Tipton County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1914 (part 6 of 11)

On July 12, 1900, Rev. Hoover was united in the holy bonds of matri¬ mony to Virginia Dillinger, daughter of Archibald A. and Fannie Louise (Kempher) Dillinger, her parents being of good old German stock. Mrs. Hoover was born at Findlay, Ohio, March 9, 1875. She is a graduate of the Findlay (Ohio) high school and of Hiram College. Her father and mother, who were born in Ohio, are now residents of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and are the parents of the following children: Myrtle is the wife of William M. Demland, of Shawnee, Oklahoma; Ina, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; Mrs. Hoover; Pearl Fern is the wife of Lamont Johnson, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Mrs. Hoover's paternal grandparents were natives of the Key¬ stone state and were the parents of nine children, as follows : Mary, Cyrus, Samuel died young, Franklin, Eliza, Archibald, Melvin and Rosecrans. Her maternal grandparents were named Kempher, the grandmother's maiden name having been Lohr. They also were natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. Devout members of the Christian church, it is said they never missed a service in that church, although being compelled to drive six miles to worship over roads that were very bad. To them were bom

Rev. Hoover began preaching at Derby, Ohio, and at the Bell church, near Utica, Ohio, while he was yet a student at Denison University, preach¬ ing alternately at these places. Before attending college the subject was a teacher in the district schools, having begun his pedagogical duties at the early age of sixten years near Johnstown, Ohio. He also acted as a tutor while in the high school and at Hiram College. His first regular pastorate was in Zanesville, Ohio, where he served for two years and in the last year of his pastorate he was president of the Ministerial Association of that city, being at the time its youngest member. Next he was called to Minerva, Ohio, and from that charge to the First Christian church at Chicago, Illinois, serv¬ ing two years at that church and then for four years filling the pulpit of the West Pullman church, while at the last named place doing graduate work in the University of Chicago. Coming to Tipton, Tipton county, In¬ diana, in 1909, he served here for five years, resigning to accept the position of state evangelist and district superintendent of the eastern district of In¬ diana Christian churches. During the period of Rev. Hoover's ministry in Tipton there were added to the West Street Christian church six hundred and seventy-one persons, the membership of the congregation increasing dur¬ ing the five years from four hundred and fifty to over nine hundred. The net indebtedness of the church was decreased over nine thousand dollars. The annual service for railway men and their families and the annual men's banquet, the latter of which has come to occupy a foremost place in the life of the city, were instituted during his pastorate. On accepting the pres¬ ent position, Rev. Hoover removed to Indianapolis, and now resides at No. 355 South Audubon road in that city.

Rev. Hoover was for three years president of the fourth district of Indiana Christian churches and for three years a member of the board of directors of the Indiana Christian Missionary Association; for three years the subject was a member of the executive committee and for two years chairman of the committee on evangelism, also being a member of the com¬ mittee on education. At the time of his call to the state work, he was vicepresident of the state board. Appointed by Judge Purvis as a member of the county board of charities, the subject served as vice-president of the board. William Jennings Brvan selected Rev. Hoover as a member of the advisory board of the great Winona Assembly June 19, 1912. For one year he was president of the associate Winona conference of the Disciples of Christ, being the chairman for the year 1913. The president of the inter- national convention of the Disciples of Christ appointed him a member of the committee to prepare the prayer meeting topics for the Brotherhood of the Disciples of Christ for the year 1914. Rev. Hoover is a member of the Lambda Deuteron Chapter of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, at Denison University, Granville, Ohio; a member of the West Pullman (Chicago) Lodge No. 817, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and a member of the Tipton lodge of Masons.

John B. Reeder

Among the representative and progressive farmers of Tipton county who have been of material assistance in the upbuilding and development of the county none are better known than the gentleman whose name introduces this sketch. But John B. Reeder has shown exceptional ability along other lines, and as postmaster and county recorder he has proved that he is a man of marked mentality and good judgment.

John B. Reeder, the son of Joseph H. and Susannah (Lindley) Reeder, was born in Howard county, Indiana, January 5, 1853. Joseph was bom in Wayne county, Indiana, May 30, 1830, but his parents removed to Howard county when he was still a small boy and his limited education was received in the latter county. Upon reaching manhood he began to deal in real estate and live stock and by well directed efforts and tireless energy he was very successful. He branched out in the mercantile business as well and made a success of that venture; in addition to these various enterprises he had a farm, where he was living at the time of his death, on January 29, 1875. Before he reached his majority he was married, June 5, 1850, to Susannah Lindley, the daughter of John and Mary Lindley, and their union was blessed with eleven children: (1) John B., the subject of this sketch; (2) James, who died at the age of ten; (3) Mary C., who married William Wise, and has three children, Estill, Lee and Cora; (4) Cynthia E., who married Nelson Hollingsworth, and has six children, Naomi, Sherman, Fred, Dollie, Hobert and George; (5) Joseph H., Jr., married Pauline Hawkins, the daugh¬ ter of Daniel and Mary Hawkins, and had three children before his death, in 1886, John, Beulah, and Ella, deceased; (6) Martha who married Wilson Cottingham, and has five children, William, Maude. Lorraine, Merle and Car¬ rie; (7) George B., who married Mattie Andrews, and had one child who died in infancy; (8) Walter S., who married Etta Shaw, the daughter of William and Sarah Shaw, and has eight children, Willard, Ward, Pearl,

Albert, Ralph, Dorothy, Alta and Kenneth; (9) Minnie, who married Charles Snyder, and has three children, Lawrence, Marbel and Susan; (10) Cora, who married Thomas Warnock, and has five children, Ray, Fred, Roy, Armon and Guy ; ( 1 1 ) Susannah, who married J. C. Langley, and had one child dying in infancy. Mrs. Langley died in 1898.

John B. Reeder was reared on the farm, early learning the lessons of toil and self-reliance, and, growing up under the wholesome influence of outdoor life, he developed that strength of mind and body which have served him to such a good purpose in his subsequent career. He had good educa¬ tional advantages and in 1868 graduated from the high school at Kokomo, at that time considered one of the best schools in the state. After graduation he worked with his father, assisting him in his various enterprises for three years. His father, recognizing his ability, then took him in as a full partner and he continued in the partnership for about four years, when, his health becoming impaired, he retired from active participation in the business and removed to his farm. He has continued to reside on the farm since that time with the exception of the period spent in public offices. In 1875 he was appointed postmaster of Nevada, Tipton county, and in 1892 was elected audi¬ tor of Tipton county on the Democratic ticket. He filled this exacting office with credit to himself and entire satisfaction to the citizens of the county, proving to be a very capable, efficient and painstaking official. No man in Tipton county ever went out of a county office with a cleaner and better record than Mr. Reeder.

Mr. Reefer was married to Martha Ricketts, the daughter of Garrett and Alice (Manford) Ricketts, and this union has been blessed with nine children: (1) John B., Jr., deceased; (2) Flora, who married Amos Hoff¬ man, and has three children, Paul, Guy and Vera, deceased; (3) Effie May, who married Jonathan Ulrich, and has four children, Clyde, Fred, Bernard and Ruth; (4) Thomas M., who married Clara Coy, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leverett D. Coy; (5) Charles G., who married Bertha Kirk, and has two children, Lelah and Herman; (6) Ernest C, who married Hazel Kelley, the daughter of Schuyler and Nancy Kelly, and has one child, Vivian Helen; (7) Manly T., who died unmarried on January 10, 1904; (8) Alta R., who married Samuel W., Heath. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace are making their home with Mr. Reeder, his wife having died July 19, 1986.

Mr. Reeder has always been a stanch and uncompromising Democrat and has for many years been one of his party's main leaders. He was re¬ warded by his party by being elected to the office of county recorder and handled the affairs of that office in a most business-like fashion. He was prompt in the discharge of every official duty and his record was such as to win the unqualified indorsement of the general public. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, belonging to Windfall Lodge No. 334. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. His church af¬ filiation has always been with the Methodist Episcopal denomination. Mr. Reeder has lived at peace with his fellowmen and followed principles which have won for him the esteem and respect of all with whom he has come in contact.

David C. Wiggins, Jr

The subject of this sketch is a fine example of the young progressive farmer of today. He has already accomplished for himself and others more than many others can do in a lifetime. At an age when many young men are in college, without any responsibilities whatever, he was deeply immersed in his work, with important responsibilities on his mind and laying the founda¬ tion for a successful agricultural career. It is a sign of the times, and a good sign too, to see so many of our best young men turning to the farm for a livelihood. The occupation of the farmer was never more remunerative than it is today, while it has always been the most independent of all occupa¬ tions.

David C. Wiggins, Jr., the son of David L. and Mary (Nagle) Wig¬ gins, was born *on the farm where he now lives on July 8, 1882. Hjs father was a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, coming to this state in 1862, and settling in Arcadia, Hamilton county, where he followed the trade of a mechanic for ten years. He then went to Millersburg, in the same county, and bought a small farm of thirty acres and reared a part of his family. He operated this farm for a number of years and then sold it and bought the farm now owned by the subject of this sketch. Mr. and Mrs. David L. Wiggins are the parents of ten children: John, deceased; Emma, deceased: Mollie, deceased; George, Will, Mrs. Ella Springer, Mrs. Ida Stewart, Mrs. Anna Bunch, Mrs. Bertha Bouse, and David C, the sub¬ ject of this sketch.

David Wiggins was accorded such educational advantages as were af¬ forded in the common schools of his county. At the age of twenty-one he started in business for himself by renting land from his father and through well-directed efforts he was successful from the first. He has always taken an active and intelligent interest in public affairs and is known as a man of marked mentality and judgment. The application of unceasing energy and industry enabled him to purchase the home farm of eighty acres within a few years and since that time he has been enhancing its value by making ex¬ tensive improvements of all kinds.

Mr. Wiggins was united in marriage on May 19, 1906, to Clara Kinder, the daughter of Henry and Ada (Little) Kinder, and this marriage has been blessed with one child. Mr: Wiggins is a man whose interests center largely in his home and he does every thing within his power to make it as com¬ fortable and pleasant as possible. He is essentially domestic in his tastes and his home is veritably his castle, the center of his hopes and affections, and the place where his true and loving soul radiates its most genial and beneficial rays.

Though he is a Progressive Republican in his political connections, Mr. Wiggins has neither cared for nor sought for office, his preference being for the quiet and simple life of his farm. His only public office was as secre¬ tary of the Progressive county organization.

Mr. Wiggins is truly a self-made man, who began life with no capital but his head and hands and a willingness to work, yet we find him today, at middle life, in possession of a good farm, a comfortable home and every¬ thing conducive to a happy and contented life.

Newmax R. Wilson

The name borne by the subject of this sketch has long been known in this county and the Wilson family has been one of the most honored and substantial families in the county for many decades. The different mem¬ bers of the family have occupied positions of trust and honor in the central portion of Indiana and are known by every one as a family which stands for the best welfare of the various communities in which they have lived.

Newman R. Wilson, the son of W. F. and Mary (Fisher) Wilson, was born July 8, 1879, in Hamilton county, Indiana. His father was a native of Hamilton county and followed the occupation of a fanner in the county all of his life. He started out with no capital except strong hands, a willing heart and a determination to succeed, and at the time of his death he owned two hundred acres of as fine land as could be found in the county. In addi¬ tion to his farming interests he bought and sold stock and added materially to his income in this way. He was for thirty-five years engaged in shipping stock, being the largest shipper in Hamilton county. Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Wilson were the parents of four children : Newman, the subject of this sketch; Lowell; Floyd W., whose career is given elsewhere in this volume, and one daughter, Edna.

Newman Wilson attended the public schools of his county and finished his education by taking the full four-years course in the Arcadia high school. Shortly after graduation he was married to Lena Ellen Eilan, the daughter of J. S. and Amada (Newby) Eilan. Mr. and Mrs. Elian are the parents of the following children, Arthur, deceased; Lena Ellen, the wife of Mr. Wilson ; Edna, Ruth, Sylbert and Ralph.

To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have been born five children: Donovan, Troy, Eugene, Alice and Virginia. The three oldest are now attending the public schools, the parents intending to give all of their children the best education possible in order to ecpiip them as well as the modern day and age requires.

Mr. Wilson is a staunch advocate of the Republican party and the principles as set forth by that party. He takes an active interest in the questions and issues of the hour, but he has never been an aspirant for political preferment of any order, preferring to devote his entire attention to his agricultural interests. He and the members of his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and contribute liberally of their means to the support of that denomination. Mr. Wilson is a progressive and wide¬ awake farmer, who manages his affairs according to true business principles and in so doing has won the respect and esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

James Shields

There is no one in Tipton county who has a clearer right to the title of a self-made man than James Shields, the subject of this brief sketch. He has known what it is to work early and late in order to make a living, and throughout his whole career he has been a most industrious and energetic man. Compelled at an early age to assume the responsibilities of supporting a family, he is a fine example of the best type of American citizenship, for he has certainly won the proud title of a self-made man and his career is such as to gain for him the respect of those with whom he comes in contact. He has never claimed that the world owes him a living, but has cheerfully earned all that he possesses and is today the owner of a good farm of two hundred and fifty-six, acres in Liberty township.

Mr. And Mrs. James Shields

James Shields, the son of William and Nancy (Roach) Shields, was born January ir, 1853, in Ripley county, Indiana. His father, William Shields, was borA in Ireland in 1821 and came to this country when he was fifteen years of age, settling in Columbus, Indiana. His wife, Nancy, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Roach, was born in Jefferson county, In¬ diana, in 1822. To Mr. and Mrs. William Shields were born five children: Mary and William, both of whom died of the cholera in 1853 ; Anna, deceased wife of John Wyatt, of Tipton county; James, the subject of this sketch.

William Shields died during the cholera epidemic which raged through¬ out Indiana in 1853, two of his children dying of the plague the same year. James was less than one year old at the time of his father's death, while his one remaining sister was but little older. His mother was married a second time when James was four years of age to Willis Banks and the family moved the same year to Tipton county. James Shields had attended school in Ripley county and finished his education in Tipton county, being com¬ pelled to leave school upon the death of his stepfather in 1868. He at once assumed the support of the family by working for the farmers in the im¬ mediate locality. He was the head and support of the family until his mar¬ riage, on February 19, 1878, to Eliza Grishaw, the daughter of J. W. and Millie Jane Grishaw, of Liberty township, Tipton county. To this union were born six children : William, who married Anna Henderson, the daugh¬ ter of William and Susan Henderson, of Liberty township, and has four children, Ruth, Mary, Cora and James; Bertha, the wife of R. C. Thomas, of Liberty township, has three children, Dallas, Harold and Robert; Louis, who is a graduate of Marion Normal College and the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago, and is now attending the Princeton University Theological School. He was the Congregational minister at South Chicago for some time; Jesse, the fourth child, married Mary Graff, the daughter of Joseph and Sarah Graff, and this union has been blessed with one daughter, Gretchen ; Delcie M. is doing missionary work in the mountains of eastern Kentucky; and Leona, the youngest child, is attending the high school at Kokomo, In¬ diana.

The father of Mrs. Shields was a native of Ripley county, Indiana, being born in 1820, and lived there until his marriage to Millie Jane Haw¬ thorne, the daughter of George and Sarah (Holman) Hawthorne. They were the parents of eight children: Sarah, the wife of Orville McKay: Melissa, the wife of Marcus Van Bibber, and the mother of five children, Arthur, Earl, Louis, Cleo and one who died in infancy; Eliza, the wife of

Mr. Shields; Martha, the wife of William Richards, and the mother of eight children, Flossie, Orin, Irvin, Elsie, Pearl, Curtis and two who died in infancy; Scott, who married Leila Fish, the daughter of David and Ollie Jane Fish, and has two children, Lena and Robert, deceased; and Charles, the youngest of the Grishaw children, who married May Thompson.

Mr. Shields has been a life-long Republican, but has never cared for political preferment. He keeps well informed on the issues of the day and can discuss them intelligently at all times ; however, he has been an onlooker rather than a participant in active politics. He has a firm and abiding belief in religion and has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for many years, having been a trustee of the Sharpsville church for the past twenty-five years. His wife is also identified with the same religious body and, like him, she is deeply interested in good works and active in promoting all kinds of charitable and benevolent enterprises.

As has been said, Mr. Shields is emphatically a self-made man and his success has been commensurate with the energy, resourcefulness and tact which he has always displayed in all his business dealings. He is a man of strong will and force of character and these elements have made it possible for him to attain the success which is so justly his today. Mr. and Mrs. Shields have been ideal parents, as is so well shown by their splendid children, all of whom have become leaders in their respective spheres. Their children were educated with the object in view of preparing them for useful and hon¬ orable lives, and the result must certainly be very gratifying to their parents. The life of such a man as James Shields is a blessing to the community in which he lives and an inspiration to all with whom he comes in contact.

Jesse W. Bennett

The farmer of Indiana who was born three score and ten years ago can look back over a span of time which has brought about greater improvement in farming than any other period in the whole history of the world. In fact, there have been more improvements within the last fifty years than there were in all the years which have elapsed since the discovery of America. It is indeed difficult for the younger generation to realize what the conditions were which existed in Indiana seventy years ago. So different were they from what they are at present that the review of the lives of men who have lived during all this period is interesting as well as instructive to the younger generation. These forefathers of ours who were farming before the war can wfell remember the log cabin home, the mud roads, the rail fences, the grain cut with a sickle and threshed with a flail. Farming implements were very crude compared to the improved machinery of the present and much hard labor was demanded of the farmers as they undertook the task of transforming their land into a rich and productive field* Gradually1 time and the white race have brought great changes where the red men formerly roamed. I

Jesse W. Bennett, one of the wealthy land owners of Tipton county, Indiana, was bom in Tippecanoe county, this state, in 1842. His parents were James and Ruth (Whitehead) Bennett, both of whom were natives of New Jersey. They left their native state and came to Indiana shortly after their marriage and settled in Tippecanoe county, near Lafayette, where the subject of this sketch was born. They lived in that county the remainder of their lives and reared there a large family of nine children, only four of whom are living at the present time, Sarah, Samuel, Jesse W. and Elma. Those who are deceased are Edmond, Elma, Benjamin and James. Samuel and Elma are living in Kansas. James Bennett was a carpenter by trade, although he always lived on the farm. He was one of the pioneer settlers of Tippecanoe county, and underwent all of the hardships peculiar to the early settlers in new counties in the state. His career was characterized by in¬ dustry and at his death he was recognized as one of the leading citizens of that county.

Jesse W. Bennett was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads and attended the subscription schools which were held for a few weeks in the winter, while in the summer months he worked in the fields. The land which his father bought in Tippecanoe was covered with a dense growth of timber and the only music besides the noise of the wild animals of the forest which greeted our young lad was the sound of his ax as the trees one by one fell before his steady, youthful strokes. His father tried to give him the best education obtainable at that time, and after getting all he could from the short winter term he went to the Quaker school near Lafayette for a short time. After reaching manhood's estate, he moved to Benton county, where he became a successful farmer and for twenty-eight years lived on a farm in that county. He then moved to Tipton county on the farm which he now owns and here he has remained until the present time. He has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits and his well cultivated farm of two hundred acres shows what he has accomplished by hard work and attention to every detail of his farm work and he has met with a marked degree of success in his chosen vocation. He has never engaged in any speculation, but has earned his competency by persistent effort and untiring industry, and per¬ severance.

In accordance with the Biblical injunction that it was not good for man to live alone, Mr. Bennett was married at the age of thirty-two to Mary Cresser, the daughter of Townsand and Margaret Cresser, and this marriage has been blessed with four children: Nellie, who is deceased: Morton, who married Emma Howell; Alice, the wife of Jesse Williams, and Wilson, who married Hattie Bull. His first wife died in 1910, leaving one son. He sub¬ sequently married Elizabeth Drake and to this union has been bom one son. Ralph.

In his political views Mr. Bennett has always been a stanch Republican, but has never sought or desired public office, being content to perform his duties as a private citizen. He has been a life-long iiiember of the Methodist Episcopal church and for many years was a trustee in that denomination. His life has always been in harmony with the principles of his church, and he has so lived that his fellow citizens pass favorable judgment upon his every-day conduct

Thomas Wheeler Cage

Among the prominent and highly respected farmers of Tipton county, the late Thomas W. Cage occupied a very prominent and conspicuous place. For a generation he took an active part in the various community affairs of t Liberty township and in every thing he did it was evident that he was a man of high and loftyMdeals. His life was molded by his Christian faith and he was widely known as an honorable man, as well as a successful farmer, so that at his death, in 1912, the community felt that it had lost a valued citi¬ zen.

Thomas Wheeler Cage, the son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Batterton) Cage, was born in Shelby county, Indiana, on December 22, 1844. Andrew Cage and Elizabeth Batterton were married shortly after the Civil war and to this union were born six children: Thomas, the subject of this sketch: Benjamin, who married Anna Pattie, and has eight children, John, Joel, Roma, Hazel, William. Jessie, Ulysses and Ruth: Eli, who married a Miss Worland: Mary, who married David Maple, and has eight children: Clara. Minnie, Sadie, Lena, Otto, Everett, Delbert and Harvey ; Moses and Martha, the other two children of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Cage, died in infancy.

Thomas W. Cage was reared in Shelby county. His educational privi¬ leges were somewhat limited, but when his services were not too much needed on the home farm he attended the public schools and in later years broadened his knowledge by reading, practical experience and close observation. On reaching manhood he started out in life on his Own account, his first employ¬ ment being work by the month on the different farms in the immediate neighborhood.

When Mr. Cage was twenty years of age he chose a helpmate for life, taking in marriage Mary Monroe, the daughter of John and Amelia Monroe, of Shelby county. Their nuptials were solemnized on March 19, 1868, and this happy union was blessed with a large family of thirteen children: Albert, who married Dora Cunningham, and has two children, Earl and Hilard; Alford, who died in infancy; Nora, who married Edmond Smith and has seven chil¬ dren, Cecil, Edmond, Arlie, Farley, Othal, and two who died in infancy; Charles, who married Alice Beman, the daughter of John and Josephine Beman, and has six children, Edith, Vern, Eva, Virgil, Levon and Vallie; Orpheus, who married Ora Eads, the daughter of Louis and 'Mary Eads, and has four children, Mary, Everett, Louis and Beulah; Stella, who married Louis Fenn and has eight children, Esther, Roy, Marshall, Ernest, Dolores, Opal, Irene and Mabel ; Herman, who married Laura Wells and has one daughter, Dorothy: Bessie, who married Henry Graf and has one son, Eldon; Mabel, who married Julian Sullivan, and has four children, Elnora, Leo, Thomas and Anna. By a previous marriage he had two children, Paul and Ralph. Emma, who married Norman Foulke, of Howard county, and has one child, Deva; Lena, who married Otto Dellman and has two children, Ralph and Vonda; Walter, who married Grace Foulke, the daughter of Ira and Minerva Foulke, and has two children, Edwin and Olive; Orville, who mar¬ ried Flossie Collins, the daughter of Frank and Laura Collins, and has one child, Genevieve. 1

The father of Mary Monroe, the wife of Mr. Cage, was torn in Ohio and lived there until after his marriage, when he moved to Shelby county, Indiana, where he lived until his death, in December, 1885. His wife, Amelia, was the daughter of Samuel and Nancy Slve, and to this union were born thirteen children: James, Elizabeth, Cicero, Samuel,. John, William, Jacob, - Wesley, Henry, Nancy, Andrew, Marv, the wife of Mr. Cage, and Eliza.

The political views of Mr. Cage were in accord with the Republican party, but he never took a very active part in 'the work of his party aside from casting his ballot for its candidates. In his religion he was a devoted and consistent member of the Baptist church and lived the teachings of his church. He passed away on May 29, 1912, as a result of injuries received in a wreck on the Wabash railroad, while on his way to attend his sister's funeral at Danville, Illinois. He is remembered by all those who knew him as a man of kindly impulses and high ideals; as a man who was ever ready to assist his neighbor in time of trouble or distress. The whole tenor of his life was such that the community in which he lived was the better because of his residence in it.

Thomas F. Owen

It was remarked by a celebrated moralist and, biographer that there "has scarcely passed a life of which a judicious and faithful narrative would not have been useful." Believing in the truth of this opinion, expressed by one of the greatest and best of men, it is with pleasure that a few facts are presented in reference to the career of a gentleman who, by industry, perseverance and integrity, has worked himself up 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.

Thomas F. Owen, successful farmer of two hundred acres of fine land on the Windfall pike, about one and one-quarter miles north of the city of Windfall, was born February 1, 1874, in Wild Cat township, the son of William L. and Sarah (White) Owen. William was a native of the Blue Grass state and came with his parents from there to this state when he was fifteen years old, the family settling in Wild Cat town¬ ship, Tipton county. Before their removal from Kentucky William Owen attended school in that state, finishing his education here, and living on the home place until he reached the age of twenty-five. Beside Thomas F.. there were four other children in the family, namely: Ice Lee died July 31, 1872; Jennie; Frances; Levina O. died May 21, 1871 ; Jennie became the wife of Arthur Doggett and they have three children, Owen, Gladys and Glenn. Frances married B. F. Mitchell and became the mother of six children, namely : Inez married Oscar Couch; Fern married James Gray ; Paul ; Wayne: Ora and Fay are deceased.

Striking out for himself in life, William F. Owen first cultivated rented land until he accumulated sufficient money to purchase ground of his own, his first tract containing forty acres. This was uncleared land and the strenu¬ ous task of clearing and putting it under cultivation fell to him; a task at which he proved eminently successful, having cleared a great deal of land in this county. He has made practically all of the improvements on his present fine place, and has reduced it to a high state of cultivation, also engaging in stock raising to a considerable extent, being an expert in all that pertains to breeding, feeding and marketing of the best in this line.

In 1893 Thomas F. Owen was united in marriage to Kate Merck, the daughter of Frank Merck, and the two children resulting from this union, Lloyd and Frank, are attending school. In his fraternal relations, the sub¬ ject is very prominent in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having passed all the chairs in that fraternity and taking a deep interest in the workings of the same, displaying an endeavor in his daily life to put into practice the beautiful precepts and truths taught by that order. While he has ever taken an intelligent interest in public affairs, he has never been a seeker after office. He casts his ballot in support of the principles of the Democratic party. Mr. Owen and his wife hold membership in the Christian church, being regular attendants at the services of this worthy institution and dis¬ playing a deep and active interest in the Sunday school work connected with the same.

Philander Scudder

The men most influential in promoting the advancement of society and in giving character to the times in which they live are of two classes, to-wit, the men of study and the men of action. Whether we are indebted for the improvement of the age to the one class or the other is a question of honest difference of opinion; neither class can be spared and both should be encour¬ aged to occupy their several spheres of labor and influence, zealously and without mutual distrust. In the following paragraphs are briefly outlined the leading facts and characteristics in the career of a gentleman who combines in his make-up the elements of the scholar and the energy of the publicspirited man of affairs. Long devoted to the noble and humane work of teaching, he has made his influence felt in the school life of the Hoosier state, standing high in the esteem of the educators and general public in that field of endeavor, and in his present positions as cashier of the People's State Bank and trustee of Wildcat township showing a conception of business prin¬ ciples of the highest order. He has proved himself to be a man of character and strong individuality, and has achieved eminent success in the vocations to which he has addressed himself, having won a position of honor among the leading men of his community.

the son of Stephen and Emmeline (Whitehead) Scudder. The subject's father was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, where he was educated and en¬ gaged in farming until he reached the age of twenty-one years, when he came to Hancock county, Indiana, being one of the early settlers in that section of the Hoosier commonwealth. To the subject's parents were bom seven children, who were: Mrs. Zora Chowning; Mrs. Elizabeth Scott; Philander; Tilghman is residing in Hancock county; Stephen; Emmeline is deceased; Benjamin is living a{ Glendale, Arizona.

Philander Scudder attended the country schools and on completing the course in those institutions went to the Indiana State Normal School at Terre Haute, where he prepared himself for teaching, which he first en¬ gaged in in Hancock county, and later in this county, being engaged in pedagogical pursuits for twenty-eight years, following agriculture in con¬ nection with his duties as a teacher nearly all of this long period. As an educator he was essentially progressive and efficient, being classed with the very best in that line. Since his retirement from the profession the subject has kept in touch with the educational work of the community and is ever ready to lend his aid and counsel in advancing the interests of the splendid school system of his community.

Mr. Scudder moved to Windfall early in 1907 and was elected township trustee in 1908, and accepted the position of cashier of the People's State Bank in 1913, and his connection with that concern has clone much to ad¬ vance the interests of that well-known and solid financial institution, his prominence and popularity in the community^ gaining for it a large following among the substantial citizens of the locality. As trustee of Wildcat town¬ ship, his long service as a teacher has rendered him peculiarly fit to discharge intelligently the duties of that responsible position, dealing so closely as it does with the educational phase of the locality.

On December 27, 1887, Mr. Scudder was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Emma Plassmann, of Macomb, Illinois, the daughter of August and Mary Plassmann, and to this union have been born three children, Mar¬ garet, Emmeline and Carl. Of these children, Margaret is deceased; Em¬ meline taught school for a time and became the wife of Roy Middleton, a farmer and teacher, while Carl graduated from the high school, then took a course of training in the Indiana State Normal School, was principal of the Kempton high school, and is now in the bank.

Mr. Scudder is a faithful and active member of the Methodist Episco¬ pal. church and gives liberally of his means to the support of that worthy institution.-

Charles C. Bowlby

In these latter days it is an honor to be a farmer and there is no oc¬ cupation today which offers the opportunity for an independent career like that of agriculture. The farmer is more and more becoming the bulwark of the nation, and it is not too much to say that his occupation transcends every other in importance. Here in Indiana we like to pride ourselves on the fact that we have not only the center of population, but the center of the agri¬ cultural eminence as well. Tipton county prides herself on the fact that she is the equal of any county in the state when it comes to a comparison of ex¬ cellence in farming products. Among the farmers of Tipton county who are holding the standard of the county to its present high position, there is no one more worthy than the subject of this sketch.

Charles C. Bowlby, the son of Mahlon and Rebecca (Sweet) Bowlby, was born in Colwell county, Missouri, on September 22, 1871. Mahlon Bowl¬ by was born in New York in 1844 and came to Indiana with his parents when a small boy, settling in Shelby county. Although he was only seven¬ teen years of age at the opening of the Civil war, he enlisted in the Thirtyseventh Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry and served throughout the whole struggle. He was mustered in on September 18, 1861, and saw con¬ tinuous service until he was mustered out on October 27, 1864. Upon being honorably discharged from the army he at once went to Colwell county, Missouri, where he rented a farm and lived for several years. He then re¬ turned to Rush county, Indiana, and after a few years' residence in that county he moved to Tipton county and bought eighty acres which he farmed successfully for a number of years. Finding a farm in Howard county which was more to his liking, he sold his Tipton county farm, and bought eighty acres southwest of Kokomo, where he lived until his death, February 25, 1901. He had married Rebecca Sweet when a young man and to this union there were born four children: Minnie May, deceased 1905, who married Charles Kelley; Charles, the subject of this sketch; Ida, who died in infancy, and Dora, who married Edward Smith, and. lives in El wood. Indiana. Mrs. Bowlby died November 17, 1913.

Charles Bowlby received the best education which the district schools afforded and has since supplemented it with reading literature pertaining to agricultural problems. He worked on his father's farm until his marriage, and then started out for himself by renting a farm. Being a practical man of sound judgment and an efficient manager, he was enabled to buy a farm within five years, and now has a fine farm in Liberty township. He has attained a measure of prosperity through his own efforts and those of his wife, and for this reason his name is one which merits a place of honor upon the scroll of the able and worthy farmers of Tipton county.

Mr. Bowlby was married to Ida May Kelley, the daughter of Henry and Martha Ellen (Perry) Kelley, on October 22, 1895, and to this union there have been born four children : Marie, deceased ; Paul, Maxwell and Kermit. Henry Kelley and his wife were both natives of Indiana and were the par¬ ents of seven children: Laura, the wife of Ellis Barlow; Viola, the wife of James Bowlby; Charles, who married Minnie Bowlby; William, who mar¬ ried Rosa Kessler; Schuyler, who married Nannie Young; Lettie, the wife of J. R. Sparling, and Ida May, the wife of the subject of this sketch.

C. C. Bowlby has ever been a stalwart advocate of the principles and poli¬ cies of the Republican party, but has never been more than a local worker in politics. He takes a part in the fraternal life of the community by being a member of Lodge No. 163, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Reserve Lodge No. 363, Free and Accepted Masons. He^ and the other members of his family are affiliated with the Presbyterian church and are very much interested in the various activities of that denomination. Mr. Bowlby is a public-spirited citizen who is ever ready to lend his aid and co-operation in the furtherance of all enterprises and measures tending to conserve the gen¬ eral welfare of this county.

Hiram Lamm

The subject of this review is a representative farmer of Wildcat town¬ ship, where he is the owner of sixty acres of fine land, and he is known as one of the alert, progressive and successful agriculturists of this favored section of the Hoosier state. In his labors he has not permitted himself to follow in a rut in a blind, apathetic wav, but has studied and experimented and thus secured the maximum returns from his enterprising efforts, while he has so ordered his course at all times as to command the confidence and regard of the people of the community in which he lives, being a man of honorable 'business methods and advocating whatever tends to promote the public welfare in any way.

Hiram Lamm was born on the 3d day of January, 1841, in Clinton county, Ohio, and is the son of Galey and Mary (Hodson) Lamm. Galey Lamm was a native of North Carolina and an early settler in Ohio, where he was a farmer. He reared a family of eight children : Lydia, Charles, Hiram, William, Rachael, Joseph, Caleb and John. The subject of this review began acquiring his early education in the Brown county (Ohio) schools, and finished his studies in Delaware county, Indiana, being em¬ ployed at the labor of the farm in his youth, assisting in the work on his father's place. Early deciding on agriculture for his life work, at the age of twenty years Mr. Lamm started out on his own account without a penny in his pocket and wholly dependent upon his own resources, which, however, consisted of a wholesome ambition to accomplish things, a strong arm and a will that brooked no discouragement. So successful was he in his deter¬ mination to become independent that he was enabled soon to own land in his own right, and his present splendid agricultural plant bears mute evi¬ dence that his efforts have not been in vain. On his place Mr. Lamm con¬ ducts general farming operations, raising all the standard crops, and in addition makes a specialty of Poland-China hogs, finding the breeding of this type of swine a most profitable source of income.

In March, i860, the subject of this review was united in marriage to Nancy J. Tyre, and to this union were born four children: William mar¬ ried Alice Dean and they have had three children, Charles, Grover, de¬ ceased, and Harry, deceased; Lewis married Eva Lee and they are the parents of five children, Viola, Ray, Mary, Sherman and Bruce; Lavina M. is the wife of W. P. Hall and they have the following children: Viola, Minnie, Gerty, Basil, Grace, Wayne, Luella and Inas; the other children to the subject's first marriage were Louisa and Harriett, both of whom died in infancy. In 1881 Mr. Lamm was married to Matilda Tyler, and by this marriage had one child, Hiram W.

The subject's third wife is Rebecca J. Willis, whom he married in 1897. She is the daughter of Jesse and Sarah (Carry) Willis, and had been previously married, having two children by her former union, Rufus Phillips, who is married and has a family, and Anna May. deceased.

Mr. Lamm's early life struggles were under the most unpromising conditions, but, resolutely facing the future, he gradually surmounted the difficulties in his way and in due course of time rose to a .promihent posi¬ tion in the agricultural circles of his community, besides winning the confi¬ dence and esteem of those with whom he came in contact, either in a social or business way, and for years he has stood as one of the representative citizens of the locality honored by his citizenship. Strongly in contrast with the humble surroundings of his youth was the place he soon filled in agricul- tural circles. The strongest characters in our national history have come from the ranks of self-made men to whom adversity acts as an impetus for unfaltering effort, and from this class came the worthy gentleman whose life career we have attempted to briefly outline.

William H. Achenbach

The history of the Hoosier state is not an ancient one. It is the record of the steady growth of a community planted in the wilderness in the last century and reaching its magnitude of today without other aids than those of continued industry. Each county has its share in the story, and every county can lay claim to some incident or transaction which goes to make up the history of the commonwealth. After all, the history of a state is but a record of the doings of its people, among whom the pioneers and their sturdy descendants occupy places of no secondary importance. The story of the plain, common people who constitute the moral bone and sinew of the state should ever attract the attention and prove of interest to all true lovers of their kind. In the life story of the subject of this sketch there are no striking- chapters or startling incidents, but it is merely the record of a life true to its highest ideals and fraught with much that should stimulate the youtji just starting in the world as an independent factor.

William H. Achenbach, the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of good farming land in Cicero township, Tipton county, Indiana, was born November 17, 1850, in Hamilton county, this state, near Arcadia, the son of Peter and Matilda (Knapp) Achenbach. Peter came from Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, with his parents, Peter and Elizabeth Achenbach, who were Germans. Elizabeth Achenbach's family came to Indiana about eighty years ago and located on wild land where the Mount Pleasant church now stands. Peter, the father of the subject of this sketch, attended the old log schools and was a farmer. He had seven children: Simon (deceased). Williani H., Daniel W., John M., Benjamin E., Mrs. Barbara Balser and James L.

William H. Achenbach went to the Kinderhook school, the terms in that institution lasting but six weeks. He afterward attended district school No. 16, where the instructor was Doctor Newcomer, who is now residing in the city of Tipton. The demands for labor on his father's place, how- ever, soon called him from his studies and he was occupied at the strenuous tasks of clearing and improving the home place during all of his boyhood and early youth. The meager schooling which Mr. Achenbach secured in his boyhood days only whetted his appetite for knowledge, and he has ever been a close reader and observer of men and methods, his native common sense and sound judgment guiding him into the position he now occupies in the community as a well informed and intelligent man. At the age of twenty-three years the subject of this review started in his own account in life, first renting land which he cultivated and later buying a tract of forty acres. Wise management and a thorough knowledge of the various branches of the noble art of tilling the soil have been the main causes for the present prosperity of Mr. Achenbach, his fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres being rated as a model in the community, its broad and fertile bosom bear¬ ing bounteous crops and affording abundant pasturage for the excellent live stock which the subject raises. His buildings and other improvements are good and substantial and the whole general appearance of the pla^e reflects great credit upon its owner.

October 5, 1873, Mr- Achenbach was united in matrimony to Amelia Klevla, the daughter of Martin and Barbara (Dexheymer) Kleyla. Mrs. Achenbach, who was a member of the Christian church, died September 4, 1907, and was interred at Tipton. She was the mother of six children, as follows: Victoria married O. E. Jackson; Ora married Nellie Hartley; Walter married Winona Thompson and they have three children, Edna, Gladys and Mary; Frances married Orpha Hoover and they have one child, Blanch; Ethel is the wife of Sylvester Essick: Hallie R. married Jessie Hoover. The subject is a faithful member of the Christian church, while his political relations' are with the Democratic party.

Monroe Trimble

The office of the biographer is not to give voice to a man's modest estimate of himself and his accomplishments, but rather to leave upon the record the verdict establishing his character by the consensus of opinion on the part of his neighbors and fellow citizens. In touching upon the life history of the subject of this sketch the writer aims to avoid fulsome encomium and extravagant praise ; yet he desires to hold up for considera- tion those facts which have shown the distinction of a true, useful and hon¬ orable life - a life characterized by perseverance, energy, broad charity and well defined purpose. To do this will but be to reiterate the dictum pro¬ nounced upon the man by the people who have known him long and well.

Monroe Trimble, who resides on his fine farm of eighty acres on the Leisure road, about three and one-half miles southeast of Windfall, in Wild¬ cat township, Tipton county, Indiana, was born September 1, 1855, Decatur county, this state, the son of C. C. and Lydia (McCormick) Trim¬ ble. C. C. Trimble, the father of the subject of this sketch, was the young¬ est of thirteen children and came to Indiana from Grayson county, Virginia, in 1843, when he was but fifteen years of age, locating in Decatur county. He was the son of John and Susan (Knuckles) Trimble, Susan being a daughter of Charles Knuckles, of Grayson county, Virginia. The subject's father was married in *1849 and became the parent of ten children: John (deceased), William, Monroe, Courtland P. (deceased), Lincoln, Elmer, Charles, Aldie, Almie and Frank. His first wife died in 1878 and he was married a second time, his second wife being Julia Jackson, and to this union were born four children, namely: An infant deceased, Mattie, Ken¬ neth and Charles. He took up government land and was highly successful in its development, now being the owner of a tract of two hundred and forty acres of some of the best land in the county. During the Civil war he helped run Morgan out of the Hoosier state. He cast his first vote for Zachary Taylor and has always displayed an intelligent interest in public affairs, giving his best' thought to all movements for the public good and in all that he does evincing his sincere wish for the welfare of his fellow citi¬ zens and the community at large. His father was a loyal soklier of his country in the war of 1812. The father, C. C. Trimble, died on December 23, 19*3-

Monroe Trimble first attended the common schools of Decatur county and afterward finished his education in the Jennings county pedagogical in¬ stitutions and in the Scipio high school, during his boyhood being occupied aside from his studies in farm labor, which he continued to follow until the present time. When he reached the age of thirty-three he secured a tract of swamp land, which he was successful in clearing, draining and otherwise improving, and which he eventually sold at a good profit, thereupon coming to this community, where he was married on December 4, 1887, to Rose Harley, daughter of James and Susan (Carey) Harley. James Harley came from Ohio to Hamilton county, Indiana, and was a farmer and land owner, having served throughout the Civil war in an Indiana regiment. He was the father of two children, Rose and Elizabeth. Elizabeth married a Mr. McCrackin and became the mother of the following children : Blanch, Elsie, Ruth, Mattie (deceased), Pearl (deceased), Ovied and Hughey. To the subject and wife have been born seven children, namely: Courtland C. married Ethel Stack and they have two children, Lowell and Hershel; James H. married Melvie Moorman and has four children, Ralph, Claude, Floyd and Owen; Earl married Vadie Lawson and they have two children, Althea, and Kenneth Monroe, now deceased ; the others are Irene, Stanley, Carey and Eva.

Although Mr. Trimble has never taken enough interest in political matters to seek public office, he has fully discharged his duties in that respect by a conscientious casting of his ballot for the men and principles which he deemed best, his party affiliations being with the Republicans. The subject is a well balanced, intelligent and progressive, public-spirited man, and aside from a deep interest in the welfare of his fellow men, his greatest interests are centered in his home life, where an ideal condition of domesticity and culture exists.

William A. Ray

Practical industry, wisely and vigorously applied, never fails of success. It carries a man onward an<i upward, brings out his individual character and acts as a powerful stimulus to the efforts of others. The greatest re¬ sults in life are often attained by simple means and the exercise of the ordinary qualities of common sense and perseverance. The every-day life, with its cares, necessities and duties, affords ample opportunities for ac¬ quiring experience of the best kind and its most beaten paths provide a true worker with abundant scope for effort and self-improvement. One of the most enterprising and successful farmers of Tipton county, Indiana, who has succeeded in his chosen vocation solely through his own courage, per¬ sistency and good management, is W. A. Ray, of Wildcat township, to a brief review of whose career this sketch is dedicated. He believes in lending what aid he can to his neighbors and the general public while advancing his individual interests, consequently he is regarded as one of our best citizens in every respect.

W. A. Ray, the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of good farm land about four miles from Windfall, in Tipton county, was bom November 18, 1851, in Marion county, Indiana, the son of David and Sarah (Alexan¬ der) Ray, the father having moved from near Hamilton, Ohio, to Broad Rip¬ ple, Marion county, where he was engaged in farming. David was a son of Joseph Ray and was the father of the following children: The subject of this review; James married Ella Low and they have two children, Harrison and Clarence; Emma became the wife of Gustav Shaepe and is the mother of Harry, Minnie, Sadie, William and Margaret; Joseph; Belle married William Johnson and has two children, 'Harley and Merritt; Varney keeps house for the subject; Anna is deceased, and one other died in infancy.

W. A. Ray attended the common schools in Hamilton county and later on the removal of his parents to Marion county he attended school there, securing an education on a par with that obtained by the average boy of those days. However, in his later years he has been a great reader and an observer of men and methods and has secured a vast fund of knowledge that could not be obtained in school rooms and which is of much more importance to one in the battle of life.

Starting in life on his own account 'with nothing except a strong heart, willing hands and ambition to succeed, the subject for a time worked for others and carefully conserved his savings until he was in a position to rent land. His knowledge of all branches of agriculture stood him in good stead and by carefully husbanding his resources the subject eventually was able to purchase land, to which he added from time to time until he is now the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of as good land as can be found in the township. An expert on the planting and raising of grain, Mr. Ray has been very successful in this staple branch of agriculture, his crops being bountiful and his soil rich through a careful rotation of the plantings. Al¬ ways on the lookout for newer and more scientific methods of tilling the soil, the subject has kept abreast of the times and is a close student of the best thought along the lines of his chosen vocation.

Throughout his busy and useful life Mr. Ray has found no time to seek public office, although he has used his best judgment in the casting of his ballot, being a supporter of the principles of the Republican party. He stands ready at all times to lend his assistance and influence in both a mater¬ ial and moral way to any movement for the public good, and can evei* be counted on to do his full share in advancing all worthy causes.

Daniel C. Zehner

The life history of the gentleman whose name forms the caption for this brief biographical review has long been closely identified with the his¬ tory of the city of Windfall, Tipton county, Indiana. His life has been one of untiring activity and has been crowned with a degree of success attained by those only who devote themselves indefatigably to the work before them. He is a high type of business man and none more than he deserves a fitting recognition among the many worthy names in this volume. The qualities which have made Mr. Zehner one of the prominent and suc¬ cessful men of his community have also brought him the esteem of his fellow townsmen, for his career here has been one of well-directed energy, strong determination and honorable methods.

Daniel C. Zehner, one of the leading merchants and the postmaster of Windfall, Tipton county, Indiana, was born May 1, 1875, in that city, the son of Aaron and Sarah (Alley) Zehner. Aaron Zehner was born in Mansfield, Ohio, November 10, 1850, and lived there until he reached the age of twelve years, when he went to Ohio City and took employment as a clerk in a general store, later working in Van Wert. When he reached the age of twenty years he came to Windfall and for a short while after his removal to this city was a brakeman on the railroad. After this he en¬ gaged in the merchandise business, which he followed until his death. Under the administration of President Grover Cleveland he was postmaster and Daniel C, the immediate subject of this review, acted as his assistant. Be¬ side the subject, but one other child was born to Aaron and Sarah Zehner, Lillian, who is living at home.

Securing a good common and high school education, Daniel C. Zehner, with the ambition in mind of engaging in the mercantile business, took a course in a commercial college at Indianapolis, and on his return to Wind¬ fall took charge of his father's store, which he has successfully conducted since that time, winning not only many friends in the business world, but reaping a substantial return in a pecuniary wav, his genial personality and unassuming manners having established him as a highly respected and admired member of the community.

Mr. Zehner was married, first, on March 4, 1902, to Ida M. Malston, a daughter of Cicero Malston, and they had one child, Henry. On April 6, 1910, Mr. Zehner was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Pearl Me-

In political affairs the ballot of the subject of this review is cast with the Democratic party and, although his has been too busy a life to permit his seeking public office for himself, he has ever displayed a public spirited and commendable interest in the selection of the best men for office, believ¬ ing that the best interests of the community can only be advanced by each voter giving careful scrutiny to the principles and candidates seeking his suffrage. In the commercial world, Mr. Zehner stands high as a man whose word is as good as his bond, while, socially, he is a delightful man to meet, being well informed and of rare judgment and innate common sense.

It is by no means an easy task to set forth in detail the life history of a man who is still living, and yet if he has lived a useful and active life there are many things which can be said which will indicate the things leading to his success. It is the function of biography to trace and record the principal facts of importance, and it is fitting that this be done, since the public properly claims a certain interest in the career of every individual. There¬ fore, in writing a history of Tipton county, there are certain men who have accomplished definite results who should be included, and among these there is no one more worthy of a place than E. F. Legg, a prosperous retired far¬ mer of Wildcat township.

E. F. Legg, the son of Benjamin F. and Sarah (Sprong) Legg, was born in Wildcat township, Tipton county, on December 27, i860. Benjamin Legg was a successful farmer of this county, but is now living a retired life. He spends his summers at Lake Maxinkuckee in Marshall county, Indiana, while he lives in Mississippi during the winter. His wife has been dead several years.

Mr. Legg received the best education which the country schools of his time afforded and then completed his schooling by attending the National Normal College at Lebanon. Ohio. He and his brother, W. C, both spent a few vears in this institution. After graduation Mr. Legg commenced renting land from his father and lived at home until his marriage.

ney, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Shockney, and to their union have been born six children, Ray, Eva, Drexel, Abram, Muriel and Harold.

Mr. Legg has always followed agricultural pursuits and has had a large measure of success, owning at this time a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, all being under a high state of cultivation. He has made many substantial improvements in the way of buildings and fences, his farm being one of the most attractive in the county. In addition to a general system of farming he makes a specialty of raising high grade live stock, and no small part of his income is derived from this source.

Politically, Mr. Legg is a stanch and unwavering supporter of the Prohibition party and gives to it much thought and study, since he believes that the suppression of the liquor traffic is one of the biggest problems be¬ fore the American people today. He manifests an abiding interest in the material prosperity of the community, as well as in its social, moral and religious advancement.

George L. Wilburn

Among the most prominent and progressive farmers of Wildcat town¬ ship, Tipton county, is George L. Wilburn, who, although young in years, yet is rapidly making a name for himself as one of the foremost agricul¬ turalists of his locality. He comes from one of the oldest and most highly respected families in the county, and thus has a heritage of family tradition which means not a little to him.

George L. Wilburn, the son of J. M. and Jane (Edmondson) Wilburn, was born in Hamilton county, Indiana, on November 6, 1883. These par¬ ents had five children, namely: Maud, wife of David Daniels; George L. ; Ethel; Ruth, wife of Clarence Russell, and Opal. J. M. Wilburn was born in Hamilton county, Indiana.

Mr. Wilburn was given the best education which the district school of his home township afforded and graduated from the common schools. While he was in school during the winter, he spent his summers on his father's farm, thus getting a sound, practical knowledge of the principles of agricul¬ ture. At the early age of nineteen years he started out for himself by renting a farm, but within a year he came to the conclusion that life would be much better and infinitely happier if he had some one to share it with him. Accordingly, on September 2 5, 1903, Mr. Wilburn was married to Lilly

Weaver, the daughter of George and Anna (Fisse) Weaver, and this happy union has been blessed with tour children, Harold, Ralph, Thelma and Esther. Mrs. Wilburn s father was a native of Germany, coming to this country with his parents when he was a small boy, and settling with them in Hamilton county, Indiana. Mr. Weaver became a very successful farmer and at the time of his death owned one hundred and forty-five acres of land in Tipton county. To Mr. and Mrs. Weaver were born four children, Clara, Albert, Earl, and Lilly, the wife of Mr. Wilburn.

George L. Wilburn is now' operating his own farm of forty acres and is proving to be a very able and aggressive farmer. He does a general grain and stock raising line of farming, making a specialty of Duroc hogs. He has good buildings and modern machinery, together with all the other accessories and equipments found upon modern farms, and keeps every¬ thing about the farm in first-class condition all the time.

Mr. Wilburn has always been an active and earnest supporter of the Democratic party, and, although he keeps well informed on the current questions of the day, he has never been a candidate for political office. He prefers to give all his time and attention to his agricultural interests. Mr. Wilburn is a very genial and companionable man and one w'ho makes friends everywhere he goes. His pleasing personality, strict integrity and high sense of honor have wron for him the esteem and confidence of a wide number of his fellow citizens.

Andrew J. Lacy

It is proper to judge of the success of a man's life by the estimation in which he is held by his fellow citizens. They see him at his work, in his family circle, hear his views on public questions, observe the operation of his code of morals, witness how he conducts himself in all the relations of society and civilization and are, therefore, competent to judge of his merits and his demerits. After a long course of years of such daily observation, it would be out of the question for neighbors not to know his worth, for, as has been said, "actions speak louder than w ords.'" In this connection it is not too much to say that the subject of this sketch has passed a life of activity and has the confidence of those w^ho know him.

county on April 10, 1871, the son of John and Susan (Pryor) Lacy, both of whom were natives of Ohio. They grew to maturity in their native state and came to Indiana in their early married life, where the father entered four hundred and twenty acres of land in Hamilton county, on which he passed the remainder of his life. He spent many years in putting his ground into proper shape for cultivation and was considered one of the foremost men of his community in his day. His death occurred in 1895. There were eight children in his family, and in addition to Andrew, the immediate subject of this sketch, there were William, Albert, Charles, Jane, Susan and two children who died in early infancy. William took as his wife Phoebe Day; Albert married Nancy Klingsmith; Jane married Joseph Eller and Charles and Susan remain unmarried.

Andrew J. Lacy received his education in the district schools of Hamil¬ ton county and early became an assistant to his father in the operation of their home place. He started in business for himself when quite a young man and rented a tract of land for a while. As soon as he saw his way clear, he purchased a farm consisting of fifty-six acres. He later sold that and purchased eighty acres which form part of his present farm, consist¬ ing of one hundred and two acres in Prairie township.

On December 16, 1872, Mr. Lacy was united in marriage with Isabella Stroup, daughter of Jackson and Sarah Stroup and one of a family of four children, the others being Anna, Rufus, who married Nancy Harvey, and Julia Ann, who died unmarried. To this union was born one child, Mar¬ ietta, the mother dying early in her married life and while the subject of this sketch still resided in Hamilton county. Mr. Lacy took as his second wife Anna, sister of the first Mrs. Lacy, and to their union have been born five children, Charles, Susan, Emma, Goldie and Emazetta. Of these chil¬ dren three died in childhood ; Susan married Walter Hughes and has four children, Lottie. Ruby, Mary .Anna and Edna M. ; and Charles took as his wfife Amie Graham. Marietta, the daughter by Mr. Lacy's first wife, is the wife of Thomas Brown and they are the parents of five children, Arnie, Lucy, Nancy, Luther and Roma. Of this family, two are married : Arnie took as his wife Blanche Fulton and they are the parents of one child, Lamar, and Lucy is Mrs. Owen Mclntire and has a little daughter, Lucy. Mr. Lacy's second wife died in 1895.

Andrew J. Lacy has always given his stanch support to the Democratic party, taking a keen though quiet interest in its affairs. While not a church member himself, he has been a frequent attendant, owing to the fact that both his wives were faithful members of the Christian church. In every avenue of life's activities he has performed his full part as a man, standing "four square to every wind that blows" and because of his genuine worth and high character he has enjoyed to a large degree the respect and confi¬ dence of his fellow citizens.

Aubrey W. Lego

To achieve success in any particular line requires strong native ability and, in the case of many professions, much acquired ability as well. The professional man must have a training peculiar to the one which he intends to make his life work, whether he is a physician, a lawyer, a teacher or a banker, and then, if he has the necessary native ability, his success is as¬ sured. There is a theory held by some that heredity counts for more than environment, but in either case the gentleman whose history is here briefly set forth is fortunate. He comes from an old and well established family which has been a leader in the affairs of the county for many years, while he himself has had -the advantages which accrue from a well disciplined mind.

Aubrey W. Legg, the son of Benjamin F. Legg, was born on November 7, 1874, in Tipton county, Indiana. His father was born in Wayne county, Indiana, and his mother was born in the same county. They came to Tipton counity about i860, where he was a farmer. The mother died about 1897. They had ten children, of whom live are living, Charles E., Elbert F., Wil¬ ber C., Aubrey W., and Dora, now the wife of Albert Shook.

Aubrey W. Legg was educated in the schools of this county and then completed his education by graduating from Spencerian Business College at Indianapolis. As soon as he left school he accepted a position in the Peo¬ ple's Bank at Windfall and, although he was only twenty-two years of age at that time, he managed the affairs of the bank in such a way as to give it a new lease of life and a very materially increased prosperity. His work in the bank showed him to be a financier of more than ordinary ability, while his administration of its affairs has given him the confidence of the everincreasing patronage of the institution. In addition to his banking interests, he has made a specialty of the breeding of race horses and has also made a success of this business. In all his transactions he is always actuated by the highest motives of honesty and integrity.

Mr% Legg was married on December 30, 1897, to Ora W. Perry, the daughter of Elijah Perry, and to this union there have been born four children, Hester, Ida, Ruth and Lucile. All the family are members of the Christian church at Windfall and take a very prominent part in the various activities of the church. Mr. Legg is- an ardent Democrat, but has never been active in the campaign, preferring to devote his time and energy to his private affairs. He is a man of pleasing address and has a large number of friends and acquaintances who esteem him for his genuine worth.

Daniel Webster Hilligoss

Fortunate indeed is the family which can trace its ancestry back for two hundred years and there are very few who can do this and trace the various branches of the family. The Hilligoss family has been fortunate in preserving its family records and transmitting them down to posterity. Their definite records begin in 1729, when three Hilligoss brothers, Fred¬ erick, Ezekiel and George, came from Germany and settled in Pennsyl¬ vania. Ezekiel died without issue. Frederick had a son named Frederick,, who was the first treasurer of the United States. George had a son, George,, who was the great-grandfather of Daniel W. Hilligoss, the subject of this sketch. This great-grandfather was a drummer boy in the war of the Rev¬ olution. His sons moved to Kentucky and John, the grandfather of Daniel W. Hilligoss, was married in that state to Nancy Shockley. They moved to Ohio and thence to Rush county, Indiana. To John and Nancy Hilli¬ goss were torn eight children, among whom was Elias T., the father of the subject of this brief review.

Daniel Webster Hilligoss, the son of Elias T. and Nancy (Thomas) Hilligoss, was born February 12, 1845, ln Bush county, Indiana. Bofh his parents were natives of Kentucky, the father remaining in Kentucky until he was six years of age, when he was taken with his parents to George¬ town, Ohio. Elias T. Hilligoss and General Grant were classmates in the public schools of Ohio for some years. When Elias was eight years of age he went with his parents to Rush county, Indiana, where he received the remainder of his education. After leaving school he worked on his father's farm until his marriage, at the early age of nineteen. His father had entered three hundred and sixty acres of government land and gave each one of his children eighty acres, Daniel receiving his eighty at the time of his marriage. Elias was an elder in the Christian church and both he and his wife were devoted and faithful members of that denomination. Elias died in 1892 in his seventy-second year, while his widow survived him several years, pass¬ ing away in July, 1911, at the advanced age of ninety-four years: To Elias and Nancy Hilligoss were born seven children, Missouri J., who married Dr. Edward Crippfcn; Nancy, who married William Tomes; Mary A. became the wife of Daniel Gayhammer; Elias S. married Alice Miller; Hulda M. died at the age of ten; Thomas Henry Clay married Margaret Mackland.

Daniel W. Hilligoss was reared on the home farm and enjoyed the limited opportunities of that day. His education was confined to only a few months in the district school of his time. At the opening of the Civil war he was eager to enlist, but his age debarred him from service. As soon as he reached the age of eighteen, he enlisted, on October 16, 1863, in the Twenty-first Regiment, or First Indiana Heavy Artillery. His regiment par¬ ticipated in the following battles: Bayou Des Allemands, Camp Bisland, English Bend, Gun Boat Cotton, Bayou Tesche, Brashier City, Port Hud¬ son and Red River in Louisiana, and in Alabama, Spanish Fort, Fort Gaines and Mobile Bay. He was mustered out January 10, 1866, and re¬ turned to his home in Rush county without any serious marks of the battle¬ field. His valor and fidelity while in the service were above question and he made for himself a creditable military record.

On September 13, 1866, Mr. Hilligoss was married to Sarah J. Solo¬ mon, daughter of John M. and Mary (Scott) Solomon, and this union was blessed with the following children: Ida May, who became the wife of Charles E. Kersey, is the mother of three children, Harry, Aesel and Matie; Mary Edith died at the age of four years; Iva died in infancy; William Elias, who died at the age of four years; Nancy, who became the wife of John A. Day, is the mother of three children, Nettie, Daniel and Ralph; Mertie, who married John Whitehead, has three children, Garrett, Neffie M. and Conda; Orleon G. married Florence Grayson and has four children. Flavbella, Paul, Marv and John; Chester A., who married Maude Gross, has four children, Rauldon, Thomas, Wilbur and Everett; Ethel became the wife of Carl Williams; Nellie 1C became the wife of O. P. Nash; Anna mar¬ ried Everett Grayson.

Air. Hilligoss and wife moved to Bdone county, Indiana, Alarch 4, 1872, where all their children, except oue, were born. They lived in this county for sixteen years and then, on September 3, 1888, they left Boone county and came to Tipton county, where they located on a farm about two miles north of Normanda, where they now reside.

Mr. and Mrs. John M. Solomon, the parents of Airs. Hilligoss, reared a family of five children: Esther, who became the wife of James Wood¬ ward; Smith S. married Nettie Miller; Alexander, who married Florence Hamilton; Daniel W., who married Alary Rader, and Mary, who became the wife of Air. Hilligoss; Air. Hilligoss also has an interesting history on his own mother's side of the family. Adam Thomas, the great-grand¬ father of Air. Hilligoss, came from Germany to Maryland, where he was married to Jane Wilson, the daughter of a wealthy planter and slave owner. Her mother was Eva Heart, whose father, Doctor Heart, removed from Seville, Spain, to Germany, and became a wealthy German baron and lived in a castle on the Rhine. While Eva was yet young, she, with five, of her friends, were at the seashore watching a ship land and were kidnapped by some pirates and brought to the new world and sold into slavery for three years to pay for their passage across the waters. Afterwards Eva married a Air. Wilson and again she became rich. Her daughter, Jane, ran away from home and married a poor boy, Adam Thomas, the great-grandfather of D. W. Hilligoss. His grandfather, Daniel Thomas, fought in the Indian wars. His grandmother's ancestors came from Scotland.

Politically, Mr. Hilligoss has allied himself with the new Progressive party, because he feels that in the principles advocated by this party there is chance for the improvement of general conditions in this country. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Goldsmith and has passed through the various offices of that lodge, being a past grand of the lodge. He is also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic at Tipton and takes an interest in the annual meetings of the post. He and the mem¬ bers of his family have been life-long adherents of the Christian church at Normanda and he has been an elder in that denomination, and at the present time is a deacon in the church. Mr. Hilligoss has had one unfortunate ex¬ perience, having lost his right hand in a sham battle at Danville, Indiana, on September 26, 1879. He is a highly respected gentleman and is always found right in the front in all church and social affairs and contributes lib¬ erally to everything which has for its object the advancement of his fellow men.

Robinson A. Romack

Specific mention is made of many of the worthy citizens of Tipton county within the pages of this book, citizens who have figured in the growth and development of this favored locality and whose interests are identified with its every phase of progress, each contributing in his sphere of action to the well being of the community in which he resides and to the advance¬ ment of its normal and legitimate growth. Among this number is the gen¬ tleman whose name forms the caption of this article, for many years one of the enterprising and leading farmers of Prairie township, Tipton county, Indiana.

Robinson A. Romack was born in Hancock county, Indiana, on Septem¬ ber 6, 1858, the son of Robert L. and Amanda (Tyner) Romack, both natives of the Hoosier state. Robert L. Romack was born in Shelby county and on September 6, 1864, he arrived in Tipton county with the intention of making this his future home. He purchased a farm of eighty acres in Cicero township and remained there nine years, when he removed to Prairie township, where he passed the remainder of his life, dying there in 1881. He was a veteran of the Mexican war and was regarded as one of the lead¬ ing citizens of his community. He married Amanda Tyner, daughter of James and Lucinda (Colwell) Tyner, and to their union were born nine children, among them being Robinson A., the immediate subject of this sketch; James L., who married Rebecca Davenport; Train C., whose wife was Erie Tyner; George T., whose wife was Artie Nash; Elbert L., who mar¬ ried Lillian Ruggle; Jesse, who married Mary GushawJ Emma M., wife of Samuel Berry; Selenia A., wife of O. P. Ressler, and Lucinda, who is Mrs. Wyatt Shook.

Robinson A. Romack received his schooling in the rural schools of their community in Prairie township, and after leaving school he hired out his services to neighborhood farmers by the month. In this way he passed six years of his life, when he purchased a farm of twenty-nine acres, where he has for many years resided. This first purchase formed the nucleus of his present extensive farm of two hundred and forty-five acres. He car¬ ries on general farming after modern methods and is considered one of the representative agriculturists of his township.

Mr. Romack was united in marriage to Amy J. Lee, daughter of Will¬ iam P. and Naomi (Wilkerson) Lee. Mr. and Mrs. Lee had a family of seven children,, one of whom died in infancy, the others being Mary, wife of W. S. Kelley; Belle, wife of Samuel Biddinger; Clora D., who became the wife of Wilson Tyner; Clifford, who married Jennie Grishaw; Amy, wife of the subject of this sketch; McClain remains unmarried. To Mr. and Mrs. Romack have been born four children, namely: Lulu, who became the wife of Bennett Rockey; Ethel E. is the wife of Clyde Harlow and they have one child, George Alveris; Otho G., who remains at home unmarried, and a babe, Leo Paul, which died on July 29, 1895, aged twenty days.

Politically, Mr. Romack is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, to which he has given every vote since attaining his majority. He has never been a seeker after office for himself, but his influence is reckoned with in the campaigns. Fraternally, he is a member of the time-honored order of Freemasonry, being a member of Lodge No. 363 at Reserve. He is also a member of the Knights and. Ladies of the Maccabees.

Mr. Romack is a man of large views and broad sympathies and no movement for the advancement of his community has ever solicited his as¬ sistance in vain, for he believes in progress all along the line of material effort and his interests are always in full harmony with the highest and best interests of his fellow citizens. Through his years of residence here he has won a large and loyal circle of friends throughout Tipton county, who esteem him highly because of his genuine worth and high personal char¬ acter. Because of the success he has attained, he is eminently entitled to representation in the history of his county.

William A. Parks

Among the strong and influential citizens of Tipton county, Indiana, the record of whose lives have become an essential part of the history of this section, the gentleman whose name appears above occupies a prominent place and for years he has exerted a beneficial influence in the locality where he resides. His chief characteristics are keenness of perception, a tireless energy, honesty of purpose and motive, and everv-day common sense, which have enabled him not only to advance his own interests, but also largely contribute to the moral and material advancement of the community.

William A. Parks, well known citizen, who resides on his excellent farm of two hundred and thirty-four acres in Prairie township, Tipton county, Indiana, is a native of that same township, having first seen the light of day on January 14, 1869, the son of Jonas A. and Catherine (Purvis) Parks, the tormer a native of Kentucky and the latter a Hoosier by birth. Jonas A. Parks was a little child of but two years when his parents came to Indiana, settling in Decatur county, and there he grew to manhood, receiv¬ ing his education in the district schools of his vicinity. In 1856 he came to Tipton county, where he purchased a tract of some forty acres. Here he carried on general farming so wisely and successfully that he added other acres to his original tract until his aggregate holdings amounted to three hundred and twenty-six acres. lie was considered one of the leading citi¬ zens of his day and did much to advance the material and moral welfare of his community. He served as township trustee of Prairie township for some time and won the esteem of all by his conscientious discharge of these duties. He passed the remainder of his life on his farm in Prairie town¬ ship, where his death occurred April 26, 1900. His wife was Catherine union were born seven children, namely: Mary, who is the wife of William Brockus; John, whose wife was Ida Nash; Mattie, who is Mrs. Benjamin West; three children deceased, being Sarah, who died in infancy, Levi, who passed away at the age of fourteen years, and Robert, who died at the age of eleven. The other remaining child is William A., the immediate subject of this sketch.

William A. Parks in his youth attended the district schoAls of Prairie township and after leaving school he assisted his father in the discharge of his labors on the home place, remaining with him until he came of age. After attaining his majority he rented a tract of land from his father, where he carried on farming for himself and his since made his home on the same place, adding more ground to his first possessions from time to time.

On November 20, 1893, Mr. Parks married Katie Terrell, daughter of James and Barbara (Schaefer) Terrell, and one of a family of five chil¬ dren, the others being Charles, who married Ella Sharpe; John, whose wife was Emma Dawson; Mary, the wife of Edwin M. Boles, and Margaret, who died unmarried at the age of eighteen years. To Mr. and Mrs. Parks have been born four children, natnelv: Blanche, the only one who is mar¬ ried, being the wife of Arthur Snow and they have one child, Bernard Les¬ lie. The other children of Mr. Parks are Edrite, Ralph and Lucy, who remain under the parental roof, and Marjorie, deceased.

In politics, Mr. Parks is aligned with the old-time Republican party and evinces a keen interest in its affairs. His fraternal affiliation is with the time-honored body of Free and Accepted Masons, being a member of Lodge No. 363, and he is also a member of the Improved Order of Red Men. Mr. Parks has made his influence felt for good in his community in Prairie township, being a man of sterling worth, whose life has been closely inter¬ woven with the history of the community in which he resides and whose efforts have always been for the material advancement of same, as well as for the social and moral welfare of his fellow men. The well regulated life he has led, thereby gaining the respect of his fellow citizens, entitles him to representation in a biographical work of the scope intended in the present one.

John T. Wood

More than two million men were engaged in the great Civil war who wore the blue and of these Indiana furnished more than two hundred thou¬ sand. Of the thousands who answered the call to arms from this state the living are now numbered by the hundreds; the boys in blue are fast answer¬ ing the last roll call and within a very few years they will all be gone. Among Tipton county's brave boys who went to the front, fought the good fight, returned to their county and lived a life of eminent usefulness for many years, but who have answered the final muster, is the late lamented John T. Wood, the subject of this sketch.

John T. Wood, the oldest of eight children born to Caleb and Letitia McDole (Carr) Wood, was born April 25, 1841, in Nicholas county, Ken¬ tucky. Two years after his birth his parents moved to Rush county, In¬ diana, making the entire trip on horseback. They lived on rented farms in Rush and Decatur counties until the fall of 1856, when they permanently settled in Prairie township, Tipton county, Indiana. They at once pur¬ chased a farm of their own and started in to make it ready for cultivation. At that early period in the history of Tipton county there were only a few settlers in the county, and their diminutive log cabins, like niches in the dense forest, served as landmarks to those who came later to the county for the purpose of making settlement. Here, in a primitive wilderness, Caleb Wood and his family built a log cabin and a log barn, cleared the land and lived the backwoods life peculiar to that period. John T. attended the short¬ term schools which were then the best to be had, and spent all the rest of his time on his father's farm, undergoing all the arduous toil which fell to the lot of the stanch pioneers of that period. He was brought to manhood with a complete understanding of all those vicissitudes and hardships which were common to the early settlers of Indiana and which have furnished the theme for many a story. The present generation can little realize how much was implied in laying the foundation and building the superstructure of civilization and progress which in the fulness of time has made this one of the most enterprising and progressive farming regions of the Hoosier state.

With the opening of the Civil war the whole nation was stirred from one end to the other and there was not a single township in this state which did not see her best young men go to the front. There was no more patriotic youth than John T. Wood and from the time of enlistment, July 21, 1863, until his final muster, March 3, 1864, he served his country faithfully and well. He was a member of Company H, One Hundred and Eighteenth In¬ diana Volunteer Infantry, and served under Capt. W. G. Scott during his whole time at the front.

Upon his return from the army he worked on his father's farm until his marriage. His first marriage was to Sarah J. Chapman on January 4, 1 866, and this union there were born two children, Mrs. Ida E. Ramsever, of Poneto, Indiana, and George Ray, who died in infancy. His second marriage was to Louisa Gosnell, of Decatur county, and occurred on Octo¬ ber 28, 1875. There were five children by the second marriage, Claribel A., Omer F., Roscoe T., Walter C. and Ernest C. Since his death, November 7, 1891, Claribel and Omer have also passed away.

Mr. Wood was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and always took an active interest in the affairs of the lodge. He was initiated at Alto, Indiana, but later had his membership transferred to Sharpsville, Indiana, where he maintained it until his death. Mr. Wood was essentially a self-made man and the farm of one hundred and twenty acres which he owned at his death was gained by hard work and by dint of industry, good management and close attention to business. His widow is still living and now owns the farm.