Rush County, Indiana - The whole text, 1921 (part 9 of 18)

BIRNEY E. IIITE. Of the men who have actively participated in the agricultural transformation of Richland township during more than a quarter of a century past, a few are better or more favorably known than Birney E. Ilite, who is now carrying on successful farming and stock raising operations on a ninety-acre farm. Mr. Hite was born on June 8, 1869, in Richland township, a son of William T. and Mary A. (Hite) Hite, natives of the same township. Through both of his parents Mr. Hite is descended from Jacob Hite, Sr., a soldier of the Revolutionary war, who was born in Frederick county, Maryland, February 14, 1761, a son of John and Sarah Hite, and in 1762 was taken by his parents to Frederick county, Virginia, where he was reared, educated and married. There he enlisted under Gilkison for service in the Revolutionary war, and was in the commands of Generals Mcintosh, Armistead and Newell. As a private he served two months in 1778, and from October 1, 1781, served six months, also as a private, being present at the siege of Yorktown. Jacob Hite married Catherine Shiner, from whom the members of the family are said to inherit their black eyes, and they subsequently removed to Rockbridge county, Virginia, near the Natural Bridge, where to them there were born five sons and one daughter, all of whom, with the exception of the eldest son, John, Jr., emigrated with their parents to Rush county, Indiana, about 1829, the mother making the journey on horseback. John, the eldest son, remained and died in Rockbridge county, and no trace of his descendants has been found. The other children were : George, a soldier of the War of 1812, and a blacksmith and farmer, who had eight children, John, W. N. (the grandfather of Birney E. Hite on the paternal side), Jacob, G. W., Sr., Mrs. Polly Sack, Elizabeth, Catherine and Mrs. Harriet McDaniels; William, a farmer and blacksmith, who had seven children, Green, William, Joseph, Mrs. Eliza McDaniels, Mrs. Mary Watkins. Mrs. Harriet Watkins and Mrs. Cass Ann Barber; Jacob Ilite. Jr., justice of the peace of Richland township for years, and the purchaser of the 700 acres of land from the government on which the family resided afterward, and on which he molded and burnt the bricks for his house, one of the first in the township, who had eleven children. James, Mrs. Polly Douglas, Mrs Lucinda Caskey, Mrs Eliza Cas- key, Mrs. Jane Tattle, Francis, William, Mrs. Mary Moore, Harriet, Mrs. Caroline Sparks and Mrs. Jennie Sullivan; Polly, who married Archibald Crowdy and had one son, Alexander. Alexander Hite, a cabinet-maker and farmer, the maternal grandfather of Birney E. Hite, who had thirteen children, William C, John I., S. A., Thomas R., Jacob H., J. D., Joseph L., Winfield S., Mrs. Gabrella J. Farthing, Hannah E., Mrs. Mary A. Hite, Mrs. Lucinda A. Lawson, and M. B. Hite. William T. Hite, the father of Birney E. Hite, was born in Richland township, where he was reared and educated. At the time of his marriage he rented eighty acres of land from his father, upon which he carried on operations until February, 1871, when he bought the farm now operated by his son. He did not live long thereafter, dying August 31, 1871. His widow survived him until July 12, 1917. The only child of his parents, Birney E. Hite attended the schools of Richland township, and was graduated from Clarksburg high school in 1885 with the second class to complete the course in that school. After attending De- Pauw University for one year, he returned to Clarksburg, where he was variously employed for about eight years, and then resumed farming on their property. In 1902 he moved to his present farm, a tract of ninety acres, which he is renting and which he operates along the lines of,general farming and stock raising. He is a public-spirited, well-balanced man and is deeply interested in all that pertains to the lasting welfare of the community. A member of the Christian church, Mr. Hite taught in the Sunday school for twentyfive years, and during the past five years has been church clerk. Mr. Hite is a Democrat. He is a thirty-second degree Mason, affiliated with the blue lodge at Clarksburg, the chapter, Royal Arch Masons, and the council, Royal and Select Masters, at Greensburg; Rushville Commandery, No. 49, Knights Templar, at Rushville; the Indiana Consistory, S. P. R. S. thirty-second degree, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, North Masonic Jurisdiction, Valley of Indianapolis, and a noble of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, affiliated with Murat Temple, Indianapolis.

MILTON HENLEY, one of the most energetic, persevering and thoroughgoing agriculturists of Ripley township, has spent his life in this community, where he is the representative of a family that has been highly esteemed for many years. He was born on his father's farm in Ripley township, February 10, 1872, a son of Milton and Julia (Stanley) Henley, and a grandson of Thomas Henley, a pioneer of the locality, who took up Government land during the early settlement and established this branch of the family. Milton Henley, the elder, was born in Ripley township, where he acquired his early education in the public schools, this training being supplemented by a course at Earlham College, Richmond, Ind. When he was ready to enter upon his independent career, he chose farming as his means of livelihood and thus spent the rest of his life, becoming the owner of an excellent farm. He married Julia Stanley, daughter of Wyatt

Stanley, another pioneer of Rush county, and they hecame the parents of four children, Harvey G., Walter C, Milton and a daughter who died in infancy. After leaving school Milton Henley evinced the family predilection for farming and adopted it as his life work. For some years he farmed in association with his father and brothers, and at the elder man's death inherited a share of the home farm, the balance of which he subsequently bought from the other heirs. While Mr. Henley has operated chiefly as a general farmer, he has specialized in Berkshire hogs, and feeds out on an average of seventy animals yearly, which are shipped to the big markets. Mr. Henley has 140 acres of excellent land. His buildings are substantial and his equipment complete and modern, and in every way he is a progressive farmer of up-to-date tendencies. He is unmarried. While not a politician, he adheres to the principles of the Republican party and discharges in full the duties of good citizenship. His religious connection is with the Friends church, which he attends at Carthage.

ROBERT W. NIXON, a well-known farmer of Jackson township and former trustee of that township, was born in Washington township, this county, on May 4, 1864, and is the son of James R. and Jane (Abernathy) Nixon. The father was a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, whence in early childhood he was brought to Rush county, where he was reared and educated. During the active years of his life he followed farming in Washington township, but later in life he moved to Union township, where he bought 104 acres of land and lived there up to the time of his death. His widow, who was born and reared in Union township, now lives on this farm. They became the parents of seven children, of whom four are living, namely: Robert W, Sallie A., Kate and Lulu. Robert W. Nixon secured his education in the public schools of Washington township and was one of the first pupils to attend the Raleigh consolidated school, which was the first consolidated school in the state. On completing his studies, Mr. Nixon went to Rnshville and entered the employ of W. T. Brann & Son, grocers, with whom he remained for four years. Then, having married, he received from his father-in-law a gift of thirty-eight acres of land in Jackson township, to which he at once moved and began its cultivation. He was successful in his farming operations and bought 122 acres which, together with fifty additional acres given him by his father-in-law, makes his total holdings 210 acres, all of which lies in Jackson township. In addition to a general line of farming, Mr. Nixon gives attention to stock raising, marketing about 100 head of hogs a year. He is thoroughly practical and up-to-date in all his operations and is numbered among the enterprising and influential farmers of his community. On August 27, 1890, Mr. Nixon was married to Cora I. Gartin, who was born in Jackson township, this county, on May 1. 1866, the daughter of John G. and Arkansas (Porter) Gartin, both of whom were natives of Rushcounty, where Mr. Gartin followed the vocation of farming during his active life. He and his wife were the parents of four children, all of whom are living, namely, Cora I.. Omer G., Audit P. and Edmund N.

To Mr. and Mrs. Nixon has been born one child, Chalmer G., August 12, 1893, who is unmarried and remains at home. Politically, Mr. Nixon is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party and has taken an active part in local public affairs, having served one term as trustee of Jackson township, to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. He and his wife are earnest members of the Hannegan Church of Christ and give their support to every worthy benevolent, or charitable object.

GEORGE KATSAROS AND MICHAEL KATSAROS, proprietors of an admirable confectionery store at Rushville and brothers, are natives of Argos, Greece, the former born on November 22, 1892, and the latter on September 22, 1891. They received their educational training in the public schools of their native locality, and in the days of their youth devoted their energies to the pursuits of farming. George Katsaros came to the United States in 1909 and settled at Richmond, Ind., where he secured employment in a confectionery store, and during the nine months that he was there familiarized himself to some extent with the business, as well as with American customs and the language of his new country. He then came to Rushville, where he worked at the same business for one year, at the end of which time the establishment was purchased by his brother, Michael, who was George's employer until March 1, 1916. The brothers then formed a partnership that has existed to the present time, although George then went to Elwood, Ind., where he took charge of the same kind of an establishment. The demands of the World war caused his return to Rushville. His brother Michael had been accepted in the United States service, October 5, 1917, and George was needed at Rushville to manage the business there. Michael Katsaros became a member of Company L, Hundred and Thirtieth Infantry, Thirty-third Division, and was in the service for two years, serving as a private during which time he saw fifteen months of overseas duty, and took part in a number of important and hard-fought engagements. Among his battles were Meuse-Argonne, September 20 to November 11, 1918 ; Somme- Amiens, with the Australian corps, July 6 to August 19 ; Verdun, September 25-26 ; Troyon, October 23 to November 12;; Chateau d'Aulnois, November 7; and Marcheville, November 10. After being honorably discharged, with a splendid record for valiant and faithful service, August 30, 1919, he returned to Rushville and again took up the business in partnership with his brother. They have developed an excellent trade among the best people of the city, to whom they are presenting superior goods and courteous service. The brothers are stalwart Republicans in their political allegiance, and their religion is that of the Greek church.

GEORGE H. BELL, a public-spirited citizen of Rush county, county commissioner-elect and a well-known livery man and horse dealer at Mays, was born in Center township, this county, on September 23, 1864, and is the son of James H. and Charity (Bell) Bell. The mother was born on July 31, 1837, and died on February 28,

1907. James H. Bell, who died in April, 1915, was born on November 19, 1839, in Butler county, Ohio, and came to Rush county at the age of twenty-three years, spending the remainder of his life here engaged in farming, in which he was successful. To him and his wife were born seven children, one of whom died in infancy, the others being as follows : Albert, born on September 5, 1862 ; George II., the immediate subject of this review; Hettie; Charles, born on July 12. 1867 ; Hattie and John, born on November 8, 1871. The subject of this sketch received his education in the public schools of Center township and after completing his education he devoted himself to work on his father's farm until 1891, when he engaged in the gas business for several years. He then returned to Center township and farmed eighty acres of land which he had bought and which he has since increased to 160 acres. Here he not only carries on general farming, but he also gives considerable attention to the raising of live stock, specializing in horses and hogs. He. feeds out from 400 to 700 hogs a year. About 1900 Mr. Bell moved to Mays and engaged in the livery business, in which he has been successful, and in connection with which he buys and sells horses, having handled a large number of animals in the past fifteen or twenty years. He keeps his farm well improved and it is among the most productive farms of this locality. In 1900 Mr. Bell was married to Stella F. Jackson, who was born and reared in Rush county, the daughter of William and Amanda (Sherry) Jackson, and they have one child, Helen A., who, after completing her studies in the school at Mays, is now a student in Belmont Academy, at Nashville, Tennessee. Politically, Mr. Bell has been a lifelong supporter of the Republican party and has taken an active interest in public affairs. At the recent general election he was elected a member of the board of county commissioners and will take his seat on the board in 1922. Fraternally, he is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. A man of judgment, sound discretion and good business ability, he has managed his affairs with tactful success and has so impressed his individuality upon the community as to gain recognition as one of its leading citizens.

EMORY J. POWER. Among the farmers of recognized moral and material worth whose labors have largely helped to develop the interests of Anderson township, is Emory J. Power, who has passed his entire life in his present community. Mr. Power was born in Anderson township, June 29, 1857, a son of John and Mary A. (Smisor) Power, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Ohio. John Power M'as reared and educated in Kentucky, and as a young man came to Rush county alone, here marrying Miss Smisor, who had accompanied her parents to this region. They settled in Anderson township, where Mr. Power accumulated 140 acres of land, on which he carried on operations until his death in middle life, in 1858. There were ten children in the family of whom six are now living: John, Boone, Frank, George, Daniel and Emory. Emory J. Power received his education in the rural schools of

Emory J. Power, Wife And Daughter, Lavonne

Anderson township, and upon leaving his studies took up farming on the home place, where he remained until reaching the age of twenty-one years. At that time he embarked upon an independent career with the purchase of eighty acres of land, but later disposed of this propei'ty and bought another farm of 127 acres, which formed the nucleus for his present property. He now owns 212 acres, all situated in Anderson township, which he has devoted to general farming and the raising of live stock, feeding about 150 hogs annually. Mr. Power has retired somewhat from active affairs, and since 1919 has been renting a portion of his property. He has gained his success through honorable methods, and is entitled to the esteem and respect in which he is universally held. Mr. Power maintains an independent attitude upon political questions and gives the support of his ballot to the man he deems best fitted for service regardless of party lines. He and the members of his family belong to the Methodist Episcopal church at Milroy. Mr. Power married Harriet Allison, daughter of Mrs. Lucy Allison, and she died leaving two children : Albert, who married Berniee Sonnebaum ; and Lucy, who married Elmer Harrison and has two children, Marjorie and Cecil. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Power married Mary Ellen Spurgeon, daughter of Joseph and Hester Ann (Layton) Spurgeon, and to this union two children have been born, Lavonne, who is unmarried and is living on the home farm, and LeLillie, who died in infancy. Mrs. Power's father, Joseph Spurgeon, was in his day one of the influential men and large land owners of Anderson township, a part of his land being that which constitutes the Power farm, the old Spurgeon home place. He was born in this county, a member of one of the pioneer families, and lived here all his life. Joseph Spurgeon was twice married. By his first wife, Hester Ann Layton, he had two children, Mrs. Power and Oscar N. Spurgeon. By his second wife, Julia Spohn, he had two children, Ira John and Daisy May.

HENRY P. METCALF, M. D., of New Salem, whose career has been that of a broad-minded, conscientious worker in the sphere to which his life and energies have been devoted and whose profound knowledge of his profession has won for him a leading place among the medical men of this section of the state, is a native son of the old Blue Grass state, having been born in Garrard county, Kentucky, on April 18, 1856, and is a son of Adron and Mary (Morgan) Metcalf, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Kentucky. Adron Metcalf remained in his native state until eighteen years of age, when he moved to Kentucky, locating in Garrard county, where he followed the vocation of farming. Eventually he bought a tract of land, which he cleared and developed into a good farm, on which he resided up to the time of his death, which occurred in May, 1913. At one time he was the owner of 1,100 acres of land and he held a position of considerable prominence and influence in his community. He was the father of .eleven children, of whom seven are living, but the subject of this review is the only one living in Indiana. Henry P. Metcalf received his elementary education in the common schools of Garrard county, Kentucky, and after completing his studies he went into a logging camp in eastern Kentucky, where he worked for two years, hauling logs with ox teams. He then entered the employ of the Asher Lumber Company, of Ford, Kentucky, where for a year he worked as timber inspector. The subject then matriculated in the medical department of the University of Louisville, where, in 1882, he received his degree of Doctor of Medicine. He immediately located at Paint Lick, Kentucky, where he practiced his profession about four years, and then moved to Richmond, Ky., where he remained until 1894. Doctor Metcalf then came to Indiana and for six years was engaged in the practice at Mays, Rush county, followed by twelve years at Andersonville, and then, in 1912, he located in New Salem, where he now resides. Doctor Metcalf enjoys a large practice, in which he has been uniformly successful, and he is popular throughout the community. Doctor Metcalf was married to Savannah Lewis, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John J. Lewis, and they became the parents of eight children, of whom five are now living, namely: Henry Carter, who served in the United States army in France as a first lieutenant of the Medical Corps, and is now engaged in the practice of medicine at Connersville, Ind., married Alma Helman and they have one child, Henry Thomas; George, who also is a physician, also served a year as first lieutenant in the Medical Corps of the United States army; he married Arneta Pepper and they have one child, Philip J. ; Margaret became the wife of Sumner King and they have one child, Robert Sumner ; Aboline became the wife of William Cloud and they have one child, Thurman ; Helen is attending school in New Salem ; John Gilbert and Presshia are deceased and one died in infancy. Doctor Metcalf is a member of the Rush County Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. Fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, and politically, is a supporter of the Democratic party. He and his family are identified with the Christian church, of which he has been an elder. The Doctor is an earnest supporter of every movement for the advancement of the general welfare.

NATHAN I. PRICE, one of the intelligent contributors to the development of his community, a substantial farmer of Ripley township and a member of the board of directors of the Arlington Bank, and a stockholder in the Bank of Carthage, was born in Posey township, this county, May 28, 1863, a son of John and Sarah (Leisure) Price, and his entire life has been passed within the boundaries of this county, he being at present a large landholder of Ripley township. John Price was born in 1812 in Fleming county, Kentucky, where he was reared, educated and trained in farming, and remained in his native community until reaching the age of thirty-two years, when he came to Rush county and settled in Posey township, on a farm which later became known as the Price homestead. Here he passed the balance of his life in farming, and through industry and good management became one of the well-to-do men of his locality. He married in Rush county, Sarah, daughter of George and Lucinda (Meyers) Leisure, substantial farming people of Rush county, and to this union there were born five children, Jane, Nathan I., George W., Samantha and Basil T., the last three-named being deceased. Nathan I, Price received his education in the public schools of Posey township and at Carthage, and as a youth was well drilled in the science of farming in association with and under the teachings of his father. In 1886 he was married, and at that time moved to Ripley township, where he purchased a farm of sixty acres. This proved to be the nucleus of his present handsome property of 280 acres, all accumulated through his good management and unremitting industry. Mr. Price had a modem farm, equipped with substantial buildings and the last improved equipment of all kinds, and his operations as a general farmer and stock raiser are conducted in a manner that leaves no doubt as to his ability and progressive ideas. He has also been interested in other matters of a business and financial character, having been one of the founders of the Arlington Bank, of which he is a stockholder and director, in addition to being a stockholder in the Bank of Carthage. In politics he is a supporter of the Democratic party and has shown some interest in public affairs. In 1914 he was a candidate of his party for the office of county commissioner. With his family, he belongs to the Christian church, and his fraternal connection is with the lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Carthage. In 1886 Mr. Price married Belle Downey, who was born in Rush county, daughter of Archibald and Sarah Downey, and they had one child, now Mrs. John Dagler, of Newcastle, Ind. After the death of his first wife, Nathan I. Price married Mrs. Emma J. Mercer, of New Salem, Ind.

ELMER E. ELLISON, a successful farmer of Rush county, whose fine farm is eligibly located in Jackson township, was born in Rushville township, this county, on January 20, 1862, and is the son of William J. and Sarah E. (Duke) Ellison. He was educated in Walker township, attending district school No. 6.. After completing his schooling, he gave his attention to the cultivation of the home farm with his father, with whom he remained until his marriage, in 1890, when he rented the home farm and continued to operate it as a renter until his father's death, at which time the interests of the heirs was bought up by the subject's brother, Marshall. The subject then rented the adjoining farm, but three years later he bought eighty acres of land in Walker township, which he sold about seven years later at a substantial profit. During the following two years Mr. Ellison rented and operated one of the Lon Mull farms in Walker township, but at the end of that period, 1905, he bought the place where he now lives in Jackson township. His first purchase was 100 acres, to which he added eighty-three acres three years later, and in 1919 he bought seventy-four acres, thus giving him total land holdings of 257 acres. On this land he carries on general farming operations, raising all the crops common to this locality, and also giving attention to live stock, raising about 250 head of the big type Poland China hogs each year. He keeps his farm well improved and it is now one of the most productive and attractive farms in Jackson township. On November 5, 1890, Mr. Ellison was married to Nellie Gardner, who was born and reared in Walker township, the daughter of Marion and Margaret (Hurst) Gardner. To Mr. and Mrs. Ellison have been born three children, namely : John W., who is a farmer in Center township, Rush county, married Elsie S. Newhouse; Robert M., who is unmarried and remains at home, and Margaret E., who became the wife of Clarence E. Ruby, a farmer in Jackson township, and has one child, Lowell Ellison. Mr. and Mrs. Ellison are earnest members of the Christian church. Politically, Mr. Ellison gives his support to the Republican party and for eight continuous years he has served as a member of the Jackson township advisory board.

DON C. BROOKS, one of the most prominent and prosperous farmers of Rush county, the owner of 678 acres of valuable land in Noble, Richland, Union and Rushville townships, is a man of broad and practical knowledge and of progressive and energetic spirit. He was born in Noble township, where he now makes his home, October 28, 1871, son and only child of Mosely and Harriet R. (Thompson) Brooks, the former a. native of Kentucky and the latter of Indiana. When Mosely Brooks came to Indiana in 1851, he located in Noble township, where he farmed for a number of years and then engaged in the pork-packing business at Laurel, Ind., and Cincinnati, Ohio, although he retained his residence in Rush county all his life, dying here in May, 1873. His widow, who was his second wife, survived him until 1916. Don C. Brooks was given good educational advantages, first attending the schools of Noble township, later Graham Academy at Rushville and then the Richmond (Ind.) Business College. After leaving the latter he returned home and took up farming, a vocation in which he has since been engaged with constantly increasing success. He now has 678 acres in Noble, Rushville, Richland and Union townships, and the greater part of the improvements thereon, including three complete sets of buildings, have all been made by himself. He rents out the greater part of his land, operating 205 acres himself in Noble township, and feeds out about 100 head of hogs a year. Mr. Brooks is a Republican. He holds membership in the Knights of Pythias lodge at Rushville and is a member of the Little Flat Rock Christian Church, of which he was a trustee for a number of years. In April, 1919, Mr. Brooks married Dorothy E. Roach, daughter of Charles and Carrie Roach.

EZEKIEL M. JONES, sheriff of Rush county, triumphed over early disadvantages and won a high place in the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens. Mr. Jones was born in Fleming county. Kentucky, March 12, 1863, a son of Thomas J. and Amelia (Freeman) Jones, natives of the same county, where the father was a country school teacher during the greater part of his life. The parents died when their son, Ezekiel M., was still a boy. Of their eight children, five are living: Ella, Robert G., William P., Ben P. and Ezekiel M. Ezekiel M. Jones acquired somewhat limited educational advantages in his boyhood, and when still a youth began to make his own way by working as a hired hand on farms in his native county. He was but eighteen years of age when he came to Rush county, in 1881, and here continued to work as a farm hand until 1899, when he enlisted in the United States army for service in the Philippine Islands, where he spent two years. Mustered out of the service in 1901, he came back to Rush county, where he began farming for himself and bought the eighty-acre tract which he still owns in Ripley township. This he cultivated until 1918, when he was elected sheriff of Rush county on the Republican ticket. He has proven a fearless, efficient and conscientious official and has established an excellent record in his high and responsible office. Mr. Jones was married on September 8, 1901, to Anna Pliehart, who was born and educated in Rush county, daughter of Hugh S. and Abigail (Beale) Pliehart, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of this county. Mr. Pliehart was an agriculturist throughout his life, and spent a long period in Posey township, Rush county, where he was the owner of 300 acres of valuable land. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are consistent members of the Arlington Methodist Church, and Mr. Jones is one of the influential Republicans of Rush county.

RAYMOND L. BLOUNT, one of the enterprising farmers of Center township, and a member of the advisory board of that township, was born in Posey township, Rush county, on March 29, 18S0, and is the son of Rev. Jacob B. and Josephine (Martindale) Blount, both of whom were born and reared in Tipton county, Indiana. They both attended the Northwestern Christian University, now Butler College, at Indianapolis. The subject's father was a man of strong character and marked mental ability, held the office of county superintendent of schools of Rush county for some time during the 70s and '80s and was for years a minister of the Christian church, for years one of the foremost figures in that communion in this section of the state. To him and his wife we're born eight children, six of whom are living, namely: Maude B., Elsie P., Zula M., Ralph D., Raymond L. and Glenn A. Raymond L. Blount attended the common schools of Posey and Washington township through the tenth grade, which was as far as was taught in those schools, and thereafter he applied himself to work on a farm in Washington township, which he fanned on the shares for about four years. About this time he was married and turned his attention to the cultivation of a farm of forty -six acres which his wife had inherited. To this he later added by purchase sixty-three acres, making a total acreage of 109 acres in Center township. On this place he carries on general farming operations and stock raising. In the latter line, he specializes on the big-type Poland China hogs for breeding purposes, all of his animals being registered. He is energetic and up-to-date in his methods and has honestly merited the prosperity which has crowned his efforts. On June 18, 1902, Mr. Blount was married to Serena Rhodes, who was born in Center township. Rush county, on February 16, 1880, and received a good high school education. She is the daughter of Lewis R. and Elizabeth (Leisure) Rhodes. To Mr. and Mrs. Blount have been born four children, Gladys, Beulah, Elizabeth and Mildred. Politically, Mr. Blount is an ardent supporter of the Democratic party and has taken an active interest in local public affairs, having served as a member of the township advisory board during the past two years. Fraternally, he is a member of Lodge No. 99 and Encampment No. 48 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Knightstown. He and his wife are members of the Center Christian church.

WILLIAM C. MITCHELL, during his lifetime one of the leading agriculturists of Noble township, was a man of high character and when he died his community lost a good citizen. He was born in Rush county and died in Noble township, April 29, 1879. His parents, Thomas and Amanda Mitchell, were both natives of Kentucky who came to Rush county at an early day, entering land in Noble township, on which they lived and reared their family. They were farmers all their lives and died in Noble township. "William C. Mitchell attended the schools of Noble township and began working on the home farm as soon as he was old enough to do so. He continued to reside on this farm until his demise which occurred seven years after his marriage. He married Irma, daughter of Alfred and Elizabeth (Looney) White. Mrs. White was a daughter of Peter and Jane Looney. Alfred White and his wife were both born in Kentucky, from which state his parents brought him to Fayette county, Indiana, and there he grew to manhood and learned the trade of a brick mason, which he followed all of his life. In young manhood he located in Rush county, and made the brick and built the residences of a great many of the people of his day and vicinity, all of which are still standing, so substantially are they constructed. Mr. and Mrs. White had two children, namely : Mrs. Mitchell and Peter Nelson, but the latter is now deceased. Mrs. Mitchell is a member of Little Flat Rock Christian Church, and is held in high esteem in that congregation. Mr. Mitchell was a Mason and lived up to the highest ideals of that fraternity.

HENRY G. CONAWAY, who is well and favorably known among the progressive agriculturists and public-spirited citizens of Rush county, is the owner of a well-cultivated property situated in Ripley township. Mr. Con away is a native of Rush county, having been born on his father's farm in Posey township. February 14. 1868, a son of John M. and Zenith (Ball) Conaway. His father, a native of Kentucky, came to Rush county in young manhood and here passed the remainder of his life in the pursuits of farming, becoming the owner of 240 acres of land. He was a man of general worth, who occupied a high place in the esteem and confidence of those among whom his career was passed. He and his wife were the parents of eight children, of whom two survive, Leona and Henry <"!. Henry G. Conaway received his education in the public schools of Posey township, principally at the Conaway schoolhouse, so named because of its proximity to the Conaway home. After completing his studies he began his farming career as a hand in the fields of the neighboring agriculturists, and continued to be thus employed until his marriage, at which time he rented the home farm. After one year as a renter from his father, he moved with Mrs. Conaway to the home of his father-in-law, William H. Nelson, a tract of eighty acres in the same township, and there remained for fifteen years, during which time he carried on operations as a renter. Disposing of his interests, he went to Colorado, but found conditions there not to his liking and accordingly returned to Rush county and for about eighteen months made his home at Arlington. He then secured his present farm of forty acres in Ripley township, where he has made numerous improvements and has substantial buildings, high-grade equipment and a good grade of live stock. He has devoted himself to general farming and his industry and good management have combined to make his operations a success. Mrs. Conaway is the owner of 205 acres of valuable land in Posey township, now being operated by tenants. On December 31, 1891, Mr. Conaway was united in marriage with Mertie M. Nelson, who was born in Posey township, daughter of William H. and Elizabeth (Adams) Nelson. Mr. and Mrs. Conaway are members of the Christian church, belonging to the congregation at Carthage. Politically a Republican, Mr. Conaway is a stanch supporter of his party's principles, but has not sought the honors of public office, having been content to express his good citizenship through his co-operation in worthy civic movements.

CHARLES J. CARON, whose name, in the minds of the people of Rushville, is indissolubly connected with the manufacture and sale of candies, ice cream and sweetmeats, has been identified as proprietor of the Caron Confectionary, now one of the city's thriving enterprises, since 1902. Mr. Caron was born at Union City, Ind., Jidy 12, 1868, a son of John and Lydia (Romiser) Caron. John Caron was born in Darke county, Ohio, and as a young man went to Randolph county, Indiana, settling at Union City, where he was employed for many years as a finisher in a furniture factory. Mrs. Caron was a native of Randolph county, and they were the parents of eight children, of whom four are living : Peter, Edward, Mary and Charles J. Charles J. Caron was educated in the parochial schools of Union City, and on leaving school took up the trade of cabinet-maker, which he followed for about twenty years. In 1902 he came to Rushville and opened his present establishment on North Main street, having now been in the same location for nearly twenty years, although on several occasions he has found it necessary to rearrange his establishment and to make additions thereto in order to meet with the demands of a constantly increasing business. He now operates an ice cream factory with a capacity of 300 gallons daily, and manufactures all the ice cream which he sells, in addition to making most of the candy handled in his establishment. He does both a wholesale and retail business, and close study of his business has given him many secrets of composition which add to the delicacy and piquancy of his products, which are high in favor with the people of Rushville and the surrounding communities. Mr. Caron is a Democrat in politics. He belongs to the Rushville Rotary Club, and as a fraternalist holds membership in Rushville Council, No. 764, and fourth degree of Indianapolis Knights of Columbus ; and Rushville Lodge, No. 1307, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. With his family, he belongs to St. Mary's Catholic church of Rushville. In June, 1897, Mr. Caron married Helen Wallace, born at Union City, Ind., and educated in the parochial school there, a daughter of Patrick and Helen (Leary) Wallace, Mr. Wallace being a road contractor. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wallace, all of whom are living, James, Edward, John, William, Catherine, Daisy, Mary and Helen. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Caron : Jerome, who served about fifteen months as a member of Company K, Thirtieth Infantry, Third Division, during the World war and participated in numerous battles, including Champagne, Marne, Aisne-Marne, St. Mihiel, Meuse and Argonne, and is now associated with his father in business; Lester, who is also assisting his father in conducting the business; Cyril, who is taking civil engineering and chemistry courses at Purdue University; and Katherine, who is attending Ursiline Academy, at St. Martins, Ohio.

CHARLES E. KINCAID, one of the well known and successful farmers of Richland township, not only has achieved success along steady lines of action, but has also been deeply interested in the advancement of the locality. Mr. Kincaid, who operates a splendid farm of 240 acres, is a native son of the old Hoosier state, having been born in Decatur county on May 17, 1868, and is the son of John C. and Sarah (Patterson) Kincaid, the former a native of Decatur county, Indiana, and the latter born in the state of Kentucky. John C. Kincaid was reared to manhood in his native county, and was there married. After following agricultural pursuits there for a number of years, he engaged in the general mercantile business at Clarksburg, which commanded bis attention for a number of years. He is now living in Kokomo, Ind., where he is following the carpenter trade. He is descended from sterling old Kentucky stock, from which state in an early day came his paternal grandfather, John Kincaid, who entered land in Decatur county and there spent the remainder of his days. His son, David, father of John C. Kincaid, also lived and died on that farm. To John C. and Sarah Kincaid were born fourteen children, of whom eleven are living, namely: Charles E., Samuel, Nora, Clyde, Bertha, Clinton, John, Cora, Albert, India and William. Charles E. Kincaid spent his boyhood days on the paternal homestead and received his education in the schools of that locality. For several years he was employed in his father's general store at Clarksburg, after which he bought and for a short time operated a store in Shelby county. Then, following his marriage, he located on the farm where he now lives and which lie operated for eleven years. During the following eight years he operated a hotel and livery barn in Clarksburg, at the end of that time returning to his farm, to which he has continuously since devoted his attention. He also gives considerable attention to the breeding and raising of live stock. Progressive and up-to-date in his methods, he is considered one of the most enterprising farmers in Richland township and occupies a deservedly high position in the esteem of his fellow citizens. Mr. Kincaid was married to Pearl Moore, the daughter of Jasper and Mary (Stevens) Moore, and to them have been born two children, Ralph, who is now pursuing the agricultural course in Purdue University, and Sanford, who is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kincaid are members of the Christian church, while fraternally, Mr. Kincaid belongs to the Free and Accepted Masons, in which he has attained the degrees of the council, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of Pythias. In political affairs, he gives his support to the Democratic party and he takes an intelligent part in all movements for the general welfare. Mrs. Kincaid also was born in Decatur county, of which her parents for years were residents. Her father, Jasper Moore, was born in Hamersville, Ohio, and her mother (Mary Stevens) was born in the vicinity of Milford, Ky. Following their marriage in Kentucky, Jasper Moore and his wife came to Indiana and located in Rush county in 1852, Mr. Moore becoming engaged in farming here. He presently moved to Cincinnati and was there a number of years engaged in business with the George Biglow dry goods house, later returning to Indiana and locating at Clarksburg, where he opened a general store and continued thus engaged at that place the remainder of his life. He and his wife were the parents of eight children, of whom but two are now living, Mrs. Kincaid and her brother, Rufus S. Moore. CHARLES R. OLDHAM, one of the successful agriculturists and respected citizens of Center township, this county, is a native of the township now honored by his citizenship and was born on December 7, 1859. His parents were James and Levina (Moffitt) Oldham, the former a native of Tennessee and the latter of Knox county, Ohio. Both were brought to Rush county in childhood by their respective parents and were here reared and educated. James Oldham followed the vocation of farming throughout his active life and from the time of his marriage until death he lived on the farm now occupied by the subject of this sketch. He was eighty-one years of age at the time of his death. He owned 180 acres of land in Center township, Rush county, and eighty acres in Randolph county, Indiana. To him and his wife were born eight children, five of whom are living, namely : Mollie, Ella, Charles R., Lillie and Chester. Charles R, Oldham received a good practical education, having attended the common schools of Center township, the school at Mays, and then two years at Spiceland Academy. On completing his studies he turned his attention to farming, devoting his energies to the home farm up to within a year of his marriage, when he went to Ringgold county, Iowa. Returning to Rush county a year later, he was married and then for two years he operated rented land in Center township, but once more he went to Iowa, where he remained about four years. Returning to Indiana, he located on rented land in Hancock county, where he remained for about five years, at the end of which time he bought eighty acres of land, which he sold three years later. For two years he rented land, and then bought 100 acres in Center township, which he still owns. On the death of his father he bought the old homestead farm, consisting of 180 acres of excellent land and where he now lives, thus giving him a total of 280 acres of land. Mr. Oldham and his sons operate all this land and have been rewarded through the years by a satisfactory measure of success. He carries on general farming operations and also gives some attention to live stock, feeding about two carloads of hogs annually. On February 28, 1884, Mr. Oldham was married to Martha Huddleson, a native of Center township and the daughter of John J. and Elizabeth (Turner) Huddleson, the former of whom was a farmer and the owner of 100 acres of land in Center township. To Mr. and Mrs. Oldham have been born five children, four of whom are living, namely: Herschel, a farmer in Center township, who married Nellie Heiner; Ralph; Clarence, and Ruby, wife of Marion Stoten, of Knightstown, Indiana. Mr. Oldham is an earnest member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Spiceland, Ind., while his political faith is that of the Republican partv.

HARRY E. STAGER, whose fortunes since 1889 have been identified with Rush county and who at present is the owner of a well-cultivated property in Ripley township, a community in which he is held in high esteem, was born at Jonestown, Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, November 25, 1862, a son of Henry and Mary E. (Roebuck) Stager. His father, who in early life was a teacher and later turned his attention to the wood-turner's trade, enlisted during the early days of the Civil war in an infantry regiment of volunteers from Pennsylvania, and took part in the battle of Bull Run. Contracting disease while in the service, he returned to his home and there passed away while still a young man. Harry E. Stager acquired a public school education at Jonestown, and as a youth learned the vocation of miller, which he followed for some eighteen years. It was while he was thus employed that he came to Rush county in 1889, and continued to interest himself in this line for several years thereafter. He then turned his attention to the creamery business, and for seven years was successful in conducting the creamery at Carthage, at the end of that period disposing of his interests and purchasing his present farm in Ripley township, a tract of ninetyfour, acres which he has continued to cultivate. Mr. Stager is industrious, progressive and enterprising and has combined these qiialities with good management in a way that has brought him well-merited success. He has substantial and attractive buildings and modern equipment and in every way is considered representative of the best agricultural element of the community. On March 31, 1891, Mr. Stager was united in marriage to Sallie R. Gear, who was born at Carthage, a daughter of Henry and Mary E. (Hill) Gear, well-known and highly respected farming people of this county. She received her education in the public schools of Carthage and at Earlham College, Richmond, Ind., and is a woman of superior attainments. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stager: Mary Inis, who married Allen T. Blacklidge, of Rush county, and has one child, Betty, and Henry G., who is unmarried and assists his father on the home farm. Mr. Stager, the elder, belongs to the Carthage lodge of the Masonic fraternity. "With his family, he holds membership in the Carthage Methodist Church, and in politics he is a Republican.

THEODORE HUMPHREY, a substantial farmer of Richland township, is a native son of the old Hoosier state, having been born in Union county, Indiana, on April 25, 1846, and he is the son of Robert and Margaret (Crist) Humphrey, both of whom also were natives of Indiana, the father having been born in Union county and the mother in Franklin county. On the paternal side the subject is descended from sterling old Scottish stock, his grandfather having been John G. Humphrey. Robert Humphrey grew to manhood, received his early education and was married in his native county. He followed farming pursuits there until 1848, when he located in Decatur county, where he bought a farm, to the operation of which he devoted himself thereafter, excepting one year when he farmed in Franklin county. He was the owner of 100 acres of land. To him and his wife were born four children, of whom the only survivors now are the subject of this sketch and a sister, Amanda. Theodore Humphrey attended the schools of Decatur county and on attaining mature years took up farming on the home place, his father having died some years previously. He remained with his mother until he was twenty-nine years of age, when he married and came to Rush county. He first began his farming operations here on rented land, and so continued for thirteen years. He then bought his first farm of eighty acres and so successful was he in its operations and so wise his management that he was enabled to increase his land holdings to 240 acres, all in Richland township. He made many permanent and substantial improvements on his land, which he devoted to general agricultural purposes and stock raising, and gained a high reputation as a progressive and enterprising farmer. He has been retired from active business pursuits since 1910 and is now enjoying the fruits of his former years of toil. In 1875 Mr. Humphrey was married to Elizabeth J. Stephenson, who was born in Anderson township. Rush county, the daughter of Newton aud Rosanna (Mitchell) Stephenson, both of whom also were natives of this state. Newton Stephenson was a farmer by vocation, having farmed on rented land in Anderson township and also farmed in Tipton and Boone counties, this state. To him and his wife were born five children, of whom Mrs. Humphrey is now the only survivor. To Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey have been born four children, namely : Robert, who married Margaret

Diekiuson and has three children, Guy, Bertha and Dale; Grace, a professional nurse, who was graduated from the Frankfort Hospital, at Philadelphia, Pa. ; Frank, who married Bessie Brickler and has two children, Harold and Dorothy; Mattie, who died at the age of seventeen years. Mr. Humphrey and his family are members of the Spring Hill United Presbyterian Church of which he is an elder. Politically, he is a Democrat.

GEORGE W. DARNELL, whose residence in Anderson township covered a period of about a quarter of a century, was a wellknown farmer and stock raiser and a citizen honored for the conscientious discharge of his duties in whatever walk of life he pursued. His death, therefore, December 1, 1910, was sincerely and generally mourned. Mr. Darnell was born on December 25, 1862, in Scott county, Kentucky, a son of James and Mary Darnell, both natives of the Blue Grass state, and farmers who passed their entire lives in Scott county, Kentucky. Of the children of James Darnell and wife only two came to Rush county, George W. and his brother, John Darnell, who now resides near Falmouth. George W. Darnell received his education in the district schools of his native state, and when his training in this direction had been completed took up farming as an employe of others. He was past his majority when he came to Rush county and for a time worked in the fields as a hand, but at the time of his marriage began farming on his own account, and two years later located on the property in Anderson township upon which was spent the balance of his life. Mr. Darnell was a Democrat, a faithful member of the Christian church at Milroy, and affiliated with the lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America. He was united in marriage with Ella Barton, daughter of James A. and Lucinda (Amos) Barton, and to this union there were born four children : James Clarence, who married Mabel Foster and has four children, Mildred, Kenneth, Morine and Lorene ; Mary E., who is unmarried ; Clara Barton, who married John Vansickle and has two children, Dorothy Mae and Earl; and J. Albert, who is unmarried and resides on the home farm. Mrs. Darnell was born on the farm on which she now lives, in Anderson township. Her father, a native of Kentucky, came to Rush county as a young man, here met and married Mrs. Barton, a native of Rush county, and passed the rest of his life here in agricultural operations. There were five children in the Barton family, of whom two survive : Mrs. Darnell, and Lura, who married Henry Davis. Mrs. Darnell is a helpful member of the Christian church at Milroy.

CHARLES B. KENNER is one of the prosperous farmers of Noble township, who finds it profitable to feed his grain to cattle and hogs, and is making a success of his agricultural labors. He was born in Brown county, Ohio, January 31, 1858, son of William L. and Mary (Bordon) Kenner, both of whom were also born in Ohio. William L. Kenner was reared, educated and married in his native state. He learned the carpenter trade, and from that went into ship building work, and in the latter connection went to Covington, Ky., living in that city from 1858 until 1866 when he came to Rush county, located in Noble township, and here began farming, alternating work at that calling with carpentering until his death which occurred in 1872. His widow survived him until 1890, when she passed away. While he farmed to quite an extent in Noble township, he rented his land. He and his wife had nine children, seven of whom survive, namely: William Taylor, Belle, William Frank, Charles B., Ella, Dan and Ralph. Charles B. Kenner attended the country schools of Rush county until old enough to work out as a farm hand in the summer and a sawmill operator in the winter, and he continued to follow these two occupations for seven years. At the end of that time he was married, and then began farming, for twelve years renting land for that purpose. He and his wife then inherited the homestead of 135 acres of land from her father's estate, all of which is in Noble township, and moved to it, and here they have since resided. Mr. Kenner raises about forty-five acres of corn and the same amount of small grain, and feeds it to hogs and cattle, feeding out from 100 to 150 head of hogs annually. All his life he has been a general farmer and stockraiser and believes that his land is best adapted to the purposes to which he devotes it. Mr. Kenner married Priscilla, daughter of John S. and Priscilla (Thompson) Looney, and they became the parents of five children, namely: Ray, who is the eldest; Grace, who married Harry Armstrong and has two children, Charles Borden and Robert Allen; Clarence, who married Rhoda Applegate and has one child, Marcella ; Arthur, who married Bessie Baring ; and Louise, who is deceased. In politics Mr. Kenner is a Republican and he is a member of Little Flat Rock Christian Church.

FRANK HUBER, one of the well-known agriculturists of Center township, this county, was born in that township on March 12, 1879, the son of Fred and Katherine (Hoff) Huber, the former a native of Franklin county, Indiana, and the latter of Dearborn county, Indiana. The father followed farming all his life, in Center township during the major poi"tion of this time, being the owner of eighty acres of land. He and his wife were the parents of five children, all of whom are living, namely: Claude, Elizabeth, Cora, Mable and Frank. The last named was educated in the common schools of Center township and after leaving school turned his attention to agriculture, working on the home farm up to the time of his marriage. After the latter event he worked by the month as a farm hand for about a year and then began to operate rented land, in which method he still continues, now renting his f ather-in-law 's farm of 100 acres in Center township. He also owns twenty-five acres of land in that township. He is a thoroughly practical and painstaking farmer and carries on a general line of operations, raising all the crops common to this locality. He also gives due attention to that most valuable adjunct of the up-todate farm, live stock, raising about sixty head of hogs a year. He keeps the place in good repair and is considered a good farmer. In

1S98 Mr. Huber was married to Elsie Lyons, who was born and reared in Center township, the daughter of Charles and Florence (Downey) Lyons, both of whom also are natives of Rush county. Mrs. Lyons was a cultured and well educated woman, having supplemented her public school education by attendance at a normal school at Xenia, Ohio. Mr. Lyons was a farmer and stock-buyer, having bought stock over much of the surrounding country. He was successful and owned 125 acres of land in Center township. To him and his wife were born three children, Blaine, Nellie and Elsie. To Mr. and Mrs. Huber have been born three children, namely : Pauline, who is the wife of Clay Shields, a farmer in Center township ; Carroll and Margaret, who are attending school. Politically, Mr. Huber is a stanch supporter of the Republican party and gives his influence toward the advancement of every enterprise or movement for the general welfare. D. D. BALL. It is a well authenticated fact that success comes not at the caprice of chance, but as the legitimate result of well-applied energy, unflagging determination and perseverance in a definite course of action. The subject of this sketch sought no royal road to success, but has followed the well-beaten paths of those who have won in the battle of life along legitimate lines. As county agent of Rush county he is today giving a service to the community of inestimable value and second in importance to no other line of effort. D. D. Ball was born in Rushville, Ind., on February 11, 1894, and is the son of James H. and Carrie M. (Overman) Ball, also natives of Rush county. Here the father was reared and educated and later took up farming and stock raising. He became a very successful breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs, and also was extensively engaged in the grain business here for some years. Several years ago he moved to Roswell, New Mexico, and later to Enid, Okla., where he now resides. To him and his wife were born six children, namely : Myron 0., Donald D., James R., Harold H., Cedric 0. and Florence H. Donald D. Ball attended the public schools of Rushville up to the second year in high school, when the family moved to New Mexico. There he completed his high school course and then entered Purdue University, where he took the course in agriculture, receiving his degree from that institution in 1917. Soon afterward he was appointed county agent for Daviess county, Indiana, filling that position until 1920, when he was appointed county agent for Rush county, which position he is now filling to the entire satisfaction of all who are interested in the advancement and development of better farming methods and conditions. On February 11, 1919, Mr. Ball was married to Hazel Plummer, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Plummer, and they are the parents of one child, Anna Belle. Mr. and Mrs. Ball are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church in Rushville. He is a member of the college fraternities, Delta Tail and Alpha Zeta. Personally, Mr. Ball is genial and obliging in manner, gives evidence of a thorough knowledge of the subject which he has made his life work and has created a most excellent impression on those with whom he has worked or come into contact.

WESLEY S. CATT, a retired farmer of this county now living at Carthage and who is included among the old and honored citizens of Rush county who have rounded out more than four score years and are now passing the evening of life in comfortable retirement, was born on a farm in the neighboring county of Hancock, a son of Michael and Matilda (Hatton) Catt, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Kentucky. For the greater part of his life Michael Catt followed farming in Hancock county, where he was well known and highly esteemed. Wesley S. Catt received his education in the district schools of that county, after leaving which he worked on the home farm until reaching the age of twenty-one years. The call for troops for the Union army called him into the service at that time, and for three years he fought with the Ninety-ninth regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, as a private of Company B, establishing an excellent record as a brave and faithful soldier. Returning from the service with his honorable discharge, he again located on the home farm, where he remained until the death of his father, in the meantime having married. After the elder man's death, Mr. Catt's brother, Jacob Catt, bought the home place, which in turn was purchased by Wesley S. Catt, who continued its successful operation until his retirement, when he located at Carthage. At this time Mr. Catt's son, Noble S. Catt, owns and operates this property, which consists of eighty acres. During his career as an agriculturist Mr. Catt proved himself a capable and progressive farmer and kept fully abreast of the various advancements made in his calling. He won the esteem and confidence of his associates, and these qualities he possesses in his full share in the community in which he now makes his home. On September 1, 1865, Mr. Catt was united in marriage to Mary L. Clark, who was born in Hancock county, a daughter of James and Mary (West) Clark, and to this union there were born four children, Pauline, wife of Hiram Weed, of Elwood, Ind. ; Laura B., wife of Charles Benson, a farmer of Ripley township, Rush county ; Noble S., who is operating the farm in Hancock county, and Albert, deceased, formerly a farmer of Hancock county, who married Katherine Beaver, and had three children, Irine, Dorothy M. and Mary E. Mr. Catt is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to the blue lodge at Carthage, and in politics is a Democrat. He is a Methodist and holds membership in the church of that denomination at Willow Branch, Hancock county. CHARLES M. TROWBRIDGE, one of the most successful farmers and stock breeders of Rush county, and a well-known citizen of Center township, is a native son of the county now honored by his citizenship, having been born in Center township on January 13, 1878, and is the son of James W. and Sarah II. (Gorman) Trowbridge, both of whom were born in this county and here spent their entire lives. James Trowbridge was a farmer by vocation, mostly in Center township, remaining actively engaged in that work until 1908, when he retired from active business and moved to Mays, where he now lives. He is the owner of 114 acres of land in Center township To him and his wife were born four children, of whom three are living, A. Jesse, Charles M. and Herbert G. ; Stella, who was born on February 27, 1879, died in May, 1916. The subject of this review received his educational training in the public schools of Center township, Carthage and Mays. He then engaged in teaching school, but after one year of this work, he turned his attention to farming, in which he achieved a pronounced success. He first purchased forty acres of land in Center township and to this later added another forty acres, so that his holdings now amount to eighty acres. He has made many permanent and substantial improvements on the place, which is now one of the best equipped and most attractive in the township. Practically all of the buildings have been erected by him, he has installed an up-to-date electric light plant and has hot and cold running water throughout the premises where desired. In addition to carrying on a general line of farming, Mr. Trowbridge gives special attention to the raising of fancy live stock, especially on pure-blooded Duroc Jersey hogs, in the breeding and raising of which he has met with much more than ordinary success, gaining a reputation which far transcends local boundaries. He raises about 120 head every year and holds two sales a year. His animals are registered and most of them go to the Southern states. Mr. Trowbridge's success and efforts in the handling of pure-bred stock has been recognized in his election to the presidency of the Indiana Duroc Swine Breeders' Association, in which position he -is now serving. His farm, which is known as "Woodlawn Stock Farm," has gained a high standing among the leading farm plants of northern Rush county and Mr. Trowbridge is considered one of the most enterprising and progressive citizens of his locality. On May 17, 1899, Mr. Trowbridge was married to Ruby M. Moore, a native of Rush county and the daughter of James O. and Lucy (Souder) Moore, both also natives of this county. Mr. Moore was a farmer and owned eighty acres of land in Posey township. He and his wife had three children. Maude, Ruby and Jennie, the first-named being deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Trowbridge have a daughter, Lois M., who was born on November 17, 1908, and is now attending the Center school. Mr. and Mrs. Trowbridge are members of the Center Christian Church, of which he is a trustee. In his political views he is a Republican and takes a keen interest in public events, especially as relating to his county and community.

LARKIN DAVIS, one of the leading citizens of his community and eminently entitled to representation in a work of this character, whose fine farm is located in Richland township, was born in the neighboring county of Franklin on July 25, 1868, and is the son of Jefferson and Sarah (Thompson) Davis, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of New Jersey. Jefferson Davis was but a boy when his parents brought their family to Indiana. They entered iand in Franklin county and established a farm, where Jefferson was reared to manhood. He was married there and later he bought a farm of 160 acres in that county and devoted himself to its operation until about 1880, when he sold out and bought 210 acres of land in Decatur county, along the Rush county line. There he made his home until a few years prior to his death, from which time he made his home with his daughter, Nancy, until his death, which occurred in 1913. His wife had passed away in 1900. They were the parents of eight children, six of whom are now living, namely: Jefferson, Mary, Nancy, Monroe, Larkin and John. Larkin Davis received his educational training in the public schools of Decatur county and since attaining manhood's years he has continuously applied himself to agricultural pursuits. He remained with his father until he had attained his majority, when he rented land and farmed on his own account for three years. He then bought the place on which he now lives, his first purchase comprising seventy acres, to which he lias since added by purchase, until he is now the owuer of 110 acres of land, lying in Rush and Decatur counties. Mr. Davis is an up-to-date and progressive farmer, adopting modern ideas and maintaining his farm at the highest standard of excellence. He carries on general farming operations and also gives some attention to live stock, annually feeding about seventy-five hogs. On October 2, 1890, Mr. Davis was married to Lulu Hite, the daughter of George W. and Elizabeth Hite, but, after a happy union of almost a quarter of a century Mrs. Davis passed away on September 23, 1915. Mr. Davis is an earnest supporter of the Republican party, and his influence is always given to the advancement of every movement for the advancement of the general welfare. Because of his business success and his consistent life, he has richly earned the high place he occupies in the esteem of the entire community.

LAWRENCE L. ALLEN, a well known grocer at Rushville, who has been prominently identified with the business life of that city for years and has spent the most active part of his life in this county, whose interests he has ever had at heart, is progressive in all that term implies and yet is straightforward and unassuming in all the relations of life. Mr. Allen was born in Putnam county, Indiana, on February 17, 1880, and is the son of William H. and Margaret (Lovett) Allen. He received a good practical education in the common and high schools of Greencastle, Indiana, and shortly after leaving school, at the outbreak of the Spanish-American war, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty-ninth regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served about ten months. After his discharge from the army Mr. Allen went to Chicago, where for about five years he was connected with the grain business. He then came to Rushville and engaged in the grocery business, with which he has been identified continuously ever since. He began business in a modest way at his present location, starting with one boy as a helper, but his business grew steadily through the years and now he employs seven persons, runs two delivery wagons and enjoys the largest patronage of any store of the kind in Rushville. He carries a high grade of goods and courteous treatment has always characterized his relations with the public, so that today he stands at the head of the grocerymen of his community. On March 8, 1904, Mr. Allen was married to Kate W. i Ihurchill, who was born and reared in Rushville, the daughter of William and Anna R. (Bush) Churchill. Mrs. Allen is a cultured and well educated lady, having been a student in Depauw University at Greencastle, after finishing her high school course here. To Mr. and Mrs. Allen have been born four children, Churchill, Anna R., lone and Avis, all of whom are students in the public schools of Rushville. Politically, Mr. Allen gives his support to the Democratic party and he sustains fraternal relations with Phoenix Lodge, No. 62, Free and Accepted Masons, and Rushville Lodge, No. 35, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, as well as Murat Temple, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Indianapolis. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at Rushville. Personally, Mr. Allen is intensely interested in everything pertaining to the advancement of the community, giving his support to every enterprise calculated to improve the general welfare.

HERBERT HOLDEN, one of the successfid young farmers of Noble township, is devoting his time and talents to the cultivation of his valuable farm of eighty acres and producing his share of the foodstuffs of the world. He is a native son of Rush county, born on December 7, "1889, in Richland township, son of Jesse and Lola (Hite) Holden, also natives of Richland township. Jesse Holden was reared and educated in Rush county, and here he was married. At the time of his death he owned 240 acres of valuable land in Noble township. He and his wife had six children, Bessie. Charles. Herbert. Mabel, and two who are deceased. Herbert Holden received his educational training in Noble township, and as soon as he was old enough he began assisting his parents in operating their farm, remaining at home until his marriage. At that time he bought forty acres of land to which he added forty acres more in the fall of 1920. and now has a desirable property in which he takes considerable pride. On December 13, 1914, Mr. Holden was married to Fannie Mock, daughter of John and Agnes Mock. Mr. Holden belongs to Little Flat Rock Christian Church, of which he has been deacon, and in which he for years has been a prominent factor. Fraternally he maintains membership with the Knights of Pythias of Rushville. He votes the Democratic ticket. A hard-working, energetic and thrifty man, Mr. Holden deserves the success which has already attended him and has a bright future before him.

LEWIS M. CLARK, a well known and substantial retired farmer and landowner of Noble township, now living at Rushville, is a native Hoosier and has lived in this state all his life. He was born on a farm in Bartholomew county, May 27, 1849, son of Leonard and Mary (Marr) Clark, both of whom also were born in that county, members of pioneer families there. Leonard Clark and wife were the parents of eight children, all of whom save two are still living, those besides the subject of this sketch being Minerva, Alice, Emma, Pink and Frank. One son, George, died after reaching maturity and one child died when quite young. Reared on the home farm in Bartholomew county, Lewis M. Clark became a farmer on his own account as a young man and owned a small farm, which he operated until after his marriage when he came to Rush county and rented a farm from his father-in-law, Benjamin Frazee. Upon the settlement of the extensive Frazee estate he and his wife received a tract of 500 acres in Noble township and there made their home until their retirement from the farm and removal to Rushville, where they now reside, they and their family being very comfortably situated at 631 North Main street. Mr. and Mrs. Clark are members of the Christian church and are Republicans. Mrs. Clark was born in Noble township, this county, Madaline Frazee, daughter of Benjamin and Ruth (Thompson) Frazee, the latter of whom was born on April 6, 1835, daughter of Elder Thompson, a pioneer Christian minister of this county and concerning whom extended reference is made in the chapter on the churches of Rush county elsewhere in this work. Benjamin Frazee, who in his generation was regarded as the largest landowner in Rush county, was a native of Kentucky, born in Bracken county, that state, April

6, 1824, son of James and Catherine (King) Frazee, both of whom also were born in Kentucky, the former born on March 10, 1SO0, and the latter, November 13, 1801. "William Frazee came to Indiana with his family in 1829 and settled in Rush county, where he and his wife spent their last days, his death occurring here on September 11, 1877, and hers, February 17, 1S76. Benjamin Frazee was five years of age when he came to this county with his parents and he grew to manhood here, a farmer from the days of his youth. At the age of twenty be began farming on his own account and in 1851 bought a tract of forty acres in Noble township, paying for the same $625. This was the nucleus of his later extensive landholdings, which he gradually increased until he became the owner of 2,000 acres of land in this county. It was in 1854 that Benjamin Frazee married Ruth Thompson. To that union were born six children, those besides Mrs. Clark, who was born on February 6, 1855, being John H., July 22, 1857; Laura Dell (deceased), August 3, I860; Alice (deceased), December

7, 1862; Catherine, May S, 1869, and James Edward (deceased), November 15, 1872. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have three children, Lewis Cecil, Elsie and Marie, the latter of whom is the wife of Charles Offutt, a well known Noble township farmer. Lewis Cecil Clark is the state agent for the Ben-Hur Life Insurance Company of Missouri. He married Agnes Hale. Elsie Clark married Dr. N. G. Willis, of Connersville, Ind., and has two children, Clark and Ruth.

JAMES F. WILSON, a well-known farmer of Noble township, was born in Ripley county, Indiana, July 25, 1874, son of William and Margaret (Marsh) Wilson, both of whom were born and reared in Ripley county. They attended school in that county and were there married. For some years they remained farming people of that region, but later moved to California, where they are still interested in agricultural pursuits. Two children were born to them, James F. and Louis H. (deceased). James F. Wilson also went to the Ripley county schools and later began farming, renting his grandfather's farm. In 1896 he came to Rush county, and from then until 1918 worked for others, but in that year began farming on his own account and is now operating 120 acres of land and raising about 125 hogs annually. Mr. Wilson was married to Mrs. Harriet (Gruell) Wilson, daughter of Charles and Catherine Gruell and they have two children, Donald and Robert. By her first marriage Mrs. Wilson had six children, Merle, Thelma, Carl, Lowell, Monroe and Roland. Mrs. Wilson belongs to the Methodist Protestant church of New Salem. In politics Mr. Wilson is a Democrat, but aside from exercising his right of suffrage does not take an active part in party matters. He is a friend of the public schools and the good roads movement and may be depended upon to give his support to those measures looking toward an improvement of his home township.

ANDERSON ARMSTRONG has spent his entire life within the borders of Rush county and his persistent efforts have benefited alike himself and the community. He is the scion of an excellent old pioneer family and he himself has been a witness to and a participant in the wonderful progress which has characterized this section of the country during his lifetime. Anderson Armstrong, of Noble township, who is living retired after a long period of earnest endeavor, was born in that township on August 3, 1847, and is the son of Henry and Amanda (Anderson) Armstrong, the former a native of Franklin county, Indiana, and the latter of Boone county, Kentucky. Henry Armstrong was but four years of age when his parents brought their family to Rush county, and here he grew to manhood, securing his education in the common schools. He followed farming during all his active years and was eminently successful. To him and his wife were born six children, Leonidas, Florence Belle, Mo Dell, Pleasant H., George Elmer and Anderson. The subject's paternal grandparents were James and Mary (Lyons) Armstrong, the former a native of Franklin county, Indiana, and the latter born in Lynn county, North Carolina. They came to Rush county in 1827, being numbered among the pioneers of this section of the country, and they entered a tract of land in Noble township. Anderson Armstrong received his educational training in the public school at New Salem and he remained on the home farm with his father until 1880, wlien he moved to the farm where he now lives. Two years later he wrent to Lawrence county, Missouri, where for thirteen years he was engaged in farming and stock raising. He then returned to Rush county and again engaged in farming on his present place, which comprises fifty-five acres of excellent land, which he has well improved and maintained at a high standard of agricultural excellence. In addition to general farming, Mr. Armstrong also has given special attention to the breeding and raising of pure-bred Poland China hogs. Industrious and a good manager, Mr. Armsti'ong has long enjoyed an enviable reputation among his fellow citizens and stands high among the enterprising farmers of the county. In 1880 Mr. Armstrong was married to Nancy Jane Reeve, the daughter of Benjamin F. and Elizabeth (Parker) Reeve. To them have been born four children, namely: Harry B., who married Grace Olive Kinner and they have two children, Charles and Robert; Blanche, who is unmarried, remains at home; Ralph died on April 9, 1920; Chester died on November 6, 1892. Mrs. Armstrong was born and reared in the same home in which she now lives. Her mother was a native of Kentucky, and her father was born in Virginia, ne.ar the scene of the battle of Bull Run. He moved from Virginia to Kentucky with his parents and located in Mason county. He was twice married, first, in Kentucky, to Elizabeth Driskell, to which union were born eight children, George W., Francis M., Martha D., Henry C, Sarah D., Mary E., John B. and Eliza M. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Reeve married Elizabeth Parker, a daughter of Judge Parker, and they had three children, Hester, Benjamin F. and Nancy Jane. Mr. Reeve came to Rush county on March 3, 1833, and settled on the farm where Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong now live and here he farmed wih success, increasing his land holdings to 360 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong are members of the Little Flat Rock Christian church, to which they give generous support, and in his political views Mr. Armstrong is a stanch Republican. He has always evinced an intelligent interest in all things pertaining to the general welfare of the community and is. held in high regard by all who know him.

LUTHER SUTTON, one of the prominent and successful men of Center township, was born in the township in which he now lives, on February 26, 1869, and is the son of Samuel H. and Naomi A. (Davis) Sutton, the former a native of Center township, Rush county, and the latter born in Wayne county, Indiana. The father followed the vocation of farming throughout his active life, dying at the comparatively early age of fifty-three years. He was the father of two children, Nellie and Luther. Luther Sutton received his educational training in the common schools of Center and Washington townships, his vacation periods being spent in work on the home farm. He remained at home until his marriage, when he rented eighty acres of land in Center township and began farming on his own account. Two years later he returned to the home farm, where he has remained to the present time, looking carefully after the interests and welfare of his mother, who is now eighty years of age. He now rents the home place of ninety acres and is meeting with a satisfactory measure of success. He is careful, painstaking and methodical in his operations and carries on a general line of farming, also raising some live stock. On October 7, 1896, Mr. Sutton was married to Cora M. Cole, who was bom in Fayette county, Indiana, the daughter of Jerry G. and Rosetta (Wooders) Cole, the former of whom was a farmer by vocation. They were the parents of seven children, all of whom are living, namely: Alva, Walter. Arthur, Russell. Horace, Mamie and Cora. To Mr. and Mis. Sutton have been born three children, Lela

R., Goldie M. and Earl B. Mr. and Mrs. Sutton are earnest members of the Center Christian Church. Politically, Mr. Sutton gives his support to no particular party, preferring to vote for those candidates which meet with his approval, regardless of party lines. Progressive and enterprising, Mr. Sutton enjoys the confidence and good will of all who know him.

FRANK C. MOORE, who has long been one of the influential citizens of Rush county, in which he has spent practically his entire life and has merited the success which he has achieved and the enviable position which he holds in the esteem of those who know him, is a native of the old Buckeye state, having been born in Brown county, Ohio, on September 27, 1852, and is the son of Thompson and Mariah (Stephens) Moore, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Kentucky. Thompson Moore was reared to manhood in Brown county, where, on attaining mature years, he followed the vocations of farming and milling. He was married in that county and remained there until 1853, when he came to Rush county, Indiana, and located at New Salem, where he and his father erected a grist and saw mill, which he operated for about fifteen years. He then sold out and took up the vocation of farming about one mile south of New Salem, where he bought 160 acres of land. There he built a home, cleared and improved the land and continued his farming operations there a number of years. He then sold out and bought a farm in Tippecanoe county, this state, but a short time afterward moved to the state of Kansas, where he bought a farm and spent the remainder of his days. To him and his wife were born seven children, of whom the survivors are Fannie, Alfred and Frank C, the immediate subject of this review. Frank C. Moore received his educational training in the schools at New Salem, after which he began farming with his father, with whom he remained until his marriage. He then began farming on his own account, renting land for a good many years. He was successful in his operations and then bought forty acres of land, onto which he moved and farmed that place one year. During the following year he rented another farm, at the end of which time he sold his forty-acre tract and bought 120 acres, which he later increased to 145 acres. He always devoted his efforts to general farming and stock raising and has uniformly met with a satisfactory measure of success. Starting in life a poor boy, he has gained his present enviable position solely through his own efforts and is honored by his associates because of his achievements. Mr. Moore was married to Lida Hedrick, the daughter of John and Mary (Taylor) Hedrick, and to them have been born eleven children, namely : Nelle, who became the wife of Frank Cupp and has three children, Clyde, Clarence and Abelena; Bessie, who became the wife of Louis Barber; Pearl, who became the wife of Roy Barber and the mother of three children, Merle, Dorothy and Thomas; Ruth, the wife of Raymond Sefton; Iona, the wife of Willard Farthing ; Suda ; William, who married Pearl Shaw and has three children, Frank, Webb and Irene; Webb, Charles, who married Lela French and has one child, Paul; Edd, who married Mary

Barber and has one child, Leonora; George, who married Pauline Smith and has one child, Arnold E. In his political faith, Mr. Moore has been a lifelong supporter of the Democratic party. William Moore, above mentioned, is the superintendent of the Oklahoma City high school and has for the past three years represented the state of Oklahoma in the annual meeting of the National Education Association.

JESSE HENLEY, trustee of Ripley township and for years one of the prominent factors in the development of the Carthage neighborhood, a member of one of the first families there, was born in Ripley township, March 16, 1866, a son of Robert and Mary (Newby) Henley, natives of North Carolina. Robert Henley was a child when brought to Rush county by his parents, in 1837, and here grew to manhood on the farm which his father had entered from the Government, in Ripley township. On April 24, 1856, he married Mary Newby, who had been brought as a child to Rush county in 1832, and this worthy and highly respected couple passed their lives in Ripley township, where Robert Henley accumulated a property of 343 acres. They were the parents of four children : Hiram II., of Rush county ; Albert, of Indianapolis; Mrs. Pennia Trueblood, of Richmond, Indiana, and Jesse. Jesse Henley was given good educational advantages in his youth, first attending the schools of Carthage and later Earlham College, at Richmond, for two years. On leaving college he secured employment as a bookkeeper in the office of the Rushville Natural Gas Company, at Rushville, but after one year returned to Carthage, where he embarked in the lumber business with his brother, Hiram H., and continued therein until 1908. In that year the partnership was dissolved, Mr. Henley disposing of his interests in the business, although still retaining his holdings in the machinery and property. He has since interested himself in farming, in which he has attained much success. His business abilities have been so directed as to give him high standing in business circles and in the confidence of those with whom he has been associated. Mr. Henley's services to his community in official positions have been numerous and valuable. In 1899 he was elected trustee of Ripley township, a capacity in which he served for four years, and at the end of that time was appointed secretary of the board of school directors at Carthage, acting also in that position for a like period. In 1912 he was appointed to complete the unexpired term of A. 0. Hill, in the office of township trustee, and in 1914 was elected to that office and again elected in 1918, his term to expire in 1922. On November 20, 1895, Mr. Henley was united in marriage to Jennie Overman, who was born in Ripley township and was educated in the schools of Carthage, a daughter of Oliver P. and Florence L. (Nixon) Overman, natives of Ripley township. Oliver P. Overman, who was a lifelong farmer, served as a soldier of the Union for three years during the Civil war. Two weeks after enlisting as a private in the Sixteenth regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, he was captured by the enemy, but was later exchanged and rejoined his comrades in time to go down the Mississ- ippi and participate in the siege of Vicksburg. He was a valiant soldier and in later years a popular comrade of his G. A. R. post. Mr. and Mrs. Overman were the parents of three children, all living : Carrie, Jennie and Frank H. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Henley: Mildred F., a graduate of Earlham College, who is now a teacher in the public schools of Carthage; Mary I., who is attending Earlham College ; and Ruth Eleanor, who was graduated from the Carthage high school with the class of 1921. Mr. Henley is a Republican and he and the members of his family belong to the Friends Meeting at Carthage.

JAMES W. ANDERSON. It has been the privilege of James W. Anderson, one of the large land owners of Rush county and a substantial agriculturist of Anderson and Richland townships, to realize many of his worthy ambitions and through the exercise of good judgment and business sagacity wrest from his opportunities a large measure of success. Mr. Anderson was born on a farm in Richland township, on August 5, 1874, a son of James W. and Livonia (Hopkins) Anderson, both natives of the neighboring county of Decatur. James W. Anderson, the elder, was born at Greensburg and grew to manhood there, where he received a public school education, and was married as a youth of nineteen years. Following his union he came to Rush county and located in Richland township, where his means being limited, he was not able to purchase an improved property, but bought instead about 190 acres of timber land. This he set about to clear, a task which he accomplished, and not only lived to see his land producing large crops, but to witness his landed holdings increase to 2,000 acres in Rush county, property in Decatur and Tipton counties and about 1,400 acres in northern Missouri. With these holdings Mr. Anderson was the largest landowner of his time in Rush county, and was known far and wide as a successful trader in farms. His farming operations were devoted principally to the raising of mules and hogs, a field in which he met with marked success. His industry, shrewdness and absolute integrity combined to make him an important figure in business circles, while the worth and sincerity of his devotion to the principles of good citizenship were never questioned. He was a member of the official board of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in his political allegiance supported the Republican party. Mr. Anderson died on November 29, 1892, and his widow survived until May 26, 1905. They were the parents of six children, of whom four are now living: S. B., Mary E., Lyle H. and James W. James W. Anderson, the youngest, received his educational training in the public schools of Richland township, and after leaving school entered upon his duties as one of his father's assistants on the home farm. After his father's death he remained on the home place until his marriage, when he built a modern home on a tract of 144 acres in Anderson township, Avhere he is now living. For the greater part of his career, Mr. An- derson has farmed with his brother, Lyle IT., and his sister, Mary E., the three now controlling 700 acres of land. . Mr. Anderson feeds out about 300 hogs annually and a carload of cattle, and keeps from thirty to fifty head of mules on his farm. He has a modern and well-furnished home, ample accommodations for his stock, and excellent general improvements. He regards farming as a science, to be studied and improved indefinitely, and takes great interest in his chosen occupation. In 1915 Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Florence Elstun, daughter of Frank and Emma (Crane) Elstun, and to this union there have been born four children, Frank William, James Robert, George Donnell and Rush Elstun. The family holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church at Richland. Mr. Anderson is a member of the lodge of the Knights of Pythias at Milroy. He gives his support to the Republican party, and for six years served in the capacity of trustee of Richland township. He is a broad-minded and progressive man, well posted on current events, and entertaining sensible opinions on questions of public interest.