Shelby County, Indiana - Chapter 9: By Douglas Dobbins, Ex-County Superintendent, 1887 (part 1 of 7)

Chapter 9: By Douglas Dobbins, Ex-County Superintendent

Schools - Public School System - First Schools in The County - Early Methods of Teaching - County Seminary - The Township System - Evolution of The Schools - County Examiners and Superintendents - Schools of To-Day - Shelbyville Schools.

HE air-castles of one generation sometimes become '^^^rfe the dwelling places of another. The theorizing and da3'-dreaming of one age often develop into the active living principles which animate a succeeding one. The speculations of the learned which once terrified the ignorant have now become accepted as primal truth. There have been philosophers in all ages whose knowledge and research would have compared favorably with the wase men of our day. But they pushed far ahead of their times in the unexplored realms of thought. These sages have given to the world the results of their reflection and observation, so that we to-day use the maxims and theorems which were, perhaps, first made known two thousand years ago. Some of the greatest thinkers of the past have pictured to themselves an ideal government, in which the supreme power should be wielded by the people ; in which social standing shall depend wholly upon merit; in which civil liberty should be granted to all, and where tyranny should never exist. So they searched the histor}' of former years and noted, here and there, a solitar}^ Republic, which rose and flourished like a green Bay tree, but which quicklv fell to give place to so'me more despotic form of political power. Disappointed in their fancies by the application of cold facts, they set about studying the causes which brought such untimely dissolution upon their cherished scheme. As a result of these investigations we have the principles now held by all political economists. It was found that as long as men loved country better than self and as long as the}^ ser\^ed in a public capacit}^ to benefit only their countr}', and not to enrich themselves, just so long did their nation prosper. But when a country becomes a prey to scheming, dishonest demagogues, who rule an ignorant populace, then her doom is sealed.

From these notable facts, we have the following: A Republican form of government can only exist where general enlightenment prevails among the masses and where the standard of public morality is high. It was said in other words to the founders of all Repubfics, " You must enact or you will perish." So one great political economist followed another, and each left behind him the same reasoning and deductions. The founders of this Republic were well ac(|uainted with all of these historical truths, and therefore within the very organic law of the land the}' have made provisions for freedom in religious worship and for the freedom of the press. In the constitutions of the different States, there also appear ample measures looking forward to systems of popular education. Colleges w^ere immediately estabhshed; academies were built, and district schools were taught in the ''log school-house in the clearing." But, perhaps, the grandest provision ever penned was the "Ordinance of 1787." Its principles are as follows: " Religion, moralitv. and knowledge being necessary to a good government, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraijfed." Not like manv sound theories which never become better than such, for want of good and sufhcient backing, those who passed this enactment gave it a practical existence by setting aside one section in every congressional township for the support of the common schools, and two entire townships for the establishment of higher institutions of learning. In after ^-ears, this section was subdi\'ided and became the live great States, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. The land, thus granted, w^as sold in after years, and the proceeds of such sale, now form part of the school fund of these States. Indiana bv the above means, and from other sources, has an immense tuition fund.

J^irsf School. - The history of the schools of Shelby County has, no doubt, been repeated in nearly all of the ninety-one counties of our State. Yet there are so man}- special incidents that have happened, that may serve to give freshness to the narrative and the readers for whom it is intended, being a native here, our sketch may possibly be an interesting one after all. Less than seventy years ago, the population of Shelby County could be numbered by the census taker in a few hours. In the year 1821, there were probablv less than 100 families in the whole county. There were three principal settlements, one located near the mouth of Brandy wine, called the Ray Settlement, one near Edinburg, in a rich, flat country called the " Haw Patch," and one, the most historic, too, at the Village of Marion, in Marion Township.

*' melted away into stately halls." The forests, dark and gloom}', shut out the great world with its culture and refinement, and so to do the next best thing, they concluded to set up shop, and manufacture those articles at home. A school-house must be built and that immediately. They had no brick, no lumber, no door-frames, nor window glass. In fact, they had none of the materials a modern workman would set about to build a house of. One dav, by previous arrangement, the heads of those pioneer families assembled and prepared to erect a school-house in the square at Marion. Each carpenter brought his tools along, which consisted of one axe. They felled the straight beech trees and cut them into the desired lenijths, and befjan to build. For windows thev cut out about half of two logs, placing one above the other with the hewn-away portion side to side. They had no window panes, so when the weather was cold, greased paper was pasted along this " crack " which did quite well. They had no tongue-and-grooved lumber for flooring so they left the bare earth instead. Thev had no shin<>;les, nor slate, but were forced to use clap-boards for roofing. There were ver}' few stoves in the world at that time, and of course these folks had to contrive what some might call a very peculiar " heater." Several logs were cut out of one end, and a lire-place extending the whole length of that end was built of small pieces of timber covered with clay. The furniture consisted of rude benches made by splitting small logs in two, and planing the flat sides of each piece with an axe. Then pegs were driven in each end of the convex side. Upon these the pioneer children sat all day without a brace to lean upon, and often with their tender limbs dangling in mid-air. They were taught writing by being ranged along the sides of the house under the alleged windows. A writin<^ desk made of a board hewn out of a tree, called in those days a " puncheon," was placed upon a row of pegs driven in the wall and slanting down toward the pupils. Here seated upon a rough slab, armed with a quill pen, and often using " poke-berr\^ juice " for ink, sat Shelby County's first li^eneration learnino- to write. The teacher " set " all the copies and the pupils wrote them without regard to elements or principles.

In the fall of 1S21, the first teacher began his work. He was not a graduate of any famous college. He had only the advantage of a six months' previous attendance at a pioneer school in Fairfield, Franklin County, Indiana. There he had learned to read, write and '' cipher " to the " Rule of Three." His name was Jonathan M. Wilson, and he was a brother to Mr. Isaac H. Wilson, of this county. During this same winter, having some enterpris-

Mr, Wilson articled to teach the school for a term of three months for six-bits, or 7 5 cents a scholar. There were twenty-live or thirty pupils in attendance. Counting the number thirty, and giving the old pioneers credit of having all paid up, the teacher made the princely sum of $22.50 or $7.50 a month. They used no readers in the school, as we do to-day. Their text-book in reading was the New Testament. They " ciphered " in Pike's Arithmetic and learned their letters and spelling from Webster's Spelling Book. There was no graduation or even classification. Each pupil recited separately, except in spelling. The classes in the latter study were ranged around the room and " spelled for head." The pioneer idea of the school well disciplined, was one well whipped. To stimulate the body, was to invigorate the mind. Often were the echoes of the forest awakened b\' the plaintive howls of the boy who suffered at the hands of the teacher, " who spared not the rod." When the weather was cold, the teacher and pupils prepared the lire- wood. It was no great task, however, for the woods were on every hand, and the fire-place capacious enough to take in fuel without much cutting. Several terms of school were taught in this same house. Mr. Wilson's immediate successor, was a Mr. Jesse Frazer, who in turn, was succeeded by Mr. Ben. P. Alward. The attendance had by this time increased to forty or fifty. The last named teacher was accidentally drowned in the Wabash River, a short time after his school closed.

The second school ever taught in Shelby County was in Shelbyville, in 1822. The building occupied at that time was a log house 16x18 feet, "clap-board door and puncheon floor," etc. It was the first house ever built in Shelbyville, and was originally the residence of Mr. Frank Walker. It stood on the lot now owned by Mrs. Susan Dixon on the corner of Tompkins and Washington Streets. The first teacher was a Mr. William Hawkins. This same teacher afterward taught a school in the second story of the log jail. In 1824, the first school-house was built in Shelbyville, of round logs, on what is now the southeast corner of the public square. The first brick school-house was erected in 1826, where school-building No. i now stands in the City of Shelbyville. It was 2*0x26 feet, and was also used for town meetings and sometimes for holding court. Just before the first term of school was taught the patrons held a meeting for the discussion of various educational subjects of importance. Some one introduced a resolution in regard to the fuel. A prolonged debate ensued upon the question whether the wood should be cut in suitable lengths for the fire- place before it was hauled to the school-house, or whether it should be taken there in " drags," leaving the teacher and his pupils to prepare it for burning. The meeting ended in a row. At a subseciuent meeting, however, it was determined that among other duties the master and his scholars might chop their own fire wood to give them plenty of exercise.

In 1825, the Legislature of the State began chartering county seminaries in the various counties. The Shelbv County Seminary was chartered June 29, 183 1. During the next month the Assembly by a general law rendered charters unnecessarv. The building, it appears, was not erected until about 1835. It was a two-story brick building with a cupola on top. The first principal of this school was Mrs. Kent, wife of the Rev. Eliphalet Kent, an old-time Presbvterian minister. She was ably assisted bv her husband. Thomas A. Hendricks, afterward Vice President of the United States, was one of her pupils, as he had also been one of Mr. William Hawkins'. He always spoke of Mrs. Kent as one of his greatest benefactors. When Mr, Hendricks was Governor of Indiana, he visited Shelbyville and delivered an address upon some occasion of importance. He referred to the days of his boyhood, and paid a glowing tribute to the nobility and worth of Mrs. Kent, saying that she first gave him a taste for learning and an inspiration for true livin"'. "The Governor has not mentioned his first teacher," remarked Mr. Isaac Wilson, at the close of his address. " He has said nothing about Mr. Hawkins." "No," remarked Mr, Hendricks, "I confess I do not relish the memory of his birch rods,"

Rev, Mr, Kent is yet livin"-, but his wife has lono- since gone to join the Great School abo\'e. Quite a number of teachers taught in the " Old Seminary," The names of some are as follows : JNIisses Knowlton and Town, Messrs, Vawter, Cummins, Reeves and others whose names can not now be obtained. Many interesting stories are told in connection with the old seminary. The teaching done there, if all reports are true, would compare favorabl}' with some of our modern institutions of learning. The results, at least have proved highly satisfactory-. In 1852, the General Assembly ordered the sale of all of the county seminary buildings throughout the State, as the county was no longer a corporation for school purposes, having been superseded by the township. Before a sale of the one in this county could be effected, and during the same year of the passage of the act, the old building took fire and burned.

For quite a while school-houses were erected in the following manner: There were elected three trustees for each township, who were empowered to locate school districts, appointing for each district sub-trustees, to manage the school lands and the school generally. Every able-bodied male person, not a minor, was liable for one day's ser\'ice upon the school-house, in his own district once a week, or else pay a line of 373^2 cents for each day's failure to aid in the work. All school-houses were to measure eight feet from floor to rafters above, and one foot from the ground to the floor. The school fund, which was year by year increasing, was put at interest in various ways, and onh' the interest was used in the payment of teacher's wages. This was divided among the various counties in the State, in proportion to the number of, pupils of school age. It was onh' suflicient to run the school a short time, and if a longer term was desired, the residue was made up by private subscription. In 1851, the State of Indiana adopted for herself a new constitution, which gave the State Legislature great latitude in making laws favoring education. Since the adoption of the new constitution, a series of continually improving laws have been passed, granting among other things the power to levy a sufficient per cent, of tax upon the taxable property of a school corporation, and for the purpose of making up the deflciency in the State apportionment for school revenue and for building school-houses and furnishing" them.

The Theory of Evohttion^ although some may doubt its scientific accuracy, when applied to the animal kingdom, may be illustrated in a peculiar way by the progress of the school system in Shelby County. Several great causes were at work to bring about the results we are just going to notice. First, there was the impetus given by the " Ordinance of 1787, " and the old constitution. Then the rapid accumulation of revenue, kept the matter on a practical basis. Again the popular esteem in which the benefits of an education were held, secured the co-operation of the people. Lastly, the grand work of an intelligent General Assembly removed the obstacles in the way of advancement as fast as they presented themselves. When we speak of the condition and civilization of nations gone before, judging from relics and monuments left behind them, we have a " golden age, " a " bronze age, " a " stone age " and an "iron age. " The period of the early pioneer might be called the " wooden age " and it was certainly the rudest of all. The cabin of the early settler was probably one of the poorest habitations known among the people of the earth.

Taking the log school house at Marion, alread}^ described, for the starting point, the advance has simply been miraculous. First round logs were used, then they were hewed. The log-house gave place to frames of different construction. Now in nearly all of the districts handsome brick structures are found. The windows were elongated openings covered at first with greased paper, then b}' a row of smallsized panes. After a few years the opening " braced up "' so to speak, divided itself into two or more parts and began a more window-like existence. It was in this shape transferred to the frame and at last found its way into the brick, with carved stones above and below, and green shutters. Clap-board roofs have disappeared. At first shingles were cut or planed out of native timbers. Now they are sawed from northern pine or Hemlock. In many instances slateroofs have superseded all others. In earliest times the fire-place was a wonderful institution. It was usualh- one of the dimensions of the house in length. In wet, foggy weather, the smoke so filled the room, that the air was blue, and woe unto the eyes of those who had to endure it. The pioneer children seem not to have minded the smoke at all. The fire-place shrunk until it became about the size of the fire-places now in use in some of our country homesteads. First they were made of small pieces of timber covered with cla3^ Afterward the}" came to be made of brick or stone. Nothing but stoves or " heaters " are now used in the school-rooms. Great improvement has been made in stoves, even since they first came into general use.

Rude benches without backs gave place to those made of dressed lumber with backs. First thev wei^ made lon^r enouirh for a dozen pupils to sit in a row. They narrowed down to allow room enough for two. In man\' of our schools of to-day each pupil sits alone in a handsome single desk. At first, writing tables were constructed along the sides of the house under the windows. The earHest improvement seems to have been the substitution of planks instead of " puncheons."' The larger pupils sat upon their benches in front of their writino" tables, while the smaller ones occupied the centre of the room. When not engaged in writing, thev, the larger ones, sat facing the school, leaning back against their writing tables for braces. Now, the benches are constructed with desks in front to write upon, and also there is a place to put away books and slate. Thev are also made of different sizes to accommodate all grades of pupils.

Perhaps in nothing has the spirit of progress been so clearly exhibited as in the school master himself, andiiis methods. To-day the profession of teaching is an honorable one. Some of the best talent to be found in any calling is found among the pedagogues. The descriptions given by writers, not only of our State but of others, of the early school masters, are ridiculous in the extreme. For examples, read Irving's "Legend of Sleepy Hollow," "Professor Smith's School," in the State Superintendent's Report of 1885-1886; also, "Early School Days," in the same work. There seems to have been no species of punishment except the rod. It was applied for all offenses. The teacher kept a large number of long gads as part of the apparatus of the school. Each pupil studied and played in fear and trembling. The whip has diminished so in size that in man}- schools it has entirely disappeared. Other modes of punishment are now in vogue in nearly all of the schools, relying more in correcting the pupil by appealing to his manliness. The methods used in schools in early days depended wholly upon the teacher's originality and inclination. There were no normal schools or institutes, where the best methods were discussed, and of course each teacher followed the bent of his own mind. There were some good teachers in those days, mind you. The teacher is born, not made, some say. That man or women who loves little children, who has a high ideal in regard to the importance of training the 3'outh properly, and who really enjoys teaching, cannot fail. So, in the annals of early times, a noble man or women who did good work, was long cherished and remembered by his or her pupils.

In the first schools each pupil recited alone, except in spelling. Even to this day there are parents who request teachers to allow their children to recite by themselves. Spelling was considered the most important branch. The spelling class was the onlv place where a pupil could win distinction. To be the best speller in a school was to be upon the ver}^ pinnacle of fame, only to be surpassed b}' the still higher honor of being the winner at the "spelling school;"' most of the energy of teacher and pupil was thrown in that channel. In the classes every incentive was used to induce the pupil to work for " head marks." The author of this sketch was at the residence of Mr. Lewis Barlow, Trustee of Jackson Township, some time ago. Mr. Barlow and he were conversing about the early schools of that township. "I have something to show you," said Mr. B. After considerable rumaging up-stairs he produced the following unique document:

The hand writing in this slip of paper was very creditable, and the fact that it has been preserved so long shows that its owner must have been pleased in receiving it.

Reading, writing and arithmetic were all the branches that any one was thought to need, and few teachers pretended to teach any others. The writer of this chapter, though a young man, remembers the time some eighteen or twenty years ago, when he was the only pupil in a large school situated live miles from Shelbvville, who studied grammar, and to his certain knowledge there was not a geography or physiology in the school. A few histories were used by the large class as a text-book in reading. The pupils came with an inspiration to " cipher," and the boy who ciphered through Ray's third part arithmetic was considered of great importance. Principles and methods in arithmetic were not taught, neither were the definitions given to be learned. A pupil came with a text-book in arithmetic and began to cipher, except when interrupted by his reading or spelling classes, after which recitations he seldom wasted much time in preparing. He kept on passing through his book until he was "stalled." He then called his teacher to his seat by a few significant taps with his pencil. The teacher " worked " the "sum" and the boy resumed his journey.

In the earlier times, spelling was considered the most important study. But later on arithmetic came to divide the honors, and unless there was a spelling match in a neighborhood, or something to call unusual attention to spelling, arithmetic received the lion's share of attention. It is wonderful to note the progress that has been made even in the last twenty years. Then the farmer's boy went to school to learn arithmetic in order to prevent being cheated w^hen hauling off his corn or driving awav his hogs. Now he has a higher idea. He studies physiologv, a name unknown in the schools twenty years ago, to know himself and to preserve his health; he studies history to be a good citizen; he studies grammar to learn to speak good English; he studies geography to know about the great world. He not only studies arithmetic to aid in his business calculations, but to give him mental discipline. Any one of average age can remember the time, if he went to school in Shelby County in his boyhood, when many of the absurdities in methods and government to be seen in the first schools were still found. The great and sweeping changes have been caused by the County Superintendency and the County Board of Education. It would be unjust not to speak of our grand Normal Schools, of the State Superintendency, and the State Board of Education. But still the County Superintendency is the central figure in the van. Through the township and county institute he has accomplished

Prior to the year 1S37, there were three Township Trustees who examined all applicants for teachers' positions. Some of the funniest things in the w^orld have happened while the primitive teachers were underjjoinfj this ordeal before the old Board of Trustees. A pioneer teacher once told the following story on himself: He was "on examination." "What is the shape of this 'yarth?' " asked the spokesman. " Well, said the teacher, who was something of a policy-man, and afterward became a celebrated politician, "I can just teach it any way you like." "We want it taught as she is - flat." " Alright, gentlemen, I alwa3's aim to please the people," responded the teacher. He got the school, but since he had no class in geography to deal with, we never found out how he taught the shape of " the yarth." February 6, 1837, the General Assembly passed a law taking awa}- the power of examining teachers from the Township Trustees, and created a board of three County Examiners. These were appointed by the Judges of the Circuit Court and were often lawyers, sometimes clergymen, and frequently physicians. Their questions, always given orally, were often practical and suggestive, and although they were not what we would now call " professional," the}^ answered the purpose very well. In 1852, the Legislature made one officer answer for the purpose of examining the teachers, and he was called the County Examiner. Eden H. Davis, now deceased, a former prominent attorney of Shelbyville, was Shelby County's first examiner. He was a staunch friend of the common school svstem. Amono- the attorneys he was celebrated for his remarkable memory. Mr. Davis was examiner for several years.

In 1873, the County Superintendency was established, and in June of the same year, the State Board of Education devised the plan of issuing (]uestions for the examination of teachers. William R. Norris was the first person ever elected to that position. He had served the last term as examiner, and now claims the proud distinction of being the last County Examiner and the first County Superintendent. Mr. Norris was a careful man, and took great pains in managing the details of his office. By examining the twentieth report of the Superintendent of Public Instruction for 1872, we find that Shelby County has the most complete and best written report to be found. Mr. Norris served from 1S73-1875. After him, came Mr. S. L. Major, who was " the right man in the right place." He made the examinations for teachers' license very rigid, and many incompetent and unsuccessful teachers were dropped from the list. He worked diligently to secure a uniformity of text- books and succeeded. During his term a continuous fight was made in the Legislature against the County Superintendency,and the office came very nearly being abolished several times. Mr. Major did the cause of education a great service by becoming a member of the "Third House," and working among the Legislators to prevent the proposed dangerous legislation. He served the county faithfullv for six years from 1875 to 1881. He was followed by W. T. Jolly, a Baptist minister, and a thoroughly good man. Mr. Jolly had a complexity of duties to perform. He was very popular throughout the county, and was called to preach at more funerals, and marry more couples, than any other two preachers in the city. He also filled the pulpit of the First Baptist Church at Shelbyville. His time was so completely taken up in other duties that he could not devote as much time and energy to the schools as he would liked to have done. However, he was a good speaker, and did much toward popularizing education by his timely remarks upon many occasions. He was genial and whole-souled and kept up a feeling of good will and fellowship among the teachers and the people. He pubhshed during his term of office, a small pamphlet containing the " course of study," and the rules and regulations of the Count}' Board of Education, The schools advanced under his administration as they did also under the administrations of his predecessors. His term lasted from 1881 to 1883. He was succeeded by Douglas Dobbins, the author of this sketch, who desires to make one statement before heralding his own accomplishments. He has given more space to a detailed account of what took place during his administration, than to those of the other superintendents, because the department of public instruction was in charge of an unusually active man, who kept one improvement following upon another quite rapidly, and the County Superintendents of the State were stimulated by his example to attempt many thing's heretofore unattempted. Again the author, as a portion of this history, has set apart a description of the school system at the present time, and a great deal of what follows will come properly under that head. Lastly, your most obedient servant has just passed through a four years' term and is very familiar with the workin f of the educational system as it is to-day. It is said that one can write best concerning the things with which he is most familiar.

In the fall of 1883, the first county manual was published. It was a pamphlet containing thirty-two pages devoted to educational ^.opics of importance to the schools. Five hundred of these were published and placed in the hands of all of the teachers and many of ;he pupils and patrons. In the fall of 1884, a " Supplement to the

County Manual" was printed, containing fifteen pages. During the year 1885, a new and complete manual was published, containing sixtv-six pages. Twenty-live hundred copies of this work were printed and distributed to all of the patrons, teachers and school officers in the county. The last manual included a brief " Historical sketch of the Schools of Shelby County." .

During this administration a great effort was made to increase the per cent, of attendance at the schools. A prize consisting of a beautiful silk banner was offered to the township having the largest per cent, of attendance. After the schools closed in the spring of 1884, it was found that Moral Township had won the prize. Her average dailv attendance upon the enumeration was 56 per cent. An " Educational Mass iNIeeting " was held in Shelbyville, May 30, 1884, at which meeting State Superintendent J. W. Halcombe presented the banner to the people of Moral Township. It was a beautiful prize, glorious in gilt and spangles and contained the following: "All Honor to Those Who Trv - Awarded to Moral Township - 56 Per Cent. Average Daily Attendance." This had a great effect throughout the county, and the attendance has kept steadih' increasing ever since.

In the spring of 1884, the first examination for pupils wishing to graduate from the common schools was held. Over thirty pupils appeared for that purpose, and about twenty passed the examination successfullv. The first township commencement exercises were held in Jackson Township, at Mt. Auburn, under the auspices of Mr. E. T. J. Jordon, principal of the Mt. Auburn schools. The people flocked for many miles to attend the exercises, and were greatlv pleased and interested in hearing them. Since that time many commencements have been held in Shelbv County, and the s} stem is thoroughh' established. August 27, 1885, the first "Graduates, Prize Contest " was held in Blessing Opera Hall, in Shelbyville. A representative was selected from each township or corporation commencement held during the same year, who was to reproduce his commencement oration at the " contest. " Those two who did best should be awarded prizes. The first prize was a Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, and the second an edition of Dante's Inferno. Five judges were selected who gave Miss Mary Jones, representative from the Shelbyville schools, the first prize, and Claude C. Conner, of Shelby Township, the second prize. August, 1886, the second annual "Graduates' Contest" was held. Frank Clayton, of Hendricks Township was awarded the first prize, and Lizzie Addison, of Noble, the second.

yards throughout the count3\ A number of teachers observed " Arbor Day " with proper ceremonies. But the work of beautifying the school yards and grounds has only just begun.

In the spring of 1884, Messrs. Levy, Baker & Co., a school supply house in Indianapolis, offered three prizes in order to stimulate the system of township graduation throughout the State as follows: For the best manuscript, submitted at anv graduates' examination, one grand gold medal; for the second best, an edition of the People's Cyclopeedia; for the third best, an Unabridged Dictionary. Only one manuscript was to be received from each county. A committee was appointed to pass upon the merits of the work sent in from the different counties, and gave to Miss Mettie Burgess, of Shelby County, the gold medal.

In 1884-5, the Cotton Centennial at New Orleans was held. The State Superintendent asked all of the County Superintendents in Indiana, to prepare an exhibit of work done in the countr}'^ schools. Shelby County responded by sending 136 manuscripts of various grades, and many maps and drawings; with this exhibit was sent a handsome little banner bearing this inscription: " A dot on the map of our nation; a fraction of the Northwest Territory, Shelby County presents her tribute to the Crescent City. " All of the townships were represented.

The last report of the enumeration of Shelby County, shows the number of children to be as follows: White males, 4,437; white females, 4,169; colored males, 67; colored females, 61. Grand total, 8,737. The reports from the teachers throughout city and county, show the number enrolled to have been: Males, 3,446; females, 3,112; total, 6,517. The daily average attendance for this number enrolled, was 4,417. This makes the per cent, of attendance based upon the enumeration fifty plus. The number of brick school-houses, including those of the city, is ninetythree; number of frames, thirty-six. The whole number in the county is 129. There are eight district graded schools and five township graded schools. In all of these thirteen graded schools, higher branches, such as Algebra, U. S. Constitution, Physical Geography, and sometimes Latin are taught. The district schools are in a manner graded, but the term " graded school," as used above, is taken from the statute establishing it, and is held to be a school having two or more departments and emploN'ing two or more teachers. In the common district schools a course of study is in vogue dividing the work into five grades, corresponding to a series of five readers. As the pupils advance through the course from the first grade, they are graduall}^ inducted into a studv of all of the common branches, by simple oral lesson at the beginning, by primary text-books, in the intermediate grades, to a study of complete works in Arithmetic, Geograph}-, Grammar, History, Physiology, Orthography, Penmanship, and Reading. This course of study is most systematically observed in some of our schools, while in others great looseness prevails. It will take time to make anv system of gradation entirely complete. If the school system improves in the next sevent}' years as it has in the last, our schools will be little short of perfect.

"July 31-August 4, 1S65. - Held a teachers' institute, conducted jointly by the examiner and Mr. Charles Peterson. The number of teachers enrolled was thirty-four (34)- Average attendance 26 1-5. " J. J. Smythe,

The last Shelby County Teachers' Institute was held August, 1886, the number of teachers, and those aiming to be teachers, enrolled was 210, while there were several hundred visitors. The County Institute lasts one week each year, and is a period which teachers devote not only to receiving instruction, but to having a general good time and a grand reunion. The Township Institute is held on some Saturday of each month in every township. Each teacher employed in a township is compelled to atttend or forfeit one day's wages. At the Township Institute (questions relating to school economy are discussed. Last year fifty-seven Township Institutes were held during the winter and spring terms of school in Shelby County. The schools of Shelby County are in a prosperous condition. The corps of teachers is unusually strong and active. Last year the average number of days taught in the county was 128, and the amount paid male teachers per day was $2.69^; females, $1.91^. Perhaps no county is so blest in some particulars.

The term of Douglas Dobbins, as County Superintendent, began June 8, 1883, and his successor was chosen June 6, 1887. The name of the present Superintendent is Mr. Lester Clark. He was elected on the fifty-first ballot by the Township Trustees receiving eiirht votes acrainst a scattering; six. He will administer the office with faithfulness and ability, and his many friends predict a successful and prosperous term. Without doubt the schools will advance and improve under his administration. May success attend him, and may blessings ever rest upon that noble institution, the common school.

ker. It was the first house built in the town, on the northwest cor ner of Washington and Tompkins Streets, where Mrs. Susan Dixon's residence now stands. In 1824, the first school- house was built on what is now the southeast corner of the Public Square. It was built of round logs; one log on each side was cut out and greased paper pasted over the openings, for windows. In 1826, a brick building 20x26, was built in the east part of town for a schoolhouse. This was also used for town meetings, for holding court, and other matters of a public nature. In 1835-6, a somewhat stylish County Seminary, with cupola, was built, between Jackson and Broadway Streets. The first teachers in this seminary were the venerable and well-aged Rev. Eliphalet Kent, and his first wife. Said Kent, commonly called " Father Kent," is still living on a farm two miles west of town at the advanced age of eighty-seven. Shelbyville was incorporated as a town, by act of the Legislature, Februar}' 21, 1850, and divided into school districts, and an enumeration taken of all children between five and twelve years of age. No record of their number was kept, but the seminary was so crowded that the trustees rented the old Presbyterian Church, for an additional school, in which the Rev. Eliphalet Kent, above mentioned, taught the following winter and spring.

Mr. Eden H. Davis, an eminent attorney, was the first School Examiner, an office somewhat similar to the present ofiice of County Superintendent. He was ordered by the Township Trustees and County Commissioners to license no teacher who could not furnish a certificate of good moral character. In 1851, the new constitution made it the duty of the Legislature "to provide by law for a general and uniform system " of free schools. In order to carry this law into effect, the council levied a tax to build a school-house. Meetings of the citizens were held in favor of the measure, and a site and plan were chosen. In 1852, the town contained 241 voters, the number of children between the ages of five and twenty-one, was 477, and the entire population was 1,424. This vear the common school fund was apportioned among the "scholars learning the elementary branches, to-wit: reading, writing and arithmetic," and the tuition of the advanced pupils was paid in full by the subscribers.

As the schools continued to demand more room on account of the loss bv fire of the Seminary, the town council in 1852 and 1853, rented the basement of the Baptist Church. During the summer Wilham Petit taught in the old Presbyterian Church, and in the upper part of Mr. James Harrison's brick building, southwest corner of Harrison and Franklin Streets. The construction of the school building on the site of the present Seminary, or school-building No. i, northeast corner of Franklin and Pike Streets, was delayed for a lack of funds, and fre(]uent levies \vere made "to discharge the debt on the school-house." In 1S55, a cupola was added to the Seminary, and Eden H. Davis, the School Examiner, was ordered by the city council " to organize a graded school as near as circumstances would permit, and place the same under the control of one teacher." In the spring and summer of 1856, the building was completed and furnished. In March of that year, Mr. J. H. Moore "was employed as Principal of the school at a salary of $1,500 for self and assistants," and " and ordered to determine competency and employ teachers." The said Mr. Moore superintended and taught successfully for two years. In February, 1858, the President of the School Board, Mr. Solomon A. Gorgas, laid before the Board a decision of the Supreme Court of Indiana, declaring the school law unconstitutional, and it was decided not to attempt the collection of any more school taxes. Most of the schools of the State suspended, but the people of Shelbyville subscribed and placed in the hands of the Trustees sufficient money to continue the schools FREE until June. In September of that year the school was again organized; Mr. W. F. Hatch was elected Principal. In February following the school was again suspended. In 1859, ^^^- ^' Clarkson was elected Principal. In i860, a bell weighing 600 pounds, costing $205.23, was purchased by private subscriptions for the use of the school building. The school for 1861-2, commenced September 17th and continued nine months. Mrs. M. E. Powell commenced teaching in i860, and continued up to 1878, a period of eighteen years. In 1861, Mr. J. M. Ta3-lor, of Washington, Pa., was elected Principal. This year Miss Amelia McKcnzie commenced teaching, and continued teaching with brief intervals in the public schools of Shelbyville until 1875, when she secured a position in the Indianapolis Public Schools at an increased salary, where she remained up to the fall of 1880, when declining health compelled her to resign. She died in March, 1881, after having taught nearly nineteen years.

The school of 1861-2, had an enrollment of 720, and an average of 317, with nine teachers. In 1862, Mr. A. D. Lynch, was elected Principal. At the end of the term the enrollment was 555; average 320. At this time the Board added a number of new studies, and ordered, that when a class should have completed the course and passed an examination, they should be graduated, and receive a diploma. School commenced for 1863-4, January 3rd, 1864, and closed in April. No report is on record. In 1864-5 public and private were taught as before, but no record can be found. In 1865, Mr. A. D. Lynch retired from the profession having acceptably filled the position of Superintendent for three 3-ears. In 1867, he was elected a member of the School Board, which position he held until 1874.

The next Superintendent was Mr, Levi Wright, of Ohio. During the summer $2,500 was expended in repairing the Seminary and it was insm^ed for $10,000. November 5th, 1865, at noon, the building caught fire and was entirely consumed. A large and valuable library, together with an extensive and costly philosophical cabinet, and the books of the pupils were also destroyed. Ward meetings were immediately called to recommend what course should be taken bv the Board. It was recommended that no effort be made to have school during the winter, keeping the funds for the spring of 1866. The insurance on the building was promptly paid, and active preparations for rebuilding commenced. The question of ward schools was discussed, but the present building on the old site was determined upon. Additional ground was purchased, and in 1868, the present building was erected at a first cost of $29,000. The public schools were again opened in 1867, with D. Eckley Hunter as Superintendent, who remained with us in that capacity for one year.

For 1868-9, Pi"of- W. A. Boles was employed as Superintendent. School commenced September 14, 1868, and closed March 5, 1869, number of teachers employed, ten. During the year 1869-70, there were fourteen teachers employed and an enrollment of 729 pupils; length of term, six months. This is the first year that a separate school was organized for the colored children. In 187 1-2, the enrollment was 771; average attendance, 500; number of teachers, thirteen ; length of term, eight months. This year a class of six were graduated from the High School department, the first for the Shelb3'ville schools. The class consisted of Miss Eva Stoddard, Cannie Robertson, Louisa Tindall, Carrie Levinson, Mr. Charles Wright and Mr. Charles Major. Prof. Boles had charge of our schools for nine years consecutively; he was an able and industrious Superintendent. In 1877, he resigned his superintendency, he having secured the superintendency of the Public Schools of Lawrence, Kansas, a much larger place, at a substantial increase of salary.

Prof. R. S. Page, a Principal of one of the ward schools of Indianapolis, succeeded Prof. Boles in the superintendency of our schools in 1877, he remained with us six years, but having been chosen Superintendent of the schools of Ironton, Ohio, a large city, at a corresponding increase of salary, he resigned the superintendency here and went there, where he still remains. He had been educated early in life for a physician, and during his superintend-

«ency here he benefited many of our pupils by practical hints and su£ffyestions in sanitary Hyo-iene and the preseryation of their health. He had many warm friends, and his departure for other educational fields was generally regretted.

In the summer of 1883, Prof. W. H. Fertich, Superintendent of the Schools, at Mishawka, St. Joseph County, Lid., was selected by the School Trustees for Superintendent of our city schools. He was an author and lecturer of some note on elocution, and a leader in County Institutes. He held the position for four years, or until the close of the last school term. In the summer of 1887, a new school board haying been organized, composed of Messrs. Henry Doble, Thompson Francis and Harry C. Morrison, they, in obedience to the public demands of the people, selected out of a very large number of applicants for the position of Superintendent of the Schools, Prof. J. C. Eagle, of Edinburg, Johnson Co., Ind., where he had filled the post of Superintendent of Schools for eight years successiyely, with yery general satisfaction to the people of that flourishing town.

Shelbyville at this time possesses ample accommodations for pupils in the way of school buildings, of which we have three: First, The Seminary or school building No. i, situate on East Franklin Street, which we understand has cost the city $35,000, this includes the large lot on which it stands, the school furniture, interest, repairs, improvements, etc. School building No. 2, the Colored School, situate near the South end of Harrison on the side thereof, a two-story brick house, with stone foundation, costing $3,000. School building No. 3, situate in the southwest part of town on the high bluff grounds at the intersection of South and Miller Streets. It is a large and elegant building, erected in the most substantial manner, with stone basement and foundation, massive brick walls, surmounted by a handsome tower, and is considered a model of school architecture. It cost the city $21,800. The cost of the three school buildings, it will be seen, aggregate $59,800.

Addison Sketches

Thomas J. Conger, fruit raiser and gardener, a native of Shelby County, was born in Noble Township, near Cave Mills, August 4, 1842, being the next eldest in a family of five children born to David J. and Delilah ( Jeffras) Conger, who were both natives of Butler County, Ohio, their marriage occurring in 1838, and they immediately moved to Shelby County and settled at the farm on which they now live. Our immediate subject grew to manhood on that farm, remaining with and assisting his parents until he attained the age of twenty-two years, receiving a common school education. October 23, 1864, ..his marriage wdth Charlotte F. Peak, was solemnized, and to their union this one child was born, Jefferson L., aged twenty years. May, 1864, Mr. Conger realized the necessity of the preservation of our Union, and enlisted in Co. E, One Hundred and Thirty-second Regiment, in the 100 day service. He was a member of Col. James Gavin's command of militia who pursued Morgan in 1863. He was honorably discharged at Indianapolis, August, 1864. He has always made farming his occupation. In 1882, he removed to his present location, since which time he has made the raising of sniall fruits a specialty, and he has been quite successful, having fifteen acres of land, one-half of which he has in fruit plants. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He also belongs to the Masonic fraternity. He formerly was identified with the Grange movement. In politics he is a Republican.

Clark R. Devol, an enterprising farmer of Addison Township, and only son of Thomas Devol (see sketch ), was born March 9, 1848. He was reared to manhood on the farm where he now lives. He received a common school education, greatly supplemented in later years by being associated with business men. October 13, 1863, at the early age of seventeen, he realized the necessity of the preservation of our Union, and enlisted in Company M, Twenty-first Regiment, First Indiana Heavy Artillery, where he served until the close of the war. He was present and participated in the following important engagements: Vicksburg, Baton Rouge, Nashville and Mobile, besides numerous minor engagements. October 9, 1865, his marriage with Nannie J. Robertson xVas solemnized. He has always made farming his occupation, and he has been very successful. He occupies his father's farm of 326 acres, and in addition he owns seventy-eight acres in his own right. He and wife are members of the Baptist Church at Shelbyville. He also belongs to the Masonic fraternity. In politics he is Republican.

Benjamin Heistand (deceased), was a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, and was born December 28, 1S26. He came to Shelby County in 1849. ^^ ^^^^ married to Melinda Nail, March 7, 1850. He expired at Deland, Florida, March 28, 1S87, and was buried there. He served his country in the struggle for national life, enlisting in 1861, in Company F, FiftN'-first Regiment, Indiana, and served five years. He received an honorable discharge at Jeffersonville, Ind. He was present and participated in a number of important engagements. He was by occupation a farmer.

Peter Hoffman, a farmer of Addison Township, is a native -of Germany, where he was born June 7, 1826, being the next eldest in a family of six children born to John and Margaret (Gillman) Hoffman, who were also natives of Germany, where they always lived. Our subject grew to manhood in his native country, receiving a common school education. At the age of twxnty-seven years, in 1854, ^^ emigrated to the United States, coming direct to Indiana, and first settled in Franklin County, but only remained there about two months, when he came to Shelbyville, living here for a period of ten months, when he removed to the country, but has always resided in Addison Township. In May, 1854, his marriage with Margaret Soltong was solemnized, and to their union seven children were born, these four now living: John, who married Ellen (Worland) Fessenbeck; Margaret, now Mrs. Henrv Gordon; Lizzie, widow William Houston, and Katie. March 16, 1887, Mr. Hoffman suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. His occupation has always been farming, and he has been very successful. He now owns 115 acres of well-improved land. He belongs to the Presbvterian Church. In politics, he is a Democrat, although in voting for local officials he does not allow party prejudice to control him.

Thomas W. Jackson, a prominent farmer of Addison Township, was born in the house where he now lives, January 3, 1848, being the elder of two sons born to William and Sarah (Richart) Jackson, who W'Cre natives of Clermont County, Ohio and Bass County, Ky., respectively. William was born December 22, 1806, emigrated with his parents to Franklin County in 1816, where he lived until 1837, when he came to Shelby, and settled on the farm now owned by our subject, where he continued to live until his death, which occurred February 16, 1885. He was honored with an election to the office of Township Trustee, two terms. He always followed farming and ranked as one of the foremost farmers of the community. By a former marriage, when Mary Stafford was his wife, he was the father of nine children. His last wife was born March 22, 1809. She came with her mother to this country, in 1825. She still survives him, making her home with her son, our subject, who grew to manhood on the home farm, receiving a common school education sufficient to enable him to teach, which he did seven terms. April 20, 1873, Thomas married with Martha M. Harrell, and to their union, six children have been born, viz. : Emma J., Mary G., Sarah E., William H. Miles H. and Thomas A. He has always made farming his occupation and he has been very successful. He now owns 115 acres of well improved land. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. In politics he is a Democrat. Andrew Jackson, parental grandfather of our subject, was born in 1754, ""^ ^^^^ State of Maryland, served with distinction in the .Revolutionary War.

Thomas M. Jeffras, a farmer of Addison Township, is a native of Butler County, Ohio, where he was born, July 3, 1835, the eldest in a family of four children, born to Francis A. and Sarah (Thompson) Jeffras, who were natives of Maryland and Ireland, respectively, this marriage occurring in Ohio, When the subject of our sketch was yet quite young, the father died, leaving the mother and four small children. In 1856, his mother with himself and two sisters, came to Shelb^'ville, Nathaniel, the other child, remaining in Cincinnati, where he still hves, engaged at present in the manufacture of cloaks. Mrs. Jeffras continued a resident of Shelbyville, until 1867, when she removed to a farm one mile south of the citv, living there until her death, which occurred September 13, 1883, at tTie age of sixty-seven years. She died as she had always lived, a devout Christian, and member of Methodist Episcopal Church. Thomas M. received a common school education. His home was always with his mother, he caring for ' her in her declining years. He has always made farming his occupation, commencing when quite young, and by dint of his industry and econoni}^ he is now the proprietor of a fine, well improved farm of 234 acres. Mr. Jeffras is a man of pronounced temperance views, and as such endorses the principles, and votes with the Prohibition party.

Rev. Eliphalet Kent, a superanuated worker in Christ's vineyard, was born in Dorset, Vt., March 17, 1800, the son Cephas and Lydia (Sheldon) Kent, who were both natives of Suflield, Conn., from whence they removed to, and were among the early settlers of Vermont. The immediate subject of our sketch acquired a collegiate education at Williams College, Massachusetts, graduating from that institution in 1825. He obtained his theological education at Auburn Seminary in New York. In 1829, he was licensed to preach by the Berkshire (Mass.) Association and ordained shortly afterward by the Rutland (Vt.) Association. The same year he came to Shelbyville, and took charge of the Presbyterian Church, his field for the first year consisting of Bartholomew and Shelby Counties. In 1835, l"'^ was called from Shelbyville, to the church at Greenwood, where he continued five years. He was first married to Miss Fannie Capron, August, 1829, at Tinmouth, Vt., who came with, and assisted, him in his ministerial labors, and for a time she managed the Seminary at Shelbyville. Her children are: Frances, now Mrs. J. Marshall Elliott, George E. and Edward. Father Kent was married a second time to Fannie Henderson, daughter of the late Dr. Sylvan Morris, Sep- tember 19, 1844. To that union these children were born, Joseph H. and Lydia D. (Mrs. Warren Snyder).. Joseph H. Kent was born February 4, 1846, graduated at Wabash College in 1868, studying theology at Lane Seminary. He was married to Nettie C. Harter, of Crawfordsville, in 1870, spent two years in study and travel in Europe. He was ordained in 1872, and became pastor of the Presbyterian Church, at Cambridge City, and died July 4, 1876. His career was brief, but his character was singularly deep and his piety was extraordinarily profound. Father Kent's third marriage was with Matilda West on September 20, 1849. Rev. Kent has always taken decided positions on e^-ery great question of religion, temperance and politics, and was among the first Abolitionists of this community. In old age he retains remarkable vigor and very few pass through life with so few enemies and so many warm devoted friends.

John M. Moberly, an enterprising farmer, is a native of Union Township, Shelb}- County, born August 8, 1843, being the eldest in a famih' of six children, four boys and two girls, born to Thomas and Julia (Barnes) Moberly, who were both natives of Madison County, Ky. ; the former came with his uncle to Shelby County when he was but seven 3^ears of age, and the latter came with her parents in an early day, and they have since continued residents of the county. Our immediate subject was reared to manhood on the home farm, receiving a common education in the schools of the county sufficient to enable him to teach, which he did for nine terms. He remained at home and assisted his parents on the farm until he attained the age of thirty-three years, when, December 27, 1876, his marriage with Mary Dewitt was solemnized, and to their union three children have been born, viz. : Charles E., Harry M. and Frank. He has always made farming his occupation, and he has been very successful. He now owns 122 acres of well improved land, he belongs to the Masonic fraternity, hi politics he is a Republican.

Samuel Nail, a leading old and respected citizen of Addison Township, is a. native of what was then Roann County, North Carolina, where he was born September i, 1809, being the sixth in a family of thirteen children, born to Henry and Mar}^ (Keller) Nail. They were natives of Germany and Pennsylvania, respectively. The former was born in 1771, and came to Penns3'lvania with his parents in 1774. About two years later they moved to North Carolina, where his marriage with Mary Keller occurred in 1799- The family emigrated to Indiana and Shelby County in 1824, first settling in what is now Brandy wine Township, and continued residents of this county until the father died. The mother survived him a few years, and died in Illinois. The immediate subject of this biographv remained at home and assisted his parents on the farm, until he attained the age of twenty-two years. He received a verv limited education, in consequence of the poor facilities for schooling then in existence. January Sth, his marriage with Cherrv Wray was solemnized. He has always made farniing his occupation and has been uniformly successful. He now owns 420 acres of well improved land in this county, sixt}- acres in Fulton Countv, and eighty acres in Missouri, beside some property in Fairland. All of this is the accumulation of himself, assisted by an economical and industrious wife. They both are members of the Methodist Church, and have always tried to lead true and consistent Christian lives. In politics, Mr. Nail was originallv an old line Whig. Since the downfall of that part}', he has usually voted for the best man without regard to party lines. Cherry (Wray) Nail, wife of the above was born September 30, 1S13. She was a daughter of James and Tabitha (Bass) Wray, who were natives of Virginia and North Carolina, respectively. They came to Shelby County about 1822, where the}' resided until their deaths. James Wrav, Mrs. Nail's father, was born Januarv 13, 1787, and died October 8, 1S65. Her mother was born Julv 5, 1789, and died March 30, 185 1. The father was a minister of the Gospel. Samuel and Cherrv Nail have had seven children, three boys and four girls: Daniel W., James H., John W., Melinda, Rebecca, Harriet A., and Nancy E. Daniel W. Nail was born February 3, 1S41. He married Lizzie Parker, and they have three children, viz.: Harry, (who has lately wedded Nora Bass,) Gracie and Carrie. James H. Nail was born December 25, 1844. He has been twice married, and his wedding with his present wife, JMary Howe, took place December 30, 1883. Melinda Nail, now Heistand, was born June 9, 1834. Her husband's name was Benjamin Heistand, whose biographv is given elsewhere. She is the mother of four children: Rebecca, now Mrs. Samuel Hoover, jVIary E., wife of George Ballard, and Sarah, consort of Mr. M. R. Montgomery; Samuel, the fourth, died several years ago. Rebecca Nail, now Thomas; see biography of Allen Thomas. Harriet A. Nail was born ]Mav 12, 1849. She was united in marriage to Mr. Henry Malpas, August 2, 1867, and they now have three children: Samuel H., Charles H., and Raleigh McRae. Nancy E. Nail was born June 5, 1S51, and is now the widow of William F. Francis, who died August 10, 1880. Three children were a result of this union, only one of whom is now living, viz., Hattie Francis. John W. Nail was born April 27, 1856. He married Miss Laura Gray June 30, 1882. They have had two children, one now is alive, Maud. Mr. Samuel Nail, the principal subject of this sketch, has nineteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. Most of this large famih' are engaged in the pursuit of farming. The family of Mrs. Malpas lives in Indianapolis. The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Nail are presented on the opposite pages of this volume,

John Shaw, an old citizen of Addison Township, was born in Jackson Township, this county, October 3rd, 1823, being the vouno-est of a family of nine children born to Wilham and Elizabeth (Miller) Shaw, who were natives of Penns^dvania, and emigrated from Ohio to this State about 1816 or '18, and first settled in Jackson Township, where the}' continued to live about two years, when they removed to another tract in the same township, where they lived until their death. The father dying when John was but fourteen years of age, left him to aid in the support of his widowed mother, who survived her husband, and made her home with our subject until her death, which occurred, January 2nd, 1863. They were poor and endured all the hardships and trials that were incident to pioneer life in the early settlement of the county. John received a very limited education, the family being unable to spare him much from work on the farm. Januar}' 4th, 1857, his marriage with Salina Willits was solemnized, and to their union six children have been born of whom these five are now living : Thomas, who married Florence Bradley, Ellen now Mrs. James Cheny, Jennie, wife of Martin Cherry, James and Harry. Mr. Shaw has always made farming his principal occupation, in connection with which he trades in stock for several, years and he has been very successful. He commenced a poor boy, and by hard work, industr}^ and economy, he now owns a fine well improved farm of 277 acres, formerly owned by the La Master brothers, later by Jacob Vernon. In politics he is a Democrat, and always manifests a live interest in the political affairs of the county. State and Nation, being a citizen universall}' esteemed by those who know him.

Allen ThoiAL^s, a prominent farmer of Addison Township, is a native of Marion Township, this county, where he was born, August 15, 1824, being the fourth son of a family of ten children, born to William and Mary (Reece) Thomas, who were natives of Maryland and Ohio, respectively. They were among the early settlers of the county, having come about 181 8. They remained residents of this county until their death. Allen remained with his parents until they both died, which took place when he was about fifteen years of age. He was thus earl}- thrown upon his own resources, and had to fight his own way in the world. He received such an education as was to be afforded in the log school-houses which then existed. February 17, 1848, his marriage with Nanc}^ Hewitt was solemnized. To them were born two children, one only now living, Martha J. Parker. About six years later, Mr. Thomas suffered the bereavement of losing his wife. November lo, 1854, ^^^ marriage with Rebecca Nail, daughter of Samuel Nail, was celebrated. To the latter union have been born eleven children, seven of whom are now alive : Samuel, who married Marietta Hankins, Nancy A., unmarried, Alice, wife of George Sanders, Dora, Charles, Augustus and Zella. Farming, with the exception of a few 3'ears, has been Mr. Thomas' business. Those few years excepted, were spent in the grain business in Fairland, Ind. He has been ver}^ successful, and now owns one of the finest and most valuable farms in Shelby County, comprising about 250 acres. He and wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. In politics ,Mr. Thomas is a Republican.

William J. Thompson, an old resident of Shelby County, is a native of Greensburg, Decatur Co., Ind., where he was born, October 23d, 1828, being the third in a family of nine children, born to Thomas and Theresa (Little) Thompson, who were natives of Washington, D. C, and the State of Maryland, respectively, emigrating from the latter State with their parents to Lexington, Ky., where their marriage occurred. A few years subsequent they removed to Decatur County, remaining there two years; removing thence to Cincinnati and staying there for a period of two years, when in August, 1832, he came to Shelby County and located in Shelbyville, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1874. ^^ ^"^'^^ honored with an election to the office of Constable. He was a gallant soldier in the Mexican War, serving one year. His wife survived him a number of years and died January loth, 1884, Our immediate subject grew to manhood in the city of Shelbyville, receiving a limited education in consequence of his help being needed in his father's wagon shop. He commenced to learn wagon making at the early age of eleven years, and continued in that business until 1871, when he removed to the farm on which he now lives. He has since made farming his occupation and he has been very successful. He now owns sixty-four acres of improved land, all the accumulation of his own industry and economy. June 26th, 1850, his marriage with Rebecca Willes was solemnized, and to their union four children were born, these two now^ living: William T., who married Margaret J. Hobbs, and Arilla F. July 3d, 1886, Mr. Thompson suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. December 23, 1886, his and Mary Furgeson's nuptials were celebrated. In politics, Mr. Thompson has alwa3's been a Democrat. He is of a quiet, unassuming disposition, industrious, honest, thorough going citizen, in all, a pleasant, courteous gentleman.

George W. Vaxlue is a native of Illinois, born near Mattoon, Pebruarv 3, 1851, being the fourth in a family of eight children born to John and Marv xV. (Wilson) Vanlue, who were both natives of Kentucky. They became permanent residents of this countv about 185 1, having resided here some time prior to that date, but removed to Illinois. Our immediate subject was reared on a farm. His father, who lost his life in the service of his country, of sickness, contracted by exposure, was a member of the Seventieth Regiment. George was thus earl}- thrown upon his own resources. He had received a limited education, the advantages afforded, being poor. January 13, 1875, his marriage with Viola Coats, was solemnized, and to their union three children have been born, these two now living, Charles B. and William A. The deceased child was x\lonzo, who died at the age of three years. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Democrat, and he always manifests a good live interest in the political affairs of the county and community. He has always made farming his occupation and he has been very successful. He now owns 67 acres of well improved land, which is in appearance, a model of system and neatness.

William Walker, a native of Addison Township, was born May 17, 1829, being the eldest in a family of ten children born to Francis C. and Isabel (Bushfield) Walker, who were natives of New York City and Pennsylvania, respectively. By a prior marriage, the former was the father of two children. He emigrated to Shelby County about 1818, and lived here until his death occurred, which was in 1850, dying while en route to Kansas, at Hannibal, Mo. Our immediate subject grew to manhood on the farm,, receiving a limited education, such as the facilities of those da3^safforded in the primitive log school-houses of that time. He remained at home and assisted his parents until he attained the age of twenty-two years. June 5, 185 1, his marriage with Miranda Woodard was solemnized, and to their union four children have been born, these two now living: James, who married Fannie Brown, and Elizabeth, widow of Thomas Stearns. The deceased children were: Belle, and an infant, unnamed. He has always made farming his occupation, and has been quite successful. He now owns 100 acres of well improved land. He has always, with the exception of three years, when he removed to and lived in Wisconsin, resided in this county. He and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican.

Matthias Wright, a leading, substantial citizen of this county, was born in Ross County, Ohio, at what is now Frankfort, October 22, 1818. He is the son of Caleb and Mary A (Sleeth)

Wright, who were natives of New Jersey and Virginia, respectively. Mr. Wright was reared to manhood in Logan Countv, Ohio, his parents were in limited circumstances and could not offer him -manv advantages for obtaining an education, but he improved every one that was afforded, and the knowledge obtained was the germ <of a liberal education acquired latter by close appHcation and hard studv without the aid of a teacher. He taught for several vears in Ohio and this State; he had determined to make the law his profession, and in 1839, entered the office, as a student, of C3'rus Wright, then located at Lebanon, this State. He pursued his legal studies at such intervals as he could, being compelled during the time, to continue teaching for a hvlihood. In 1845, he reached Shelbvville with a cash capital of fifty cents and a library valued at $30, with which to begin the practice of his profession. Owing to failing health he was compelled in 1850, to retire and seek a less sedentary pursuit. He then removed to a farm now occupied b}^ his sons, Charles M., and David A., where he remained until January, 1887, when he removed to Shelbyville. November 5, 1846, he married Miss Amanda Young, by whom he is the father of eight children, these three now living, David A., Charles AI., and Nancy M. In his farming, the same effort characterized his work as did every undertaking made during his life, and it is almost unnecessarv to sav that he was verv successful. He is now the proprietor of 340 acres of well improved land. Politicallv he is a Republican, and during his career as a lawyer served efficiently as Prosecuting Attorney.

Charles M. Wright, one of the three living children of Matthias and Amanda (Young) Wright, who were among the earliest settlers of Shelby Count}', was born June 6, 1857, being the youngest son now living. He was reared on the farm, where he now and has always lived. Following in the footsteps of his father, has made farming a life occupation and has been very successful. He occupies a portion of his father's farm, and has succeeded in purchasing a tract of sixty-eight acres, in his own right. He was educated in the schools of the county, supplemented by attendance one term at the Danville Normal College. He is an enterprising and systematic farmer and bids fair to become one of the county's most substantial citizens. In 1881, his marriage with Anna Bass was solemnized and to their union these three children have been born, Verlie A., Mary M. and Lesta J.

David A. Wright, son of Matthias and Amanda (Young) Wright, was born October 15, 1854, being the eldest child now living. He was reared on the home farm, receiving a common .school education, mostly obtained in the schools of the county. Hav- ing parents who recognized the value of an education, he was early put under private instruction. He has always hved on the home farm. November 10, 1S80, his marriage with Dolly Hankins was solemnized, and to their union these two sons were born, Harrv and Bertie. July 3, 18S3, he suffered the bereavement of losing his beloved wife. July 7, 1886, his and Sophia Williamson's nuptials were celebrated. He has always followed agricultural pursuits and he has been quite successful. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias fraternity. In politics, he like his father, is a Republican.

Brandywine Sketches

John M. Boals, one of the prominent farmers of Brandywine Township, was born in L3'coming Count}', Pa., May 15, 1834. ^^ was the second of three children - one son and two daughters - born to Seely and Jane (Murph}-) Boals, the former a native of the State of New York, of English descent, and the latter, who was the daughter of John and Jane (Porter) Murphy, was a native of Pennsylvania, of Irish descent. His two sisters are: Martha J., the wife of Solomon Toner, of Edinburg, and Marv, the wife of Dr. Samuel McGaughy, of Acton, Marion County. The subject of this sketch was but six months old when his mother died. His father then placed him in charge of an uncle and aunt and went to the east never more to see the son again. The latter, therefore, has no recollection whatever of either his father or mother. While yet a very young child he accompanied his uncle, aunt and grandparents to Shelby Count}', where he was reared upon a farm. He continued with his uncle until his marriage, which occurred March II, 1857, when Margaret E. Williams became his wife. She was born in Brandywine Township, this county, March 4, 1837, and was the daughter of Isaac and Hannah (Taylor) Williams, the former a native of Virginia, of English descent, and the latter a native of Burlington County, N. J., also of English descent. Her paternal grandparents were Hugh and Artemiss (Craig) Williams, natives of Virginia. Her maternal grandparents were John and Ehzabeth (Lippencott) Taylor, both of whom were also natives of Burlington County, N. J. Mrs. Boals had four brothers and two sisters, as follows: John W., Mary E., Richard E., Thomas, Caleb, and Sarah C, all of whom are deceased except Sarah C, who is the wife of George Dipple, of Hendricks Township. Immediately after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Boals settled upon a farm in Hendricks Township. There they resided until 1868, when thev emig-rated to the State of Missouri, but shortly afterward they returned to this county, and again settled in Hendricks Township. Two years later, or in 1871, they removed to Tipton Count}', in this State. In 1873, they returned to this county and located, temporarily, in Addison Township. They removed to Brandywine Township, and settled upon the farm they now occupy, in the spring of 1874. The life occupation of Mr. Boals has been that of a farmer, and as such he has had good success. He and wife are the parents of eight children as follows : Mary B., born December 18, 1858; Samuel E., born January 19, 1861, died December 3, 1S63; Thomas M., born October 11, 1863; Hattie L., born December 3, 1866; Albert W., born December 22, 1868; Sadie E., born June 16, 1871; Martha J., born February 15, 1875, died January 20, 1883, and a son that died in infanc}, unnamed. Mr. and Mrs. Boals are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, the former is a staunch Democrat. He is an industrious farmer, and he and wife are among the worthy and esteemed citizens of the township. They have a fine farm of about eighty acres, sixty of which are in an excellent state of cultivation. Their farm is fitted up with a very handsome frame residence, which, with other substantial improvements, makes it one of the most desirable locations in the county.

George W. Bryax, an industrious farmer of Brandywine Township, and one of her honored citizens, was born in Pendleton Countv, Ky., September 30, 1844. He was the youngest of eleven children, eight sons and three daughters, born to Hampton and Margaret (Gosney) Br3'an, both natives of Campbell County, K}-., the former of whom was born in 1796, and died September 20, 1844. The latter, who was the daughter of Benjamin Gosney, was born August 5, 1803. His seven brothers were: William E., Benjamin L., Daniel B., Zachariah G., Napoleon B., John S., and Joseph H., of whom Zachariah G., John S. and Joseph H. are deceased. His three sisters were: Nancy M., Mary M. and Minerva R., all of whom are living. As will be seen above, the father of our subject died before the latter was born. When he was yet a child about two 3'ears old his widowed mother removed to Campbell County, Ky., where was reared upon a farm. He attended the district school in winter, in which he received the rudiments of an education. At sixteen years of age he took up the avocation of a teacher and at that time taught two terms. At the age of eighteen or in Februar}', 1863, he entered the service of the Confederate Army in Company C, First Kentucky Battalion, Mounted Riflemen, with which he served until the 7th day of the following October, when he was taken prisoner at Shelbyville, Tenn. After an imprisonment of seventeen months at Camp Morton, Indianapolis, he was given his freedom, after which he remained for some time in this State. He returned to Campbell County, Ky., in the spring of 1S66, and resumed the avocation of a farmer and school teacher. He continued to teach in winter and farm in summer, until the spring of 1870, when he returned to this State and during one summer he was engaged in private study at Franklin, Johnson County. During the two winters that followed he taught school in that county. His marriage to Mary E. Murphy occurred March 21, 1872. She was born in Hendricks Township, this count}^ October 21, 1847. She was the daughter of Samuel and Sophia E. (Vaughan) Murphy, the former a native of L3^coming County, Penn., of Irish descent, and the latter a native of Preble County, Ohio, of English descent. Her paternal grandparents were John and Jane (Porter) Murphy who were natives of Ireland. Her maternal grandparents w^ere Thomas and Sarah (Slayback) Vaughan, the former a native of England, and the latter a native of New Jersey. Mrs. Bryan had two brothers, and live sisters, as follows: Sarah J., John T., Martha E., Annie J., George S., Ora J., Nellie R., of whom Sarah J., Annie J. and Ora J., are deceased. Immediately after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Br3'an, located upon a farm in Hendricks Township, this county. A year later they removed to Brandywine Township, in which they have ever since resided. They are the parents ot one child. Bertha S., born April 7, 1S74. Since his marriage Mr. Brvan has given his entire attention to his farm excepting two winters, during which he taught school in Hendricks Township. He and wife and daughter. Bertha, are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics the former is a Democrat. Pie is an enterprising, intelhgent and successful farmer, and he and wife are worthy and esteemed citizens. They have a handsome farm of eighty acres, about fifty-live acres of which is in a high state of cultivation. Their farm is fitted up with a nice residence, which, with other substantial improvements makes a very desirable location.

Thomas B. Carey, one of the industrious farmers of Brandywine Township, was born near Wheeling, in Brooke County, West Virginia, May 4, 1839. He was the oldest of four children, one son and three daughters, born to Thomas V., and Margaret E. (Lee) Carey, the latter of whom w^as a relation of the illustrious General Robert E. Lee. His parents w^ere natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania, respectively, the former of Scotch-Irish and the latter of German descent. In 1850, he accompanied his parents to this State, and located with them in the town of Edinburg. Two years later the family came to Shelby County, and located at Fairland, then a little hamlet of perhaps a half dozen houses. There the father and mother spent the rest of their hves, their respective deaths occurring- May 14, 1S36, and August 11, 1854. Left an orphan at this early age and penniless at that, the prospects for a bright future were very discouraging to young Thomas. However, he made the most of his surroundings, and with wilHng hands as his only capital, he went to work, and spent the greater portion of his youth working upon a farm in summer and endeavoring to secure an education in winter. During this time he also worked some at the carpenter's trade, to which he was naturally inclined. He has always possessed a great deal of natural tact and genius, and to secure a knowledge of carpentry as he did, without any instruction, was but little trouble to him. In April, 1861, he entered the service of the Union Army, in Compan}^ H, i6th Indiana V'olunteer Infantry, commanded by Captain William Judkins. He entered as a private, but at the organization of the company was chosen Third Sergeant, and shortly thereafter was promoted to the rank of Orderly Sergeant, which position he held until the mustering out of the company at Washington, D. C, in May, 1862. He then returned to Shelb}^ County and assisted in recruiting and organizing Company F, Seventieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which entered the service under command of Gen. Harrison. Mr. Carey was first chosen a Second Lieutenant, but when the company was mustered in at Indianapolis he was commissioned as Second Lieutenant. With this he served until in August, 1864, when, owing to the uncongeniality existing between him and Gen. Harrison, he resigned, returned again to this count}^, and in the winter of 1864, he recruited the Ninth Indiana Cavalry Company. Of this he was chosen Captain, but in conse(]uence of an attack of erysipleas he was incapacitated for duty and when his health was restored he entered as a private in Company G, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Indiana Infantry, with which he served until the close of the war. He then returned to Fairland and accepted a position as salesman in a general store. He also worked at the trades of carpenter and painter occasionally. He was married April 5, 1868, to Susan E. Reed, a native of this county, and daughter of Isham and Irene (Ray) Reed. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Carey resided for two years upon a farm in Brand}-- wine Township. The former taught school in winter. He resumed his position as salesman in the store at Fairland in 1870, and in 1872 he was elected a Justice of the Peace and was re-elected in 1876, but in the fall of that 3'ear he resigned the office to accept the position of Deputv Sheriff of Shelby Countv. In the meantime his marriage relation was severed by the death of his wife February 27, 1876. After serving two years as Deputy Sheriff, he was employed as salesman in the local agricultural implement trade. Two years later he entered the employ of Walter A. Wood for whom he trayeled as salesman four 3'ears. On the first da}^ of November, 1885, he was united in mariage to Sarah J. Holmes, a native of Moral Township, this county, born February 22, 1840. She was the youngest of five children, two sons and three daughters, born to George W. and Sarah (Floyd) Holmes, the former a native of Broom County, N. Y., and the latter a native of Madison County, Ky., both of EngHsh descent. The first marriage of Mr. Carey resulted in the birth of three children: Charles G., May I., and Maggie B., all of whom are living. Mr. Carey is a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge, and a staunch Democrat in poHtics. He and wife have a good farm of 160 acres and a comfortable home where they reside in a quiet, happy way. They are among the worthy and esteemed citizens of the township.

Joseph L. Carson, ex- Auditor of Shelby Count}', Ind., was born in Marion County, Ind., October 7, 1836, and is the son of Alexander and Mary (Wells) Carson - he is a native of Ohio, and she of Kentucky - who settled in Marion County about 1828. Joseph L. was the fifth in a family of six children, and, his mother dying in Marion County when he was but four years old, his father was married to Mary Morphew, to whom were born six children. When Joseph L. was thirteen years old, his parents moved to Tipton County, Ind., where he lived three years, then returned to Marion Count}', where he grew to manhood. His father died in Clinton County, of this State. In 1864, Mr. Carson came to Shelby County, settHng in Fairland, where he engaged in general merchandising and grain dealing, which he carried on until the close of 1877, when he sold out his business and interests therein. During his residence at Fairland, he filled the office of Justice of the Peace ten years. He was married in Marion County, Ind., March 8, 1864, to' Nancy Smith, daughter of Samuel and Agnes Smith, natives of Kentucky; Mrs. Carson was born in Marion County, Ind., and has two children. She is a member of the Baptist, and her husband of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, also of the A. O. U. W., and politically a staunch Democrat, believing that the principles of that party are conducive to the stability and perpetuation of a free government. In 1878, Mr. Carson was elected on the Democratic ticket. Auditor of Shelby County, Ind., taking his seat September i, 1879. He was a careful and painstaking official, and after the expiration of his term of office he returned to Fairland, where his home has ever since been. In 1885, he again engaged in merchandising and the grain business which he has continued to the present time. In May>

1887, he was appointed by Gov. Gra}-, President of the Board of Benevolent Institutions of the State, a position he now fills. Mr. Carson is one of the county's leading citizens, and this public recognition of his services is well merited. His portrait appears in this volume.

Daxiel T. Culbertson, one of the prominent citizens of Fairland, was born in Wa3'ne County, Ind., May 24, 181 7. He was the sixth of twelve children born to Robert and Rebecca (King) Culbertson, the former a native of New Castle County, Delaware, and the latter a native of Louden County, Virginia, of Scotch and English descent, respectively. Our subject was reared upon a farm in his native county, and at seventeen years of age he entered White Water College, of Centreville, Wayne County, where he completed a classical course, graduating at twenty-one years of age. In the meantime he had taken up the avocation of a teacher, having taught two terms before entering college. On completing his education he resumed the business of teaching and thus continued for live years. During that time he devoted his spare moments to the study of law, and at the age of twenty-two he was admitted to the bar. He entered upon the practice in Centreville, and continued until 1845, when he located upon a farm and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He thus continued in Wayne County until 1S63, when he located in Olive Hill of that county, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits and also acted in the capacit}' of postmaster and railroad agent. In 1867, he sold out and after spending some time visiting with relatives in Virginia and Kentuck}^ he came to Shelby County, in 1868, and located in Fairland, a resident of which he has been ever since. He was married January- 17, 1839, ^^ Martha Hoover, a native of Wayne County, and his former school mate. She was born March 17, 1818, and Avas the daughter of Henry and Susannah (Clark) Hoover, both natives of North Carolina. The death of Mrs. Culbertson occurred October 22, 1867, and on the 17th day of November, 1868, he was married to ?»Irs. Martha Smith, daughter of Alexander and Sarah (Tallbot ) Bridgland, and was born in Campbell County, Va., August 3, 1830. The first marriage of Mr. Culbertson resulted in the birth of five children, Thomas J., Louisa A., Martha S., John F. and Anna J., of whom John F. and Anna J. died, each one aged about eighteen years. He and his present wife are the parents of two children, Lillie D. and Carrie M., both living. Mr. and Mrs. Cullbertson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, the former is a Democrat. While a resident of Wa^-ne County he served as Justice of the Peace five 3'ears. In the fall of 1852, he was the candidate of his party for the ofiice of

County Treasurer, and reduced an opposing majority from 2,500 down to sixty-three which reflects very creditably upon his standing in that county. In 1876, he was elected one of the Commissioners of Shelby County and served one term, during which time the county court was remodeled and fitted up to its present good condition. In 1882, he was elected to the office of Justice of the Peace and served four 3'ears. In all of his official capacities he has discharged his duties with credit to himself and satisfaction to the public. He is now acting as Deputy Prosecutor of Brandy wine and Sugar Creek Townships. He is now in the seventieth year of his age, and would easily pass for a man of fffty-five. He is an influential man and he and wife are worth}' and esteemed citizens. In 1880, Mr. Culbertson performed the duties of Census Taker in Brandywine Township, and his report proved to be perfectly true in every particular.

Elzy Ensmixger, a prominent young farmer of Brandywine Township, and the present Trustee of that township, was born in Liberty Township, this county, June 24, 1850. He was the oldest of five children born to St. Clair and Sarah (Wilson) Ensminger, with whom he remained working upon the farm until he reached the age of twenty, when he took up the vocation of a school teacher. He taught in all, six consecutive terms with good success. He was married March 16, 1873, to Martha E. Hilligoss, a native of Rush County, this State, born July 21, 1849, and daughter of Jacob Hilligoss, who also was a native of Rush County. Mr. and Mrs. Ensminger continued to reside upon a farm in Van Buren Township for six years after their marriage, and in 1879, they removed to Brandywine Township, and settled upon a farm in Section 35, where the}' have ever since resided. They are the parents of five children, Oscar, Nellie, Urban, and a son and daughter that died in infancy unnamed. The son was the twin brother of Nellie, and the daughter was the twin sister of Urban. Mr. Ensminger is a member of the F. & A. M. Lodge, and a staunch Democrat in politics. While a resident of Van Buren Township, he held the office of Assessor one term. He was elected Trustee of Brandyw^ine Township in the spring of 1884, and was re-elected in the spring of 1886. He owns a farm of eighty-three acres, nearly all of which is in a good state of cultivation. He is an industrious and successful farmer, a trustworthy official, and a first class citizen.

William A. Ewixg, an industrious young farmer of Brandywane Township, was born in the township in which he resides, February 16, 1848. He was the oldest of six children, three sons and three daughters born to James A. and Sarah (Allen) Ewing, both natives of Hamilton County, Ohio, the former of Dutch and

Scotch-Irish descent, and the latter of Enghsh descent. His parents were married in their native count}' in 1844, and shortly afterward they came to this county and settled in Brandywine Township, where the father died March 15, 1870, and where the mother still resides. His brothers are: John C. and James R., both of whom are living. His sisters are: Sarah J., Mary E. and Elizabeth E., all of whom are living. As yet, but one death has occurred in the family, which is that of the father. The subject of this sketch was reared upon his father's farm. He continued upon the old home place until the time of his marriage, which occurred March 27, 1872, when Eliza Watts became his wife. She was also born in Brando-wine Township, the date being September 17, 1850. She was the daughter of Morgan and Elizabeth (Judd ) Watts, who came to this count}- with their respective parents in an early day. Immediately after the marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Ewing located upon the farm they now occup}-, and which is a part of the one ujjon which the former was born. The life occupation of Mr. Ewing has been that of a farmer, and as such he has been reasonably successful. He and wife are the parents of two children, both sons. They are William F., born January 22, 1875, '^^^ Charles M., born July 9, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Ewing art; members of the Methodist Protestant Church. Politically, Mr. Ewing is in favor of the principles of the United Labor Party. He has served as Assessor of his township, one term. He owns a small farm of about twentyeight acres, nearly all of which is in cultivation. He is an honest, upright man, and a No. i citizen.