Tipton County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1914 (part 10 of 11)

are the parents of three children, Pearl and Ethel, at home, and Goldie, who married Roma Glass. While never having had any aspirations for public office, the subject of this review has always taken an intelligent interest in political affairs and the Republican party has been the recipient of his suff¬ rage. He is a member of the Christian church, to which he gives a most loyal support, both financially and morally. Mr. Self has attained a comfortable station in life and is well and favorably known throughout Tipton county as a result of the industrious life he has lived here, being regarded by all who know him as a man of sound business principles, thoroughly up to date in all phases of agriculture and stock raising, and as a man who, while advancing his individual interests, does not neglect his general duties as a citizen.

George F. Partlow

With comparatively little early education and few advantages in life ex¬ cept those wrung by his own force of character, no man in Tipton county has been more prominent as a successful agriculturist and none occupies a more conspicuous place in the esteem of the public as an intelligent and progres¬ sive citizen than the well-known gentleman whose brief biography is here¬ with presented. Genial and courteous, he makes friends wherever he goes, while his industry and sound business methods have won for him success. Personally he is a firm and true friend, and he occupies a conspicuous place in public esteem.

George F. Partlow, the owner of two hundred and forty acres of rich farming land in Jefferson township, Tipton county, Indiana, was born near Marion, Grant county, this state, May i, 1871, the son of George M. and Martha S. (Osborn) Partlow. George M. Partlow was reared in Xoblesville and there received his education. He was a soldier in the Civil war, being a member of Company I, Thirty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, serving for three and one-half years in that memorable conflict, being at¬ tached to the Army of the Cumberland and taking part in a great many of the most important battles of the war. He was the father of four children, James R., George F., Joseph C. and David A.

The old Reynolds school house was the scene of the subject's first en¬ deavors to acquire an education, and by studious attention to his books, in spite of the rather meager facilities afforded by the schools of that time, Mr. Partlow acquired a fairly good education, which he has since supple- mcnted by reading and close observation, becoming a well informed man of definite and decided opinions. For twenty years he worked out at farm labor and as a result of careful economy and wise management he was then in a position to purchase land of his own, his present splendid landed estate standing as a monument to his well directed efforts. If ever man deserved that good American appellation of "self-made man," Mr. Partlow is emi¬ nently entitled to bear it, for everything he possesses in this world is the di¬ rect result of his own labors.

Mr. Partlow has been twice married. His first wife was Mrs. Elizabeth (Samuel) Schmehi, whose first husband was deceased and who had one child, Alice, by her former marriage. By the subject's first marriage he be¬ came the father of three children, Flora, George and Nora. Mr. Partlow's second wife was Pearl M. Blessing.

In political affairs, the subject gives a loyal and active support to the Democratic party, although he has never been disposed to seek political preferment for himself, being content to do his full duty in casting his bal¬ lot in support of the men and principles which he deemed right. Mr. Partlow is one of the most substantial citizens of Jefferson township and is practically the "architect of his own fortune," his example through life being well worthy the imitation of the younger element. Broad minded, patriotic and public-spirited, he has always taken a leading part in the advancement of the growth and prosperity of his township, and has done much toward aiding public works and improvements.

Harry Henderson

It is always pleasant and profitable to contemplate the career of a man who has won a definite goal in life, whose career has been such as to com¬ mand the honor and respect of his fellow citizens. Such, in brief, is the record of the well-known agriculturist and auctioneer whose name heads this sketch, than whom a more whole-souled or popular man it would be difficult to find within the limits of Tipton county, where he has long maintained his home and has labored not only for his own individual advancement and that of his immediate family, but also for the improvement of the entire com¬ munity, whose interests he has ever had at heart. As an agriculturist he ranks with the most progressive and up to date in the county, while his profession of auctioneer has brought him into contact with almost every person in the community, and it is doubtful if there is a better known or liked individual in the locality with which this volume deals than the gentleman whose name forms the caption for this paragraph.

Harry Henderson, the owner of fifty-four and one-half acres of splen¬ did farm land on the Keagan road in Jefferson township, Tipton county, In¬ diana, was born January 17, 1875, in Kokomo, Howard county, this state, the son of William and Susan (Small) Henderson. William Henderson was a native of the Hoosier state, having been born in Rush county and coming to Tipton county when a young man with his parents. He was a skilled mechanic and a good farmer, becoming a well-known and respected man in the community. He was the father of four children, namely: Eva married Frank Dane and they have three children; Oliver Henderson, Mrs. Mabel Sharp, and Harry.

Harry Henderson attended school first in the Atlanta neighborhood and later pursued his studies in the Deal school, all of his time aside from this be¬ ing taken up with the many duties which fell to his lot on a farm. He secured a thorough knowledge of agriculture and stock raising and when he reached the age of twenty years commenced farming on his own account on rented land. Eventually the subject was prosperous to a degree that he purchased land in his own right, although he still continues to rent some land, about one hundred acres of the very best in the community being now kept under a high state of cultivation. In addition to his general farming and stock raising operations. Mr. Henderson has cried many sales in this county, and on account of his wrell-known integrity and business ability his services in this line have always been in demand. A thorough knowledge of values, not only of land, but of live stock and machinery, as v/ell as household goods and the various articles that figure in the average farm sale, has made the subject a valuable man in this capacity. His wride acquaintance and genial personality are an asset, the value of which would be hard to estimate.

On April 22, 1896, Mr. Henderson was united in the holy bonds of mat¬ rimony to Emma A. Small and they are the parents of three children. Opal, William and Ruby. The principles and men of the Democratic party have always received the subject's support. He was elected assessor of Jefferson township in 1908, and is now serving his sixth year in that office. Mr. Henderson is now in the very prime of life and usefulness, and his influence as an honorable and upright citizen is productive of much good upon all with whom he comes in contact. His past success gives assurance of something yet to come, and he is evidently destined to continue a potent factor for sub¬ stantial good for many years to come.

John Meyer

Among the prominent citizens and successful farmers of Tipton county, Indiana, none occupies a higher position in the estimation of his fellow citi¬ zens than the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this paragraph. A broad-minded man and intelligent agriculturist, he is progressive in his methods and keeps in close touch with the most advanced ideas relating to his profession, with the result that he has kept in the forefront and occupies an enviable position among his fellows.

J 'im Meyer, the owner of one hundred and twenty-eight acres of fine land on the Kempton pike in Jefferson township, Tipton county, Indiana, first saw the light of day in Cicero township, Tipton county, on December 27, i860, the son of Charles and Margaret (Weigand) Meyer. Charles was a native of Germany and came with his parents to this country when he was a boy, his education, which was begun in the fatherland, being completed in the primitive log school house typical of those days in the Hoosier state They first located in Wayne county, but later removed to Tipton county. Here Charles was married and reared a family of seven children, namely: Henry, John, Telda, Charles, Emma, William and Hattie, the last named being deceased.

John Meyer attended school in the Independence and Dixon schools and on reaching mature years rented land from his father and began agri¬ cultural operations on his own account. By exercising the shrewd economy so characteristic of the thrifty descendants of German parentage, the subject was enabled in time to purchase forty acres of land, which he afterward sold and then purchased eighty acres, this in turn being eventually disposed of and his present fine farm secured. Here he is engaged in general farming, in which he has been very successful, carrying on stock raising in connection with his other agricultural projects. His knowledge of this lucrative busi¬ ness has earned him a reputation second to none in that line, his feeding, selecting and breeding operations being conducted along the most progres¬ sive and up-to-date plane and a ready market is always found for the splen¬ did stock raised. His place ranks with the best in the community, being equipped with the best buildings and farming machinery and his home is exceptionally comfortable and well located. Mr. Meyer purchased his pres¬ ent place in 1892.

On June 19, 1892, the subject of this review was united in marriage to Louisa Becker, and this union has been blessed by the birth of two children,

Leroy and Edna, who are living at home and attending school. Mr. Meyer and his family belong to the Lutheran church and are counted among the most loyal and worthy members of that congregation, giving liberally to its support and taking an earnest interest in all the departments of church work. The Democratic party is the recipient of Mr. Meyer's suffrage, and although he has never found time to seek public office, he displays a deep and intelligent interest in public affairs, giving freely of his aid and counsel in the placing of the best men on the ticket of his party. The record of Mr. Meyer is that of a man who by his own unaided efforts has worked his way from a modest beginning to a place of comparative independence in the world. His life has been one of unceasing industry and perseverance and the honorable methods which he has followed have won him the confidence of his fellow citizens.

Perry Foster

It is with marked satisfaction that the biographer adverts to the life of one who has attained success in any vocation requiring definiteness of purpose and determined action. Such a life, whether it be one of calm, con¬ secutive endeavor or of sudden meteoric accomplishments, must abound in both lesson and incentive and prove a guide to young men whose fortunes and destinies are still matters for the future to determine. The subject of this review, although still a young man, is distinctively one of the repre¬ sentative agriculturists of Tipton county. He has patiently directed his efforts toward the goal of success and by continuance in well doing has succeeded in overcoming the many obstacles by which his pathway was be¬ set, and is today considered one of the foremost farmers of the county.

Perry Foster, farmer and stock raiser and owner of thirty-seven acres of good land in Jefferson township, Tipton county, Indiana, was born Feb¬ ruary ii, 1881, in this same township on the old Foster homestead, the son of John and Martha E. (Barr) Foster. John Foster, who passed to his re¬ ward about a year ago and was buried in Tipton, had for some years been living a retired life at Kokomo, Howard county, Indiana. He was the father of seven children, namely: Ed, Mrs. Ella Glass, Fred F., Dora B. (deceased). Richard E., Perry and Mrs. Sarah Townsend.

The early education of the subject of this review was secured at the old Bozzell school house, later attending the school at Goldsmith, in which in¬ stitutions he gained a good schooling as far as books go, in later life, however, supplementing this early acquired knowledge by wide reading and close ob¬ servation of men and methods, so that he has earned the reputation of being a well informed man. During the time that he was attending school, the subject was employed at farm labor, and was also occupied for some time working in a grocery store at Goldsmith. On reaching mature years Mr. Fos¬ ter purchased his present fine place, where he has since resided, and has made all the improvements and conducted the farm with marked ability, having a comfortable home and a strictly modern and up-to-date agricultural plant. For one so young in years, Mr. Foster has achieved a degree of suc¬ cess that is worthy of more than passing note, and if his past record can be depended upon to gauge the future, much prosperity awaits him in later years.

On October i, 1902, the subject of this review was united in marriage to Minnie P. Thompson, a lady of many estimable qualities, who presides over Mr. Foster's home with true womanly grace and dignity. They have a wide circle of loyal friends and are numbered among the best people of the community. In political matters the subject supports the Republican party,, while fraternally, he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Mrs. Foster being a member of the Daughters of Rebekah. All worthy move¬ ments for the good of the community are given earnest support by Mr. Fos¬ ter, he never becoming so deeply engrossed in promoting his own individual success as to refuse aid and encouragement to any enterprise that promises good to his fellow men.

Michael Hoback

Specific mention is made in the following paragraphs of one of the worthy citizens of Tipton county, Indiana, one who has figured in the growth and development of this favored locality and whose interests have been identified with its progress, contributing in a definite measure in his particular sphere of action to the well-being of the community in which he resides and to the advancement of its normal and legitimate growth. Additional interest also attaches to his career from the fact that he is one of the oldest citizens of the county and that during his years spent here he has seen many radical changes take place. Earnest purpose and tireless energy, combined with good judgment and every-day common sense, have been among his most promi¬ nent characteristics and he has merited the respect and esteem which are ac¬ corded him by all who know him.

Michael Hoback, retired farmer of Prairie township, Tipton county, In¬ diana, who resides on his excellent farm of one hundred and fifteen acres, is a native of the state of Kentucky, having been born in Hardin county on January 25, 1827, the son of John and Dorcas (Killen) Hoback, both of whom were native to the state of Kentucky. The father came to Indiana in 1S30. locating in Johnson county and bringing with him the immediate sub¬ ject of this sketch, then a very small child. There John Hoback secured a tract of one hundred acres, which he cleared and where he made a home in which his family was reard. Johnson county was his home for the re¬ mainder of his life and he died there on the land he had first obtained as virgin soil. He and his wife had a family of eleven children, and beside the subject of this sketch there were the following sons and daughters: Eliza¬ beth, the wife of Barkley Carroll; Nancy, who married William Young; Martha, wife of George Mellender; Mary Ann, wife of Wallace True; Louisa, wife of Pemberton C. Brown; Isaac, who took as his wife Hulda Baily: William K. married Sarah Ritchie; Robert's wife was a Miss Ep¬ person; Bartholomew married a Miss Shigley, and Joel married Minerva Trahoon.

The early education of Michael Hoback was rather limited, owing to the comparatively poor opportunities offered at that time for the education of youth, but he made the most of the opportunities offered and in his more mature years added largely to the stock of information acquired in his youth. While still young, he began assisting in the work on the home farm, under the direction of his mother, and he remained with her until he reached his majority. He then apprenticed himself to a blacksmith, desiring to learn that trade, and this he followed for about thirty years, when he decided upon the vocation of farming as the occupation for the balace of his life. He came to Tipton county in 1853.

Mr. Hoback has been twice married His first v/ife was Elizabeth Hall, sole child of John Hall, and to their union were born tweVe children. There are now a number of grandchildren also. The names of Mr. Hoback's chil¬ dren follow: Mary, deceased; Sabra married John Townsend and to their union were born four children, Meddie, John, Michael and William. Her second husband was Berry Bouse and their union is without issue. Her daughter Meddie is the wife of David Herron and they are the parents of three children, Garnett, Ruth and Wyman. Catherine D. Hoback became the wife of Zachariah Childers and they were the parents of three children, Mollie and Charles, deceased, and an infant deceased. Upon the death of Mr. Childers, she became the wife of Alfred Pickrell and they have four chil-

(Iren, Jennie, Wayne, Lucy and Sadie. Several of these children are married, Mollie being the wife of James Morris, and the mother of thirteen children; Jennie is the wife of Wesley Bartholomew and the mother of one child, Paul \V. ; Sadie is the wife of Edward Hudson and the mother of three children, Waneta, Joseph and an infant. John W. Hoback took as his wife Belle Gibbons and they have had four children, David, Linnie and Lawrence, and Edward, deceased. Isaac N. Hoback married Araminta Foster and they have five children, Lillie, Sabria, Frank, Dessie and Florence. Sarah Frances Hoback is the wife of Alvis Watson. Michael M. took as his wife Clara Foster and they have three children, Opal, Ethel aryl Crystal. Of these chil¬ dren, Opal is the wife of Manville Stoops and the mother of three children, Thelma, Bernard and Martha. Melville Hoback married Laura Craigan and they have two daughters, Naomi and Elizabeth. Elizabeth Ellen Ho¬ back became the wife of R. G. Foster and is without issue. Four of Mr. Hoback's children are dead, being Mary Ann, Martha E., Nancy M. and Joel K., and the first Mrs. Hoback died September 8, 1891.

On October 30, 1895, Mr. Hoback took as his second wife Mrs. Susan¬ nah P. Newby Chase, widow of James F. Chase and the daughter of James H. and Mary (Shields) Newby, and one of a family of seven children, the others being Sarah J., who is Mrs. John Johnson; Pariminta, who became Mrs. John Carney; Mary is Mrs. William Asher and Howard took as his wife Emma Andrews. Ladora remains unmarried and Ladica died at the age of thirteen years. By Mrs. Hoback's former union with James F. Chase they were the parents of six children, namely: Luella, who married David Bol¬ linger and is the mother of six children, Frank, Ralph and Agnes, who are living, and Harry, Clarence and Maude, deceased. A daughter, Mary F., died in infancy and Robert died at the age of twenty years. Deliah became the wife of John M. Harrell and they have five children living, Cora, Anna, Howard, Arthur and Bonnie. Nellie became Mrs. William Cox and the mother of four children, Oscar, Blanche, Effie and Edna. Arthur married Addie Hoffman and they have one child, Charles Paul.

Mrs. Hoback can lay claim to some distinguished ancestry, for her great grandfather on her mother's side was Lord McCullough, an Irish gentleman of title, who gave assistance to the American colonists during the struggle for freedom from Great Britain. She is also a third cousin of Gen. John Tipton, who was active in the early history of this part of the state and for whom Tipton county was named in honor. Mr. Hoback owned the land on which the old Hoback school house stands. This old seat of learning has been attended bv hundreds of girls and boys and from its humble door many have gone forth into the world and made a name for themselves. Because of the many endearing associations clinging about it, Mr. Hoback very kindly donated it to the county of Tipton and it is to remain the property of the county as long as it shall be used for school purposes, reverting to his heirs if at any time this clause is disregarded.

In politics Mr. Hoback is a stanch Republican, while his religious sym¬ pathies are with the Methodist Episcopal church at Hopewell, of which he has been a member for many years, and in the progress of which society he has been deeply interested, contributing of his share to advance its work.

Mr. Hoback is wonderfully preserved, both mentally and physically, considering his years, and is widely known throughout this section of the state. He is a man whose influence has always counted for the good of those with whom he came in contact and he has so lived the many years of his life as to win honor and respect from all who know him. He is. there¬ fore, eminently deserving of the high regard in which he is held by all.

Franklin Miller

A review of the life of the honored subject of this memoir must of necessity be brief and general in its character. To enter fully into the inter¬ esting details of the career of the late Franklin Miller, touching the efforts of his early manhood and the successes of his later years, would far trans¬ cend the limits of this article. He filled a large place in the ranks of the active, energetic and public-spirited citizens of his day and generation, and the memories which attach to his name and character form no inconsiderable chapter in the history of the locality where his life was closed.

Franklin Miller was born in Indianapolis, Marion county, Indiana, on March 14, 1853, and died in Prairie township, Tipton county, Indiana, July 14, 1911. He was a son of Jacob and Mary (Smithson) Miller, the former of whom was a native of the state of Ohio and the latter born in North Carolina. Jacob Miller grew to manhood in his native state, attending the district schools, and early in his married life he removed to Indianapolis, this state, where he passed the remainder of his life. He was engaged in agri¬ cultural work all his life and while a resident of Indianapolis he engaged in gardening for the markets of the city. In this he was eminently successful and he continued in this business until his death, in 1901. His wife, Marv Smithson, was a daughter of Isaac Smithson and to their union were born four children, namely: Franklin, the immediate subject of this sketch; An¬ drew, Sarah Catherine, and Sanford, who died at the age of six years. Andrew took as his wife Sarah Robinson and Sarah Catherine became the wife of John Farley.

Franklin Miller received his education in the schools of the city of In¬ dianapolis and after completing his studies, he worked with his father on his place until his marriage. After marriage, he moved to Tipton county, where for five years he rented a farm in Jefferson township. He then arranged to purchase the farm where he passed the remainder of his life and where his widow is now residing.

Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Evaline Lydy, daughter of Alexander and Mary Lydy, who was one of a family of thirteen children, the others being: Alexander; Martha, who married Ephraim Clark; William, whose wife was Olive Spurgeon; Elizabeth, who married William Horton; Solomon, whose wife was Emma Van Bibber; Levi was killed while in service during the Civil war; Philip, James and Samuel died when small, and Catherine, deceased, was the wife of Newton Youart.

Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Miller were the parents of an interesting family of ten children, namely: Myrtle, whose death occurred January 21, 1912, was the widow of Spencer Wiley, who died January 26, 1903 ; Cora married James Cline; Louis married Millie Cloe and they have one child, Ardith; Cornelius married Clara Dawson, while Hattie is the wife of William E. Cline and they are the parents of two children, Ernest and Aubrey; Willard remains unmarried ; Gladys and Olive are single and live at home, while one child, Mary, died in infancy.

The other son of this family is Lora Tiffin, born November 2, 1887, in Prairie township, Tipton county, Indiana. He received his elementary edu¬ cation in the district schools of his native county, later attending high school at Kempton. After completing his course there, he assisted his father in carrying on the business of the home farm and remained with him until his marriage, when he began farming on his own account on the place where he now resides. On September 10, 1913, Lora Tiffin Miller was united in marriage with Edith Barr, daughter of William A. and Lora (Duncan) Barr, and their marriage is without issue. Mrs. Miller was one of a family of seven children, the others being Wayman, who married Carrie Gross and they have one child, Doris: Olive died at the age of two years, and the others, Rosa, Perry and Lottie, remain single and at home. There was also one child who died in early infancy.

whose interests he has cast every vote since attaining his majority. His re¬ ligious sympathies are with the Hopewell Methodist Episcopal church, of which his wife is a member, and while not a member himself, he is interested in the prosperity of the society and assists in the support of same. While still a young man, Mr. Miller has made an enviable reputation for himself along lines of uprightness of character, and bids fair to be a man of influence in the world who will be able to do much to advance the interests of his community. He is a worthy son of his excellent father, Franklin Miller, who was considered one of the foremost men of his locality. Franklin Miller was also aligned with the Republican party and his religious sympathies were with the Methodist Episcopal church at Kempton, to the furtherance of whose interests he gave largely of his time and means. He leaves behind him a vast circle of friends to mourn his departure, and who realize that his life was one of good influence for those with whom he came in contact and for the community in general. He was a quiet and sincere character, ever ready to take the side of any issue which had as its ultimate end the good of the community, either moral or material. His life record was full of many interesting details, best known and appreciated by those nearest to him, but leaving their imprint on a circle wider than that of his home.

Marion S. Smith

Agriculture has been an honored vocation from the earliest ages, and as a usual thing, men of honorable and humane impluses, as well as those of energy and thrift, have been patrons of husbandry. The free out-door life of the farm has a decided tendency *to foster and develop that indepen¬ dence of mind and self-reliance which characterizes true manhood and no truer blessing can befall a boy than to be reared in close touch with nature in the healthful, life-inspiring labor of the fields. It has always been the fruitful soil from which have sprung the moral bone and sinew of the coun¬ try, and the majority of our nation's great warriors, renowned statesmen and distinguished men of letters were born on the farm and were indebted large¬ ly to its early influence for the distinction which they have attained.

The subject of this sketch is descended from one of the old families of southern Indiana, his paternal grandfather having come to thi.i state from eastern Tennessee and settled in Johnson county, where he passed the remainder of his life. His son Harrison was but six years of age when the family left Tennessee and he grew to maturity in Johnson county, re¬ ceiving such education as the schools of that time and locality afforded. Here he united in marriage with Margaret Foster, and in 1849 he and his wife, together with her father, came to Tipton county and entered land. Harrison Smith remained on that place for about ten years, when he dis¬ posed of it and purchased the farm on which M. S. Smith, the subject, was born and on which the youngest sister now resides. This is a tract of one hundred and sixty acres located in Prairie township, Tipton county.

Marion S. Smith first saw the light of day on April 15, 1863, on the farm where he resided until 1886. His mother, Margaret A. Foster, daughter of Richard and Lucinda Foster, was a native of Virginia, and to her union with Harrison Smith were born eleven children, namely: Marion S., the immediate subject of this sketch ; Franciana, who married William T. Ham¬ ilton; Lucinda, wife of John T. Grayson; Richard, who married Rebecca Hall; Jeremiah, whose wife was Mary Belle Hinkle: Caleb R., .who mar¬ ried Sarah E. Gore; Adella, the wife of W. R. Campbell; Isaac remains single; Mahala died at the age of eight; Nathan died at the age of sixteen years, and another child died in early infancy.

Marion S. Smith received his elementary education in the schools of Prairie township, Tipton county, later attending normal school at Danville, Indiana. After completing his studies at Danville, he taught school for one term, when he decided to make his life's work that of a farmer, and engaged in this occupation with his father. He remained in this connection until he was twenty-two years of age, when he started in the same business for himself. He was married on March 3, 1887, to Flora E. Mozingo, daughter of John T. and Ellen (Dounhour) Mozingo, and one of a family of six children, the others being Maggie, who became the wife of Morton Jackson; Allie, who is Mrs. W. E. Paul; Grace, who is the wife of W. E. Smyser; Marion, who is unmarried, and a child who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are the parents of three living children, Garry G., Vera B. and Bernard S., all of whom are single and remain under the paternal roof, and there were two other children which died in infancy.

Politically, Mr. Smith is affiliated with the Republican party, but, aside from the exercise of the right of franchise, he does not take a very active part in political affairs, although maintaining at all times an intelligent in¬ terest in the current issues of the day. He is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Hopewell and gives liberally of his time and means to furthering the interests of that society. For the past twelve years he had been one of the trustees of the church, a member of the building committee and a parsonage trustee. Mr. Smith is a man of clean character who has ever exerted a healthful influence in the community, giving his support to every movement that promises the advancement of the welfare of the community, either moral or material. Becuse of his genuine worth, he enjoys the sincere respect of all who know him and he is eminently en¬ titled to representation in a work of the character of one in hand.

Oscar C. Manlove

Although yet a young man, having merely reached the age when most people are becoming only fairly well launched on their chosen life work, Oscar C. Manlove has accomplished much as an agriculturist, stock man and public spirited citizen, being the well-known proprietor of Sugar Grove Duroc farm, having shown what may be accomplished by correct habits and rightly applied principles when they are backed by an ambition to do something worth while. Mr. Manlove has carried forward the work of his father and has been equally successful in his efforts. He keeps a fine herd of Duroc hogs and has been very successful in his breeding operations, obtaining splendid financial returns in this business, while his reputation as an authority on this breed extends far beyond the limits of the immediate community.

Oscar C. Manlove was born March 20, 1882, on the farm adjoining the one he now owns, the son of William and Louisa (Farley) Manlove. Will¬ iam Manlove was also born on this same farm and was one of the most prominent farmers and stock raisers of his day, making a specialty of the Duroc breed, and it was from him that the subject gained much of his knowledge of the business of feeding and marketing hogs. The immediate subject of this review was the only child born to his parents and it devolved upon him to act as an assistant to his father in the operation of the home place, in which capacity he proved of great value, the experience also giving him a practical understanding of the many problems of agriculture and stock raising that stood him in good stead in later life. In his boyhood days he attended the common schools, remaining on the home place with his parents until he reached his legal majority, at which time he secured forty acres of land and commenced farming on his own account. This tract of land has been added to until now the subject is the owner of seventy-three acres of as good land as can be found in the county. Adapting the most improved and scientific methods in his work, Mr. Manlove has been prosperous in propor- tion to the efforts he has put forth. There is ever a ready and remunerative market for the swine which is raised at the splendid Sugar Grove Duroc farm, the strictly honest business dealings of the subject haying won for him a wide reputation as a responsible dealer. No man can ever truthfully say that his purchases of the subject were misrepresented or that he was not treated in a fair and above-board manner.

In 1893 Mr Manlove was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Olive McCullough, and their home life is as near ideal as it is possible to find. Mrs. Manlove is a lady of culture and refinement and presides over their comfortable home with a grace and dignity that has made it the center of an admiring group of friends and acquaintances. In religious matters Mr. Manlove and his wife are loyal members of the United Presbyterian church, giving a liberal moral and financial support to the activities of the same. Politically, the subject casts his ballot for the men and principles of the Republican party, although he has never found time to seek public office at the hands of his fellow citizens.

John S. Barr

It was remarked by a celebrated moralist and biographer that "there has scarcely passed a life of which a judicious and, faithful narative would not have been useful. " Believing in the truth of this opinion, expressed by one of the greatest and best men, the writer of this review takes pleasure in presenting a few facts in the career of a gentleman who, by industry, perseverance and integrity, has worked himself from an humble station to a successful place in life and won an honorable position among the wellknown and highly esteemed men of the locality in which he resides.

John S. Barr is a native of the old Hoosier state, born in Decatur county on August 2, 1848, the son of Ranson P. and Mary C. (McElwain) Barr, the former of whom was born in Decatur county, and the latter was a native of Kentucky. In 1858 his father left Decatur county and came to Tipton county, locating in Prairie township on eighty acres of land which he entered. He remained on this farm the remaining years of his life, ex¬ cept a period of three years which he passed in Tipton, returning later to the farm, where his death occurred on October 6, 1906. To him and his wife were born eleven children, among them being John S., the immediate subject of this sketch. The others are: Martha, Mrs. John Foster; Sarah, who is the wife of Richard Foster; Mollie, who married Sam Watson; Henry, whose first wife was Sarah Wheeler and upon her death he married Dessie McShane; Lucy married Calvin Holman; Ranson took as his wife Laura Newlon; William married Lora Duncan; Elmer's first wife was Flora Cue, and after her death he married Belle Pearcy; Edwin, the re¬ maining child, died when small.

John S. Barr grew up in Tipton county, attending the district schools of Prairie township, and when quite a young boy he began assisting his father in the operation of the home farm. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, when he engaged in agricultural work on his own account. For one year he rented a farm and then made arrangements to purchase the farm of eighty acres where he is living today. He has always engaged in general farming and kindred lines.

On August 28, 1873, Mr. Barr was united in marriage with Martha Ann Thorpe, a daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Thorpe, and to this union were born nine children, namely : Maggie, Marshall, Admiral, Howard, Manson. Charles, Effie, and two who died in infancy. Mrs. Barr died on November 30, 1898. Of Mr. Barr's family, three are married, being Maggie, who is Mrs. Elmer Foster, and the mother of one child, Beulah; Effie, Mrs. Jewell Wallace, has one child, Neva, and Marshall took as his wife Allie Sewell and they have one child, Ganice. The rest of his family remain at home. Mr. Barr took as his second wife Indiana Samuels, daughter of Thompson and Susannah (Howell) Samuels, and this union is without issue.

Politically, Mr. Barr gives his support to the Republican party, in the success f)f which he has taken a commendable interest, though in no sense a seeker after public offices for himself. His religious affiliations are with the Methodist Episcopal church at Hopewell, in the prosperity of which he is interested. On his farm of eighty acres he is enjoying life, realiz¬ ing, as the public at large are realizing more than ever, that the farmer of today is to be envied rather than his condition deplored, as was at one time the case. Mr. Barr's life has been one of unceasing industry and perse¬ verance and the methods he has followed have won for him the confidence and regard of all who know him. He has worked his way from an humble beginning to his present station, which fact renders him more worthy of the esteem accorded him by his fellow men. In the fall of 1909 Mr. Barr retired from farming and moved to Tipton, where he resided until March 4, 1913, when he returned to his farm.

Jacob B. Ratcliff

Among the younger farmers of Prairie township, Tipton county, Indiana, is Jacob B. Ratcliff, and the enterprising and progressive spirit of the age is exemplified in his work and indicated by the fine appearance of his farm of ninety-one acres. His career thus far has been one in which enterprise and industry have been strongly manifested and these qualities have been the means of gaining him the success which is so worthily his.

Jacob B. Ratcliff, the son of Edom and Catherine (Smith) Ratcliff, was born in Clinton county, Indiana, November 12, 1879, his father being a native of Howard county and his mother of Tipton county, this state. When Edom Ratcliff was a small boy his parents moved from Howard county to Clinton county, Indiana, where they lived the remainder of their days. Edom Ratcliff enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and First Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and served for three years during the Civil war. His death occurred February 24, 1911. His wife, the mother of Jacob B. Irtatcliff, was Catherine Smith, and to Mr. and Mrs. Edom Rat¬ cliff were born six children: Denton, who married Ettie Connor, lives in Wells county, Indiana; Emma, the wife of Robert Miller, of Clinton county, this state; Annie, wife of Samuel Crail, also lives in Clinton county; Ella died on February 24, 1911; Thomas, who married Orpha Coe, and Jacob, who is the subject of this review.

Jacob B. Ratcliff received his education in the schools of Clinton county and it was limited to the privileges afforded by the district schools. He spent his time which could .be spared from his short school term of each year on the farm, learning all the multitudinous details of farming life. He continued to work with his father on the home place until September 24, 1902, when, upon being married, he and his wife moved to Tipton county, where he purchased the farm which he now owns.

Jacob B. Ratcliff was married to Maggie Tyner, the daughter of Charles and Clara (Alexander) Tyner, and their union has been blessed with two children, Owen Leon and Velma Geneva. His wife was an only child. Her father, Charles Tyner, was bom in Decatur county, Indiana, while her mother was a native of Tipton county. Mr. Tyner came to Tipton county about 1857 with his parents and located in Prairie township on a farm of eighty acres. This was improved and increased by careful management and close industry to three hundred acres. Charles Tyner remained with his parents until he was about twenty-four years of age when he was married to Clara Alexander, who died on November 22, 1893. His death oc¬ curred on February 5, 1914. Mrs. Ratcliff's grandmother is still living and the death of her husband occurred on July 4, 1900. She still enjoys good health, although she is now in her ninetieth year.

Mr. Ratcliff has always voted with the Republican party and keeps well informed on the issues of the day, but has never sought or desired public office. He has felt that his duties on the farm demand his time and attention, and for this reason he has never been a seeker for political preferment of any kind. He holds his membership in the Baptist church and takes a pardonable pride in being one of the leaders in his church, being at the present time its official treasurer. The story of the life of Mr. Ratcliff contains no exciting chapters, but, on the contrary, consists of a series of ordinary events, in which well defined purposes, noble aims and high ideals have been especially prominent. He gives generous support to the enterprises which have for their object the social or moral welfare of his community, and for this reason he has a wide circle of friends and ac¬ quaintances in the community.

William W. Shields

The history of any county is the chronicle of the people, of the men and women who live in the county. The value of any one man to a community is determined by two things, by what he does for himself and what he does for the community at large. There" are, unfortunately, some men who do a great deal for themselves, but who are very remiss when it comes to doing anything for the locality in which they live. On the other hand there are a few men who neglect their own individual welfare for the welfare of the rest of their immediate neighborhood. The most valuable man to a particular community is he who neglects neither his own welfare nor that of his community. It is said that no man lives unto himself, and this phrase was never truer than at the present time. With our pioneers in this state, there was not the division of labor which marks our civilization of today. Our good forefather was not only a farmer, but he was his own doctor, his own blacksmith, his own carpenter, his own shoemaker, and, frequently, his own lawyer. But his son of today calls upon a score of men trained in their respective professions in order to do the work which his father did himself. The rail-fence age is gone forever and while we are now in the wire-fence age, there is much evidence to prove that we are approaching a period when there will be a fenceless age altogether. A few of our good old rail-fence pioneers are still living, but many of their wire-fence sons are now living a life of luxury and ease com¬ pared to what their forefathers endured. Among the younger generation of farmers in Tipton county, the name of William W. Shields occupies a promi¬ nent place.

William W. Shields, the son of James and Eliza Ann (Grishaw) Shields, was born in Liberty township, Tipton county, Indiana, February 22, 1879. His father was born January 11, 1853. in Ripley county, this state, and has lived in Tipton county since 1862, when he came here with his parents at the age of nine years. He was a very successful farmer in the county and is the owner at the present time of one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation. On February 19, 1879, he was mar¬ ried to Eliza Ann Grishaw, the daughter of John W. Grishaw, and they were the parents of six children. William, the immediate subject of this review; Bertha, wife of R. C. Thomas, a farmer of Liberty township, is the mother of three children, Dallas, Harold and Robert ; Louie, who is now studying to become a minister, and is in school at Princeton University, Xew Jersey; Jesse, who married Mary Graff, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Graff, has one child, Gretchen ; Delcie, unmarried, is a missionary in mountains of Kentucky, and Leona, who is in the high school at Kokomo, Indiana.

William W. Shields received his elementary education in the district schools of his home township and finished his common school course in the high school at Sharpsville, Indiana. He then returned to his father's farm and worked for him for about one year, after which he married at the age of nineteen and rented the old homestead farm. He managed his father's farm for four years and then purchased the forty acres upon which he is now living. He still has general charge of his father's farm, making two hundred and sixtv-five acres of land which he controls altogether. He is actively en¬ gaged in tilling the soil and raising live stock, and has been very successful in both these lines of agriculture. He has been an indefatigable worker and his labors have been rewarded with success commensurate with his efforts.

On October 9, 1898, William W. Shields was united in marriage to Anna Bell Henderson,- the daughter of William and Susan Henderson. She was one of nine children born to her parents, namely: Maggie, Elizabeth, Frank, Jasper, Tunis, Fred, Della, Anna and one who died in infancy. To Mr. and Mrs. William W. Shields have been born four children, Ruth, Mary, Cora and James. Mr. and Mrs. Shields are giving their children the best educational

Mr. Shields has given his attention to a close study of the issues of the day, with the result that he now votes with the Prohibition party, believing the temperance question to be the one of most importance before the public today and one that most affects the welfare of the nation. He has always been a stanch advocate of temperance and has done everything in his power for the abolition of the liquor traffic. Upright and honorable, there is noth¬ ing to be said against his career and much in his favor, and as one of the worthy citizens of his county he is well worthy of mention in this volume. His religious affiliations are with the Presbyterian church and for many years he has been an elder in that denomination. His whole life has been of such an upright nature, his actions so sincere, and the sterling traits of his character so pronounced that he has wron the good will of all of those who have known him best. The study of such a character should be an inspiration to the future generation who are growing up in this county.

The man who devotes his talents and energies to the noble work of min¬ istering to the ills and alleviating the suffering of humanity is pursuing a call¬ ing which in dignity, importance and beneficial results is second to no other. If true to his profession and earnest in his efforts to enlarge his sphere of use¬ fulness, he is indeed a benefactor of his kind, for to him more than to any other man are entrusted the safety, the comfort and, in many instances, the lives of those who place themselves under his care and profit by his services. It is gratifying to note that in the series of personal sketches appearing in this work there remain identified with the professional, public and civic affairs of Tipton county many wffio are native sons of the county and who are ably maintaining the prestige of honored names. Of this number, Dr. Theodore O. Morris, who is prominent among the physicians, and surgeons and who is practicing his profession at Hobbs, Tipton county, Indiana, is one of the representative men of the county. Although comparatively a young man, he has gained wide professional notoriety and established a sound reputation for uprightness of character in all the relations of life.

Theodore O. Morris was born August 8, 1878, in Cicero township, this county, the son of John H. and Rachael (Warren) Morris. John H. Morris, the subject's father, first saw the light of day near Xenia, Ohio, March 5, 1850, being the son of John Henry and Eliza (Sites) Morris. He came to this community at an early date and was quite a prominent man, serving as postmaster at Hobbs for a number of years and having wide fraternal affilia¬ tions, belonging to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he filled all the chairs, also being a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, his wife holding membership in the Degree of Pocahontas and the Daughters of Rebekah. They were the parents of four children, namely : Lena married a Mr. Negus, who is chief clerk in the Indiana Boys' School at Plainfield, and they have seven children, Carroll, Thelma, Oral, Laurie, Lowell, Rachael and Annette ; Thomas married Blanca Manwaring ; Ollie married Royal Batzner; T. O., the subject of the present review.

Doctor Morris completed the common school branches at Hobbs and then took a course in the normal school at Danville, Indiana, after which he taught for two terms at No. 1 school and at Prairie Grove one year. At this point in his career the subject decided to make the practice of medicine his life work and entered the Central College of Physicians and Surgeons at Indian¬ apolis, from which he graduated in 1904. On completing his course in medi¬ cine the Doctor first located at Atlanta, remaining there but a short time, how¬ ever, coming to Hobbs within a year and having remained here since.

On Christmas day, in the year 1900, Doctor Morris was united in mar¬ riage to Nora Cottingham, the daughter of Robert H. and Rachael (Hobbs) Cottingham. The father of Mrs. Morris was born in Hamilton county, In¬ diana, in 1858 and. was the son of Pernell and Elizabeth Cottingham. He was educated in the schools of Hamilton county and subsequently studied law at Valparaiso for three years. He was a brilliant man, with a most promising future, but died right on the threshold of a splendid career. He was a Re¬ publican in his political belief and was a faithful member of the Christian church.

Dr. T. O. Morris is an appreciative member of the county, state and national medical associations and is a wide reader and a well informed man. He endeavors to keep posted in all the best researches of medicine and sur¬ gery, believing that a medical man's education is not completed on his gradua¬ tion from college. Although he has never sought public office for himself, the Doctor displays a deep interest in public affairs, hfs ballot being cast in support of the principles of the Democratic party. His fraternal relations are with the Modern Woodmen of America, while in religious affairs he is a loyal and consistent member of the Christian church, to which he gives liber¬ ally of his means.

Carl Tenwell

One of the best known and most enterprising of the younger agricul¬ turists of Tipton county is the gentleman whose name appears above, now in the very prime of life and usefulness and his influence as an honorable, up¬ right citizen is productive of much good upon all with whom he comes in contact. His past success gives assurance of something yet to come, and he is evidently destined to continue a potent factor for substantial good for many years to come. He is the owner of one hundred acres of fine farming land in Wildcat township, Tipton county, Indiana, which he conducts in a manner that stamps him as fully abreast of the times.

Carl Tenwell, a prosperous farmer, living on his place, about three and one-half miles northeast of Windfall, was born April 18, 1883, in Howard county, Indiana, near West Liberty, the son of Millard and Mary (Hancock) Tenwell. Millard Tenwell was a prominent farmer in Howard county and came to that section of the Hoosier state from Wisconsin with his parents. Irvin and Mary (Zentmyer) Tenwell, Irvin having preceded the family to that locality in 1853 and settling on a farm in the wilderness, where he cleared land and built a home. Here the subject's father was reared and married, be¬ coming the father of six children, namely: Arley H.; Carl; John Frank; William I.; Ophia married Ira Hanna; Oscar. Millard Tenwell has been a farmer all his life and is still engaged in agriculture in Howard county.

Carl Tenwell secured his education in the schools at West Liberty and later at Phlox, Indiana, being engaged at agricultural labor during his boy¬ hood and early youth. Although his opportunities for study were rather limited, he has, by close observation and wide reading, largely supplemented his early schooling, and is recognized as a man of intelligence and good sound ideas, thoroughly up-to-date in his methods and well informed on the topics of the day. When he reached the age of sixteen years, the subject of this re¬ view took employment with the Indiana Gas Company and continued with that concern for six years. By a course of careful economy and industry he was enabled at the end of that period to purchase a small tract of land and, through the application of his thorough knowledge of the art of tilling the soil, acquired in youth, he has made a splendid success of his life work, adding to his holdings until at the present time his one-hundred-acre farm is one of the best in the community and yields him a good competency. He has been essentially a scientific agriculturist, never being content with old methods of farming when a newer and better method was brought to his notice. A care- ful conservation of the soil replenishing its vitality with the best of fertiliz¬ ers, has been one of the main reasons for his success. Substantial improve¬ ments in the way of buildings have been erected and* the best of farming ma¬ chinery installed. In addition to general farming, Mr. Tenwell has devoted considerable attention to the raising of live stock and on account of his superior knowledge of the operations of selecting and breeding he has made this department of his work very lucrative.

In 1902 Mr. Tenwell was united in marriage to Bessie L. Overman, the daughter of Elwood C. and Hulda (Shawhan) Overman, and this union has been blessed by the birth of one child, Afton Bernice. In his political belief, Mr. Tenwell is a Democrat and takes an intelligent and earnest interest in the success of that party. In every movement for the advancement of the inter¬ ests of his fellow citizens or the prosperity of the community the subject is always in the forefront, lending his support to all worthy objects or public enterprises.

Lewis Van Briggle

There are many qualities that enter into a successful career. It is not enough to be merely energetic and industrious, but it is also necessary that one have a thorough understanding of the business in which he engages and realization of the best methods to be pursued. Not every man can become a farmer who has the land ; not every man can become a lawyer who has a good library ; not every man can become a merchant who has a store ; not every man can run a saw mill who has the necessary outfit. Many men are misfits in their occupations, sometimes from mere chance and sometimes because they do not have the necessary energy to find the work for which they are the best adapted. The subject of this particular sketch has been eminently successful, both as a farmer and as the operator of a saw-mill, two very widely differing occupations.

Lewis Van Briggle was born in the county and township in which he has always lived. His birth occurred October 16, 1852, and his parents, Vincent and Elizabeth (Rogers) Van Briggle, both natives of Switzerland county, Indiana, had come to Tipton county shortly after their marriage. Vincent Van Briggle worked on his father's farm in Switzerland county and re¬ ceived such meager schooling as his neighborhood afforded at that time. The schools he attended were short subscription schools, the teacher's salary being raised by subscription among the various patrons of the school and the teacher boarding around. In such a school, usually conducted two or three months during the year, Vincent Van Briggle received a practical education which enabled him to carry on all of his business. After his marriage to Elizabeth Rogers, daughter of Lewis and Druzilla (Phelps) Rogers, he immediately moved to Tipton county and here entered government land in Prairie town¬ ship. He continued in active operation of the farm until i860, when he moved to Groomsville and engaged in the saw-mill business. In 1867 he re¬ turned to the farm and continued to manage it until his death, which occurred in November, 1877. He was very successful, both as a farmer and as a saw¬ mill man, and at his death was considered one of the most prosperous and substantial men of the township. To Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Van Briggle were born nine children; Elizabeth, wife of Harrison C. Patrick; Peter married Sarah Ridgeley; Druzilla died at the age of twenty; Henry, who married Jane Hall; Edward married Julia A. Land; Mrs. Clara P. Lee; Luther died un¬ married; Vincent, who married Minnie Disbro, and Lewis, the immediate subject of this sketch.

Lewis Van Briggle was reared on the home farm and was instructed and trained in the best methods of cultivating the soil and raising crops. His in¬ tellectual training was received in the district schools of his neighborhood, and when a mere youth he began work in his father's saw mill. He has been interested more or less in the saw-mill business all his life. When he was thirty-five years of age he added the manufacturing of tile and brick to his business and continued the tile business until natural gas gave out in the county. He then engaged in the hardware business, at the same time handling gravel, in which lines of endeavor he continued for some time, but, finding that he was dividing his attention between his various enterprises, he sold out his interests in the hardware business and also his gravel rights and confined his attention exclusively to his saw-mill and agricultural interests. His saw¬ mill is well equipped with good machinery for turning out first-class work and Mr. Van Briggle gives his personal attention to all the work done, with the result that the product of his mill is eminently satisfactory to all of his cus¬ tomers. He has gained a very desirable patronage and his business is on a profitable basis. In his farming he has introduced the most modern methods of agriculture and is known throughout the township as one of its best farmers.

children: Arthur, who died at the age of three years; Peter, who died in boyhood Ina, who became the wife of Cecil Davenport, and is the mother of four children, Rov. Esther, Mary and Arthur; Lela married, first, Oliver Henry, and she subsequently became the wife of Floyd Hobbs; she was the mother of one child by her first marriage, and three by the second; Walter, who married Hulda James, has two children, Herschel and Chester. Mr. Van Briggle's first wife died in 1893, and a few years later he married Mary (Cardwell) Smith, the daughter of Joseph and Matilda (Edwards) Cardwell. Mr. and Mrs. Rollie Smith, the parents of Mr. Van Briggle's first wife, reared a family of fourteen children: Dudley, who married Martha Purvis; Hunnewell, who married Nancy Cobb; Enoch married Flora Griffith; Thomas married Nancy Disbro; Noble, unmarried; Lucy, who died when young; Sylvanus, who married Matilda Orem; George married Sarah Warden; Hannah married Alfred McCreary: Elizabeth, first wife of the subject; Frank married Ellen Pence ; Charles married Mary Cardwell ; William died in in¬ fancy; and John, who married Jane Shuck. Mr. Van Briggle's second wife was the widow of Charles Smith, and by her first marriage she had two children, Edith, who married Frank Moulder, is the mother of three children, Florence, Ernest and Mary A., and Oliver P., who married Maggie Miller and has four children, Mabel, Nellie, Dorothy and Ruby. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Cardwell, the parents of Mr. Van Briggle's present wife, were both natives of North Carolina, and were the parents of twelve children : Lucy, deceased ; Pleasant married Julia Ragan ; Ann M. became the wife of Absalom Day; Elizabeth married Monterville Purvis; John, who married Amanda Disbro, and after her death, Elizabeth Shuck; Lorinda married Samuel Runk; Clarinda became the wife of Ross Ashpaugh; James married Jane Mclntire; Noah, who married Amanda Shuck, and after her death, Diana Bridgett; Mary, second wife of Mr. Van Briggle, and George, who died in infancy; Alva, who married Myrtle McTntire.

Mr. Van Briggle has always given his hearty support to the Democratic party and during all of his career as a citizen in this county he has never held any other office than that of township assessor. However, he takes an intelli¬ gent interests in the political issues of the day and is well informed as to the principles of his party. He is a member of the time-honored order of Free and Accepted Masons and a devout member of the Missionary Baptist church, of which denomination he has been a trustee for several years. His life has been a busy and useful one and from his early youth he has depended entirely upon his own labors. All he possesses has been won through strong determina- tion and persistent purpose. He is well known in this locality for his sound integrity and honorable character and as a highly respected citizen he has won the admiration of his friends and acquaintances.

Lot S. Ulrich

More than fifty-two years have dissolved in the mists of the past since the subject of this sketch was ushered upon the scenes of acting in this world, and in the lapse of more than half the century he has built for himself a solid reputation as a progressive farmer and a public-spirited citizen in the com¬ munity which has been favored by his residence. He has an eminently credit¬ able record of an industrious, conscientious man, who by an upright life has won the confidence of all with whom he mingles and has stamped his individ¬ uality upon the community of which he has so long been a resident.

Lot S. Ulrich, the proprietor of an eighty-acre farm in Liberty township, was born April 15, 1862, in the township where he has spent his entire life. His parents were Jonathan S. and Mary J. (Naylor) Ulrich, and to them were born five children : Ryneldo, deceased ; Edward, deceased ; Thomas D., Lot S. and Silas A.

Jonathan S. Ulrich was born in Union county, Pennsylvania, in 1826, and died in Tipton county, Indiana, in 1886. Mary J. (Naylor) Ulrich was born in Ripley county, Indiana, in 1828, and died in Tipton county, Indiana, in 1914.

Lot S. Ulrich, the subject of this sketch, received a good practical edu¬ cation in the Sharpsville schools and has continued to improve his mind since leaving the school room by extensive reading and close observation of the various events of the day. When still a young man his father relied upon him for assistance in the management of his large farm and in this way he gained much valuable experience which has been of great value to him in after life. Upon the death of his father, in 1886, although he was then only twentyfour years of age, he assumed complete control of his father's extensive hold¬ ings and has continued in that capacity since that time.

Mr. Ulrich married Elva W. Baxter, the daughter of J. K. and Ellen Baxter, and this union has been blessed with five children, but one of whom is living, Mary Ellen.

Lot S. Ulrich has for a number of years past been one of central In¬ diana's most scientific and successful stock feeders, marketing each year several

In the year 1906 Lot S. Ulrich was the promoter and organizer of the Sharpsville Cemetery Association and became its first president and two years later he became secretary of the association, which office h$ still holds. In the same year he was the organizer and became manager of the Sharpsville Comet Band, and still remains a member of this organization. Politically, his in¬ terests have always been with the Republican party and has always worked to the welfare of the community and state. Fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, Order of the Eastern Star and Maccabees.

David W. Shuck

For many years this sterling citizen has occupied a distinctively promi¬ nent place among the leading farmers of the township in which he lives, while a continuous residence in Tipton county of many years has given him wide publicity and an honorable name throughout his county. His success has been due to his superior intelligence, sound judgment and well-directed in¬ dustry, while his generous nature, broad utilitarian principles and eminently progressive ideas have won him the respect of his fellow citizens and made him in no small degree a leader of thought and opinion in his community.

David W. .Shuck cannot claim Indiana as his native state, his birth hav¬ ing occurred in Kentucky December 11, 1859. His parents, James B. and Eliza (Shuck) Shuck, were natives of Henry county, Kentucky, and after their marriage they moved to Shelby county, that state, where the subject of this sketch was born. Here they continued to reside until 1871, when they came to Tipton county, Indiana, where they have since lived. Upon coming to this county, James B. Shuck purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he has continuously resided since coming to the county. To Mr. and Mrs. James Shuck were born thirteen children, seven of whom are living: Sarah became the wife of John Peters, and after his death she' married Strand Sanford; John, who married Charity Winsworth; Mrs. James Graham; James A., who married Ida Woods; Richard M. married Susan Atkinson; Mrs. Lucy Rayle; the other six children all died in childhood.

During the years of his childhood and youth, David Shuck attended the schools of his neighborhood and received a practical education which has been all sufficient for his needs. After leaving school he worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-three 'years of age, when he and his brother, John, began to follow ditching as a profession. For the next five years they were engaged in this line of endeavor, their work being a part of the contract which called for extensive draining throughout the county. At the age of twentyfive, Mr. Shuck was married and at once bought a farm of forty acres, and after operating this tract for three years, he sold it and bought his present farm of seventy-eight acres. Although beginning in a modest way, his in¬ dustry and well-directed energies have enabled him to make steady and sub¬ stantial progress and but few years elapsed after his marriage until he found himself on the high road to success. The lessons learned in youth he found of especial value, as they proved the stepping stones on which he mounted to a higher plane of endeavor. He had true thrift and economy instilled into his mind bv his parents, and these qualities later enabled him to master details and utilize all his efforts in the accomplishment of that which he set out to achieve.

Mr. Shuck was married to Sarah Carter, the daughter of Thurston and Amanda Carter, and to this union there were born four children : Grover, who married Lillie Orr, has one daughter, Evelyn; Elizabeth, who married Vernon Harlow, is the mother of three children, Vivian, Margaret and Sarah E., while the two youngest sons, Everett and Noel, are still under the par¬ ental roof. Mr. and Mrs. Thurston Carter, the parents of Mrs. Shuck, had a family of five children, Elizabeth, Edmond, Sarah and two who died in in¬ fancy. Elizabeth married James Shuck first and after his death married Jonathan Cardwell, who died a few years later, and she then married Thomas Brooks; Edmond married, first, Dora Thacher, and second, Catherine Gross.

Mr. Shuck has been a strong and prominent supporter of the principles of the Democratic party and never hesitates to assign a logical reason for his political views, being well grounded in the principles on which his party is based and thoroughly informed relative to the leading public questions and issues of the day. However, he has never been a candidate for any public office, being content to serve as a worker in the ranks and devote his attention to his agricultural interests. He has long been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church of Groomsville, Indiana, and for the past five years has been a trustee in the church. Mr. Shuck is a sound, practical business man and his career in every respect has been eminently creditable, as well as successful. It is true that in the present day the successful farmer must of necessity be a successful business man. The same good common sense and mature judgment which makes a successful manufacturer also makes a successful farmer. Mr.

Shuck is a man of pleasing personality and he and his good wife are active members of the social life of their community, where they number their friends and acquaintances in a wide circle. The lives of such people are a benefit to any community and are such as to win for them the commendation of all with whom they come in contact.

Edward J. Edmonds

In past ages the history of a country was comprised chiefly in the record of its wars and conquests. Today history is largely a record of commercial activity and those whose names are foremost in the annals of the nation are those who have become leaders in the business circles. The conquests now made are those of mind over matter, and the victor is he who can most suc¬ cessfully establish, control and operate commercial interests. Mr. Edmonds is unquestionably one of the strongest and most influential of the men whose lives have been an essential part in the history of Tipton county. Tireless energy, keen perception, honesty of purpose, genius for devising and execut¬ ing the right thing in the right place and time are the chief characteristics of the man. These, combined with every-day common sense and guided by strong will power, are concomitants which will insure success in any un¬ dertaking.

Edward J. Edmonds, the son of Jacob and Sarah (Ingraham) Edmonds, was born in Canada, September 15, 1877. Both his parents were natives of Michigan, and reared in that state four children to maturity : David B., of Elwood, Indiana: Cora, the wife of E. T. Bentley, of Detroit, Michigan; Mina D., of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Edward J.

The father of the s'ubject was reared in Michigan and has been a dealer and manufacturer of barrel hoops. He and his wife still live at Pinconning, Michigan. He was a soldier in the Civil war and served three years under the great cavalry leader, Gen. Phil Sheridan.' After the war he went to Port Huron, Michigan, and entered into the lumber business. The paternal grand¬ parents of Mr. Edmonds lived in Michigan, where they died at an advanced age. They reared four children, Jacob, Isaac, David and Susanne. The maternal grandparents also lived in Michigan near Port Huron, and died at an old age. They had two children, Sarah and Mary.

Edward J. Edmonds was raised at Smith's Creek, near Port Huron, and began his early education at Kawkawlin, and finished his schooling at Pin- conning, Michigan. He then entered the railroad service, and worked for the Michigan Central Railroad at Pinconning. He was transferred to South Bend, where he continued in railroad work. Later he entered the railroad office at Elwood, Indiana, working for the Elwood, Anderson & Lapel Rail¬ road. In 1905 he came to Tipton, and three years ago he established his present automobile and garage business. He has one of the largest and best equipped garages in the state of Indiana, and serves an increasing business all the time.

On the 7th day of June, 1904, Mr. Edmonds married Estella Anderson, daughter of Careb and Jerusha Jane Anderson. Mrs. Edmonds is a member of the Christian church. She was born in Tipton, Indiana, her parents being natives of the county. Her father was a soldier in the Civil war. She has one living sister, Frances E.

Politically, Mr. Edmonds is a stanch member of the Republican party, and fraternally he is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is all that a man should be and deserves the well-earned popular¬ ity throughout the community in which he lives.

William J. Miner

Among the men of a past generation of Tipton county, Indiana, who have been known for their uprightness in life, common sense and moral worth, the late William J. Miner stands as a conspicuous example. He was not only a progressive man of affairs, successful in business pursuits, but a man of modest and unassuming demeanor and a fine type of the successful, self-made American. During his long career in Tipton county, he was always ready to aid in every good work and was always active in the support of laudable public enterprises.

The late William J. Miner was born in Hendricks county, Indiana, August 4, 1837, the son of Richard and Linda Mira (Jackson) Miner, the father a native of Union county, this state, and the mother of Wayne county, Indiana. They were the parents of eleven children : William J. ; Louisa, who married Joseph Hawsher; Melvin, of Lawton, California; James M., who died at the battle of Chickamauga ; Jabez E. ; Sylvanus, deceased ; Jasper M., deceased; Laura, who died when young; Medora J., widow of Charles Barnes, of Elwood, Indiana; Frank A., deceased, and Mary, who died when one year old.

Richard Miner was a farmer in young manhood in Union county, In¬ diana, and came to Tipton county about 1843, locating in the eastern part of the county, where he engaged in farming for some years. He also served as judge of the probate court while living on the farm and for more than fifteen years served as justice of the peace in the county. His death occurred in Elwood in 1875, in his sixty-fourth year, his wife surviving him a number of years and dying at the age of eighty-six years. He and his wife were both loyal members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he was a local preacher of that denomination. He was a stanch Democrat all his life and took a con¬ spicuous part in political campaigns.

The paternal grandparents of William J. Miner were pioneers in Union county, Indiana, where they lived to a ripe old age. They came from North Carolina and reared a large family in this state: Noah, James, William, Richard, Jabez, Adam, Garrison, Joseph, Hezekiah and Anna. The maternal grandparents were James and Martha Jackson, both being pioneers of Wayne county, Indiana. Early in life they moved to Marion county, this state, where they lived for the remainder of their days. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson were the parents of a large family, Isaiah, Newton J., Carter T., Nancy, Rachel, Re¬ becca, Linda Mira, Sarah and Perlina.

William J. Miner came from Hendricks county, Indiana, to Tipton county with his parents when he was four years of age. All of his schooling was received before he was fourteen years old, and at that time he went to Elwood, where he clerked in a store for about a year. At the age of fifteen he was apprenticed to a wagon-maker and worked at that trade until the breaking out of the Civil war, when he enlisted in Company E, Thirty-fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He served three full years in the war, going out as a private, was soon promoted to sergeant, then to second lieutenant and finally to first lieutenant. He participated in thirteen battles and skirmishes, was twice hit with minie balls, but only slightly wounded. After the war he went back to Elwood, where he engaged in the dry goods and hardware business, also maintaining stores for a time at Franklin and Windfall. During his career as a merchant he served as trustee of Wildcat township, Tipton county, and in 1886 he was elected county auditor, filling that office for four years. Following his term as county auditor, he wrent intothe abstract business in Tipton with Messrs. Clark and Seright, which firm continued together for several years. Mr. Seright then withdrew and the firm continued under the name of Clark & Miner, incorporated with a capital stock of nine thousand dollars. ~ They have the most complete set of abstract books in the county. Mr. Miner was actively identified with the various busi¬ ness interests of Tipton and was for many years president of the Citizens National Bank. In fact, he was its president from the organization of the bank. It was organized first as a state bank, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars, and was later incorporated as the Citizens National Bank, with a capi¬ tal stock of one hundred thousand dollars.

Mr. Miner was married on April 24, 1866, to Elizabeth M. Guisinger, daughter of Dr. John and Mrs. Guisinger, and to this union were born three children : Orpha, the wife of Frank J. Bower, who lives in Tipton, and is the mother of five children, Paul, Miner, John, George and Elizabeth, deceased; Gertrude still lives at home; Paul died April 25, 1912; he was married to Nellie M. Mavity and left one child, Ruth. Mrs. Miner was a native of Ohio, her father being also a native of that state. Mr. and Mrs. Guisinger reared a large family, Martha, Elizabeth M., Mary, Minerva A., Margaret, Amanda, Nora, Catherine, Nettie, Frank, Earl. Walter and several who died while young.

Mr. Miner was a stanch Democrat and was more or less actively identi¬ fied with politics in the county all his life. As has been stated, he held two public offices at the hands of his party and performed efficient service for the citizens of the county. All the members of the family are adherents of the Catholic church and contribute liberally of their means to its support. Mr. Miner will be remembered as a manly man of pleasing, but dignified presence, a student and an influential man in the circles in which he moved. Of good character and unflagging energy, he stood as a conspicuous example of welldeveloped American manhood, and his position as one of the community's representative citizens was conceded by all who knew him. His death oc¬ curred on November 10, 1913, aged seventy-six years. At the time of his death the following resolutions were adopted by the board of directors of the Citizens National Bank of Tipton :

"Whereas, William J. Miner has been called from his earthly home to return to his Heavenly Father and to join the companionship of the noble dead :

"Therefore, be it resolved by the remaining members of the board of directors of the Citizens National Bank of Tipton, Indiana, that, in the death of William J. Miner, who was unanimously chosen president of the bank during its existence, we deeply feel the loss of our honored and respected president.

was ever ready to accommodate and render justice to his fellow man. In the midst of his earthly affairs, even when under the stress of bodily affliction, he ever maintained a cordial relationship with his brother men and fervently gave the love of his heart to his Creator. All who entered into his acquaint¬ anceship learned to respect and to love him. His venerable countenance will be greatly missed in the monthly meetings of the directors of the bank; and wre, as officers of the bank, from our intimate relations with William J. Miner, bear witness to his sterling honesty and exalted character. We tender our sincere sympathy and condolence to his bereaved widow' and family.

"Resolved, That a copy of the resolutions be entered on the records of the Citizens National Bank, that a copy be delivered to the wfidow and a copy be published in the Tipton Daily Times and the Tipton Daily Tribune.

C. B. Gray

Agriculture has been an honored vocation from the earliest ages and as a usual thing men of honorable and humane impulses, as well as those of energy and thrift, have been patrons of husbandry. The free outdoor life of the farm has a decided tendency to foster and develop that independence of mind and self-reliance which characterize true manhood, and no greater blessing can befall a boy than to be reared in close touch with nature in the healthful, life-inspiring labor of the fields. It has always been the fruitful soil from which have sprung the moral bone and sinew7 of the nation, and the majority of our country's great warriors, wise statesmen, renowned scholars and dis¬ tinguished men of letters were born on the farm and are indebted to its early influence for the distinction which they have attained.

C. B. Gray, a prosperous farmer of Cicero township, was born Septem¬ ber 24, 1856, in Henry county, Indiana. He wras the son of Samuel C. and Mary L. (Butler) Gray. His father was born in Fayette county and was a mechanic by trade. They had four children : James, deceased, Samuel A., William I., and C. B., subject of this sketch.

C. B. Gray attended the common schools of Henry county, and for a time was under Benjamin Parker and his wife, the Indiana poets. He came to Tipton county when he was about thirteen years of age, and settled with his parents in this township, where he still lives. He attended the Jefferson township district school after coming to this county. During the summer he worked on the farm while he attended school in the winter months.

Mr. Gray was married November 20, 1878, to Sarah J. Shannon, the daughter of Thomas B. Shannon, the latter dying some years ago. To Mr. and Mrs. Gray have been born the following children: Charles W., Jennie L., Harry C., Mary E., Thomas R. (who married Dena B. Glass), Alpha B., and Samuel S.

Mr. Gray now owns one of the most complete and up-to-date farms in Cicero township. He has always been a Republican in politics, though he has never sought any public office from his party. Recently they have com¬ pleted a new house and barn and both are equipped with all the modem im¬ provements. Mr. Gray has, by his upright and wholesome life, gained the respect of all, and they have many warm and loyal friends, who have been drawn to them by their admirable traits of character. He has always sup¬ ported those interests which they have been calculated to uplift and benefit their community.

Martin Melvin Hobbs

It is proper to judge of the success and status of a man's life by the estimation in which he is held by his fellow citizens. They see him at his work and in his family circle, hear his views on public questions, observe the outcome of his code of morals, witness how he conducts himself in all the relations of society and thus become competent to judge of his merits and demerits. After a long course of years of such daily observation it would be out of the question for his neighbors not to know his worth, because, as has been said, "actions speak louder than words." In this county there is nothing heard concerning the subject of this sketch but good words. He has passed his entire life here and his worth is well known, but it will be of inter¬ est to run over the busy events of his life in these pages.

Martin Melvin Hobbs, retired grain dealer and merchant of Hobbs, has occupied a large place in the business, social and political affairs of his com¬ munity. He served Tipton county faithfully and efficiently as treasurer and his township as trustee and supervisor, instituting many business-like reforms in those responsible offices and making a record as a public official that yet stands as a model to his successors. t He is a native son of this county, hav¬ ing been born in Madison township December 14, 1845, the son of Levi and Cynthia (Boles) Hobbs. The mother's family came from Butler county, Ohio, and she was the last of the name. Levi Hobbs was a native of Lee county, Virginia, and on coming to the Hoosier state he settled in Marion county about the year 1836, living on a farm and teaching school, his early education having been acquired in his native state. In 1841 he removed to Tipton county and obtained a tract of twenty-nine acres on the southeast corner of section 23, which constituted the first settlement in Madison town¬ ship. He was the father of ten children: Lavisa and Tilman are deceased; Elmina Houser; Clinton H. ; Martin Melvin; William B. ; Miranda; Ann Eliza ; Cynthia, deceased, and Preston L.

Martin Melvin Hobbs acquired his education in an old log school house near his father's place and was engaged in assisting his parents in the labor on the home farm until he reached mature years. At the age of twenty-one years he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he was employed for some time, also teaching school for several terms. Eventually the subject settled on an eighty-acre tract of land and for four years devoted his attention to the cultivation of the same. At the end of this period he disposed of his holdings and came to Hobbs, about the year 1878 or 1879, an<^ enga&ed m the merchandise business, having continued in this line and in the lumber and grain business for over thirty-five years.

On March 26, 1874, Mr. Hobbs was united in marriage to Sarah J. Lilly, the daughter of Green and Eliza (Wright) Lilly. She died February 26, 1904, and was buried in the Hobbs cemetery. Mr. Hobbs was married a second time, his present wife being the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Parmer) Castor, .who came from Decatur county, this state.

Mr. Hobbs has always displayed an active and intelligent interest in political affairs, although of late years he has been content to limit his activities to the casting of his ballot for the Republican party, which in his younger days so signally honored him. Fraternally, he is a member of Elwood Lodge No. 230, Free and Accepted Masons, in which he takes an appreciative inter¬ est. A life of industry and good management has brought to Mr. Hobbs rich rewards and his declining years as a result are being passed in peace and comfort, surrounded by loyal friends and neighbors. He now owns two valuable farms, one of one hundred and fifty-two and one of eighty acres. The Farmers State Bank of Hobbs began business January 1, 1914, and Mr. Hobbs became its president.

Among the substantial men whose labor and influence have given im¬ petus to the agricultural interests and general material improvement of Tipton county, Indiana, and who today occupy high positions in the community in which they live, is the worthy gentleman whose name introduces this article. He grew up with the predominating idea of relying upon himself, and in his own work he has persevered steadily along a definite line of action, so that today he is considered one of the solid and enterprising farmers of his county. He is one of an increasing number of men who are taking an active part in public life, and in his capacity as an official of his township, he has shown himself as one of the most capable officials which his county has ever produced.

M. W. Johnson was born on March 31, 1853, in Tipton, Indiana, and is a son of William and Amelia (Short) Johnson. The senior Mr. Johnson was born in Darke county, Ohio, and was a miller by trade. He lived until his death, in 1854, on the farm where the subject now lives, having come to Tipton county in an early day. He was a man of strong intellectual powers, having received a good, practical education in the common schools of Darke county, and in the various communities where he lived he enjoyed in a large measure public confidence and esteem. To him and his wife were born the following children : Mrs. Amanda Oliver, who is the mother of four children; James, deceased; and M. W., the immediate subject of this sketch.

M. W. Johnson was educated in the schools of Tipton in his childhood, and later attended district school No. 18, working on the home farm during the summer seasons, and so well did he apply himself to his studies that he was enabled to teach several years after finishing his own school work. Having decided to make agriculture his life work, he stayed on the farm and later bought out the interests of the other heirs of his father's farm of forty acres, this being a part of the original land belonging to his father. He has conducted his farming operations with much success. He carries on a general line of farming, in addition to which he gives some attention to stock raising, which he finds a profitable source of income.

In 1879 Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Emma Colee, daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Goodwin) Colee, who came to Tipton county from Shelby county and are highly respected citizens of their community. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born three children: Lundy, who married Sadie Partridge, and they have two children, Darrell and Robert: Paul and Monna, who are at home with their parents and both attending school.

Politically, Mr. Johnson is a Democrat and has always taken a deep interest in all public affairs, especially of his township and county. He is at present serving his second term as trustee of Cicero township, which is the second largest township in the state. He is discharging the arduous duties of his important office to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. Personally, he is genial and unassuming, and he and his family move in the best circles of their community, being highly respected and esteemed by all who know them.

Lewis Z. Vandevender

It is not an easy task to describe adequately a man who has led an emi¬ nently active and busy life and who has attained a position of relative distinc¬ tion in the community with which his interests are allied. But biography finds its most perfect justification, nevertheless, in the tracing and recording of such a life history. It is, then, with a full appreciation of all that is demanded and of the painstaking scrutiny that must be accorded each statement, and yet with a feeling of satisfaction, that the writer essays the task of touching briefly 1 upon the details of such a record as has been that of the honored sub¬ ject of this sketch whose eminently successful career is now under review.

Lewis Z. Vandevender, trustee of Jefferson township, Tipton county, and a merchant of Goldsmith, Indiana, was born May 7, 1865, *n Peru, Indi¬ ana, the son of Joseph and Catherine (Zeigler) Vandevender. His father was a native of Licking county, Ohio, and was a farmer by vocation. He came to Indiana in the early days before the Civil war and settled in Miami county, and was the father of three children, the subject of this sketch, Mrs. Minnie G. McFoster and Joseph W., who is married and has three children, Kenneth, Merle and Lawrence.