Vigo County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1891 (part 8 of 12)

The day of his defeat for congress was the day of the election of Abraham Lincoln to the presidency, and soon after his inaugura¬ tion he appointed, upon his own personal knowledge and friend¬ ship, Mr. Nelson as envoy extraordinary and minister plenipoten¬ tiary to Chili, which position he filled with conspicuous ability from 1861 to 1866. Our citizens had large claims against that republic, matters of some difficulty for diplomats even in times of prosperous peace, and the then new minister realized that, although our nation was convulsed with civil war, yet there should be no compromise of its rights, which must be preserved, even under such difficult and adverse circumstances. Other natious were look¬ ing upon our internal struggles as the beginning of a swift coming end of our national institutions, yet he speedily secured the settle¬ ment of every question and the payment of the claims, and at the same time so won the good-will and friendship of Chili that Pres¬ ident Lincoln felt constrained to say that the government and the people of Chili were among the stanchest and truest friends of the United States Government. During Mr. Nelson's diplomatic residence at Santiago occurred the war between Spain and Chili, and to the American ambassador is chiefly attributed the generous sympathy extended so universally by other governments to Chili in the contest. In this new field he found opportunity for the display of those, peculiar faculties necessary in the stirring times of his own nation and the nations to which he was sent, that were a demon¬ stration that his friend, Mr. Lincoln, had made no mistake in calling upon him to serve his country in the untried field of diplomacy. It was during his stay in Chili he witnessed the most calamitous fire of modern times - the burning, December 8, 1863, of the Church of Campania, in Santiago, the capital of the republic, in which 4,000 persons perished. With characteristic American impulse he ren¬ dered valuable aid on that occasion, and his cool judgment and prompt action excited favorable comment. He was conspicuous in the rescue of several lives. In 1866 he returned to his home, and quietly resumed the practice of law. But the country was upon the threshold of the reconstruction days. The question of the adoption of the XIY Amendment to the Constitution was before the nation, and its friends appealed to him to help them. He entered into the labor heart and soul, and addressed great audiences from Kentucky to Kansas. This added to his al¬ ready extended reputation as a popular speaker. In 1868 he was chosen to head the electoral ticket of Indiana, and canvassed the State thoroughly. He was deeply interested in the work. His friends, Grant and Colfax, were triumphantly elected, and Mr. Nelson was selected by the Electoral College, over which he presided, to carry the votes of Indiana to Washington. He Avas appointed envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to Mexico, by President Grant, in March, 1869. His nomination to the senate was at once unanimously confirmed. In the ad¬ justment of the affairs of this Government with that of Mexico, he rendered excellent service. The history of his administration of the legation is to be found in the archives of the State department, and in several published volumes. In 1873 Mr. Nelson resigned his appointment to Mexico, but the resignation was not accepted for several months after it Avas tendered. During his entire resi¬ dence in Chili and Mexico he was president of the Diplomatic Corps. Early in 1874 Ave find him again in his law office in Terre Haute, absent only Avhen called, as Avas frequently the case, on im¬ portant affairs in Washington City. In 1876 he again headed his party on the electoral ticket, and again in 1880 and in 1888, and each time he canvassed the entire State. Proverbially there has been no State in the Union Avliere the whole ground in nearly every policies battle is fought over so stubbornly inch by inch, as is Indiana. The recognition of his abilities as a popular speaker is given as well by those who are opposed to his political views and policies as by liis party companions. His manner in addressing an audience is graceful, and the supreme art of concealing himself, enlisting the sympathy of his audience, and making all forget who is talking, leaving them to the one subject of thought that the speaker desires to present, is his rare gift. This is merely the supreme art of the orator. An excellent voice, a remarkably clear and distinct enunciation, with perfect modulation and expressive features, are some of the marks of the make-up of the man that are part of the means, natural or acquired, that are at his command on important occasions. In person Mr. Nelson is above the medium in height and size, erect with a strong nervous movement, brown hair now mixed with gray, brown eyes, strong but pleasant features of face, with a full short beard, with a large and finely poised head, and a semi-military movement of person. He is just now in the prime of his mental life, and of the open, frank and genial nature that makes him a most companionable acquaintance and friend. He might be in short summed up as a typical Kentuckian, whose vene¬ ration of the memory of Clay and Lincoln is a sacred and undivided duty.

In the Annual Cyclopedia of 1872 is the following concerning Mrs. Elizabeth Key, wife of Hon. Thomas H. Nelson, who died in Maltrata, Mexico, March 23, 1872, written by William Cullen Bry¬ ant, the great American poet, who was her friend and admirer: " Mrs. Nelson was a daughter of the late Col. Marshall Key, a con¬ spicuous and able political leader and lawyer of Washington, Mason Co.. Ky. She was well educated, and early in life married Thomas H. Nelson, then a youth just entering upon his career as a lawyer, and who has since become distinguished both as a political leader and diplomatist. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Nelson re¬ moved to Indiana, where she shared with her husband all the trials, and contributed her full proportion to all the triumphs of the act¬ ive, eloquent and successful lawyer, who had become one of the founders of the Republican party. Mr. Nelson was sent to Chili as United States minister almost at the outset of the late war, and re¬ mained there at a post which the course of events rapidly invested with a peculiar and almost vital importance to the commercial and political interests of the Republic, then battling for its life during the whole of Mr. Lincoln's administration, and a full year of that of his successor. In 1869 he was appointed minister plenipoten¬ tiary to Mexico, where he still remains." How large and effective a part Mrs. Nelson took in her husband's labors throughout this entire period, the archives of the State Department attest. She had been a student without pretense as without parade, all her life long. Her knowledge of foreign languages, of history and of po- litical economy, enabled her to afford her husband an assistance as intelligent as it was assiduous; and none of those of her sex who clamor most loudly in public for the equality of woman with man has done or can ever do so much to prove the truth of their doctrine in its true appreciation as this tender, modest and devoted wife. Her union with her husband was as the Shakesperian "Marriage of true minds.' Those alone who knew her well and intimately can estimate its beauty and its worth, and, estimating these, come near measuring the depth and bitterness of a sorrow which present sym¬ pathy the most sincere may soothe, but years can never adequately assuage. President Juarez, who had recently experienced a similar affliction, and whose lamented wife had been an intimate and strongly attached friend of Mrs. Nelson, manifested the most pro¬ found sympathy with Mr. Nelson, and throughout the social "and diplomatic circles of the Mexican capital her loss was deeply and unaffectedly mourned. Of her children but two survive her, Mar¬ shall K. Nelson, a resident of Mexico, and Harriet, wife of Dr. Edward H. Ash win, of Brooklyn, N. Y.

SOLOMON NEUKOM, grocer, Terre Haute. Among the prominent citizens of Terre Haute is Solomon Neukom, who has been a resident of the place for many years. He was born in Switz¬ erland February 8, 1829, and is a son of Ulrich Neukom, a cooper by trade, who died in Germany. Solomon was reared in that country, attending the common schools of his native place. He came to America, landing at New York City June 11, 1847, and having learned shoemaking, he became engaged in that trade. In 1849 he came West, locating for a time at Cincinnati, Ohio, and subsequently, in 1856, came to Terre Haute, where in 1864 he embarked in his present business, in which he has since continued. Mr. Neukom was married in Cincinnati June 2, 1853, to Miss Re¬ gina, daughter of Gerhart and Mary (Roelker) Tormolilen, and born in Hanover, Germany. This union lias been blessed with eight children, five of whom are now living - three sons and two daugh¬ ters - viz.: Jennie, wife of Charles Lammers; Minnie, wife of Charles Neff; Henry, a clerk; Albert, engaged in the drug busi¬ ness in Terre Haute; Adolph, cashier in the Buckeye Store in Terre Haute. The family are members of the German Methodist Ejiiscopal Church, of which Mr. Neukom has been class leader and trustee. Mrs. Neukom has been a teacher in the Sunday-school for many years. They gave their children the advantage of good edu¬ cation: One daughter graduated at the city high school; Minnie attended the Indiana State Normal, and was a teacher eight years. This family is one of the few where all are doing well, and all seem to prosper; they are among the best citizens of Terre Haute, and have many friends.

WILLIAM D. NEVINS, farmer and stock-grower, Nevins township, P. O. Fontanet, was born November 23, 1840, within less than a mile of where he now resides, and is a son of James and Elizabeth (Denman) Nevins, natives of Indiana, and of Scotch de¬ scent, former born in Fort Harrison in 1813. William Nevins, grandfather of our subject, was truly a pioneer of this part of the State, being here among the Indians. The family have usually been farmers, and generally met with success. James Nevins, fa¬ ther of William D., died in Parke county, Ind., where he spent the greater part of this life; he was twice married, William D. being by. first wife. Our subject was reared on the farm where he was born, attending school in his native district. He can remember when his father used the old wooden moldboard plow. He was married in Yigo county, in 1867, to Miss Nancy, daughter of Sam¬ uel and Tamsey (Roe) Elliott, and is descended from the Dutch, who settled New York nearly 300 years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Nevins1 children are James, Samuel, Isabella, Ellen, Dora, John, Maude and Lillie. The family worship at the Baptist Church, of which Mr. Nevins is a deacon and regulator, and in politics he acts with the Democratic party. He is one of the self-made men of the country; when he was married he could neither read nor write, but by diligence and the help of his wife, he mastered the rudiments of English, and he keeps himself posted with the important events of the day. Mr. Nevins is owner of the farm where he resides.

JAMES NICHOLS, manufacturer and grocer, Nos. 400 and 402 South First street, Terre Haute, was born in Yorkshire, England, March 21, 1845, and is the second in the family of five children of Edward and Jane (Ellis) Nichols. Our subject was reared in Yorkshire, and received his education in the public and private schools, and there learned the trade of weaver of woolen fabrics. In June, 1865, he came to Terre Haute, and followed his trade in the Wabash Woolen Mills, about five years, then went to the Indian Territory, and built a woolen-mill near Baxter Springs, Kas. Here he remained about three years, and lost what capital he had accumulated. Returning to Terre Haute, he accepted the position of receiving clerk in the wholesale grocery house of H. Hulman, with whom he remained about five years. He purchased the prop¬ erty, and erected a new brick building, and engaged in the grocery and meat trade on his own account, in which he has a large and growing business. In 1882 he embarked in the manufacture of lumber, staves, headings, barrels and boxes, and now employs about seventy-five men. The factory is located on First street, between College and Tine. Mr. Nichols has had to depend entirely on his own resources, and the building up of this extensive trade has been the result of his own energy and good financiering. He was united in marriage, January 18, 1871, in Terre Haute, with Mary A. Kirtley, a daughter of James ami Sarah Kirtley, natives of Kentucky. She is the sixth in a family of seven children who grew to maturity, and was born in Terre Haute, May 18, 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Nichols had born to them four children: Edward, Nettie G., Charles and Bertie. The parents are members of the Baptist Church, and he is trustee of the North Mission, and of Maple Avenue Union Protestant Church. He is a member of the K. of P., Occidental Lodge No. 18, and a charter member of the Uniform Bank. He is lieutenant-colonel in the Seventh Regiment, and has served as first and second lieutenant and captain of the Uniform Rank; was quartermaster of the first Uniform Rank organized in the State. He is a Royal Arch Mason, and a Knight Templar, also a member of the National Union. He served five years in the British army. In politics Mr. Nichols is a Republican.

FIRMIN NIPPERT (deceased) Avas born September 25, 1819. a native of Guinglange, a little town in the department of Moselle, France, near the city of Metz. His father was Bernard Nippert, a teacher, whose sons were Bernard, Firmin, Nicholas, August and Martin. Firmin Nippert came to this country in 1839, landing in New Orleans, whence he went to Portland, Ky., and became a clerk in a general store. He commenced merchandising at Patoka, Ind., and afterward sold goods at Salem, Ind. In 1844 he removed to Terre Haute, and opened a store on the northwest corner of Second and Ohio streets, called the French store. From 1863 to 1869 Mr. Nippert Avas not actively engaged in business. During this period he made the tour of Europe, and xdsited the Orient. On his return, in 1869, he became connected Avitli the Nail Works, his management of which reflected great credit on him. So well pleased with his care of the property were the stockholders that in 1888, on the occasion of his retirement from his office, the board voted him in addition to his salary the sum of $3,000. This he declined to receive, but caused it to be distributed among his sub¬ ordinates. The resolutions were engrossed and signed by D. W. Minshall, G. W. Bement, Demas Deming, Henry S. Deming and Benjamin Wilhelmn, and are as follows:

Resolved, That the Board of Directors, with sincere regret for the necessity that compels this action and the severance of his long and successful official con¬ nection with this company, desires to express, in accepting this resignation, the complete satisfaction and thanks of the company, for the very able, efficient and successful manner in which all of the duties of the position have been discharged.

The results shown by the statements this day made of operations under his management is a marvelous exhibition of progressive growth and successful opera- . tion, and this company desires to recognize in the fullest manner, the high busi¬ ness capacity which has brought about these extraordinary results.

Firmin Nippert died in Terre Haute on Sunday morning, November 3, 1889. He never rallied from the attack of pneumonia with which he had been stricken on the preceding Tuesday. At the time of his death he had but one brother living, Mr. August Nippert, of California, but there are several heirs of his deceased brothers and sisters. It was a great surprise to his friends that he made no will, as it was clearly his intention to do so. He left a large estate with no direct heirs. Thus ended the life of one of the most prominent business men and valuable citizens of Terre Haute. He was the intimate and special friend as well as the confidant of Chauncey Hose, and was his trusted representative in the distribu¬ tion of his great benefactions. He was president of the board of managers of the Rose Polytechnic Institute. Immediately after his death the board met and passed a series of resolutions expres¬ sive of the sentiment of the entire community, as follows:

This board has lost a valuable coadjutor; the cause of education a liberal, but unpretending friend; and this community a public-spirited and upright citizen. Therefore it is proper that we put upon record our sincere regret for the loss we have sustained, our appreciation of his services in the management of the trust in which he took such a lively interest, and our acknowledgment of his uniform courtesy and deference to the opinion of his associates - the unfailing mark of a true gentleman.

The board of directors of the Iron and Nail Works held a meet¬ ing, and among other things, said: " For a number of years he was the efficient president who brought success and character to this company, by his untiring energy and unblemished integrity. A good citizen - with a tender heart and open hand - his work ex¬ tended to the whole community. This board sincerely deplores his death." Mr. Nippert occupied many other positions of trust and responsibility with characteristic energy, ability and fidelity. He was president of the Rose Dispensary, president of the Terre Haute Gas Light Company, Director of the National State Bank; director of the Terre Haute & Indianapolis Railroad, and had much to do with the administration of many important public and private trusts. The Fort Harrison Club adopted the following resolutions:

Mr. Nippert was a citizen of Terre Haute for more than forty years. He was all the time engaged in business, and through all his career his integrity was never even the subject of discussion. In the death of Firmin Nippert, Terre Haute has lost a valuable citizen, and this club one of its urbane and generous members. We mourn his loss as citizens and as members of this club.

The earthly record of Firmin Nippert closed forever, without one spot or stain to mar its fair page. In every relation of life, he was a just and true man. He was faithful and conscientious in the discharge of every duty. His aims were just and his methods honorable. He had business transactions with thousands of people, which, in the aggregate, amounted to vast sums of money, but no one ever impeached the honor or questioned the integrity of Eirmin Nippert. An ill-gathered dollar never soiled the palm of his hand. He was kind, gentle and modest, and " had a tear for pity and a hand open as day for melting charity." He was unostentatious but liberal in his benefactions, and paid generous tribute to every charitable enterprise. He was the friend of the friendless and the unfortu¬ nate, and "sent no one empty away." His employes and assistants honored, loved and revered him, and not one of them ever claimed to have been wronged or neglected by Mr. Nippert. Such a wellrounded character furnishes a noble example for imitation and emulation.

E. W. NOEL, with C. Schmidt & Co., No. 651 Wabash avenue, Terre Haute, is a native of Mount Vernon, Ind., born March 19, 1853. His parents were W. J. L. and Harriet (Nettleton) Noel, natives of Indiana. Mr. Noel's grandparents were pioneer settlers of Posey county, Ind. His grandfather was born in Pennsylvania, June 16, 1792, and died in Mount Vernon at the age of ninety-five. He served as fifer in the War of- 1812. Mr. Noel's grandmother, whose maiden name was Johnson, was born in Ireland, June 24, 1792, and died at the age of eiglity-eiglit years. His father is a retired merchant, a resident of Mount Vernon. His mother died in 1876. Mr. Noel is the youngest of two children that grew to matu¬ rity, two having died in infancy. He received a public-school edu¬ cation in Mount Vernon, then clerked in his father's dry-goods store until he grew to manhood, when he engaged in the music business, which he followed in his native home for about six years. He came to Terre Haute in the spring of 1890 with C. Schmidt & Co., and they opened their music store, May 1, 1890, where they handle a full line of musical merchandise. In pianos they handle the George Steck, William Knabe, Behning and Wheelock; in organs, Neuman Bros., Wilcox and the White. Mr. Noel was married in Mount Vernon,. June 8, 1883, to Miss Ida B., daughter of George Bismer, of Mound City, Ill., a native of Germany. She is the fifth in a family of eight children, born in Mound City in 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Noel have one daughter, Harriet E. Mr. Noel is a member of the K. of P., No. 125, and is also a member of the A. O. U. W., at Mount \ernon, No. 81. In politics he is a Bepublican.

EDWIN O'BOYLE. Among the enterprising business men of Terre Haute, we make mention of this gentleman. He was born August 5, 1854, in Terre Haute, Ind., and although a young man has seen many cfianges in the city. He is a son of J. H. O'Boyle, a native of Winchester county, Va., who settled in Terre Haute in 1850, where he died in 1882. He was a leather dealer and a prom¬ inent business man. Edwin, who is the eldest in a family of six children, prepared for college in the Terre Haute schools, then en¬ tered the Wabash College, and took a full classical course. He was first a salesman in his father's wholesale leather store, and then took an interest in the business, which after his father's death he carried on alone for a time. He is now out of the leather business and is a partner in the pants manufacturing business of Terre Haute. In his political preferments he is a Democrat.

JACOB W. OGLE, M. D., Prairieton township, P. O. Prairie - ton, was born in Butler county, Ohio, February 10, 1823, a son of Jacob and Sarah (Beatty) Ogle, natives of Dauphin county, Penn., former of whom was of English and German descent, and latter of Irish. The father was a tailor by trade, and was engaged in mercan¬ tile business for some time, but during the latter part of his life he followed farming. They moved to Butler county, Ohio, in 1813, and remained there until 1839 when they moved to this county. The father was born October 9, 1791, and died June 28, 186/. The mother was born December 28, 1790, and died October 3, 1871. The grandfather of our subject was William, the great¬ grandfather was John, and the great-great-grandfather, surnamed " John, the Emigrant," came with Lord Baltimore from England, and had grants of land. Jacob and Sarah Ogle had a family of eight children, of whom Jacob W. is the fourth. He was married December 2, 1851, to Eliza J. Ferguson, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Lee) Ferguson, natives of Butler county, Ohio, and pio¬ neer settlers of this county, her father being a farmer. He was of Scotch descent, and the mother of English. They had a family of eight children who grew to maturity, of whom Eliza J. was the youngest, born June 28, 1826. Dr. and Mrs. Ogle had born to them a family of six children, viz. : Mary M., deceased wife of Lamise White ; Sarah E., wife of B. R. White ; J. B., deceased; Fred H. L., who married Agnes Ball; Blanche, wife of William Farmer, and Frank F. The Doctor received his early education in the common schools of Butler county, Ohio; then attended the Miamoma Uni¬ versity at Oxford, Ohio, and graduated there in 1845. He worked for a short time on the farm, and then in 1846 began the study of medi¬ cine under his brother-in-law, remaining with him about three years. He next attended lectures at the Ohio Medical College during the winters of 1848 - 49. The Doctor went to California in the spring of 1849, and engaged in the practice of medicine, and also mined, until 1851. He then came back to this county, and turned his at¬ tention to farming, but was burned out in the second year. In 1863 he attended Rush Medical College, in Chicago, Ill., and grad¬ uated there; then practiced medicine in Prairieton two years, when he moved in 1865 on the farm where he now resides. He owns three well-cultivated farms of 400 acres. Mrs. Ogle died July 1, 1884, a consistent member of the Baptist Church. The Doctor is a Democrat, and has served two terms as township assessor. He has in his possession a small box made of copper and brass that has been in the family since some time before the Revolution; it was captured from the Indians, and the record that his grandfather left was that William Penn gave it to the Indians.

CHARLES ORTH, farmer and stock-grower, Otter Creek town¬ ship, P. O. Edwards, was born in Otter Creek township, Vigo Co., Ind., December 30, 1858, and is the son of Lewis and Catherine Orth. His father was a farmer during his lifetime, and came to Vigo county among the earliest settlers of Otter Creek, where he spent the remaining portion of his life, and died in 1877. His family consisted of thirteen children, of whom eleven are living, Charles being next to the youngest. He was reared on the farm, receiving his education in the district schools, and has been suc¬ cessful in his chosen vocation. He is the owner of a well-improved farm of 154 acres, where he now resides. He was married Febru¬ ary 27, 1884, to Miss Mary, daughter of Harrison and Luna L. Denny, natives of France, but who spent many years of their lives in this county. The mother was born in New York, tbe father in Otter Creek township, Vigo Co., Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Orth have two children: Herbert and Carrie. In politics he is a Democrat.

JACOB ORTH, farmer and stock-grower, Otter Creek town¬ ship, P. O. Edwards, was born in Warren county, Ohio, near Leb¬ anon, May 1, 1842, and is a son of Lewis and Catherine Orth, natives of Germany, who came from that country to America, locating in Pennsylvania, and in 1832 removed to Ohio, thence came to Indiana, in 1856, and settled near Terre Haute, where he carried on farming; he died in Otter Creek township in 1877. Jacob, who is next to the eldest in a family of thirteen children, received his schooling in his native county, but for tbe most part was reared in Otter Creek township, this county. He chose farm¬ ing as a business, and has followed that all his life, having made his own way in the world, and is now the owner of 100 acres of well-improved land, where he resides in Otter Creek township. He was married September 4, 1872, to Miss Lucy E., daughter of Thomas Witliam, and born in this county, of English descent. This union has been blessed with three children: Frank Lewis, Frederick J. and Charles W. In politics Mr. Orth is a Democrat, and has served as justice of the peace; has also been school director, and takes an active interest in the cause of education. He is a Master Mason, a member of lodge at Terre Haute.

GEORGE C. OVERPECK, farmer and stock-grower, Otter Creek township, P. O. Terre Haute, was born in Preble county, Ohio, November 12, 1859, and is a son of J. W. and Sarah Jane (Randolph) Overpeck, natives of Ohio and of English and German descent. In early life the father was a carpenter and contractor, but later he followed farming. He came to this county in 1868, and settled on a farm in Otter Creek township, where he spent the remainder of his life, dying in 1887. His children are George C., Mack and Frederick, all energetic and industrious, and doing well. Mack owns the farm adjoining George's land, is married and has one son, Carl Clifton. George C. was reared on the farm, attending the common schools in the township, and, following in the footsteps of his ancestors, became a farmer. He owns a well-improved farm of seventy acres, on which he resides. Mr. Overpeck was married in this county, October 20, 1886, to Miss Mattie, daughter of E. A. Phillips, a farmer of Harrison township. She is of Irish and English descent. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Overpeck has been blessed with one child, Helen. In politics our subject is a Democrat.

F. M. OWEN, blacksmith, Terre Haute, is a native of Lawrence county, Ind., born August 1, 1840, a son of M. D. H. and Anna (Gainey) Owen, natives of Indiana, who moved to Greene county, in 1856. The father was a blacksmith, and died in the last named county in 1859, at the age of fifty years; the mother died in 1872, at the age of sixty years. F. M. Owen, who is the fourth in a family of seven children who grew to maturity, received a com¬ mon-school education, and learned the blacksmith's trade writli his father. He started a shop at Island Grove, Greene county, and worked there until the breaking out of the Civil Avar. July 6, 1861, he enlisted in the Twenty-first Ind. V. I. as musician, and was mustered out September 11, 1862, at Camp Carlton, New Orleans, La. In April, 1864, he re-enlistecl in the Twenty-fourth Ind. V. I., again as musician, and Avas mustered out at Galveston, Tex., in November, 1865. Returning to Greene county he worked at his trade until 1871, Avlien he moved to Bloomfield, Ind., where he remained until 1875, Avlien he removed to Terre Haute, and has here since followed his trade. Mr. Owen was married in Greene county, Ind., April 30, 1868, to Miss Nancy McClung, daughter of James and Martha (Skurlock) McClung, natives of Ohio. Mrs. Owen is the eldest in a family of five children, and Avas born in Jackson county, Ohio, September 13, 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Owen had born to them seven children, viz.: Alex. T. (deceased); William H., Francis M. (deceased); Fred; Rollie, deceased; Ray and Oscar. The parents are both members of the First Baptist Church. Mr. Owen is a Re¬ publican in politics.

J. A. PARKER, iron manufacturer, Terre Haute. In the ranks of the successful business men who have accumulated a handsome fortune by their own energies and industry stands this gentleman. Mr. Parker was born in Kennebec county, Me., March 20, 1830, and is the eldest son of Jacob R. and Louise R. (Robinson) Parker, natives of Maine, and of Scotch-Irish and English descent. The father, who had been a hotel keeper, died in Kennebec county, Me., in 1879. His family consisted of six sous and six daughters, eleven of whom grew to their majority. Our subject received his education in his native county, where he remained until he reached his legal age, when he went to Boston, and learned his trade in the locomo¬ tive works. Having served his full time as an apprentice, he was employed on the railroad in Maine as a locomotive engineer. In 1851 he came West, and followed railroading two years, with head¬ quarters at Terre Haute. In 1852 he accepted a position as master mechanic at Greenville, Ohio, in the employ of the Greenville & Miami Railroad Company, where he remained three years. He then went to York, Ill., and was engaged in the lumber business for the following three years; then moved to Hudsonville, Ill., and con¬ tinued the lumber trade, in connection with which he estab¬ lished a planing-mill. Subsequently he purchased a farm of 600 acres, which he now owns, and which has every modern improve¬ ment; in this and the fine thoroughbred animals (for he gives much attention to the raising of fine stock) he takes great interest. In 1871 he bought the Eagle Iron Works, Terre Haute, becoming the successor of W. J. Ball & Co. His long experience, skill and train¬ ing in the mechanical arts have eminently qualified him to become a successful iron master. He operated the mills until 1890, em¬ ploying from forty to fifty men. He is ably assisted by his two sons, George W. and Thacker A., young men of industry and ability, who are forging their way to the front ranks of active and prominent young business men. Mr. Parker was united in marriage, in Maine, to Miss Elizabeth Wentworth, a granddaughter of Ex- Gov. Wentworth, and this union has been blessed with five chil¬ dren, viz.: Gertrude, wife of R. Geddes; Mary J., wife of John C. Warren, county clerk of Vigo; George W. and Thacker A., who are with their father in business; and Beth. Mr. and Mrs. Parker are members of the Baptist Church, of which he is trustee, and of the Sabbath-school, of which he has been superintendent. He is a Sir Knight Templar, in politics a Republican.

G. R. PARSONS, general superintendent of the Coleman Heading Factory, Terre Haute, is a native of Delaware county, Ind., born June 11, 1846, and is a son. of George and Martha (Shidder) Parsons, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, and of En- glish and Scotch descent, respectively. The family came west in 1832, and made their settlement in Delaware county. The father was a blacksmith in early manhood, but became a prominent Indi¬ ana farmer, improving a fine farm of a half section, a large portion of it being in the rich and fertile bottom lands; he died at his farm home in 1858. The family of children were seven boys, of whom G. B. is the third in order of birth. He grew to his majority in the family home, going to the neighborhood schools, and assisting at the farm work after the fashion of the average farm boy, who is taught at home as thorough lessons in industry and frugality as in the books at school. When sufficiently advanced, he became a pu¬ pil in the high school, and mastered well the rudiments of a sound English education.* His earliest launch in the wide world on his own behalf was to volunteer in the cause of his country, and go to war when but little over fifteen years of age - enlisting in Company E, Nineteenth Ind. Y. I. ; then re-enlisting at the end of this term of service, he remained in the army during the whole of those dark and bloody days, participating in many of the most sanguinary bat¬ tles of the war. He was at the second Bull Bun, Antietam, Gettys¬ burg and many others, and was mustered out of the service Sep¬ tember 14, 1865. It is enough to indicate the nature of his service to say that he was a member of the "Iron Brigade," and was pres¬ ent at the charge of the bridge that ended the battle of Antietam.

G. B. Parsons and Catherine Kiger were united in wedlock in Delaware county, Ind., in 1868; she is a daughter of WTilliam Kiger, of Irish and German descent, and of this union are the fol¬ lowing named children: Martha J., William D., Mabel A. and Joseph M. When Mr. Parsons left the army he returned to his old home in Delaware county. During the past seventeen years he has been superintendent of the different Coleman heading factories, of which there are plants in Indianapolis, Yreederburg, Paris (Ill.) and Terre Haute, the latter of which is now (September, 1890,) in rapid course of completion. He has worked his way up the rounds of the ladder, a fine type and specimen of the American powers of adaptation - a good soldier while there is war, and a leading man in one of our most important industries when peace broods over the land. In political matters he affiliates with the Bepublican party. He is past commander of Major Anderson Post, No. 369, G. A. B., at Indianapolis; is a Master Mason, a member of the I. O. O. F., K. of P. and of the Christian Church, of which he and his wife are exemplary and valuable coefficients. Having a general superin¬ tendence of the system of factories, it is his intention to make Terre Haute his headquarters and permanent home, and the family will be a pleasant acquisition to the city's society.

T. J. PATTON is extensively engaged in the butcher business, and is the owner and proprietor of a large meat market in Terre Haute. He was born in Brown county, Ohio, September 15, 1845, and is a son of Samuel and Sarah (Sandsburry) Patton, former a native of Ohio, latter of Virginia, and who were of Scotcli-Irish and Dutch descent. The father, who was a trader, was a member of the Seventh Indiana Light Artillery, and was killed at the battle of Murfreesboro. Our subject, who is the third in a family of six children, was reared in Brown county, Ohio, where he attended the common schools. In 1858 he came to Terre Haute, and followed farming until 1866, when he engaged in the meat business, which he has followed since with more than average success. He was married, in 1870, to Miss Emma, daughter of John Vest, and a relative of Senator Vest, of Missouri. This union has been blessed with four children: Ada, Frederick, Grace and Samuel. Mrs. Patton is a member of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Patton is a member of the Masonic fraternity; also of the I. O. O. F. He enlisted, in 1864, in the One Hundred and Thirty-third Ind. V. I., Company E, and became a non-commissioned officer. His success in life is entirely due to his own energy and perseverance.

JOSEPH PECK, farmer and stock-grower, P. O. Terre Haute. This gentleman is a retired farmer, residing in Section 2, Harrison township, where he owns fifty acres of excellent land, having also twenty acres in Section 11. He is a native of Yorkshire, England, and was born April 11, 1821, a son of Simeon and Jane (Rutledge) Peck, both natives of England and of English descent. They came to America in 1834, and settled on the farm. The father died in Illinois, in» 1870, and the mother in this county, in 1847. They were the parents of five children, two of whom are living: Richard, in Christian county, Ill., and Joseph. Our subject was reared on a farm, receiving but little early education. He was married in Vigo county, Ind., in 1842, to Miss Emily, daughter of Solomon Allen, and born in West Virginia in 1819. They had two children: William Harvey, born December 23, 1851, died July 5, 1852, and Simon Allen, born November 13, 1853, who was married to Martha Strong, a native of Parke county, Ind., and they are the parents of three children: Walter R., Bertha and Emily. Simon A. owns twenty acres of land in Section 10. Joseph Peck is a self-made man, starting in life poor, but by hard labor and good habits he has accumulated a nice property. He is highly respected in the neigh¬ borhood of where he resides. He is a modest and unassuming man, and has never sought or held any office.

25, Harrison township, where he has fifty-eight acres of excellent farm land, with a comfortable residence and good outbuildings. He is a native of Guilford county, N. C., and was born June 22, 1821, a son of Wiley and Phira (Merideth) Pegg, who were mar¬ ried in North Carolina and there died - the mother when Alfred B. was two weeks old, and the father when he was six years old. Our subject was reared on a farm and has followed that vocation, except during the time he worked at the cooper's trade. He came to Indiana in 1831 with his uncle, Nathan Merideth, and to Yigo county in 1837. He was married in this county, in 1842, to Eva A. Brown, a native of Ohio. They have no children. Mr. Pegg is a Republi¬ can, and has held the office of county commissioner eighteen months. He was real-estate appraiser four years, also trustee of Lost Creek township, this county. The family belong to the Meth¬ odist Episcopal Church.

WILLIAM A. PEKER, of the firm of Peker Bros., dealers in staple and fancy groceries, Terre Haute, was born in Bismarck, Germany, August 27, 1848, and is the second in the family of four children, of Carl and Louisa (Schmidt) Peker. Our subject was married in Terre Haute, Ind., April 17, 1877, to Rosa, daughter of Frank F. and Ida (Nonnenbruch) Schmidt, natives of Germany. Mrs. Peker is the eldest in a family of four children, and was born in Terre Haute, August 30, 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Peker have three children: Eda, Carl and Ottelia. Mr. Peker first learned the blacksmith's trade in the Vandalia Railroad shops, and followed same six years; then clerked in a queensware store for three years, and was afterward engaged in the coal-oil business for ten years, and then embarked in the grocery business where he is-located at the present time, and where the firm have an extensive and grow¬ ing trade. In politics Mr. Peker is a Democrat.

FRANK F. PEKER, township trustee, Terre Haute, was born in Bismarck, Germany, and is the youngest in the family of four chil¬ dren of Carl and Louisa (Schmidt) Peker. He was married Oc¬ tober 27, 1881, in Terre Haute, to Matilda, daughter of Jacob Seitz, and who died September 12, 1886. Mr. Peker came from Germany to Clark county, Ill., when he was five years old, and re¬ mained there until 1866, when he moved to Terre Haute. He re¬ ceived his education in the schools of that city, and clerked in a grocery store for a short time; also worked as hostler for Judge Mack, about seven months ; was in the picture-frame business, nine months, and was with H. G. Richardson in the queensware trade, three years. He then engaged in the coal-oil business, which he followed for seven years,* from 1874 to 1881; was in the saloon busi¬ ness from 1881 to 188/, and, selling out, he embarked, in company with his brother, in the grocery business in 1888, but sold his in¬ terest in same year, having been elected township trustee. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Humbolt Lodge, No. 42, also of the K. of P., Oriole Lodge, No. 81; the Knights of Honor; the Red Men and of the Occidental Literary Club, in which latter he has held all the offices. He is a member of the Terre Haute Liquor Dealers Association, and of the Nest of Order of Owls; in politics he is a Democrat.

ALLEN PENCE, M. D., Terre Haute, was born September 8, 1819, near Urbana, Champaign Co., Ohio, the second in a family of three children of Joseph and Sarah (Rector) Pence, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, and of German and English descent, re¬ spectively. The family were agriculturists, and here Allen grew to manhood, giving the schools of the neighborhood about the usual attendance of a farmer's boy. He was studious and apt, and used the out-of-scliool hours to such advantage that at the age of sixteen he was considered qualified to teach, and accordingly he opened a school in Logan county, Ill. When eighteen years old he com¬ menced a course of reading medicine, and completed his reading when aged twenty-one. He taught school but a short time, then read medicine in Springfield, Ill., in 1837, and in 1844 he came to Terre Haute, where he opened his office for the practice of medi¬ cine, patriotically on the 4th of July, and is now the oldest practic¬ ing physician in the city. In May, 1852, he laid in a small stock of drugs, and his new enterprise began to thrive, this stock being increased little by little as the wants of the trade demanded, and he has in his employ at all times two or three practical drug clerks. His business is located at the southwest corner of Second and Ohio streets, in what is known as Pence's Hall, a three-story brick struct¬ ure. Pence's Hall or the third story, is 44x75 feet in size. In the rear of the main building is a three-story brick structure 25x65 feet, the first floor of which is devoted to office purposes. Dr. Pence was elected alderman by the Democrats in 1858 and by the Republicans in 1862; also held the office of city commissioner in 1872. Dr. Pence opened his first office in Danville, Ill., and from there came to Terre Haute. He has been twice married, and his present companion was Louise Weinhardt. She is one of the prom¬ inent and active workers of the Ladies' Aid Society.

WILLIAM G. PENNINGTON, farmer and stock-grower, Fay¬ ette township, P. O. Sandford, was born in Vigo county, Ind., Jan¬ uary 8, 1836, and is a son of Henry and Hannah (Gannon)"Pennington, former born in North Carolina of English descent, latter in Kentucky, of Irish. The father died in 1888; the mother still sur¬ vives. The father was a successful farmer, owner of a considerable estate at the time of his death. He was an industrious man, and made his own unaided way in the world. The maternal grandfather, William Gannon, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and a pensioner, died in 1845. William G. is the eldest in a family of eight children, all of whom survive, and, as is often the case, he was the "first boy " with his father while he was working to accumulate his possess¬ ions, doing his share of the labor on the farm from the time he was quite young, and before he was full grown he generally worked as a full farm hand. He has literally followed in the footsteps of his father, and naturally has chosen farming as a business; he has met with more than average success, and has a farm of 800 acres.. He at¬ tended the district school, and also the high school of Terre Haute. Mr. Pennington was married in 1860 to Miss Martha Wiles, of German origin, daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Ray) Wiles, former having been a farmer during his life. Mr. and Mrs. Penn¬ ington have eight children : Joseph Henry, George, Mary, Emma, Eva, Olive, Rosa and Oka. Mr. Pennington is among the oldest men now living who were born in Vigo county - an honest, indus¬ trious and highly respected citizen. His father, by his will, gave all his property to a younger brother, and William G. had from the start to rely upon himself, alone.

J. B. PENNINGTON, farmer and stock-grower, Fayette town¬ ship, P. O. Sandford, was born in Edgar county, Ill., March 3, 1842, and is a son of Henry and Hannah (Gannon) Pennington, former of English latter of Irish descent. The mother is still liv¬ ing. The father, who was a successful farmer, died in 1888. The mother, who is the daughter of a Revolutionary soldier, is now in her seventy-ninth year. They reared a family of seven children, Jabel B. being the fifth in order of birth of those now living. He was reared on the farm, attending the district school of the neigh¬ borhood, and is now a successful agriculturist, the owner of a farm of 163 acres. He has been twice married, the first time, in 1872, to Laura, daughter of James Pickerel, and of German origin. She died in 1887 leaving four children viz.: Marion; Mary, deceased; Ella and Susan. Mr. Pennington's second wife was Miss Mattie, daughter of William Parker, and of German origin. Our subject has taken charge of his parents in the declining years of their lives. He has always been industrious and energetic, and as a con¬ sequence has been successful in his undertakings.

JOHN ALLEN PETERS, an old and prominent citizen of Piersoh township, was born in Henry county, Ky., August 7, 1825, and is a son of Joseph and Frances M. (Cheatham) Peters, former of whom was a son of John Peters, a native of England, and a farmer. Joseph Peters, who was a successful farmer, and in poli- tics a Democrat, died in Boone county, Ind., in August, 1870, when about seventy-two years of age; his widow would be eighty-six years of age in 1890. They were for many years members of the Baptist Church, she for seventy years or longer. They had six sons and five daughters, John Allen being the third in order of birth, and four sons and two daughters are still living, viz.: James M., John Allen, Joseph T., Wesley C., Martha C. and Dolly Ann. John Allen Peters spent his school days in Kentucky, and March 7, 1840, came with his parents to Boone county, Ind., where he remained on his father's farm until twenty-three years of age, when he located on the Miami Reserve; a year later he sold to good advantage, and went to Tipton county. After four years he sold and came to Vigo county, when Pierson township was sparsely settled, and the splendid farm of 240 acres which he now owns was timberland. By great industry and perseverance this has been cleared and improved. August 7, 1845, Mr. Peters mar¬ ried Elizabeth, daughter of George Johns, and born in Harrison county, Ind., in 1817, and died September 3, 1870; she had been a member of the New Light Church many years. She was the mother of seven children, four of whom are living: George W., trustee of the township [See his sketch.]; Joseph T., Jr.; Sarah F., wife of George W. Taylor, and John S. ; those dead are William H., Will¬ iam P. and Eliza A. In April, 1871, Mr. Peters married Eliza, daughter of Joseph Orr, and born in Switzerland county, Ind., No¬ vember 20, 1828. Mr. and Mrs. Peters and one son, Ira W., are members of the U. B. Church, of which he is a trustee. He is a member of the F. M. B. A., and is one of the influential leaders of the Democratic party in his township, always taking an active part in the councils of his party.

GEORGE W. PETERS, trustee of Pierson township, P. O. Lewis. The people of Pierson township are to be congratulated on having for their trustee one who so ably fills that position at the present time. Mr. Peters is a son of John Allen and Elizabeth (Johns) Peters, and was born in Tipton county, Ind., December 9, 1847. His parents came to Vigo county when he was a child, and here he grew to maturity, attending the district schools when there were any, and working on his father's farm during the farming sea¬ son. At the age of twenty years life was begun by him in earnest, and farming became his principal occupation ; for the next seven years land was rented, at the end of which time he purchased land, and he is now the owner of a Avell-improved farm near Centerville. In 1868 politics engaged a certain portion of his time, and he was then elected constable of the township, which office he filled in an acceptable manner, two years; again, in 1884, his friends saw fit to give him the same office. In 1888 he was elected trustee of the town¬ ship, and was re-elected in 1890, for a term of four years. June 27, 1867, Mr. Peters was married to Miss Malissa D., daughter of Jacob Taylor, and born in this county, January 19, 1848. She died May 20, 1879, a member of the Christian Church. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Peters was blessed with five children, four of whom are living, as follows: Flora C., wife of George Johnson; Elizabeth E., James

E. and Lou Eva, all at home; William T. died when about one year old. July 25, 1883, Mr. Peters married Elizabeth, daughter of William Alger, and born in Greene county, Ind., May 3, 1861, by which union there are three children: Grace, Herman A. and Arpie O. Mr. and Mrs. Peters are members of the Christian Church. He is clerk of Comet Lodge, No. 615, I. O. O. F., and has repre¬ sented it in the Grand Lodge of the State; is also a member of the

JOSEPH THOMAS PETERS, Pierson township, P. O. Pimen¬ to. Vigo county is one of the foremost in Indiana, and it owes this enviable position to the enterprise and industry of its inhabit¬ ants. One who has done much toward the upbuilding of the com¬ munity in which he lives is the gentleman whose name opens this brief sketch. He is a son of Joseph and Frances M. (Cheatham) Peters [See sketch of J. A. Peters. ], and was born in Henry county, Ky., June 28, 1838. He spent his school days in Boone county, Ind., grew to maturity on his father's farm, and at the age of twenty began farming and dealing in stock on his own account, In 1866 he removed to Pierson township, this county, where he now owns one of the best improved farms in the township. June 3, 1858, Mr. Peters was married to Miss Sarah A. Layton, a native of Howard county, Ind., daughter of Preston Layton, who was a native of Kentucky, and died in Kansas after living, for a time in Howard county, Ind. To Mr. and Mrs. Peters seven children have been born, as follows; Malisa, wife of J. L. Weeks; John W., a farmer of Pierson township; Malinda, wife of D. V. Weeks; Sarah E., wife of Henry W. Payne; Joseph P., at home; Clara E., wife of Ben Payne; and William T., at home. Mrs. Peters is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Peters was elected assessor of Pierson town¬ ship, in 1868, and gave good satisfaction in his official capacity. Like all the Peters family he advocates and votes the straight Dem¬ ocratic ticket. As a citizen he is highly respected by all who know him.

JAMES N. PHILLIPS, ex-county recorder, farmer and stockgrower, P. O. Terre Haute, was born in Terre Haute, Ind., May 14, 1839, and is the son of Aquilla and Matilda (Dudley) Phillips, na¬ tives of Maryland and of English descent. The father was a farmer all his life, coming from Maryland with his family in 1837, and settling in Terre Haute. He subsequently moved on a farm in Harrison township, where he died in 1875. James N. who is the third in a family of eight children, attended the district school and the college at Greencastle, Ind., and Asbury University. He chose farming as a business, and has been successful. He is the owner of western land, and deals in real estate in Kansas; is also engaged in the salt business, and is vice-president of the Crystal Salt Works at Hutchinson, Kas. He owns valuable real estate in Vigo county, his farm in Otter Creek township consisting of 175 acres of valua¬ ble land worth nearly $100 per acre; it is situated four miles north of Terre Haute, on the Lafayette gravel road. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served eight years as recorder of Vigo county. In 1862 he enlisted in the Seventy-first Ill. V. I., Company F. When the company was organized he was elected second lieutenant, in which capacity he served until his term expired. When he re¬ turned home he resumed farming:. He was married August 15, 1865, to Miss Julia E. Balding, daughter of Nathan Balding, and their family consists of seven children, viz. : Helen ; C. A. ; Bansom B. ; Frank; Edith; Linnie and Wallace. Mr. and Mrs. Phillips are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is trustee of the Rosedale Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a Master Ma¬ son. Mr. Phillips has many friends in Vigo county.

JAMES M. PICKENS, retired farmer, Biley, was born in Riley township, Vigo county, Ind., March 13, 1832, and is a son of James and Francis N. (Cowherd) Pickens, natives of Virginia and South Carolina, and of English descent, former of whom was born in 1787 in South Carolina, latter in 1791 in Virginia. They came to this county in 1829, and settled on a farm, or rather, in the wilderness, where they made a farm. The father died in 1840 and the mother in 1885, at the advanced age of ninety-five, having lived under all the Presidents from George Washington to Grover Cleve¬ land. Of their eight children seven are living, James M. being the fifth. He was reared on the farm, received his education in the common schools in Riley township, and then followed farming until 1885, having made his own way in the world, since when he has resided in Riley. He still owns his farm consisting of 130 acres of well-improved land. Mr. Pickens was married in Riley township, in 1862, to Miss Eliza Arnold, who died in 1863. His present wife Mrs. Williams, who has two children by her first husband, viz. : Jane, wife of James F. Pierce (they have two children, Zella May and Eva), and Josephine, wife of Phelix Roll (they have one child, Bert). Mrs. Pickens is the daughter of James and Eliza (Hartley) Pringle, who were of German and Irish descent, and she wTas born June 27, 1832. Mr. and Mrs. Pickens *are members of the Chris- tian Church, and he is a Master Mason. In 1864 he enlisted in the Fifty-seventh Ind. Y. I., Company E, and was in several battles, serving until the close of the war. Mr. and Mrs. Pickens have an adopted son, Fred Lee, who is now in the high school.

MOSES PIERSON, of the firm of Pierson & Brother, dealers in lumber, lath and shingles, No. 212 South Nine-and-a-half street, Terre Haute, is a native of Vigo county, and was born in 1842. His father, Moses Pierson, was born in Kentucky, and emigrated from his native State to Yigo county about 1825, where he entered land and commenced to improve it. In time he became one of Yigo county's most extensive farmers. In early days he engaged in the New Orleans trade - loading many boats with Wa¬ bash products for New Orleans, and buying in return sugar, molas¬ ses, rice and foreign goods. He died in 1845 at New Orleans, while there on business. He left a valuable estate which he had accumulated by his own efforts. He was a pioneer and prominent citizen of this county, Pierson township being named in honor of him. His father, Isaac Pierson, also a native of Kentucky, came to Yigo county several years subsequent to his son Moses. Moses Pierson was married in this county to Miss Mary Liston, who was born in Ohio, and died in Yigo county in 1888. She was the mother of five sons and seven daughters, of whom three of the former and four of the latter are living. Our subject, who is the eleventh child, was reared and educated in Yigo county. In his twentieth year he enlisted in Company C, Eighty-fifth Regiment, Ind. Y. I., and went to the war, participating in all the battles of the Atlanta campaign, only receiving a slight wound. In March, 1863, he was captured at Spring Hill, Tenn., and taken to Libby prison, where he was confined thirty days. He was discharged from the army June 14, 1865, being then corporal, having been promoted. Soon after he was discharged he returned to Yigo county, where he remained until 1867, when he went to Owen county, Ind., where he engaged in general merchandising until 1882, when he returned to Terre Haute, and in 1884 formed a part¬ nership with his brother in their present business. The trade of this firm amounts to $75,000 annually. They are both enterprising and successful business men. The premises occupied for the busi¬ ness cover about three acres, and the firm sell both wholesale and retail.

Mr. Pierson was married in Monroe county, Ind., in 1874, to Miss Laura McNutt, a native of Tennessee, and they are blessed with three children: Mary, Charley and Frank. Mr. Pierson is a member of the G. A. R. He and his wife are members of the Bap¬ tist Church. He cast his first presidential vote for Seymour.

SAMUEL PIETY, P. O. Prairie Creek, a minister and evan¬ gelist of the Christian Church, resides on a nicely improved farm at Middletown, Prairie Creek township, the home of his birth, which occurred March 6, 1853. His parents, James D. and Laurinda (Thomas) Piety, Were early settlers of this county. James D. Piety was born in Hardin county, Ky., in 1796, and died in April, 1875, on the farm where Samuel now resides, and which the latter's father purchased in 1826. He was a successful farmer and enter¬ prising citizen, also a prominent member of the Christian Church. His father, Thomas Piety, who died in Knox county, Ind., was of English and Irish descent. Samuel's mother, who was of Welsh descent, was born in Yigo county in 1814, where she died in 1877. She was Mr. Piety's second wife, by which marriage three sons and six daughters were born, of whom two sons and four daughters are living, Samuel being the eighth child. When a boy our subject attended the common schools, subsequently the State University at Champaign, Ill., and Butler University of Indiana. Mr. Piety was married April 8, 1875, to Miss Mary R. De Baun, a native of this county, born in 1857, and they are blessed with three children, viz. : Marcus D., Edith B. and John H. Mr. Piety has been in the ministry since 1879, traveling in several different States as an evangelist. He is an active member of the Masonic fraternity. He was formerly a Republican, casting his first vote for R. B. Hayes, but is now a Prohibitionist. Mrs. Piety is a member of the Christian Church.

WILLIAM T. PITTENGER, farmer and stock-grower, Fay¬ ette township, P. O. New Goshen, is among the oldest settlers in his township. He was born in Ross county, Ohio, April 22, 1824, and is a son of James W. and Elizabeth (Browning) Pittenger, natives of Maryland, and of Scotch, German and English descent. The father, who was a farmer, located in Yigo county, in December, 1827, settling in what is now Otter Creek township, and died in 1834. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is the eldest of four children, and was reared on the farm, attending the oldfashioned log school-house in Yigo county. He worked out to get his start, has made his own way in the world, and is now the owner of 280 acres of valuable land where he resides. He was married in Yermillion county, Ind., to Miss Harriet M., daughter of Daniel and Eunice (Cole) McColough who were of Scotch descent, her father being a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Pittenger's children now living are H. M., and Lora, wife of Harry Morgan. Mr. and Mrs. Pittenger are members of the Baptist Church. In politics he is a Republican, has served as trustee of and justice of the peace in Payette township, and is a member of the I. O. O. P. Squire Pit¬ tenger has the respect and best wishes of all who know him.

H. M. PITTENGER, farmer ancl stock-grower, Fayette township, P. O. New Goslien, was born in that township, October 13, 1858, and is the eldest in the family of three children (of whom two are now living) of W. T. and Harriet (McColough) Pittenger. He was reared in the township where he was born, receiving a commonschool education, also attending the college at Danville, Ill., and the Commercial College at Terre Haute. He has been success¬ ful, financially, and has followed farming as a business. His wellimproved farm in Fayette township, where he now resides, consists of eiglity-two acres of valuable land. Mr. Pittenger was united in marriage, in 1880, with Miss Glen Dora, daughter of William and Charlotte Robinson, and of English descent, and the children born to our subject and wife are Inez and Hazel. Mrs. Pittenger is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Pittenger is a Republican in politics, and a member of the Grand Lodge of the I. O. O. F.

HARYEY M. POUND, artist, Terre Haute, is a native of Spencer county, Ky., and was born November 28, 1831, a son of David and Massie (Sparks) Pound, natives of Kentucky, former of whom was of English and German and latter of English and Irish descent. They moved to this county in the spring of 1836. The father, who was a merchant and farmer, was born in 1800, and died August 29, 1880. Mrs. Pound was born August 1, 1807, and died September 15, 1887. Rev. Samuel K. Sparks, grandfather of our subject, organized the first Baptist Church in Terre Haute, and others in the county. Harvey M., who is the third in a family of eight children, received a common-school education in Terre Haute. In 1855 he went to California, where he followed mining, seven years, then returned to Terre Haute in the winter of 1862, and learned the photographer's art. He next went to Vincennes, Ind., and opened rooms, remaining eighteen months, when he returned to Terre Haute, and conducted a similar business ten years. He then turned his attention to portrait painting and crayon work, also doing some photographing. Mr. Pound was married in Terre Haute, October 30, 1865, to Elizabeth, daughter of Moses and Re¬ becca (Kester) Carr, natives of Kentucky, and early settlers of this county. Moses Carr was born July 11. 1796, and died in Clark county, II]., December 14, 1849; Mrs. Carr was born December 13, 1794, and died in same county, September 6, 1844. Mrs. Pound is the seventh in a family of eight children, and was born in this county January 25, 1835. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Pound has been blessed with one daughter, Lenora. Mrs. Pound and her daughter are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Pound is a member of the A. O. U. W. ; in politics he is a Republican.

IRVING PRESTON, of the firm of Preston & Harris, Terre Haute, was born at Richfield -Springs, N. Y., July 21, 1837, and is a son of Volney and Martha (Johnston) Preston, natives of New Jersey, who died in New York. Irving, who is the younger of two children, received his education in the public schools of Richfield Springs, N. Y. In 1852 he wmnt to Waupun, Wis., and clerked in a general store until 1861, when he engaged in the drug and gro¬ cery trade, in which, by good financiering and close application to business, he made a success. He sold out his store in 1874, and, coming to Vigo county, he here embarked in the farming and dairy¬ ing business, and has continued in the same since. Mr. Preston was married in Waupun, Wis., August 21, 1863, to Carolina E., daughter of Jacob Jackson, who was a prominent and wealthy farmer of this county. Her mother's maiden name was Mary Donnelly ; they were natives of Tennessee, and died in this county. Mrs. Preston is the third in a family of eight children, and was born in Terre Haute, May 10, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Preston have had born to them four children: Gertrude, wife of Herman Hulman, Jr.; Mary, Carrie and Irving. Mrs. Preston is a member of the Congrega¬ tional Church.

BARNETT PRICE, retired farmer and stock-grower, Riley township, was born in Franklin county, Ind., in August, 1823, and is a son of John and Leanore (Chapman) Price, natives of Delaware and of English descent. The father was a farmer, and came from Franklin county to Vigo in 1835. He was three times married, Barnett being the third son by the second wife, having four broth¬ ers and three sisters. Our subject was reared on the farm in Frank¬ lin county, Ind., attending the common schools, and became a farmer; has made his own way in the world, and has met with suc¬ cess. He has given each of his children a farm, and is the owner of the farm on which he resides, which contains 120 acres of wellimproved land. Mr. Price was married October 31, 1844, to Miss Lucinda Pickens, who was born in Orange county, Ind., in 1826, a daughter of James Pickens, and sister of James M. Pickens, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this volume, where also may be found a brief history of her parents, who were among the pioneer settlers of this county. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Price has been blessed with six children, four of whom are living, viz.: John L. (unmar¬ ried, Theodore, Amos C. and Francis H. ; one of the deceased is David C. All the sons are farmers, and own farms on which they reside. Mrs. Price is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Price has always attended closely to his business, and is generally at home; he has never traveled extensively, but what he lacks in that connection he has gained by reading. At one time he owned a half section of land. In politics he is a Democrat.

FRANK P. H. PROX, president and general manager of the Prox & Brinkman Manufacturing Company, successors to Frank Prox and the Phoenix Foundry & Machine Works. This gentle¬ man is a first-class mechanic, and is also a great inventor, having invented the best steam and hot-water heating appliances on the market. The foundry and machine works, of which he is the head, are among the largest institutions of the kind in the West, and have the best of appliances for prompt work that money can buy. The pipe department, in which the heating department is included is the largest institution in the West, and has many large contracts to mark its great success, which is due to the proper management of so skilful a man as Mr. Prox.

Mr. Prox was born in Papenburg, Province Hanover, Germany, May 18, 1840, and is the youngest son of Carl Prox. At an early age he learned the trade of coppersmith, and continued to work at his trade in Germany until he was twenty-seven years of age, when he came to the United States, where he worked in Cincinnati for some time. In 1869 he came to Terre Haute, where he took the position of superintendent of the McGregor distillery, then the property of Herman Hulrnan, which position he held for six years. The great increase of capacity of this house, while Mr. Prox had the management, again proved him to be a good mechanic and busi¬ ness manager. He left the employ of the distillery in order to go into business with Mr. D. W. Watson, under the name of Watson & Prox; they engaged in gasfitting, coppersmithing and plumbing. The firm of Watson & Prox was then dissolved after two years of successful business, Mr. Prox retiring and starting up his present business at No. 677 Main street. The great amount of business that Mr. Prox transacted soon made the quarters at this place too small, so he built his own place at Nos. 17 and 19 North Ninth street, where he continued to spread out until he occupied a full half block, Nos. 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, North Ninth street. The rapid growth of business continued until he was forced to look for other quarters, and he then formed partnership again, under the firm name of Prox & Brinkman Manufacturing Co., who now occupy a solid block on North Ninth street, from Nos. 201 to 235, inclusive. This change of business was made on January 27, 1890, and the firm have been enjoying the best of success. Mr. Prox was mar¬ ried at Cincinnati October 6, 1868, to Miss Agnes Middendorff, also a native of Germany, but who moved to Cincinnati with her family when but a child. This union wras blessed with three chil¬ dren, viz.: Herman (the eldest), who is assistant general manager of the pipe department; Anton, who is serving his time in the heating and plumbing department, and Theodore, attending college.

The family belong to the Catholic Church, and Mr. Pros is vicepresident of the Catholic Benevolent Society, also a trustee of the German Catholic Church. Mr. Prox received his military training in Germany, where he served in the regular army. He is giving his children a good education so as to make them thoroughly prac¬ tical business men.

W. B. PUBCELL, dealer in boots and shoes, No. 623 Wabash avenue, Terre Haute, is a native of Vermillion, Edgar Co., Ill., and was born June 25, 1859. He is a son of Joseph and Margaret (Vermillion) Purcell, former a native of Tennessee, a farmer by occupation, and resident of Alton, Ill. Mrs. Purcell died in March, 1868, at the age of forty years. W. B. Purcell, who is the youngest in a family of seven children, left Vermillion when he was eleven years of age, and came to Terre Haute, received his education in the public schools, and graduated at the Commercial College. He clerked in a boot, shoe and queensware store, about five years, and then in a shoe store for D. C. Greiner, about three years. He then purchased Mr. Greiner's interest, and engaged in the boot and shoe business with Mr. Paddock as " Paddock & Purcell." They continued in business about two years and six months, when they sold out. Mr. 'Purcell then went on the road for a boot and shoe house, and traveled seven years ; then embarked in the boot and shoe business where he is now located. He has prospered, and built up a nice growing trade, having had to depend on his own resources.

Mr. Purcell was married in Morgansfield, Ky., February 28, 1888, to Mary C., daughter of John B. and Nancy A. (McCabe) Miller, natives of Clark county, Ill. Her father was engaged in the mercantile trade until about four years ago, since which time he has been farming near the city. Mrs. Purcell is the fourth in a family of five children that grew to their majority, and was born in Clark county, Ill., April 14, 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Purcell had born to them one daughter, Ethel M. In politics he is a Bepublican.

DAVID W. BANKIN, retired hotel-keeper, Terre Haute, was born in Centre county, Penn., August 8, 1810, and is a son of Jeremiah and Sarah (Whitehill) Bankin, who were of Scotch descent, the father born in Cumberland county, Penn. David W., who is the eldest in a family of eight children, was reared in Centre county, Penn., on the farm, and attended the public schools. When he was nineteen years of age he served a regular apprenticeship at the cabinet-maker's trade, and in 1834 he came to Terre Haute, being among the early settlers of this county, and carried on the cabinet¬ maker's trade some twenty years. He kept a hotel on Fourth Street for several years; then sold and built a hotel on Ninth Street, and was engaged in the business there nineteen years. He was success- ful in his undertakings, and is now living a retired life. Mr. Rankin was united in marriage, in 1836, with Miss Ann Mary, daughter of Caleb and Phoebe E. Crawford, and of Scotch-Irisli descent. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Rankin, and now liv¬ ing, are Sarah E., Morton C. and Oscar; Emeline is deceased. Mrs. Rankin died in 1888, in her seventy-sixth year.

MORTON C. RANKIN, lumber dealer, Terre Haute, was born in Terre Haute, Ind., October 10, 1840, and is a son of David W. Rankin. He was reared in Terre Haute, and attended the public schools. In 1862 he enlisted in the Seventy-first Ind. V. I., Companv B, was wounded four times, and also taken prisoner, and was discharged for disability in 1862. When he returned from the army he became engaged as a salesman in Terre Haute, and was thus em¬ ployed until 1872, since when he has been in the lumber business. He takes an active interest in politics; is a member of the G. A. R., and of the I. O. O. F. In 1864 he was united in marriage with Miss Angeline L. Layton, and they have two children: Mary Arnetta and Morton L.

W. R. RAY, Riley township. Among the prominent farmers and native-born citizens of Riley township, prominent mention is due to W. R. Ray, the present township trustee. He was born De¬ cember 25, 1835, and is a son of John W. and Rebecca (Crumb) Ray, former of whom is now in his eighty-seventh year. The father has lived to see Riley township change from a wild wilderness to its present form, having come to this county in 1818, and resided here continuously since. He now lives a retired life. W. R. Ray, who is the eldest son and next oldest in a family of eight children, was reared on the farm in Riley township, where he attended school un¬ til he was prepared to enter college, at Greencastle, Ind. After com¬ pleting his education, he engaged in farming, meeting with great success, and he is now the owner of a well-improved farm, comprising 320 acres in Riley township. Mr. Ray was married November 4, 1858, to Miss Hester A., daughter of Dr. H. D. and Harriet (Gor¬ don) Lee. Mr. and Mrs. Ray have had seven children, five of whom are living, as follows: John H., Miller S., Charles, Daisy and Anna. The parents are members of the Methodist Epis¬ copal Church, of which Mr. Ray is trustee, steward and superintend¬ ent of the Sabbath-scliool. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., also of the K. of P., and is a Master Mason. Politically he is a stanch Republican.

W. S. REA, of the wholesale grocery firm of Bement, Rea & Co., Terre Haute. This enterprising firm have completed and removed to their new business house on Wabash avenue, one of the handsomest houses in the city. W. S. Rea, the junior partner, is a native of the city, born November 22, 1838, and is a son of -John Rea, who was a native of Philadelphia and of Scotch descent. His father was a merchant and came to Terre Haute in 1835, where he spent the remaining portion of his life. He died in 1488. W. S. Rea, who is the eldest of four children, spent four years at Wabash Col¬ lege, and then engaged in farming and stock-dealing until 1870, when he engaged in merchandising in a retail way for three years. In 1875 he embarked in his present business. He was married in 1875 to Geraldine A. Knecht, of Illinois. Mrs. Rea is a member of the First Congregational Church.

ALBERT J. REED, farmer and stock-grower, Lost Creek town¬ ship, P. O. Seely ville, was born in Centre county, Penn., March 31, 1844, and is a son of John S. and Elizabeth (Hopper) Reed, na¬ tives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. The father was a farmer and stock-grower, and died in Pennsylvania in 1887. A. J. Reed was reared on a farm in Mifflin county, Penn., where he re¬ ceived a fair English education in the common schools, and early in life he commenced work on the Central Railroad, being in the em¬ ployment of the company nineteen years in various positions, when lie was promoted to conductor on train from Altoona to Harrisburg, which position he held for three years. In 1884 he came to Lost Creek township, and located on his farm where he yet resides, which con¬ sists of 120 acres of choice land. He enlisted August 15, 1862, in the One Hundred and Forty-ninth P. V. I., Company H. He partici¬ pated in many battles and skirmishes, among them Wilderness, Chancellorsville, Rappahannock, Antietam, Gettysburg and Spottsyl vania, where he was severely wounded by a gunshot which passed through his left lung. He was discharged March 19, 1865. Mr. Reed was married in Mifflin county, Penn., January 24, 1867, to Miss Anna C. daughter of Jacob and Maria (Hockeenbrought) Esterline, and is of German descent. They have two children: William and Charles. The family all take an interest in good reading. The sons are young men now, remarkably active and en¬ ergetic, and Mr. and Mrs. Reed are justly proud of them. They treat them as companions, and advise with them in all business af¬ fairs. This is a model family where love and happiness prevail. Mr. Reed is quartermaster of Leslie Post No. 410, G. A. R., and is also a member of the K. of P. In politics he is a Republican.

EDWARD REED, attorney at law, Terre Haute, was born at Lewistown, Mifflin Co., Penn., February 22, 1850, and is a son of John S. and Elizabeth (Harper) Reed, natives of Pennsylvania and of English and German descent. The father, who had been a wagon-maker, died in 1887, at the age of seventy-three years; the mother is still living at the old home in Pennsylvania. Edward, who is the seventh in a family of twelve children, spent his child¬ hood in Mifflin county, Penn., where he attended the common schools and Kischoquillas Seminary, and then the Northwestern University, where he pursued the regular course until he reached the junior class, when his financial circumstances necessitated his retirement, and he engaged in teaching two years. He then commenced the study of law, and, being admitted to the bar, at once entered into the practice, in which he has met with marked success. He is the owner of considerable real estate in Terre Haute, as well as a wellimproved farm near the city, which is well stocked. Mr. Reed has an enviable reputation for honesty and square dealing, and is now serving as executor for some very large estates. His law practice has been largely in the line of real estate, or in settling estates. Mr. Reed's eldest brother is a Methodist minister, and is now at Baltimore, Md. The family are rather inclined to be latitudinariau. Four of them have been teachers. '

S. T. REESE, lumber dealer, Terre Haute, is a descendant of one of the prominent early settlers of Vigo county, who migrated to this place before S. T. Reese was born, the date of his birth being February 22, 1824. He is a son of John M. and Mary (Kimball) Reese, former a native of Maryland, latter of Ohio, both of English parentage. The father came to Vigo county in 1822, and settled in Sugar Creek township. He was a carpenter and joiner, and was also engaged in farming; a quiet, frugal and industrious citizen, who lived many years in his western farm home. He departed this life in 1868. He had been twice married, S. T. Reese being the third in the order of birth by the first wife, who had a family of five children. Our subject's young life was spent on the farm, and early he learned to assist in the work, in the win¬ ter attending the district schools. When old enough he worked with his father at the carpenter's trade, which he learned, and subsequently became a large contractor and builder, a business he followed twenty-five years with marked success. He built many houses in Terre Haute. In 1872 he embarked in the lum¬ ber trade in company with G. Ashman - the firm name being Ashman & Reese. They continued together fourteen years, when Mr. Ashman retired, and the firm then became Reese, Snider V Co., as it is at present. This is one of the prosperous firms of the city, and is doing a large and lucrative business in lumber and building material of all kinds. Mr. Reese has led an industrious life, building up the business house of which he is head. Quick to act, stiong in executive abilities, his connection in any enterprise is a strong guarantee of success. Commencing life humbly, he has climbed the ladder successfully. Mr. Reese was married in

Yigo county, December 19, 1850, to Miss Maria, daughter of Dennis and Elizabeth (Smith) Hearn. Her venerable mother is still living, and makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Reese. Mrs. Reese's parents were of German descent, who came to Yigo county in 1823. By this union was born one child, Emma, the wife of W. Q. Haythorn. Mr. and Mrs. Reese are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church; in politics he is a Republican. He served as a member of the city council of Terre Haute, and is universally regarded as one of the best citizens of the place.

MARY M. REEYE, Glenn, Lost Creek township, was born in the township where she now resides, June 25, 1836, a daughter of Zadoc and Mary M. (Colton) Reeve, natives of New York, former of whom was born October 14, 1796, and latter April 11, 1800. They were married December 29, 1816. Zadoc Reeve was a house and ship-carpenter, and was one of the pioneer settlers of this county. He laid off the first school district in Lost Creek township, and bought the farm on which Mrs. Reeve now resides, containing eighty acres, before the National Road was made. He had a con¬ tract on the National Road from Clear Creek to Cory's Creek; also constructed the bridges across Lost Creek, Sugar Creek and Clear Creek, and built the first schoolhouse in Lost Creek township, which was called " Reeve's school-house." Mr. and Mrs. Reeve had a family of nine children, of whom Mary M. is the eighth in order of birth. Mr. Reeve was a Master Mason; he served as school trustee. He died March 7, 1885, and his wife died August 15, 1862. Mary M. Rpeve has two sons: David M. and Zadoc, who are industrious and prominent farmers.

JOHN REGAN, farmer and stock-grower, also justice of the peace of Sugar Creek township, was born in Fayette township, Yigo Co., Ind., December 23, 1850. He is a descendant of one of the early settlers of this county, and is a son of Patrick and Rosana (Rice) Regan, natives of Ireland, former of whom farmed over fifty years, and died in Fayette township, this county, in 1879. They reared one daughter and five sons, of whom John is the third in the family. He was reared in this county, has followed farming, and is now the owner of 165 acres of highly improved land. He was married September 25, 1883, to Miss Mary, daughter of Peter Dermody (deceased), a native of Ireland, who was a wealthy and influential farmer during his life. Her mother, who is still living, was Kate Sheern. Mr. and Mrs. Regan are members of the Catho¬ lic Church. They have one child, Katie. In politics Mr. Regan is identified with the Democrats, and he was elected justice of the peace in 1886, serving one term.

settlers of this county. He is a son of Patrick and Eosa (Eice) Kegan, natives of Ireland, who came to this country when they were young, and have resided in this county for over half a cent¬ ury. Patrick's father was a successful farmer, and died in this county in 1879. His family consisted of six children - five sons and one daughter - of whom Patrick is the fourth. They are all members of the Catholic Church; all attended the schools of Fay¬ ette township, and all are prosperous, the boys being successful farmers. William and Patrick are unmarried. They own and carry on the home farm, which consists of 305 acres of well-im-- proved land in Fayette township. John is a farmer in Sugar Creek township, and was a justice of the peace there. They all vote the Democratic ticket, as did their father. None of them are officeseekers, but devote their time to their farms; they are industrious, and have made a success of their business.

J. B. EEYNOLDS, Terre Haute, was born in Freeport, Penn., December 18, 1846, and is a son of Charles L. and Anna S. (Weiman) Eeynolds, natives of Pennsylvania, former of Scotch and lat¬ ter of German descent. Our subject, who is the second in a family of four children, was married in Terre Haute, Ind., October 10, 1871, to Helen L., daughter of E. M. and Helen (Eeeves) Gillman, natives of New York. Mrs. Eeynolds is the eldest in a family of four children, and was born in Terre Haute February 2, 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Eeynolds have two children: Charles G. and Helen L. Mr. Eeynolds was reared in Freeport, Penn., receiving his ed¬ ucation in the schools of that place, and learned the cooper's trade, which he followed at Kittanning, Penn., until 1866, except during the time he was in the army. He enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Third P. Y. I., serving until the close of the war, and was mustered out at Wilmington, N. C., in July, 1865. He came to Terre Haute in 1869, and kept books for E. M. Gillman two years, then went into partnership with him, and continued in the firm until the spring of 1887, when he sold his interest in the fact¬ ory to his partner. After that he bought a cooper-shop in the south part of the city, but sold this at the end of the year. Mr. Eeynolds and a number of prominent men of Terre Haute formed a company, and bought the "Crystal Salt Works" at South Hutchin¬ son, Kas., and he has been engaged in the business since. Mr. and Mrs. Eeynolds are members of the Congregational Church. He is a Master Mason, also a member of the I. O. O. F., No. 157, at Terre Haute, and of the Encampment; in politics he is a stanch Eepublican.

He had two sisters (one now deceased) and three brothers (one now deceased). Our subject was educated in the common and high school, and graduated at the business college at Wauseon, Ohio. He lived on the farm, and taught school in winter until of age. He chose insurance as a profession because he liked it, and it was about the only thing a young man could do at the time. He walked over 3,000 miles the first year or two, soliciting insurance, be¬ cause the business did not warrant the expense of a horse and buggy. He has now been in the business about twenty-five years, and has been State agent for Indiana for the Phoenix Insurance Company, of Brooklyn, since the first day of January, 1874, during which time the business of this company has grown in Indiana from an annual income of $33,000 to over $200,000, the aggregated premiums received during that time being nearly $2,000,000, and losses paid, over $1,000,000. September 30, 1873, he came to Terre Haute, and has been connected with the firm of Biddle, Hamilton & Co., ever since. His ancestry dates back to the year 803, being of Scotch and English descent. His ancestors lived at Biddell Castle, near Edinburgh, Scotland, where their descendants still reside; he has an interest in the estate which is in process of settlement in the court of chancery, England, and there is a rea¬ sonable prospect of his getting a share of the estate, which amounts to several million pounds. Our subject was married in Detroit, Mich., September 7, 1873, to Fannie M. Joy, a native of St. Law¬ rence county, N. Y., and they have three children living, viz.: Herbert W., Yinita Belle and Don Carlos. Mr. Biddle has been a member of the Christian Church for twenty-five years, and an officer in the same for many years; is a Knight Templar, and in politics is a Bepublican, but in local affairs he always votes for the best man, regardless of party. Mr. Biddle is a strong friend, and believes thoroughly that a man should not live for himself alone, but for the benefit of humanity in general, and should be always ready and willing to assist in any enterprise for the benefit of the community in which he resides, especially in church and charities. He has decided views on matters pertaining to his profession, and on religious dogmas, which he does not hesitate to express when called upon. Mr. Biddle has written quite a number of articles for publication for the insurance press, and perhaps knows more people throughout the State of Indiana than any man of his age residing in the city of Terre Haute.

SAMUEL W. BIGNEY, farmer and stock-grower, Honey Creek township, P. O. Terre Haute, was born October 19, 1817, in Orange county, Ind., where he spent his early life as a farmer, and subsequently removed to Paoli, and served two terms as sheriff of Orange county, Ind. Before the close of liis second term he came to Yigo county, and settled in 1856 in Honey Creek township, where he has carried on farming. He is owner of 400 acres of valuable land, well improved and stocked. Mr. Rigney is the son of John and Ruth (Wible) Rigney, former of whom was born in Virginia, latter in Kentucky ; they were of Scotcli-Irish and Ger¬ man descent, and the father was a farmer. Samuel W. is the second in the family of ten children, two of whom survive. The father died in 1833, leaving considerable real estate. Samuel W. was married in Washington county, Ind., in March, 1841, to Miss Mary S., daughter of Hugh and Martha (McKinney) McPheeters, who were of Scotcli-Irish descent. Mr. and Mrs. Rigney have three children: Martha J., wife of John Ferguson, (they have four children: Cora., Alice, Thomas and C. R.) ; Charles B., and Frank, a farmer (he has one child, Nellie). Mr. and Mrs. Rigney are members of the Baptist Church, and he is church moderator. They had one daughter, Kattie, who was the wife of U. Blocksom; she died in 1877, leaving two children: Walter and Willie F. Mr. Rigney has always been a stanch Democrat.