Shelby County, Indiana - Chapter 9: By Douglas Dobbins, Ex-County Superintendent, 1887 (part 6 of 7)

Charles P. McDonald, a prominent farmer of Sugar Creek Township, was born in Rush County, this State, June 14, 1831. He was the seventh of ten children - - seven sons and three daughters - born to Mordica and Sarah (Varner) McDonald, both natives of Kentucky, the former of Scotch, and the latter of German descent. He was reared upon a farm in his native county and at the age of fifteen he began working upon a farm by the month, and thus continued during the summer time for a number of years. At the age of twenty he took up the vocation of a farmer for himself, and this has been his life occupation. In April, 185 1, he came to Shelby County, and became a resident of Sugar Creek Township, in which he has ever since resided. His marriage to Mary J. Bagley, occurred March 9, 1881. She was born in this county Jul}' 21, 1858, and was the daughter of Joseph and Mary J. Bagley. They are the parents of one child, Oscar, born August 7, 1883. In politics Mr. McDonald is a Democrat. He owns a good farm of 1481^ acres, about 115 of which are in a high state of cultivation. His farm is fitted up with good buildings and fences and is situated in one of the best farming localities in Shelby Count3\ He is an industrious and successful farmer and he and wife are worthy and esteemed citizens.

Hugh McFadden, a prominent farmer of Sugar Creek Township, was born in Centre County, Penn., June 11, 1836. He was the fourth of five children - four sons and one daughter - born to Hugh and Isabella (Hays) McFadden, with whom he came to this county when he was but two years old. They settled in the woods of Sugar Creek Township, where our subject was reared upon a farm. At the early age of fourteen he assumed the management of the farm, his father having died at that time. He has ever since continued in agricultural pursuits upon the old homestead where he

Still continues to reside. His marriage to Cannie Oldham occurred January 2, 18S7. She was born in this county, November 25, 1863. She was the daughter of Thomas J, and Louisa (Smith) Oldham, old residents of this county. They, however, removed to Marion Count}', this State, where the mother died August 15, 1886, and where the father still resides. In politics Mr. McFadden is an ardent Republican. He owns about 100 acres of excellent land situated in one of the best farming localities in Shelby Count}'.

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Mitchell, of Sugar Creek Township, was born in Coventry, Conn., May 16, 1811. She was the eldest of six children born to SeptimiusG. andMary T. (Morse) Huntington, a more extended mention of whom appears elsewhere in this work. She accompanied her parents to this county in 1S21, and on the 3d day of July, 1836, she was married to Jabez G. Bright, who was born September 9, 1807. They resided in Franklin, Johnson County, and there her husband died April 14, 1843. October 20, 1844, our subject became the wife of Seth T. Mitchell, who was born in Maine, in' 181 8, and is now deceased. Her first marriage resulted in the birth of five children: Maria L., born March 18, 1837, died July 23, 1880; Mary E., born March 7, 1838, died September 23, 1838; Mary, born April 16, 1839, died October 28, 1844; Septimius G., born August 9, 1840, died November 17, 1850, and Elizabeth, born May 20, 1842, died November 15, 1843. Her second marriage resulted in the birth of one child: Emerson, born June 3, 1849, ^'^^^' '^ resident of Johnson County. Mrs. Mitchell is a member of the Presbyterian Church. She owns a farm of forty acres in Illinois and ten acres in Brandywine Township, and is altogether in comfortable circumstances.

Daniel Padrick, late an aged and honored resident of Sugar Creek Township, was born in Currituck County, N. C, November 23, 1798. He was the only child born to the marriage of Daniel and Phebe (Sawyer) Padrick. He was reared in his native county, working upon a farm, and was married there December 31, 181 8, to Margaret Casev, daughter of Dempsey and Elizabeth Casey. In 1834, ^^ ^"^ l^i^ wife moved to the State of Illinois, but a year later thev returned to Shelby Count}', and located in Moral Township. Shortly afterward they removed to Sugar Creek Township and settled on the farm now owned and occupied by William G. Weaver. There Mrs. Margaret Padrick died September 20, 1843. That marriage resulted in the birth of fourteen children; but two of these fourteen children are still living. On the 9th day of September, 1850, Mr. Padrick was married to Rachael Ann Henricks, a native of Rush County, this State, born October 15, 1830, and daughter of Jacob and Phebe (Cougar)

Henricks. This latter marriage has resulted in the birth of six children, as follows: James M., born August 26, 1851; Lewis C, born March 12, 1853; Jacob V., born Februar}' 14, 1855; Marv A., born May i8, 1857; Laura A., born October 2, 1859, died August 3, i860, and Sarah A., born August 12, 1.861, died July 4, 1867. In the fall of 1868, Mr. and Mrs. Padrick removed to Shelby ville, but in March, 1870, they returned to Sugar Creek Township, and settled upon the farm the latter now occupies. Mr. Padrick was a member of the Baptist Church, the F. & A. M. Lodge, and a Democrat in politics. He died May 27, 1887. Mrs. Padrick is also a member of the Baptist Church. She 'has a good farm, and a comfortable home, where she resides in a quiet happy way.

Jacob V. Padrick, a promising 3roung farmer of Sugar Creek Township, was born in that township, February 14, 1855. He was the son of Daniel and Rachel A. (Henricks) Padrick, a histor3' of whom is given above. He was reared upon the farm and on the lOth dav of January, 1877, he was married to Maria Belton, a native of Moral Township, this county, born December 27, 1854, ^^^ daughter of Robert and Caroline (Holden) Belton, natives of North Carolina and Indiana, respectiveh'. Aher their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Padrick settled upon a farm in Johnson Count}', but a few months later, they came to Shelby Count}' and settled upon the old homestead of the former, where they have since resided. They are the parents of two children: Carrie, born September 4, 1877, and May, born September 7, 1885, both living. Mr. Padrick and wife are members of the Baptist Church. In politics the former is a Democrat..

Joiix Rasp, a citizen of Sugar Creek Township, was born in Bavaria, Germanv, March 31, 1838. He was the youngest of six children, three sons and three daughters, born to John and Catharine (Rasler) Rasp. His father was the son of Nicholas Rasp, who lived to the advanced age of ninety-nine years. His boyhood was spent upon a farm. At the age of fourteen he became emploved in a grist mill, and continued in that employment in Germanv, until 1867. In that year he emigrated to America, reaching Ne\v York City in April. He first made his way to Pittsburg, where he was employed in a saw mill about four months. He then went to West Virginia, where he remained six months working in a brewery, and upon the Baltimore & Ohio Railway. He then came to Indiana, in 1868, and became employed in a flouring mill, in Millersville, Marion County. Later lie found employment in a rolling mill, in Indianapolis. He was married in that city, February 6, 1869, to Elizabeth Lieneke, a native of Prussia, born March

15, 1S38. She was the daughter of WilHam and Mary (Shom- -l)erg) Lieneke. In July, 1871, Mr. and Mrs. Rasp came to Shelby County, and located in Sugar Creek Township, where Mr. Rasp has sjiven his attention to farminij and milling- ever since. He has - been the proprietor of The Red Flouring Mills since December, "1 87 1. Mr. and Mrs. Rasp are the parents of four children as folliows; Katie, born Januar}" 2, 1870; Frederick, born March 6, 1872; Emma, born May 18, 1875, died in October, 1876; Rosa, born April 29, 1877, died February 20, 1880. Our subject is a member of the Lutheran Church, and his wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics the former is a Democrat.

Stephen L. Strickler, M. D., a prominent young physician of Boggstown, was born in Sugar Creek Township, this county, August 22, 1853. He was the third of eight children - four sons and four daughters - born to George W. and Rhoda (Tucker) Strickler, who are old residents of Shelby County. He was reared upon his father's farm, and in winter he attended the district school in which he received the rudiments of an education. At nineteen years of age he entered Franklin College where he pursued his studies three years, after which he spent one year in De Pauw University. He then returned home, and in the spring of 1877, he entered upon the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. J. M. Scudder, of Cincinnati. In September, 1877, he entered the Eclectic Medical College, of Cincinnati, where he attended three courses of lectures, graduating in Februarv, 1879. He then located at Boggstown, near his old home, and entered upon the practice of his profession. In September, 1882, he entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College, New York City, where six months were spent in one of the best medical colleges in the world. He then returned to his practice in this county in which he has been actively and successfull}' engaged ever since. He was married September 20, 1880, to Mary Montgomery, w^ho was born in Brandywine Township, this county, September 20, i860. She was the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Steers) Montgomery, formerly of this county. Their marriage has resulted in the birth of one child that died in infancy unnamed. Dr. and Mrs. Strickler are faithful members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. In politics the former is a Republican. Though young in his profession, the Doctor is a very successful practitioner, and already has a creditable rank among the leading ph3^sicians of Shelby Countv.

Union Sketches

John W. Barnes, a farmer of Union Township, is a native of Madison County, Ky., where he was born January 19, 1827, being the next youngest in a family of four children born to Noah and Mar}- (Wheeler) Barnes, who were natives of Maryland and Madison Count}^, Ky., respectively. They came to Indiana and Shelb}' County, about 1832, and settled in Union 'I'ownship, livingthere until their deaths. Our immediate subject remained at home and assisted his parents until he attained the age of twenty-three years, receiving a common education, such as was to be obtained in the primitive log school-houses of those da3's. September 22, 1849, ^^^s marriage with Rebecca A. Midkiff, was solemnized, and to their union seven children have been born, these four now living : Kimble E., Noah, Elma A. and Fidela. Mr. Barnes has alwa^-s made farming, his occupation, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 264 acres of well improved land. In politics he is a Republican.

James B. Branson, a citizen of Union Township, is a native of Guilford County, N. C, where he was born March 21, 1823, being the eldest in a family of thirteen children born to Henry and Nanc}^ (Halbrook) Branson, who were natives of Maryland and North Carolina, respectively. They came to Indiana and Shelby Count}', about the 3^ear 1829, and located in Union Township, where they continued to live until their deaths, the former dying a number of 3-ears ago, and the latter followed about two or three years later. Our immediate subject remained at home and assisted his parents until he attained the age of twent^'-three years, receiving a limited education in the primitive log school-houses of that time. June 15, 1846, his marriage with Levina Cotton was solemnized, and to their union two children were born. About 1849, ^^- Bi"'inson suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. April 14, 1853, his and Elizabeth Anderson's nuptials were celebrated, and to their union nine children have been born, these six now living are: Robert, who married Mary Mohr; Augusta, now Mrs. Rufus Hinchman; Ann, wife of Jacob Yarling; Larz A., whose consort was Sarah E. Nigh; Luella J. and James C. Mr. Branson has always made farming his occupation, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 187 acres of well improved land. In politics he is a Repulican.

William W. Brown, a citizen and native of Union Township, was born December 12, 1827, the ^^oungest in a family of eight children born to Robert and Catherine (Cotton) Brown, who were both natives of North Carolina, and they came to this count}^ about

1822. The}^ continued residents of this county until their deaths. William remained at home and assisted his parents until he attained the ao-e of twenty-two years, receiving a limited education, such as was to be obtained in the rude and primitive log school-houses of those days. November i, 1849, his marriage with Nancy Linville was solemnized, and to their union these live children have been born: William J., Franklin P., David E., Levi and Electa C. Mr. Brown has ahva^-s made farnjing his occupation and he has been (pite successful. He now owns thirty-eight acres of well improved land. He formerly owned 100 acres, but divided with his children. He and family are members of the Blue River Baptist Church. In pohtics he is a Democrat.

John H. Brown, of Union Township, is a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, born March 13, 1829, the next eldest in a family of seven children born to John and Sarah (Herrin) Brown, who were natives of South Carolina and New Jersey, respectiveh\ Matthew Brown, paternal grandfather of our subject, came to Shelb}^ County in a very early dav, and continued a resident of the county until his death. Our immediate subject was reared to manhood in his native State and county, remaining at home and assisting his parents until he attained the age of twentA'-two, receiving a common school education, supplemented by attendance at the Farmers' College one term. February 20, 1851, his marriage with Sarah J. Ellis was solemnized, and to their union six children have been born: James L., Kate, Fannie, Charles, Lucy and Mollie. In the year 1867, Mr. Brown and family came to Shelby County and located on the farm where he now and has since continuously lived. He has always made farming his occupation, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 180 acres of well improved land. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a man of pronounced temperance views, and as such votes the Prohibition ticket.

S. J. Carpejnter, a farmer of Union Township, is a native of Rush County, born October 16, 1847, the youngest in a family of three children born to Peter O. and Julia A. (Watson) Carpenter, natives of Fleming County, Kentucky. They emigrated to Indiana with their parents in a very early day, settling in Rush Count}', where they married March 4, 1841; they continued residents of Rush County, until 185 1, when they came to Union Township, Shelby County, where they li\'ed until his death, which occurred in 1880. His widow still survives him, she having attained the good old age of sixty-six years. Our immediate subject remained with and assisted his parents until )\e attained the age of twenty-six years. He received a common school education, such as was to be obtained in the schools of the vicinity. September 21, 1S73, his marriage with Belle Macy was solemnized, and to their union these three sons have been born: Claude W., Corydon E. and Vern O. Mr. Carpenter has always made farming his occupation, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 500 acres of well improved land. He also makes a specialty of raising fine thoroughbred hogs, also dealing in mules quite extensively. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, having attained the rank of Knight Templar in that organization. His political views are Republican, and he always manifests a good live interest in the political affairs of the county and community in which he lives, where he was honored in 1882, with an election to the important position of County Commissioner, which trust he filled in a very creditable manner.

George Cawein, a prominent citizen of Union Township, is a native of Leinsweiler Rliempfalz, Germany, and was born November 14, 1818, a son of Daniel and Mary (Kern) Cawein, who were also natives of Germanv. They emigrated to the United States in 1833, coming immediately to Shelby County, settling on the farm where our subject now Hves, where they continued to live until

1845, and the mother at the same place in 1849, ^^ cholera. Georo-e obtained a common school education in his native language. When his parents removed to Cincmnati, he went to Clermont County, Ohio. April 14, 1847, his marriage with Margaret Rust, of Cincinnati, was solemnized. The year following they came to Shelbv County, where they have since lived. To their union, eight children have been born, these six now living: Peter, Maggie, Daniel, John, Mary, William Henry. Mrs. Cawein was born November 27, 1829. She was a daughter of Peter and Mary (Weiler) Rust. Mr. Cawein has always made farming his occupation, and he has been very successful. He now owns 132 acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of the St. Zion's German Protestant Church. In politics he is a Democrat.

Justus S. Clapp, of Union Township, is a native of Hampden Count}', Mass., born near Springfield, Februnry 21, 1833, sixth in a family of nine children born to Zebadiah and Aurelia (Hempsted) Clapp, who were both also natives of Massachusetts, where they always resided. Our immediate subject remained at home and assisted his parents until he attained the age of nineteen years. He received a common school education. In 1852, he came as a bridge carpenter on what was then the Indiana Central R. R., to Indiana, with whom he continued about two years, after which he engaged in house carpentering for a few years, or until 1859, ""^'^^^ the exception of two years when he was engaged in saw miUing. In the fall of 1859, he located on the farm where he now Hves. November 16, 1856, his marriage with Charlotte Lafuze was solemnized. Since 1859, he has made farming his occupation, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 120 acres of well improved land. He belongs to the Grange. In politics he has always been a Republican, but does not allow party prejudice to control him, and alwavs votes for such candidates as in his judgment are best calculated to fill the positions irrespective of party. Mr. Clapp makes a specialty of raising fine poultry of the Hght Brahma breed. He is a member' of the Central Indiana Poultry Association, and has won numerous prizes at their, and other, exhibits.

William Cottox (deceased ).^ - A fitting representative of the pioneer of Shelbv County- is William Cotton. A man of sterling qualities and highly respected: who did his duty unostentatiously in the condition of Hfe in which it pleased God to place him: who brought up his family to do what is right in all cases, and who raised a familv who are to-day among the foremost men of the places where they reside. Coming to Shelby County, as he did, at so early a day, he found a field for his energy and abihty, and entered upon the work before him with the resolution of a strong mind. That work he accomplished, and, though he has passed awav, his life and its lesson are still with us, and tell us in the strongest language how much the pioneers of Shelby County endured to lay the foundation of our present prosperity, and how much mav be accomplished by good, honest labor. William Cotton was a native of Kentucky, and was born on the 15th of January, 1793, the son of WilHam and Elizabeth Cotton. At the age of five years, he moved to Hamilton County, Ohio, where his 3'outh was spent, and where he stayed until the tide of emigration tempted him to turn his face westward. He arrived in Shelby County in 1822. Previous to this, he had been married to Mar}^ Anderson, also a native of Kentucky. On his arrival in Shelby County he entered 80 acres of land, which took all the cash he had. He soon, however, got together enough to enter eighty additional acres, and constantly added to his possessions imtil he owned some 720 acres altogether. INIr. Cotton had eight children, as follows: Melvin (deceased), John A., Joseph, Robert, Elizabeth J., Lavina (deceased), William and Thomas A. Soon after their removal, on the nth of ]March, 1830, Mrs. Cotton died. In Jul}-, 1830, Mr. Cotton was married again, to Ann Burgess, of Rushville, who lived with him until his death. By this union they had no children. With strict honor Mr. Cotton combined great shrewdness as a trader, and was very successful, leaving quite an estate to be divided among his children at the time of his death. Politically, he was a pure Democrat. For fortv-five years he was a consistent member of the Baptist Church, making his business conform to his religion, and not his religion to his business. His death took place February 22, 1864, and he left a name and memory of which his children and the whole county are proud - the memor}^ of a well spent life. Mr. Cotton's second wife died April i, 1875.

Thomas A. Cotton. - The Cottons are among the earliest settlers of Shelby County, and it is to their thrift and enterprise that Shelby County to-day owes some of its finest improvements and best men. WiUiam Cotton, the father of Thomas A., was a native of Kentucky, as was also his wife. On the 8th of February, 1828, Thomas A. first saw the light, and his birthplace was a log cabin within a few feet of where his substantial and comfortable house stands to-dav. On March 11, 1830, his mother, Mary Cotton, died, leaving him a boy of tender years, and in July, 1830, his father was married to Ann Burgess. Thomas' earh' years were spent in the hard work that was the portion of all at that time, though his father gave him what school advantages he could, and when he was seventeen years of age, told him he might have a collegiate course, or, if he would stay at home and work on the farm, he would give him his portion in land. Thomas, seeing that his father's heart was set upon his remaining at home, finally concluded to do so, and thus, with some regret, closed upon hiiuself the opportunity for professional honors. Though it is probable that a man of his ability would have made his mark in a professional career, still one could hardly wish to be more successful than Mr. Cotton has been as a farmer; and while his name might have been more famous in a professional light, we are sure that for his independence and happiness, his choice as a farmer was a wise one, and to-day he is better off than by far the greater per cent, of men who live by some profession. On the i8th of October, 1849, he was married to Phebe Johnson, daughter of Jonathan and Ann (McGrew) Johnson, and went to housekeeping in another house on his father's farm. For one year he rented land and then bought some, and has ever since been working his own farm. He has had ten children, as follows: Theodore (deceased), Rosco (deceased), Indiana, Carey C, America, Florence, Ida (deceased), Phebe A., Mary J. and Frank Ward. Mr. Cotton settled down to farming with the determination of making a success, well knowing the requirements of a successful farmer, and it is evident to all that he has accomplished his object in that direction. To-day he is possessor of nearly 600 acres of beautiful farming land, and buildings that are an honor not only to him but to the whole count}' ; his barn is a model one, and constructed on a plan entirely his own, and is convenient and complete in all particulars. It is probably the largest in Shelby County, having a length of 86 feet by 48 feet wide and 20 feet siding. In addition, a large basement 50 feet square is fitted up with every convenience for his stock, of which he has a choice collection. He makes a specialty of the short horned Durham breed of cattle, having at the present time in his possession some of the best in the county. He and his wife are good Christian people, he being a Baptist by profession, as were his father and mother, and his wife a Methodist, as were her father and mother. Four of his children are at present members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Cotton has given his children a good education, and they are doing well in the world. Thomas A. Cotton is now in the sixtieth year of his age. Politically, he is a Democrat, yet not too partisan to recognize good wherever it is to be found, and believes every man should vote according to his own conviction of right. Mr. Cotton is voung for his years, and has ever}'' prospect of holding for a long period in the future his position as one of the enterprising, popular men of Shelby County. In stock breeding he has been pre-eminentlv successful. June 15, 1887, he made the first public sale of blooded cattle that was ever held in Shelby County. November 29, 1886, he met with the misfortune of having his elegant residence consumed bv lire. He, with that characteristic enterprise peculiar to him, has commenced a still better and more commodious home, which, when completed, will be a magnificent building, in keeping with everything he undertakes to do. The portraits of Mr. Cotton and his father are presented in this volume. William Creek, a prominent old citizen of Union Township, is a native of Union County, Ind., where he was born, J'une 9, 1829, being the youngest in a family of four children born to Thomas and Isabel (Glidewell) Creek, who were natives of Virginia and South Carolina, respectively, he having been born December 16, 1798, and she December 14, 1798. They were married in Union County, where the former lived until his death, which occurred December 16, 1829. His widow survived him and came to Shelby County, November, 1831, where she became the wife of Andrew Hensley. Our immediate subject remained with his mother until he attained the age of fourteen years, when he entered the employ of Spencer Thayer, as a farm hand, with whom he remained until he reached his majority. He received a very limited education, which he has greatly supplemented in later years by reading and study without the aid of a teacher. June 10, 1852, his marriage with Nancy, daughter of David Wicker, was solemnized, and to their union nine children have been born of whom these eij^ht are now hving: David who married Sarah J. Carmon}-; Maria, now Mrs. Cyrus Carmonv; Leander, whose wife was Lilhe McFerran; LilHe, consort of Wilham Montgomerv; Lincoln, John Logan, Thomas and Laura. The deceased child was Franklin, who died at the age of twenty-five years, May 31, 1879. ^^^"- Creek has always made farming his occupation, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 185 acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of the United Brethren Church. In politics he is Republican.

Jacob Crim, a citizen and native of Union Township, was born February 4, 1834, being the seventh in a family of nine children born to Lewis C. and Charitv (Linville) Crim, who were both natives of Guilford Countv, N. C, and they emigrated to Indiana and Shelby County, about 1830, settling in Union Township, where they continued to reside until their deaths, the former dying January, 1857, and the latter June, 1877. Our subject has always remained at the old homestead caring for his parents in their declinino- vears. He received a common school education, such as the facilities in those days afforded, in keeping with the primitive log school-houses of that time. June, 1879, his marriage with Marv Gardner was solemnized, and to their union these three sons have been born: Lewis F., and Thomas S. and Jesse N. Mr. Crim has alwa^^s made farming his principal occupation, and he has been quite successful. He now owns seventy acres of improved land. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and was honored with an election to the office of Township Assessor, which bespeaks his popularity, as ordinarily the township has a good working P.epublican majorit3\

HrRAM DeWitt, an old citizen of Union Township, is a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, where he was born Februaiy 10, 181 8, being the fourth in a family of nine children born to Peter and Phebe (Cotton) DeWit, who were both natives of Kentucky. They came to Shelby County in March, 1822, and settled in what is now Union Township, the first family locating in that township. They continued residents of the county until their deaths, he dying December, 1837, and she June 16,"^ 1867. Hiram remained at home until he attained the age of twenty-two years, receiving, what was for those days a common school education in the primitive log school-houses of that time. May 20, 1840, his marriage with Mary E. Gunning was solemnized, and to their union eight children were born; the six now living are: Hiram W., David, James, Mary E., Phebe A., and Peter M. Mr, DeWitt has always made farming his occupation, and he has been (|uite successful. He now owns eighty-five acres of well improved land. He united with the Blue River Baptist Church about forty-five years ago. In politics he is a Democrat, and has been honored with election to the offices of Township Trustee and Constable.

Allen T. DeWitt, a descendant of Peter DeWitt, the first settler of what is now Union Township, was born November 19, 1 85 1, being the next eldest child and only one surviving of Robert Wesley and Milla (Berry) DeWitt. Peter DeWitt came to Shelby County and settled on Little Blue River, about 182 1. His wife was Phoebe Cotton ; they reared a family of six children, of whom but one is now Hving, Hiram. The family have, with one exception, made this and the adjoining county of Rush, their home. Robert Wesley DeWitt was born March 5, 1824. He was united in marriage with Milla Berry, October 14, 1849. "^1"^*^}" were the parentsof four children: Phebe A., deceased, Allen T., Sarepta, deceased, Landa, deceased. He died January 13, 1876. His widow still survives him and has attained the good old age of about sixty 3'ears. Our immediate subject has always lived on the old home farm. Pie received a limited education, his help being needed on the farm, which he has greatly supplemented by reading and study" and contact with business men in the affairs of life. March 23, 1879, his marriage with Elizabeth H. Gunning was solemnized. Mr. DeWitt has always followed agricultural pursuits and he has. been quite successful. He now owns eighty acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of the Blue River Baptist Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and he always manifests a good live interest in the political affair of the county and community in which he lives, where he enjoys the respect and esteem of those that know him.

John Gahimer, of Union Township, is a native of Rush County, born December 10, 1837, being the fourth in a family of eight children, born to Jacob and Mary (Deprez) Gahimer, who were both natives of Germany. They emigrated to the United States about the year 1833, and came immediately to Rush County, where they settled, and where the former is still living. The latter died March 14, 1882. John remained at home and helped his parents on the farm until he attained the age of twentythree years, receiving a very limited English education. March 26, 185 1, his marriage with Barbara Hauck was solemnized, and to their union these six children have been born : John, Andrew, Mary, Jacob, Kate and Emma. In 185 1, Mr. Gahimer located in Shelby Count}^, where he has since lived. He has always made farming his occupation, and he has been very successful. He now owns 414 acres of well improved land. He and family, with the

Philipp Haehl is a native of Rheinpfalz, German}', born November lo, 183 1, being the youngest in a family of eleven children, born to George Michael and Maria Katrina (Becker) Haehl, who were also natives of Germany. They emigrated to the United States and Shelby County in 1S33, where they continued to live until their deaths; he died in 1850, and she in 1863. Our subject always made his home with his parents until their deaths. He received a very limited education in his mother tongue. September 8, 1853, his marriage with Anna M. Kuhn was solemnized, and to their union six children have been born, these five now living: Mary Amelia, Julia A., deceased, John H., Emeline, Sophia L. and Daniel. Mr. Haehl has followed agricultural pursuits and he has been very successful. He now owns a tine, well improved farm of 171 acres. He and wife are members of St. Zion's German Protestant Church, and he is always a liberal contributor to the support of that organization, having donated the land on which the church is situated. In politics he is a Democrat.

George Haehl, a native of Union Township, was born January 6, 1849, ^^^^ third in a family of live children, born to John and Marv C. (Zeisz) Haehl, who were both natives of Germany. Both emigrated with their parents to Shelby Count}^, about 1829, and continued residents of the county ever afterward, he dying in 1855; his widow still survives him, and has attained the good age of sixty-one years. Our immediate subject remained at home and assisted his parents, until he attained the age of twenty-three 3^ears, receiving a common school education. December 7, 187 1, his marriage with Catherine Kuhn was solemnized, and to their union these eight children have been born: Polina O., Henr}^ A., George W., Mary F., John R., Ida A., Ella C. and Laura L. Mr. Haehl has always made farming his occupation, and he has been very successful. He now owns 160 acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of St. Zion's German Protestant Church, of which he is the present incumbent of the position of one of its Trustees. In politics he is a Democrat.

John M. Hawkins is a native of the Kingdom of Bavaria, born at Baireith, May 17, 1834, being the youngest in a famih' of two children, born to George and Barbara (Myer) Hawkins. In 1838, the family emigrated to the United States, coming immediately to Indiana, reaching Shelby County, Januar}^ i, 1839, and settling in Union Township, where they continued to live until their deaths, the latter dying in 1852, and the former in 1856. John M. remained with and assisted his parents until their deaths, receiving a very limited German education, mostly all obtained by reading without the aid of a teacher. October 31, 1856, his marriage with Mary A. Kney was solemnized, and to their union live children have been born, these four now living: Mary A., Maggie, Carrie and Lizzie ; the deceased child was George M. Mr. Hawkins has always made farming his occupation, and he has been very successful. He now owns 157 acres of well improved land, all the accumulation of his own industry and economy-. He and family are members of the German Protestant Church. In politics he has always been a Democrat, but never sought political preferment.

JoHX Hester, a native of Stokes County, N. C, was born August 31, 181 3, the youngest and onlv surviving child of a famih' of nine children, born to John and Mildred (Crews) Hester, who were both natives of Granville County, N. C, where they were reared to man and womanhood, and married there. They remained residents of Stokes Countv until their deaths. Our immediate subject remained with his mother, his father having died when he was only a babe, until he attained the age twentv vears, receiving a common school education, such as the facihties of those days afforded. December 25, 1833, his marriage with Malinda McCaleb was solemnized, and to their union six children were born, of whom these three are now living: Newton H., John H. and Sarah A. October, 1849, ^^ suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. October 22, 1850, his and Emahne (Linville) Zike's nuptials were celebrated, and to their union these four children have been born: Jacob, whose consort was Jennie Talbert; Benjamin F., who married Frances M. Hicks ; Jasper, whose wife was Leona L. Fisher, and Clara F., now Mrs. Lee Rigsby. By a former marriage, Mrs. Hester had these two children : Joseph and John W. In 1845, Mr. Hester emigrated to and settled in this county where he has ever since lived, settling in Union Township. " He has always made farming his occupation, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 235 acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. In politics he is a Democrat.

Ephraoi W. Hester, a native of what was then Stokes County, N. C, was born September 28, 1825, the eldest in a family of eleven children born to James and Abigail (Workman) Hester, who were also natives of North Carolina, from whence they emigrated to Indiana and Shelby County, in 1845, and they remained residents of this county untif their de^aths. Our immediate subject reniained at home and assisted his parents until he attained his majority, receiving a limited education such as the facilities of those days afforded. December 18, 1850, his marriage with Marv J. Golding was solemnized, and to their union twelve children have been born, these six now living: Alonzo P., Amanda J., Dorothy J., John L., James E., and Effie M. Mr. Hester has ah.vays made farming his occupation, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 120 acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity at Equity Lodge, at Manilla. In politics he is a Republican and was honored with an election to the office of Justice of the Peace for five terms, serving twenty-one years consecutively.

John Holbrook, of Union Township, is a native of Stokes County, N, C, born July 13, 1813, the sixth, and only one now surviving, of a family of ten children born to William and Luc}' (Crim) Holbrook, who were natives of North Carolina and Culpepper County, Va., respectively. They emigrated to hidiana and Shelby County, in 1826, and settled in Union Township, where they continued to reside until their deaths. Our immediate subject remained at home and assisted his parents until he attained his majority. He received no education, being compelled to assist his father in the maintenance of the family. His father was addicted to the habit of drinking having formed the habit through the indulgence of his parents who were extensive slaveholders in that day. John commenced life for himself as a laborer on the National road, in Wayne County, Ind., where he worked four months. He returned to Shelby Count}^, and immediately proceeded to Mississippi, where he lived two years, then came back to this county where he has since lived. February 11, 1836, his marriage with Mary A. Brown was solemnized, and to their union seven children have been born, these five now Hving: Robert W., William, Barbara, George W. and Levi. Mr. Holbrook has always made farming his occupation, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 280 acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church. In politics he is a Democrat, casting his first vote for Andrew Jackson.

George W. John, a citizen and native of Union Township, was born November 30, 1839, being the fifth in a family of eleven children born to William and Sarah (Headlee) John, who were both natives of Green County, Penn., where they grew to man and womanhood and were married. They came to Shelby County about 1832, and first settled in Addison Township, where they lived for a short period, and then moved to Rush County, residing there between one and two 3-ears, then came to Union Township, where the former continued to reside until his death, which occurred in June, 1859. ^"^^ widow^ survived him, and removed to Taylor County, Iowa, in 1868, and died there in May, 1883. Our immediate subject remained with and assisted his mother until he attained the age of twenty-five, receiving a common school education. January 12, 1865, his marriage with J uh a F. Linville was solemnized, and to their union these eight children have been born: Clark L., WilHam E., Nettie J., Cynthia P., Emma L., Wilbur D., Laura D. and Maggie. Mr. John's occupation has been principally farming, in connection with which, from the time he was eighteen years old, until he became thirtyfive, he taught school at intervals. He was also engaged in the hardware and agricultural implement business at Manilla for a period of sixteen months, and in all has been quite successful. He now owns 320 acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and he generally manifests a good live interest in the political affairs of the county and community in which he lives, where he enjoys the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens.

Andrew Kuhn, deceased. - He was a native of Rheinpfalz, Germany, where he was born, January 22, 1834. ^^ "^^'^^ ^^^ ^^^ of Andrew and Maria (Theobald) Kuhn, who were also natives of Rheinpfalz. They came to Shelby Count}' in the fall of 1847, and settled where their son Jacob now lives. Andrew remained at home and helped his parents on the farm until he attained the ase of twentv-seven vears. He received, for those times, a very good education, sufficient to enable him to teach, w^hich he did for, however, only one term. February 28, 1861, his marriage with Margaret Gaheimer w^as solemnized, and this union was blessed with five children : these four now living are : William G., Frederick J., John A., and George A.; the deceased child, was Caroline, the eldest, who died at the age of three years. Mrs. Kuhn was born September 7, 1840. She was the daughter of Jacob and Mary A. (Deprez) Gaheimer. Mr. Kuhn always followed agricultural pursuits, in which he was A'ery successful, ranking as one of the leading farmers of the community in which he lived, owning at the time of his death 200 acres of well improved land. He was, as are his wife and family, a member of the St. Zion's German Protestant Church, and he always endeavored to live a true and Christian life. He died January 28, 1881, and in his death the community lost an honored and respected citizen.^ one whose memory will be revered for years to come.

George M. Kuhn, a farmer of Union Township, is a native of Rheinpfalz, Bavaria, Germ an v, where he was born January 16, 1838, being the fourth in a familv of eleven children, born to Andrew^ and Mar}' (Theobald) Kuhn. The familv emigrated to the United States, coming immediately to Shelby County in 1847, settling in

Union Sketches. 77 1

Union Township, where they ever afterward made their home and where the former died, January, 1S70. George M. remained at home until he attained the age of twenty-three years, receiving a rood common school education. December 2S, 1861, his marria£fe with Mary C. Haug was solemnized, and to their union seven children have been born, these six now living: Mary C, now Mrs. Jacob Kuhn; Sarah, widow of Michael Bird; Edward, Charles, Emma and Richard. Mr. Kuhn has always made farming his occupation, and he has been very successful. He now owns 380 acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of St. Zion's German Protestant Church, of which he filled the position of Trustee a number of terms. In politics he is a Republican, but never sought any political preferment.

Daniel Kuhn, of Union Township, is a native of Rheinpfalz, Germany, born April 25, 1842, the son of Andrew and Maria (Theobald) Kuhn, who were also born at Rheinpfalz. They came to the United States the latter part of 1847, coming immediately to Shelby County, and settled on the farm where their son Jacob now lives and where the father died. Daniel remained at home and assisted his parents until he attained the age of twenty-four years, receiving a common school education such as the schools of those davs afforded. September 23, 1866, his marriage with Louisa Haehl was solemnized, and to their union six children have been born, these four now living: Otilda, Herman, Louisa and Nora. The deceased children were Julius and infant unnamed. Mr. Kuhn has always made farming his occupation, and he has been very successful. He now owns 240 acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of the St. Zion's German Protestant Church. In politics he is a staunch Republican.

Jacob Kuhn, Sr., of Union Township, is a native of Rheinpfalz, Germany, born October 2, 1843, the next youngest in a family of nine children, born to Andrew and Anna Maria (Theobald) Kuhn, who were also natives of Rheinpfalz. They came to the United States in 1847, and settled on the farm where our subject now lives, in March 1848, and they ever since continued residents of this county. The father died January, 1870; his widow still survives him and has attained the good old age of seventy-eight years. Jacob has always lived at the old homestead. He received a common school education. November 9, 1873, his marriage with Elizabeth Kney, was solemnized, and to their union seven children have been born, these six now living: Anna M., Andrew J., Edward P., Elbert C, Katie and Walter H. Mr. Kuhn has always made farming his occupation, and he has been very successful. He now owns 218 acres of well improved land. He and wife are members

Jacob Kuhn, Jr., an enterprising citizen of Union Township, is a native of Rheinpfalz, Germany, born August 4, 1849, the youngest in a family of four children, born to George M. and Sophia (Silbemeger) Kuhn, who were also born in Rheinpfalz. The}' came to the United States in 1853, coming immediately to Shelb}^ County, and settled in Union Township, where they ever since made their home, the father dying February 24, 1886, the mother is still living and has attained the good old age of seventysix years. He received a common school education, such as the schools of the vicinity afforded. November 7, 1878, his marriage with Mary Louisa Kuhn was solemnized, and to their union six children have been born, these four now living: Arno Michael, Sophia Maria, Reinhold George and Lillie May. Mr. Kuhn has always made farming his occupation, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 167 acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of the St. Zion's German'Protestant Church. In politics he is a Democrat.

Jacob Keppel, a prominent citizen and native of Union Township, was born April 11, 1841, the second in a family of three children born to John G. and Susan (Carpenter) Keppel, who were natives of Germany and Pennsylvania, respectively. They came to Shelby County about 1833, and settled on the farm where Jacob now lives, and where they lived until their deaths, he dying in 1861, and she in 1874. Our subject has always resided at the old homestead, receiving a limited education in consequence of the poor facilities of those days. February 28, 1866, his marriage with Mary C. Coers was solemnized, and to their union ten children were born, of whom these seven are now living: William E., Mary E., Jacob D., John H., George C, Charles F., and Barbara E. June 14, 1 88 1, he suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. Mr. Keppel has always followed agricultural pursuits and he has been very successful. He now owns no acres of well improved land. He belongs to St. Zion's German Protestant Church, having served as Trustee in that organization. In politics he is a Democrat, and for the past five years has had the direction of the school for his district.

Lewis Linville, an old citizen of Union Township, is a native of Stokes Count}^ N. C, born September 28, 1818, the eldest in a family of six children born to John and Frances (Crim) Linville, who were also natives of North CaroHna. The}" came to Shelby County in 1829, and settled in Union Township, remaining, with the exception of four years, when they lived in Howard Count}-, resi- dents of this county, until their deaths. Lewis remained with and assisted his parents until he attained his majority, receiving a very limited education, mostly obtained in the primitive log school-houses of those daN's. November, 1839, his marriage with Sarah Zike was solemnized and to their union nine children were born, these six now living: James M., Nancy (Rhodes), Lorenzo, Hester (Nigh), George and John. September, 1869, he lost his wife by death. June 2, 1870, his and Alice DeBelFs nuptials were celebrated, and two children have blessed their union, Elbert, born March 20, 187 1, and Charles, born May 6, 1875. I" 1861, Mr. Linville enlisted in Company F, Fifty-first Indiana Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, where he served for three years, and was honorably discharged at Nashville in 1864. He was present and participated in the following important engagements: Shiloh, Stone River, Chattanooga and first day's fight at Nashville, and numerous minor" skirmishes. Mr. Linville has always made farming his occupation and he has been reasonably successful. He now owns 100 acres. He is a member of the Baptist Church. In politics he is a Republican.

William G. Macy, of Union Township, is a native of Iredell County, N. C, and was born September 28, 1836, being the seventh in a family of eleven children, born to William and Rachel (Worth) Macy, the former a native of Stokes Count}', N. C, and the latter of Yadkin County, N. C, the former born December 6, 1797, and the latter born December 7, 1804; they were married in our subject's native count}^ William G. grew to manhood in that county, remaining with his parents until he attained the age of twenty-four years, receiving a common school education, what would now be termed a rather limited one. In i860, he emigrated to Indiana, stopping for a period of twelve months in Wayne County, coming to Shelby County, in 1861, where he has since made his home, with the exception of about six years when he resided in Rush County. March 5, 187 1, his marriage Avith Caroline Barnard was solemnized, and to their union five children have been born, these three now living: Ida L., Carey F. and Jesse E. Mr. Macy has always made farming his occupation, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 140 acres of well improved land, all the accumulation of his own industry and economy. He and family are members of the Friends Church. In politics he is a Republican, and under the law of 1S82, he was honored with an appointment of Road Master. March 15, 1878, the mother of our subject died in North Carolina, and the father the following December, came to this county, to finish his days with his children, and died January 25, 1887. Thomas Mac}^ of the seventh generation counting from the birth of

Daniel Meltzer, of Union Township, is a native of Dearborn Count}^, Ind., born February 26, 1849, being the fourth in a :familv of twelve children born to John F. and Sallie (Fuchs) Meltzer, who were both natives of Germany. They came to the United States in 1841. They returned from Ohio to Shelby County in 1842. Daniel remained at home and assisted his parents until he attained the age of twenty-three 3^ears, receiving a common school education. December 25, 1873, his marriage with Lavina Fuchs was solemnized, and to their union these four children have been born: Jacob D., Frederick W., Maggie F. and Minnie. For twelve years Mr. Meltzer followed carpentering, but since his marriage he has made farming his occupation, and he has been quite successful. He now owns seventy-four and one-half acres of well improved land. He and wife aremembers of the St. Zion's German Protestant Church. In politics he is a Democrat.

Thomas Moberly, a citizen of Union Township, is a native of Madison Count}', K}^, and was born January 20, 182 1, being the next eldest in a family of three children born to Wilham and Martha (Robertson) Moberly, who were natives of North Carolina and Madison County, Ky., respectively, of whom both died in Kentucky, the latter when Thomas was about three j^ears of age. James Robertson, uncle of our subject, came to Shelby County about 1822. After the death of Thomas's mother, when he was about four years old, he came to live with his uncle, Robertson, by whom he was reared to manhood, receiving, what was for those days, a good education. February, 1842, his marriage with Miss Julilah Barnes was solemnized, and to their union these six children have been born: John M., who married Miss Mary De- Witt; William, whose wife was Missouri Woodan; James, Mary, now Mrs. Dr. A. M. Pherson; Martha, and Edward, whose consort was Carrie Yarling. Mr. Moberly has always made farming hiis occupation, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 150 acres of land; he originally had about 400 acres, but started each of his children in life with some land, all the accumulation of bis own industry and economy. He and his wife are members of the Baptist Church. In politics, he is a Republican, and he has b)een honored with an election to the office of Justice of the Peace, for nine successive terms of four years each.

H. C. Pitts, a prominent citizen of Union Township, is a native of Forsythe County, North Carolina, near Kennersville, where he was born February 21, 1850, being the eldest in a family of ten children born to Branson and Luzena (Cofiin) Pitts, who were both also natives of North CaroHna. They emigrated from their native State to Indiana and Shelby County, August, 1864 They settled in Union Tov/nship, where the father died July, 1884. His widow still survives him and lives at the old homestead. H. C. remained at home until he attained the age of thirty-two years, receiving a collegiate education at Spiceland, '72, '73, and Northern Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso, the summers of '78 and '79. April 30, 1832, his marriage with Florella E. Rigsbee, was solemnized, and to their union these two children have been born: Lois V. and Wendell H. For the past five years his principal occupation has been farming and stock raising, prior to that he taught school at intervals for ten years. Mr. Pitts is quite a student, has a large private librar}' of miscellaneous books. He and family are members of the Friends Church. In politics he is a Republican, and was honored in 1884, with an election to the office of Township Trustee, and re-elected in 1886, and is the present incumbent of that position. From a business point of view he has been quite successful. He now owns 104 acres, mostly the accumulation of his own industry and economy.

Valentine Posz, a prominent old citizen of Union Township, is a native of Rheinpfalz, Germany, born January 15, 1830, the son of John Adam and Margaret (Schuhmacher) Posz. Valentine grew to manhood in his native country, receiving a good common school education in the schools there. In 1852, he emigrated to the United States. He stopped for one year in Cincinnati, coming to Shelby County in 1853, and has always hved in the county since. March 9, 1854, his marriage with Margaret Becker was solemnized and to their union nine children have been born, these eight now living : Mary, wife of Daniel Callahan ; Catharine, unmarried ; Adam, Emma; Maggie, now Mrs. John Gaheimer; Conrad, George and Barbara. Mr. Posz has always made farming his occupation, and he has been very successful. He now owns 120 acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of the St. Zion's German Protestant Church. His political views are Democratic.

Oliver Swain, of Union Township, is a native of Union County, Ind., born December 22, 1829, being the next youngest in a family of four children, born to Elihu and Hannah (Stanton) Swain, who were natives of North Carolina and Virginia, respectively. They came to Union County in a very early day, where they continued most of the time until their deaths, he dying in 1839. His widow survived him, married again, and lived for a time in Ohio, but returned to the old homestead and died there October, 1886, in her eighty-second 3^ear. Oliver remained with his parents and assisted them until he attained the age of twent}-- years, receiving a common school education, such as the facilities of those days afforded. Mr. Swain has always made farming his occupation, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 193 acres of well improved land. He and family are members of the Friends ChurCh. He has always been a Republican since the organization of the party, and he usually manifests a good live interest in the political affairs of the Nation, State and county in which he lives, where he enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know him.

Joseph Talbert, deceased, was a native of North Carolina, where he was boi-n August 13, 1774. Rahah Beason was also a native of North Carolina, born July 30, i779- They were married, and most of their family were born in that State. They came to Indiana in a vers' early day, and were the parents of twelve children, as follows: Thomas, Edward, William, Polly, Jesse, Elizabeth, Anderson, Margaret, Paris C, Sally, Charity and Joseph A. Paris C. was born March 3, 1814. January 11, 1838, his and Nancy Sleeth's, daughter of Judge John Sleeth, nuptials were celebrated, and to their union ten children were born. Paris C. Talbert died December 3, 1864. His wife was born March 12, 181 7, and still survives him. Paris C. was an extensive farmer, owning at the time of his death over 400 acres of well improved land. Of his children, these five are now living: Sylvanus, William, Louise J., now JNIrs. Bower; Barton M. and Madison. The latter was born December 11, 1855. He was reared to manhood in Union Township, remaining at home and assisting his mother until he attained the age of twenty-three years, receiving a limited education, his help being needed on the farm. April 12, 1879, -^^^ marriage with Capitola E. Gunning was solemnized, and to their union these three children have been born: John W., Clara B. and Walter B. He has always made farming his occupation, and he has been very successful. He now owns 180 acres of well improved land. In politics he is a Republican.

Barton M. Talbert was born in Union Township, February 20, 1854. ^^ ^^''''^^ reared to manhood on the farm, remaining at home until he attained the age of twenty-three years, receiving a common school education owing to his help being needed on the farm, and sickness. March 21, 1S77, his marriage with Margaret J. Fisher was solemnized, and to their union these five children have been born: Luella, Arthur F., Effie A., Lizzie M., and Lelia A. Fie has always made farming his occupation and he has been very successful. He now owns 256 acres of well improved land. His political views are Republican.

and Catherine (Haehl) Theobald, who were also natives of Germany. The family emigrated to the United States in 1840, coming immediately to Shelby Count}', settling in Union Township, where they continued to reside until their deaths, the latter dying in 1875, and the former in 1881. Our subject remained with his parents about one year after their settlement in the countv. He received a good education in his native country and mother tongue. November II, 1845, his marriage with Catherine Haehl was solemnized, and to their union twelve children have been born, these ten now living: John J., who married Rosina Haehl; Julia E., wife of Henrj'Weingarth; Charles H., whose consort was Sophia L. Haehl; Rosa, now Mrs. G. G. Winters; Caroline E., unmarried; Louisa, wife of George Fuchs; George H., who espoused Elizabeth Ilorst; Julius E., Theodore and William. Mr. Theobald has always made farming his occupation, and he has been very successful. He now owns 260 acres of well improved land. He and familv are members of the St. Zion's German Protestant Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and he has never sought any political preferment.

Jacob H. Thomas, merchant, grain dealer and proprietor of the saw^ mill located at Ray's Crossing, is a native of Ripley County, Ind., born March 5, 1827, being the fourth in a family of eight children, born to George and Elizabeth (Elder) Thom!is, who were both natives of Tennessee. They came to Indiana in a very early day, located for a time in Ripley County, then removed to Rush County, where the}^ continued to reside until their deaths, both dying in the year 1869. ^^^ immediate subject remained with and assisted his parents on the farm until he attained his majority, receiving a common school education. December, 1847, his marriage with Elizabeth Hefiin was solemnized, and to their union' two children were born, this one now living, Mary E., now Mrs. James Muse. June 8, 1854, ^^^- Thomas suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. March 29, 1855, his and Amanda Bramble's nuptials were celebrated, and one child blessed their union, since deceased. Their union was also of comparative short duration, death removing her January 8, 1857. March 19, 1859, Delilah Titus became his wife. By her he is the father of two children: James J., who married Eliza J. Branson, and William R. August 8, 1866, death again visited the home of Mr. Thomas, taking his companion. In 1876, he became a permanent resident Shelb}', and engaged at times since at grain dealing and saw milling. In 1878, he established his store. From a financial point of \'iew, Mr. Thomas has been quite successful. He is a member of the Independent Order of Red Men. In politics he has alwavs taken a part, and always manifests a good, live interest in

Henry Weingarth is a native of Bavaria, Germany, and was born January 5, 1844, being the fifth in a family of seven children born to Henry and Barbara (Zimpelmann) Weingarth, who were also natives of Germany. They emigrated to the United States in 1852, and landed at New Orleans, where the father died in April of the following year. The family then came to Shelb}^ County, where his widow lived until 1867, when she also died, at New Orleans, while on a visit to one of her daughters who had remained there. At the early age of nine years our subject was thrown upon his own resources. He made his home at different places in the community, when he enlisted in Company K, Eighteenth Regiment of Indiana Volunteer Infantry, where he served three years, and was honorably discharged at Indianapolis, August 20, 1864. He was present and participated in the following important engagements: Pea Ridge, all the battles incident to the seige and capture of Vicksburg, Fort Esparanza, Texas, and numerous minor skirmishes. February 22, 1868, his marriage with Julia Theobald was solemnized, and to their union these eight children have been born: Albert, Charles, George, Katie, Nora, Emma, Louise and Nellie. His principal occupation has always been farming, in connection with which he taught school for about eighteen years, and he has been quite successful, now owning 160 acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of St. Zion's German Protestant Church. He also belongs to the I. O. O. F., Blue Ridge Lodge No. 554. His political views are Republican, and he was honored with an election to the ofhce of Township Trustee in 1880, and re-elected in 1882.

Jacob R. Westerfield is a native of Henry Count}^ Ind., born July 3, 1830, being the youngest of a family of seven children born to John, M. and Nancy (Downmg) Westerfield, who were both natives of Ohio. Februar}', 1833, the famil}^ removed from Henry County, to a farm three miles south of Manilla, where he continued to practice his profession, that of physician. In 1838, they removed to Manilla, where he died in 1840. He had an extensive practice m this and Rush County. Jacob remained with his mother until her death, which occurred June 10, 1849. He received a limited education, such as the facilities of the neighborhood schools of those days afforded. January 8, 185 1, his marriage with Nancy Headlee occurred, and to their union five children were born, these two are now living : Mary A., widow of Franklin Talbert; Sarilda, now Mrs. Kimball Barnes. February 7, 1862, Mrs. Westerfield died. February 12, 1863, his and Mary J. Hurst's nuptials were celebrated, and this union has been blessed with these five children: Granville G., Roscoe W., Maggie E., Erastus and John E. Mr. Westerfield has alwaj's been farming, in connection with which, from 1859 ^^ 1866, he operated a saw and grist mill, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 130 acres of well improved land. In politics he is a Republican, and he usually manifests a good live interest in the political affairs of the county and community in which he lives. Mrs. Westerfield was born July 23, 1833, she was a daughter of Elder Emmons Hurst, a minister of Baptist denomination of considerable note in this section of the State.

Tevis Wheeler, a citizen and native of Union Township, was born July 5, 1839, ^^^ seventh in a family of eleven children born to Reason and Polly (Batterton) Wheeler, who were both natives of Madison County, Ky.; the former was born January 10, 1803, and the latter April 16, 1805; they married in their native county October 13, 1825; two years later, in 1827, they came to Shelby County, and settled on the farm where Tevis now lives, and where they lived the rest of their days, she dying May 20, 1878, and he January 3, 1882. Our immediate subject always lived at the old homestead, caring for his parents in their declining years. He received a common school education, such as the schools of the vicinity afforded. February 14, 1870, his marriage with Nancy J. Cooper was solemnized, and to then- union one child has been born^ Jeremiah. Mr. Wheeler, like his father before him, has always made farming his occupation, and he has been quite successful. He now owns 160 acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church. In politics he is a Republican. '

Thomas Wicker, an old resident of Union Township, is a native of Stokes County, N. C, born March 9, 1821, being the eighth in a family of eleven children, born to Talley and Betty Ann (Linville) Wicker, who were both also natives of North Carolina. They emigrated to Shelby County in 1827, settling in Union Township, December 6, of that year, where they continued to reside until their death, the former dying August 26, 1854, aged nearly seventyone years, and the latter, December 4, 1870, at the good old age of eighty-three years and seven months. Our immediate subject remained with his parents until he attained the age of twenty-seven years, receiving what was for those days, a good education, such as was to be obtained in the subscription schools those da3'S afforded, in keeping with the primitive log school-houses of that time. February 28, 1842, his marriage with Nancy Zike was solemnized, and to their union eleven children have been born, of whom these eleven are now Hving: William T., David, Catharine,

Mary E., Sarah A., Dorothy, Nancy J., Hester A., Thomas N., Jasper L. and George A. Mr. Wicker has always made farming his occupation, and he has been very successful. He now owns 217 acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church. In politics he is a Republican, but has never sought any political preferment.

William R. Zike, farmer and stock raiser, and native of Union Township, was born August 3, 1S51, being the third in a family of nine children born to William and Mary (Phares) Zike, who were natives of Kentucky and Maryland, respectively. They both came to this count}' with their parents in a very early day, and remained residents. WiUiam R. remained at home and assisted his parents until he attained his majority, receiving a good common education, sutiicjent to enable him to teach, which he did at intervals for ten vears. November 2, 187 1, his marriage with Cynthia E. Talbert, was solemnized, and to their union five children have been born, of whom these four are now living: William W., Joseph F., Eddie E., and Mary E. He has alway made farming his occupation, and in connection, he has devoted a great deal of attention to breeding and raising line cattle of the Short Horn variety, and he has been verv successful. He now owns 150 acres of well improved land. He also has a tine herd of cattle. He and wife are members of the United Brethren Church. He is a man of pronounced temperance views, and as such votes the Prohibition ticket.

Van Buren Sketches

Caroline Boring was born in Rush County, November 27, 1824, and is the sixth of eight children born to Wilham and Mary (Wheeler) McCartey, natives of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Kentuck}^ in an earlv day, and afterward came to Indiana, and settled in Rush Countv, and there lived until 1862, when they came to Shelb}'' County, and here her father died in 1869, in his seventy- sixth year, and the mother died two years previous in her seventy-fifth vear. Mrs. Boring was married to Jacob L. Boring, a native of Ohio, born October, 1821; he was a son of Jacob and Catharine (Ruskiser) Boring. Seven children were the production of that marriage, viz. : William, born 1842; Cyrus, born 1844; Lawrence, born 1846; Mar}-, born 1849, anddiedin i85o;FrankP., born 1853; Jacob, born 1855 and John L., born 1858. Byoccupation the husband of Mrs. Boring was a farmer, which he continued until his death in August, 1865. Mrs. Boring now owns 200 acres of well improved land, and is a devoted member of the Methodist

Van Burex Sketches. 7S1

Protestant Church. C3'rus Boring remained at home until twentytwo years of age, when he was married to Catharine J. Winston, who was born in Shelby County, and is the mother of these nine children : Jacob L., William R., Irvin, Lawrence, Adda M., Flora B., JNIary E., Franklin W. and George C. In 1878, Mr. Boring was elected Trustee of Van Buren Township. He began teaching school when nineteen N'ears of age, and continued that occupation until 1885. He now owns forty acres of land in Van Buren Township, is a Mason and a member of the Methodist Protestant Church. John L. Boring, another member of this family, was reared on the old home farm and received a fair education, is by occupation a farmer and owns a sixty-acre farm. He was married in 1877, to Miss Mary, daughter of John and Sarah (Lapham) Hendricks, and is the mother of these two children: Emilv L. and Eunice P. Jacob W. Boring, another representative of this family, received an ordinarv education and at nineteen years of afje was married to Miss Lucinda Crud, who was born in Shelby Count}', and is the daughter of Allen and Louisa (Ballard) Crud, natives of Ohio and Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Boring are the parents of four children, viz. : Addie L., Mvrtle, Murry E. and Ezra L. Mr. Borino- continued farmini*' until 1882, when he en^aijed in the merchandise business in Carlton, Ind., which he continued one year, and then resumed his former occupation. His farm consists of nearly 100 acres. Politically, he is a Democrat, and a member of the Methodist Protestant Church.

Joseph E. Campbell was born in Shelby County, August 7, 1843, being the fourth of ten children, born to John and Ametia (Ruggles) Campbell, and is of Irish origin. The grandparents of Mr. Campbell came to Indiana in a very early day, and first settled in Franklin County, and later removed to Rush County, and then came to Shelby County. The parents of our subject were married in Shelby Count}-, and began life for themselves in Moral Township, where the mother of Mr. Campbell still lives on the old home farm, and where his father died in 1880. The subject of this biography was raised on the farm, and at the common schools obtained a fair education. He remained at home until eighteen years of age when he enlisted in Company I, Fifty-first Indiana Volunteers. He was at the siege of Corinth, battles of Stone River, Franklin and Nashville. For four years and three months he served his country in that memorable and terrible conflict. After the war he engaged in farming, which he continued until 1884, when he began general merchandising at Fountaintown, and which he still continues, and is doing a good business. Mr. Campbell was married in the spring of 1866, to Miss Matilda Ruggles, a

William B. Davis, a native of Union County, Ind., was born August 16, 1847, and is the second of eleven children born to David T. and Rachel (Snodgrass) Davis, natives of Pennsylvania and Indiana. His father was born in 181 7, and came to Indiana in 1839. The mother of Mr. Davis was born in 1825. The maternal grandfather af Mr. Davis was a soldier in the War of 181 2. By occupation, the father of our subject was a carpenter, and now resides in Hancock County. Mr. Davis was reared on a farm, and received an ordinar}' education. His life has been that of a farmer, and he now owns 140 acres of land in Van Buren Township, where he now resides. January 2, 1873, he was united in marriage to Fannie, daughter of Nathan and Phebe (Trimble) Moon, natives of Kentucky and Ohio. To this marriage have been born these children: Isaac, born October 23, 1873; Mona, born December 24, 1874, ^^^^ Ma}' 5, J[877; Nathan David, born Januar}^ 22, 1877. He is a Republican, and a prosperous farmer.

Jacob K. Miller was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, Februar}^ 7, 1835, and is the ninth of seventeen children born to Jacob and Elizabeth (Kem) Miller, and is of German descent. The Miller family emigrated to Ohio in 1826, and settled in Fairfield County, and, in 1839, came to Shelby County, Ind., and settled in Van Buren Township, and here the father of Mr. Miller died in 1850, and the mother in 1887. Mr. Miller was reared on a farm, and received a limited education. His life work has been that of a " tiller of the soil," and he now ov/ns a valuable farm in this township. He was married November 25, 1858, to Miss Eliza T. Bass, born in Shelby County, January 6, 1843, and is a daughter of George and Anna (Copple) Bass, natives of North Carolina, who emigrated to this count}^ and settled in this township in 1830. To Mr. and Mrs. Miller were born the following children : Nicholas A., Anna M., Lewis C, Noah L., and Cynthia F. Mr. Miller is a Republican, and he and wife are members of the United Brethren Church, and he is an industrious and honorable citizen.

Jacob S. Nigh, a native of Shelby County, was born December 8, 1845, and is the youngest of eleven children, born to John and Cynthia (Fix) Nigh, natives of Pennsylvania, who emigrated to Indiana and settled in Shelby Countv, in an early day. The father of Mr. Nigh died August 26, 1856, and his mother September 4th, of the same year. The subject of this biography, was a student at the common schools of this county, and at which he received a fair education. Mr. Nigh was a member of Company E, One Hundred and Second Regiment Indiana Volunteers, of the one hundred days' service, and in 1864 he again enlisted in Company F, Indiana Volunteers, and served until the close of the war. Returning home he engaged in farming and now owns 100 acres of tine land, in Van Buren Township, where he now resides^' In politics he is a Republican, and in 1884 was elected Trustee of Van Buren Township, and two years later was re-elected to the .same oflice, and is without question one of the best Trustees the township has ever had. January 15, 1870, he was united to Miss Mary E. Wicker, a native of this country, born October 27, 1847, and daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Zike~) Wicker, native of North Carolina. The following children survive their mother, who died September 4, 1886: Minnie, born December 23, 1870; Nannie, born September 23, 1872; Thomas A., born March 10, 1876; Verly M., born September 7, 1878 and Mary L., born October 20, 1880. Mr. Nigh is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, .and is a man in prominence in this countv.

Dr. William M. Pierson, a native of Indiana, was born August 10, 1850, and is the 3^oungest of two children, born to Morris and Lucena (Burtch) Pierson, natives of Vermont and New York, respectively. His father emigrated to Indiana, and settled in Switzerland County, in 1816, where he was married to Eliza Monroe, who departed life in 1844. In 1827, he came to Hancock County, and was the first Treasurer of that county, and also held the offices of Surveyor and Civil Engineer. He died in 1878, in the eighty-fourth year of his acje. The mother of Mr. Pierson came to Indiana with her parents, and settled in Dearborn County, and in 1826, came to Shelby County, and in 1838, was married to Dr. William Silcox, who died five years later, and in 1844, Mrs. Dr. Silcox, was married to the father of our subject, and now resides in Greenfield, Indiana. The subject of this biograph}' was educated at the public schools of Greenfield, and at the Normal College at Lebanon, Ohio. Having served an apprenticesphip at the painting trade for three years, and later for one year, was engaged as a drug clerk, and then in the office of Dr. Adams, of Greenfield, he began the studv of medicine. Continuing with Dr. Adams for three years, he then attended the Indiana Medical College, and graduated in 1874, and has since successfully continued the practice of his profession, at Fountaintovvn. Dr. Pierson was married June 11, 1878, to Miss E. B., daughter of Hon. Jacob and Maria (Snepp) Mutz, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. To Dr. and Mrs. Pierson were born these children : Oscar (deceased), Dessie M., Alma, and an infant daughter, 3'et unnamed. He is a Republican, a Mason and a K. of P. Dr. Pierson is a careful practitioner, and has attained for himself a lucrative practice.

Mrs. Riioda A. Rigdox, a native of Shelb}- County, was born May 9, 1826; she is the daughter of Henry and Sarah (Pannel) Coalscott, natives of Maryland and Indiana. The subject of this biograph}' was married in 1S55, to William J. Buckingham, who was born in Ohio, December 22, 1833. He was a soldier in the late war, enlisting in Compan}- E, Seventy-ninth Indiana Volunteers, in August, 1862, and died at Nashville, Tenn., December 3, 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Buckingham were the parents of two children: Sarah A. and James W. Mrs. Buckingham was married in 1868, to William Rigdon, who was born in Fleming County, Ky., March 11, 1822, and was the son of James and Nanc}' (Shelly) Rio'don, natives of Scotland and Ireland. His father was a soldier in the War of 181 2. To the Rigdon-Buckingham union, were born three children, viz. : Charles A., Thaddeus L., and an infant that died unnamed. The Rig-don family came to* Indiana in 1826, and settled in Rush County. In early life Mr. Rigdon began the study of. medicine in the office of Dr. Kennedy, where he remained sometime, and in 1854, gi"aduated from the Cincinnati Medical College, and for a number of years thereafter he was engaged in the practice of his profession in the northern part of Shelby Count}'. Early in life Dr. Rigdon became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and later in life he joined and became a minister of the Methodist Protestant Church, and was admitted to the Indiana Conference about 1863. As a preacher. Rev. Rigdon was comprehensive and earnest; as a physician he was successful, and as a citizen he enjoyed the confidence of all who knew him. Mrs. Rigdon is a woman of culture and has been* lonp; and favorably known in this part of the county.

John P. Wickliff was born in Shelb}', October 28, 1835, son of Thomas and Sarah (Whitehead) Wickliff, and is of Scotch-Irish descent. Mr. Wickliff received a good common school education. He was reared on the farm and remained upon his father's farm until about twenty years of age, when he was united in marriage to Miss Margarite Fox, a native of Shelb}- County, daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Reed) Fox, natives of North Carolina and Indiana, respectively. As a result of the above marriage are the following children: Eunice M., born August 7, 1858; Ida E., born December 30, 1861; Margarite C, born January 7, 1864; Mary F., born December 28, 1870, and Myrtle A., born January 12, 1873. Mr. Wickliff now owns more than 200 acres of good land, and is an industrious farmer. He is a Democrat in politics and for many years, has held an official connection in the Methodist Protestant . Church. He is a well thought of citizen, and a Christian gentleman.

Washington Sketches

Hon. Sidney Conger, present member of the Indiana House of Representatives for the counties of Marion, Shelby and Hancock, or what has long been known as the old capital district, is a native of this commonwealth, born in Shelby County April 28, 1850. He is a son of David and Sarah Conner, whose maiden name was Winterrovvds. The Conger famil}- came to Shelby County in early da3^s, and the father of Sidney was one of the pioneers of this county. By occupation he was a farmer. He died in this countv, February 6, 1887. Of seven children, four now live, of whom Sidney is the eldest. His early life was spent on the farm. He received a common school education, and his knowledge is of the practical kind, and on the questions of the day. His father being poor, he was forced early in life to start out for himself. His marriage took place in 1871. For five years he farmed rented land, and settled where he now lives in 1S74. He now owns 120 acres of fine and well cultivated land four miles from Flatrock. In 1875, Mr. Conger began pa3ing attention to hne stock and sheep, and subsequently, Jersey cattle. In 1877, he began breeding fine poultrv, and is now one of the recognized poultry men of the United States. In politics he has been successful as well as in farming. He is an uncompromising Republican. In 1882, he received the nomination and was elected Sheriff of Shelby County, though the county is Democratic. He made one of the best Sheriffs the county ever had. He was elected to the Indiana Assembly in 1886, by a majoritv of 387. He was a recognized leader and Chairman of the Committee on Fees and Salaries. He has always met with success in his journey through life, and has hosts of friends wherever known. He is a Mason and also a K. of P. His portrait appears on another page of this volume.

Henry M. Connelly, M. D., is a native of Illinois. Elijah Connelly, his father, moved to Illinois when but ten vears old, where he was reared as a farmer. He married Miss Koontz, who came to Illinois very young. He started out very poor, but succeeded in redeeming a large farm, which through misfortune, he afterward lost. Late in life he moved to Orey'on, where he died in 1882, at the age of sixty-one. His wife is still living. Dr. Connelly had a common school education and spent one 3-ear at Hartsviffe, Ind. He prepared himself for teaching, and by doing this was enabled later to take a thorough course at Hartsville, where he graduated in 1873. He then followed teaching, being Principal of Brookston Acade my at Rossville, Ills. In 1878, he began reading medicine at Elizabethtown, in the cfiice of Dr. K. D. Hawley. In 18S0, he entered the Medjcal College of Indiana, and graduated in 1882. He then located at Flatrock, where he has a large practice. In 1874, he married Miss Josie Powell, born March 28, 1852; she was the daughter of Robert and Rebecca Powell, natives of Virginia and Kentuck}'. By this marriage one child was born: Earl, born Mav 28, 18S6. Dr. Connelly gives his whole time to his profession, he is a thorough student and a rising man.

William M. Deiwert, Justice of the Peace, came to Shelby County when but four years old. He was reared a pioneer farmer boy and attended the common schools of that time. When twenty-one years old started in life for himself. In 1852, he started for the gold fields of California, crossing the plains with ox teams, and was on the road four months. He made a success here and returned home by the Isthmus of Panama in a steamer, and from there north by rail, arriving at home in June, 1859. He then engaged in farming. He located on the farm where he now lives in i860. He sold goods in Morristown, in 1867 and 1868. He was Postmaster of Winterrowd four years. Early in life he was a Whig, later a Douglas Democrat, and now a staunch Republican. He was elected Justice of the Peace in the fall of 1874, ^^^ ^^^ been re-elected three times, which will make a term of sixteen years. He is a member of the Ro3"al Arch Masons, and also of the Patrons of Husbandry. He was married Februar}^ 20, 1861, to Miss Eliza A. Newton, born in Hamilton, Ohio, November 28, 1837, a daughter of John Newton of Pennsylvania. By this marriage twelve children were born, of whom eight are now living; David J., John C, Linnis, Lottie, Katie, George, Edgar and Ethel. Mr. and Airs. Deiwert are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are highly esteemed where known. Mr. Deiwert was born March 2, 1828, in Montgomery County, Ohio. William Deiwert, his father, was born in 1788, near Portsmouth, Pennsylvania. He lived at home, working at the shoemaker's trade until 1808, when he started on foot for the west, and located in Montgomery County, Ohio. A few years later he married Miss Mow, born in Shelby County, Kentucky, March 5, 1792. Shortly after this he enlisted in the service of the United States, in the War of 181 2, and served a short time. He received a land warrant which secured him a piece of land in Iowa. In 1832, he moved to Shelby County, where he entered several tracts of land. Here he encountered manv hardships. He helped to organize his township. He succeeded in surrounding himself with the comforts of life, and died in 1862. His wife survived him several years and died at the age of eighty.

was born March 28, 1824, the eldest of five children bom to John M. and Hannah (Zeazel) Dodds, the former born in Pennsylvania, in September, 1800, and the latter in Virginia, in 1802. John Dodds came to Ohio when but a small child. Grandfather Dodds settled in Ohio prior to the War of 1812. John was married in earlv life and he farmed on 100 acres of land given to him by his father. He then engaged in merchandising until 1848, when he located at Blue River, near Shelbyville, where he purchased 330 acres of fine land. Here he lived a retired life, until he died. He reared four sons and a daughter to manhood and womanhood, of whom two sons are yet living, D. C. and James H., who live at Morristown, this county. He died in 1872, and his wife in the same year. D. C. Dodds remained at home until he was married, Ma}' II, 185 1, to Miss Hannah Marsh, of Butler County, Ohio. She was born May 17, 1837, a daughter of John and Ann (Ross) Marsh, both natives of Sussex County, N. J. Soon after his marriage he began merchandising, but in 1854, 8"^"^'e this up and began farming on Blue River. He remained here until 1870, when he purchased his present home. Soon after this he rented his farm and has lived a retired life. He has been Postmaster at Norristown for a period of eight years. He is a member of the Masonic order of Blue Lodge. He and his wife are among- the leadino- citizens of their township.

Joseph Fateley is a native of Virginia. His father, John Fateley, was a soldier in the War of 181 2. He was a farmer, and moved to Virginia in 1820, where he followed farming in Augusta County the rest of his life. In his early manhood he married Miss Barbara Beard, of German parentage. He died at the age of sixt^'-five in 1852, and his wife died when only forty-five years. He was married twice after her death. Joseph is the only son by his first marriage. When but fourteen years old he was obliged to start out for himself. In 1838, after a few years' hard work, he came to Shelby County, and stopped at Noble Township, where he is now living. After working seven 3^ears by the day or month, he saved enough money to buy eighty acres of land. He then was sick for a long time and lost his farm. He then began life anew in 1847. He was married October 26, 1847, to Miss Sarah J.Cookstin, of this county. She was born April 14, 1829. By hard work, Mr. Fateley has made a success of life, and has now a good farm and comfortable home. He is the father of eleven children, of whom nine are now living: Mariah, Elizabeth, Emma, Melissa, Franklin, David, Shelby, Laura, and William. He and his wife are members of the Separate Baptist Church, and are honored citizens.

Hon. C. Girton was born Jul}^ 14, 1825, in Butler County, Ohio. He was the eldest son of Jacob and Susannah (Hansel) Girton, who had six children. His father was born in Salem County, N. J., in 1799- In 1805, he moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. He moved back to Butler County with his father when he was fourteen. Here grandfather Girton redeemed a beautiful home that is now owned by Elizabeth McCully, the only living sister of our subject. Here Jacob Girton was reared. He gave exclusive attention to farming and milling. Early in life he built a grist mill and saw mill on Indian Creek. He came to Shelb}' County, Ind., and purchased the farm where his youngest son Adam Girton now lives. He died in February, 1873, aged seventy-four 3^ears, and his wife in September, 1884, aged eighty-four. Mrs. Girton was a native of Ohio, born in 1800, and was reared in Franklin County, Ind. Mr. Girton was well know and highl}'- respected. Hon. C. Girton was reared in Butler County, Ohio, and was a clerk in his father's store. At the age of eighteen he was able to see to his father's business, run the mills and tend store. He remained at home until he was married, March 4, 1849, to Miss Malinde Bake, of Butler County, Ohio. She was born in October, 1S25, and was a daughter of Mr. John Bake. Soon after his marriage he moved to a farm of his father's, where he remained until 185 1, when he moved to Shelby County. Here he run a mill for a time, and then entjao-ed in buvinfr ""rain for a time at Flat Rock. In 1872, he moved to Shelbyville where he built a large elevator and here did a large business for eight years. He then moved to his farm near Flat Rock, and built one of the first farm residences in his county. He is a Democrat, and has served as Township Trustee and Count}^ Commissioner. In 1876, he was elected as Representative. He has a family of three children: Melissa, James D., Deputy County Clerk, and Laura A., wife of Lewis Beades. Mr. and Mrs. Girton are among- the leadin^r citizens of the vicinitv.

Adam Girton was born in Butler County, Ohio, September 4, 1832. He was the A^oungest son of Jacob Girton. Adam was reared a farmer boy in his native county and schooled in the old log school-house. He moved to Shelby County with his parents in 1853. He took a position as clerk in his father's store, where he continued until 1857, when he took an interest in his father's planing mill, and in i860, took charge of the planing and saw mill. He remained here until 1869, when he returned to the home farm, where he now resides. He is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry, and an active worker. He was married December 13, 1859, ^° Miss Adeline Tavlor, of Virginia, who was born in 1835. She died in 1869, leaving five children: Hannah, wife of

Joseph Ryder; Arthur, Susan, wife of John Williams; Flora, wife of David Hawkins, and Jacob. Mr. Girton married his present wife, June 24, 1880, when Miss Anthony became the bride; she is the daughter of Micajah Anthony. Mr. Girton has made a success of life and now^ is w^ell off. He and his wife are highly respected citizens.