Vermillion County, Indiana - The whole text, 1888 (part 9 of 15)

l^OP.ERT J. GESSIE, one of the repre- ^|rV; sentative citizens of Vermillion County, ^^\\ was born in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, November 5, 1809. His father. Christian Gessie, was also a native of Cuiiiberland County, born January 17, 1788, and for some time was a merchant in the town of Newville, that county. He died March 12, 1816, at the age of twenty-eight years. After the death of his father, Robert J. went to the home of an uncle where he lived until reaching the age of seventeen years. He then started in life on his own account, leaving his uncle's house on foot with knapsack on iiis l)ack, and walked to Trenton, New Jersey, where he was first engaged as clerk in a hotel, remaining in this position about a year. He then clerked in a store for a time when he secured a position as clerk in the chancellor's office. He was married at J\lurrisville, opposite Trenton, in November, 1829, to Miss Sarah Yard, who was born in New Jersey, and immediately after his marriage he took his first trip west accompanied by his wife, going to Philadelphia by boat, thence by stage to Pittsburgh, and from there by boat down the Ohio River to New Albanj-, Indiana. After remaining in Indiana about a year lie returned to New Jersey in the fall of 1830, passing the following winter at the home of his fatiier-in-law at Morrisville. He then turned his attention to teaching, and taught his first school at Pennsylvania Manor, on the banks of the Delaware, and in the spring of 1832 he taught at liatboro, north of Philadelphia. In the spring of 1833 Mr. and Mrs. Gessie again started westward, stopping at Columbus, Ohio, where he began teaching school, but soon after accepted a position as clerk in a store in that town. In the spring of 1835 he went to Chicago, Illinois, where he found employment as a clerk, and remained there until 1837. That year he came to Vermillion County, Indiana, and engaged in the mercantile business at Perrysville, and in the spring of 1838 he formed a partnership with Asaph Hill, which lasted several years. During this time he purchased the farm in Highland Township on which he now resides. After the dissolution of the partnership above referred to Mr. Gessie spent some time in settling up his business, and also carried on a general agency for a number of years. In 1848 he was elected to the Indiana State Legislature, serving two terms. In the spring of 1853 he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, for the purpose of selling goods for the firm of Blachly, Simpson & Co., and being a successful merchant he rendered valuable service to tiie company. In 1862 the firm of Blachly, Simpson & (Jo. went into liqui<1ation, and Mr. Gessie remained to assist in settling the business, which occupied about two years. Mrs. Gessie died in March, 1864, leaving two sons-William and Charles. Mr. Gessie was married a second time, to Miss Mary Ann Morse, a relative of the famous electrician Professor Morse. Since 1864 Mr. Gessie has lived somewhat retired from active life, residing on his beautiful farm near the village of Gessie, this town being laid out on his land and named in honor of him. In politics Mr. Gessie was originally a Whig, but has been a staunch llepublican since the organization of that party. Keligiously he is a strong believer in the principle of universal salvation. Mr. Gessie has always taken an active interest in the advancement of the cause of education. No man has been more prominently connected with the histor}' of Vermillion County, and none are better known or more highly respected than Eobert J. Gessie, the subject of this sketch.

t^ ,ARON ir. WADE, deceased, was born jsV in Butler County, Ohio, in 1819, a son ^ of Aaron and Julia (Ward) Wade, of English descent. When he was five years of age his parents moved to Parke County, Indiana, where he grew to manhood and lived until 1857, when he moved to Vermillion County, making this his home until his death, which occurred March 22, 1886. In earl 3' life he worked at the carpenter's trade and later devoted his attention to I'arming, at which he was successful and at his death left a good farm of 260 acres, where his widow and her family now live. Mr. Wade was an upright, honorable Christian gentleman, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and was respected by all who knew him. He was married in 1849 to Laura Vanlaudingham, a native of Greene County, Indiana, born in

1827, a daughter of Thomas and Mary Vanlaudingham. Iler grandfatlier Hamilton was a cousin of the distinguished Alexander Hamilton, and her grandmother was a cousin of Commodore Thomas McDonough, of the United States Navy. To Mr. and Mrs. Wade were born seven children, six of whom are living - Belle, wife of John T. Harris, of Indianapolis; Thomas V., James D., Laura, wife of Julius Groves; Emma and John A. Samuel is deceased. Mrs. Wade is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and one of its active workers. She is a prominent citizen of the townshi]) and has many friends, who honor her for her man}' womanly qualities.

,|J|.ELSON C. ANDERSON, one of VeriMfJ million County's most active and enter- '^4k prising business men, was born in Wood County, West Virginia, the date of his birth being August 13, 1837. He is the ninth in a family of ten children of Edward and Elizabeth (Statts) Anderson, both of his parents being natives of Wood County, AVest Virginia. They came with their five youngest children to Vermillion County, Indiana, and made their home near Clinton in 1853, where the father bought a tract of 160 acres. He did not live long in his new home, his death occurring in September, 1855, at the age of sixty-seven years, his widow surviving him until 1859. Their children are as follows: Michael, still living in Wood County, Virginia, being seventy-six years old July 10, 1887; John came to Vermillion County a few years after his parents had settled here, and is now living in Helt Township; Samuel and Peter died in West Virginia; Mrs. Sarah Smith died in Vermillion County; Mrs. Eliza Hupp, Mrs. Rebecca Sparks and Elijah also died in this county; Nelson C, the subject of this sketch, and Mrs. Margaret Payton, living in Ilelt Township. Nelson C. Anderson commenced his business career in 1856 as clerk in the mercantile establishment of John "Whitcomb, with whom he remained a few years. In 1860 he was married to Miss Ann M. Fisher, of Clinton, and the year following Iiis marriage he engaged in farming. He subsequently re-entered the employ of Mr. Whitcomb, becoming his partner in 1866, \\lien the business was conducted under the linn name of Whitcomb, Anderson & Co., tiie late A. L. Whitcomb being the silent partner. Mr. Anderson finally sold out his interest in the business, and in company with tiie late General 11. D. Washburn who had been appointed Survey-General for Montana, and others, started for Fort Benton. On account of the low water the company spent three months on the Missouri Kiver, when failing to go farther by river Mr. Anderson returned to Vermillion County, reaching his home in July. He then bought back his interest in the mercantile basiness,''and after several years of successful trade the partnership was dissolved, Mi-. Anderson retaining the grocery stock and trade. Tliis biisiness he has largely increased and it now aggregates over $40,000 per year. As a member of the firm of Shirkie & Co. Mr. Anderson is developing a coal mine a half mile west of Clinton. He is also a member of the firm of Hamilton & Anderson, the leading grain operators in tiie county, and also dealers in agricultural implements. Besides the business above mentioned he has large interests in improved city property in Clinton, and is classed among the prosperous men of the county. He has been the architect of liis own fortune, having acquired all he has by persevering energy and good business management, and he well knows how to use liis capital. Mr. Anderson lost liis wife by death in 1861, and in November, 1865, he married Miss Thurza Nebeker, who is a sister of Seymour and Dr. Henry Nebeker. They are the parents of one child - Shelden S., born June 23, 1870. In politics Mr. Anderson has always affiliated with the Republican party. Vermillion County has no more active, public spirited man than N. C. Anderson, the suIjject of this sketch, and none are more highly respected.

l^ROF. FFtED RUSH, principal of tlie ''iW ^^"^^ schools and surveyor of Vermillion ^ County, was born in Clinton, March 20, 1858, a son of James Rush, of Ilelt Township, a pioneer of Vermillion County. He was reared a farmer but was given a good education, completing his studies at the National Normal School, at Lebanon, Oiiio. He has been engaged in teaching about ten years and is one of the most successful teacliers in the county. In the fall of 1884 he moved to Dana and took charge of the public schools and the same fall was elected county surveyor and was re-elected in 1886. September 13, 1882, Mr. Rush was mai-ried to Anna M., daughter of Jackson Ilinkle of Farmersburg, Indiana. They have had three children, two of whom are living - Philip S. and Donald C. Mrs. Rush is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Rush is a member of the Odd Fellows order.

fllARLES W. WARD, of Newport, is one of the well-known members of the "^l bar of Vermillion County. He was admitted at Newport about 1869, but practiced little at tills place until 1875, when he formed a partnership with Eobert B. Sears, wliich terminated a year or two later. lie then became associated with J. C. Sawyer in the practice of law, and still later with Jndge Joshua Jnmp, and following Joshua Jump came Josephus C. Davis. The present firm of Ward & Gibson was formed in November, ls86, and both members of the firm being prominent in the legal profession, they have succeeded in building xip a large and successful practice. Mr. Ward dates his birth in Bradford, New Hampshire, March 10, 1848, a son of Sylvester Ward, who died when our subject was a child of three or four years. In 1857 Mr. Ward came to Indiana to make liis home with the family of his nncle, Senator O. P. Davis. He attended school for some time at Bloom ingdale, Parke County, and in 1868 he entered the high school at Perrysville, Vermillion County. In 1864: he returned to New Hampshire and spent two years at the New London Academy, returning to Indiana in 1866, and continued to reside in tlie family of Mr. Davis until he began the study of law. Mr. Ward was united in marriage January 12,1870, to Miss Florence Montgomery, a daughter of Dr. AVilliam G. Montgomery, of Warren County, Indiana, and a granddaughter of Stephen S. Cdllett, one of the old and honored pioneers of Vermillion County.

^ANIEL SIIUTE, a representative citizen of Highland Township, residing on section 20, is a son of Richard Shute, who came to Vermillion County among the early pioneers, locating near the present site of the Howard Chapel in Highland Townsliip, in October, 1829. Eichard Shute was a native of England, coming to America wlieu a lad of ten years, his family settling in Ohio in an early day. He wa8 married in Lawrence County, Ohio, to Hannah McCartney, and to them were born nine children, five of whom were born in Vermillion County. Of the children yet living four sons, Daniel, John, Ephraim and Jehu, are residents of Highland Township, this county. Richard Shute died January 12, 1853, his widow surviving almost twenty years, her death occurring August 26, 1872. Daniel Shute, whose name heads this sketch, is ^ native of Ohio, born in 1820, being about nine years of age when his parents immigrated to Vermillion County. He distinctly remembers the appearance of the country sixty years ago, and lias witnessed the many wonderful changes which have caused the wilderness to be transformed into well cultivated farms and thriving towns and villages. His wife was formerly Miss Jane Gouty, a daughter of Henry Gouty, one of the old pioneers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Shute are the parents of seven children - Henry, married to Mary Rodgers; David, married to Mariah Foster; Elizabeth E., wife of Samuel Rodgers; Mel vina, Mary, wife of Scott Virgin; Joseph M., married to Ella Ricliardson, and Sarah, wife of Lewis Johnson. In politics Mr. Shute affiliates witli the Republican ticket.

fAMES B. ILES, an active and prosperous farmer and stogk-raiser of Eugene Township, is a worthy representative of one of the old pioneer families of Vermillion Count}', his father having settled on the farm now occupied by our subject in the year 1828. James B. was born on this farm in a log cabin near the site of his present residence, June 4, 1829, a son of Jacob and Hannah (Stephenson) lies, his father born in Rockingham County, Virginia, May 10, 1791, and his niotlier a native of Tennessee, born November 1, 1796. His father was taken to Fairlield County, Ohio, by his parents when a boy, where he spent liis yoiith in clearing a farm. He learned the tailor's trade in that county. In 1820 he went to Terre Haute, Indiana, where lie worked at his trade some time. After coming to Eugene Township he made farming his principal avocation, in whicli he was eminently successful, accumulating much property. He made his home in Eugene Township until his death, July 29, 1863. His widow died March 23, 1886, in her eighty-ninth year. They were the parents of six children, three still living - Mrs. Martha J. Nailer, James B., the subject of this sketch, and Jacob. James B. lies was reared on the old homestead, receiving such education as the rude log cabin schools of those early days afforded. He] was married March 14, 1857, to Miss Elizabetli Teverbaugh, a daugliter of John Teverbaugh, and they are the parents of six children - Nora, William, Mary, Etiie, Hannah and Martha. Nora is the wife of Henry Peters, of Brimfield, Illinois, who has been prominently identified with the interests of Eugene, and for four years was treasurer of Vermillion County. Mr. and Mrs. Peters had one daughter, Josie, who died at the age of eight years. Mr. lies owns over 1,200 acres of land, and is classed among the substantial citizens of the county, where he is esteemed by all who know him. lie was a member of the Masonic lodge at Eugene until it disbanded.

fOIIN HENDERSON, farmer and stockraiser, resides on section 7, "Vermillion Township, where .he owns 250 acres of choice land under a high state of cultivation. He was born in Vermillion County, Indiana, near his present homestead, August 20, 1831, a son of William and Anna (Haworth) Henderson. His father was a native of Ohio, of English descent, and the mother of Tennessee, of English and Irish descent. In 1822 his parents came to this county and settled in Vermillion Township, where his father died March 14, 1857, aged forty-nine years. His mother is still living, making her home with her son William. Of their six cliildren but two are living - John and William F. John Henderson was married in Parke County, Indiana, in 1870, to Dinah Towell, a native of Parke County, born January 7, 1837, daughter of George and Mary (Lindley) Towell. Mr. Henderson has served two terms as county surveyor. His educational advantages were somewhat limited, being confined to the common schools, with the exception of six months spent at Bloomingdale Academy. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson are birthright members of the society of Friends. He is a firm adherent to the principles of prohibition, and always gives his support to any enterprise that tends to the elevation of society or the material lienefit of the township or county. He is an active worker in the church, taking an especial interest in tlir Sunday-school and its interests.

fANIEL W. FINNEY, dealer in hardware, farm implements and building naaterial, successor to Lowrey & Fisher, Dana, Indiana, is a native of the Iloosier State, born in Parke County, October 8,1837. a son of Robert Finney, who was born in North Carolina, of Irish descent, and came to Indiana M'ith his parents when a boy, and was here married to Malinda linnt, who was of Scotch descent. The grandfather of our subject, Joseph Finney, was a soldier in the war 01 1812. Daniel W. Finney was reared on a farm in liis native county. lie was given good educational advantages, and for a time attended Clooiningdale Academy. He came to Vermillion County in March, 1862, and located on a farm one mile northeast of Dana. In 1870 lie hegan dealing in grain in Dana, which he continued until 1887, when he hought the stock of Lowrey & Fisher, lie carries a capital stock of about $5,000, and has a large trade which is constantly increasing. He is one of the prominent business men of Dana, where he has lived for a (piarter of a century, and has a large circle of friends among the business men of the county. He was married December 15, 1859, to Gilla Huffman, daughter of Lawson Huifnian, of Parke County, Indiana. To them have been lioru seven <;hildren, five of whom are living - Cora E., Alice M., Annis, William P. and Maude. One son, Edgar F., died at the age of four years. Mr. Finney is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Although he takes an active interest in the affairs of his town and county, he never seeks official honors, the cares of his business demanding his attention to such an extent that he has no time to devote to the duties devolving on a public officer.

fOIIN Q. WASHBURN, general mercliant, Clinton, Indiana, was born in AVayne County, Ohio, October 13, 1833, a son of James A. and Mary A. (Kane) Washburn. His parents moved to Vermillion County, and located in Newport in 1850 His father was a man of prominence in public affairs and was appointed postmaster at Newport under the administration of President Fillmore, and was holding that office at the time oF his death. His widow survived him several years. Hon. Henry D. Washburn, an older brother of John Q., was one of Indiana's prominent statesman. He was one of the bravest of the volunteer officers from Indiana during the war of tlie Rebellion, raising Company C, Eighteenth Indiana Infantry, and was afterward made Lieutenant-Colonel of the regiment. He was subsequently promoted to Brigadier-General and brevet Major General. In 1815 he made tlie run for Congress in this district against Dan Voorhees, the sitting jneinbei', and defeated him, and in 1867 was re-elected, running against Hon. Solomon Claypool. In 1869 he was appointed Survey-General of Montana Territory, and was holding that office at the time of his death, in January, 1871, at the early age of thirty-nine years. John Q. Washburn came to Vermillion County, in 1852, two years after his parents and joined them at Newport, where he lived until after the breaking out of the Rebellion, engaged in the mercantile business. In September, 1861, he responded to the call of duty and enlisted in defense of his country, serving faithfully fifteen months when he was discharged on account of sickness. Regaining his health he again, in the spring of 1864, went to the front as Captain of Company K, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry, joining the grand ai-my of General Sherman at Resaca, as a part of General Schofield's corps, the'gallant Twenty-third, and participated in the hard-fought Atlanta campaign and later in the historic battles at Franklin and Nashville, where Hood's army was practically destroyed. Later, still as a part of the Twenty- tliird Corps, the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth joined Sherman at Goldsboro, North Carolina, and was present at the sun'ender of General Johnston's arm}', the closing drama of the war. Captain AVashbnrn in all this campaign did well and manfully a soldier's part. Since his return to civil life his career has been no less honorable than that as a soldier. He has made merchandising the chief occupation of his life and there are none who are more popnlar as a merchant than he. Genial and courteous he has hosts of friends and has been a successful tradesman. lie has lived in Clinton since 1875, and has one of the most complete and well stocked stores in the city. Pie was married in October, 1866, to Laura N. Nebeker, a native of Halt Township, born April 23, 1843, a daughter of Hon. Aquila Nebeker. They have two children - Annie and Dana. In politics Mr. Washburn is a stannch supporter of the principles of the Republican party.

tILLIAM L. POETER, county treasurer of Vermillion County, is a worthy representative of one of the pioneer families of the connty,his grandfather, John Porter, having settled in Clinton Township as early as 1821. lie was a native of the State of New York, where he was reared and married, coming directly from that State to Vermillion County, and in an early day was an associate judge of the county. Charles Porter, the father of our subject, was but four years old when brought by his jjarents to Vermillion County. lie grew to manhood in Clinton Township, and was married to Miss Annie Morris, her father, Samuel Morris, being one of the pioneers of the county. They were the parents of ten children, four sons and six daughters, all living but one daughter, and are residents of Vermillitm County. Charles Porter died in 1878, his wife having died four years previous. William L. Porter, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Vermillion County, born in Clinton

Township, in the year 1848. His father being a farmer he was reared on the farm, but subsequently learned the trade of a carpenter, and his general occupation has been that of a carpenter and bridge builder. He has met with success in all his undertakings, and is now the owner of a fine farm in Clinton Township. For his wife he married Miss Susan E. Clark, who was born in Clinton Township, Vermillion County, a daughter of James Clark. Mrs. Porter died March 15, 1886, leaving three children - John W., Essie E. and Byron E. In his political views Mr. Porter affiliates with the Republican party, casting his first presidential vote for U. S. Grant in 1872. In the fall of 1884 he was elected to the office of county treasurer as successor to Henry Peters, and in the fall of 1886 he was re-elected, and has proved himself to be an efficient and trustworthy official in all respects, and by his honorable dealings he has gained the confidence and respect of the entire community.

UCIEN R. WHIPPLE, patent right jnt, Eugene, was boi'n in Licking -'^'' County, Ohio, February 6, 1834, a son of Enoch Whipple who was a native of Vermont, and a son of Amiali Whipple. The latter was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and a brother of William and Abraham Whipple, the former a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and the latter a soldier in the war of the Revolution. Lucien R. Whipple, t::e subject of this sketch, was brought by his parents to Logansport, Indiana, in 1839, and to this county in 1840, in which year they settled in Eugene. In 1856 he went to Vinton, Iowa, returning to this county in 18G0. He enlisted in the late civil war in Compau}' K, Seventy-first Indiana

Biographical Skelghes

Iiiftintry, afterward known as -the Sixth Cavali-y, and while in the service participated in twenty-nine engagements, including the battles of Richmond, Nashville, Stoneman Eaid, Murfreesboi'o, Buzzard lloost, Resaca and Allatoona Pass. He was captured by Morgan's men, but soon after paroled and exchanged. Mr. Whipple was married October 26, 1856, to Miss Sarah Sheward, a daughter of Ezekiel Shewai-d, and to them were born six children, four of whom are yet living - James E., Edward G., Frank M. and Mrs. Anna M. Fultz. In politics Mr. Whipple affiliates with the Republican party. Mrs. Whijjple is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

fHARLES B. KNOWLES, one of the substantial citizens of Clinton, has been actively identified with the interests of that city since 1860, in which year he and his brother, James E. Knowles, established their residence there. Each own and occupy a very fine residence in the same neighborhood, and together are owners of valuable city property and real estate, beside 320 acres outside the city. Charles B. Knowles was born in Vanderburg County, Indiana, on the parental homestead, eight miles north of Evansville, January 11, 1827, the eldest son of Charles and Mary Ann (Maidlow) Knowles, who were of English birth, the father born in Kent, England, December 14, 1801, and the mother born in Hampshire. The ancestors of the Knowles family came from Normandy with William the Conqueror, and fought at the battle of Hastings. Charles Knowles, the grandfather of our subject, came from England, and settled with his family in Vanderburg County, Indiana, in 1817. He died in 1835. His widow survived him several years, and died in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, at the home of her daughter Mrs. Joseph Woodwell. The maternal grandfather of our subject, James Maidlow, left England with his family, and settled in Vanderburg County shortly after the war of 1812, where he died in March, 1852, in his eigiity-eighth year. Charles Knowles and Mary Ann Maidlow M-ere married in Vanderburg County, where tiiey passed the remainder of their life, and there reared to maturity a family of eigiit children. The first death in the family was that of their son, Edmund M. He was born April 29, 1837, and during the war of the Rebellion, he was a Lieutenant in the Fortysecond Indiana Infantry, and engaged under General Granger at the battle of Chickainanga. He was taken prisoner and confined in Libby Prison, later under fire at Charleston, and still later at Columbia, South Carolina, where he made his escape. He was recaptured, stripped of his uniform, taken out of prison, and shot to death. The parents of our subject began life in Vanderburg County in limited circumstances, but by industry and good management they acquired a good property, and by fair and honorable dealings gained the confidence and respect of all who knew them. The father was liberal in his religious views, but the mother was a member of the Episcopal church. Charles B. Knowles, the subject of this sketch, was reared to manhood on his father's farm, and the habits of industry and economy learned in his youth have guided him in later years. Leaving the old home at the age of twenty-one years he went south, and mastered the art of printing, commencing at Carrolton, Mississippi, as compositor. He spent eight years in southern cities and towns, finding employment in New Orleans, Natchez, Little Rock, and other places. In 1858 he published a paper at Arkadelphia, Arkansas. His last work at his trade was ou the Mempliis AjJpeal. He returned to Indiana late in the year 1854, and the following year became associated with his brother, James E., and Lnke Grant, in milling and tlic dry goods business in Warrick County. Their mill, which cost $10,000, was destroyed by tire in 1859, thus breaking up the company. September 25, 1859, Mr. Knowles was united in marriage in Warrick County, to Miss Emily E. Ashle^', who was born near Booneville, that county, October 4, 1842, a daughter of AVilliam G. and Sophia (Bosley) Ashley. Tlieir only child, Anna, was born June 28, 1860. She is now the wife of Charles E. Pittman, a dental surgeon of Evansville, Indiana. In 1860 the Knowles brothers, in company with Arthur M. Johnson, built a flat-boat, and loading it with corn, started in February, 1861, for the lower Mississippi markets. James E. Knowles and Mr. Johnson returned by the last boat, leaving for Louisville before the blockade of the river. Charles B^ remained behind to finally close up their business, and was detained nearly two weeks, returning by railroad, by the way of Nashville & Louisville from Memphis, this then being the only route open. Politically Mr. Knowles is of Democratic antecedents, and he himself is classed as Independent. A natural student, he keeps well posted on all matters of public interest. In his religious views he is liberal.

f|LISHA A. LACEY is a representative L of one of the pioneer tamilies of Ver- "^ million County, Indiaiia. His father, James Madison Lacey, came here with his father, James Lacey, who settled with his family in Vermillion County in the year 1837. James Lacey, the paternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was of

English ancestry, the eighth son of Eichard Lacey, and was born in the State of New Jersey, July 6, 1778. He married Mary Biglow, who was born February 14, 1785, a daughter of Nicholas Biglow, a soldier in the war of the Eevolution. She died in Vermillion County the 29th day of September, 1848, aged sixty-three years. In 1801 Mr. Lacey and his wife emigrated from New Jersey to the State of New York, where they resided a number of years, and reared a family of five children. From New York he moved to Indiana, and settled on a farm in Vermillion County, Highland Township, and about two miles north of Perrysville. This was his home until the time of his death, which occurred while temporarily residing with his daughter in Warren County, this State, on the 8th day of October, 1855. He was a man of intelligence, courageous, and fond of adventure, and the deep forests of central New Y'ork, abounding with wild animals, aftbrded ample opportunity for the young and athletic pioneer to gratify his fondness for the chase. Some of the tales of his early adventures would adorn a page in a history of pioneer life in the State of New York. He and his brother, while prospecting for salt, discovered the mineral springs of Dryden, New York, known as the "Dryden Springs," that have since become quite a place of resort for invalids, a large sanitarium having been erected there. Of his five children who came with him to Indiana, Margaret, the oldest, married Syra Aldrich, and died in July, 1855; Esther died in September, 1839; Susan married Jacob Dolsen, and died in March, 1876; James Madison, whose history will be briefly given, and Benjamin, the youngest, who studied medicine, became a physician, practicing in Dallas, Edgar County, Illinois, where he died in 1867. James Madison Lacey was born in Toinp- kins Comity, New York, November 28, 1814. In tlie year 1837 lie accompanied liis father to Vermillion County, Indiana, and engaged in teaching school, having received an academic education at Cazenovia, New York. In 1839 he returned to New York, and was married March 24, 1841, to Anna Maria Albright, who was born in the town of Dryden, New York, February 3, 1821, a daughter of Elisha Albright. Soon after his marriage he returned to Indiana and resumed teaching, lieing one of the early and successful teachers of the towns of Perrysville and Eugene. After teaching a number of years, he settled on a j^art of the land purchased by his fatiier, where he lived until his death, wliich occurred March 21,18(51. lie was one of the representative citizens dt' VermillioiT County; he was a close reader and well informed on all of the general topics of the day. He was quiet and unassuming in his manners, was a fine conversationalist and a good speaker, expressing his views easily and clearly, and was a valuable and instructive associate. In politics he was a Democrat of a pronounced type, and was an able advocate of tlie principles of that party. In religious faith lie was a Universalist. Ilis only cliiid, Elisha A. Lacey, is the ouly descendant of this pioneer family who bears the name of Lacey in Vermillion County. He was born in Dryden, Tompkins County, New York, February 16, 1842, his parents having returned to their native State for a brief j)eriod. In his infancy lie was brought to Vermillion County, where he has spent most of his life. In 1857 he was sent back to Dryden, and attended the high school of that place, graduating in 1859. On his return he engaged in teaching for a few years, and since tlien lias given his attention to agriculture. He resides two and oiie-lialf miles nortli of Perrysville. on a fine farm of 370 acres. He was married November 2, 1863, to Martha Ellen Wright, who was born October 3, 1844, a daughter of Thomas Wright, a pioneer of this county. They have five daughters - Lizzie, Cora, Minnie, Bertha and Grace. In politics, Mr. Lacey, like his father, is a Democrat, and in 1882 was the candidate of his party for the office of liepresentative to the State Legislature. He is a man of ability and of good address. Ilis history will be finished by the future historian of Vermillion County.

,vmLFKED E. NEWLIN, one of the self- .(^\ iiiaile men of Vermillion County, cn- ~:~ -aged in tkrming and stock-raising on section 4, Vermillion Township, is a native of Indiana, born in Parke County, March 30, 1832. His parents, Eli and Mary (Edwards) Newlin, were natives of North Carolina, and among the early settlers of Indiana, locating in Parke County in 1828. In 1833 they came with their family to Vermillion County and settled in Vermillion Township, where they passed the remainder of their life. The father became a prominent man in the county, and for two terms held the office of sheriff. He also served as justice of the peace a number of years. He started in life poor, but by his persevering energy and industrious habits combined with good management he succeeded well in life, and at his death left an estate of 300 acres. He often went security for a friend, and in almost ever}' instance was obliged to pay the amount himself. He was a man of sterling worth, honest and upright in all his dealings, and was universally respected. He died in 1872, aged seventy years. His widow survived until 1886, dying at the ad\anced age of eighty years. They reared two children - V. Ii-eua, wlio is now deceased, and Alfred R., the subject of this sketch. Alfred R. Newlin has always followed the avocation of a farmer, and from a small beginning he has become one of the prosperous citizens of his township. He is now the owner of a tine farm containing 600 acres, his land being well improved and well cultivated. Mr. Newlin was married in Vermillion County in 1852 to Miss Elvira Hudson, a native of Ohio, born in 1831, and a daughter of David and Margaret Hudson. They have had ten children born to them, of whom eight are yet living - Elvira and Alraira (twins), the former married to Willis Asbury, and has seven children, and the latter the wife of George Carnack, and has three children ; Achsah, wife of Frank Carnack; Finetta, wife of AVilliam Dehaven; Joseph, Lewis, Robert and Clendore, living at home with their parents. Eli and Mary F. are the names of those deceased. Mr. Newlin is an active and public-spirited citizen, and in every movement calculated to beneiit his toM'nship or county he always manifests a deep interest. Quiet, unassuming in his manners, and strictly honorable, he has gained the respect of all who know him.

ONROE G. HOSFORD, a member cif the Eugene Milling Company at ~: ^ Cayuga, is a native of Vermillion County, Indiana, born in Eugene, February 4, 1845, a son of Philo Ilosford, of Eugene, who was one of the early settlers of the county. The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in Eugene, and in 1863 he began clerking in a mercantile establishment. In 1877 he engaged in mercantile pursuits on his own account, which he continued until 1882, when he began operating the old mill at Eugene. In 1884 he, in company with Samuel K. Todd and Eli H. Mc- Daniel, built a large flouring-mill at the present site of Cayuga, where tliey have established an extensive business which is steadily increasing. Mr. Hosford was united in marriage to Miss Sarah C. Simpson, a daughter of Nicholas Simpson who is now deceased, and they are the parents of three children, named - Charles, Daisy and Lenore. Mr. Ilosford is an active and public-spirited citizen, and is always interested in an^^ enterprise which has for its oltject tlic advancement of his township or county. He has served as township trustee one term, and for [several years was notary public. Mrs. Hosford is a member of the Presbyterian church of Eugene.

fOHN GORDON CAMPRELL, a promi. nent citizen of Clinton, with whose in. terests he has been identified for many years, is a native of Ireland, born near Pelfast, December 25, 1825, a son of John and Lillie (Gordon) Campbell, both of whom were natives of Scotland and descendants of the old Covenanters. The Gordon's through many generations, were the devoted adherents and followers of the Dukes of Argyle, and of Presbyterian faith. The parents of our subject had a family of eight children, all of whom are living - John Gordon, the eldest, is the subject of this sketch; William came to America in 1848, and since 1855 has been a resident of Clinton, this county; Andrew lives on the home farm in Ireland, the farm being named Bradkeel ; Mrs. Anna McLaughlin and Mrs. Isabella McMillan live near the old home; James is at the old homestead; Sarah Ann, unmarried, and Mrs. Margaret Baxter. The first death in the family was tliat of the father, which occurred in 1844, at the age of forty-five years. The mother still survives, and is living at the homestead in Ireland at the advanced age of eighty-two years. John G. Campbell, when twenty-one years of age, came to the United States to visit his uncle John Gordon, at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, his uncle having died in 1882, in Champaign County, Ohio. After visiting a few months he thought it was better for him to remain in America. Even the return voyage was enough to deter him, having spent six weeks and five days in the passage over. Going to Philadelphia, where he had relatives, he engaged as clerk, where he remained as such for some time. lie then went to Baltimore, Maryland, where he was employed in the same capacity. He was married at Baltimore, March 2, 1852, to Miss Matilda Elison, who was born in the same district in Ireland as her husband, in the year 1827. They have had six children born to them - Isabella, born December 9, 1852, living at Terre Haute, Indiana; William G., born July 16, 1854, died November 8, 1859; Mrs. Sarah Jane Reynolds, born July 2, 1858; resides at Plainfield, Indiana; Matilda, born November 28, 1860; John G., born May 11, 1862, is proprietor of the Nachusa Hotel at Dixon, Illinois, and Ruth, who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell resided in Baltimore until coming to Clinton in 1855. His brother had preceded him here a short time, and opened a drug store, which he entered as a clerk, and finally established himself in the same business, which he continued for a period of twenty years. In 1861 he was appointed postmaster of Clinton by President Lincoln, he being the first Republican postmaster in Vermillion County. He was reappointed to the same ofiice in 1865, serving in that capacity eight years. Mr. Campbell has voted the Republican ticket since the days of John fOIIN E. BILSLAND, dealer in groceries and provisions, Dana, Indiana, was born in Covington, Indiana, May 27, 1853, a son of John Bilsland, a resident of Ilelt Township, who came to Vermillion County in 1856. and settled on the old Daniel Whizaker farm. John E. was reared on this farm, remaining with his parents until twenty-two years old. He was given good edncational advantages, attending the common schools and Clinton Institute. In 1875 he came to Dana, and in 1876 embarked in business on his own account. He carries a stock valued at Irom $1,500 to $2,000, doing an annual business of about $10,000, and controlling the greater part of the trade of the town in his line. Mr. Bilsland was mai-ried October 30, 1877, to Alice Stivers. Mr. Bilsland is treasurer of the town of Dana, and is one of its most prominent citizens.

Ig^UGH H. CONLEY, one of the leading lffl| members of the bar of Vermillion Coun- TfsJd ty, and a prominent and influential citizen of Newport, dates his birth in this county, January 14, 1843, being a representative of one of the early families. His father, Elijah M. Conley, died when he was an infant. His mother, Nancy (Downing) Conley, was born in the State of Delaware, in 1798, being the only daughter of William Downing, one of the old and honored pioneers of Vermillion County. She is still living, being one of the oldest persons in the county. Elijah M, Conley and wife were thfc parents of seven children, of whom one son, Jonathan, (lied in childhood. Of the six who grew to maturity, five are yet living - Mary, Phosbe, AVilliam W., Elijah P. and Hugh 11., all with the exception of Elijah P. who lives in Owen County, being residents of Vermillion County. Hugh H. Conley was reared to the vocation of a faruier. He was a soldier in the war of the' Kebollion, enlisting September 9, 18G2, in the Eighteenth Indiana Infantry, and during his term of service participated in some of the most important events of the war. He was in the siege of Yicksburg, after which he took part with his regiment in Banks's Texas expedition. He re-enlisted with his regiment, January 1, 1864, at Indianola, Texas, and came home on a furlough. At this time a part of the Nineteenth Corps, to which his regiment belonged, had been transferred to the eastern army, and at the expiration of their furlough the members of the regiment joined General Sheridan, and took part in the famous Shenandoah campaign, participating in the battles of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, where Sheridan made his famous ride. At the last mentioned battle Mr. Conley received a severe gunshot wound in the left leg which resulted in his being sent to McClellan hospital near Philadelphia, and from there transferred to the hospital at Indianapolis, where, after undergoing a siege of small-pox, together with the sufferings occasioned by his wound, he wai discharged May 24, 1865, for disability, after the war had closed, but before the final discharge of his regiment. After the war Mr. Conley attended school for some time, first at Bloomingdale academy, and later at the State Normal at Terre Haute. After leaving school he engaged in teaching, pursuing at the same time tliestndy of law. He continued to teach school until he engaged in the practice of law in 1877, in which year he was admitted to the bar at Newport. J. C. Sawyer has been associated with him in the practice of his profession since November, 1886, under the firm name of Conley & Sawyer, and like his pirtner Mr. Conley, is a selfmade man. Mr. Conley married Mi&s Mary A. Saunders, a daughter of Doctor Edward a'-.d Mary Saunders, both of whom are deceased, the latter dying shortly after her daughter's birth, and the former when she was a mere child. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Conley, of whom their eldest, Lulu M., died in infancy. Those living are - Paul H., Carl H., William B. and Edith A. In politics Mr. Conley is a Republican. He held the office of superintendent of schools of Vermillion County for three years, at the end of which time he resigned that position to take the office of prosecuting attorney, a position he creditably tilled for four years. Mr. Conley is a member of the Odd Fellows order, and is a comrade of Shiloh Post, G. A. R, at Newport.

fAxMES E. KNOWLES, a prominent and enterprisingcitizenofClinton,Vermil]ion County, was born at the family homestead in Scott Township, Vanderburg County, Indiana, December 28, 1830. His parents, Charles and Mary Ann (Maidlow) Knowles, were natives of England, and when young were brought to America by their respective parents, who settled in Vanderburg County in its pioneer days. Tlie subject was reared to a farm life, and was early inured to hard work, but the lessons of persevering industry learned in those days, have been of lasting benefit to him. Being of an adventurous spirit, Mr. Knowles, in company with others, chartered a steamer in 1852, and loading the same with os, teams and provisions embarked tor St. Josepli, Missouri, and from tliere went overland to California, leaving the Missouri River May 27, and reaching their destination August 25. They immediately engaged in placer mining, which they followed successfully nearly three years. Mr. Knowles returned via the Nicaraugua route, reaching home July 3, 1855. In 1856 he in company with his brother, Charles B., and Luhc Grant, engaged in the milling and dry goods business in Warrick County, and erected a mill at a cost of $10,000. In the spring of 1859 the mill was destroyed by fire and tiie company was pi-actically bankrupted. In the fall of 1860 the brothers in company with Arthur McJohnson, raised means from their friends, and built a flat-boat which they loaded with 5,600 bushels of corn, and in February," 1861, started for the Lower Mississippi River markets. They reached Memphis the day after the inaugural message of President Lincoln was received, and there found the excitement intense. They disposed of tlieir cargo, and received in settlement checks on New Orleans banks. They were so fortunate as to sell all their corn and even the boat, and to get their checks cashed only the day before the banks of New Orleans suspended payment. Mr. Knowles made the return trip to Louisville, Kentucky, on the steamer Autocrat, the last boat passing between those points until the opening of the Mississippi River after the war, permitting it again in the language of President Lincoln to " pass unvexed to the sea." The same season, 1861, Mr. Knowles and his brother established a grocery at Clinton. In 1862 they raised at a great profit, twenty acres of tobacco on rented land, and the next year they raised a still larger crop. In the spring of 1861 they bouglit eighty acres of land at $25 per acre, adjoining the city plat, and by platting an addition, and selling lots they have realized a large profit. They also bought 174 acres across the Wabash River at $10 per acre, which has proved a profitable investment. The brothers each own a very fine residence, and are near neighbors. Mr. James was first married in Vanderburgh County, Indiana, December 15, 1859, to Miss Pluma Wilcox, of Evansville. She was born near Wellington, Ohio, in 1835, and being left an orphan at an early age, slie was reared by Doctor Wilcox, of Evansville. Her only living child, Morton E., was born A[)ril 24, 1862. He is a graduate of the American Veterinary Institute of New York City, and has now a lucrative and increasing practice at Terre Haute. September 25, 1884, Mr. Knowles married Miss Delia Elliot, a native of Indiana, born in Knox Township, September 25, 1848, a daughter of Virgil Homer and Caroline (Marks) Elliott. Both of her parents are deceased, her father dying October 8, 1880, aged sixty-eight, and her mother October 9, 1885, aged sixty-one years. In politics Mr. Knowles is an Independent, though of Republican antecedents.

I^ENRY STURN, an active and enterpris- 1K) ^"S agriculturist, engaged in farming "ifSli on section 26, Helt Townshiji, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, the date of his birth being September 4, 1835. He was reared in his native country, and in the spring of 1854 he came to America. He first settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where he spent two years. He then spent one year in Butler County, Ohio, and in 1857 came to Vermillion County, where he worked as a hired hand for one year. He then rented land and by industry and good management he was successful in his farming pursuits, and by tlie assistance of his noble iind excellent liL'lpmeet he has become the owner of his present fine farm containing 160 acres of choice land. He was married December 12, 1859, to Miss Margaret "VV. Parsons, a daughter of William Parsons, who is now deceased, she being a native of Illinois, born in Edgar County, October 20, 1840. They are the parents of eight children - George W., Mary I., John U., Harry C, Hattie 11., Edgar W., Frederick and Charles. Mr. Sturn is a member of the Masonic order, in which he takes an active interest. Two of his sons, George and John, are also members of Dana Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of which George is Master. The father of our subject, John George Sturn, came to the United States in 1872, and died in AVashington Territory in 1877.

fANIEL EUNYON, residing two miles north of Perrysville, is one of the oldest men in Highland Township, and among the most respected citizens of Yermillion County. He is a native of Kentucky, born in Mason County, July 31, 1802, being reared to manhood in his native county. His father, David L. Eiinyon, was born in New Jersey, emigrating from that State to Kentucky, where he lived until his death. He was the father of five sons and six daughters, of whom two sons and three daughters are living at the present time - Daniel, our subject; David, who lives in Fleming County, Kentucky, on the old homestead, and the daughters are also residents of Kentucky. Daniel Kunyon, whose name heads this sketch, came to Indiana in 1858, and located at West Lebanon, where he kept a hotel one year. He was then engaged in the same business about a year at . Attica, and from there removed to Williamsport, where he lived two years. He then came to Yermillion County, and kept hotel at Perrysville one year, when he removed to Mound Prairie, Warren County, where he followed agricultural pursuits for eight years. In 18G5 he returned to Yermillion County, and settled on the place where he has since made his hom'e. His wife, whose maiden name was Jane Marshall, died March 27, 1876. Of the eleven children born to Mr. and Mrs. Run- 3'ou only four are living - John, Daniel, James, born August 27, 1844, now living on thfe old homestead with his father, and Mary, also living at home. Seven children are deceased - LeRoy died in his twenty-second year; William died aged about twenty years; Doll}', deceased wife of Fi'ancis Florida, and Martha, deceased wife of Elijah Lowe, and three who died in childhood. Martha, the infant daughter of his daughter Martha, was reared in the home of Mr. Runyon. ISIr. Runyon, as was his wife, is a consistent member of the Baptist church.

ILLIAM NICHOLS, deceased, was born in Yermillion County, Indiana, May 3, 1885, a son of William and Rhoda (Martin) Nichols, natives of Yirginia and North Carolina, respectively, and early settlers of Yermillion County, where they spent the last years of their lives. They had a family of thirteen children, but four of whom are living. William Nichols was reared a farmer and followed that vocation all his life. Although poor when he started for himself, he was successful and at his death left a good farm of 115 acres. He was married November 30, 1856, to Jane, daughter of Payton and Anna (Campbell) Merriinan. To them were born four children - Brenton, Elma, Oscar and Edgar. Brenton married

Biooraphigal Sketches

Laura Zeller, and lias two children - Clara A. and Geneva, and Oscar married Amanda Curtis. Mr. Nichols died in 1875. He was a member of the United Brethren church, and an honored citizen of the township. His widow resides on the old homestead. She is also a memher of the United Brethren church.

:iLLIAM L. MOBEY, of the " Morey Company," dealers in drugs, groceries and notions, Clinton, Indiana, was born in that city September 20, 1854, a son of Benjamin F. and Sarah (Wishard) Morey. Benjamin F. Morey was one of the prominent and influential citizens of Clinton, where all his manhood life was spent, and who for thirty-four years was identiiied with its material and social interests. He was born in Preble County, Ohio, in 1828, and in 1848 located in Clinton, where for about twenty-iive years he worked at the blacksmith's trade. In 1S73 he embarked in the grocery business, building up a large trade. In June, 187G, he sold out his stock of groceries, taking a two months vacation, when, in August, he purchased a drug store, admitting his son William L. as a partner. They added jewelry, books and notions to the drug stock, and in 1884 also added a stock of groceries. He was married in 1852 to Mrs. Sarah I. (Wishard) Bogart, the M'idow of Henry Bogart, who died in 1846, leaving one child, John II., who is now a prominent physician of Clinton. To Mr. and Mrs. Morey were borji two children - William L. and Frank, wife of Dr. Charles M. White, of Clinton. B. F. Morey died October 10, 1885, from a stroke of appoplexy. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He was a prominent Mason, a member of Jerusalem Lodge, at Clinton and Terre Haute

Chapter, and also of Amant Lodge, I. O. O. F. In politics he was a staunch supporter of the Bepublican party. He was a public-spirited, upright man and left an honorable name as the inheritance of his children. He was a careful business man and accumulated a comfortable property. William L. Morey has spent his life in Clinton, where his primary education was received, but later attended Wabash College, from which he graduated in 1876. Immediately after his leaving school he entered into partnership with his father, the firm name then becoming B. F. Morey & Son, which has been changed since his father's death to The Morey Company. He has a good business, his annual sales amounting to about $20,000, and is numbered among the prosperous young merchants of the county. He is one of the prominent Republicans of the younger class, and in the campaign of 1880 was chairman of the Clinton Township Committee. He is serving his second term as mayor of Clinton, as chairman of the Board of Trustees' by courtesy is called. He was married October 25, 1882, to Miss Clara Swinehart, a native of Terre Haute, Indiana, born September 8, 1860, a daughter of B. H. and Ann (Palmer) Swinehart. They have two children - Lois and Benjamin F.

fOSIAII C. JACKSON, one of the leading business men of Hillsdale, was born in Helt Township, Yermillion County, Indiana, November 30, 1843, a son of John and Lydia (Short) Jackson, the father being a native of Kentucky. He was one of the early pioneers of this county, settling right in the woods of Helt Township in 1832, v.-liere he built a small log cabin in which he lived many years. He died on the land on which he first settled, April 3, 1853. He was the father of seventeen children, nine of whom grew to maturity. Josiah C. Jackson, whose name heads this sketcli, was reai-ed on the home farm, and received such educational advantages as the subscription schools of that early day aflbrded, attending schools taught in log cabins with puncheon floors, clapboard roofs and slab seats. During the late war he enlisted in Company D, Eighty-fifth Indiana Infantry, remaining in the service of his country almost three years. Among the engagements in which lie participated may be mentioned the battles of Resaca, Lost Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain and Peach Tree Creek. lie was taken sick after the last mentioned battle, which was the last engagement in which he took part. He returned to his home in Vermillion County and engaged in farming. November 6, 1867, he was married to Miss Priscilla C. Shane, daughter of James D. Shane, of Effingham County, Illinois. They are the parents of eight children - James C, Lela, Ida B., Ira E., Cyrus, Bertha, Adaline and Ethel C. Mr. Jackson engaged in his general mercantile business in 1883, and now carries a capital stock of $3,000, doing an annual business of §5,000, and also deals extensively in stock and grain. He still lives on his farm, where he is engaged in farming and stock-raising. His farm contains 120 acres of fine land, and is located on section 4, Helt Township. In politics Mr. Jackson is a staunch Itepublican, but never seeks official honors. He is a member of the .Grand Army of the Eepublic, and takes an active interest iu that organization.

tOBEET B. SEARS, one of the leading citizens of Vermillion, is the present State Senator of the district comprising Parke and Vermillion counties, being elected on the Republican ticket in the fall of 1886, receiving a majority of 623 votes over his opponent, Joseph L. Boyd. He is a son of George H. Sears, who was born in Harrison County, Indiana, in August, 1818, coming to Vermillion County with his father, Jacob Sears, when a boy. Jacob Sears was a native of North Carolina, removing thence to Kentucky, and from there to Harrison County, Indiana. On coming to Vermillion County he settled in Vermillion Township, three miles southwest of Newport, where he cleared and improved a farm, on which he resided until his deatli. George Sears was one of the representative citizens of Vermillion County, and long one of the prominent merchants of Eugene. In 1854 he was elected treasurer of the county, but died before his first term expired, although not before he had received the nomination for a second term, the date of his death being July 30, 1856. He left at his death a widow and three sons, all living at the present time but his youngest son, George 0., who died at the age of eighteen years. Robert B. Sears, whose name heads this sketch, was the eldest sou in his father's family, and wa; born in Eugene, Vermillion County, January 6, 1844. He was about twelve years old when his father died, and alter his death the family returned to the homestead farm. At the age of eighteen years our subject enlisted in Company I, Forty-third Indiana Infantry, and after serving in the ranks about a year and a half he was promoted to Orderly Sergeant, and soon after to First Lieutenant, and June 24, 1865, he was mustered out as Captain of his company. He was constantly in active service, and participated in all the engagements in which the Forty-third took part, and during the last twenty months of his service he commanded his company. After the war he was engaged as clerk iu a wholesale clotliiiig store. In 18G8 he returned to Veniiillioii County, and hegan the study of law with the law tirm of Eggleston & Harvey, and in 1870 was admitted to the bar at Newport. In 1872 he was elected prosecuting attorney for the counties of Parke, Yerinillion, Vigo and Sullivan, serving as such two years. In 1881 he was elected assistant secretary of the State Senate, and in January, 1883, received an appointment as clerk in the Treasury department at Washington, D. C, but on reaching that city he was transferred to the Pension and Interior department, lie resigned this position six months later, and returned to his home in Newport and resumed his law practice. In 1884 he was elected to the lower branch of the Genera] Assembly of Indiana, and, as above stated, became State Senator in 1886, in wliich position he is serving with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. Mr. Sears was united in marriage, March 20, 1870, to Miss Ivy Aston, a daughter of lire Aston, who was a prominent merchant in the early history of Newport. He died in 1863. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Sears, of whom three died in early infancy. Claud, their only surviving child, was born February 29, 1873.

flllLO HOSFORD, one of the early pioneers of Eugene Township, is a .'^, native of Ontario County, New York, born September 18, 1811, a sou of Ambrose llosford, a native of Connecticut. The father removed to Dearborn County, Indiana, with his family in 1821, settling in Lawrenceburg, and died near there in 1824. Philo llosford came with his twin brothei-, Milo, to Crawfordsville in 1832, and in the spring of 1833 to Euaene, wiiere he has since made his home. He was married November 4, 1841, to Miss Evaline Wigley, a daughter of Joseph Wigley, and of the six cliildren born to this union three are yet living - Monroe C, llichard AV". and Eliza. One son, Charles C, and a daughter, Naomi, died after reaching maturity. Mrs. llosford died June 18, 1883. She was a member of the Presbyterian church. Milo llosford, twin brother of our subject, was married the November following his arrival in the county, to Miss Maria Holtz, and to them were born two children - Henry H., and Lucy, now the wife of Prof. David Meade, of Danville, Illinois. Mr. Milo llosford lived at Eugene until his death, which occurred January 22, 1880. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and one of the most respected men of Vermillion County.

mOMER LUSADDER, residing on section fml 22, Highland Township, is one of the =^(1 representative citizens of Vermillion County. His father, John Lusadder, settled on the i)lace now occupied by the subject of this sketch, in 1856. He was born in Ohio, December 18, 1819. He resided many years in Fountain County, Indiana, before settling in Vermillion County, and was married while a resident of the former county, to Mrs. Sarah Ann (Beers) Prevost, who was born April 1, 1817, and died July 13, 1867. To them were born six children, two of whom are deceased. The names of those yet living are - Snowdon, Homer, John and Franklin. John Lusadder married for his second wife. Miss Mary J. Nal)ors, and to this union a daughter, named Lura, was born. He died April 4, 1872, in his iifty-third year. His widow still survives. Homer Lusadder, whose name heads this sketch, is a native of Foun- tail! County, Indiana, the date of his birth being March 17, 1853. He was about three years of age wlien bronglit by his parents to this county, where he lias since lived. His father being a farmer, he was reared to the same occupation, becoming a thorough, practical agriciilturist. He now owns and occupies the homestead farm which contains 150 acres of well improved and highly cultivated land.

tUGH DALLAS, deceased, was one of the well known pioneers of Yermillion County. He was born in Knox County Ohio, in 1813, a son of Alexander and Sarah Dallas. He commenced life in moderate circumstances. He came to Vermillion County in 1840, and bought a large amount of land which increased in value and at the time of his death he was one of the wealthies men in Yermillion Township. He was an honorable, upright business man and gained the confidence and esteem of all with whom he had any deal. He died September 17, 1875, leaving a large number of friends to mourn his loss and his memory is revered by all who knew him, especially the old settlers who remember his many kindly acts and hearty assistance in their times of need. Mr. Dallas was married inOhio County, Yirginia, in the year 1834, to Miss Sarah Hardesty, who was bom in Knox County, Ohio, in 1815. To them were born nine children, eight of whom lived till maturity, and five are now living. The children in order of their birth are as follows - Mary C. T., deceased; Spencer H., Hugh A., deceased; iam Henry Harrison, Sarah E., Mrs.

Yirginia C. Hain, deceased; Martha J., wife of James Chips; Euth A. and an infant son, deceased. James Chips and wife have had born to them seven children - Mary, Lura, fOSHUA LEWIS, general merchant, Cayuga, is a native of Yermillion County, Indiana, born in Highland Township, January 1, 1843, a son of James J. Lewis, a native of Maryland, who settled in Highland Township in 1837, where he still resides. Our subjeet was reared to the avocation of a farmer, and his education was received princi])ally in the Perrysville graded school. He subsequently engaged in teaching school, which he followed for fifteen years, teaching seven years in Ciierokee County, Kansas. He served two years in the late war in Company II, Twentieth Indiana Infantry, and during his term of service participated in the battle of Fort Hatteras, the seven days in front of Eichmond, and other engagements. He also witnessed the fight between the Monitor and the Merrimac. March 30, 1865, he was married to Miss Marinda Harrison, a daughter of Thomas II. Harrison, one of the old pioneers of this county, who made his way up the Wabash from Yincennes l)y poling a flat- Ijoat. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are the parents of five children - Frank E., Cassie, Henry W., Marinda E. and William J. Mr. Lewis engaged in the mercantile business at Gessie, this county, in 1881. He established his present business at Cayuga in 1886, removing his family to this place in June, 1887. He is now associated in business with his son Frank who is also assistant postmaster. They carry a full line of dry-goods, groceries, provisions, glass and queeusware, their capital stock being valued at $3,500, and their annual sales amounting to about $8,000. While living in Kansas Mr. Lewis lacked but two votes of being elected Probate J udge on the fiepublican ticket, and at the same election tlie county went 300 majority for Greeley for President. In politics he still affiliates with the Republican party. He is a member of the Grand Anny of the Eepublic. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and respected members of society.

ftLlVER P. M. PONTON, engaged in j| farming on section 2, Helt Township, > is a worthy representative of an old and honored pioneer family who settled in Vermillion County in the early days of the county. He was born on the family homestead in Helt Township, one-half mile from his present residence, the date of his birth being December 23, 1861, and is a son of the late John Ponton, who was born near Chillicothe, Ohio, being brought to this county when but four years of age. The father being a farmer, our subject M-as reared to the same avocation, which he has made his life work. He received his education in the common schools of the county. He was united in marriage September 30, 1885, to Miss Mary A. Amos, a daughter of William H. Amos, a resident of Montezuma, Indiana, and to this union one child has been born, named John W., who died at the age of six months. Mrs. Ponton is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Montezuma.

4EWIS 11. BECK MAN, engaged in the llt/F S'''^c®ry business at Clinton, and one of the active and enterprising businessmen of the town, is a native of Vermillion County, Indiana, born November 16, 1841. His parents, Henry and Mary Beckinan, were born.

reared and married in Germany, coming to the United States soon after their marriage. They landed at New Orleans, where they formed the acquaintance of James Davis, whose home was near Newport, Vermillion County. The father was a blacksmith by trade, and being induced to come to this county, he followed that avocation in Vermillion Township until a short time before his death, which occurred in 1844. His wife had died the year before. Lewis H. Beckman, whose name heads this sketch, believes himself to be the only living representative of his branch of the family in America. His brother, John, who was born while his parents were at New Orleans, shortly after their arrival in America, died at the age of twelve years. After the death of his parents, the subject of this sketch found a good home with the family of James L. "Wishard, of Helt Township. He received such educational advantages as the district schools of that early day aiforded. In June, 1862, while in his twenty-first year, he volunteered in defense of the Union, enlisting in Company A, Seventy-first Indiana Infantry. August 31 his regiment was in battle at Ilichmond,' Kentucky, and in that engagement Mr. Beckman was shot through the left leg. Many of the unhurt of his regiment were captured and paroled, and all of the wounded, Mr. Beckman with those paroled, being sent North, and soon after recovered from the effects of his wound. The regiment was exchanged, and was again in the field before the close of the year 1862, and several months following was engaged in guarding rebel prisoners at Indianapolis. In the summer of 1863 tlie regiment was recruited and reorganized, and became known as the Si.xth Indiana Cavalry. During the operations at and around Knoxville in the winter of 1863-'64 the regiment made part of General Burnside's force. At the opening of General Sherman's campaign against General Johnston's rehel army which culminated in the capture of Atlanta, the Sixth Indiana Cavalry joined the former at Buzzards' Eoost, Georgia, and did hard work and gallant service during that campaign. The regiment also took part in the ill-starred raid of General Stoneman at Sun Shine Church, south of Atlanta, where many were killed, wounded and taken prisoners. Among the latter was Mr. Beckman, who was shot through the left thigh, and his sufferings from this serious wound were rendered more than ordinarily severe by lack of proper care. For four weeks he was confined in Macon, Georgia, over one month at Andersonville, and at Charleston and Florence four and a half months. He was finally paroled and returned to his home. After being exchanged, April 19,1865, he rejoined his regiment at Pulaski, Tennessee, and in June, 1865, he received an honorable discharge from the army, after which he returned to A^ermillion County and engaged in agricultural pursuits. September 10, 1868, he was united in marriage to Miss Laura E. Crane, a native of Vermillion County, born in Helt Township, April 26, 1853, a daughter of Carlton Crane. Mr. and Mrs. Beckman made their home in Helt Township until he was elected to the office of county sheriff' in October, 1872, when he moved to Newport. He was re-elected to the same office, serving in that capacity four years, and in 1876 returned to his farm in Helt Township. He remained on his farm until the spring of 1884, when he removed to Clinton. In January, 1885, he established his present grocery business, and by his genial and accommodating manners, and strict attention to the wants of his customers he has built up a good trade, his sales amounting to over $13,000 per annum. In politics Mr. Beckman is a Republican, and is prominent in the councils of his parly. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He is a member also of Owen Post, No. 329, G. A. R., and in 1887 he was elected commander of the post. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Four children have been born to them, of whom three are living, named Alice, Charles and Bay. Their third child, Lena Belle, died at the age of nine months.

fOIIN W. BARRETT, of Newport, is a representative of one of the pioneer families of Indiana. His father. Rev. Robert Parrett, was born in England, February 1-4, 1791, and was married in 1814 to Martha Mason. In 1816 they sailed from Hull, England, and after a voyage of ninety days landed in New York. They spent a few weeks in New Jersey, then came west and located near Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and two years later removed to Vincennes, where they lived about a year. In the meantime he entered eighty acres of land in Posey County, to which he removed, and built a log cabin, making his home there six years. In December, 1824, he moved to Evansville and bought forty-five acres near that city, and several years later, bought 160 acres adjoining, and of this made a homestead, living on it until his death in 1859. His wife survived him about ten years. A part of his land is now included in the site of Evansville, and is known as Parrett's addition. Mr. Parrett was a Christian gentleman, and the founder of Methodism in Evansville, and a memorial window has been placed in Trinity church, that city, in his honor. He was a successful business man, acquiring considerable wealth, which he used freely in the support of tlie Gospel and all worth}' enterprises. He was one of the founders of the old State Bank of Indiana, which atterward became the Evausville National Bank, and was one of its directors for many years. At his death lie left a record of which his descendants may well be ])roud. He was not a man of liberal ediication, bnt of great natural ability, and was always greatly interested in the canse of edncation, and was one of ten who gave $1,000 each toward the founding of Asbury College at Greencastle, Indiana. He and his wife were the parents of ten children who grew to maturity, all of whom became worthy and influential citizens. Three sons and two daughters are yet living, Jolm W. being the eldest of this number. The second son. Rev. Richard M. Parrett, is a citizen of Patoka, Indiana, and William F. is judge of the First Judicial Cfrcuit, his residence being at Evansville. Jane is the wife of Hon. Alvah Johnson, of Evansville, and Eva M. is the wife of Hon. Union Bethel, of Newburg, Warren County, Indiana. The eldest of the family, Mary A., was born on the ocean while the parents were en route for America. She became the wife of Hon. John S. Hopkins, and died at their homestead in Evansville in 1885. The third son, Robert, was a siiccessiul attorney, a graduate of Asbury College, and at one time a member of tlve State Legislature. He was Major of the One Hundredth Indiana Infantry, and was killed at Yicksburg in 18G3. The youngest son, Joseph B., died at the age of thirty years, and Mrs. Martha Roberts and Mi-s. Sarah Reed, died several years ago. John W. Parrett, whose name heads this sketch, was born at Lawrenceburg, Indiana, August 10, 1818, and was reared at Evansville from his sixth year. He joined the Methodist church when twenty years of age, and in 1842 entered the work of the ministry, and for nineteen years was a member of the Indiana Conference.

He was then granted a location and settled on a farm in Yermillion County which he had bought in 1850. Although not in the regular work of the ministry he is always ]-eady to aid the cause of Christianity, and has many calls which he is glad to answer, to fill neighboring pulpits and perform other duties devolving on a Christian minister. From the De Pauw Advocate we learn that he was present at a meeting of the Northwest Conference held at Greencastle, Indiana, when tlie report of the committee on education showed a lack of about $5,500 on the amount assumed by the Conference on the De Pauw fund. The first meeting of the lay and clerical conterences failed to raise the amount by $1,500. Colonel Ray delivered a long speech, followed by Doctor John in a short, compact speech, and then came the prince of beggars. Bishop Bowman, but the Bishop seemed to have lost his grip or the contract was too much for him. Things were dragging and failure seemed inevitable when Rev. John AY. Parrett, then a local preacher from Newport, arose in the back part of the room, and strode forward in an awkward way, and began as nobody else could, to talk, taking the management of the meeting abruptly out of the hands of the Bishop, and by volleys of wit and wisdom, of anecdote, and sayings, wise and otherwise, now eloquent, now pathetic, and at times ludicrous beyond description, he managed to raise the last $1,500. Mr. Parrett was first married to Miss Elizabeth W. Mick, a daughter of Judge John Mick, and to them were born three children - Richard W., Edmund J., w-ho died at the age of nineteen years, and John W., who died aged seventeen years. Mrs. Parrett died in December, 18-43, and in March, 1850, Mr. Parrett was again married to Miss Lydia Zener, a daughter of Adam Zener, one of the substantial men of Newport, and founder of the Methodist church fHOMAS KIBBY has been a resident of Clinton Township since 1830, and for many years one of its active and energetic citizens. He was born in Clarke County, Indiana, February 8, 1810, a son of Lucius Kibby, a New Englander by birth. AVhen young the father visited Canada, where he was seized and pressed into the British army, and was compelled to serve a short time before he found an opportunity to escape and return to his home in New England. He was a son of Amariah Kibby, a ship carpenter by trade, which he also learned in early life and became proficient in all kinds of wood- work. He worked for a time at Fort Pitt, now Pittsburgh, and there built a fiatboat for himself, and with his family passed down the river to Fort Washington, now Cincinnati, Ohio, thence to the Falls of the Ohio, in Clarke Comity, where Thomas Kibby was born. Being of an adventurons spirit, he volunteered and fought under General Harrison at the battle of Tippecanoe, November 5, 1811. During his residence in Clarke County the Indians were hostile, and many an adventure and narrow escape he and his family had with them. In 1814 he moved his family to the vicinity of Nashville, Tennessee, where he was engaged as a builder three years, and was defrauded of nearly $3,000 due on contract work, by his employer. In 1817 he left Tennessee, coming to Indiana, when he settled with his family near Terre Haute, in the AVabash Valley. He erected, under contract, the first frame buildincf at Teric Haute. In 1818 he removed to Parke

County, Indiana, where he cleared a farm from the forest, remaining there a few years, when he went to Clark County, Illinois, and from there to Dubuque County, Iowa, where he lived until his death, at the advanced agf of eighty-five years. Thomas Kibby, whose name heads this sketch, was the youngest of his four children, and is the only one now living. When he was quite young his mother died, and although his father mai-ried again, he hardly had a home. His schooling was very limited, and the care and advantages so common to the boys of to-day were denied him. At the age of thirteen years he left his father's home and began the battle of life for himself, and his lessons were well learned in the school of experience. He early in life became a self-reliant man, strong both mentally and physically. Like many of the adventurous yonth of those years, he became a boatman, making his first trip to New Orleans at the age of eighteen years. In 1831 he became a pilot, and began with increased wages to save money. He has made over sixty trips to New Orleans. August 4, 1833, he was married to Miss Jane Yannest, who was born in Ohio, August 6, 1812, and who died March 20, 1880. Her lather, John Vannest, was the first settler of Vermillion County, having settled on section 9, Clinton Township, as early as 1816. To Mr. and Mrs. Kibby were born eight children, as follows - John and Martin died in infancy; Isaac, living near his father; Sarah Jane died aged ten years; Elizabeth died aged twelve years; Stuart died in infancy; Thomas A., residing with his father, and Susan W., wlio was a school-teacher, died aged twenty-three years. Thomas A. was a soldier in the war of the Eebellion, enlisting October 9, 1861, and was in the service of his country for three years. March 12, 1882, he was united in marriage to Miss Josie Lyday, a native of

Bioobaphigal Sketches

Vermillion County, born December 16, 1858, and they are tlie parents of two children - John Vannest and Jane. Since he abandoned flat-boating, Mr. Kibby has devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. He has occupied his present farm on section 9, Clinton Township, since 1862. The homestead is located one mile north of Clinton, and contains ninety acres of choice land, and is part of the estate of his father-in-law, John Vainiest. Besides this farm Mr. Kibby owns a good farm of 220 acres, located on sections 7 and 8 of Clinton Township.

fOlIN T. PONTON, deceased, was born in Ohio, January 30, 1830, a son of Obediah Ponton, who was a Virginian by birth. He was brought to Vermillion County, Indiana, in the fall of 1833, by his widowed mother, she locating on section 3, Helt Township, on the land now occupied by the widow of our subject. Here he was reared amid the scenes and incidents of pioneer life, attending school in the primitive log cabins with their puncheon Hoor and clapboard roof, where he received but a limited education. He was married August 5, 1860, to Miss Polly Kearns, a daughter of William Kearns, and a native of Helt Township, born in 1835. Mr. Kearns settled in Helt Township in 1831. He spent the last six years of his life in Montezuma, Indiana, wliere he died September 9, 1884. To Mr. and Mrs. Ponton were born three children, of whom two are living, Oliver P. M. and William S., the latter living on the old homestead with his mother. Mr. Ponton died August 8, 1886, his death causing universal regret throughout the community where he had lived for so many years. He was a kind and affectionate husband and father, being strongly attached to his home fAMES ROBERTS, one of the prominent men of Vermillion County, at present engaged in mercantile pursuits at Clinton, is a native of Edgar County, Illinois, born February 13, 1844. His father was a native of Ireland, coming to the United States when twenty-six years of age. The mother of our subject, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Beers, was born at Bridgeport, Connecticut, in 1799. She was first married in Onondaga County, New York, to Isaac Carman, and in 1836 came with her husband to Clinton. Mr. Carman died a few years later, leaving his widow with four children - Jotham, the eldest, went to the Mexican war I and has never since been heard from ; Mrs. Emeline Bradshaw, the second child, lives in Clinton; Mrs. Mary Freeman lives in Coles County, Illinois, and Jonathan resides at Eugene Cit}', Oregon. Mrs. Carman and John Roberts were married in Edgar County, Illinois, in 1842. Pie died in 1856. She retained her mental and physical vigor to a remarkable degree until her death which occurred October 31, 1887, aged eighty-eight years. She made her home with the subject of this sketch, who is the only child of her second marriage. James Roberts was reared to a farm life, and in his youth received a good common-school education. February 3, 1864, he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana Infantry, and participated in General Schofield's corps in the Atlanta Campaign in which his regiment did gallant service, taking part in the battles of Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, ChattaUoochie River, and the battles in frontof Atlanta, in all of which Mr. Eoberts manfnlly acted a soldier's part. After the fall of Atlanta the regiment as part of the Twenty-third Corps, turned north, and fonglit in the heroic battles of Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee, where General Hood's army was practically destroyed. Mr. Roberts received an honorable discharge September 13, 1865, when he returned to his home in Yermillion County. Since November 21, ISTd, when he entered tiie mercantile establishment of Whitcomb, Anderson & Co., as clerk, he has been engaged in mercantile pursuits, with the exception of fonr years when he was serving as clerk of Vermillion County, having been elected to that office in 1878. In 1882 he became a partner in the mercantile lirm of A. L. Whitcomb & Co., at Clinton. January 1, 1885, he sold out his interest in the business to Mr. Whitcomb, and bought a farm in Clinton Township. Later he opened a grocery at Clinton which he continued but a short time, when closing out he engaged in general merchandising with B. H. Morgan and John Q. Washburn under the firm name of Roberts & Co. P^'ebruary 1, 1887, they divided their stock and Mr. Roberts became associated in business with B. H. Moi'gan, at the old stand formerly occupied by A. L. Whitcomb & Co. Besides his business interests in Clinton Mr. Roberts owns a fine farm of 145 acres located on sections 12 and 14, Clinton Township. Mr. Roberts was united in marriage February 20, 1876, to Miss Laura Hagar, a daughter of J. M. and Jane Hagar, her father being deceased. Her mother is still a resident of Clinton. The only child of Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, a son named Arthur, was born November 7, 1876. Mr. Roberts is one of the leading members of the Masonic fraternity in Vermillion County, and in 1887 was appointed Master of Jerusalem Lodge, No- 99, a,t Cliuton, He is also a, member pf Owen

Post, No. 329, G. A. R., of which he is Adjutant. In politics he is a Democrat. He is now serving his fourth term as township treasurer, which shows the confidence and esteem in which he is held.

KORGE H. REYNOLDS, of Highland Township, is a son of Elias Nelson Reyiinlds, a pioneer of Vermillion County. Elias N. Reynolds was born in Maryland September 2, 1804. He was left an orphan at an early age, and learned the trades of wheelwright and chairmaker, serving an apprenticeship of fiveyears, completing it when he was twenty-one years old. He then went to Zanesviile, Ohio, where he taught school for a time, and in the fall of 1830 came to Vermillion County, Indiana, and settled about four miles northwest of Perrysville. Here he entered 100 acres of land, which he partially improved, living on it about si.\ years, and also in the meantime taught several terms of school. About 1838 he moved to a farm about three and a half miles northwest of Perrysville, near the present site of Gessie, where he lived until his death, which occurred August 26, 1877, being at that time within a few days of his seventy-third birthday. He was one of the highly respected men of the county, and was one of its public-spirited citizens. He was well educated for his day, and always took an interest in the cause of education. In politics he was a Democrat, but during the war was a strong supporter of the Government. He was married May 8, 1828, near Circleville, Ohio, to Rebecca Craig, a daughter of David Craig, a native of Kentucky, who moved to Ohio in an early day and built the first cabin on the present site of the city of Chillicothe. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds had three sons, but one of whom, George H., survives. David J. M-as born April 12, 1829, and died January 14, 1850; William W., born September 15, 1831, died January 16, 1874. George IT. lleynolds was born on the farm where he now lives in Highland Township, July 28, 1835. He was married December 31, 1857, to Marinda Bainbridge, a daughter of Stephen Bainbridge, an early settler of Iligldand Towusiiip. They have si.x children living - James B., born July 25, 1859; Flora Belle, born January 15, 1861; Mary C, born December 22, 1868; William M., born November 19, 1871; Elias Nelson, born February 2, 1874, and Callie, born June 5, 1881. Their third child, Lanny J., was born May 9, 1864, and died September 15, 1866. Mr. Reynold's mother makes her home with him and is active and in -good health for one of her years. Mr. Reynolds owns about 300 acres of land in Highland Township.

tMOS J. BETSON, one of tlie prosperous agriculturists of Vermillion County, engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 7, Vermillion Township, was born in Oneida, Now York, in the year 1845. His parents, Henry and Mary A. (Johnson) Betson, were natives of New York State, and of English descent. They came to Vermillion County, Indiana, with their family in 1847, remaining here till 1875. They then removed to Chrisman, Illinois, M'here the father died in 1875. The mother still resides in Chrisman. Amos J. Betson, the subject of this sketch, was reared to the avocation of a farmer, which he has followed through life, and in his youth received but a limited education in the schools of his day. He was married in Parke County, Indiana, in 1874, to Miss Louisa Rubottora, who wa§ bora in i that county in 1853, a daughter of Milton and Lula Rubottom. Tiiey are the parents of seven children named - Maude, Rosa, Lula, Roy, Garnet J., Bernicc and ReMe C. Mr. Betson commenced life for himself M'ithout capital, at first renting land, but by his persevering industry and good business management he has succeeded well, having by his own eflbrts accumulated liis present fine property. He owns 327 acres of land where he resides, besides forty-nine acres in another section. He has a fine brick residence, erected by himself, and his entire surroundings show care and thrift. He raises a variety of crops, most of whicli he feeds to his stock. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party. Post office, Newport, Indiana.

ACHARIAH D. JAMES, late of Ver- W f million Count}', but now a resident of ' Montezuma, Parke County, was born in Virginia, August 30, 1811, a son of Dr. William 13. and Elizabeth James. In the fall of 1811, when our subject was an infant, his parents removed from Virginia to Jefferson County, Ohio, making the entire trip on horseback, his mother carr3'ing him all the way. In 1816 the family settled in Mansfield, Ohio, among the early settlers, the father preaching the first sermon preached in that place, and superintended the building of the first church there. He immigrated to Vermillion County, Indiana, in 1822, where he practiced medicine and preached the gospel until 1826. In that year he took a load of corn to New Orleans on a flatboat, and on the return trip died at Vicksburg, Mississippi. Our subject was about eleven years of age when his father settled in this county, and here he was reared to manhood amid the wild surroundings of pioneer life. He helped cut the first wheat, and gather the first corn raised on the Swayze farm on Kelt's Prairie. He was united in marriage Kovember 4, 1830, to Miss Jane Sividmore, the eldest of eight children of Joshna Skidmore, and to this union five children were born, of whom . three are yet living, naniedAVilliain A., a resident of Ilelt Township; John S., engaged in the grocery trade in Danville, Illinois, and Henry H., a practicing physician of St. Bernice, this county. Mr. James followed farming until 1852, when he removed to Montezuma, where he was engaged in the mercantile business some sixteen years. He then dealt extensively ingrain and stock for a time, and is now living retired from active business life, enjoying the fruits of his years of toil and industry. Mrs. James died January 23, 1873, and Mr. James was a second time married November 20, 1873, to Mrs. Anna R. Elder, a native of Clinton County, New York, widow of Samuel Elder and daughter of Mason Meade. Mr. James has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church since 1828, his wife having also been a member of the same church many years. In his political views he affiliates with the Eepublican party.