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

^OlIN SKIDMOEE, deceased, was one of ' \ tlie first pioneers of Helt Township, Ver- ~i million County, and during his life was an active and enterprising citizen. He was born in Pennsylvania, August 27, 1783, his father being of English descent, and a soldier during the Revolutionary war. His mother was a native of Germany, coming to America when iive years of age. Her parents and the rest of her family died of cholera on shipboard" while en route for America. Our subject was taken to Kentucky by his parents in his boyhood, his father dying in that State. Tlie family then removed to Columbus County, Ohio, where the mother died at the advanced age of ninety-six years. Mr. Skidmore came to Indiana with a colony, they building a keel boat at Columbus in which they floated down the Scioto to tlie Ohio River, thence to the mouth of the Wabash River, and from there to Vincennes, where they remained two years or until the year 1818. In the fall of that year they came to licit Township our subject having preceded them in the spring of 1818 and raised a crop. His house was the farthest north in the county, and no house was between his and old Fort Dearborn, now Chicago. Mr. Skidmore was first married May 26, 1807, to Mary Hopper, and of the six children born to this union three arc living - Mrs. Catherine Tweedy, Mrs. Jane Ford, and Mrs. Elizabeth Potter. His son William, who is now deceased, was the first white child born in Vermillion County. Mr. Skidmore married for his second wife Jane Hopper, a sister of his deceased wife, April 2, 1822. Of the seven children born to this marriage three are yet living - Mrs. Mary IIelt,'John, of Douglas County, Illinois, and Josiah. On coming to the county Mr. Skidmore entered 160 acres of land on section 22, Ilelt Township, which he owned until his death. Here he kept a public house for forty years, which was the traveler's stopping place between Vincennes and Fort Wayne or from Chicago. He served as justice of the peace several years, and was quite a prominent man in the early history of the county. He died December 7, 1803, his widow surviving until April 2, 1870. r>oth were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and consistent Christians.

^fAMES ANDERSON WHITE, farmer ^1 and stock-raiser, section 33, Ilelt Town- ^^ ship, was born in Roane County, Tennessee, October 4, 1805, a son of AVilliam White, a native of AVashington County, Virginia. William White was a soldier in the war of 1812, serving under General Jackson, and after the close of that struggle, in 1815, brought his family to Indiana, and lived a year in Knox County. In 1816 he moved to Sullivan County, and thence in 1822 to Fountain County, where he lived twelve years. He entered 5,920 acres of land, the most of which was in Vermillion County, but he sold the greater part to new comers before it was improved. He came to Vermillion County in 183-4 and made his home w-ith his son James. He was also a soldier in the Black Hawk war. He was married four times and had a family of seven children, four of whom are living - James A., Serena, now Mrs. Coates, of Fountain County; Franklin, of California, and Henry A., of Augusta, Kan- sas. James A. White was reared on a frontier farm, and liad but limited educational advantages, being unable to write when he was twenty-one years old. He came to Vermillion County in August, 1832, and settled near where he now lives. He lived in a tent two months, until he could get a house built, lie has cleared and improved his land and now owns one of the best farms in the township. Mr. White was married January 27, 1831, to Martha \\. Elder, a native of Pennsylvania, daughter of David Elder. To them have been born eleven children, -seven of whom are living - Orville J., Florence E., Kienza M., James A., Jr., Pique, Serena, and Dr. Charles M. Two, Maria L. and William Franklin, died after reaching maturity and two died in childhood. William was a soldier during the war of the Eebellion and j gave his life in defense of his country's honor.

Township, and has one child named Quincey Lee. Mrs. Helt had two children by her Urst marriage - John Franklin and Sarah J., deceased wife of Huston Southard, who left at her death three children named Roy, Emma and Dolly. ]Mr. Helt was an active and succes-ful farmer, and followed agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred March 15, 1876. He was a man of strict integrity, honorable in all his dealings, and b}' his genial manners and cordial disposition made many friends.

tIRAM HELT, one of the old and re spected pioneers of Helt Township who is noM- deceased, was born in the same township on section 28, where he was living at the time of his death, the date of his birth being May 1, 1824. His father, Michael Helt, was one of the early pioneers of the county. Our subject was reared a farmer, receiving in his youtli such educational advantages as the pioneer log cabin subscription schools of that early day afforded. He went to California during tlic gold excitement, where he mined for three years, after which he returned to Vermillion County. i[arch 18, 1860, he was mai-ried to Mrs. ifary Langston, widow of John Milton Langston, and daughter of John Skidmore. Of the four children born to this union two are living Alma E. and Ulysses M. The fcivmi'r married William .T. Russell, of Helt f|DAM PEARMAN, contractor and I builder, residing on section 35, Helt ^ Township, Vermillion County, was born in the same township. May 7, 1844, a son fif John and Rachel (Dinsniore) Pearman, tlio father being a native of llardin County, Kentucky, born September 27, 1817. His father, Sebert Pearman, was also a Kentuckian by birth, and M*as a soldier in tlu' war of 1812. He came with his family to Vermillion County, in 1829, the father ot our subject, being at that time but twehc years of age. He settled right in the womls when animals and Indians were the priiicijial inhabitants of the surrounding country, and here they passed through privation and hardship incident to pioneer life. The family came to the county in a wagon drawn by two yoke of o.xen, fording the White and Wabash rivers. Their nearest milling point was Eugene, a distance of sixteen miles from their home. Sebert Pearman was a millwright, and during one winter he operated the mill at Eugene. The mill on Big Vermillion River near Danville was built by him. Adam Pearman, the subject of this sketch, passed his youth in assisting his father with the work of his farm, and attending the schools

II, Twentieth Indiana Infantry, at the battle of Richmond, Kentucky, where our subject was captured. He was paroled on the field, and soon after wont into camp at Terre Haute, Indiana. He is now a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. September 8, 1871, he was married to Miss Martha Long, a daughter of John Long, of Bloomingdale, Indiana. They have three children - J. Curry, Oscar and James Yf alter. Both he and his wife are members of the Christian church. His parents were also members of the same denomination. They were the parents of nine children, of whom only two are living at the present time - Samuel and Adam. Samuel married Margaret Lowe, and has four children, named Nora, Thomas, Eflie and Bessie. He makes his home in Xeinaha County, Kansas. Henry C, a lirother of our subject, was killed at the battie of the Wilderness while serving his ciiuntry in the late war.

^APTAIN TIPTON, of Eugene Town- ( ship, came to this point when there ^^\ were no roads, no towns noi- people between, near the Ohio line and the Wabash River, the only guide being the compass. He was a tall, broad-shouldered, erect, soldierly man, florid complexion, his aubuni hair sadly thinned in his old age. He was a scout to (General Wayne, after the sad defeat of Sinclair and others in Ohio. He often pierced the hostile lines of the Indians and brought back information that none but the most fOLUMBUS C. HEDGES, farmer and tile manufacturer, residing on section 25, Clinton Township, was born at the pioneer home of his parents, William and Pamelia (Alden) Hedges, in Clinton Township, April 19, 1836. His parents were natives of Otsego County, New York. When but eighteen years of age, in 1819, the father was in Yermillion County, Indiana, on a Government survey. After his marriage, probably in the year 1824, he became a resident of the county, and not long afterward settled on section 25, Clinton Townshiji. He was an active and energetic man, and built and operated a saw-mill, one of the pioneer mills of the county, on Brouillett's Creek. He died at Clinton, October 24, 1873. His widow is still living. Of their large family the following children still survive - Mrs. Irene Shew, Mrs. Mary A. Shew, Mrs. Alma Shew, Noah, and Columbus C, our subject, all residing in Clinton Township. Columbus C. has always lived in Clinton Township, his present home being a part of the large estate which his father left at his death. He was married in 1858 to Miss Sarah E. Funkhouser, a native of Vigo Count\% Indiana, and a daughter of Isaac E. Funhouser. The children born to them are as follows - ]Mrs. Emma Tice, living in Arkansas; Martha died aged fourteen years; Albert died in infancy; Mrs. Eva Beard, also deceased; AVilliain TL. living near his parents in Clinton Township; Carrie, at home; Mrs. Nettie M. Welker, of Edgar County, Illinois; and Sadie, Ollie B., InsTo., Alden F., Berdella, Mary and Lota, all living at home. Mr. Hedges establisiied his tile factory in 1885, which he has since operated witli success, manufacturing ahout 100,000 tiles annually. In polities he was formerly a Republican, but now votes with the National Labor Reform party.

fOHN H. STAATS, farmer and stockraiser, section 7, Ilelt Township, was born in Mason County, West Virginia, April 7, 1806, a son of Isaac Staats. In December, 1829, he came to Indiana and settled in Helt Township, Yermillion County, where he has since lived. He was obliged to undergo many privations and hardships, but he was determined to make for himself a home in the new country, and kept bravely at work on small wages, but being economical and persistent he accximulated enough to paj' for his land, and finally by industry and energy got it cleared and under cultivation. In 1833 he went to Chicago and was employed in driving oxen and hanling rails at $1 per day and boarding himself. At that time the West was principally inhabited by Indians, and Mr. Staats tells many interesting incidents of adventures he had with them. His life has been one of hard work, but he can look back and recall many pleasant events that have served to lighten his labor, and he is now reaping the reward of his industry, and his many friends testify to the honest integrity and genuine hospitality that have been his chief characteristics. Mr. Staats was married September 21, 1884, to Malinda Miles, a native of Kentucky, daughter of Thomas Miles, an early settler of Helt Township. To Mr. . and Mrs. Staats were born five children, only one of whom, Mary, is living. Thomas, Isaac and Elijah, triplets, died in childhood, and Benjamin M. lived until manhood and married Margaret, daughter of Samuel Aikman, and at his death left one son, Fred A., who is now a resident of Dana. Mary mai'ried Jacob C. I'oncanon, and to them have been born five children - T. Frank, a physician of Emporia, Kansas; J. Albert, of Helt Township; Virginia, wife of Albert Southard, of Kelt's Prairie; Charles, deceased, and Edwin. Mr. Foncanon was born in Perry County, Ohio, October 22, 1829, and came to Vermillion County in 1852. He was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, enlisting in Company B, Eightyfifth Indiana Infantry, and served eight months, when he was discharged on account of disability. He is now a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mrs. Staats died April 21, 1880. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and a consistent, earnest Christian. Mr. Staats and his daughter are also members of the Methodist church.

JAMES BLAIR was one of / \/ 1, the oldest citizens of the county, and in fact of this section of the country. He was somewhat stooped and round-shouldered in his old age, but still of commanding figure, soldierly step, and frank, manly countenance. He was a soldier of the war of 1812, and assisted in building from the green forests the ships which, under the gallant Perry, won the battle of victory on Lake Erie. In an early day he came to the Wabash and settled among the Indians, north of the line of Harrison's purchase, on the farm now owned by Hon. John CoUett, on section 16, range 9. His old friend Coleman settled in a neighboring cabin, same station, and farmed on the adjoining prairie. Major Blair by his soldierly qualities and fair and manly course of life won the love and respect of the Indians, especiallj' Chief See Seep (She Sheep), one of the lieroes of the battle of Falling Timber, "NYaiiTie's Victory, and also Tippecanoe, but afterward, obedient to the treaty, he (Se Seep) was faithful to the whites. The Major's course of life also won as well the full confidence of the whites. Hence lie was a peacemaker, and prevented or averted war and battle many times. lie afterward was propirietor of Perrysville. lie was several times a member of the Legislature, and probably served once as Senator. During the period of the construction of the Wabash Canal he was State Commissioner, and although handling millions of money, he accounted for every cent, and was as poor when be retired from the position as wlien he entered upon the duties. Such integrity and honesty is worthy the rememljrance of old Vermillion.

IIILO CURTIS, one of the prominent farmers of Clinton Township, Vermill- , ion County, residing on section 29, is a son of Amos and Mary (Wright.) Curtis, who were among the old and respected pioneers of the county. His father was born in Canandaigua County, New York, and was first married in his native State to Miss Abigail Cargill, who died in Vermillion County. Their only child, Almira, became the wife of Dr. Gifl'ord, and died at Brazil, Indiana, leaving at lier deatli two children. The mother of our subject was a daughter of the pioneer George AV^right, and a sister of John Wright, now a resident of Clinton. Philo Curtis, whose name heads this sketch, was born on the homestead of his parents on section 31, Clinton Township, May 3, 1838, and with the exception of one year spent in Vermillion County, IlHuois, he has wassed his life

Clinton Township. He was but eiglit years of age when his father died, but his mother managed to keep her family together until they became old enough to start in life for themselves. She died in 1869, leaving a family of four children - Handy, the eldest child, now lives in Crawford County, Kansas; Amos lives in Edgar County, Illinois; Mrs. Mary A. Browning lives in Montgomery County, Kansas, and Philo, our subject. One son, George, died at the age of eleven years. The mother was a con.-istent Christian, and a loving wife and mother, and her memory is yet fondly cherished by her children. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Philo Curtis was early in life inured to hard work, beginning when a boy to assist with the work of the farm, but the lessons then learned have been of lasting benefit to him, fitting him for the duties of later life. He has always followed the vocation of a farmer, and by his own industry and energy he has acquired a fine property. His home farm contains 200 acres of well improved land, with good residence and out buildings, the entire surroundings of the place showing the owner to be a thorough, practical farmer. ]Mr. Curtis has been twice married, his first marriage taking place April 25, 1867, to Miss Isabclle Swan, a daughter of Joshua Swan. To this union three children were born - Elmer, who died in infancy; Elsie, who died in October, 1867, aged three years, and Francis M., who died in December, 1871, aged six years. Mrs. Curtis died April 25, 1867, and January 20, 1870, Mr. Curtis married for liis second wife Miss Laura A. Scott, a daughter of John and Jane (Clover) Scott, her fatlicr now deceased. Her mother is a daughter of John Clover, who was one of the early pioneers of this county. She is now Mrs. Jane Martin. Mrs. Curtis is a nativeof Livingston County, Illinois, liorn July 20, 1849. Mr.

Bistort Of Vermillion Countt

and Mrs. Curtis are the parents of live cliildren - Adelbert S., George E., Oral, Jennie B. and Mary Ann. In politics Mr. Curtis affiliates with the Kepublican party. Both himself and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist church, and among the most respected citizens of Clinton Township.

fllOMAS B. MYERS, one of the most active and enterprising young farmers residing in Clinton Township, Vermillion County, was born in tlie same township, April 20, 1852, his parents, Thomas and Mary J. (Henderson) Myers, being natives of Kentucky. They came to Vermillion County, Indiana, when young, Avith their respective parents, who were among the early pioneers of the county. The paternal grandparents of our subject soon after settled in Edgar County, Illinois. Thomas B., the subject of this sketch, was but four days old when his father died, his mother dying the following April. Their eldest child, Alexander J., six years our subject's senior, is now a resident of Clinton Township. From a babe our subject was reared by Josiah Henderson, his maternal uncle, in whose family he foiind a good home until past tlie age of twenty-four years. He was then married February 22, 1877, to Miss Emma Holmes, who was born in Fayette Township, Vigo County, Indiana, April 7, 1855, a daughter of John S. and Lydia (Groves) Holmes. Her father died at his home in Vigo County, where her mother still resides. Since their marriage, with the exception of two years spent in Edgar County, Illinois, Mr. and Mrs. Myers have resided in Clinton Township, Vermillion County. Two children have been born to them, of whom only one is living - Charles M., who was bora June 23, 1878. Their youngest cliild, Glennie G., was born December 28, 1879, and died December 6, 1884. Mr. Myers is the owner of an improved farm of 100 acres, located in Fayette Township, Vigo County. Since 1883 he has managed, on a lease, one of the best farms in Clinton Township, owned by Mrs. A. L. Whitcomb, located two and a quarter miles from Clinton, and containing 400 acres of valuable land. In connection with his general farming Mr. Myers deals quite extensively in stock, buying and selling, as well as buying and feeding for market. Both Mr. and Mrs. Myers are members of the Christian church, and among the most respected citizens of Clinton Township. He is a member of the Odd Fellows order, belonging to Amant Lodge, No. 85(), I. O. O. F., and has held several minor offices in the lodge. Mrs. Myers is a member of the Rebecca Lodge at Clinton. In politics Mr. Myers casts his sulFrage with the Democratic pai-ty.

l^EZEKIAH CASEBEEPv, a prominent lUil ^i*-'^^'^ °^ Helt Township, residing on "iS'd section 9, is a native of Ohio, born in Coshocton County, December 80, 1844. His father, David Casebeer, came to A^ermillion County in 1850, and in 1854 settled with his family in Helt Towashiji, and here our subject was reared to manhood. He was earlyinured to hard work, beginning when a mere lad to assist in the work of the farm, receiving but limited educational advantages. He enlisted in the war of the Rebellion in Company C, Eighteenth Indiana Infantry, and was in the service of his country over four j'ears. He participated in a number of imjjortant engagements, including the battles of Pea Ridge, Grand Gulf, Port Gibson, Raymond, Champion Hill, Black River Bridge, siege of Yicksburg, Jackson, Winchester, Cedar Creek and Fisher's Hill. He was united in marriage, July 5, 1869, to Miss l£annali Mitchell, a daughter of Henry Mitchell, deceased. Of the five children liorn to them only two survive, named Luke and Mamie. One daughter, Eiiie, died in jjer fourteenth year. Mr. Casebeer learned the carpenter's trade when a young man, an occupation he has followed for twenty years. During the past ten years he has operated a saw-mill and threshing machine, meeting with good success. He held the office of ronstable three or four years. He was elected to the office of coroner, but declined to serve. He is now holding the office of justice of the peace, serving with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He is a ihember of the Grand Army of the liepublic.

fOIlN HOOBLER was a Unitarian preacher, a man of limited education; still he was upright and honest in all things, and represented his county both in the Senate and Legislature.

^^rOGE A. HILL, of TerrysviUe, was a [ ( anadian by birth. He accumulated '7i euiisidcrablu in land and money. He was a man of many excentricities of character, and while not generally liked by his neighbors, was highly respected. He represented his county in the Legislature, and was familiarly known as "Judge" by having been associate judge when it required three men to fill the judge's bench. He married Miss Mary Groenendyke, of Eugene, whose family was one of the old pioneers, and to-day well and favorably known among the representative families of the cwmty. Mrs. Hill died early, leaving a daughter, Ellen, who was the pet of the CoUett and Groenendyke families during her childhood. She married P. C. Eoimceville, of Camden, Arkansas, and during the stormy times of war was in the rebel region. She and husband are buried at Eugene. Their two sons, living in La Fayette, Lidiana, are the heirs of the Hill farm. Judge Hill is buried in the Groenendyke burying ground in Eugene.

Jps^ENPtY C. EATON, M. D., who has ^M\j been a resident of Vermillion County "^i since the fall of 1851, was born in Lawrence County, Illinois, July 1, 1829, a son of Alvin Eaton, who was a native of Canandaigua County, New York. His mother was also a native of the State of New York. The parents of our subject had a family of six children of whom only two are living, Henry C, and his twin brother, Charles G., who is a resident of Helt Township, Vermillion County. The boys were left orj-dians at an early age, when they were bouud out to different parties, our subject going to live with a man named Samuel Harris. Mr. Harris removed to Eockville, Indiana, in 1836, and there our subject was reared receiving his education in the schools of that town, and working the farm of Mr. Harris from the time he was old enough until his fifteenth year. He was married September 13, 1858, to Miss Almeda Jenks, her father, John Junks, being one of the early settlers of Vermillion County. Of the six children born to this union four are yet living - "Wilbur F., of Helt Township, married Mrs. Alma (Patrick) Wishard, and has three children - Mary E.. wife of Harvey Thomas of Helt Township, has one child; Orissa O. and Edwiu S. The doctor received his medical education at tlie Miami Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio. He began the practice of medicine in 1868 in Edgar County, Illinois, and in the fall of 1869 came to Toronto, Vermillion County, where he has since been engaged in his chosen profession, and being well skilled in that pursuit, has gained a large and successful practice, and has secured the confidence and respect of the entire community. Dr. and Mrs. Eaton and their two daughters are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

fAMES II. BURNSIDE, one of the respected men of Vermillion County, and an active and enterprising citizen, is a native of Indiana, born in Putnam County, i'ebruary 25, 1837. His father, James Burnside, was a native of Kentucky, and one of the early pioneers of Putnam County, where he entered land from the Government in the early history of tlie county. He being a farmer by occupation, the subject of this sketch was reared to the same pursuit, and in his youth he received a common-school education. He has always followed farming, and in connection with his agricultural pursuits he has for the past fourteen years operated a threshing machine, and now owns his third Massillon thresher, and the Birdsali Ti-action Engine, and can thresh 1,000 bnshels of wheat or 1,500 bushels of oats in a day. In 1862 he ca!ue to Vermillion County, settling the same year in Helt Township. In 1867 he went to Edgar County, Illinois, remaining there until 1876, since which he has made his home in Ilelt Township, Vermillion County, where he owns a tract of twenty acres. He is a worthy member the United Brethren church.

fAMES A. POLAND was born in Greene County, Ohio, near Xenia, in September, 1823. He lived with his parents on the farm until 1836. When he was in his thirteenth year he removed to LaFayette, Indiana, where he was engaged in merchandizing with his uncle, clerking for him until 1848. In 1847 he married Miss Catherine A. Brawley, and before removing from LaFayette in 1848, they had one son, AYilliam B., born to them. In that year (1848) the family removed to Vermillion County, Indiana, settling in Perrysville, in Highland Township, where he immediately engaged in merchandizing for himself, bringing his stock of goods with him. He remained there until 1860, when he was elected county treasurer, and moved with his family to Newport, and entered upon his official duties; was reelected in 1862, and at the expiration of his second term, he with his family, returned to Perrysville, Highland Township, when he commenced clerking for John M. Dunla]i, taking charge of the business. In 1870 he was again elected treasurer of the county, and removed to the county seat, serving that term, and was re-elected to fill the same office in 1872, and having served the two years, he in 1872 retired from politics, and with his family lived in Newport until 1887, when they removed to Danville, Illinois, where he is at present engaged in the buying of stock and produce. Mr. and Mrs. Foland have had born to them two children, one son and one daughter. The lattei- was born in Perrysville in 1851. In 1872 she was married to James L. Ford, and tiiey have one chikl, Kate F. Mr. Foland was an old-line Whig, but upon the organization of the Eepublican party he allied himself to that party, and has been one of the most prominent workers in the county. He cast his first vote for Zachary Taylor. Mrs. Foland's religious views are in favor of Methodism, while he was brought up in the old Presbyterian faith, and still adheres to that belief.

fOIIN S. HOUCHIN, a progressive and enterprising citizen of Vermillion County, Indiana, residing on section 15, Ilelt Township, dates his birth in Vermillion County, Illinois, September 18, 1848, and is a son of Jesse Houchin, who is yet a resident of this county. John S. was brought by his parents to Vermillion County, Indiana, in 1850, where he was reared on a farm, and educated in the common schools. He has been a resident of this county since the year 1850, with the exception of the time spent in Parke County, Indiana, during the years 1871-'72. He was married September 22, 1868, to Miss Eudora A. Johnson, who was born in Greene County, New York, September 10, 1818, a daughter of Jolm D. Johnson, deceased. Mr. Houchin has followed saw-milling or the lumber trade the greater part of his life, and has owned and operated a saw-mill eleven years. He and his brother, Bruce Houchin, own and operate the Belleville thresher, which is propelled by the Gar, Scott & Co. Traction Engine, and can thresh 2,500 bushels of oats or 1,500 bushels of wheat in a day. Our subject also devotes considerable attention to general farming and stock-raising, and is the owner of a fine farm of 139 acres where he resides. He was a member of the building committee on the Springhill Methodist Episcopal church, which was built between the years 1879 and 1881. He is a public-spirited man, and takes an active interest in any enterprise which tends toward the advancement of his township or county.

fEOEGE W. SAXTOX, an enterprising citizen of Helt Township, residing on section 32, was born in Helt Township, Vermillion County, Indiana, May 11, 1838, a son of Benjamin Saxton, a native of Ohio, who settled here when the surrounding country was in a state of nature, living in the county until his death. Our subject was reared on the home farm to agricultural pursuits, which he has always followed, and in bis youth he received a common-school education in the schools of his neighborhood. He served, three years in the late war, a member of Company A, Thirty-first Indiana Infantry, enlisting as a private, and was discharged with the rank of Sergeant. He participated in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Stone River, Chickamauga, liesaca and Atlanta. He was united in marriage May 6, 1865, to Miss Sarali E. Wait, a daughter of William H. Wait, wlio is deceased. To them have been born nine children as follows; Addie (deceased), Cora B., Ruric O., Otis, Victor O., Oliver, Mary L., Georgia E. and Benjamin. Mr. Saxton's farm contains 146 acres of choice land, and he is classed among the successful farmers and stock-raisers of his township. Since 1878 he has been engaged in threshing, his machine being the X'ichols' Shepard make of Battle Creek, Michigan. His engine is of the same manufacture, and is a traction of ten horse power, capacity being 1,500 bush- els of wheat, or 2,000 bushels of oats per day. Mr. Saxton is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and also belongs to the Grand Army of the Eepublic.

l^jOBERT D. MOFFATT, retired mer- Wml chant, Perrysville, was born in [New "=!.* Jersey, in 1812, and came to Perrysville in 1836, since which time he has been a resident of this place, being one of the leading merchant until 1874. His family consists of a wife and four children, and it is a noteworthy fact that death has not visited his family since his marriage. One of his daughters is the wife of Judge and Professor B. E. Rhoads, formerly of Newport and now of Terre Haute; another daughter is the wife of M. G. Rhoads, of Newport, and a third is the wife of John F. Compton, a business man of Perrysville. Mr. Moffatt's son. Ward E., is a druggist in Terre Haute. Mr. MofFatt has been a public-spirited citizen here, taking an active interest in the material prosperity of the community. In his political principles he was first a AVhig, then Republican, but for the last fifteen years he may be considered independent.

fLI BRINDLEY, farmer and stoekraiser, resides on section 9, Yermilliou Township, where he owns 240 aci-es of land under a high state of cultivation. He is a practical farmer and an enterprising publec-spirited citizen of the county, where he has spent his life. He was born in Yermilliou Township, January 20, 1838, a son of George and Sallie (Blunk) Brindley, natives of Kentucky, of German descent, and early settlers of Veraiillion County. Eli Brindley was reared on his father's farm and early learned lessons of thrift and sobriety that have resulted in prosperity and have made him one of the representative men of his township. He was married in 1862 to Lucinda Nichols, who was born in Vermillion County in 1838. a daughter of William and Rlioda (Martin) Nichols. They have had five children, but two of whom are living - Louvicia, wife of D. Barker, and Loretta, wife of E. Axton. Mr. Brindley in politics casts his suffrage with the Democratic party. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren church.

ILLIAM C. BOG ART is a native of million County, Indiana, born in _?Tj \"ermillion Township, September 6, 1841. His father, Julius Bogart, was born in Carter County, East Tennessee, June 16, 1811, a son of Henry Bogart, a native of Virginia, and a soldier in the war of 1812, who brought his family to Vermillion County and settled in Helt Township in 1829. The father of our subject is still a resident of the county, living at Quaker Point, iu Vermillion Township. The mother of our subject, Lucinda Bogart, was a daughter of Isaac Carmack. She died in 1872. Of the eight children born to the parents of our subject only four are living - Isaac, Mrs. Amanda Lemons, Henry and William C. One daughter, Mary, died after her marriage, leaving at her death three children. The Bogart family were among the first settlers of the county, and have been identified with its history from its earliest years. William C. Bogart, whose name heads this sketch, passed his youth in assisting with the work of his father's farm, and attending the schools of his neighborhood. He is one of the prosperous agricultiirirtts of Yeriiiillion Counh-, engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 16, Helt Townsliip, being tlie nwncr of 543 acres of line land. He was unitf<I in marriage to Miss Sarah Shaw, a daughter of Cliarles Shaw, who is deceased. Three of the fonr children born to Mr. and Mrs. Bogart are living, named as follows: Charles, Isaac and Maude. Both Mr. Bogart and his wife are members of the United Brethren cluirch, and among the respected citizens of Plelt Township.

J|g||ILLIAM JONES, one of the self-made Wfflif 'lien of Vermillion County, engaged 1-^i^) in farming and stock-raising, on section 5, Vermillion Township, is a native of Indiana, born in Union County, in 1819. His parents, Aaron and Pheba (\Yatkin) Jones, were natives of Kew Jersey, and in 1828 came with their family to Vermillion County, and here made their home until death. Here the father made a good home for his family, out of the forest, the country at the time of their settlement being in a state of nature. He experienced many of the liardships and privations of pioneer life, but lived to enjoy the fruits of his years of toil. He was one of the honored pioneers who was prominently identified with the early history of the county, and was well and favorably known throughout the county. William Jones, the subject of this sketch, was reared amid the wild surroundings of pioneer life, and was early in life inured to hard work, assisting his father clear and improve their frontier farm, but the lessons of persevering industry learned in his youth have been of lasting benefit to him. He has always followed the vocation of a farmer, and by his own unaided effort he has gained a competence for his declining years. He is now the owner of a

: line farm of 160 acres, the greater part of which is well improved and under a high j state of cultivation. Mr. Jones has been three times married, his first marriage taking I place in Knoxville, Illinois, in 1840, with I Miss Sarah AVatkin, who left at her death I four children, named, Matilda, Pheba, Philo ! and Milo. Matilda married Joseph Maxwell, , who died leaving a family of three children I named - Sarah E., Catherine B. and ilalinda F. Pheba first married John Ilichards, who died leaving her with two children named Frank and Flora. She is now the wife of ; Frank Dicken. Philo Jones married Hannah I J. Coursin, and they have two children - Will- I iain and Thomas. Milo Jones married Jennie Faught and they have two children - I Sheila and Daisy. For his second wife Mr. William Jones married Catherine Coursin, and to this union three children were born - I Ellen married Joseph Fortuer and they have four children, named, Eubie, Gertie, Effie and I Garnett. Alexander, the second child, married Bell Nichols, and their children are - Wilson, Ora and Orda; and Vorhees, the i youngest child, is still unmarried. William Jones -married for his third wife Miss Mahala I Myers. In politics Mr. Jones is a Democrat. { He has served as supervisor, which office he filled with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. Postofhce, ! Newport, Indiana.

tllABVEY KEPtNS, engaged in farming (in section 4, Helt Township, Ver- ® million County, was born on the old homestead, which he now occupies, the date of his birth l>eing June 27, 1854. His father, William Kerns, who is now deceased, was one of the early settlers of the county, and a much respected citizen. He was a farmer by ject of this sketch, was reared to the same pursnit, which he has followed the greater part of his life. He received good educational advantages in his youth, attending the Bloomingdale Academy, and the seminary at Sullivan, Indiana. After completing his education he taught school for two years, and was considered a very successful teacher. He has since devoted his attention to general farming, and owns a tract of tliirty acres where he resides, his land being well improved and very productive. Mr. Kerns was married September 15, 1878, to Miss Catlierine S. Shane, a daughter of James Shane, of Effingham County, Illinois. Two children have been born to this union, named Lawrence J. and Edgar O., of whom the former is deceased. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and among the respected citizens of the county.

Reed, a native of Stokes County, Nortli Carolina, born August 3, 1822. His grandftither, Jacob Reed, who was also a native of Stokes County, came with his family to Indiana in 1831 and settled in Vermillion County. Lewis II. Reed was reared in Ilelt Township, on a farm. He was given good educational advantages and after leaving school, taught eight years. In March, 1879, he moved to St. Bernice, and engaged in the drug business, which he has since followed. His stock is valued at 81,500 and consists of a full line of drugs, medicines, groceries, stationery and notions. He does an annual business of $5,000, which is constantly increasing. Lie had charge of the postoffice live years, but on the change in the administration resigned his position. In politics he is an ardent Republican. lie now holds a commission as a notary public. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was married July 11, 1880, to Isabel Beneticl, a native of Edgar County, Illinois, daughter of Robert Benefiel, who was killed by a hose striking him on the head; he died in 1888.