Vermillion County, Indiana - The whole text, 1888 (part 13 of 15)

tEWIS COIL, a representative of one of the old and respected pioneer families of this part of Indiana, was born at Eugene, Vermillion County, November 28, 1836, a son of Jonas and Olive (Smith) Coil. His fatlier was a carpenter by occupation, and worked quite extensively at bridgebuilding. In the early days of the county he also followed teaming, hauling goods from Evansville, which at that time was the only mode of transportation. lie was of German origin, and was reared in the State of Ohio, his family coming from Pennsylvania in an early day. He was married in Ohio to Miss Olive Smith, who was also reared in that State, and to them were born six children, of whom three died in early childhood. Those yet living are - Lewis, the eldest, and the subject of this sketch; Mary, wife of R. W. AVinders, of Scotland, Illinois, and Myrick, living in Vermillion County, Illinois. The father came with his family to Vermillion County, Indiana, about 1830, settling in Eugene Township. He resided at Eugene until about 1842, when he went to Champaign County, Illinois, dying there some two years later. His widow subsequently married James Burk, who died at Eugene not long after their marriage. She was a third time married to James Johnson, who is also deceased. She has one son by her last marriage, John S. Johnson, living in Missouri. With the exception of a three years' residence in Missouri, and four years spent in Kansas, Lewis Coil, our subject, has spent his life in Vermillion County. He was a lirave and gallant soldier in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting in September, 1863, in Company C, One Hundred and Twenty-third Indiana lufiintry, and on the organization of the company he was made First Duty Sergeant. He served in the army of General Sherjnan the greater part of his terra of service, in the Twentythird Corps, and was in the Atlanta campaign, his regiment taking an active part in that campaign. His regiment then served under General Thomas in the JS^ashville campaign, thence np the Ohio River to Cincinnati, and from there by railroad to Washington. From Washington the regiment went to Fort Fisher, North Carolina, by steamer, down the Atlantic coast, thence to Newbern. Later the division to which our subject belonged had a sevei'e engagement near Kingston, North Carolina, with the Confederate General Bragg. July 1, 1865, Mr. Coil was commissioned Second Lieutenant by his company. He joined General Sherman at Goldsboro, and from there went to Charlotte, where he was mustered out of the service with his regiment August 25, 1865. He received no wounds while in the army, and during his two years' service was in the hospital only one night. After the war he engaged in agricultural pursuits. March 19, 1868, he married Miss Lizzie Eberhort, who was born in Crawford County, Ohio, in 1816, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Eberhort. The parents of Mrs. Coil are natives of Germany, the father born May 20, 1820, and the mother born February 8, 1826. On coming to America they first settled in Ohio, removing thence to Missouri, and are still living in Monitor County, that State. They have had born to them ten children, as follows - Mary, born in 1811; Lizzie, in 1816; John, in February, 1849; Rosa, born in ISoO, died October 24,1856; Ileury. born in 1852; William.

in 1854; Rosina, in 1858; Martha, in 1860; Sarah, in 1862, and Amelia, in 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Coil have two children - Leora E., born in Missouri, October 15, 1873, and Annie C, in Illinois, December 9, 1876. Mr. Coil now makes his home at Newport, where he has held the position of agent for the American Express Company since 1883.

fEOEGE B. SPARKS, one of the leading citizens of Clinton Township, has been identified with Vermillion Connty since May, 1859. He was born in Lawrence County, Ohio, November 9, 1830, the only son and the second of three children of John and Sarah (Sinton) Sparks. His father was Ijorn in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. His mother was a native of Ireland, but was reared from a child in the United States. They were married in Adams County, Ohio, and after their marriage settled in Lawrence County, where the mother died in 1833, and the father July 31, 1847. They had three children. The eldest daugliter is Mrs. Mary Jane McCauslen of Steubenville, Ohio, and the youngest, Sarah B., died in childhood. George B. was reared by his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Mary Sinton, in Adams County, Ohio. When his father's estate was settled although it was not large he received enough to be of material benefit to him when he started in life for himself From the time of his first starting in the business life he was for many years connected with iron production, and when he came to Yermillion County, in 1859, he bought a controlling interest in tlie old Indiana Furnace, six miles west of Clinton, which was one of the early enterprises of the Wabash Valley. Under the firm name of G. B. Sparks & Co. the production of iron and the foundry business was continued until 1864 when the mine was abandoned and has fallen into disuse. The buildings which at one time were occupied by hundreds of miners and their families have been torn down or have by gradual decay become things of the past, and the 1700 acres which are still owned by Mr. Sparks are devoted to agricultural purposes. Mr. Spai-ks is an enterprising progressive man and his farm is one of the best in the township, having all the most modern conveniences for carrying on his work, and thus saving labor and increasing his products. He came to Vermillion County, a single man, and continued in the state of celibacy until November 25, 1875, when he was mari'ied to Miss Margaret Brown, a daughter of John and Mary Brown, who settled in Vermillion County, in 1853, remaining residents of the county until their death. She was born in Ii-eland and was brought to America when but five years of age, living in Pennsylvania four years and coming thence to Vermillion County. Mr. and Mrs. Sparks have one child - Edward M., born September 23, 1876. In politics Mr. Sparks is an ardent supporter of the principles of the Republican party, casting his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Jerusalem Lodge, No. 99, and Terre Haute Chapter, No. 11, and has passed all the chairs of his lodge.

^ROF. GEORGE L. WATSON was born WM in Lenawee County, Michigan, March 4, -^ 1855, a son of Levi Watson, who has been a resident of Westfield, Illinois, since December, 1867. The subject of this sketch received his education in Westfield, gradn;iting from the college in that city in 1874, and subsequently followed the teacher's profession witli eminent success for ten years. For one year lie was principal of the schools of Tower Hill, Illinois, and for two years was the teacher of mathematics in the Green Hill Seminary (Indiana). He came to Eugene, Vermillion County, Indiana, in 1880, and for four years was principal of the schools of this phice. In 1883, one year before he abandoned his profession, he engaged in the hardware business in Eugene, which he has since followed, being associated witli Mr. Fultz under the firm name of Watson & Fultz. This firm carries a full line of hardware, furniture, and farm implements, their capital stock valued at from $4,000 to $5,000, and their annual sales amounting to $12,000. Professor Watson was united in marriage May 23, 1878, to Miss Ada E. Evans, and to this union three children have been born named - Essie Glenn, Frank and Lucile. While a resident of Illinois Mr. AVatson served as townsiiip and village clerk for several years, and in 1880 was nominated on the Eepublican ticket in Warren County, Illinois, for the office of county surveyor, which honor he declined, coming to this county before the election. Both he and his wife are worthy members of the Presbyterian church, and among the respected citizens of Eusene.

llflLEY JONES, section 34, Helt Township, was born in Stokes County, North Carolina, March 27, 1824, a son of Philip Jones, a native of the same county who came to Vermillion County, Indiana, witli his family in 1882, and settled in llelt Township. When Mr. Jones came to Indiana he had a family of small children and was $45 in debt. He sold a pony to pay his indebtedness but was tlien left without even a cow or pig. He and his wife and children were obliged to work hard to make a living. Wiley Jones was reared on the pioneer homestead, in the log cabin, and iu)\v has one of the puncheons which composed the floor. He has always given his attention to agriculture, and now owns seventy-three and a half acres of good land. His land has a tine vein of coal underlying it and he lias leased three mines, which yield a good quality of coal. Mr. Jones was married January 29, 1846, to Elizab Dawes, daughter of William Dawes, of Hillsdale. They have had thirteen children, seven of whom are living - William F., John N., Benjamin F., Harrison, Cliarles A., Ozias and Sarah A. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are members of the United Brethren church.

LLIAM C. GROVES, section 16, \'ermillion Township, where he is engaged in farming and dealing in stock, owns a fine farm of 370 acres, all in a high state of cultivation. When he settled on his farm it was wholly unimproved, Imt he went bravely to work and now has one of the best farms in the township, his improvements testifying more than words can to the thrift and enterprise of the owner. He was born in East Tennessee November 4, 1817, a son of Jacob and Mary (Harlan) Groves, natives also of Tennessee, of German descent. His parents came to Indiana in 1831, and settled in Vermillion Township, where the father died December 9, 1843. He was born October 17, 1794. The mother survived her husband thirty years, her death occurring in 1873. They reared a family of eight children, but two of whom are living - Eachel and our subject. William C. Groves was fourteen years old M'hen his parents came to Indiana, and here he was reared amid pioneer scenes, aud has lived to see the many changes that have transformed the wilderness into the present prosperous county. He was married in 1841 to Elizabeth E. Bozart, a native of East Tennessee, born in 1819, a daughter of Henry Bozart. To this union have been born four children, three are living - Julius C, who married Louisa Wade, and has one child, Clarence; John B. married Hattie Davis, and Ella, wife of J. D. Hunter, of Illinois, has three children - Collett, Florence and Columbus. Mr. Groves started the lirst tile factory in the county in 1867, and has carried on this business quite extensively, employing six men the greater part of the year. Mr. and Mrs. Groves are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In pO'litices he affiliates with the Democratic party.

good business. Mr. Sanders was united in marriage to Miss Alice Hildren, December 30, 1886, she being a daughter of the late Charles Hildren. Mrs. Sanders was born in Fountain County, Indiana.

jj^.ARRY E. SANDEES, one of the active jjfM)'; young business men of Eugene, and a TS'* representative of one of the old and honored pioneer families of Vermillion County, was born in Highland Township, this county, March 13, 1863, a son of Ezekiel Sanders, a native of the same county, his father lieing one of Vermillion County's early settlers. Harry E. Sanders was reared in his native county, and received his education in the common schools of his neighborhood. He worked as a farm hand until December, 1885, when he came to Eugene and established his present livery business, in whicli he is meeting with good success. He has now two stables, one located at Eugene and another at the railroad crossing in Cayuga, and keeps on hand nine good horses, live buggies aud carriages, besides two spring wagons, and by his fair and reasonable prices and accommodating manners he has gained many customers and established a lANIEL SEARS, retired iiirmer, reside, on section 4, Vermillion Township, where he owns a farm of sixty acres of land. He was born in Bourbon County, Ken- \ tucky, June 20, 1808, a son of Jacob and Mary (Huftstutter) Sears, natives of North Carolina and Pennsylvania, respectively, aud both of German descent. They came to Vermillion County, Indiana, in 1830, and lived until their death on the land on which tluy I first settled, the mother dying in 1856, agnl I about eighty years, and the father dying in 1859, at the age of eighty-live years. Tiuv reared a family of eight children, l)ut tlirct of whom are living at the present time - ] Daniel, our subject; Elizabeth, Midow of I Andrew Shoult-s, and Julia, widow of Manson ' Meriman. Daniel Sears was reared to the vocation of a farmer, and in his boyhood received such education as the farmer boys of his day. He was first married in Harrison County, Indiana, in 1831, to Miss Sarah Soppinfield, who was born in North Carolin;i, in 1808, and to them were born eiglit children, only two of whom are now living - George II., of Missouri, who married Nanry M. Alexander, and has five children, and Jackson A., of Newport, M'ho married liosa A. Filson, and has two children. George served three years in the war of the Bebellioii, and although he participated in many hard-fought battles he returned home at the close of the war without a scratch. Mrs. Sears died in 1848, and Mr. Sears was again married in 1855, to Miss Martha Clark, born in Butler County, Ohio, in 1827, a daughter of P^zra and Nancy Ch^rk. Mrs. Sears is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Sears belongs to the Christian church. Being one of the old pioneers Mr. Sears has witnessed the surrounding country change from a wilderness to its present prosperous condition, and has become well and favorably known throughout the county. In politics he is a Democrat. Postoffice, Newport.

pioneer who settled in Vermillion Township, about 1833. The father was born in Amherst County, Virginia, May 1, 1795, and when a young man went to Mercer County, where he was married June 11, 1818, to Rhoda Martin, a native of North Carolina, born February 13, 1798. Thirteen children were born to this union, eleven of whom reached maturity, and of these only four are now living - James M., who was their eldest child; Jeremiah, Sarah and Lucinda. When the father came to this county his family consisted of his wife and seven childi-en. They nuide the journey in a wagon drawn Ijy five liorses, being abont three weeks on the road. The father lived in this county until his death which occurred October^ll, 187G, his widow surviv^ing until August 25, 1881. He was a man of energy and much force of character, and highly respected throughout the community in which he lived. lie always followed agricultural pursuits, and at different times owned considerable land. In early life he was a AVhig, and later a Republican. Both he and his wife were consistent members of the United Brethren church for many years. James M. Nichols, whose name heads this sketch, was born in Mercer Coi>ntv,

Kentucky, June 19, 1819, and lias made his home in Vermillion County, since coming here with his parents, and remembers cpiite well how the country looked almost sixty years ago. He was married May 11, 1843, to Miss Cassandra Arrasmith, born in Eugene Township, this county. May 25, 1824, a daughter of Alexander and Jane (Gray) Arrasmith, who were natives of Kentucky, and North Carolina respectively, the father being of German parentage. The parents of Mrs. Nichols settled in Eugene Township in 1817, and there their eight children were born four of whom are still living - Thomas G., James A., William B. and Mrs. Nichols. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols have had born to them eight cliildren all living and married but one who died in infancy. They are as follows - - Martha Jane, wife of Daniel Wise; Richard E. ; Isabel, wife of Alexander Frazer; Rhoda M., wife of David Jones; Lucinda, wife of John Q. Adams; America A., wife of Joseph M. AVimsett and George Omar. Mr. Nichols has made farming his life work although in the early days of the county he taught school about seven years. His homestead is on section 33, Vermillion Township. He also owns his father's homestead, his real estate consisting of 224 acres of land. Both he and his wife have been worthy members of the Methodist Protestant church for forty years, and all that time have taken The Telescope, the organ of that church. In politics Mr. Nichols is a Republican.

tON. JOHN WHITCOMB, one of the leading citizens of Vermillion County, and of AYestern Indiana, is a native of Ohio, born in Preble County, August 20, 1821, a son of Benjamin R. and Anna (Sutton) Whitcomb, the f^ither being a native of

Vermont. The mother was a daughter of one of the old pioneers of the Buckeye State, and was born in Preble County in 1801. Benjamin ii. Whitcomb, in 1813, when lifteen years of age, emigrated with his father from Vermont to Preble County, (Jhio, where he was married. In 1827 he brought his family to Indiana, and for two years lived at Terre Haute, where he engaged in packing pork, shipping down tlie river. From Terre Haute his business was transferred to Roseville, Parke County, and carried on there one season. In 1830 he became a resident of Clinton, Vermillion County, engaging in business at this place the same year. He was the pioneer merchant of Clinton, and was in the strictest sense of tlie term a self-made man. A man of strict integrity, his ^vord was considered as good as his bond, and often was worth as much to iiini in business as large capital was to other men. He was active and enterprising in business matters, and was always successful. The capital which he brought with him to this county was mainly invested in salt, then worth more than money. lie brought herds (if cattle from the East, which he sold to good advantage in the new countrj-. lie also dealt extensively in pork as a packer and sliipper, and made many trips to New Orleans on his own flat-boats, and was generally the strongest as well as the jolliest man in the crew. He never forgot a favor nor the name or face of any man with whom hfc had any dealings. No man has ever been more favorably remembered by tlie pioneers and early settlers than he. In politics he was first a Whig, and later a Bepublican. He was an ardent supporter of John C. Fremont, with whoni he was personally acquainted. In his later years he was a consistent member of the Methodist church. He died in IRfil, the death of his wife taking place about one year before. Five ot the children born to them are living - Mrs. Derexa Barber, living near Terre Haute; John, whose name heads this sketch; Mrs. Susan F. Warren, a M'idow, residing at Terre Haute; James, living in Florida, and Mrs. Carrie Watson, living in Colorado. Two daughters and one son, born in this county, died in early childhood. John Whitcomb, the subject of this sketch, was but a child when brought by his parents to Vermillion County, and his elementary education was obtained in the schools of Clinton, completing his education at Wabash College. At the age of sixteen years he entered his father's mercantile establishment, and tliere the foundation of his successful business career was laid. He became his father's trusted assistant, and later became a partner in the business, which continued until 1851:. He then engaged in the mercantile business at Urbana, Illinois, but before the war returned to Clinton and commeiieed an active, successful business career, which continued until 1881, since which time he has led a comparatively retired life. He has always been a public-spirited man, taking an active interest in the advancement of his township or county, but has never been an officeseeker. In politics, like his father, he was a Whig, and since its organization has affiliated with the Eepublican party. In the campaign of 1856 he was elected to the Indiana (reneral Assembly, the first Ilepublican ever elected from his district, but he retired from the iield, his business demanding his whole attention. During the years 1868 and 1869 he was a partner in a M'holesale hardware store in Indianapolis, but not having the exclusi\e management, he retired from that business. He has large real estate interests in Vermillion County and vicinity, most of his land being well improved and very ]iro-

(.1 active. He also has large tracts of land in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas and Florida. Mr. "Whitcomb has been twice married. He was first married in February, 1848, to Miss Margaret Wliitcomb, who was born in Ohio in 1827, and died in 1868, leaving at her death five children - Charles, now a hardware mercliant in Clinton; Clara; Anna, who died at the age of twcntj-five years; Benjamin H., dealer in agricultural implements at Clinton, and Cora, wife of F. M. Shepurdson, of Granville, Ohio. Mr. Whitcomb was married a second time, January 30, 1870, to Miss Lydia A. Parks, a daughter of Barzilla Parks, of Washington County, New York, where she was born April 29, 1840. To this union three children have been born, as follows - Larz A., Arthur W. and Nena. Both Mr. and Mrs. Whitcomb are members of the Methodist Episcopal cliurch.

ILLIxYM C. COOK, farmer, section 0, Vermillion Township, is a native ~J^ of Vermillion County, and a represfiitative of one of its pioneer fiimilies. His parents, Dr. Joseph and Margaret (Dallas) Cook, were well-known and prominent citizens of the county. His fother was one of the largest farmers and stock-breeders, his >tock farm consisting of 1,560 acres of fine bind, and beside this he stood higli in his profession and was well known all over the county and this part of the State. He died in 1875, aged fifty-five years, lamented by all who knew him. His family consisted of thirteen children, five of whom are living - William, Charles F., Joseph F., Addison and Bertie C. Charles married Cora Patrick and has two children - Flota and Grace. Joseph married Drue Campbell and has three children - Nettie, Eoy and Mary. Addison lives in Edgar County. He married Bell Campbell and has one child - Jennie. William C. Cook has a good farm of 120 acres, and is one of the successful young farmers of the county. He was married October 16, 1879, to Lucinda, daughter of Enos and Jennie (Cloy) Campbell, pioneers of Vermillion County. They have two children - Clyde C. and Fleetwood. Mr. Cook is a member of the Odd Fellows order, Lodge No. 594, at Newport.

fS. DAVIS, a member of the real estate firm of Dalla & Davis, and one of the * active and enterprising business men of Newport, is a native of Indiana, born in Parke County, in the year 1844. His father removed with his family to Vermillion County, in 1856, and is now living near Summit in Helt Township. Our subject was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting in December, 1863, in Company C, Twenty-tliird Indiana Infantry. He was in the Twenty-third Corps in the Atlanta and Nashville campaign and after the close of the Nashville campaign he was transferred east with that corps, and operated in North Carolina, and participated at the close of the war in the grand review at Washington. After the war Mr. Davis attended school for a time, then went to Salina, Kansas, where he preempted a claim, and remained there engaged in farming about five years. He then sold his farm and returned to Vermillion County, and for a time taught school during the winter terms, and during the summer montlis engaged in the manufacture of brick. Kc Avas engaged in mercantile pursuits about three years, in business at Newport, Highland and Hillsdale. He was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Martin, a native of Parke

County, Indiana, and a daughter of John U. ^fartiii, and they are tlie parents of three f'nikh'en named - Slaggie B., Nellie C. and "Wilfred P. Mr. Davis has been a resident of Newport since 1878, in which year he was elected to the ottice of county recorder, to succeed J. A. Sanders. lie tilled that ofiice satisfactorily some eight years and in the fall of 1886 was succeeded by M. 15. Carter, the present incumbent. In politics Mr. IJavis is a Republican, casting his lirst presidential vote in 1868 for Ulysses S. Grant.

|BM|OSES I30W:\1AX a ivpresentative WM% favmerof Highhuul Township, resides "^^^^^ on section 30, i-ange 10, township 19. His father, Thomas Dowuuxn, was born on the south branch of the Potomac Piver in A'irginia in 1769, and was there ma'-ried to Jane Phoads a native of the same neighborhood. In 1828 he came to Indiana and settled on the land now owned by their son ^^oses, the farm having been in the possession of the family nearly si.xty years. Their nearest neighbor at that time was Henry Goudy, three miles distant. Mr. Cowman v>-as nearly sixty j-ears old when he came to Indiana and had voted for President Washington in his native State. He died in September, 1853, his wife surviving him about four years. They had two children when they came to Indiana - Maria and .Moses. Maria married Stephen Bainbridge and died many ^^ears ago. Moses Bowman, the only surviving member of his father's family, was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, July 11, 1812, and was about sixteen years old when his father came to Indiana. His early life was thus inured to the hardships of a pioneer, and he has many recollections of the trials and pleasures oP that onrly day.

Game of all kind was abundant, deer were seen in large numbers every day, bears were plentiful and Indians still used the forests and prairies for a hunting gi'ound. He has been a hard working man and has succeeded his father in the ownership of valuable land, and is now one of the highly esteemed ol<l settlers of Highland Township. Mr. J'.ownian has been twice married. His first wife was Nancy Miller, a daughter of Cornelius ^[iller, who settled in Highland Township about 1830. Mrs. Bowman died Decemlier 25, 1874, aged fifty -nine years. They had a family of eight children, five of whom are living - Thomas, Alice, Ellen, Catherine and George. John, Mary and Cornelius are deceased. The present Mrs. Bowman was formerly Mrs. Sally (Gadbury) Warner, widow of Joseph Warner. In his political views Mr. Bowman is a Democrat and in religion is independent.

^,J?ILLIAM Y. RICE, farmer and stockraiser, section 9, Vermillion Town- L"=-^t^ ship, is one of the prosperous farmers of the county. He has a valuable farm of 160 acres all well improved with a pleasant residence, his surroundings denoting thrift and enterprise, and in addition to his homestead has a farm of 160 acres on another section. Mr. Pice was born in Floyd County, Indiana, September 28, 1822, a son of Jehu and Catherine (Smith) Rice,'natives of Kentucky, his father being of German descent. His parents came to Indiana in 1818 and located in Floyd Township the remainder of their lives. They reared a family of eight children, six of whom are living. William Y. Rice remained on the farm with his parents during his youth and on leaving home went to learn the shoemaker's trade, serving an apprenticeiW-iB«»>.»i.»,»»n»Bj«r^raiSga.H«»»w.M»««e.w^»-.»-a-iM-M«MnS^-"aa»!"aa«"ifc«'g''maag

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) ot" iowv years. He worked at bis trade twenty years, and thns got Lis start on the road to affluence. He invested his savings in land, and now lias two ot" the best farms Vermillion Township. He has made his property by economy and hard work, and can now look back over a life of industry and can enjoy the fruits of his own labors. Mr Ivice was married in Floyd County in 1850, to Mary E. Baker, who was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1828. They have three children - Carrie A., Charles L. and Mary F. Carrie is the wife of David Knssell and has two children - Alice and Clarence. Mr. Rice has held the otfice of supervisor of his township. He and his wife are members of the Christian church.

tl^ILLIAM H. CATES, of the firm of IhII Nixon & Cates, dealers in lumber, l-=^U-I grain and agricultural implements, Cayuga, is a native of Indiana, born in Fountain County, Aiigust 25, 1851, a son of David Cates, who is still a resident of Fountain County. He- was reared on the home farm in his native county, and his education was received principally in the iS'ortliern Indiana Normal School and the Business College at Valparaiso, Indiana, graduating from the commercial department of the latter institution in 1875. For three years lie taught daring the winter terms in Fountain County, and in the summer months worked on a farm. He was then engaged as station agent at Cates, Fountain County, for the Toledo, St. Louis & Kansas City Railroad Company until September, 1886, wlien he came to Cayuga, Vermillion County, and established his present business. The lirm carries a full line of pine and poplar lumber and all kinds of building material, and agricultural implements, and also deals extensively in grain, having between July 23 and October 19 of 1887 shipped forty-three car loads of wheat. Mr. Cates was united in marriage September 17, 1879, to Miss Harriet E. Lindley, a native of Parke County, Indiana, and a daughter of Nathan Lindley, Avho is now deceased. Of the four children born to them, three are living - Minnie S., Anna L. and Lizzie M. Mr. Cates is a member of the Knights of Labor. His wife belongs to the Society of Friends.

§AVID SMITH, one of tlie old and respected pioneers of Vermillion County, ^5? who is now deceased, was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, August 9, 1793, a son of John Frederick and Elizabeth (Paul) Smith, the father being a native of Germany. John Frederick Smith came to America when twelve years of age, the rest of his father's family dying at sea. He grew to manhood in Philadelphia, where he was married. He was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and at one time was a member of General Wasliington's body guard. David Smith, our subject was reared to manhood in Virginia, where he was married to Miss Susan Hunsicker, and to them were born thirteen children, of whom eight are still living - John F., William P., Thomas IL, David, Walton C, Mrs. Susan A. Fleshman, Mrs. Mary J. Leseur and Joseph M. He left Virginia with his family, then consisting of wife and eleven children, September 17, 1833, coming to Indiana by wagon. The family lived on million County, about two years, and in the spring of 1836 made a permanent settlement about two and a half miles southwest of Perrysville, the original farm being still in possession of the family. Here Mr. Smith made his home until his death, January, 1872, in his eightj-nintli year. His widow survived until October 21, 1878, aged nearly eighty-eight years. David Smith was a successful business man, as well as a highly esteemed citizen, and acquired a large amount of land, and at the time of his death he owned over 1,100 acres of Vermillion County's best soil. lie made two bequests before his death, one of $0,000 to the Westfield College, and another of §2,000 to the missionary fund. After the death of Mrs. Smith the estate was divided into ten shares by the heirs, and almost all of the land is still in possession of the family.

^OIIX L. EGGLESTON, a son of Joseph till Eggleston, one of the old and honored ^^ pioneers ot Vermillion County, Indiana, was born in Vermillion Township, this county, November 26, 1827, and is perhaps the oldest native born citizen now living within its limits. His father was born in the State of New York, in February, 1799, of English the Eevolutionary war. When about fifteen years old, Joseph Eggles,ton came west with his mother, his father being deceased, and settled near Portsmoutli, in Scioto County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood, and married Nancy Lindsey, a native of Ohio. Of the nine children born to this union six still survive - Mrs. Sarah Jane Morehead, of Newport; John L., our subject; Mrs. Mary J. Weller, living in Dakota; Benjamin, in Ashland, Oregon; William, an attorney of Terre Haute, Indiana, and Henry H., in Jonesboro, Arkansas. In 1824 the fathei- immigrated with his family to Indiana, and settled in Eucrene Township, this county. About two years later he entered eighty acres of land farther south in the same township, on which he lived nine years, when he sold out and returned to Ohio, but two months later lir returned to Vermillion County, and enteii'^l land in Vermillion Township, which he improved and lived on until his death, which occurred March 13, 1854. His wife died but five days before her husband. In politics Joseph Eggleston was a Whig, and all of bisons have been identified with the Republican party. John L. Eggleston, whose name heads this sketch, has spent his life in \rymillion Township, and has made farming hiprincipal vocation. His homestead containeighteen acres of choice land, besides whicli he has a tract of forty acres in the samr township. He was first married to iliss Nancy Powers, whose father, Luther Powers, was one of the early pioneers of this connty. She died in August, 1871, leaving four children - Selden B., Flora E., Edwin S. and Laoma E. Mr. Eggleston was a second time married, to Miss Margaret Sanders, a daughter of Capt. Leonard Sanders, who was also a pioneer of this county, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Eggleston held the office of justice of the peace for four yeais, which position he filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents.

Ushomas Jackson Mitchell

USHOMAS JACKSON MITCHELL, ^fljk Je., a worthy representative of an old ^-^ pioneer family of Vermillion County, is a native of this county, born in Highland Township, December 7, 1834, and is a son of Thomas J. and Susannah (Ricketts) Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell was reared to the vocation of a farmer, which he has followed through life. He has always lived in Highland Township, and has seen it change from a wilderness to a well settled country, covered with well cultivated farms,''and prosperous villages. He is one of tlie prosperous farmers of his township, his farm containing 250 acres of choice land, his residence being three and a half miles from Perrysville. He was nnited in marriage to Nancy J. Wright, a daughter of Thomas Wright, one of the pioneers of this county. Of the six children born to them only two daughters are living, named Josephine and Flora. Their daughter Ellen married Herschel V. Cade, and died in February, 1884; McClellan died aged ten yeai's; Dexter died at the age of thirteen years, and i-ewis died aged eighteen months.

fILBEET L. MOCK is one of the representative business men of Highland Township. His father, Wareham Mock, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1804, a son of Richard Mock, who was born in Scotland and came to America when a boy. Uichard Mock was a Methodist minister, and was a chaplain under General Washington during tlie war of the Revolution, and also at the same time served in the capacity of drummer. He came to Yennillion County with his son Wareham, and died many years ago, being one of the last survivors of the war of the Revolution. He had five sons - Erastus, Asa H., Richard, Wareham and Samuel. The last three became residents of Yennillion County, and all are now deceased, Wareham l)eing the last to pass away. He was one of the well-known pioneers of the county, and for many years was a flat-boat ]iilot from "Vermillion County to New Orleans. He was married in Ohio before coming to Indiana to Elizabeth Shilling, and to them were born seven children, but three of \\\\ovA are living - Barbara, widow of Horace

Brown; Elizabeth, widow of William Stockwell, and Gilbert. Philena, Henry, Christopher and Edna are deceased. Gilbert Mock was born in Helt Township, Vermillion County, April 3, 1831. He married in his early life Mary Holdman, a daughter of William Holdman. She died March 8, 1879, leaving three children - Armstead, Daniel and Mary. November 6, 1881, Mr. Mock married Rebecca (Hartman) Deyo, daughter of George Hartman, and widow of Nelson Deyo. She had been twice married before her marriage to Mr. Mock, her first husband being David Rennager. She was born in Virginia in 1820, and was about twelve years of age when herparents removed to Indiana. Her father died in 1843, and her mother April 15, 1886, the latter being eighty-eight years old at the time of lier death. Of a family of three sons and nine daugliters born to Mr. and Mrs. Hartman, two sons and seven daughters are living - Priscilla, Rebecca, Polly, Sally, William, Christina, Andrew J., Isabella and Zerilda. The deceased are Elizabeth Ann, Nancy and John A. Mrs. Mock has reared four children, two, Sarah and Martha Hartman, being the children of her brother John, and two, David and Mary Jane Lonw.being relatives of her first husband.

fAMES H. WILSON, senior member of the firm of Wilson & Crane, dealers in drugs, school books, stationery and oils, at Clinton, is a native of Ohio, born at Springfield, March 19, 1839, a son of John B. and Eliza C. Wilson. His father was born in Kentucky, and his mother, who is still living, is a native of Virginia. They were married in the State of Ohio, and in 185(), when our subject M-as sixteen years old, the family left Springfield for Fairfield, Iowa, whci-e they resided until a short time before the breaking out of the war. They tlien removed to Schu^'ler County, Illinois, where the father died in October, 1865, aged fiftj-three years. The mother still resides on the old homestead in Schuyler County. The suljject of this sketch preceded his parents to Fairfield, Iowa, a few months, where he was engaged for two years as clerk in a drug store. From there lie went to Lexington, Missouri, remaining there but a short time when he went to Carthage, Illinois, in March, 1859, and engaged as clerk in a mercantile house, which position he held until ]\[ay 9, 1861, when he enlisted in Company t). Sixteenth Illinois Infantry. He was mustered into the United States service May 29, 1861, and re-enlisted as a veteran December 23, 1863, his service reaching until July 10, 1865. His regiment was on guard duty until February, 1862, in Missouri, when it became engaged in the operations on the Mississippi. The regiment took part in tlie siege of Island No. 10, the capture of Fort Pillow, under General Pope, the siege of Corinth, under General Buell in his campaign against General . Bragg, during which time they v/erc once besieged at I^ashville, Tennessee, in 1863. They also fought at Chickamauga, and in the campaign under General Sherman for possession of Atlanta the regiment did heroic work, and followed the banners of Sherman to the sea, up through the Carolinas, and to the grand review of Sherman's grand army at Washington, D. C. Mr. Wilson gallantly performed a soldier's part in all the battles of his regiment, passing through all unscathed, and after his discliarge returned to his home in Illinois, where he remained until 1872. He then went to Douglas County, Kansas, and there followed farming two years, and after visiting Ohio, he, in March, 1875, became a resident of Clinton. Here he first entered tlie drug store of P.

Z. Anderson & Co., and later was employed by B. F. Morey. He established his present business August 15, 1883, in which he is meeting with good success. Mr. Wilson was married at Eaton, Preble County, Ohio, December 23, 1865, to Miss DamiaNourse, who was born in Butler County, Ohio, January 19, 1843, a daughter of E. B. Nourse. In politics Mr. Wilson affiliates with the Republican party. He is a comrade of Owen Post, No. 329, G. A. Pt., and is at present holding the ofiice of quartermaster of the post.

fILAS N. TODD, foreman of the CHiyuga Lumber Company, Cayuga, was born in Putnam County, Indiana, June 15, 1845, his father, John M. Todd, who is now deceased, having been a native of tln' State of Kentucky. He was reared on the home farm in his native county until attaining the age of fifteen years, when his parents removed to Terre Haute, and there he was employed in spoke manufactories, working for three different companies there. He was then in the employ of Booth, Delany & Co., of Dennison, Illinois, for three years, and also went to Lyon County, Kentucky, where he helped build a spoke factory in Kuttawa, for the same company. He came to Eugene, Yermillion County, in 1881, returning to Terre Haute in 1883, and in January, 1SS7, came to Cayuga, bringing his family here in the following June. The Cayuga Lumlioi- Company is one of the leading industries i<\: this place, and under^^the skillful management of Mr. Todd the business is steadily increasing. Mr. Todd enlisted in the late war in Compairy D, One Hundred and Fifty-sixtli Indiana Infantry. He was soon after taken sick with measles and sent to tlie hospital.

Bioqbaphical Sketvres

where he received his discharge before taking part in any service. He was married x\iigust 9, 1868, to Christian Larkins, a daughter of Saiitbrd Larkins, deceased, and to them liave been born fonr cliildren named - Dora M., Clova L., Callie B., and Benjamin F. Mr. Todd is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mrs. Todd is a member of the Christian chnrcli of Terre Haute.

;ILLIAM H. BENEFIEL, who was one of the old and honored pioneers %'^\ of Vermillion County, was born in Bourbon County, Kentucky, a son of Samuel and Elizabeth Benefiel. Samuel Benefiel died in Kentucky, and in 1826, his widow came with her son, "William H., to Vermillion County, Indiana, where she spent the remainder of lier days. She died in IBoTi, aged seventy-two years. William H. Benefiel was twice married, taking for his first wife Miss Mary Hunt, and to them were born seven children, of whom three are living at the present time. Mr. Benefiel was a second time united in marriage to Mrs. Margaret (Smith) Criveling, a native of New Jersey, and a daughter of Jesse Smith. She was first married in her native State, to William Criveling, and to this union seven children were born, all now deceased. William Criveling was also an old pioneer of Vermillion County, coming here in 1830, his wife following some two or three years later. Tliey settled in Perrysville, where Mr. Criveling followed his trade, that of a carpenter, until his death. Several years later the marriage of Mr. Benefiel and Mrs. Criveling took place, and to them one child, a son William M., was born, the date of his birth being August 2, 1850. He is now a resident of Perrysville, where he is classed among the active and enterprising citizens. William H. Benefiel died July 22, 1885, his widow surviving him until November 24, 1886. While he never attained to wealth, Mr. Benefiel was an industrious citizen, and was liighly esteemed by all who knew him. He was a carpenter by trade. In the early history of the county he, with Mr. Criveling, built a number of flat-boats for the purpose of trading between Perrysville and New Orleans. He was a natural mechanic, and in early life also learned the trade of a wheel-wright. He made many spinning wheels after coming to Perrysville. He was always interested in the advancement of his township or county, and was a worthy representative of the brave old pioneers.

FORMAN, farmer and stock- -, section 15, Vermillion Town- -^'^p- ship, was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1827, a son of Benjamin and Mary (Hines) Forman, natives of Ohio, of German descent. When Amos was a boy his parents came to Vermillion County, and here he was reared, spending his youth on his father's farm. He has devoted his attention to agriculture and now has a fine farm of 224 acres, the greater part under cultivation, and his building improvements are among the best in the county. He is purely a self-made man, having no capital when he started for himself, but by good management he has acquired a competence for his declining years. His first money was earned by running a ferry-boat on the river and from money with these earnings he made his first purchase of land. Mr. Forman is one of the prominent men of the township. He votes with no particular party, giving his sufltrage to the man he considers best- fitted for the ofiice. He was married iu

1847, to Ellen ILmkins, wlio died in 1866, leaving two children - Samanthaaud Martlia. Sainantha is the wife 'of William Swindle and has one child - Ida, and Martha is the wife of Charles Wintennede, and has one child - Mona. Mr. Fornian then married Martha Bush, wlio died in 1877, leaving tliree children - Charles, Ella and Noah. Ella is the wife of Munford Jackson. Mr. Forman married for his third wife, Harriet Burson, and to them were born two children - Burley and Burton. His wife died in 1885 and m 1886 he married Mrs. Jane (Hollingsworth) Hannahs.

tARRY H. JAMES, M. D., residing at St. Bernice, was born in Helt Township, Vermillion County, Indiana, June 5, 1810, a son of Zachariah D. James, of Montezuma, Indiana. The subject of this sketch was a small boy when his parents removed from their farm in Helt Township, to Montezuma, and there he grew to manhood, receiving his education principally at Asbury, now De Pauw University, at Greencastle. He left the University in 1861 while in his junior year, to eidist in the Union army, when he was assigned to Company G, Sixth Indiana Calvary. He participated in fifty engagements including the battles of Richmond, Chattanooga, Resaca, Dalton's Woods, Peach Tree Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, Mission Ridge, Nashville and Dallas. He served almost four years, enlisting as a private, acting as Captain the greater part of his term of service and was discharged as First Lieutenant. He was disabled in the service and now draws a pension. Dr. James was married January 23, 1861, to Miss Elizabeth AVade, a daughter of the late John Wade. Mrs. James died in January, 1873, leaving at her death two children, named Feury K. and Edward B. Mr. James was again married in September, 1876, to Miss Annie Morrison, a daughter of Benjamin Morrison, who is deceased. Tliree children have been born to this union, of whom only one is living, named ^Schell I. In March, 1869, Dr. James graduated from the medical department of the Michigan State University, at Ann Arbor, and the same year located at Terre Haute, Indiana, where he practiced medicine, and carried on a drug store until 1875. He then removed to Clinton, Vermillion County, and in April, 1877, settlerl at St. Bernice where he has since made his home, practicing his chosen profession until within ]the^ past year and a half, when his health began_^failing him. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization in which he takes an active interest.

ILLIAM D. McFALL, general merchant at St. Bernice, and also engaged in farming and stock-raising and dealing in stock, is a native of Virginia, born in Augusta County, February 14, 1850, his father, William McFall, having been born in Albermarle County, Virginia. He was reared to the vocation of a farmer, and received a common-school education in the schools of his neighborhood. He came to Vigo County, Indiana, in 1871, and from there went to Edgar County, Illinois. He came to Vermillion County, Indiana, in 1877, and has since been a resident of St. Bernice. On first coming to Indiana in 1871 he had but §20.20 with which to commence business, and by his own efforts he has accumulated a fine property, and become classed among the well-to-do citizens of the county. He is nuw the owner of a fine farm of 815 acres of clioice land. He has established a good liusiness at St. Bernice, carrying a full line of di'y goods, clothing, groceries, boots and shoes, hats and caps, hardware, etc. 'His capital stock is valued at $5,000, and his annual business amounts to about $12,000. In politics Mr. McFall is a Democrat. He is the present efficient postmaster at St. Bernice, having been appointed in October, 1885, and assumed the duties of that oihce November 4, following. Mr. McFall was married Jnne 11, 1874, to Miss Victoria Dyer, a daughter of the late Joel Dyer. Of the live children born to them, four are living, named Frederick, Claude, Lncy B. and Eosa. Mr. McFall is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a much respected citizen.

^.AMILTON BETSON, farmer and stock- I[M\' raiser, resides on section 8, Vermillion Township, where he owns a fine farm of 415 acres, all under a high state of cultivation. This property he has acquired by years of persevering toil, economy and good management. Possessed of an indomitable will that laughs at obstacles, he has come from a life of hardship to one of ease and comfort and can now look back over a. well spent life, and enjoy the fruits of his years of labor. Mr. Betson was born in Otsego County, New York, May 8, 1831, a son of Henry and Mary A. (Johnson) Betson, natives also of the State of New York, of English and German ancestry. In 1857 the family moved to Indiana and settled in Vermillion County, but two years later the parents went to Chrisman, Edgar County, Illinois, where the father died in 1875, and the mother still lives. They had a family of ten children, six of whom are living, Hamilton being the fourth child. Mr. Betson was married in

Vermillion County, in 1857, to Mary E. Clark, a native of this county, born in 1838, a daughter of Ezra and Nancy (Fullandei-) Clark, natives of Ohio, of French and German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Betson have had eight children, six of whom are living - Florence, Arthur, Alice, Frank, Claude and Theodocia. Florence is the wife of Alonzo Truitt and has three children - Clark, Clayton and Delbert. Mr. Bet.son is a member of the Odd Fellows order, Newport Lodge, No. 650.

fDMUND T. SrOTSWOOD, M. D., of Perrysville, the oldest practicing physician in Vermillion County, was born in the city of Richmond, Virginia, October 10, 1827. He is a direct descendant of Sir Alexander Spotswood, a Major General in the British army, and Governor of the Virginian Colony from 1710 to 1723. Alexander Spotswood was of Scotch parentage, and was born on board a British man-of-war in the port of Tangia. He was literally bred in the army from his childhood, and by his genius and courao-e served with distinction under the Duke of Marlborough. He was wounded at the battle of Blenheim, where he was acting as Deputy Quartermaster-General. He was sent to America by the King of England as Governor of Virginia. He was a man of creat ability, and no name is more prominently identified with the history of Colonial Virginia than his. He developed the first mines and erected the first iron furnace in America, and was the first to introduce iron into the colonies, for which he was called the Tubal Cain of America. He was the first to bring the writ of haheas cot])us to America. In 1739 he was appointed Deputy Postmaster-General of the Colonies, and it was he who promoted Benjamin Franklin to the postniastersliip of the province of Pennsylvania. Governor Spotswood died at Annapolis, Maryland, June 7, 1840, while on his way to Central America to take charge, as Major General, of the British troops in that country. Dr. Edmund T. Spotswood is a son of Robert and Eliza L. (Henning) Spotswood, the father dying when he was a child of five years. His motlier was a daughter of "William Waller Henning, who was a prominent lawyer of Virginia, and an author of law books. The mother of our subject was a woman of culture and refinement, and possessed of high scholarly attainments. She was a poetess of high rank. After the death of Mr. Spotswood she married Eev. John F. Scliermerhorn, of New York. They subsequently came to Indiana, and settled in Carroll County. The mother died at the home of Dr. Spotswood, at Perrysville, March 8, 1873, at the age of seventy-three years. Dr. Spotswood, the subject of this" sketch, was fourteen years old when he accompanied his mother and stepfather to Carroll County, Indiana, and there he grew to manhood on their farm near the Tippecanoe Hiver, receiving his literary education .at home under the instruction of his mother. In 1852 he graduated from Rush Medical College, Chicago, Illinois, and the same year located at Perrysville, Vermillion County, where he has since resided. He was married May 17, 1853, to Miss Sarah Schermerhorn, a daughter of Rev. John F. Schermerhorn, of New York. Five children have been born to them, of whom only the two youngest survive - Edwin, living in Terre Haute, and Mary, at home with her parents. Edith died at the age of twenty years; at the age of four years, and Bernard aged seventeen years. Soon after the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion Dr. Spotswood extended his professional services to the Goveniraent. Immediately after the battle of Shiloli, in April, 1862, he, in company with Governor Morton and Miles Fletcher, tlie Superintendent of Public Instruction, started as a volunteer surgeon to the field of battle. On arriving at Evansville it was found that a large number of the wounded had been transferred to that place. He therefore accompanied such of the wounded as were able to be removed, to Indianapolis, where he was offered by the Governor any position as surgeon that was in his power to grantj'^but none being desirable, the Doctor returned to Perrysville. August 18, 1862, he was appointed Surgeon of the Seventy-first Indiana Infantry, and remained with the regiment about eighteen months, when he was compelled to resign on account of disease of the eyes acquired in the discharge of his official duties, and from this aflliction he has never fully recovered. As soon as he had sufficiently recovered he resumed his medical practice at Perrysville, in which he is still engaged. He has long been a member of the American Medical Association, and in his profession ranks high. The doctor has always taken a deep interest in politics. He was elected to the Legislature as an anti-Nebraska Democrat. He was tlir first man to give his allegiance to the Republican party in Vermillion County, and affiliated with that party until 1876, when he became connected with the National Greenback party. He is now independent in his political views. He is a speaker of marked ability, and iniierits mucli of his motliei-"s poetical genius. In 1854 Dr. Spotswond was elected to the General Assembly of Indiana, and with one exception was the yoimgest member in the House of Representatives at the following session. While a member of the Legislature he introduced \\w following resolution, which was the first e\'i'r otiered in the Indiana Legislature relative to the establishment of State Normal Schools: "Kesolved, That the committee on education be instructed to inquire into the expediency of establishing a State Normal School, in wiiich persons who design to make teaching a profession shall receive instruction free of charge; Provided, they bind themselves to teach for a specified term of years within the State of Indiana; and also if it is deemed expedient to establish such schools, whether it would be practicable to establish it on the 'Manual Labor Plan,' so as to make it a self-supporting institution as near as possible, with leave to report by bill or otherwise." The doctor was also the first to agitate in the Legislature the establishment of a State Bureau. The subject of this sketch was reared in the Episcopal faith, but there being no cluirch of that denomination in his neighborhood, he has affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church. Genial in his manner, well informed on the general topics of the day, and possessed of fine conversational powers, the doctor is an interesting and instructive companion, and no man is lietter known or more highly respected throughout Vermillion County than he.

fAVID A. RANGER, one of the early settl&i's of Vermillion County, was born in Colerain, Massachusetts,^ May 20, 1827, a son of Moses and Jane (Smith) Ranger, both of whom were natives of the same State. Moses Ranger, Sr., and Orin Smith, grandfathers of our subject, were heroes of the Revolution, and Moses Ranger, Jr., was a soldier of the war of 1812. David A. Ranger left the old home in Massachusetts when sixteen years of age, and coming to Clinton, Vermillion County, Indiana, that year, 1843, he entered the employ of James

McCulloch, general merchant and porkpacker. He was a faithful employe, and was often entrusted by his employer with large interests, making trips to the northwest in charge of stock for sale, and to the lower rivers in charge of pork and grain. He remained in the constant employ of Mr. Mc- Culloch until the opening of the war for the Union, when his patriotism would not allow him to remain in the rear. His work became known, and he was commissioned First Lieutenant, and October 19, 1861, he was mustered with Company I, Forty-third Indiana Infantry. Their first effective service was at New Madrid, and they also participated in the engagements at Island No. 10, Tiptonville, Fort Pillow, and the capture of Memphis. July 4, 1863, they fought and repulsed General Price's army at Helena, Arkansas. The winter of 1863-'64 Lieutenant Ranger spent at home, recruiting for his company. March 15, 1864, with sixteen i-ecruits, he joined his regiment, which was with General Steele at Little Rock, Arkansas. In the campaign of 1864, at Mark's Mill, Arkansas, Lieutenant Ranger was wounded in the left thigh, breaking the femur bone, and cutting the sciatic nerve, thus disabling him for further service, and of course necessitated his discharge. He now receives a pension of $24 per month. Never since his return from the army has he been able to resume his busy, active life of former years, but he has by no means been simply a lookeron. In 1865 he was elected to the office of magistrate, an office he held continuously until 1878, when he declined a re-election. He is now a member of the city council, where he has served many years. He is one of the oldest Masons in Vermillion County, and is at present secretary of Jerusalem Lodge, where he has lieen an lionorable and useful member for over a third of a century

He has never married, and lias no relatives near him. His parents left Massachnsetts in 1854, and settled in llosendale, Fond du Lac County, AVisconsin, where he occasionally visited them before their death. In politics he is a Republican, and has ever taken an active interest in the public affairs of the county. He is a comrade of Owen Post, No. 3'29, G. A. E.

tDDISON L. WHITCOMB was born in Clinton, Vermillion County, Indiana, in the year 1839, and died at his birthplace October 7, 1886. His father, John R. Whitcomb, was one of the pioneers of the county, settling at Clinton in 1831, where he became one of the leading business men. The subject of this sketch was educated in the schools of Clinton, where he made the most of his educational advantages. Soon after reaching his majority he began to show that capacity for business which later made him one of the most successful merchants in Western Indiana. He began his business career as clerk in his father's mercantile establishment. Eventually he engaged in business for himself, never halting in his successful course, and at the time of his death was the head of the firm of A. L. Whitcomb & Co., the leading establishment of the kind in Vermillion (^ounty. He was the architect of his own fortunes, having commenced life a poor boy, but through persevering energy and good management he became wealthy, having at the time of liis death four farms in Clinton Township, real estate in the city of Clinton, and personal property exceeding in value 875,000. Mr. AVhitcomb was united in marriage, December 25, 1861, to Miss Eraeline A. Greene, a daughter of James M. and Julia (Halstead) Greene. She was born in Erie County, New York, May 12, 1841 coming to Clinton with her parents, where her mother died July 5, 1875. Her father was at one time a business partner of Mr. Whitcomb. After the death of his wife he returned to his old home in Erie County, New York. Mrs. Whitcomb was their only child. She still makes her home in Clinton, where her husband died. Both Mr. and Mrs. Whitcomb united with the Christian cluirch, of which she is still a member. He was a member of no secret societies. In politics he always affiliated with the Republican party, and although he never aspired for official honors, he was not lacking in interest in public affairs. He was a highly respected citizen, and his death was mourned by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

fACOB C. PETERS, general merchant, Cayuga, was born in Circleville, Ohio, the date of hi? birth being December 8, 1856. He is a son of Newton and Margaret I (Harren) Peters, of Circleville, both being natives of Ohio, the father born in Stoutsville, Fairfield County, and the mother born in Delhi, Hamilton County. Jacob C. was reared in Circleville, receiving his education in the schools of that place. He learned the carriage painter's trade, which he followed four years before coming to this county. Jn 1875 he came to Eugene, and for ten years following was employed as clerk in the store of his brother, H. 0. Peters, after which he was associated with his brother as partner for two 3'ears, and in September, 1887, he bought his brother's interest. The brothers had established their business in Cayuga in 1885, since which time it has steadily increased until it has become one of the leadintr mercantile establishments in Eu- gene To^vnsllip. They deal in dry goods, clothing, hats and caps, boots and shoes, groceries, hardware, queensware, and gents furnishing goods, carrying a capital stock of §3,500, their annual business amounting to about $12,000. Mr. Peters was married June 14, 1882, to Miss Olie Parren, who was born iu Perrysville, Vermillion County, Indiana, a daughter of William Parren, who is now ded eased.

fLATT Z. ANDERSON, attorney at law, and one of the prominent and enterprising citizens of Clinton, has been a resident of this city since November 7, 1856. He is a native of West Virginia, born in Wood County, December 28, 1838, a son of Michael and Prudence (White) Anderson, both of whom were Virginians by birth. The maternal grandfather of our subject, George White, married for his second wife, Rebecca Jackson, who is still living, aged seventynine years, and is an aunt of the late General Thomas Jackson, familiarly known as Stonewall Jackson. Michael Anderson still resides on the old homestead in West Virginia which has been the family^home for forty-five years. His -wife died at the age of thirty-five years. Besides our subject, three of their children are living, William P., Cummings and Elizabeth, their homes being in West Virginia. Soon after coming to Vermillion County, the sul)ject of this sketch entered the mercantile establistment of Dale, Livengood & Co., of Clinton, as a clerk, and later was employed in the same capacity for John Whitcomb, liecoming his partner in 1866, the business being conducted under tlie fii-m name of AVhiteomb, Anderson & Co., for two years. Mr. Anderson then retired from the linn, and in company with Dr. Bogart, engaged in tlie drug business. Buying the interest of his partner soon after, he continued the business alone until 1875. In 1879 he was elected county surveyor, and a more thoroughly competent and efficient officer than Mr. Anderson the county has never had. He served in this capacity four years, and during this time, under his supervision and direction, all the graveled roads of the county were made, and the principal bridges built. He also served twelve years as magistrate, from the year 1861. In 1872 he was admitted to the bar, and has since been engaged in tlie practice of law. In connection with his law practice lie does an agency business in real estate, insurance and collecting. Mr. Anderson was united in marriage September 1, 1859, to Miss Jennie Nourse, who was born at Nauvoo, Illinois, June 28, 1837, a daughter of E. B. Nourse, then a resident of Nauvoo, but now living in Clinton, Indiana. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are the parents of seven cliildren - Eva, wife of John Payton; Lawrence B., Claude M., Max, Clifford, Piatt Z. and Forrest G. Mr. Anderson cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, and has ever since been a staunch adherent to the Republican party. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. Anderson has always manifested a deep interest the town in which he lives, and in every movement calculated to aid in building up the place or developing its business interests has his encouragement and assistance.

l^ILGHMAN FONCANON resides on fX. section 35, Helt Township, where he W owns a fine farm of 200 acres, 160 acres of which he entered from the Government. He was born in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, August 7, 1812, a son of Jacob Foncanou, a native ot the same county, who moved to Perry County, Ohio, in 1815. Tilghnian was reared on a farm in Ohio, and when eighteen years old began to learn the brick mason's trade at Lancaster, at which he worked twelve years. In 1842 he came to Vermillion County, Indiana, and located in lielt Township, where he has since lived. He was married August 11, ISiO, to Sarah, daughter of John and Christina May. To Mr. and Mrs. Foncanon have been born ten children, eight of whom are living - Tliomas Jefttrson, Emily, Isabelle, Charles A., Mark, Georgiann and Christiann (twins), and Elva All are married and settled near the old homestead. Mr. Foncanon has twenty grandchildren living, and one great-grandchild.

IfSAAC KICE, faruiei' and stock-raiser, re- M sides on section 15, Vermillion Township, where he owns 173 acres of land under cultivation, and twenty acres of timber land. lie has a valuablcjproperty, which he has acquired by years of toil and economy, having nothing when he started for himself, his iirst money being earned by hauling wood and running a threshing machine. lie has made a specialty of stock-raising, and has some very tine cattle and horses. Mr. liice was born in Floyd County, Indiana, March 7, 1832, a son of John and Catherine (Smith) Rice, natives of Kentucky, of German descent, who were early settlers of Floyd County, where they spent their last days. In 1857 Mr. llice came to Vermillion County and settled on the farm where he now lives, which at that time was a tract of wild, uncultivated land. He was married in 1858 to Christina Burkhart, a native of Floyd County, born in 1834:, a daughter of Jacob Burkhart. To Mr. and Mrs. Rice have been born four children, one of whom, John W., is deceased.

Those living are - James A., Alice and La fayette. Alice is the wife of Bruce Merriman, and has two children - Collettand Jessie B. Mr. Rice is a member of the Odd Fellows order. Lodge No. 5G3. In politics litis a Republican.

tENRY NEBEKER, M. I)., one of the leading physicians of Clinton, is a member of one of the old and prominent families of Vermillion County. lie was born in Helt Township, this county, June 16, 1854, a son of Aquilla and Naomi (Wright) Nebeker, his father a native of Newport, Delaware, and his mother of Ontario County, New York. They were married in Vermillion County, having come to the county when young. The early life of our subject was spent on a farm, completing his literary education at De Pauw University at Greencastle, Indiana. His preparatory medical studies were commenced in the office of Drs. Hedges and Bogart, in Clinton, and in 1873 he attended the medical department of the Michigan State University, at Ann Arlior, Michigan. In 1875-'76, he was a student at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphi.i, graduating from that institution in March nt the latter year, and immediately after he commenced the practice of medicine at Clinton. He is devoted to his profession, and has e.-- tablished a large and lucrative practice whicli is gradually increasing. September 6, 1877, he was united in marriage to Miss Ida M. Wilson, who was born December 27, 1857, in Parke County, Indiana, a daughter of E. G. AYilson, who is still a resident of Parke County. Doctor and Mrs. Nebeker are the parents of two children named Ray B. ami Mark E. In politics the doctor is identified with the Republican party. He is a promi- neiit Mason, and belongs to Jerusalem Lodge, No. 99, and Terre Haute Chapter, No. 11. The doctor is a man of puljlic-spirit, taking a deep interest in the town where he resides, and every enterprise calculated to aid in huilding up the place has ins encouragement and assistance.

,7^: AMUEL J. HALL, an active and enter- ^>^ prising agricnlturfst of Vermillion .-- Township, residing on section 16, is a native of Vermillion County, Indiana, born April 13, 1835. His parents, William B. and Nancj' (Jordan) Hall, were of English descent, the father a native of the State of Virginia, and the mother born in Kentucky. Slie left her native State in 1822, coming to Parke County, Indiana. Tiie parents of oxir sul)ject lived in Parke County until 1830 wlien the}' removed to Vermillion County, residing here until their death, the father dying December 10, 1863, and the mother in tiie year 1872. Tiiey reared a family of thirteen children, as follows - Mrs. Harriet Davis, T;ibitha (deceased), Mrs. Lacy A. Lemon, Mrs. Elizabeth AVoodward, Mrs. Mary Saunders, Charles II., Samuel J., Mrs. Emily Dunlap, Mrs. Amanda Utter, Mrs. Ellen Hopkins, Melvin L. (a prominent physician of the county, residing at Newport), James W., and John D. The latter Avas a member of Company C, Eighteenth Indiana Infantry, and died while out on the field in Missouri. Samuel J. Hall, the subject of this sketch, was reared to agricultural pursuits which he has made the principal vocation of his life. lie was a soldier in the M'ar of the Rebellion, enlisting October 9, 1861. He raised a company know as Company I, Forty-third Indiana Infantry, and served three and a half rears. He was in the engagements at New

Madrid and Riddle's Point, then helped to take the city of Memphis, Tennessee, holding it seven days. He was at the siege of Fort Pillow, being fifty-six days under fire, and was at the siege of Vicksburg, also on the expedition up White River and at the battle of Helena. Part of the time he had command of two companies. Colonel Bell having surrendered his forces to him. He also participated in the battle of Little Rock, and other engagements of minor importance. He was on the Red River expedition, and was at the battle of Marks Mill, where half of his company was killed and the remainder captured with the exception of himself and one man. For his gallant conduct at the battle of Helena Mr. Hall received a leave of absence for thirty days from General Grant. He was mustered out at Indianapolis, when he returned to his home in Vermillion County, and resumed farming. In 1867 he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Ileail, who was born in the year 1817, a daughter of Francis and Emeline (Lucas) Head. In connection with his general farming Mr. Hall devotes some attention to raising and dealing in stock. He is one of the prosperous men of Vermillion Township, where he has a valuable farm of 540 acres, 400 acres being well improved and under a high state of cultivation. Politically ]\Ir. Hall aiiiliates with the Republican party.

fOHN L. PETERS, an active an enterprising business man of Cayuga, is a native of Ohio, born in Circleville, March 3, 1858, a son of Newton Peters, who is still a resident of Circleville. He was reared and educated at his birthplace, remaining there until 1871, when he came to Vermillion County, Indiana, and made his home at Eugene until 1887. He then removed to Cayuga and engaged in the mercantile business, and by his genial and accommodating manners, and strict attention to the wants of Ills customers, he is doing a thriving business. He carries a full line of dry goods, ladies' and gents' furnishing goods, millinery, hats, caps, boots and shoes. May 3, 1881, he was united in marriage to Miss Ellen G. Edmonds, a daughter of Edmoud Edmonds, uf Eugene. Mrs. Peters was born in Eugene, and has spent her life in this county. Mr. Peters never seeks oflieial honors, preferring to devote his entire attention to his business rather than hold public office.

who resides in Horida, with her mother. Mr. Zerner died in March, 1876. He was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal clinrch for forty years, and an upright, hon- I orable gentleman.

imDAM ZERNER, deceased, was one of l^i tlie brave pioneers of Vermillion Coun- ^#5^ ty, who settled in Newport when that now prosperous town consisted of but log huts. He was a native of Kentucky, born in Bourbon County, February 3, 1803, and was of German ancestry. When he was a lad his father died, and in 1812, he came with his mother to Indiana, she locating near Madison. The date of his settlement at Newport, this county, was in the year 1826, and here he continued to live until his death. He M-as first married in Newport in 1828, to ^[iss Mary Hopkins, whose father, James Hojikins, was one of the well known pioneers of the county. To this union nine childi-en were born, of whom eight are still living, five sons and three daughters. Only two of the children make their home in Indiana - Mrs. Parrett, who was born in Fewport in 1831, and the eldest of the children now living, and Hobert Zerner who resides in Indianapolis. Mrs. Zerner died in 1861, and Mr. Zerner married for his second wife Miss Liiviea Statts. by whom he had one daughter.

fANlEL G. TILLOTSON, deceased, was born in Ilelt Township, Yermillion County, Indiana, May 8, 1825, a son of Chandler Tillotson, a native of Massachusetts, and an old and honored pioneer of this county. He came to Indiana in 1819, locating first at Fort Harrison, near the present site of Terre Haute, and in 1823 came to Yermillion County, and was one of the first settlers on Heidle's Prairie in Helt Township. Daniel G. was reared in his father's pioneer home, his youth being spent in assisting in the work of clearing and improving the farm and in attending the rude log cabin subscription schools of that early day, where he received but a limited education. He was married March 25, 184:5, to Miss Rebecca Barkley, a daughter of William Barkley, who was a native of Pennsylvania. In 1829 he removed to Edgar County, Illinois, settling near the Indiana State line. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Tillotson, seven of wliom ai-e living - Delia B. married Pryor Randall, who resides near Scotland, Illinois, and they have four children whose names ai-e Daniel, Orval, William T., Electra; George B. married Clementina Wishard, and has two children; Elizabeth A. married Rev. John Rusmisel, of Helt Township, and their only child is named Beiilah; Susannah is tlie wife of Frank Skidmore, of Helt Township; Mary E., Clara J., and Demetrius married Siba Wi.shard, and has one child named Minor R. Demetrius Tillotson is a minister in the Methodist Ep'^^copal cluirch, and resides at

Biographical 8Eetcres

Toronto, this county. One son, William T., died after reaching maturity. He married Ilattie Swan, and left at his death three children, named George, Cliftbrd and Nellie. Daniel G. Tillotson, our subject, was an active worker for the cause of Christianity, and was a strong pillai' in the Heidle's Prairie Baptist church, and for sevei'al years was a deacon in the church. He died August 10, 1880, his death causing universal regret throughout the community where he had spent so many years.

l^OBERT HARRISON, a worthy repre '';:[f\; sentative of one of the old pioneer "^'A families of Vermillion County, was horn in llockingliam County, Virginia, October 11, 1832, a son of Benjamin and Jane Ann (Bright) Harrison, who settled on section 15, Clinton Township, when the snbject of this sketch was a year old. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and early in life inured to hard work on liis father's farm. Ilis educational advantages were very limited, receiving such as the subscription schools of that early day afforded. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, which occurred February 6, 1855, to Miss Elizabeth Fisher. She was born in Sliel!)}' County, Kentucky, June 23, 1833, and from infancy was reared in A^erraillion County, Indiana, her parents, ' James and Elizabeth (Briscoe) Fisher, having settled in Helt Township in 1834. The father died about 1843 on the farm which he had cleared. Her mother afterward married Samuel Davidson, and both are now deceased, the former dying in 1880. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Harrison settled near his father's homestead on section 15, Clinton Township, where they have since made their home, and have their farm of sixty acres well improved and under fine cultivation. They are the parents of five children, all but one married, and living near their parents. The eldest, Benjamin, married Miss Eliza Caniery, who died December 1, 1885, leaving at her death six children whose names are - Warren, Daniel, Stella, Annabelle, Isaac and Sarah. James, the second child of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison, married Miss Josie Chunn,and they have one child named Agnes. The third child, Annabelle, is the wife of George R. Hawkins. Jane Ann, the next child, is the wife of Sherman Bullock, and Briscoe, the youngest son, is still at home with his parents. In his political views Mr. Harrison afiiliates with the Republican party. Mr. Harrison is a man of strict integrity, fair and honorable in all his dealings, and during liis long residence in Clinton Township has gained the confidence and respect of all who l<]iow him.

fllOMAS J. MITCHELL, Se., of Perrysville, one of the old and honored t pioneers of Highland Township, was born in Champion County, Oiiio, October 26, 1808, a son of James and Susannah Mitchell. When he was eight years old his parents settled in Nicholas County, Kentucky, and when he was fifteen they removed to Ripley County, Indiana, and in 1830 came with their family to Vermillion County. The father settled four and a half miles northwest of Perrysville, and after residing in this county a number of years he went to White County, Indiana, where he died. After his death liis widow returned to Ripley County, Indiana, where she spent the remainder of her days. They reared a family of seven children to maturity, of whom three are jet living. Thomas J. Mitchell was the fourth child in liis father's family', and is the oldest of those yet living. He has been a resident of this county since 1830, and during his long residence in Highland Township he has, by Iiis fair and honorable dealings and cordial manners, gained many friends and won the respect of all who know him. His wife was formerly Miss Susannah Eicketts, a daughter of John and Mary Ricketts, who settled in Highland Township as early as 1830. where both died many years ago, on the farm now owned and occupied by Mr. ^litchell. Mr. and Mrs. liicketts are buried on this farm, where they settled so many years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell have had born to them ten fhilibvn. of whom seven arc yet living - Thomas J., .Jr., John "W"., Mary Ann, Zachariah G., Elias (t., Isabelle and Margaret J'elle (twins). Three of their children are deceased - Hiram, who died at the age of forty-one years; Jacob, died in his eighteenth year, and a son who died in infancy.

tARYEY HUNT, of Highland Township, was born in Clay County, Indiana, September 28, 1818, the eldest in a family of si.x children of Tunis and Elizabeth (Luddington) Hunt, the father being a native of New Jersey. In 1810 the parents started for Indiana, and in 1825 came to Vermillion County, and settled in Highland Township, where the father lived until his death, about 1830, his willow surviving him many years. Harvey Hunt has lived in Highland Township since seven years of age, and has Avitnessed the material changes that have taken ]>]ace in his neighliorhood during the past sixty years. He began life poor, but by persevering industry and economy he acquired a line property. He M-as married in 1841 to Laura Goft', a dauofhter of Abnon Goff. one of the early pioneers of the county, and of the four children born to them three are living - Angeline, wife of Henry Yolkill; Almon, married* Carrie Spry, and Mary, wife of Howard Rodgers. A son, William, died ^larch 17, 1887, leaving a wife and one child. After a married life of thirty-eight years Mrs. Hunt died December 2, 1879. She was a kind and loving wife and mother, and was beloved bv all who knew her.

fEORGE B. TILLOTSON, one of the leading farmers and stock-raisers of Yermillion County, was born in Helt Township, this county, July 80, 1850, a son of the late Daniel G. Tillotson. His early youth was passed on a farm, and his education was obtained in the common schools of Yermillion County. He engaged in the mercantile business in Toronto in 1870, having for two years previous clerked in the store of F. N. Austin. He carried a good and well selected stock of general merchandise and established a large trade, continuing his business at Toronto until 1883. In that year he came to his present farm on section 14, Helt Township, where he has seventy-seven acres of valuable land, and has since devoted his attention to his agricultural pursuits. He makes a specialty of raising Mambrino trotting horses, and has one large Mambrino, named Sir Isaac, which he has shown at seventeen fairs, and which has carried off the first riblwns sixteen times. He has also three other stallions, two of which he has exhibited at fairs, receiving premiums on each. ]\[r. Tillotson was married January 30, 1879, to Miss Clementina Wishard, daughter of John R. Wishard, who is now deceased. Two children have been born to this union named Mary Grace and Arminta Fay. ^fr.

Tillotson is a member of tlie Odd Fellows order. In his religions faith he is a Baptist, and a niemher of that denomination. Mrs. Tillotson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal chnrch.

fABEZ B. OSMON, a farmer, residing at eNwport, is a representative of one of the old and respected pioneer families of Vermillion Coimty. He is a native of Vermillion County, born in the township in which he now resides, May 5, 1836, his parents, Pliilip W. and Matilda (Williams) Osmon, coming to the county about 1827, when they settled in Vermillion Township. His father was a native of Kentucky, born in 1803. He followed farming during his life, in which he was very successful, owning at the time of his death 400 or 500 acres of choice land. He died in 1880 in Newport, at the present home of our subject. He was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and an exemplary citizen. Eleven of his twelve children grew to maturity, and of these only three are living at the present time - xVrchibald W., a farmer, residing ten miles southwest of Newport; Matilda C. wife of John Ingram, of P^dgar County, Illinois, and Jabez B., the subject of this sketch. Jabez B. Osmon was reared in his native county to the vocation of a farmer, and is now the owner of 440 acres of well cultivated land lying some nine or ten miles west of Newport, located partly in this State, and partly in Edgar County, Illinois, besides which he has a tract of 160 acres of rich bottom land east of Newport. He has spent liftcen years of his life, from 1857 until 1872, on that portion of his farm which lies ii! Edgar County, and while tliere served three years as county commissioner. He spent one j'ear in the service of his country as a member of the Fifty-ninth Illinois Infantry, joining his regiment at Athens, Georgia, on its return from the Atlanta campaign. The regiment then joined General Thomas, who was engaged in chasing Hood's forces out of the country, Mr. Osmon being a participant in all the battles and skirmishes of that exciting campaign. Besides fartning Mr. Osmon has followed other lines of business to some extent, as that of flat-boating at an early day, and also followed the lumber trade in this county. In the latter line he met with two disastrous losses by fire, at one time losing $1,000 in lumber at a mill near_ his present residence, and in 1880 lie met with a loss equally as great, in the burning of a saw mill on the Little Vermillion, in which he had a half interest. At another time he lost another thousand by the burning of his barn, and about $4,000 by the burning of his residence and contents in 1874, this house being erected but two years previous, on his return from Illinois. He rebuilt his residence which is located on a tract of three acres on the bluff in the eastern part of Newport, the house being about half way between the base and the summit of the bluff, and overlooking river, bluff and valley scenery as beautiful as any in the West. Mr. Osmon is a bachelor. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and is classed among the mnst respected men in Newport.

tNDREW SPPtOULS, a representative of one of the old and respected pioneer families of Vermillion County, is a native of Ohio, born in Belmont County, December 31, 1826. His father, James Sprouls, settled in Vermillion County, near the present home of our subject, in December, 1829, where he made his lioine until his death. Andrew Sprouls was reared to the vocation of a farmer, and received a limited education in the rude log cabin subscription schools. He has always followed the cooper's trade in connection with liis farming pursuits, and for several years ran a shop at Eugene. He was united in marriage April 27, 1851, to Miss America Pribble, a daughter of James Pribble, who came from Ohio to Vermillion County,Indiana, in an early day. Of the eight children born to this union seven are living - James, Lucinda, Douglas, Thomas, Jennie, George and Lillie G. Lucinda married George W. Watson of Eugene Township, and has three children - Grace, Dora and Daniel. Douglas married Mary "Watson, and has three childi'en - Florence, Alva and Charlie. Jennie married Lionah Worth, of Wvmore, Nebraska. George married Eebecca Naylor, a daughter of Lewis Nay lor, and they have one child named Elva. JMr. Sprouls resides on section 29, Eugene Township, where he has 266 acres of fine land. Li connection with his general farming he devotes some attention to stockraising, making a specialty- of hogs. He has been a resident of Eugene Township since 1855, and in 1859 settled on the farm where he now resides. He is a member of the Masonic fraternitj', and affiliated with the lodge at Eugene when in existence.

fACOr. L. THOMAS, an active farmer and stock-raiser of Vermillion Township, resides on section i], where he has 520 acres of as good land as can be found in the county, being a part of the stock farm of the late Dr. Joseph Cook. Mr. Thomas was born in A^ermillion County, Indiana, April 12, 1838, a son of Philemon and Catlierine

(Custer) Thomas. They were among the pioneers of the county, the father having come here in 1822, and the mother in 1828. The father died in January, 1860, and the mother is still living on the old homestead, where she has resided for sixty-five years. The father being a farmer, Jacob L. was reared to the same occupation, which he has made his life work. He was first married in Vermillion County, Illinois, in 1866, to Miss Eliza Bates, who was born in Licking County, Ohio, in 1844, and to them were born two children - Clay and Torrence (deceased). Mrs. Thomas died in 1874, and for his second wife he married Margaret J. (Dallas) Cook, a native of Wheeling, Virginia, born in 1835, and widow of Joseph C. Cook, late of Vermillion County. Mr. Thomas devotes considerable attention to stock-raising, making a specialty of thoroughbred Jersey cattle, of which lie has a tine herd of six. He has one mare registered. Politically he affiliates with the Kepublican party. He is a member of Newport Lodge, No. 209, A. F. & A. M. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

f|TIS M. KEYES, M. D., one of the nj leading physicians and surgeons of v" Vermillion County, was liorn in Ilelt Township, this county, three miles from Dana, August 3, 1854, his father, Dr. Cuthbert Keyes, also being a native of Vermillion County. He was reared principally on a farm, and in his youth received good educational advantages, in the common schools of his neighborhood and at the academy at Bloomingdale, Indiana. After completing his education he taught school four j'cars in Vermillion and Parke Counties. He subsequently attended the Kentucky School of

Biooraphwal Sketches

Medicine, at Louisville, and graduated from that institution June 28, 1877, with the liiglicst honors, receiving the gold medal which at that time was awarded to the person graduating with first honors in all branches. In the fall of 1877 he located at Dana, and immediately engaged in the practice of medicine, where he has since built np a large and lucrative practice, and by his kind and cordial disposition, "and honorable dealings he has gained the confidence and respect of all who know hiin. August 7, 1878, he was united in marriage to Miss Labelle Hunt, a daughter of Isaac Hnnt, of Dana. One child has been born to this union, named Paul H. The doctor is a member of both the Masonic and Odd Fellows orders, and takes an active interest in these organizations, lie has held the office of tdwnship trustee one term, and is at present a member of the board of health of Dana.

nOSEPII MOOIIE, an old and honored pioneer of Eugene Township, Vermillion "^ County, now deceased, was born in the State of Ohio, near Columbus, in 1803, a son of Thomas Moore. He came to this county in the year 1833, and the first winter after coming he spent at Eugene. lie then settled on a tract of wild land, in Eugene Township, where Indians and wild animals were the principa''. inhabitants. He was' married to Miss Sarah Dunlap, a 'daughter of Joseph Diinlap. Her brother James was a soldier in the war of 1812. Ten children were born to ilr. and Mrs. Moore, eight of whom still s!ii-vive, their names being as follows - Re- 1" ica, Thomas, Jane, Ellen, Wallace, Robert, - i|>h and Louise. Mr. Moore always the vocation of a f\irmer, and in his owing to his industrious habits and good management, and at his death left a large landed estate, M-hich he had acquired by fiiir and honorable dealings. He died September 8, 1861, his death causing universal regret throughout the community, where he made his home for so many years. His widow still lives on the old homestead. Her granddaughter, Blanche Moore, whose mother died when she was an infant, is being reared by fOIIN R. STAIIL, one of the successful teachers of Vermillion County, resides on section 22, Vermillion Township, where he owns forty acres of good land under a high state of cultivation. He is a native nf Montgomery County, Ohio, born June 10, 1851, a son of Samuel and Catherine (Iluinrickhous) Stahl, natives of Pennsylvania, of German descent. In 1858 his parents moved to Vermillion County, and settled in Eugene Township, where the father died in 1884. The mother is now living in Illinois. They had a family of six children, four of whom are living - Beulah, wife of Michael "Willfang; Henry, of Illinois; John R., Eli and Daniel (twins, the latter deceased), and Elizabeth E., deceased. John R. Stahl commenced teaching school in 1873, and has taught thirteen winters, and in the meantime in the summer has attended the Indiana State JS'orinal School five terms, the llrookville, Ohio, LTnion Academy one term, the Georgetown, Illinois, Academy, one term, and has been under the instruction of Prof. John Hurty, of Paris, Illinois, four months. He takes advantage of every opportunity he has to better fit him for his profession, and is fast gaining an enviable reputation as a teacher. Mr. Stahl was married in 1880 to Lucy Bell, a native of Vermillion County, born in Newport November 12, 1858, daughter of James A. and Elizabeth (Van Camp) Bell, pioneers of the countj. Her father died in 1872. Of a family of nine children, but four are living - three, William E., Susan and Minnie, being at home with their mother. Mr. and Mrs. Stahl liave tiiree children - Bessie, Mabel and Maude.