Rush County, Indiana - The whole text, 1921 (part 1 of 18)

Volume Ii Historical Publishing Company

A people that take no pride in the achievements of remote ancestors will never achieve anything worthy to be remembered with pride by remote generations. - Macaulay.

Biographical Index Biography

EDWIN PAYNE, who died at his home in Rushville in the spring of 1907, was for many years recognized as one of the foremost figures in commercial circles in this part of Indiana. Entering upon his career as a banker in 1S70, Mr. Payne became identified with the banking business of the county just at the period which began to mark the general commercial expansion of the state and so continued for many years an influential factor in that development. As the founder of the Peoples National Bank of Rushville he left an enduring memorial in the community in which he had resided since the days of his young manhood and his will long be a continuing influence in the commercial life of the city in which he elected to make his home. Born on November 1, 1840, in New Trenton, Franklin county, Indiana, the son of William J. and Louisa (Sloan) Payne, Edwin Payne located at Rushville When he was twenty-six years of age, and immediately began to make his presence felt in his new home. He was appointed a deputy under E. H. M. Berry, county treasurer, not long after taking up his residence in Rushville and later served in the same capacity under Benjamin F. Johnson, the county auditor. He then for a short time was connected with the A. G. Mauzy department store, and in 1870 entered upon the banking career in which he eventually attained such prominence. In that year (1870) Mr. Payne was elected cashier of the Rushville National Bank. For twenty-seven years thereafter he fulfilled his duties with that institution with accuracy and ability. In 1897 he retired, but a life of inactivity was not to his liking, and on October 10, 1900, he opened the doors of the Peoples Bank, which he founded as a private bank. Almost from the first day his bank prospered under his watchful eye, operating under its original charter until September 1, 1904, when it was nationalized under the name of the Peoples National Bank. However, long years of unremitting application to the arduous duties entailed in his chosen field of endeavor caused Mr. Payne's health to fail, and he presently retired from active participation in the affairs of the institution, leaving his two sons to control the destiny of the bank. On March 29, 1907, he bowed his head to the inevitable and died mourned by all who knew him. On May 12, 1870, Edwin Payne was united in marriage to Mary Frances Mauzy, daughter of Abram G. and Emily (Jameson) Mauzy, and to that union were born two sons, Earl II. and Ralph, the former of whom is president of the Peoples National Bank and the latter, president of the Peoples Loan and Trust Company. These two institutions have been enlarged in the scope of their activities by the efforts of the sons of the founder, and in memory of their father they have erected a modern and well-arranged building on the northwest corner of Main and Second streets at Rushville. Ralph Payne was married on June 13; ]898, to Jennie Wallace, and they have four children: William Wallace, Lawrence Wesley, Frances Evelyn and Virginia. Fraternally, he is a member of all Masonic bodies save the Thirty-third degree, and in politics holds to the principles of the Republican party.

HENRY 0. GROSS, cashier of the Manilla Bank, and one of the prominent men in Rush county's financial circles, is a native of of the county, having been born at Manilla, January 22, 1878, the son of John and Katherine (Ottman) Gross, both natives of Germany. Realizing that there were greater opportunities for advancement in America, John Gross came to this country in his early manhood prior to his marriage, while his wife came with her father when she was yet a girl. His first occupation in this country was in the capacity of a wagon maker and cabinet worker, being an expert in all lines of wood working. He later founded the general store in Manilla which is now operated by his son Fred, although it still retains the name of the founder. To him and his wife were born eight children, seven of whom are now living: Katherine, Emma, Jacob. Caroline, George W., Fred, Henry O.. and Charles F., who died at the age of about twenty-four .years, and is buried at Shelbyville, this state. Henry 0. Gross received his education in the common schools and the high school at Manilla, which he attended for two years, and a short term at the Nelson Business College some time later. After leaving high school, he and his brother, Fred, took charge of their father's store, the duty devolving upon them at their father's death, and together they conducted the business for two yeai-s. At the end of that time, Fred joined the army, and for the succeeding two years, Henry managed the affairs of the establishment by himself. On his brother's return from the army, he turned over the business to him and went to Cincinnati, where he took his short business course. Following this he went to Indianapolis and worked in the wholesale grocery establishment of the Indianapolis Fancy Grocery Company for a short time, and then, having been offered a position with the Mauzy & Denning Company, moved to Rushville, where he remained for four months. He was then, April 1. 1901, made cashier of the Manilla Bank, the responsibilities of which office he has since discharged with credit to himself and with profit to the bank. On September 26, 1005, Mr. Gross was united in marriage with Miss Clara Fox. the daughter of Jacob G. and Amy E. (Blackford) Fox. both natives of Shelby county, Indiana, lie being a miller by trade and now employed by she Mull Grain Company at Manilla. Mrs. Gross was born in Shelby county, and was educated in the schools there and at Morristown. hid. To Mr. and Airs. Fox three children have been born, all of rhom ire now living, Blanche, Ralph, and

Clara. Mr. Gross is a popular member of the Masonic fraternity, being affiliated with Manilla Lodge, No. 34, and in addition is well known as a member of the Modern Woodmen. In his political beliefs, he is counted among the supporters of the Democratic party, but he has never sought political office at the hands of his fellow citizens.

EDGAR THOMAS, president of the First National Bank of Milroy, this county, and for years recognized as one of the leading business men of that part of the county, has been a resident of Rush county all his life and has ever had a hearty interest in the development of the commercial and industrial activities of his home community. He was born on a farm in Anderson township on August 28, 1866, son of William and Ann E. (Wood) Thomas, both of whom also were born in Rush county, members of old families here, and who spent all their lives here, the latter dying in May, 1893, and the former in June, 1899. William Thomas was born on a pioneer farm in Anderson township, the son of Amos Thomas, who had come up into Indiana with his father, a "local" Methodist minister, from Bourbon county, Kentucky, about the year 1821, the year in which Rush county was organized as a separate civic unit among the counties of the Hoosier state, the family settling on a farm of "Congress land'' in Anderson township. On that pioneer farm Amos Thomas grew to manhood and in time established his home in the same neighborhood, and in his turn William Thomas also established his home there after his marriage to Ann E. Wood, who was born in Orange township and whose parents also were of pioneer stock. William Thomas remained on the farm until about 1894, when he moved into Milroy, where he spent the remainder of his life, his death occurring, as noted above, in 1899. He and his wife were the parents of four children, those besides the subject of this sketch being Nettie, wife of John H. Parker; Elgie, of Rushville, and Bertha, wife of Morton E. Riehey. Reared on the home farm in Anderson township, Edgar Thomas supplemented the schooling he received in the local school-* by a course in a business college at Danville, this state, and was then engaged, until he was twenty-six years of age, in carrying on the operations of the home farm. On his father's removal to Milroy he accompanied him and was there engaged in the buggy business and later for a couple of years in the general hardware business, after which he resumed farming; that is, overseeing farms in which he was interested, and is still the owner of a fine little farm of forty acres in Anderson township. From the time he was eighteen years of age Mr. Thomas has made a specialty of acting as clerk at local public farm sales and there is probably no one in the county who has thus acted at more sales hereabout than he, this service giving him a wide and popular acquaintance throughout the whole countryside. Mr. Thomas was one of the active spirits in the organization of the First National Bank of Milroy and was elected president of the same upon its organization, a position he still retains, his service in that connection having done much in the popularizing of the institution in the early days of its establishment and in the stabilizing of it since.

The bank was opened for business on August 30, 1920, and has become recognized as one of the sound financial institutions of the county. In 1900 Mr. Thomas was united in marriage to Zena Miller, daughter of James M. and Melissa Miller, also of this county, and he and his wife have a very pleasant home at Milroy and are ever helpful in promoting the social activities of their home community. Mr. Thomas is a Republican and has ever taken an interested part in local political affairs, but has not been a seeker after office.

SAMUEL R. NEWHOUSE, of Jackson township, was born in the township in which he now lives on December 19, 1857, the son of Lewis J. and Mary (Hackelman) Newhouse, both of whom were born in Rush county. Lewis Newhouse followed farming during his active life, mostly in Jackson township, and at one time was the owner of 320 acres of land in this township. Of the nine children born to himself and wife, but five are now living, namely : Pleasant A., Alfred M., Harvey M., Alice M. and Samuel R., the immediate subject of this sketch. Samuel R. Newhouse received his education in the Kining school in Jackson township and then for three years worked on the home farm. Upon his marriage, in 1881, he bought 140 acres of land in Center township, on which he located and farmed it for eight years. He then sold that place and moved to the farm where he now lives and which comprises 195 acres. He has also bought the old home farm of 219 acres, thus giving him total real estate holdings of 414 acres. Of this, he cultivates all but 120 acres, which he rents. He carries on a general line of farming operations, raising all the crops common to this locality, and als^ gives considerable attention to the fattening of hogs for market, feeding about 200 head annually. He is thoroughly practical and up-to-date in his methods and keeps his property in first-class repair, its general appearance indicating the owner to be a man of industry and good taste. On March 1, 1881, Mr. Newhouse was married to Mary I. Kirkpatrick, a native of Rush county and the daughter of James B. and Malinda (Newhouse) Kirkpatrick. Her father was a lifelong farmer and a substantial and influential man in his community. He was the father of eight children, of which number five are living, Amanda, John E., Samuel, William and Mary I. To Mr. and Mrs. Newhouse have been born seven children, namely : Lewis B.. a farmer in Jackson township, who married Jennie Brooks; Oscar E., who is a farmer in Rushville township and who married Josie Brooks, who died in February, 1920, leaving one child, Roscoe; Goldic M. Carrie (deceased), Essie M., Clarence W. and Richard S. Mr. Newhouse is a Republican in his political views and, fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Rushville.

THOMAS E. McCOY. of Posey township, was born in Rushville township on March 12, 1871. and is the son of Thomas and Mary (Moran) McCoy. These parents were both natives of Ireland, whence they came with their respective families to the United States, the father at the age of three years and the mother when thirteen years of age. They settled in Niagara county. New York, where Thomas and Mary were married, soon after which event they came to Indian.!

and located in Rush county, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Their son, Thomas E., was educated in the schools of Rushville No. 7, Posey No. 7, and Walker township, attending in District No. 6, and after completing his studies he went to work on the home farm, where he remained as his father's assistant until the latter 's death. However, for several years prior to that time he had rented land from his father, and now he inherited eighty acres of land, comprising the land on which he now resides. His brother, William H., also owns eighty acres adjoining and they operate these tracts together. Mr. McCoy keeps the place in fine repair and has made a number of substantial improvements thereon. He carries on a general line of farming and also raises live stock, feeding and marketing about one hundred head of hogs each year. Politically, Mr. McCoy has been a lifelong supporter of the Democratic party. He is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church at Rushville and is also a member of Council No. 769, Knights of Columbus, at Rushville.

HARRIB JONES. There is no county in the United States that has won more fame for its fast harness horses than Rush, and few men have been here engaged in horse dealing and training who have won more far reaching renown than Harrie Jones, of Rushville. He was born in that city, August 23, 1872, the son of W. A. and Laura M. (Oglesby) Jones, both natives of Ohio, the former of Harrison, the latter of Sidney. When he was eighteen years of age, W. A. Jones came to Rush county, walking from his home in Harrison, and located at the county seat. His first employment was found in a restaurant where he worked for a short time at a small wage, leaving there to enter the boot and shoe business for a brief period. He then engaged in the hotel business, and bought the Windsor hotel in about 1870. This he conducted successfully for about three years, then selling out and going to Cincinnati where he bought the Gait House. After a little more than a year in that city, he returned to Rushville, buying the Windsor hotel again. However, he sold out in a short time to engage in the harness horse business. He then bought back the hotel and in addition a farm adjoining the city of Rushville, known as Riverside Park. Here he constructed a mile track and a racing stable where he trained and bred many of the finest speed horses in the country. For many years he gave an annual race meeting on his track, but in 1902 he retired from active racing interests to devote his entire time to the management of his 242 acre farm. Among the most notable of his horses were: "Florence M.," 2:22%, which won forty-nine out of fifty-three races in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Kentucky; "Raven Boy," 2:15i/j, which held several track records over the country, and "Harrie Jones," 2:18%. William A. Jones was born in Dearborn county, Ohio, October 2, 1845, the seventh of thirteen children born to Thomas H. and Emily (Wilkins) Jones, who moved to Hamilton county, Ohio, settling near Harrison, where the boy's youth was spent on the farm. On May 5, 1869, he married Laura M. Oglesby, who was born on September 1, 1850, daughter of Jacob H. and Mary (Fielding) Oglesby, and to their union were born three children : Carrie, Harrie, and Freddie. Harrie Jones received his education in the public schools of Rushville, upon leaving which he engaged in the harness horse business with his father with whom he was associated until 1902, when he engaged in business for himself. He had one of the best equipped "plants" to be anywhere found, including a barn 300 feet long, every stall box 12x12, 210 acres of ground, good pasture for brood mares and colts and other attractive features. During the fall, winter, and spring he devoted his time to preparing horses and colts for the coming season's campaign, as well as preparing them for sales. Hesold several animals for from $1,000 to $8,500, and among the list of horses he marked while racing and in his stable may be mentioned : "Alcyfras," 2:03i/i, which held the world's record for mares on a half-mile track; "George Gano," 2:02; "Fay Richmond," 2:033,4; "Harry the Ghost," 2:04%; "John Ward," 2:051/4; and ninety-six others in 2 :20 and better, too numerous to be here enumerated. Mr. -Jones raced on the Grand Circuit and the Great Western Circuit, and in 1907 had sixty-six horses in his care, and employed from twentyfive to thirty men on his place. In 1918, he retired from the harnesshorse game to devote his attention to farming, in which he is at present occupied, but in 1921 he became engaged in the horse business again. In 1895 Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Mayme Mauzy, a daughter of G. G. and Lydia (Wolf) Mauzy, and he and his wife are popular members of Rushville society. Fraternally, Mr. Jones holds membership in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias, in the affairs of which he takes an active interest. His political views incline him toward the Democratic party, which he supports.

BEN STEVENS, who was formerly one of the active and enterprising farmers of Noble township, is now practically retired from active work and is enjoying the fruits of his former years of labor. He is a member of one of the old pioneer families of this section and has enjoyed an enviable standing in the community where he has spent his entire life. Mr. Stevens was born in Noble township ou January 24, 1862, and is a son of Mack and Phoebe (Sutton) Stevens, both also natives of Rush county. Mack Stevens was the son of Isaac Stevens, who came to Rush county in an early day, entered land and remained here during the rest of his life. He received a common school education and after his marriage he acquired a farm, which he operated up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1865. To him and his wife were born three children, Clara, Jesse and Ben. After the death of Mr. Stevens, his widow became the wife of Levi Bartlett, to which union were born three children : Ida. Rhoda, and John. Ben Stevens received his educational training at the old Pinhook school house, and then turned his attention to farm work, being employed by the day lip to the time of his mother's death, at which time he inherited a part of the home place. He then bought out the other heirs, giving him possession of thirty-two acres of land, which he cultivated for about a year. He then sold the home place and bought another farm of fifty acres, to which he devoted his labors until 1904, when he bought the place which he now owns and which comprises 108% acres of fine, fertile land. He put many good improvements on this place and cultivated it successfully until 1910, when he retired from active work and rented the farm. Among the improvements on the farm are two sets of farm buildings and in other ways the place ranks as among the good farms of the township. Ben Stevens was married to Laura C. Logan, the daughter of Thomas and Sarah 0. (Le Forge) Logan. They have one child, Roscoe, who married Alma Dearmond and has one child, Lloyd Wallace. Mr. and Mrs. Stevens are active members of the Methodist Episcopal church at New Salem, and both occupy official positions in that organization, Mr. Stevens being a steward and trustee and Mrs. Stevens being president of the Ladies' Aid Society. Politically, Mr. Stevens gives his support to the Democratic party.

JOHN F. McKEE, cashier of the New Salem State Bank, is a native son of Rush county, having been born in Noble township on March 6, 1875. He is the scion of sterling old pioneer ancestry, his paternal grandparents having been John F. and Hester Ann (Morrow) McKee, natives of Pennsylvania, but who emigrated, first to Kentucky, whence, in 1832, they came to Indiana. Locating in Noble township, this county, Mr. McKee bought forty acres of land, which was densely covered with the primeval timber. Clearing three acres of this land, he built a log cabin and then went ahead with the task of creating a homestead, where he spent the greater part of his life. To him and his wife were born six children, namely : Elizabeth. Charles H., John F., Malissa J., Samuel Simpson and William. Of these, Charles was the father of the subject of this sketch. He was born in the Noble township home and there grew to manhood, receiving his educational training in the common schools of that neighborhood. He followed the vocation of farming and stock raising during all his active life. As a dealer in live stock he was particularly active, being at one time one of the heaviest stock buyers in Rush county. At one time he owned 320 acres of land, all of which was located in Noble township. He took an active part in all movements for the upbuilding of the community and for nine years served as trustee of his township. He married Catherine Simonson, a native of Franklin county, Indiana, and to them were born ten children, nine of whom are living, as follows: Ella, wife of L. Beaver; Carrie B. and Elizabeth, who remain unmarried; Hester, wife of William P. Sipe, of Orange, Ind. ; Martha L., wife of C. Moore; John F., the immediate subject of this review; Margaret, wife of Albert May: William S., who lives in Noble township, and Nelle G., wife of O. P. Wamsley, proprietor of the Scanlan hotel at Rushville. John F. McKee received his elementary education in the common schools of Noble township and then attended the high school, at Orange, Ind., after which he took a course in a business college at Indianapolis, lie then formed a partnership with his father and together they bought ninety-five acres of land which they farmed until his brother, William S., attained his majority, when the latter entered the partnership and they purchased 120 acres more. This they farmed jointly until the father's death, when John F. and William S. divided the land and the former began farming for himself on seventy acres of land. He was successful in this work and eventually was enabled to add to his land holdings until they amounted to 240 acres, all of which was located in Noble township. Mr. McKee gives persona! direction to the operation of this land, which he devotes to general farming and stock raising, putting 100 acres to corn and 100 acres to small grain. He feeds about 700 head of hogs annually. In August, 1917, Mr. McKee took an active part in the organization of the New Salem State Bank and was elected cashier of that institution, a position which he is still filling with entire satisfaction to the stockholders and patrons of the bank. Mr. McKee was married to Georgia Gregg, a daughter of Walter S. and Sarah A. (Carter) Gregg, and they are the parents of two children, Kathleen and John F., Jr. Mr. McKee and family are members of the Little Flat Rock Christian Church, of which he is a deacon. Politically, he gives his support to the Republican party, while, fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic order, in which he has attained the degrees of the chapter and council, and the Improved Order of Red Men. Mr. McKee is a man of kindly disposition and generous impulses and is deservedly popular in his community. He is essentially a man of affairs, being a leader in all public movements in his locality and giving his support to every enterprise for the advancement of the public welfare.

JOHN W. CALLAHAN, for many years an industrious farmer in Walker township, was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, August 22, 1856, a son of Edward and Percell Callahan, and died on his farm in Walker township, December 17, 1900, his burial being in East Hill cemetery. After his school days were over Mr. Callahan left Kentucky and came to Indiana, locating in Rush county, where he found work as a farm hand and made many friends through his honest and pleasant manner. After his marriage in 1881 he began farming on his own account. When his father-in-law died his wife inherited 100 acres of land which he operated very successfully for many years. A few years later he bought a tract of sixty-one acres adjoining Mrs. Callahan's property, and this 161 acres comprises the family estate. February 17, 1881, Mr. Callahan married Madaline Mull, born in Walker township. Rush county, daughter of William and Elizabeth (Jones) Mull. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Callahan : Mazy A., Dossie M., Vernie E., William H. and Daisy N. Mazy A. married Clem Gardner, a farmer in Walker township, and they have three children: Von, Ruth and Ruby. Dossie M., who is a farmer in Walker township, married Bertha Hiner and they have three children, Hubert, Harold and Lowene. Hubert now attending school at Homer. Vernie E. died at the age of thirty-four years. He married Gertrude Ilolzyder and they had five children, four living: Lowell. Norma J., Iris M. and Mauetta. William H., a farmer in Walker township, married Bertha Lower and they have two children : Doletta and Estel. Daisy N. married Noah Webb, a farmer in Rushville township, and they had two children, Mary and

John K. Gowdy

Rita, the latter of whom died at the age of three years and six months. Mr. Callahan had many friends and acquaintances at Homer, where he belonged to the order of Odd Fellows and had passed the chairs in the lodge. He was always interested in the welfare of his neighborhood and the country and was a sturdy Republican in his political life.

JOHN KENNEDY GOWDY, son of Adam McConnell and Nancy (Oliver) Gowdy, was born at Arlington, in this county on August 23, 1843. In 1849 the family moved from Rush to Jasper county, Indiana, where John K. received his education in the public schools. His father, who was a public speaker of ability, attained prominence in politics and was elected a delegate to the second state constitutional convention which met at Indianapolis in October, 1850, and a member of the legislature for the legislative district then composed of Jasper, White and Pulaski counties. Responding to the nation's call when Civil war threatened the life of the republic, John K. Gowdy enlisted in Company L, Fifth Indiana Volunteer cavalry, at Lafayette, July 17, 1862, at the age of eighteen. He served with his regiment in the pursuit and capture of John Morgan, the notorious raider, and in Kentucky during the spring and summer of 1863 ; with General Burnside in the East Tennessee campaign during the fall and winter of 1863-64; with General Sherman in the Georgia campaign until after the evacuation of Atlanta, and then with General Thomas at Nashville, Tenn. After three years and three months of service he was mustered out with his company at Pulaski, Tenn., October 5, 1865. After the close of the war he returned to Rush county. On January 24, 1867, Mr. Gowdy was married to Eve E. Gordon, daughter of one of the pioneers of Rush county. To this union were born two children, Latta Theodore, who died in infancy, and Fanny Alice, who was married to Robert E. Mansfield, American consul general to Chile, on April 17, 1906. In 1870, Mr. Gowdy was elected sheriff of Rush county, to which office he was re-elected two years later. In 1879, he moved from the farm to Rushville. In 1882, he was elected to the office of auditor of Rush county for a term of four years, at the end of which time he was renominated by his party by acclamation, and again elected, serving eight years as auditor. He also served his party as chairman of the R\ish county Republican committee for ten years, 1879 to 1889. In the capacity of chairman of the county committee, and in the management of local political affairs, Mr. Gowdy showed such genius for organization and displayed such splendid executive ability that it brought him into prominence and made him a potent factor in state politics. In 1890, Attorney General Louis T. Michener resigned as chairman of the Indiana Republican state committee, and Mr. Gowdy was chosen to succeed him. In 1892, when the state committee was re-organized he was elected chairman. His ability as a leader enabled him to create and maintain for many years one of the most efficient political organizations ever effected in Indiana. In 1894, Mr. Gowdv was again chosen chairman of the committee, and the success of the party in Indiana in that campaign, when the entire Republican state ticket and thirteen representatives in Congress were elected, the first time in the history of the state that one party secured a full Congressional delegation, added to the reputation that Mr. Gowdy had already gained as an organizer. In 1896 when the Republican state committee was reorganized Mr. Gowdy was chosen chairman for the third time, and it was in the great campaign of that year, when William McKinley was elected President, and the free coinage of silver at the ratio of sixteen to one was made the paramount issue by Mr. Bryan, that the executive ability, resourcefulness and splendid political judgment of Mr. Gowdy were demonstrated. The party was confronted with a new and dangerous issue and disturbed by internal dissension, but under his leadership achieved one of the most notable political victories in the history of he state. During that memorable campaign Mr. Gowdy made the acquaintance and won the friendship of many men of national prominence, including Major McKinley, the presidential candidate, and Mark Ilanna, chairman of the Republican national committee. His conduct of the contest in Indiana, which early took an advanced position in favor of the gold standard, received the enthusiastic support of the managers of the national campaign, and focused upon the state the political attention of the entire country. It was during that great contest that Mr. Gowdy 's friends bestowed upon him the sobriquet of "Oom Jack," comparing him with Oom Paul Kruger, the great, strong, fighting character of South Africa. The term was one of affection and endearment used by Mr. Gowdy 's friends and admirers. Soon after the inauguration of President McKinley in March, 1897, Mr. Gowdy was appointed consul general to Paris, where he achieved the honor and distinction of being one of the most efficient and popular officials who ever represented the United States Government at the French capital. Consul General Gowdy 's official residence in Paris covered a most interesting period, and a series of historic events, including the Spanish-American war, the meeting in Paris, after the war, of the commission which arranged the terms of peace between the United States and Spain, and the Paris exposition in 1900. Mr. Gowdy was the recipient of many honors and compliments from various societies and organizations in Paris, and from the French government he received the decoration of Officer of the Legion of Honor, being the first American consular officer to have that distinction bestowed upon him. He also received as a mark of esteem from the American Chamber of Commerce in Paris, a beautiful, hand-illumined certificate of commendation and appreciation for honorable services rendered that association personally and officially. Among other special and distinguished acts was his assistance in locating the body of John Paul Jones, the American naval hero, whose remains were found in a Paris cemetery, disinterred and returned to his native country under uaval escert, and buried at Annapolis with naval honors. On July 3, 1900, Consul General Gowdy delivered the address presenting the statue of George Washington, at Place d'lena, Paris, a gift of the American people to the French government. It was also his pleasant duty, as consul general, to certify the signature of the signers of the deed of transfer of the Panama canal property by the French government to the United States. After eight and a half years of official residence abroad Mr. Gowdy resigned his position as consul general, and returned with his family to his home in Rushville, to resume his business, and to live among his neighbors and friends. His homecoming was made a gala day by his old friends and neighbors, and many admiring friends throughout the state, who gathered at Rushville in large numbers to receive, and to extend a welcome to him and his family, the reception being characterized by a warmth of greeting and enthusiastic demonstration that testified to the affectionate regard in which he was held by the people in his home and in his native state. Mr. Gowdy represented the best type of American citizenship. Born in Indiana in 1843, his early impressions, education and training were received and character formed during that period of the nation's history when patriotism was the dominant note, and loyalty to the Government and its institutions characterized public sentiment. The best estimate that can be obtained of a man's character and personal worth is the concensus of opinion in the community in which he lives; an estimate based upon an intimate knowledge of his home life. Judged by this standard the memory esteem and affections of the people of Rushville, and of Rush county that evidenced a very high regard for him as a citizen, a neighbor and a friend. Endowed with a strong, but genial personality, a kindly disposition and a charitable nature, he impressed those with whom he came in contact as a man of high ideals and compelling purpose, a leader of men. Positiveness of character was one of Mr. Gowdy 's chief characteristics. When once he made up his mind to do a thing, decided upon a plan of action, he pursued it with a determination that never hesitated until the object was achieved, or every resource at his command exhausted. To this fixity of purpose was largely due his success as an organizer. Men believed in and co-operated with him, knowing that once he entered upon a project and, believing he was right, that he would pursue it industriously and determinedly to a conclusion. In 1866, Mr. Gowdy joined the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he remained a consistent and devout member. Although prevented by ill health from attending services, or participating actively in the work for many years, he never lost interest in the progress and welfare of his chosen church, and his Christian faith continued always to be a comfort and a consolation. He was a charter member of the Rushville post of the Grand Army of the Republic, a Freemason and an Odd Fellow. His charities, which were general and extensive, were conducted so quietly and unostentatiously that few except those who were beneficiaries of his bounty knew to what extent his hand went out to the poor, the needy and distressed. Like his daily life, his charities were inspired and directed by generous, Christian impulses. Although exercising a wide influence for good, personally, morally and socially in the community, and throughout the state, all his private and public acts were characterized by extreme modesty. He was essentially a home person, preferring always the quiet and comforts, the pleasure and intimate associations of the home to the formalities of social life, or the discomforts, and the promiscuous associations encountered in travel and in public places. His love for children was reciprocated, as shown by the affectionate regard in which he was held by all the little folk in the neighborhood of his home. In the summer time crowds of youths of both sexes were wont to gather under the big white tent under the trees in the rear of his home, where he spent most of the days during the hot weather, reading and conversing with the visiting children, and exchanging greetings with passing friends and neighbors. "While observing the actions of the children, and listening to their conversation and candid comments on the actions of each other, he frequently remarked: "The hope of the American nation is in these boys and girls, and if properly educated and trained in the ethics of government, the future of the republic is secure." Mr. Gowdy endeavored to inspire the children who came within the sphere of his influence with high ideals, pure motives and patriotic sentiments. And many Indiana men of the younger generation testify to the inspiration and encouragement they received through his kindly, good advice, and from his patriotic example. Mr. Gowdy died at his home in Rushville on June 25, 1918.

J. W. GREEN, M. D., the first in three generations of Rush county physicians and one of the early medical practitioners in the county, was born here on February 5, 1S25, the son of Lot and Anna (Cooper) Green, pioneers. They came to Rush county in 1824, located in Posey township, and here J. W. Green grew to manhood. He had early become interested in the medical science, and by diligent application to such works on anatomy and other branches as he could obtain, trained himself to minister to the ills of his fellow beings. He was generous to a fault, and during the Civil war never accepted any remuneration for services rendered to the families of soldiers, his kindness and sympathetic nature winning him a legion of warm friends. On May 18, 1846, he married Mary J. Gowdy, of Arlington, and they were the parents of twelve children : Lot, Nancy, Ann, Preston S., Adam W., Mary L., John, Thomas, William Lewis, Nellie R., James and Charles. Dr. Lot Green was born in Arlington, where his father, Dr. J. W. Green, practiced medicine, July 29, 1847, and after completing his preliminary schooling entered Butler University at Irvington, Ind., and was graduated from the medical department of that institution in 1881. He came to be a very successful member of the profession, was an ardent worker in various medical associations, and for several years was county health officer.

In addition to his professional interests lie was the owner of a fine farm in Jackson township. In 1872, he married Cordelia J. Barnard, a daughter of Brasilia G. and Rachel (Roberts) Barnard, residents of Posev township, this county, and to them were born five sons: Lucien L., Hallie W., Prank H., Charles S., and Derby B. Dr. Frank H. Green was born on July 20, 1S76, at Arlington, the third son of Dr. Lot Green, and after attending the common schools of Jackson township and the high schools at Gings Station and Rushwile he was matricidated at Indiana Medical College at Indianapolis, from which institution he received his M. D. degree on March 31. 1897. Return to Rushville, he began to practice with his father, with whom he continued until February 21, 1905, when he began to practice for himself. He took post-graduate work for three months in 1901 at the New York Post-Graduate Hospital and again in 1917. For fifteen years he ably assisted Dr. John C. Sexton, having been a member of the Sexton Hospital staff for that length of time. On October 3, 1918, he entered the military service of the country as a -captain in the medical corps, was stationed first at Ft. Oglethorp, Ga., for three months, and then at Camp Sheridan at Montgomery, Ala., where he was discharged in January, 1919. While at Ft. Oglethorp Captain Green completed a three-months course in X-ray, further perfecting himself for civilian practice. On returning to Rushville, he opened a private hospital, making it possible for him to enlarge the scope of his work as well as enabling him to discharge more efficiently the duties entailed by his large clientele. On November 23, 1898, Doctor Green was married to Kate R. Kiplinger, a daughter of Daniel F. and Maude H. Kiplinger. They have had one child, a son born in 1900, who died in infancy. Although almost his entire time is occupied by his professional duties, Doctor Green gives some attention to the 146-acre farm in Rushville township, which he and his brother Derby own. He is well known in fraternal bodies in Rushville, being a member of the Masonic order, Knights of Pythias, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Improved Older of Red Men. Politically he is a Republican, and has never failed with his support in any worthy cause either in the realm of politics or in civic welfare. Doctor Charles S. Green, the fourth son of Doctor Lot Green and one of the county's leading dental surgeons, was born in the town of Occident, Jackson township, this county, December 2, 1883. True to a family tradition, he decided on a career of professional practice, though in a slightly different branch of the medical science than that followed by his forebears, and after completing the course of study prescribed in the common schools of Jackson township and the high school at Rushville, he entered Indiana Dental College, from which he received the degree of D. D. S. in 190(3. He returned to Rushville to enter upon the practice of his profession, and has won many supporters by the excellent character of the work he does, as his clientele all know that there is no improvement, invention, or scientific discovery made in dentistry of which Doctor Green does not take instant advantage. He married Elma H. Retherford, a daughter of Robert and Lila Retherford, and they are the parents of two children: Frank H., Jr., and Justine. He is a member of the Masonic order, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Knights of Pythias, in all of which he enjoys unusual popularity. The principles of the Republican party coincide most nearly with his political views, and it is there that his support is given.

WILLIAM M. BOSLEY, proprietor of the grain elevator at Milroy and who also is engaged in the coal and seed business at that place, a progressive and well known business man of this county, was born at Milroy and has lived there all his life. For ten years he was a member of Rush county's excellent teaching staff and then took up work at the elevator, presently buying the same and for nearly twenty years past has been proprietor of the plant, the business of which during that time he has greatly enlarged. Mr. Bosley was born on July 17, 1873, son of Samuel H. and Nora (Smith) Bosley, both of whom spent their last days here, the latter dying in 1911 and the former in 1918. Samuel H. Bosley was born in Anderson township, son of Elijah Bosley, a Kentuckian, who had come to this county and settled in the Milroy neighborhood in the early days. Some time after coming here Elijah Bosley moved up into Boone county but did not remain long there, presently returning to this county and locating at Williamstown, where for many years ho was engaged in the general merchandise business. Samuel H. Bosley was reared in Anderson township, received his schooling there and as a young man became engaged as a carpenter and wagon maker, which trade he followed all his active life. When the Civil war broke out he enlisted his services in behalf of the Union and went, to the front as a member of K Company, Fifty-fourth regiment. Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and upon the expiration of that term of enlistment re-enlisted and returned to the front as a member of E Company, One Hundred and Twenty-third regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving about three years, and was thus with ' ' Pap ' ' Thomas on that general's memorable campaign South and took part in the battle of Atlanta. Upon the completion of his military service Samuel H. Bosley returned to his home in this county, resumed his activities as a builder at Milroy and here spent the remainder of his life, a well known and useful citizen. He and his wife were thparents of five children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the second in order of birth, the others being as follows: Frances, wife of W. 0. Fishback; George C, of Richmond; Maude, wife of L. E. Berner, and Nell, wife of J. L. Parsons. William M. Bosley was reared at Milroy and received his schooling in the excellent schools of that place. He prepared himself for teaching and for ten years was occupied during the winters as a teacher in the schools of this county. In the meantime during the summers he had been more or less engaged about the elevator at Milroy and in 1903 bought the elevator, which he ever since has been operating and which he has enlarged in every way. The Milroy elevator has a capacity of 15,000 bushels and is the center of the grain trade of a considerable area about Milroy. Mr. Bosley also does quite an extensive business in coal and seeds and has for years been recognized as one of the leading business men of that part of Rush county. In 1899 William M. Bosley was united in marriage to Laura Bowling, daughter of Hiram and Alzina Bowling, and to this union two children have been born, William, who died in 1914, at the age of six years, and Catherine, born in December 2, 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Bosley are members of the Christian church and take an active interest in church work, Mr. Bosley having been an office bearer in the church since 1896 and an elder from 1898 to January, 1921. In his political views Mr. Bosley is a life-long Republican, and takes a proper part in local civic affairs. He is a York-Rite Mason, a member of the Milroy blue lodge, and of the commandery, Knights Templar, at Rushville, and is also a noble of the Ancient Arabic Order, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, affiliated with Murat Temple, Indianapolis. He also is a member of the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias at Milroy and in the affairs of these several orders takes a warm fraternal interest.

JESSE E. CREED, hardware merchant at Manilla, Ind., was born in Shelby county, Indiana, September 19, 1866, one of a family of »ine children born to Smith and Laura (Henderson) Creed. The father was born in Shelby county and the mother in Rush county. Six of their children are living : Flora B., Lianna, Jesse E., John N., Theodore B. and Herman. Jesse E. Creed was reared on his father's farm of sixty acres in Shelby county and obtained a public school education in Liberty township. Instead of becoming a farmer like his father, he learned the blacksmith trade under his brother, the late William H. Creed, and followed the same for twenty-three years. About 1906 he embarked in the hardware business at Manilla, at his present location, and has built up a very satisfactory trade, handling farm implements as well as a full line of dependable hardware. On June 16, 1891, Mr. Creed married Martha M. Shook, who was born at Manilla, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Bell) Shook, who had a family of seven children, the following surviving : Robert M., Charles C, Amanda, Ida and Martha. Mr. Shook followed the shoemaking trade at Manilla. Mr. and Mrs. Creed had one child, who died in infancy. They are members of the Christian church at Manilla. In polities Mr. Creed is a Democrat and while residing in Walker township, he served four years in the office of assessor. He is a past noble grand of Homer Lodge, No. 471, Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

JESSE G. GRAY, a well known farmer of Jackson township, residing on rural mail route No. 8, out of Rushville, is a native son of Rush county, having been born in Jackson township on November 6, 1876. His parents, James and Polly A. (Cross) Gray, were also natives of this county and here the father followed farming throughout his active life, being the owner of 141 acres of land in Jackson township. To him and his wife were born three children, all of whom are living, namely : Frances C, Emma J. and Jesse G. Jesse G. Gray attended the Downey school, district No. 4, and then turned his attention to the cultivation of the home farm, remaining with his father until about thirteen years after his marriage. He then moved onto the place where he now lives, comprising eighty acres, which he operates for his mother. He carries on general farming operations, raising all the crops common to this locality and also giving some attention to the raising of hogs, feeding and marketing about one hundred and fifty head a year. Mr. Gray was married on April 30, 1899, to Lola A. Havens, a native of Posey township and the daughter of John and Adonia (Able) Havens. Mr. and Mrs. Gray have a son, Wilbur, born on October 39, 1900, who attended the Osborn school, in his home township. Politically, Mr. Gray is a staunch advocate of the Democratic party and takes a deep interest in public affairs, especially as pertaining to his county and township. Fraternally, he is a member of Ivy Lodge, No. 27, Knights of Pythias, at Rushville. Personally, he is genial and companionable and his friends are in number as his acquaintances. On October 19, 1919, his nineteenth birthday, Wilbur Gray enlisted in the marine corps and served for five months. In the spring of 1921 he became a Freemason, taking the degrees in Phoenix lodge at Rushville.

CHASE G. CROSS, one of the successful young farmers of Jackson township whose capable management of his own business interests and his sound judgment have brought him prosperity, was born in that township on September 18, 1892, the son of John F. and Olive (Powell) Cross, who are mentioned specifically elsewhere in this work in the sketch of John F. Cross. The subject was educated in the schools of Rushville and immediately after quitting his studies he began working with his father, for whom he worked until his marriage. He then engaged in farming on his own account, renting two hundred and forty acres of land from his father and he has continued successfully to follow the vocation of farming, meeting with pronounced success. Besides the cultivation of the soil, Mr. Cross gives considerable attention to the raising of live stock, raising about 400 hogs and a carload of cattle each year. He is« up-to-date in his ideas and has demonstrated his efficiency and capability in no uncertain manner. On October 25, 1911, Mr. Cross was married to Jennie M. Osborn, who was born in Shelby county, Indiana, but who was reared and educated in Rushville township, this county, graduating from the Rushville high school in 1908. She is the daughter of Lucian B. and Harvina (Gruell) Osborn. To Mr. and Mi's. Cross have been born three children, Olive, Mary Ellen and Annabelle. The first named is now attending school at Henderson. Politically, Mr. Cross gives his support to the Democratic party. Genial and companionable in disposition and courteous in manner, Mr. Cross enjoys a marked degree of popularity among all with whom he associates.

ALBERT W. RIGSBEE, a leading citizen and representative agriculturist of Posey township, has spent practically his entire life in that locality. His has been an active and useful life and he is thoroughly in sympathy with any movement looking toward the advancement of the best interests of his community. Mr. Rigsbee was born in Posey township on September 23, 1882, and is a son of Alveron and Clara E. (Swain) Rigsbee, both of whom also are natives of Posey township, Mr. Rigsbee having here followed agricultural pursuits during all of his active years. Of the two children born to him and his wife, the subject of this review is the only survivor. Albert W. Rigsbee received his educational training in the common and high schools of Posey township and after completing his studies he turned his attention to the farm where he now lives and which is owned by his mother, with whom he lives. His father died when the subject was but two years of age. The home farm comprises eighty acres and in addition to this Mrs. Rigsbee owns thirty-two and one-half acres in Posey township and Mr. Rigsbee twenty acres in the same township and sixty acres adjoining just across the line in Hanover township, Shelby county, which he rents, confining his personal efforts to his mother's land. He carries on general farming and also raises some live stock. He has put extensive repairs on the place and has erected some new buildings, placed new fencing and done a good deal of tiling, with the result that this farm now compares favorably with the best in the community. Mr. Rigsbee is a Republican in politics and stands high in the esteem of, all who know him. He and his mother are charter members of the' Indiana Society of Mayflower Descendants, attaining their membership by right of descent from John Howland, who came over in the "Mayflower" in 1620.

JOHN CHASE SEXTON, M. D. The outstanding name in the medical profession of Rush county is that of Sexton, four of the name having been prominent practitioners whose services have extended over a period covering nearly one hundred years. Dr. Horatio Gates Sexton, the grandfather of Dr. John C. Sexton, was among the earliest pioneers of the county. He was born in Wilbraham, Mass., January 21, 1796, a son of David Sexton of that city, and when a young man decided that there were greater opportunities for advancement in the western states of Ohio or Indiana than in the older settled parts of the country. Accordingly, he made his way toward the West, and while engaged in teaching at Harrison, Ohio, began the study of medicine under a Dr. Cruikshank. He had a natural talent, as a doctor, and in about 1820 was far enough advanced in his studies to warrant his entering the ranks of the profession for himself, which he did, locating at Springboro, "Warren county, Ohio. In 1822, he came to Indiana and located at Rushville, which at that time was nothing but a collection of modest cabins in the wilderness. His ability was soon recognized, and the confidence of the people resulted in his winning a fortune second to none in the county. He was one of the charter members of the Rush County Medical Society (1846), and took a keen interest in the welfare of that organization. He was also one of the founders of the Presbyterian church in Rushville, and remained one of its most ardent workers until the time of his death, June 13, 1865. He had married, in 1822, Hannah Pugh, of Springboro, Ohio, and to this union were born twelve children, of whom Marshall and Leonidas were two. The latter of these two sons came in later years to be one of the most prominent men of the state of Indiana - lieutenant governor of the state and represents- tive in the forty-fifth Congress of the United States. Following the death of the mother of these children Doctor Sexton married Lucretia Cramer, and to that union was born one child, a son, Cramer Sexton, who is still living, now a resident of Tennessee. Dr. Marshall Sexton was horn at Rushville, January 29, 1823, and after receiving his preliminary education in the schools there spent two years at Hanover College. He then began to study medicine with his father, and in the year 1842, was matriculated at Ohio Medical College from which he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1844. For ten years thereafter he practiced at Rushville with his father, continuing alone until the outbreak of the Civil war, in which he served as surgeon of the Fifty-second regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, until the spring of 1863, ill health then making it imperative that he resign his commission. He returned to civilian life at Rushville, where he remained until the long years of his successful practice were terminated by his death, January 9, 1892. He had been married in Wilmington, Ohio, in May, 1844, to Miss E. S. Brooks. They became the parents of five children, Horatio G. ; Louise, afterward Mrs. George Havens; Mrs. Ruby H. Frazer, of Xenia, Ohio; Sally M., widow of Dr. Charles II. Parsons, of Rushville, and John Chase Dr. John Chase Sexton was born on January 21, 1859, at Rushville, and his early career was almost identical with that of his father. After being graduated from the Rushville high school in 1876, he entered Hanover College, and after nearly three years at that institution commenced the study of his profession under his father. In 1880 he went to Cincinnati to attend the Ohio Medical College, from which he was graduated in 1882 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He took up active practice in partnership with his father, but wishing to have further training along medical lines he later took post-graduate work at Philadelphia, New York, and Chicago. He was then equipped to take a commanding position in the profession, and he quickly became recognized as one of the ablest practitioners in the state. He is looked upon as an authority in gastro-intestinal surgery and was made professor of that chair at the Indiana University Medical College. In 1902 Doctor Sexton instituted the only hospital within the boundaries of Rush county, and at this building, which is located on Sixth street between Main and Perkins, he carries on his practice. On September 27, 1882, Doctor Sexton was married to Hannah Cullen, the only daughter of Judge William A. Cullen, who was for years one of the leaders in Rush county legal and judicial activities. To them have been born two children: Frances E. and Dr. Marshall Cullen Sexton, the latter of whom passed the state medical examination in 1920 with a high grade, after completing his medical course at Miami Medical College, and is now associated with his father iu practice. Dr. John C. Sexton has always been active in the work of the medical associations and is an ex-Fellow of the American Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a member of the American

Medical Association, a member of and ex-president of the Indiana Sate Medical Society, and a member of the Rush County Medical Society and the Union District Medical Society. The series of portraits accompanying this review portray the four generations of the Sexton family who have maintained a continuing practice in Rushville, with the dates of the respective service of each of the doctors, beginning with Dr. Horatio G. Sexton, whose practice continued from 1822 to 1865; Dr. Marshall Sexton, 1844-1892; Dr. John C. Sexton, continuing since 1882, and Dr. Cullen Sexton, 1920.

JOSEPH G-. McCOY, a successful farmer of Posey township, was born in Rushville township, this county, on April 26, 1866, and is the son of Thomas and Mary (Moran) McCoy. Both of these parents were born in Ireland, but come to this country, he when three years of age and she at the age of thirteen years. Their families located in Niagara county, New York, where they were reared and married. Immediately after the latter event they came to Indiana, and engaged in farming in Rush county. He met with splendid success and at the time of his death was the owner of 465 acres of land. This worthy couple became the parents of eight children, all of whom are living, namely: John, Frank, Joseph G., Rose, Thomas, Mary, William and Elizabeth. Joseph G. McCoy received his educational training in the public schools of Walker township and Rushville. He early turned his attention to farming and remained under the parental roof until his marriage. He then went to work on his own account and rented a farm from his father, which he continued to operate as rented land for thirteen years, or until his father's death, when he inherited the land and it is still his home. He carries on a general line of farming and also handles some live stock, raising about eighty head of hogs annually. On October 24, 1899, Mr. McCoy was married to Elizabeth Schattner, who was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the daughter of Henry and Mary Schattner, both of whom were born in Germany, coming to the United States in their childhood. He became a cabinet maker by trade. To Mr. and Mrs. McCoy have been born six children: Thomas, John, George, Joseph, Edith and Stella, all of whom are living. Politically, Mr. McCoy is an ardent supporter of the Democratic ticket. Religiously, he is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic church at Rushville. Mr. McCoy is a member of Council, No. 769, Knights of Columbus, at Rushville, to which his sons, Thomas and John, also belong, the former holding the office of outer guard.

ROBERT SIMPSON DAVIS, a successful farmer of Rush county who conducts his agricultural operations in Richland township from his home in Rushville, was born in Anderson township, this county, on August 14, 1859, the son of Samuel H. and Mary E. (Henry) Davis, both natives of Maysville, Fleming county, Kentucky. Samuel H. Davis was born on June 3, 1831, the son of Robert and Elizabeth (Henry) Davis, both natives of Fleming county, Kentucky. Robert Davis, familiarly known as "Uncle Bobby," became one of the most widely known men in Rush county, having come here in an early day and acquired 120 acres of land. He left Kentucky when his son Samuel was six years of age, located in Richland township, and here the boy grew to manhood. He received his education in the primitive schools of the times aud then took up farming. When he engaged in business for himself it was on a farm of 240 acres in Anderson township that his wife had inherited. "When he moved onto the place it was almost a virgin forest, but he cleared the land, living the while in a log cabin, and as the years passed brought it out of its wild state into a well-improved farm. He increased his holdings to 580 acres, all lying in Anderson and Richland township, and on his farms he did a general farming and stock raising business. He was oue of the pioneers of the sheep industry in this county, entering extensively into this department of stock raising, and having as high as 1,200 head on hand at a time. He also would feed out between seventy-five and 100 head of hogs, usually ran a car load of cattle a year, and in addition dealt largely in fine horses. His thrift and industry were well rewarded, but he did not allow his prosperity to blind him to the needs of others. He gave largely to the poor, and was one of the best beloved and most highly respected men of the entire community. To him and his wife were born six children- Henry, who is living at Milroy, this county; Robert Simpson, Elizabeth, Mrs. Ed Spradling, of Rushville, John, Mae, Mrs. John W. Anderson, and Charles, living at Milroy. Robert Simpson Davis attended No. 4 school house in Richland township, and also the old Richland Academy, a far-famed institution of learning of the time, after leaving which he took up farming with his father. He then for a time engaged in business for himself as a renter, and then was able to buy a farm of 116 acres in Richland township. In 1896, he went into the livery business in Rushville, and for nineteen years continued to be successfully engaged in that capacity. He was the owner of a fine string of from ten to fifty horses, but when it became evident to him that the automobile was to supersede the horse he sold out and went into the meat business, conducting an excellent market for some time. This he kept but also returned to his first calling, farming, buying a farm of eighty acres in Richland township, and the management of this together with the cares of his meat business keep him busily employed. He was united in matrimony to Ida Margaret, the daughter of Freeman and Lucinda Ellston. Mr. Davis has always been counted among the strong supporters of the Republican party, and while he has never sought political preferment for himself, he takes a keen interest in all local and national affairs. In his fraternal connections he is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Mrs. Davis is a member of the Christian church.

DORA M. HILLIGOSS, a well known farmer of Rushville township, living on rural mail route No. 4 out of Rushville, was born in that township on August 22, 1863, son of Ira C. and Elizabeth (English) Hilligoss, both of whom were born, reared and educated in that same township. The father followed farming all his life in that locality and became the owner of 240 acres of land in Rushville and Walker townships. To him and his wife were born two children, the subject of this sketch and Joanna, who is deceased. Dora M.

Ililligoss received his education in the Webb school, district No. 10, Rushville township, and thereafter he applied himself to work on the home farm up to the time of his marriage. He then engaged in farming on his own account on a farm of eighty acres which he had inherited from his father some time prior to his marriage. He also rented more land from his father-in-law. During the subsequent years he has been successful in his labors and is now, with his wife, the owner of 340 acres of land in Rush county. He and his son operate 206 acres of this land, the balance being rented out. Mr. Hilligoss carries on general farming operations and also gives some attention to the raising of live stock. His farm is well improved and is rated as one of the best farms in Rush county. On January 10, 1884, Mr. Hilligoss was married to Emma Ramsey, who was born in Anderson township, this county, the daughter of Eugene and Ann M. (Tyler) Ramsey, the former a native of Cumberland Gap, Va., and the latter of Anderson township, this county. Mr. Ramsey came to Rush county in an early day and here spent the remainder of his days, being engaged in farming. He owned 160 acres of land in Anderson township. To him and wife were born two children, Emma (wife of the subject) and one who died in infancy. To Mr. and Mrs. Hilligoss have been born three children, Leona May, born August 13, 1885 ; Lavon Estel, December 11, 1886, who died on June 2, 1908, and Elsa Mivard, born on January 31, 1893. Leona May Hilligoss married Casper Johnson, son of Lafayette Johnson and a farmer of this county, and has three children, Viola Lavon, Chlorine Bernice and Dora Lafayette. Lavon Estel Hilligoss married Bert Osborn, son of L. B. Osborn, also a farmer of this county. To this union one child was born, a son, Lowell Marshall. Mrs. Osborn was a noted horsewoman and drove at many of the horse shows given in this section of Indiana. Elsa Mivard Ililligoss married Nellie Logan, daughter of Ora Logan, and is farming on the Hilligoss home place. He and his wife have two children, Lavon Estel and Harold Eugene. Mr. and Mrs. Ililligoss are earnest members of the Main Street Christian Church in Rushville. Mr. Ililligoss is a staunch supporter of the Democratic party, while, fraternally, he is a member of Ivy Lodge No. 27, Knights of Pythias, at Rushville, and Lodge No. 1307, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mrs. Hilligoss is a member of and holds official position in the Pythian Sisters. Since 1908 the Hilligoss family has been holding an annual reunion, the organization having been perfected by Mrs. Hilligoss and the late Levi Hilligoss, of Foley, Minn. Mrs. Dora M. Hilligoss is secretary of the association, and has been for ten years. In 1913 Levi Ililligoss published a history of the Hilligoss family, a profusely illustrated book of more than 200 pages.

THOMAS HEATON, for nearly three-quarters of a century an honored resident of Rush county, and for the greater part of this time a successful agriculturist of Noble township, is widely and favorably known to the people of this community. He was born in Noble township, December 27, 1848, a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Armstrong) Heaton, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Rush county. Joseph Ileaton was three years old when he was brought from the Keystone stale by his parents, John Ileaton and wife, who settled in Rush county and entered land in Noble township, on which they spent the balance of their honorable and wellordered lives. Joseph Heaton grew to manhood in this community, where he followed in his father's footsteps and adopted farming as his life work, a vocation which he followed throughout his career, and in which he attained marked success, accumulating 305 acres. He and his wife were the parents of six children, of whom three are living: John, Thomas and Sanford. Thomas Heaton received his education in the public schools of Noble township, after leaving which he associated himself with his father in the cultivation of the home place, and remained with the elder man until his marriage. He then struck out for himself, and for the next thirty years or more was occupied in farming as a renter. In 1900 he purchased the property on which he now resides, a tract of eighty acres, on which he carries on general farming and feeds out about fifty hogs annually. He is practical and progressive in his aims and methods, and is accounted one of the well-informed men of his locality, not alone upon the subject of farming, but along other lines. In politics Mr. Heaton is a Democrat, but has not sought political preferment or public office. He married Mary, daughter of William Willis, and they have two children: Thornton, who married Maud Benedict, and Myrtle, who married Ellis Culbertson and has two children, Helen and Bethel.

CHARLES H. PARSONS, M. D., who died at his home in Rushville in the spring of 1921, was one of the oldest and best known physicians and surgeons in this section of Indiana, a member of one of the old families of Rush county, for many years a recognized leader in the social and civic life of his community, a man whose good works and useful achievements had endeared him in the hearts of his fellowmen, and at his passing left a memory which will long endure in the community in which his life of faithful endeavor had been passed. It thus seems fitting that there should here be carried some brief memorial of this useful life in this volume commemorative of a centenary of civic organization in Rush county. Doctor Parson* tvas a native son of Rush county and had ever held the interests of his home county as the uppermost motive of his activities. He was born on the old Parsons homestead place in Rushville township, a short distance northeast of the city of Rushville, January 28, 1855, a son of Mathias and Mary (Dill) Parsons, both of whom were members of pioneer families in this county and whose last days were spent here. The Doctor's early schooling was received at Rushville and following his graduation from the high school he entered the old Northwestern Christian University (now Butler College) at Indianapolis, from whence, after a course in the "humanities," he went to Cincinnati and entered the Ohio Medical College, where he spent one year. In 1876 he went to New York and there entered the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, from which institution he was graduated in March, 1878, with the degree of doctor of medicine and surgery. Thus admirably equipped for the practice of the noble profession to which he had devoted his life, Doctor Parsons returned to Rushville and entered upon a professional career which was marked with much success, continuing actively engaged in practice until a few years prior to his death, his later years being marked by a retirement from his professional duties, save such as he felt in duty bound to continue as "the old family physician," and in these later years he found much relaxation in looking after the affairs of the Parsons farm northeast of the city. Doctor Parsons was a busy man and was not content to be idle; the "leisure" of his practice being occupied much of the time in attention to public affairs and had served variously in positions of public trust and responsibility. He was an ardent Democrat, for years regarded as one of the leaders of that party in this county, and for four years served as a member of the Rushville city council, his term of service in that connection expiring in December, 1913. It is recalled in this connection that the Doctor was very sincere in his efforts to perform a real public service and his incumbency was marked by much valuable service to the city. Doctor Parsons was for years a member of the local pension board and during the period of America 's participation in the World war also rendered valuable service as a member of the medical advisory board for the physical examination of men registered for service. The Doctor was a faithful member of the Main Street Christian Church and had for years been an office bearer in the same as well as an earnest teacher in the Sunday school, for several years teacher of the men's Century class and in recent years teacher of a woman 's class. Doctor Parsons died at his home, 410 North Main street, at 12 :15 p. m., ;Saturday, March 5, 1921, and his widow is still making her home there. The only other close family survivor is the Doctor's sister, Mrs. Mary Parrish, of Indianapolis. Mrs. Parsons also is a member of one of the old families of Rush county and has lived here all her life. She was born in Rushville, Sallie Sexton, daughter of Dr. Marshall Sexton and his wife Elizabeth, of excellent memory and further and fitting mention of whom is made elsewhere in this volume, together with portraits of four successive generations of Doctors Sexton who have practiced their profession in this county. She was united in marriage to Doctor Parsons on December 17, 1878, and to this union one child was born, a son, John Parsons, who died in 1893.

WALLACE G. MORGAN, attorney-at-law at Rushville and one of the best known lawyers in the Sixth district, was born in this county and has lived here all his life, a practicing attorney since the days of his young manhood, formerly associated in the practice of law with his father, the late David S. Morgan, and now associated in practice with Gates Ketchum. Mr. Morgan was born on a farm in Richland township on May 8, 1866, son of David S. and Mary E. (Mcllwain) Morgan, the latter of whom years ago was a teacher in the old Richland Academy. David S. Morgan was a Kentuckian by birth who at the age of eighteen years came to Indiana with his parents, Samuel Morgan and wife, the family locating in Richland township, this county. David S. Morgan completed his schooling in the Richland Academy and thereafter for many years taught school in that township, teaching during the winter seasons. In the meantime he took up the study of law, was presently admitted to the bar and in 1881 moved to Rushville, where he opened an office for the practice of the profession to which he had devoted his talents and there continued in practice the remainder of his life, his death occurring in 1905. David S. Morgan and wife were the parents of five children, sons all, three of whom are still living, the subject of this biographical sketch having two brothers, Samuel and William O. Morgan. The deceased were Rosco and Bert Morgan. Wallace G. Morgan was about seventeen years of age when his parents moved from Richland township to Rushville and he completed his schooling in the Rushville schools. Under the able preceptorship of his father he early entered upon the study of law and upon his admission to the bar formed a partnership with his father in the practice of that profession and this mutually agreeable association continued until the death of the elder Morgan in 1905. Not long after the death of his father Mr. Morgan formed a partnership with Douglas Morris and this firm had a wide practice. One of Mr. Morgan 's legal connections of considerable consequence is that as attorney for the Dollings Investment Company of Indianapolis. Mr. Morgan's wife, nee Mary McLaughlan, also was born in Rush county, a member of one of the county's old families, and she and Mr. Morgan ever have taken an interested part in the general social activities of the community, helpful in promoting and furthering all movements having to do with the common good hereabout. In his political affiliation Mr. Morgan is a Democrat and for many years has been regarded as one of the leaders of that party in Rush county and throughout the Sixth district. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Masonic lodge at Rushville. CHESTER F. CROSS, one of the conspicuous figures in agricultural circles in Jackson township, is essentially a man of affairs, of sound judgment, keen discernment and far-seeing in what he undertakes, and his extensive interests are but the legitimate fruitage of consecutive effort, directed and controlled by good judgment and correct business principles. Mr. Cross is a native of Jackson township, born there on August 25, 1883, the son of John F. and Olive (Powell) Cross, who are represented in a personal sketch elsewhere in this work. The subject was educated in the Osborn school and on completing his studies he devoted himself to the work of the home farm, remaining with his father up to the time of his marriage. He then engaged in farming on his own account on the land where he now lives and has continued here to the present time. He now owns 160 acres in this farm, and 100 acres elsewhere in Jackson township, making his total holdings 260 acres. He keeps his farms up to the highest standard of excellence, both as regards buildings and the condition of the soil, and is regarded as a thoroughly up-to-date and progressive farmer. Mr. Cross gives considerable attention to live stock, raising from 400 to 500 hogs each year, in addition to which he buys about 250 head, so that altogether he feeds about 650 head a year. He also feeds about two car loads of cattle annually. On

March 20, 1904, Chester F. Cross was married to Carrie J. Northam, who was born and reared in Posey township, the daughter of Jasper N. and Kate (Coffin) Northam. Her parents were both natives of Rush county, the father having cultivated a farm in Posey township for a number of years. They became the parents of five children, all of whom are living, namely: Carrie, Russell, Merrill, Thelma and Katherine. Mr. and Mrs. Cross have one child, Tracy, born in 1904, who is now a student in the Rushville high school. Mr. Cross is a staunch supporter of the Democratic party, and is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, holding membership in all the bodies of that order at Rushville up to and including the commandery of Knights Templar; he is also a member of Murat Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, at Indianapolis, and Lodge No. 1307, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, at Rushville. Personally, Mr. Cross possesses to a marked degree those qualities which win friendships and he is a popular member of the circles in which he moves.

PERRY T. INNIS, president of the Milroy Bank at Milroy and long recognized as one of the most progressive and substantial business men of Rush county, has been a resident of this county all his life and has ever been interested in community betterment and advancement. He was born on a farm in Anderson township on January 12, 1855, son of "William "W. and Jennie (Buchanan) Innis, the former also a native of this county and the latter of Bourbon county, Kentiicky, well known and influential residents of the Milroy neighborhood in their generation and whose last days were spent here. William W. Innis, who was the founder of the Innis- Pierce Furniture Company at Rushville and whose name ever will be inseparably associated with that concern, was born on a farm in Anderson township, son of Alexander and Christina (Kirkpatriek) Innis, the latter of whom also was born in Indiana, a member of one of the pioneer families of this region. Alexander Innis was a Pennsylvanian who left his home in the old Keystone state in the days of his young manhood and came to Indiana, locating in Rush county, where he married Christina Kirkpatriek and established his home on a farm in Anderson township, developing a fine piece of property there and there spending the rest of his life, a helpful factor in the development and prosperity of that community. He and his wife were the parents of six children, those besides William W. having been James, Andrew, Eliza, Ellen and Lucinda. Reared an a farm, William W. Innis for a time after starting out " for himself" was engaged in farming in his home township, but presently left the farm and moved to Rushville where he became engaged in the coal and lumber business, later becoming associated with William M. Pierce in the manufacture of furniture at Rushville under the firm name of the Innis-Pierce Furniture Company, built up an extensive plant and a fine business and was thus engaged the rest of his active life, one of the most influential factors in the development of the industrial activities of the city of Rushville. William

W. Innis was for years an elder in the United Presbyterian church and he and his wife were ever concerned in community good works. They were the parents of five children, those besides the subject of this sketch being Elizabeth, Mary Ellen, Robert and Arie. the latter of whom died in infancy. Perry T. Innis "grew up" on the home farm in Anderson township and supplemented the schooling obtained in the Milroy schools by a course in the old Richland Academy, after which he became engaged in farming on his father's place, later engaging in the same vocation on his own account and became the owner of a fine farm of 160 acres in the vicinity of Milroy on which he established his home and on which he was actively engaged in farming and live stock raising until his retirement from the farm to become engaged in banking. It was in 1904 that the Bank of Milroy was organized and at the first meeting of the stockholders for organization Mr. Innis was elected president of the institution, a position which he ever since has held and in the exercise of which office he has made himself a strong figure in the commercial life of this section of the state. In 1906 Mr. Innis moved from the farm to Milroy and shortly afterward began to give his whole time to the affairs of the bank and is still thus engaged, he and his associates having built up a strong and continually growing banking institution there. On January 1, 1S78, Perry T. Innis was united in marriage to Flora Tompkins, daughter of G. W. and Eliza Tompkins, of this county, and to this union two children were born, sons both, Harry Innis, now a resident of Indianapolis, and Rex A. Innis, who married Mary Hammond and makes his home on a farm in Rushville township. Mrs. Flora Innis died on September 23, 1918. Mr. Innis is a member of the United Presbyterian church at Milroy, in the general activities of which congregation he has for years taken an earnest interest and has long served the congregation as a member of the church session. lie is a Republican and in his fraternal relations is a Mason.

LEWIS EDGAR HARCOURT, a member of the advisory board of Anderson township and a substantial retired farmer of that township now living at Milroy, was born in Rush county and has lived here all his life. He was born on a farm in Orange township on October 16, 1862, son of James A. and Harriette (Kealer) Harcourt, who in their generation were among the best known and most influential residents of that community, and whose last days were spent in this county. James A. Harcourt was born in Rush county of pioneer parents and grew to manhood on the old home farm in Orange township, in time becoming a farmer on his own account and as his affairs prospered became the owner of two farms, one of 120 acres, a part of the old home place, and another of 240 acres. He is well rememhered hereabout as the patentee and manufacturer of the Harcourt Hoosier grain drill, a device which had a wide popularity throughout this region in the days before the one-way drill was introduced. For some time after patenting the Hoosier drill he manufactured the device on his farm, his little shop being operated by horse power, and lie would turn out ten or twelve machines a year simply for the use of the neighbors, but as the popularity of the drill extended and demands began to come in from other sections he bought the old Scull woolen mill on Big P'lat Rock, two and a half miles north of Moscow, and equipped the plant for the manufacture of 1,000 or more of the drills a year. This manufacture he kept up until the improved drills entered the general market, when he abandoned the business and retired to his farm in Orange township and was there engaged in farming the rest of his life. James A. Hareourt and wife were the parents of nine children, five of whom are still living, those besides the subject of this sketch being Alonzo Hareourt, of Orange township ; Melissa, wife of John Hungerford, of that same township ; Elmazie, wife of John Hardick, of Rushville, and Wilbur Hareourt, the well known blacksmith. Lewis E. Hareourt was reared on the home farm in Orange township, received his schooling in the excellent schools of that neighborhood and until he was twenty -three years of age was engaged in work in his father's drill factory. He then rented his father's farm in Anderson township and thus occupied that place until after his father's death. In the distribution of the estate he received a tract of forty acres, to which by purchase he added an adjoining "forty." This place he presently sold and then bought the old Rickets farm of 117 acres, moved to the same and there made his home for fourteen years, at the end of which time he retired from the active labors of the farm and moved to Milroy, where he has a very pleasant home and where he and his family are quite comfortably situated. Mr. Hareourt is an ardent Republican, as was his father before him, and has ever given his earnest attention to local civic affairs, at present and for some time past serving the public as a member of the advisory board of Anderson township. In 1886 Lewis E. Hareourt was united in marriage to Martha C. Hodges, who also was born in this county, daughter of Alfred Hodges, and to this union five children have been born, Faud, Ertel, Callie, Clifford and Jewel (deceased). Faud Hareourt married Nellie Whiteman, who died leaving one child, a little daughter, Lois. Ertel Hareourt married Grace Kiplinger and Clifford Hareourt married Carrie Brown. Mr. and Mrs. Hareourt are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and have ever taken an interested and active part in church work, Mr. Hareourt now and for some time past serving as a member of the board of trustees of the church. ALBERT M. ROBINSON, plumber, an enterprising business man of Manilla, Ind., was born there January 1, 1868, a member of old Rush county families, both parents having been born and reared in this part of Indiana. They were John T. and Martha U. (Titus) Robinson, and had two children, Albert M. being the only one now living. John T. Robinson was an engineer and also a carpenter and was well known at Manilla. Albert M. Robinson attended the Goddard and Homer schools in Walker township, until old enough to become self-supporting, when he began farm work and for five years was engaged as a farm hand. Following this he cut timber for W. E. Talbert, for about ten years and then went into the plumbing business at Manilla, sonic nineteen years ago, in which business he has continued ever since. On October 24, 1892, Mr. Robinson married Catherine E. Hey, born in Shelby county, Indiana, daughter of Jacob and Amanda (Ross) Hey, and one of their two children. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have had five children : William E.. who is a farmer in Shelby county, married Lucy Kuhn ; Evon E., who married C. P. Hale, freight agent for the Pennsylvania railroad at New Albany, Ind. ; Flo and Loren, who reside at home, and Dorothy, who died at the age of seven years. Mr. Robinson and his family are members of the Christian church at Manilla. Although never very active in politics, Mr. Robinson has always been a sturdy Democrat and takes a good citizen's interest in public affairs. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Manilla and belongs also to the Modern Woodmen.

JOHN D. FLEENER, who died at his home in Jackson township on April 3, 1917, and whose widow still lives there, having a pleasant home on rural mail route No. 8 out of Rushville, was born in that township on November 25, 1843. His parents were Drury and Sarah M. (Dill) Fleener, the former a native of North Carolina and the latter born and reared in Rush county. John D. Fleener received his educational training in the local public schools in Jackson township. After completing his studies he continued to live on the home place with his father, assisting him in the operation of the farm up to the time of his marriage. He then began farming on his own account on the place where his widow now lives, and which comprises eighty-five acres of land, a part of which land he inherited and a part of which he bought. He successfully carried on farming operations for many years and won a high reputation as a wide-awake, up-to-date and enterprising farmer. On April 6, 1865, Mr. Fleener was united in marriage to Sarah M. (Downey), who was born in Jackson township, and attended the Downey school, the same which her husband attended. She is the daughter of James and Rebecca (Hinton) Downey, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. They came to Rush county soon after their marriage and entered the land where he spent the remainder of his days, the place comprising eighty acres. He and his wife were the parents of nine children, five of whom are living, namely : David E., Ezekiel, Martha, May and Sarah M. To Mr. and Mrs. Fleener was born one child, Nolen D., on March 21, 1888, but who died at the age of eleven years, seven months ond twenty-two days. Mr. Fleener was an earnest and consistent member of the Christian church, to which his widow now belongs. Politically. )v was a life-long Democrat, though never an aspirant for public office. He was one of Jackson township's most substantial and highly esteemed citizens and the many beautiful tributes to his high standing as a man and citizen attested to the abiding place he had in the hearts of his friends throughout this loealitv.

CHARLES T. ADDISON, who has been prominently identified with the agricultural life of Posey township for years, was born in Hancock county, Indiana, on February 19, 1879, and is a son of Thomas J. and Elizabeth M. (Cathon) Addison, the former a native of