of Jacob and Mary Ruby. Jacob Ruby the elder was born in the East, and as a young man migrated to the new country opening up in Rush county, where he secured 160 acres of land in Center township from the Government. On this land he did the preliminary work of clearing and cultivation, and subsequently passed an honorable career in the pursuits of the husbandman. He and his wife were the parents of five children. Jacob Ruby, the father of Edgar V., was born in Center township, Rush county, and was given the advantages of a public school education. His early training was acquired under the teaching of his father, and when he entered upon his independent career he was fully prepared to carry on farming in a successful manner. This was proven in his able management and operation of the 100-acre farm which he purchased in Ripley township, subsequently buying an eighty acre tract, and on which he spent the rest of a successful and honorable career. He and his wife were the parents of four children; Martha, who married Greeley Ewing, an agriculturist of Rush county; Frances, who married John Wolf, an agriculturist of Wayne county, Indiana ; Jesse L., engaged in farming in Rush county, who married Grace Stephens, of Ripley township ; and Edgar V. The eldest of his parents' children, Edgar V. Ruby acquired his education in Ripley township, where he attended the Stinger schoolhouse, and on completing his studies took up farming with his father. On the attainment of his majority, he rented 220 acres of land, which he farmed for several years, subsequently buying a tract of forty acres, which was his home until 1916. At that time he bought; the seventy-acre farm which forms his present field of activity, and on which he has made numerous improvements. He carries on general farming and stock raising, and in both departments has achieved marked success. On September 30, 1891, Mr. Ruby married Mary E. Butler, a native of Ripley township, daughter of Levi and Martha (Taylor) Butler. To this union there have been born three children : Leonard E., a graduate of Car- thage high school and of the mechanical engineering department of Purdue University ; Charles L., a graduate of Carthage high school, now assisting his father on the home farm; and Mary M., who is attending school. Mr. Ruby is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Carthage, and in politics is a Prohibitionist. With his family, he belongs to the Methodist church.

GEORGE N. SPILMAN, a successful farmer of Noble township and who has been in a very true sense the master of his own fortune, showing in his life such attributes of character as entitle him to the regard of all, was born in Decatur county, Indiaua, on June 7, 1861, and is the son of William and Elizabeth (Myers) Spilman, both of whom were born in Kentucky. William Spilman was brought to Indiana with his parents when but a boy, the family settling in Decatur county, where he was educated and reared to manhood. He followed the vocation of farming all his active years, or up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1874. He was survived many years by his wTidow, who passed away in 1898. They were the parents of ten children, of which number four are now living, namely: Mary, Elizabeth, Rebecca and George N. The subject of this review secured his educational training in the common schools of Decatur county, following which he obtained employment as a farm hand, being so occupied up to the time of his marriage. He then rented and moved onto a farm in Boone county, Indiana, where he remained three years, moving at the end of that period to a rented farm in Decatur county. In 1895 Mr. Spilman came to Rush county and operated rented land for about seven years, going then to Blackford county, Indiana, where he bought a farm, to the cultivation of which he devoted himself for a year, and then he came back to Rush county and bought the farm in Noble township, on which he now lives. The tract at that time comprising eighty acres, on which was a small unpretentious cottage, which he replaced with a spacious and comfortable home and made other permanent and substantial improvements on the place. He has been prospered in the operation of this farm, and has increased his holdings there to 140 acres. Mr. Spilman has always carried on general farming and stock raising and is entitled to a large meed of credit for what he has accomplished, for he started out in boyhood without funds or influential friends, and solely by his own exertions and good management he has accumulated what he posseses today. Mr. Spilman was married to Etta Dugan, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jeremiah Dugan, and to them have been born four children, namely: Earl, who is a veteran of the World War, having enlisted with Company B, from this county, but was later transferred to the Seventh regiment of Field Artillery, of the First Division, with which he took part in the famous engagements at Argonne, St. Mihiel and Soissons, and was poisoned by drinking gassed water; Una became the wife of Newton Gruell and they have two children, Lowell and Harold ; Hubert married Jessie

George X. Spilman

Mock, who died in February, 1918, leaving one child, Carlos; Vernon married Mabel Ilolden and they have a son, Cecil. Mr. Spilman gives his support to the Democratic party. He is a member of the Methodist Protestant church at New Salem and has served in practically all the offices of that society, being at the present time trustee and steward. He is also a member of the advisory board. Mrs. Spilman also was born in Decatur county, of which county her father also was a native, a member of one of the old families down there. Her mother was born in the neighboring county of Franklin, a member of a pioneer family there. Jeremiah Dugan was a substantial farmer in Decatur county, and his last days were spent there. He and his wife had four children, those besides Mrs. Spilman being Clara, Rosa and Frona.

IRA A. SOMBRVILLE, a well-to-do retired farmer of Anderson township, this county, now living at Milroy, where he has made his home for the past ten years or more but who still retains the fine farm which he developed during his years of residence on the same, is a native son of Rush county, a member of one of the old families in the southern part of the county, and has lived here all his life, doing well his part in the general development of the section in which he has so long resided. He was born on a farm in Anderson township on November 13, 1855, son of William A. and Eliza (Hood) Somerville, further mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume of biographies relating to the old families of Rush county. William A. Somerville was one of the most, substantial farmers of his neighborhood, at one time the owner of 300 acres of excellent land, and developed a fine property. He died in August 15, 1909, in his ninetieth year. His wife had preceded him to the grave nearly ten years, her death having occurred in 1900, in her eighty-fourth year, and both left good memories in the community which had so long known and honored them. Reared on the home farm, Ira A. Somerville grew up under the thoughtful direction of his father to be an excellent farmer and stock raiser. He completed his schooling in the Milroy high school and in the old Richland Academy and then continued on the home farm, helpful in the labors of developing the same. Some time after his marriage he bought the farm of 215 acres which he still owns in Anderson township and there established his home, remaining there until after his wife's death in 1909 when he retired from the farm and moved to Milroy, where he has since resided and where he is very pleasantly and very comfortably situated. Mr. Somerville is a Republican of life long standing and has ever taken a good citizen's interest in local political affairs, but has not been a seeker after office. He is a member of the Methodist church at Milroy and has served that congregation as a member of the board of stewards. In his fraternal relations he is affiliated with the local lodges of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias and the Red Men and in the affairs of these several organizations has long manifested a warm interest. Mr. Somerville has been twice married. In 1876 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth E. Crawford, daughter of R. B. and Mary A. (Mitchell) Crawford, and to this union one child was born, a son, Pearl C. Mrs. Elizabeth Somerville died on May 23, 1878, and in 1880 Mr. Somerville married Malinda Somerville, who was born in Illinois, daughter of Alexander and Rosa (Cochran) Somerville, and to that union one child was born, Albert Alexander, who is now vicepresident of the Vanderbilt Rubber Company of New York City. Pearl .C. Somerville was graduated from DePauw University in 1900 and now occupies the chair of English in Wesleyan College at Bloomington, Illinois. He married LaRose Culiver and has four children, Guinevere, Merlin, Gareth and Alfred Alexander. Albert A. Somerville married Emma Louise Rapelye and has two sons, Norman Alexander and Marion Lynn.

CHARLES M. GRUELL, one of the general farmers and stockraisers of Noble township, is recognized as a substantial citizen of Rush county. He was born in Union township, October 4. 1859, son of Isaac and Sarah (Young) Gruell, both of whom were born near Waterloo, Ind. When he was eight years old Isaac Gruell was brought to Rush county by his parents who settled in the vicinity of Rushville, and there he was reared to manhood, receiving his educational training in the local schools. His life was spent at Rushville and in Union township, and he devoted himself to farming and veterinary work. Although he did not invest in a farm of his own, he conducted lai'ge farming properties which he rented, and was successful in his undertakings. He was a son of Atica and Rachel Gruell, the former of whom opened a tannery at Rushville about 1836 and conducted it for a number of years. Isaac Gruell and his wife had eleven children, namely: William, Clayburn, Jennie, Harvina, Charles M., George W., Lincoln, Samuel, Joseph, Newton and Albert, of whom the following survive, George, Lincoln, Samuel, Newton, Charles M., Jennie and Harvina. Charles M. Gruell attended the schools of Union and Noble townships, and as soon as he was old enough began assisting his father in his farming. Later he began farming for himself in Richland township, renting land there for twenty-seven years, after which he moved to Noble township and spent three years on rented land. For the next year he was in Union township, and then bought a farm of seventy-two acres in Noble township, adding to his holdings until he now has 397 acres, all of which is in Noble township. All his life he has been engaged in general farming and stockraising and has become very expert in both lines. On August 24, 1882, Mr. Gruell was married to Catherine D., daughter of Thomas N. and Charlotte (Thompson) Smith, who was born in Noble township, as were both of her parents. They were reared and married in Noble township, but a year after their marriage moved to Union township where they remained until claimed by death. Mr. Smith was a farmer and stockdealer all of his life, owning over 600 acres of land in Union. Noble and Richland townships and being one of the wealthy men of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had three children: Ilattie, Mis. Gruell and one who is now deceased. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Gruell are as follows : Hattie, Newton, Clem, Lottie, Josephine, deceased, Alice and Harvina. Hattie Gruell married Louis Wilson and they had seven children born to them, namely : Owen (deceased), Merle, Thelrna, Carl, Monroe, Lowell and Roland. Mr. "Wilson died, and Mrs. Wilson was later married to James F. Wilson and they have had two children, Donald and Robert. Newton Gruell married Una Spilman and they have two children, Lowell and Harold. Clem Gruell married Olive Beaver and has two children, Lorene and Thomas N. Lottie Gruell married Ernest Crim and has one child, Oletha. Alice Gruell married Bert West. Harvina Gruell married Glenn Miller and has one daughter, Catherine. Mr. Gruell belongs to the Methodist Protestant church at New Salem, and is held in high esteem in that congregation as he is elsewhere. In politics he is a Republican, but has never come before the public for office, being fully occupied with his private affairs.

JESSE I. LEFFORGE, who labored so long and so effectively as an agriculturist in Richland township, died more than six years ago, but his memory is still kept green in the hearts of the many who knew him and appreciated his sterling cpialities, and he is still remembered as a man of the highest principles and strictest integrity. Mr. Lefforge was born in Richland township, Rush county, October 19, 1855, a son of Isaac and Florinda (Brown) Lefforge. Isaac Lefforge was born October 17, 1819, in Franklin county, Indiana, and as a child of three years was brought by his parents to Rush county, where he spent the remainder of his life. He married Florinda Brown, who was born May 3, 1825, in Campbell county, Kentucky, and they became the parents of eight children : Mary, Philander and Lewis, who survive ; Thomas and Jesse I, deceased, and three who died in infancy. Jesse I. Lefforge was educated in the country schools of Richland township and remained on the home farm as his father's associate until his marriage at the age of twenty-four years, when he began farming on his own account as a renter, which was his status for four years, at the end of which time he and Mrs. Lefforge moved to a farm of ninety-three acres which had been given them by her father. This property continued to be their home for sixteen years, after which they removed to another property, on which they lived until Mr. Lefforge 's death, February 14, 1915. At that time, with his wife, he was the owner of 444 acres of good land, and was known as one of the substantial agriculturists of his locality. Mr. Lefforge was married October 19, 1879, to Luella Miller, who was born in Richland township and educated in that locality, a daughter of Charles S. and Sarah A. (Simmonds) Miller, natives of Franklin county, Indiana. Mr. Miller was a lifelong farmer of Richland township, Rush county, and at one time was the owner of 500 acres of land. He and his wife had seven children, of whom Mrs. Lefforge is the only survivor, the others being George W., James T., William A., Abraham L. and two who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Lefforge had no children. Since 1920 Mrs. Lefforge has made her home at Rushville, where she occupies a pleasant and comfortable residence at 717 Perkins street. She belongs

WILLIAM B. MARTIN, whose life is an illustration of the possible control over early limitations and of the wise utilization of ordinary opportunities, his career extending from the day of humble beginnings to his present place of prominence in his community, as the owner of 225 acres of valuable land in Anderson township, was born near Spring Hill, Decatur county, Indiana, April 25, 1855, a son of James II. and Mary A. (Munns) Martin, natives of Kentucky, who were married in Decatur county. James H. Martin, a farmer all his life, died when his son, William B., was an infant, leaving his widow with five children, of whom three are now living : Nancy, James H. and William B. Mrs. Martin survived until 1912. Her father was born in England and as a young man came to the United States and settled in Kentucky, where he married a native of that state. Later he moved to Decatur county, Indiana, where he rounded out a long, honorable and useful career in the pursuits of agriculture. William B. Martin received his education in the district school in Fugit township, Decatur county, after leaving which he started to work on the farm of his maternal grandfather, with whom he had lived since the death of his father. He was thus associated with the elder man until he reached the age of twentyone years, at which time the grandfather died. However, Mr. Martin remained on the farm with his mother, and he and his brother, James H., rented land and bought other property and worked successfully in the development of a good estate. This partnership continued until James H. Martin was married, at which time it was mutually dissolved and William B. Martin started farming on his own account. His first venture was a modest one, consisting of operations on seventeen acres of land, and this small tract formed the nucleus for his present estate of 225 acres, located in Rush and Decatur counties. Mr. Martin has done much work in the way of development and improvement and his property shows the presence of able management and modern, enlightened views. Of more recent years he has given up much of the hard work that marked his earlier struggles, but still maintains supervision over his land and directs the operations being carried on in the line of general farming and the raising of live stock. In his political allegiance Mr. Martin supports the Democratic party. His religious connection is with the Methodist Episcopal church at Milroy.

JOSEPH F. BOWEN, M. D., of Occident, this county, whose name for many years has been a household word in the northern part of the county and where he is known as an able, reliable and progressive physician, was born in Center township, this county, on December 22, 1870, and is the son of C. J. and Sarah A. (Collins) Bowen, the former a native of Kentucky. The subject secured his elemental education in the Center school, Center township and then entered the

William B. Martin

Danville Normal School, where he spent two years in preparation for teaching. He then returned home and during the following three years he was employed as teacher at the Ball and Demmick schools in Center township. Then, having determined to make the practice of medicine his life work, he matriculated in the Medical College of Indiana, from which he was graduated on March 31, 1897, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Doctor Bowen at once located in Occident and has been actively engaged in the practice of his profession there ever since. He has firmly established himself in his profession and has won the confidence and esteem of the people and his professional brethren, for he possesses the natural endowments that go to make the successful physician. On September 12, 1894, Doctor Bowen was married to Minnie A. Hackleman, who was born and reared in Center township, the daughter of John P. and Minerva A. (Garmon) Hackleman, the former a native of Ripley township and the latter of Jackson township. Mr. Hackleman followed farming all his active life, being the owner of 150 acres of land in Center township, of which township he served as trustee for one term. To him and his wife were born five children, four of whom are living, namely : Edward, Minnie, Wallace and Arthur; Belle died at the age of sixteen years. Doctor and Mrs. Bowen have three children. Luva, Bert V. and Raymond F., all of whom are at home. Fraternally, the Doctor is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, belonging to the blue lodge, council and chapter at Rushville; to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. His son Bert is also a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders at Rushville. The Doctor is a member of the Rush County Medical Society and the Indiana State Medical Society. His wife is a member of the Little Blue River Baptist Church. He is a man of sociable nature, straightforward, obliging and unassuming.

ALBERT N. McMICHAEL, a well known farmer of Posey township who has by his energy and practical activity won the respect and confidence of the community in which he resides, was born in Posey township on the 27th day of October, 1864. and is the son of William J. and Sarah (Worth) McMichael, both of whom were born, reared and educated in Rush county, where the father followed fanning throughout his active life. Of the seven children who blessed the union of himself and wife, six are living, namely : William W., Albert N, Ernest, Eva, Alice and Myrtle. Albert N. McMichael received his educational training in the Berrill school house in Rushville township, and after completing his schooling he assisted in the work of the home farm until his marriage, in 1892, when he rented the place where he now lives. After renting the farm for twenty -two years, Mr. McMichael bought the place and since made a number of important improvements, including a new house, and the farm now presents a very attractive appearance. It consists of 100 acres of fine land, which is devoted to the crops common to this section of the country. Mr. McMichael is up-to-date and practical in his methods and enjovs a high reputation as an enterprising and successful agri- married Luticia Skillman, a native of Rush county; Effie who became the wife of Leroy Divelbiss, of Rush county, and has four children, Bernard, Gilbert, Myrtle and Ruby; Edward (deceased), who was born on October 9, 1868, received his education in the schools of Center township, and then engaged in teaching school, in addition to which he also farmed; he married Mrs. Anna J. (Clark) Rhodes and they had one child, Marie, and Amy, who died aged twenty months. Mr. Rhodes has been true to his conscience and his judgment in every relation of life, having so lived as to receive the confidence and respect of the entire community, where his influence has ever been given in support of those things which make for the general welfare.

DARIUS PATTERSON, a substantial landowner of Richland township, now living retired in his comfortable country home there, and whose active career was one of self-made manhood, in which he rose from the status of a renter to the owner of a valuable property solely through the medium of his own efforts, was born in Bracken county, Kentucky, September 13, 1848, a son of Thompson and Rebecca (Day) Patterson, natives of the same county. In his youth, Thompson Patterson mastered the trade of blacksmith, which he followed in Kentucky until 1852. In that year he brought his wife and family to Indiana, locating at Clarksburg, Decatur county, where he conducted a blacksmith shop for four years, coming then to Rush county and purchasing a farm of 121 acres. On this land he built a shop, and for several years followed his trade in conjunction with his farming activities, but eventually gave up blacksmithing entirely and devoted himself to farming, which enabled him to increase his holdings to 176 acres. He and his wife were the parents of eight children, of whom five are now living, Thompson, Lovell, Edward, Darius and Maria. Darius Patterson spent his boyhood on the home farm and secured his education at the Butler schoolhouse in Richland township. His schooling completed, he obtained employment on neighboring farms as a hand, and was thus engaged, as well as on the home farm, until he reached the age of twenty-three years, when he was married. Desiring a property of his own, and not being possessed of the means of buying one, he rented a property in Richland township, and for ten years continued to operate this land, but in 1901 was able to buy a farm and moved to the one which he now owns. By good management and wise investment he increased his holdings to 256 acres, all in Richland township, and in 1913 retired from active labor. Since then he has lived quietly in his comfortable home, enjoying the fruits of his earlier years of toil. During the active part of his career Mr. Patterson was justly considered one of the able farmers and stock raisers of his locality. A man of modern and progressive inclinations, the improvements on his property are of the best, and he is always willing to support good movements which promise to make for substantial advancement. On October 26, 1871, Darius Patterson married Mary Irene Ilite, daughter of William N. and

Dak Its Patterson

Sarah (Fisher) Hite, and a member of one of the old and honored pioneer families of Richland township. To this union there have been born three children: Normal V., who married Lillie Cloud, and has seven children, Howard, Mary, Ruth, Stanley, Willard, Whitmer and Maurice; Lola M., who married John S. Davis and has one child, Laverne; and Cora L., who married Cliff Winship and has one child, Miriam. Mrs. Patterson is a member of the Christian church, and the children have been reared in that faith. Mr. Patterson is a Democrat, but has not sought official honors.

OLIVER M. SILER, a well-known farmer of Jackson township, and formerly and for six years trustee of that township, is a native son of Rush county, having been born in Ripley township, on the 11th day of October, 1866, and he is the son of Peter and Prances (Herkless) Siler, both of whom also were natives of Ripley township, where the father followed the vocation of farming. Peter Siler was twice married. By his union with Frances Herkless he had two sons, the subject of this sketch and James P., the latter of whom died on his eighteenth birthday. By his second wife, Emma Miller, he had four children, Ora, Thomas, Oma and Boyd. The subject of this sketch received his educational training in the schools of Ripley township, including the Carthage school and Earnest school. On completing his schooling Mr. Siler secured employment as a farm hand and was so employed for about twenty-five years. He then began farming on his own account, buying forty acres of land in Ripley township. In addition to this he also cultivated and lived on eighty additional acres which he rented. Seven years later he sold the fortyacre tract and moved to Jackson township, where he bought the place on which he now lives. His first purchase was ninety-one acres, to which he added eighty-four acres by a later purchase. Mr. Siler removed to Jackson township in 1900 and gave personal direction to the cultivation of his land until 1918, when he began to rent it out. At the same time he rented eighty-seven acres of land from his motherin-law, which he is now engaged in farming with success. He is thoroughly practical and up-to-date in his methods and results have demonstrated the wisdom of his judgment. On April 20, 1890, Mr. Siler was married to Maude Kirkpatrick, who was born on the place where they now live. She is the daughter of John W. and Margaret E. (Dill) Kirkpatrick, both of whom were natives of Rush county, where Mr. Kirkpatrick followed farming and stock buying for a number of years. They became the parents of the following children : Sylvester, Pendleton H., Mrs. Alice Smith, Mrs. Flora B. Powell and Mrs. Siler. Mr. and Mrs. Siler are members of the Hannegan Christian church. Fraternally, Mr. Siler is a member of Phoenix Lodge, No. 62, Free and Accepted Masons, and Lodge No. 35, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Rushville. Politically, he gives his active support to the Democratic party and during the six-year period, 1914- 20, he rendered efficient service as trustee of Jackson township. A man of pleasing address and obliging manner, he has won and retains a host of friends throughout his community.

W. D. MARTIN, a well-known farmer and swine breeder of Anderson township, is a member of one of Rush county's pioneer families, his grandfather, James Martin, having come up here from Kentucky as a young man and established himself here in the early days. Some time after coming here James Martin married Mary Ann Muus, who also was born in Kentucky, and after his marriage settled on a farm in Anderson township where he spent the rest of his life, one of the useful pioneers of that neighborhood. John D. Martin, one of the sons of this pioneer pair, grew to manhood on that farm and in turn became a farmer on his own account. He married Mary F. VanHook and for some years afterward continued to make his home in Anderson township, living on a rented farm, and then moved over into Decatur county where he rented a farm in Clinton township and in that township spent the rest of his life, his death occurring there in 1887. Of the six children born to John D. Martin and wife W. D. Martin, the subject of this sketch, was the third in order of birth. Four of these children are still living, those besides W. D. being Janie, Frank and Anna. W. D. Martin was but a child when his parents moved from here to Decatur county and in the latter county he received his schooling and grew to manhood. He was but eight years of age when his father died and thus early began to assume mature responsibilities in connection with the operation of the farm, remaining on the home farm, he and his brother carrying on the work of the same until after his marriage when he rented a farm and began operations on his own account and has so continued, at present carving on operations on a 400-acre farm in Anderson township, on which, besides his general farming operations he is extensively engaged in the breeding of big type Poland China hogs, feeding about 300 head a year, and is doing well. It was in 1903 that W. D. Martin was united in marriage to Hattie Tompkins, who was born in this county, daughter of Ira and Arkie (Richey) Tompkins, of Anderson township, and to this union one child was born, a son, Earl Thornton. Mrs. Martin died on March 24, 1921. Mr. Martin is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has ever given his interested attention to the work of the church, being one of the stewards of the same. In his political affiliation he is a Democrat and in his fraternal affiliations is connected with the local lodges of the Masons and the Knights of Pythias, and has been "through the chairs" in the latter lodge.

ELIJAH A. KIRKPATRICK, one of the public-spirited citizens of Posey township, was born in Jackson township, Rush county, on the 15th day of May, 1849, and is the son of William and Susannah (Corbin) Kirkpatrick, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Fayette county, Indiana. Mr. Kirkpatrick came to Rush county in young manhood and located in Jackson township, where he followed farming during the remaining years of his life, becoming the owner of two hundred and seventy-nine acres of land in that township. Of the ten children who were born to him and his wife. but three are now living, namely: Hannah G., Martha J. and Elijah A. Elijah A. Kirkpatrick received his educational training in the

Osborne school, and he remained on the home place until his marriage, in 1870, when he rented a tract of land from his father and began farming operations on his own account After cultivating rented land for about fifteen years, Mr. Kirkpatrick bought a forty-acre farm, following which he successively bought and sold several farms until 1892, when he bought and located on the farm where he now lives and where he has since made many splendid improvements, the present appearance of the place indicating him to be a man of good ideas and practical methods. He carries on general farming operations, and also deals extensively in live stock, buying and selling hogs and cattle, in which he has been successful. On February 6, 1870, Mr. Kirkpatrick was married to Laura A. Leisure, a native of Jackson township, Rush county, the daughter of Henry and Elsie Leisure. To their union were born two children, Owen E. and D. Claude, both of whom are deceased. Owen E. Kirkpatrick, who was a merchant in Hancock county, Indiana, married Katie Humphrey and they had two children, Glenn and Wilbur. D. Claude Kirkpatrick, who conducted a real estate and insurance business in Lincoln, Nebraska, married Nellie Frakes and they had two children, Alta and an infant, both deceased. Mrs. Laura Kirkpatrick died on April 6, 1888, and on November 8, 1891, Mr. Kirkpatrick was married to Angie Cox, who was born and reared in Hancock county, Indiana, the daughter of Riley and Sarah (Leary) Cox, both of whom were also natives of Hancock county, where Mr. Cox followed the vocation of farming. He and his wife were the parents of four children, three of whom are living, Martha, Stella and Angie. Politically, Mr. Kirkpatrick gives his support to the Democratic party. He is a member of the Christian church, while Mrs. Kirkpatrick is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, to both of which societies they give liberal support. Throughout his long life here he has ever enjoyed the confidence and good will of all who have had dealings with him and he has always been an ardent supporter of every movement the object of which was the advancement of the public welfare in any way.

WILLIAM WILLIAMS, one of the most widely known citizens of Rush county, who after a long period of strenuous endeavor, is now retired from active life and is quietly spending his last days in New Salem, comes from one of the real pioneer families of Rush county, for his paternal grandparents, Isaac and Margaret Williams, were the first white settlers in that part of the county now comprised in what is Noble township. Isaac Williams was a native of Tennessee and his wife was born and reared in the Cumberland mountains of Tennessee. They made the trip north to their Indiana destination by horseback - or, rather, they took turns in coming horseback, as they had but one horse and the family comprised the parents and two children. They first stopped in Franklin county, where they remained for a time. In the spring of 1818 they came to this locality and "squatted" in what is now Rush county, their cabin home being in what later was organized as Noble township. Here they lived and improved their home as best they could, and when the land here was opened for sale Isaac Williams entered this land from the Government, and there he spent the remainder of his days. Among his children was John Williams, who was born in Franklin county, Indiana, in 1813, and who married Elizabeth Wilson, a native of Kentucky. In his childhood he had been brought to Rush county by his parents and here was reared to manhood. He followed the vocation of farming during all his active years and he and his wife lost their lives in a cyclone which passed over their home on June 14. 18S0. They were the parents of ten children, seven of whom are living, namely : Margaret, Jennie, Anna, Amanda, William, James A. and John O., living, and Isaac, Harriette M. and Nancy E., deceased, the first named having lost his life in the Civil war. William Williams, who has spent practically his entire life of more than three-quarters of a century in Noble township, received his education in the old Bethany Methodist Episcopal church, in which building a school was conducted, and in the old Pinhook school house. He was then employed as a farm hand until his marriage, after which he farmed rented land for about ten years. He then bought sixty-two acres of land, which he operated in addition to rented land, and so successful was he that he eventually increased his holding to 195 acres, all of which was located in Noble township. Mr. Williams carried on general farming and stock raising on this farm until 1917, when he retired from the active personal management of his farm and since then has resided at New Salem. Mr. Williams was married to Julia A. McKee, the daughter of James and Emily McKee, and whose death occurred on March 7, 1920 Politically, Mr. Williams is an earnest supporter of the Republican party. Whatever of success Mr. Williams attained in life has been due entirely to his own efforts, energy and natural ability, and he has left the strong impress of his individuality upon all with whom he has come in contact.

THOMAS EDWARD MEDD. Farming as a life occupation has interested many of the most substantial citizens of Rush county, and their well cultivated and improved properties show that their efforts have met with material reward and that they take a pride in their homes. One of these representative farmers is Thomas Edward Medd, of Noble township, owner of 128 acres of valuable land, who is now living somewhat retired from his former activities. He was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, September 28, 1855, son of Thomas and Susan (Poshard) Medd, natives of Yorkshire, England, and Dearborn county, Indiana, respectively. Thomas Medd was an infant when his parents brought him to the United States and settled in Dearborn county, Indiana, where he was reared to manhood, and taught _to make himself useful both as a fanner and cooper, both of which occupations he followed all of his life. When war broke out between this country and Mexico in the '40s he enlisted in the army from Dearborn county, and served until the close of that campaign. He and his wife had fourteen children, five of whom survive, namely: Joseph, Albert. Thomas

Edward, Anna and Laura. Thomas Edward Medd attended the common schools of his native county, and after he left school began farming, working out as a farm hand in that county until he was twenty years old, at which time he came to Rush county, here continuing to work for others for a time, in all following this line of work for about four and one-half years. During this time he was thrifty and was finally able to get a start for himself, first renting land, but later buying a farm of eighty-two acres, to which he added until he secured his present farm. While he operated his land himself he carried on general farming and stock raising for which he deemed it best suited. Pie married Catherine, daughter of James and Nancy Holman, who died in April, 1907. For many years Mr. Medd has been a consistent member of Little Flat Rock Christian Church. He is a Democrat and has ever given his thoughtful attention to his duty as a citizen, helpful in promoting movements having to do with the betterment of local conditions.

SAMUEL L. TRABUE, who occupies a leading place among the members of the legal profession at Rushville and is known likewise as a prominent and influential member of the Democratic party, was born on a farm in Noble township, this county, June 29, 1878, a son of Samuel H. and Mary J. (McKee) Trabue. Samuel H. Trabue received his education in his native state of Kentucky and at the age of twenty-four years came to Rush count.y, where he worked for one year as a farm hand. He then secured by purchase twenty-five acres of land in Noble township, which he cultivated for about ten years, following which he sold his holdings and moved to Center township, where he bought eighty acres. Through industry and good management he increased his possessions to 190 acres and continued to live on this farm until 1910, when he retired from active pursuits and moved to Rushville, his present home. Mr. Trabue still supervises the operation of this farm, on which he specializes in live stock raising, and feeds out about 1.000 head of hogs a year. Mr. Trabue married in 1877, Mary J. McKee, daughter of David and Martha McKee, members of old families of Rush county, and to this union there were born six children, of whom four are living, those besides Samuel L. Trabue being David M. Trabue, who manages the home farm for his father ; Bert L. Trabue, president of the Farmers Trust Company of Rushville, and Harry C. Trabue, of Kokomo, Ind. Samuel L. Trabue received his early schooling in the common schools of Center township, following which he took a one-year normal course at Glenwood. He then attended Valparaiso University for two years, and upon his graduation from that institution with the degree of Bachelor of Laws returned to Rushville and entered upon the practice of his profession, in which he has been highly successful. He belongs to the various organizations of his calling and occupies a high place in the esteem of his fellow-practitioners and the confidence of a large and constantly growing clientele. In politics a Democrat. Mr. Trabue has taken a keen and active interest in political matters, and at present is secretary of the Democratic state central committee.

During the World war he was in the Field Artillery Officers' Training School at Camp Taylor, Ky. Previous to entering the military service he was fuel administrator for Rush county. As a fraternalist, he is a Scottish Rite Mason, a Knight Templar and a Shriner, and belongs to the Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows and Elks, all of Rushville. His religious connection is with the First Presbyterian church of Rushville. On September 28, 1910, Mr. Trabue married Marguerite, daughter of Frank E. and Anna Tritt, of Knightstown, Ind. WILLIAM EDWIN TARPLEE, widely known as one of the honored citizens of Richland township, this county, the major portion of his life having been spent in this locality, was born in Decatur county, Indiana, on the 1st day of December, 1866, and is the son of George and Elizabeth (Arnold) Tarplee, the latter a native of Philadelphia, Pa., daughter of John Arnold and wife, who became pioneers of Decatur county, this state. John Arnold was born in the vicinity of Berlin, Germany, and his wife also was of German birth. They were married in their native country and shortly afterward came to America, locating at Philadelphia, from which city they presently moved to Cincinnati. While living in Cincinnati John Arnold came up into Indiana and at the land office at Brookville entered claim to a tract of land in the eastern part of Decatur county, where he presently established his home, he and his family thus having been numbered among the pioneers of that county, and he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives in that county. George Tarplee was born in Worcestershire, England, where he was reared to the age of fifteen years, when he came to the United States. He landed at New York with limited financial resources but, determined and ambitious, he turned his face westward and worked his way to Decatur county, Indiana. He first located at Greensburg, where he learned the trade of shoemaking, and then he moved to Clarksburg, where he opened a shoe shop and engaged in the making of custom shoes. So successful was he that he soon had six shoemakers working for him and gained a wide and favorable reputation for the quality of his work. Subsequently he added a line of general merchandise, to which he eventually devoted all of his time. For some years he was in partnership with Anderson Beagles, but in 1876 he retired from active business pursuits and spent his last days quietly there, his death occurring in 1908, three years after the death of his wife. He had been very successful in all of his business affairs and at the time of his death was the owner of 466 acres of land in Rush county. To him and his wife had been born four children, William E. Tarplee having two brothers, James H. Tarplee, bookkeeper for O'Neal Bros, at Rushville; John T. Tarplee, a farmer living at Clarksburg, and a sister, Cordelia, wife of F. A. Rohe, of Greensburg. William E. Tarplee received his schooling in the public schools of Clarksburg and on the completion of his studies he turned his attention to farming. renting land from his father when only sixteen years of age. He has devoted practically his entire active life to agriculture, in which course he has made no mistake, for he has been successful and enjoys a reputation as a man of practical ideas, sound judgment and industrious habits. He continued to rent land from his father until the latter 's death, at which time he inherited 160 acres from the estate. He carries on a general line of farming, devoting about fifty acres to corn and a like amount to small grain, while he also has been markedly successful in the feeding of live stock, of which he handles about a carload of cattle and 100 or more hogs. In 1885 Mr. Tarplee was married to Ida B. Taylor, the daughter of Sarah Taylor, and they have become the parents of four children, namely: Tressa, who became the wife of Joseph Harves and is the mother of one child, Harold; Allen, who married Bessie Parker; Prank, who married Isabelle Clark, and Dorothy. Mr. Tarplee is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he is a Democrat and his fraternal relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has received preferment, having passed through the chairs of the subordinate lodge to which he belongs. A residence here of many years has but strengthened his hold on the hearts of his fellow citizens and none in his locality enjoys a larger circle of friends and acquaintances.

"WILLIAM A. LORD, a well-known coal dealer at Mays and a Center township landowner, who was formerly trustee of that township, is a native son of Rush county, having been born in Union township on September 23, 1857, and is the son of James J. and Sarah (Billings) Lord, the latter of whom also was a native of Rush county. James J. Lord was a native of the state of Delaware, but in boyhood was brought by his parents to Indiana, the family settling in Rush county, where he completed his education in the common schools. He thereafter devoted himself to agricultural pursuits, buying a tract of land in Howard county, Indiana, where he spent the rest of his life. To him and his wife were born seven children, four of whom are living, namely: William, J. L. (a physician), Jennie and Hattie. Francis 0. died on April 9, 1921, and Ann and Ellsworth died in infancy. William A. Lord was about three years of age when the family moved to Howard county and there he received his educational training. He remained on the home farm with his parents until his marriage, when he rented seventy-five acres of land and engaged in farming on his own account. Two years later he returned to Rush county and for three years thereafter devoted himself to the cultivation of 180 acres of land near Mays. He then returned to Howard county and opened a general store, which he ran about four years. Again returning to Rush county, Mr. Lord spent seven years in the operation of a farm of 180 acres in Center township, but at the end of that time he retired from active farm work and moved to Mays, where he engaged in the coal business, which still commands his attention. Energetic and a good manager, he has been successful in all his operations and today is in comfortable financial circumstances. He owns thirty acres of land in Center township and is numbered among the substantial and enterprising citizens of his locality. Mr. Lord has been twice married, first to Maria Covalt and, after her death, to Hattie A. (Smith) Langston, a native of Rush comity and the daughter of Shelby and Vina Smith. To the first union three children were born, Sarah Edna, Dora E. and Mary, the latter of whom died at the age of six years. To the last union has been born a son, Fred S., now three years old. Mr. and Mrs. Lord are members of the Christian church at Raleigh. Fraternally, Mr. Lord is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Politically, he is a stanch supporter of the Republican party and served four years as trustee of Center township. He takes a keen interest in public affairs and gives his support to every movement for the general welfare of the community.