Vigo County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1891 (part 1 of 12)

Biographical sketches

STEPHEN ADAIR, grocer and cooper, Terre Haute, was born in Wayne county, Ind., July 14, 1843, a son of Joseph and Eliza¬ beth (Rigler) Adair, former a native of Virginia, of Scotch-Irish descent, latter of Pennsylvania, of German lineage. Stephen, who is the second in a family of six children, was married November 19, 1868, in Terre Haute, to Rebecca A., daughter of Edward and Sarah (Richardson) Derrickson, natives of Philadelphia, Penn., her father of German descent, and her mother of English. Mrs. Adair is the third in a family of live children who grew to their majority, and was born in Portsmouth, Ohio, October 17, 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Adair had born to them four children, viz. : Joseph Edward, Emma, Lester (deceased) and Mabel.

Mr. Adair was reared in Terre Haute until he was thirteen years of age, and was educated in the schools of the city, also in Putman and Hendricks counties. He has had to depend on his own resources from the time he was thirteen years of age, and worked on a farm until he was eighteen years old; then returned to Terre Haute in the spring of 1861, and worked at whatever he could get to do. February 8, 1864, he enlisted in Company C, Thirty-first Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and with his command marched at once to the front. Some of the important engage¬ ments in which he participated were the battles of Atlanta, Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, Jonesboro, Franklin, etc. He was mustered out at Indianapolis in January, 1866, and returned to Terre Haute, where he worked for seven years in Thompson's flour-mill and cooper shop, during which time he learned the cooper's trade. He then engaged in the cooper business for himself, and has since fol¬ lowed it. In 1880 he embarked in a grocery business at Thir¬ teenth street and College avenue, which he sold out in July, 1883. He then erected a two-story brick building, with store-room on the first floor, at No. 800 South Seventh street, where he again engaged in the grocery trade. His cooper shop is in the rear of No. 900 South Ninth street. Mr. Adair is a member of the Masonic fra¬ ternity, Lodge No. 86, also of the I. O. O. F., No. 51, Terre Haute; has passed the chairs, and is a member of the Encampment; is also a member of the A. O. U. W. He eschews politics, and gives his attention to his large and increasing business affairs ; his sympathies and votes are in favor of Democratic principles.

ANDREW J. ADAMS, farmer and stock-grower, Nevins town¬ ship, P. O. Fontanet. This gentleman is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of Vigo county, and was born in Nevins township, Yigo county, Ind., May 24, 1843, a son of Wayne and Elizabeth B. (Nevins) Adams. Nevins township was named in lionoi of William Nevins. The grandfather of Andrew J. was born in Fort Wayne, and his mother was also a native of Indiana; they were of English and Irish descent. The father, who was a farmer, was born December 81, 1814, and died in Nevins township. An¬ drew J. was two years of age when his parents came to Vigo county, where his father entered 900 acres of land, which property has been transmitted to his children and their heirs. Mr. Adams' father died in Nevins township in 1874. Andrew J.,who is the young¬ est in the family, was reared on the farm in this county, attending the common schools, and followed farming, his father's occupation, in which he has been very successful, and is the owner of 180 acres of highly improved land. In politics he is a Democrat. He has been three times married; first to Laura Roy, who was of French descent, and by her he had two children: Amanda and Elizabeth; his second wife was Sarah Moore, a lady of Irish descent, and their only child is Effie; his third wife was Miss Margaret, daughter of Jacob Kyle, of Nevins township, and of German descent. This union has been blessed with two children: Robert and Laura Ellen. Mr.

. FILLMORE ADAMS, farmer and stock-grower, Nevins townsliip, P. O. Fontanet. This gentleman is a descendant of one of the earliest pioneer families in Vigo county, and was born in Nev¬ ins township, August 27, 1859, a son of Joel and Matilda (White) Adams, natives of the " Sunny South," born of English descent, and who were among the early settlers of Nevins township. The mother is still living, and resides on the old home farm, which consists of 260 acres of valuable land, and the father helped to clear almost all this farm. He died in 1867, leaving a valuable estate, where several members of his family reside ; in the family were four¬ teen children, Fillmore being the twelfth in order of birth. He was married September 20, 1883, to Miss Ira, daughter of Noah Giinell, and of English descent. Her father was a farmer, and also cooper by trade. This marriage has been blessed with two children: John L. and Oha. Mr. Adams is a member of the

THOMAS W. ADAMS, farmer, Nevins township, P. O. Rosedale, Parke county. This gentleman is a descendant of John Quincy Adams, ex-President of the United States, and belongs to one of the early pioneer families of Parke county, Ind., where he was born May 16, 1850, a son of William and Mary (White) Adams, who were of English descent, and natives of Ohio. His grand¬ father, Samuel Adams, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. His father came from Ohio to Parke county at an early day, and, in 1854, to Vigo county; he was a farmer, and died in 1879, his fam¬ ily consisting of nine children of whom Thomas W. is the fourth in order of birth. Our subject was reared on the farm, attending the common school, and has always been a farmer. He is the owner of a highly improved farm, consisting of 118 acres in Nevins township. Mr. Adams was united in marriage in 1873, with Miss Amelia, daughter of George and Harriet (Peters) Woods, who were of Ger¬ man origin and natives of Indiana. This union has been blessed with six children, as follows: Laura Ella, James H., Carrie, Josie, Ered and Edward. Mr. and Mrs. Adams are members of the Christian Church. In politics he is a Republican, and since 1887 he has served as trustee of Nevins township. The family have a wide circle of warm friends.

GEORGE T. ALBIN, farmer and stock-grower, Linton town¬ ship, P. O. Youngstown, was born iu Nelson county, Ky., February 7, 1822, and is a son of George and Nancy (Foxworthy) Albin, natives of Kentucky, former of whom, who was a saddler by trade, died in that State. They had two children, both sons, of whom George T. is the elder. He was married January 3, 1844, to Elner J., daughter of Eli and Frances (Siner) St. Clair, natives of Essex county, Md., and early settlers of this county. Mrs. Elner J. A] bin is the fifth in a family of nine children, and was born in Sullivan county, Ind., March 7, 1822. Mr. and Mrs. Albin have had born to them nine children, viz.: Sarah J., wife of Joseph L. McCoskey; Mary F., deceased wife of Frederick Finkbine; Luther M., who married Jennie McCoskey; Martha E., wife of George McCoskey, deceased; Nancy C., wife of James Lane; William C., deceased; Louisa M., wife of Dudley Weeks, sheriff of this county; Charles N., who married Lulu Cook, and one that died in infancy. George T. Albin was reared on the farm, and first learned the cooper's trade in Terre Haute, which he followed for eight years, then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits on the farm, with his mother, who still lives; she owns a farm of 140 acres. August 6, 1862, Mr. Albin enlisted in Company E, Sixth Regiment Indiana

Cavalry, and he took part in the battle of Richmond, Ky., Camp¬ bell station, and went through the Georgia campaign. He con¬ tracted scurvy during the fall of 1863, and was injured by a government wagon, at Nashville, Tenn., in the fall of 1864 He was mustered out at Pulaski, Tenn., June 17, 1865. Mr Albin is a member of the G. A. R., Topping Post No. 158, Youngstown, and his political party is the Republican.

WILLIAM H. H. ALKIRE, farmer and stock-grower Otter Creek township, P. O. Atherton. The place of his nativity is Madi¬ son county, Ohio, where he was born in December, 1823, son of John H. and Sarah (Skiles) Alkire, former of whom was a Ken¬ tuckian, latter a native of Ohio, and they were of Anglo-Saxon and Celtic origin. The father was a farmer and a noted hunter liv¬ ing among the pioneers of Yigo county in a very early day. Our'subject was reared in Madison county, Ohio, a farmer boy, and is now one of the leading agriculturists of this county. His school advan¬ tages m youth were extremely limited, and since early boyhood necessity has taught him the utmost self-reliance. He spent his youth among strangers in Ohio, and when grown he married Eliza¬ beth, daughter of Asa and Phebe Oglesby, by which union were born six sons and one daughter, viz.: William, a farmer; Margaret now the wife of Z. Hastings; John, Thomas, Courtney, Samuel and Harley, all farmers. Mr. Alkire is a member of the Christian Church, Mrs. Alkire of the Baptist. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party. He has a splendidly improved farm of 148 acres, which is the family homestead, and the familv are widelv known and well respected. J

GEORGE M. ALLEN, editor and proprietor of the Terre Haute Express , was born in Terre Haute, Ind., August 26, 1853, and is a son of Edward B. and Lucina (Sales) Allen. His parents were born m Vigo county, and his ancestors on both sides of the house were pioneer settlers on the Wabash. His grandfather, Ira Allen, came to Yigo county with his father, Peter B. Allen, in 1817- they pushed a keelboat up the Wabash. Our subject attended the public schools and the high school at Terre Haute, and after compleLng his studies he found employment in the Prairie City Bank ot lerre Haute. After some time he went to Salt Lake City, Utah, ami became teller of the First National Bank of that place. He then accepted the management of Warren Hussey's bank at Corinne Utah, where he was until 1873, when he returned to Indiana and was appointed teller of the First National Bank at Indianapolis where he remained until 1878, when he received the appointment

Terre Haute Express, the leading morning daily and weekly Re¬ publican paper in western Indiana. In the brief eight years it has been under his charge it has grown rapidly, and is now a metro¬ politan journal, commanding a wide patronage, and exerting a strong and healthy influence, not only in its party, but generally. He has increased its facilities in every way until they are more than double, and it has especially increased in circulation. He has full associated press reports on both wires; also controls the United States franchise for all the morning papers, and he has a force of able lieutenants, not only in the office but at all points in the Wabash valley. The Express has a general circulation in Vigo county and all the eastern part of Illinois.

George M. Allen, as the controlling power of the Express, is a vigilant and sleepless guard on the outer walls of the Republican party and its best interests. He is secretary of the congressional committee; is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having been initiated at Lima, Peru, South America, while he was in the service of the government, where he also took the first three degrees.

HON. JAMES M. ALLEN, judge of the superior court of Vigo county, was born in Shelby county, Ky., March 3, 1827, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Youel) Allen, natives of Virginia, and of Scotch-Irish descent, former of whom, a farmer by occupa¬ tion, died in Kentucky. Judge Allen, who is the eighth in a family of nine children, was reared in Indiana, his education being ob¬ tained in the public schools, and completed in Bloomington Uni¬ versity. His parents came from Kentucky to Parke county, Ind., in 1831, and made that their home. The son remained with his parents until 1844, subsequently moving to Mississippi, where he remained one year, when he returned to Parke county, and studied law and taught school. He was admitted to the bar in Indiana in 1852, and then went to Dearborn county, that State, and opened a law office at Lawrenceburg, the county seat. In 1863 he removed to Terre Haute, opened a law office, and was at once actively engaged in the practice. He soon drew a large clientage, and was recognized as one of the county's prominent advocates. The firm of Allen & Mack, both now on the bench, was the leading law firm of this part of the State. Our subject was elected superior judge in 1884, for a term of six years.

Judge Allen was united in marriage, in 1853, with Henrietta Wedding, daughter of Judge Randolph Wedding, who was among the early settlers of Parke county, Ind. He made his home in Vigo county during the later years of his life. [See chapter on "Bench and Bar."] This union has been blessed with nine children, as follows: Elizabeth Youel, Anna Wedding, Emily S., Mary, John

MILTON ALLEN, farmer and stock-grower, Nevins township, P. O. Fontanet. This enterprising young man is a native of this State, born January 17, '1848, and is a son of William and Sarah (Faris) Allen, natives of Indiana. Their ancestors have been in the United States a great many years, and Col. Ethan Allen, of his¬ toric fame, was a member of the family. Milton's father, who in early life was a miller and later a farmer, came to Vigo county in 1854, and for several years carried on the milliug business, but subsequently engaged in farming and stock-growing in Nevins township, in which he continued until his death, which occurred in 1869. He was twice married, had one child by his first wife and nine by his second, and the gentleman whose name heads this sketch is the eldest son by the second wife. Milton was reared on the farm in Nevins township, where he attended the district school, and he chose farming as a life business. He takes pride in a good horse, and drives one of the best looking draft teams in the county. His farm contains 120 acres of land in Nevins township, where he has lately erected a neat and substantial dwelling. He is unmar¬ ried. In politics he is a Kepublican. Mr. Allen has many friends, and especially is this true of those who know him best, for he is of a social and congenial nature, enjoying the society of his many friends, as well as imparting pleasure to all his associates.

BOBEKT ALLEN, farmer and stock-grower, Linton town¬ ship, P. O. Pimento, was born in Shelby county, Ky., March 28, 1814, and is a son of Josiah and Nancy (Biby) Allen, former a farmer of Scotch -Irish descent, and the latter of English, natives of Virginia; both died 'in Kentucky. They had a family of five boys and five girls, of whom Bober t is the youngest. Our subject was married March 28, 1844, to Emily, daughter of Bobert and Martha (Vandyke) Stout, who had six children, of whom Mrs. Emily Allen was the second, born January 16, 1826. Mr. and Mrs. Allen had born to them the following named three children: Mary Jane, married to Thomas H. Williams; Martha, married to Alex. F. Shaw, and Lida Ann, deceased. Mrs. Allen died November 2, 1852, a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Allen was married, the second time, September 8, 1853, to Sarah C. Bing, daughter of Martin and Barbara (Hazard) Bing, born April 12, 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Allen had two children: Susan and James W., both now dead. Mrs. Sarah C. Allen died March 16, 1856, a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Allen's third marriage occurred October 24, 1858, with Elizabeth Williams, daughter of James Williams, a farm¬ er, and Anna (McWilliams) Williams. They were natives of Ken- tucky, of Irish descent, and moved to this county March 23, 1851. Their family consisted of eleven children, of whom Elizabeth is the eldest, born October 9, 1826. Mr. and Mrs. Allen had a fam¬ ily of four children: Sarah Ann (wife of Charles P. Miller), John H., Hannah E. and Robert C. Mr. Allen was reared on the farm and received his education in the subscription schools of Shelby county, Ky. He taught school for five years, then attended Bacon College at Harrisburg, Ky., and taught school for about twenty years after attending college. He owns a well-cultivated farm of 120 acres on which he resides; 240 acres he divided among his children. Mr. Allen served twelve years as county surveyor, and has worked at surveying more or less for a number of years. He is a member of the Christian Church, and has served as elder for fifty years, also as teacher in the Sabbath-school. Mr. Allen's father was in the Indian war of 1790, and in St. Clair's defeat at Fort Recovery. A. G. Thurman, candidate for Vice-President, is an uncle of Mr. Allen. Our subject is Democratic in politics, and served one term as township trustee.

ROBERT ANDREW, secretary of the Lancaster & Diamond Block Coal Company, with office at No. 921 Wabash avenue, Terre Haute, was born in Clay county, Ind., February 10, 1858, and is a son of John and Jesse (Anderson) Andrew, natives of Scotland. Robert, who is the fourth in a family of seven children, was married Decem¬ ber 25, 1883, in Brazil, Clay county, Ind., to Sarah, daughter of John and Kate (Humphrey) Kennedy, natives of Scotland. Mrs. Andrew is the fifth in a family of eight children, and was born De¬ cember 29, 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew had born to them one son, John H. Mr. Andrew was reared on a farm, and received his education in the common schools of Clay county. When he was thirteen years of age he engaged in the coal business with his father, and has continued in it since. The two mines do a business of about $180,000 a year. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew are members of the Central Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a Republican in politics.

C. F. ASKREN, M. D., Terre Haute, was born at Corydon, Ind., October 6, 1861, and is the son of John and Sarah (Davis) Askren, natives of Kentucky and of Scotch descent, former being a farmer and stock-dealer. Dr. Askren, who is the youngest in a family of two children, was reared in his native county, where he attended the district school and the high school at Corydon, graduating in the regular course. In 1877 he entered Hartsville University and took a classical course. He then went to Louisville, Ky., where he took the regular course in the medical college at that place, graduating in 1883. He then entered the practice of medicine, and has been actively engaged since. Dr. Askren takes a great interest in science ancl literature, and is a frequent contributor to the medical and scientific journals. He is medical examiner for several insurance companies and for secret orders. He is one of the visiting physi¬ cians to St. Anthony's Hospital. He was married in Corydon, Ind., in 1884, to Miss Mollie, daughter of Charles Pennington, and of English descent. Dr. and Mrs. Askren are members of the Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he affiliates with the Dem¬ ocratic party.

R. A. AUSTIN, general superintendent of the American Straw Board Paper Company, Otter Creek township, P. O. Terre Haute. This gentleman is eminently qualified for the position he has as¬ sumed. He has 150 employes under him, and his salary is the largest paid any superintendent in the United States employed in the paper manufacturing business. He was born in New York City, December 11, 1839, and is a son of Alonzo and Sarah (Sheffield) Austin, natives of England, former of whom was a blacksmith. R. A. Austin, who is the elder of two children, was reared in New York City, and received a good education, having attended school in that city and also in Delaware, where early in life he commenced work in a paper-mill. He put his mind to the work, as well as his muscle, and advanced in his knowledge of the business when he had mastered the trade. He was offered a position as foreman, soon be¬ coming superintendent, and in 1870 he came to Mansfield, Ohio, as superintendent of the paper mills. In 1872 he moved to Illinois and was superintendent of a paper mill there for nine years, when he wentto Portage county, Ohio, and was superintendent of the Straw Board Company at Circleville until he came here in 1888 to fill the position of general superintendent of the American Straw Board Paper Company. Mr. Austin was united in marriage in 1864 with Miss Emma T., daughter of Robert Light, and of Scotch descent. The fruits of this union have been five children, viz. : Hamilton, Charles, Frank, Emma and Lillian. Mr. and Mrs. Austin are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in Ohio he was trustee of the church and superintendent of the Sabbath-scliool. He takes an active part in the Sabbath-school here, and in 1888 he organized a Sabbath-school at the Union Church. He is vice grand in the I. O. O. F., is a member of the I. O. M., and served as dis¬ trict deputy grand master at Circleville, Ohio. He enlisted in New York, serving three years, and suffered the horrors of Libby prison, where he was a prisoner two months, and he is a member of the Loyal Legion. Mr. Austin is a man of more than ordinary energy and industry. His children are all doing well, and of them Charles is the shipping clerk for the American Straw Board Paper Company

HENRY BADER, proprietor of Bader's Hall, Terre Haute. This gentleman has an extensive acquaintance in Terre Haute and surrounding country. He was born in Germany January 1, 1838, and is a son of Michael and Dora (Hamer) Bader, natives of Ger¬ many, where the father, who was a farmer, died in 1878. He had been a soldier under Bonaparte at the battle of Waterloo. Henry, who is the youngest in a family of five children, was reared on the farm and received his education in the common schools. At the age of fifteen he was put to learn the tanner's trade, serving a reg¬ ular apprenticeship, and then followed the same a quarter of a cent¬ ury. He came to America when a young man, and worked at his trade in Ohio, where he met and became well acquainted with his fellow tradesman, afterward Gen. U. S. Grant, who was then but a humble tanner. Mr. Bader went to Bloomington, Ind., in 1868, where he accepted a position as foreman in a large tannery, in which he remained ten years. In 1878 he came to Terre Haute, where for eight years he was employed with the Keyes Manufactur¬ ing Company, and then opened up his present business, which is located on Lafayette avenue. He has made his own way in the world by industry and a determination to succeed. Mr. Bader has been twice married, first time in 1860, by which union were four children: Rosa, wife of John Cassman ; Henry, a machinist, now employed at a high salary at Portland, Ore. ; Fred, also a machin¬ ist, and Albert (deceased). The mother of this family dying, Mr. Bader married for his second wife Mrs. Best, widow of Philip Best, by whom she had three children, as follows: Louis, now express mes¬ senger at Terre Haute; Charles, also in the employ of the express company; William, in Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Bader have had the following named children: Edward, John, Albert, Hattie and Edith. Mrs. Bader is a member of the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Bader is a member of the I. O. O. F., and in politics he is a Democrat.

JOHN BAILEY, stock-grower, P. O. Prairie Creek, was born in Ohio Julv 25, 1818, and is a son of Resin and Susiana Bailey, who came to this county in 1825. The mother died here, and the father in Illinois. Their family consisted of six children, of whom John is the third in order of birth. He was married October 1, 1838, to Fannie S., daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Elliot) Shoemaker, natives of Kentucky, and early settlers of this county, where they died. They had a family of seven children, Fannie S. being the eldest, having been born in Kentucky Novem¬ ber 28, 1818. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey have been blessed with a family of seven children, viz.: Joseph, who married Jemima Frakes; William H., who married Nancy Hemter; Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Scott; Mary A., wife of Charles Handy; Nancy wife of Theodore Handy; James, who married Sarah Kirkham, and Oliver M., who married Mollie Frakes. Mrs. Bailey died June 2, 1889. Mr. Bailey was reared on the farm, and has made his way in the world by his own exertions. He is an old settler of Prairie Creek township, and owns a farm containing 103 acres. In his political convictions he is a Republican.

ISAAC BALL, undertaker, Terre Haute. This gentleman ranks among the oldest and most prominent business men of Terre Haute, one who stands well among his neighbors on account of both his enterprise and his liberal public spirit. Mr. Ball was born in New Jersey, August 29, 1826, and is a son of Nelson and Ester (Hull) Ball. The former was born in New York, the latter in New Jersey, and both of English descent. They removed to Ohio when our subject was six years of age. The father, who was a manufacturer of pot¬ tery, came west, and died in Indiana, in 1852. Isaac Ball, who was the eldest of three sons, had the advantage of a moderate education in the public schools of Ohio. In early life he was apprenticed to the cabinet-maker's trade, but after serving part of his time his em¬ ployer sold out and bought a farm. Isaac could not see much of a chance to learn the cabinet-maker's trade by working on a farm, so he quietly made a change of base. Getting together his little fort¬ une, a few clothes and all his cash, consisting of the princely sum of 10 cents, he departed for " green fields and pastures new." He assumed now the whole responsibility of his own life, and on foot trudged along in light marching order, with more ambition and hope than either cash or clothes. He proceeded to Dayton, Ohio, and for a time worked at whatever he could find to do. Subse¬ quently he went to Indianapolis, where he remained two years working in a cabinet-maker and undertaker's shop. In 1847 he came to Terre Haute, and opened a business for himself in that line of his trade, and has grown and prospered with the growth of the city of his adoption. In those days everything was done by hand, as there was but little machinery in use. Mr. Ball has been prompt to use and apply every advanced idea or invention in his trade. He was the first to offer the trade in Terre Haute the modern improved wooden casket now in general use. In his line he has had many rivals since 1847, but no successful leaders. Mr. Ball married in Terre Haute, in 1850, Caroline, daughter of William Taylor, and a descendant of one of the early families of Vigo county. Her mother, who was of English descent, molded bullets for the soldiers of the Revolution. Mr. and Mrs. Ball have been blessed with two children: Matilda E., wife of Augustus Hess, and Frank H. The family worship at the Baptist Church, of which Mr. Ball is trustee. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and of the Grand Lodge. He is a Sir Knight Templar, and in politics is a Bepublican.

WILLIAM C. BALL, editor, and senior member of the firm of W. C. Ball & Co., publishers of the daily and tri-weekly Terre Haute Gazette , was born in Terre Haute, Ind., in 1846, and is a son of William J. and Julia (Creighton) Ball, natives of Virginia and Ohio, respectively, and of English descent. William J. Ball had received, in his native place, a higher education, and came west a civil engineer, competent in every way to supply a want here that arose with the building of the canal and the railroads, in many of which enterprises he was chief engineer. He was one of the most valuable acquisitions to Vigo county in his day. In 1840 he came to Terre Haute, and died in 1875. His family consisted of seven children - three daughters and four sons - of whom our subject is the second in the order of birth. He attended the public schools, and then became a student in the State University, at Bloomington, Ind. ; then went to Amherst College, Massachusetts, where he graduated in 1868. He afterward taught in St. Louis High School, three years, from 1868 to 1871, during which time he studied law. In 1871 he returned to Terre Haute, and entered on the practice of his pro¬ fession. In 1872 he purchased the Gazette , and became its editor and proprietor in company first with John S. Dickerson, and later with his brother, Spencer F. Ball. He writes strong and vigorous English, and his paper rings with Democratic editorials. He and his brother Spencer F. are first-class newspaper men, and they have elevated the Gazette to a high-grade newspaper - strong, newsy and breezy, and they have planted it on a solid foundation. The editor and his paper are a recognized powrer throughout the State, and indeed throughout the west. W. C. Ball has taken a prominent part in promoting the cause of education, and his service on the school board has been invaluable to the city schools. He is a member of the board of managers of the Bose Polytechnic Insti¬ tute. He is all that goes to make a valuable leading citizen, and is frequently called for by his friends and neighbors.

WILLIAM F. BANDY, farmer and stock-grower, Fayette Township, P. O. Libertyville, was born in Breckinridge county, Ky., August 10, 1825, and is a son of William and Elizabeth (Jor¬ dan) Bandy, natives of Old Virginia, and of English descent. The father, who had been a farmer all his life, came in 1830 to Vigo county, where he died. His family consisted of ten children, of wdiom William F., the seventh in order of birth, was reared on the farm, attending the common schools. He became a farmer by choice, and is now the owner of 120 acres of land. He was mar¬ ried in Edgar county, Ill., to Miss Jerusha Esom, who was of

Anas, wife of William Brokaw; William A.; Elizabeth, wife of M. E. Rice; Elzira, wife of Albert Sellers; Isabella, wife of John Bojarth; Angeline, wife of William Lancy; Jerusha, deceased; Martha Jane, wife of Augustus Wolfe; Angelette P., deceased. Sis of these are now living. Mr. Bandy married for his second wife, in 1886, Mrs. David Vail, a widow, nee Carrie Hitchcock, who was born in Pennsylvania of Welsh descent. Mr. and Mrs. Bandy are members of the U. B. Church. In politics Mr. Bandy is a Democrat, and has been road supervisor and school director.

HON. CROMWELL WOOLSEY BARBOUR died at his home in Fayette township, Yigo county, Ind., Sunday, May 5, 1889, in the eighty-first year of his age. He bad been a prominent youpg lawyer in much of that work that was merely organizing Yigo county, and at his death was probably one of the oldest male settlers in the county. He had helped to make Yigo county, originally, and had lived to see it grow, prosper and become rich, and a great community to take the place of the few squalid barba¬ rians that were here when he came, a well-grown lad merely. He came with his father's (Daniel Barbour) family in 1817. The Barbours were a strong and vigorous race of men. The old gentle¬ man advanced well toward one hundred years, while, as seen above, his son lived here a long and useful life. He was but a little over nine years of age when he came, and the county was not then in existence. The town of Terre Haute had just been laid out. The family settled in Sugar Creek township, and here they always made their home. Daniel Barbour had advanced, and had as clear ideas of what Avas due his children in fitting them for useful lives as had then any man in the country. There was a higher and better sphere of life, to his mind, than the mere gathering in of broad acres, even of this rich soil, and leaving a great inheritance of groveling greed and loAv-born desires.

Cromwell W. Barbour was born in Jefferson county, N. Y., but coming here young he was wholly a western man - a Yigo county man, whose home was in Sugar Creek township. - He was reared on the Wabash, in the time, too, when there was a dearth of schools here, and Avliile it Avas even yet an unsolved problem with the pioneers that in the " fever 'n' ager " they had not met a foe so in¬ comparably worse than savage wilderness and its savage people, that it was an uninhabitable land - a Tadmor, as Capt. Earle has said, where brooded destruction and death. It was in the face of such surroundings that Daniel Barbour reared his family and deter¬ mined to give them all the advantages in the line of a better educa¬ tion that lay in his power. He sent his son to the State University at Bloomington, where, young as he was, he soon came to be re¬ garded as a remarkably bright and promising boy. After leaving school he took a course of reading in the law office of Judge Black¬ ford, Indianapolis, and in 1835 commenced the practice of law in Terre Haute. Soon after he formed a partnership with Hon. B. W. Thompson, and the firm of Thompson & Barbour, without the say¬ ing, was known as one of the strongest law firms of the State. Mr. Barbour was eminently a lawyer, and to a strong judicial mind he added a tireless industry. The dry and abstruse technicalities of the old common law were but "grists to the hopper" in his legal mind; and hence in the argument of law questions in the court he met few equals and no superiors. He was soon noted for always stating the law to the court so accurately that his statements were accepted by the court and the opposing attorneys without further question. The profession regarded him as their best common law expounder at the bar. He was the county commissioner for the school lands of the county, and the records show that in behalf of our present system of free schools he laid the whole foundation. He had charge of the sale and care of the school lands, and he pointed out the defects in the old law in the management thereof, and was chiefly instrumental in effecting the important change that bettered them. In his first reports to the county commissioners are to be found his suggestions and recommendations in reference to the affairs of his office. In 1850 he was elected a member of the constitutional convention, and the impress of his genius is yet a mark of that fundamental State law. In the matter of public edu¬ cation he Avas the spokesman and leader in that body. The results of his labors here will continue to flow out to the coming genera¬ tions for all time. In all matters he stood among the foremost of that body of eminent men, and on his return to his home he received the universal thanks of the people. In 1852, when the Prairie City Bank was organized in Terre Haute, Mr. Barbour was elected presi¬ dent, and served as such until he retired to his beautiful farm across the river from the city, where he remained until his death.

In 1840 Mr. Barbour was united in marriage Avitli Derexa, the accomplished daughter of Benjamin Whitcomb, a merchant, and a niece of Ex-GoATernor and Ex-United States Senator James Whit¬ comb. A large family of children blessed this union, and no man Avas more happy in all his domestic relations. His real enjoyment was his old rural home and his family. Here Avas one of the most beautiful farms and happy homes in Vigo county. R. N. Newton was a law student in the office of Mr. Barbour, and on the occasion of the latter's death he wrote:

No man stood higher for integrity and manly honor in this community than C. W. Barbour. His word was always as good as his bond. No man ever im¬ peached his integrity, for no man ever had reason for so doing. In his delightful home, surrounded by all the pleasures of domestic life, a devoted and loving wife, with children who reverenced him and he loved, has passed away our dear old friend and early preceptor. May the life which he so nobly lived open to him all the joys and blessing of the other and better world.

A few years before liis death Mr. Barbour received a paralytic stroke from which he never fully recovered, his left arm remaining entirely useless. He retained, however, his mental faculties fully, and transacted all his ordinary business affairs almost up to the last day. Although liis death was not unexpected, the news came to the whole people almost as a personal sorrow - the friend, the good man was gone.

The family of children of Mr. and Mrs. Barbour were as follows: James W., who died, aged twenty-one, in 1862; Anna E., who died in her fifth year; Emma C., who married Morton Smith, of Dayton, Ohio; Mary, the wife of W. H. Coffman; Sarah Louise, teacher in the high school, Terre Haute; Susan AV., who is at the parental home; Raymond AV., who is a hardware merchant in Paris, Ill. ; Albert, married, and has resided on the family homestead since his father's death; Jennie, the wife of N. R. Moore, of Paris, Ill., and Florence, who is at the old home. Mrs. Barbour is a member of the Congre¬ gational Church. Her family came to Vigo county in 1829; they worshiped at the Methodist Episcopal Church.

DANIEL BARBOUR, Fayette township, P. O. New Goshen. Among fhe descendants of the distinguished pioneer settlers of Vigo county is Daniel Barbour, bearing the same name as his worthy father, who came in 1817 to the new country, and who lived an honored life of nearly one hundred years. The history of Dan¬ iel Barbour, Sr., is a part of the history of Yigo county, closely interwoven with it from the first to the day of his death. The son is a .representative farmer and stock-grower of Vigo county; the possessor of over 500 acres of land. He has retired from the active duties of the homestead, but still superintends all the business con¬ nected with his large farming interests. He is a native of Vigo county, born December 2, 1820, and is the son of Daniel and Eliza¬ beth ( Taggert) Barbour, former a native of Connecticut, latter of Rhode Island, and both of English descent. The father was a pio¬ neer to this county in 1817 (as already stated), and settled in Fayette township in 1818, on a farm where he spent nearly sixty years of his useful life, and died in 1875 at the advanced age of ninety -four. He had lived to see this county change from a wilder¬ ness to fruitful fields of plenty. Daniel, the youngest of a family of eight children, spent his life in farming pursuits in the immedi¬ ate vicinity of where he was born. He was married in Edgar county, Ill., to Miss Martha Cobble, of German descent, daughter of Jacob Cobble, her parents having been natives of Kentucky. This union has been blessed with five children: Nellie, Elizabeth, Lewis, Fannie and Faith. Mrs. Barbour is a consistent member of the TJ. B. Church. In politics Mr. Barbour is a stanch Republican. Cromwell W., an elder brother, was for many years a prominent attorney of Yigo county, was superintendent of public schools, and to a large extent was the founder of the present splendid schools, and systems of education. He died May 5, 1889, aged eiglity-one years.

JOHN V. BARBRE, of the firm of Barbre & Cummins, dealers in drugs and hardware, Middletown, was born in Sullivan county, Ind., May 9, 1863, and is a son of Jesse and Lydia E. (Vandeveer) Barbre, former of whom was born in Indiana in 1823, and died in Sullivan county in 1875. The great-grandfather of our subject was a native of France. . Seyborn Barbre, father of Jesse, came to this county before Terre Haute was thought of, and entered a tract of land in Sullivan county, near the line of what is now this county, being one of the first settlers in this section of the country. He died on the farm he entered. The country being new, Jesse's chance for an education was very poor, but being ambitious he began to cut cord-wood, thus earning enough to pay for his schooling. He afterward became one of Sullivan county's leading physicians, receiving diplomas from the medical colleges of Philadelphia and Cincinnati, and an honorary diploma from Chicago. He practiced four years in Terre Haute, and traveled seven years, making a spe¬ cialty of diseases of the eye. He was a prominent member of the Baptist Church, and always took an active part in public enterprises pertaining to the welfare of the community. His wife was born in Orange county, May 30, 1839, and died in December, 1882. She reared two sons and one daughter, all living, viz. : Mary Belle, wife of George E. Harris; Thomas J. and John Y. Mary Belle and Thom¬ as J. were school teachers at one and the same time. Our sub¬ ject's principal education was received at Earmersburg, Sullivan county, Ind., and he has been making his own way ever since he was twelve years of age. He began as clerk in a store, and afterward was on the railroad for a few years. When nineteen years of age he was employed as a drug clerk at Farmersburg, subsequently coming to Middletown where he was employed as clerk in a general store for Mr. Yeagre, then for his brother-in-law, Mr. Harris. In May,

1887, lie and liis brother opened a general store, continuing in part¬ nership until October, 1889, when the present firm was formed. They carry a stock of over $2,000, and are enterprising mer¬ chants. Mr. Barbre was married May 26, 1889, to Miss Mattie J. Blythe, who was born in Gibson county, Ind., a daughter of James S. and Sarah Blythe, latter of whom died in this county, where Mr. Blythe still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Barbre are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, of which he is secretary and trustee. He is a public-spirited and enterprising citizen.

THOMAS E. F. BARNES, whose residence is 215 South Thir¬ teenth street, Terre Haute, was born in Maryland, February 13, 1811. His father, Zadock Barnes, who was a farmer and carpenter, was a native of Maryland, born May 23, 1767, and came of an English family. His father, Philliman Barnes, was born in England. Mr. Barnes' mother's maiden name was Elizabeth Paulson, and she was born August 24, 1772, in Maryland, where she died, the mother of five sons and six daughters: Rachel, Slingsby L. and Thomas E. F., being the only ones now living. Our subject was reared in Maryland, where he lived until he was twenty-three years of age. He, like many of the pioneer children, when but little more than a toddler, trudged his way two and one-half miles to school, and then received only a limited education. About 1835 he left his native State, and went to Montgomery county, Ohio, near Dayton, where he was engaged in farming three years, and from there he moved to Miami county, where he worked on a farm for one year. In 1840 he went to Clay county, Ind., entered 320 acres of land, and began to improve a farm. In 1842 he returned to Mont¬ gomery county, Ohio, and married Miss Sarah Hosier, a native of that place, and a daughter of Abram and Lucy (Key) Hosier, who died in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. F. Barnes have two daughters living, and had one son, deceased, viz.: Lavina E. widow of Joseph F. Morris; Loyd N., who died in 1877, and Mary Jane, wife of T. E. Woollen, who resides on a farm in Yigo county. Mr. Barnes resided in Clay county eighteen years, when he disposed of his farm and came to Yigo county. He purchased forty acres of land, which he farmed until 1878, since which time he has resided in Terre Haute. He has one vacant lot on Sixth street, and a house and lot where he resides; also owns fifty-three acres of valuable land. He cast his first presidential vote for Adams, and was always affil¬ iated with the old Whig party during its time. Since the Repub¬ lican party has existed he has acted with it in political matters.

WILLIAM BAUGH, engineer, Terre Haute, is a native of Wythe county, Ya., born February 22, 1818, a son of David and Catharine (Kensler) Baugh, former of whom, who was a farmer and carpenter, was a native of Virginia, and the latter of Maryland. The family removed in the spring of 1829 to Madison, Ind., where the mother died in 1845. The father was wounded at the battle of Shiloh, and was brought to Evansville, Ind., where he died a short time afterward. William, who is the eldest in a family of seven children, received a common-school education, and followed boating about eight years, starting in as cabin boy, then becoming deck hand, striker and engineer in succession. In the spring of 1843 he went on the Madison & Indianapolis Railroad as fireman, and was promoted to engineer in 1844. He continued with the company until the spring of 1851, when he came to Terre Haute and went to work for the Terre Haute & Indianapolis Railroad Company. Mr. Baugh is one of the oldest employes of the Vandalia Railroad Com¬ pany, and ran the first regular train over the road from Indian¬ apolis to Terre Haute, the trip being made March 4, 1852. He continued as engineer on the road until 1870, when he retired on account of age, and went to work for the Vandalia Railroad Com¬ pany at the roundhouse, where he is still employed. Mr. Baugh has been twice married, first in Madison, Ind., September 14, 1840, to Miss Mary Godfred, a native of Vernon, Ind., who died January 16, 1869. To this union were born six children, viz. : Sarah (deceased) ; William C., who married Ruth Grubbs (they are resi¬ dents of Sioux City, Iowa) ; Angelona, wife of L. D. Sirona; Mary, wife of Clift Porter (they reside at Lexington, Ky. ); Edward and Harry. Mr. Baugh was married, the second time, in Terre Haute, August 18, 1873, to Margaret Hathaway, a native of Bloomington, Ind. Mr. Baugh is a member of the Masonic fraternity No. 86, and also of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, Division 25. In politics he is a Republican.

JOHN BEAL, farmer and stock-grower, Otter Creek township, P. O. Terre Haute, was born in Parke county, Ind., May 4, 1836, and is the son of Jeremiah Beal, who was born in Loudoun county, Va., March 5, 1807, and is now living a retired life, being as active in his eighty-fourth year as the average man of sixty. He is of four nationalities: Scotch, Irish, German and English. John Beal's pater¬ nal grandparents were Samuel, who was born in 1770, and lived to be fifty-four years old, and Nancy (Garner) Beal, natives of Virginia and farmers by occupation. John's father, who was the third in a family of five children, was reared on a farm in Jackson county, Tenn. He came to Vigo county in 1829, and the same year moved across the line into Parke county, where he resided until 1857, when he came to Terre Haute and engaged extensively in the real estate business, in which he has met with marked success. He was married in Jackson County, Tenn., February 21, 1829, to Rebecca, daughter of William Fuqua; her parents being of German and English descent. John Beal's father enlisted in the Mexican war, and his grandfather, Samuel Beal, was all through the war of 1812. The father is grand master in the Masonic fraternity.

The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is the fourth in a family of ten children. He Avas reared on the farm, receiving a common -school education, and has been a very successful agricult¬ urist, being the owner of a Avell-improved farm where he noAv resides in Otter Creek toAvnship, consisting of 160 acres of valuable land. He was united in marriage in Yigo county, Ind., January 5, 1865, with Miss Lucy C., daughter of Azariah and Nancy (Dudney) Hopper, avIio were of German and Irish descent. Mr. and Mrs. Beal have had six children, of whom those now liATin£ are Frank G., an attorney in Terre Haute, and Jessie L., Avho is at school. Mr. and Mrs Beal are justly proud of their son, Avho is a graduate of the high school and the commercial school at Terre Haute. Mrs. Beal is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The male members of the family are mostly Democrats. Our subject is a Mas¬ ter Mason. The names of his brothers and sisters are: William; Bev. Samuel B. ; Nancy Ann, wife of John Strong; Elliot; Martin, who was a soldier in the Civil war; Mark, a farmer in Otter Creek toAvnship, and Wesley, aa-Iio died at the age of twenty-two. Two died young.

MABK BEAL, farmer and stock-grower, Otter Creek township, P. O. Terre Haute, Avas born in Parke county, Ind., October 5, 1844, and is a son of Jeremiah and Bebecca (Fuqua) Beal. [For a history of his parents see sketch of John Beal, also a prominent farmer in Otter Creek toAvnship and brother to Mark.] Our sub¬ ject is one of a family of ten children, seven of Avhorn are uoav liv¬ ing. and was reared on the farm in Parke county, Ind., receiving a common-school education in that county. He is the OAvner of a valuable farm consisting of 272 acres in Otter Creek township, where he now resides. He was married in Parke county, NoATember 2, 1865, to Miss Margaret A., daughter of George and Lydia (0\Terpeck) Bailor, who were of German descent. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Beal are: Nettie Florence, a music teacher; Fred W., a graduate of the high school of Terre Haute, and uoav a student at the State Normal (he is eighteen years old) ; and Lizzie May, a student at the Terre Haute high school. Mrs. Beal is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Beal is an energetic farme r, his success in life being largely due to his energy, industry and economy. Mr. and Mrs. Beal take a great interest in the education of their children.

and Elizabeth (Wells) Beard, natives of Spencer county, Ky., who were of Irish descent. The father, who was a farmer, and taught school during his early life, moved from Kentucky to this county, about the year 1818, and died in Pierson township, August 3, 1880; the mother is still living. They had a family of six children that grew to maturity, of whom Joseph L. is the third. He married, October 7, 1879, Mary E., daughter of William and Lettie (Heddy) Little¬ john, natives of Kentucky, of Irish descent, and who were early settlers of this county. They had five children who grew to ma¬ turity, of whom Mary E. is the third, born March 9, 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Beard have two children: Stephen L. and William L. Mr. Beard received his education in the common schools of this county, has followed farming, and owns a well cultivated farm of forty acres of land.

HENRY BECKEL, farmer and stock-dealer, Honey Creek township, P. O. Terre Haute, ranks among the most extensive stockdealers and farmers of this county, as well as being a prominent and influential citizen. He was born in Germany, February 19, 1832, the third in the family of four children of Henry Beckel, who was a farmer. Henry and an uncle came to America when the former was a youth of nineteen years, and they settled at Baltimore, Md. Henry bought and shipped cattle east. He came to Yigo county in 1865, bought and fed cattle extensively before he came here, and has made that his chief business since. He is the owner of a wellimproved farm on which he resides, comprising 285 acres of valua¬ ble land. Mr. Beckel is a man of keen perceptive faculties, and does business quickly, being a man of but few words. He has a wide reputation for honesty and veracity, and has many friends and few enemies. It was during the Civil war he made his start. He buys much corn on his farm, paying the highest market price. Mr. Beckel was united in marriage April 27, 1858, to Rika Seilacker, and they have nine children, as follows: George, Henry, Fred, Charles, William, Lizzie, Carrie, Frank and Girtie. Mr. and Mrs. Beckel are members of the Lutheran Church; in politics he is a Democrat.

HON. JOHN BEGGS, Terre Haute. This enterprising and successful business man is a member of the Wabash Distilling Company, of Terre Haute, and also of the Straw Board Manufactur¬ ing Company, at Ellsworth Station, Yigo county. He was born in Eerrnoy, Ireland, April 6, 1832, and is a son of Edward Beggs, who was a manufacturer, and whose family consisted of seven children, of whom four are living. Our subject came with his parents to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1843, and was educated at Woodward College. Early in life he learned the distillery business, and was so employed several years at New Richmond, then, in 1851, embarked in the business' for himself. In 1852 he sold out, and, coming to Indiana, settled in Franklin county, where he engaged in the real estate busi¬ ness, and was interested largely in the timber and lumber trade. In 1870 he was elected to the legislature, and in 1874 was elected State senator. In 1852 he bought a distillery, which he operated until 1872. In 1877 ,he removed to Terre Haute, and has since been a member of the Wabash Distilling Company. He is treas¬ urer of the same, and is vice-president of the Wabash Lumber Company. Mr. Beggs was married in Kentucky, in 1853, to Miss Rebecca Lewis, who was descended from English forefathers, and was an exemplary member of the Presbyterian Church. She died in 1881, leaving seven children, as follows: Elizabeth, now the wife of Alonzo B. Jones; Belle, wife of J. P. McDaniel; Clara, wife of Thomas Swain; John E., superintendent of the Wabash Distilling Company; Katie, at home; H. W., who is a member of the Wabash Lumber Company; Thomas G., attending school. Mr. Beggs is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., and is a member of the Grand Lodge. He is past master in the Masonic fraternity, and in politics is a Republican.

RICHARD BELT, M.D., is now actively engaged in the prac¬ tice of his chosen profession at Sandford and vicinity. He was reared on a farm in Licking county, Ohio, where he was born April 30, 1848, son of William and Jane (Park) Belt, natives of Ohio, and of American descent. The father who was a farmer all his life, died in Ohio in 1883, and his family consisted of eight chil¬ dren, of whom six are now living, our subject being the third. He was reared in Ohio, receiving his earliest education at the district schools, and later attending the graded schools, also the high school. He studied medicine at Marshall, Ill., and subsequently, in 1876 and 1877, attended the Ohio Medical College. He passed and received a certificate of examination from the State Board of Health, Chi¬ cago, Ill., March 6, 1878. In the spring of that year he commenced to practice as an undergraduate in Clark county, Ill., where he continued until 1880, when he came to Yigo county, and located at Sandford. The Doctor is very attentive to his patients, and has met with much success in his practice both here and elsewhere. He was married in Marshall, Ill., in 1875, to Miss Alice V., daughter of John Husted, and of American descent. They have one child, Bula Ella. The Doctor and his wife are members of the Methodist Epis¬ copal Church ; he is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and of the Wabash Valley Medical Society.

born at Stockbridge, Mass., August 4, 1826, son of G. W. Bement, who was of Welsh descent, a farmer by occupation, and who died in Massachusetts. George W. Bement, who is the fifth in a family of eight children, obtained his earliest education in the common schools, and also attended the high school or college one year, but his best lessons were obtained in his father's family - lessons of toil and frugality, that came to the eldest and youngest alike; there¬ fore, the son commenced work in a general store when quite young, receiving therefor his board and clothes. This was his practical school, and before he was grown he had learned many of the lessons of life that are adjudged to belong solely to mature man¬ hood. Yet his was not that quick young development that is com¬ monly known as precocious. It was no doubt largely due to these circumstances that, while still a youth, not fairly beyond that age when the average are only dreaming of going out from the mother's love and care, and fighting the battle of life, where strong men strug¬ gle and sometimes so mercilessly trample upon the weak or faint¬ hearted, he went in business on his own account. He had learned enough of business life to engage in merchandising on his own behalf. His commercial career has been marked from the first with a steady progress and merited success. From time to time, as his means enabled him, he has invested in real estate, and now has a farm of 500 acres in Lost Creek township, which is his especial pride; it is well stocked and highly improved. He has altogether over 1,500 acres of land, and he is now well able to give farming much of his attention. Here is the life that yields him the great¬ est pleasure. As stated he started in the world with but little; even when he commenced business for himself, when all was summed up, it was but a meagerly-stocked grocery store; but from this beginning he has expanded it into his present wholesale busi¬ ness, which he lias carried on since 1854. He has been a promi¬ nent factor in advancing the manufacturing interests of the city, liberal toward everything promising the general good. He served many years as director of the State National Bank. Mrs. Bement, nee Helen Brotherson, is a native of the State of New York. Our subject and wife have two children: Asa Bruce and Charles Wesley.

CHARLES N. BENIGHT (deceased) was born in New York, November 10, 1809, and was a son of Joseph and Margaret (Rosson) Benight, who were of English descent, and who moved from New York to Prairieton Township this county in 1818. Their family consisted of twelve children, Charles N. being the eighth in order of birth. Our subject was twice married, first to Eliza, daughter of Otis and Sarah (Bush) Jones, natives of New York, and to this union were born four children, all of whom grew to maturity, and of these Eliza was the second. She was born in Yigo county about the year 1816, and is said to have been the first white child born in the county. Mr. Benight had, by this marriage, three children who grew up, viz.: Sarah, wife of Milton Henderson; Hamilton, who married Hannah Jones ; and Harriet, deceased. Mrs. Benight died in 1851, a member of the Methodist Church, and July 10, 1853, Mr. Benight was married to Louisa, daughter of Johnston and Sarah (Caldwell) Birch, former of whom was a native of North Carolina, of Irish descent, and latter a native of Nashville, Tenn., of English descent; they died in Clark county, Ill. Mrs. Benight, who is the eighth in a family of twelve children, was born April 11, 1827. Mr. and Mrs. Benight had born to them six children, viz. : Charles, who married Harriet Miller; Frank, who married Nellie Shurberne; Martha, who died in infancy; Mary, deceased; Gertrude, wife of O. P. Hood, and Bert, born May 1, 1865, in Terre Haute, and married August 6, 1888, to Mary E. Baiely, who was born March 15, 1867.

Charles N. Benight came to Prairieton township with his par¬ ents in 1818 and was reared to farming, an occupation he followed until 1855, when he moved to Terre Haute and engaged in the man¬ ufacturing of brick, which business he carried on fourteen years. He owned at one time about 1,000 acres of land, part of which he sold, dividing some of it among his children. Mr. Benight belonged to the militia that guarded Fort Harrison during the Indian war. He died April 6, 1886, a consistent member of the Centenary Meth¬ odist Church. His widow owns a farm containing 256 acres of land, and has her residence in Terre Haute, Ind.

FRANK E. BENJAMIN, American Express agent, Terre Haute, was born in New Jersey, and is a son of Edward J. and Mary S. (Hurd) Benjamin, natives of New Jersey, the father of English and the mother of German descent. Frank E., who is the eldest of six children, who grew to maturity, received his education in the city schools of Rockaway. In July, 1862, he enlisted in Com¬ pany K, Seventy-second Ind. Y. I., being then but fourteen years and six months of age, and weighing about 100 pounds. Some of the important engagements he participated in were the battle of Chickamauga, the Atlanta campaign, the battles of Hoover's Gap, Stone River, Ringgold, Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain and others, and in all his fighting was only slightly wounded. He was mustered out at Nashville, Tenn., in July, 1865. He is a member of the G. A. R., and served one year as quartermaster-general on the staff of Gen. D. M. Foster. He is a member of the K. of P., and has passed the chairs ; is a G. O. O. member, and has served as D. D. G. O. Mr. Benjamin represented the Seventeenth ward in the city council of Indian ap- olis, four years. After he returned from the army he engaged in the American Express business at Colfax, Ind., was also interested in a general store, and remained there three years. Since that time he has been engaged exclusively in the American Express employ, and was engaged at that business at the Union depot, In¬ dianapolis, thirteen years. He served as president of the fire board at Indianapolis, four years, and also as chairman of the commit¬ tee on sewerage and drainage, two years; he was a member of the judiciary committee, two years, and also served on committee on streets and alleys. He was chairman of the special committee having charge of the city ordinance in reference to the building of the Union depot, in Indianapolis, one of the finest in the country, at a cost of $1,500,000. He is president of the Columbia Club, Terre Haute, secretary of the Terre Haute Park Association, and has served as president of the Athletic Club in the city. Mr. Benja¬ min came to Terre Haute in October, 1886. He is a Republican in politics.

STEPHEN M. BENNETT, M. D., New Goshen, stands at the head of the medical profession in Fayette township. He has an ex¬ tensive practice in this vicinity, where he lias spent the most of his time since he commenced the practice of his chosen profession. He was born in Franklin county, Ind., October 2, 1846, and is a son of Thomas and Maranda (Coffin) Bennett, natives of the State of New York, and of English descent. His father was a farmer all his life, and died in Sullivan county, Ind., in 1866. Dr. Bennett, who is the youngest of a family of nine children, was reared on the farm in Franklin county, Ind., where he obtained his early education in the common schools, subsequently attending college at Sullivan, Ind. He studied medicine at the Eclectic Medical Institute, at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he graduated February 4, 1873. He prac¬ ticed his profession one year as an undergraduate at New Goshen, Ind., and since he graduated he has made it his home. He is well read, and is a frequent contributor to the medical journals.

The Doctor was married at Cincinnati, Ohio, April 25, 1872, to Miss Rosella, daughter of William and Eliza (Hall) Wrench, natives of Ohio, and of Scotcli-Irish descent. The children born to this union are as follows: Chloral W., Claude M., Clara R. and Cliva G. The Doctor and wife are consistent members of the U. B. Church, he taking an active part in the church and the Sabbathschool. He is now secretary of the township Sabbath-school, and superintendent of the one at New Goshen. In politics he is a Re¬ publican, and he is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity. He was. for a time medical examiner for the I. O. O. F. Dr. Ben¬ nett, was a soldier in the Civil war, enlisting in 1863, in the Eighty- fifth Inch Y. I., Company H, and was discharged in 1865, at the close of the war. He participated in several battles, and was a faithful soldier. The Doctor is well known in Terre Haute, and has many friends in Yigo county. He is generous to a fault, and is wonderfully attached to his profession, his success being largely due to his energy and determination to succeed.

MARSHALL N. BENTLEY, Prairieton township, P. O. Prairieton, is an energetic young farmer, a native of this county. He was born December 13, 1864, and is a son of Charles E. and Nancy (Coffman) Bentley, former of whom was born in Kentucky, and died in this county, being among the first settlers of same. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and an influen¬ tial and useful citizen. He always aided in enterprises pertain¬ ing to education and the general welfare of the community in which he lived. His wife, Nancy (Coffman), was born in Pennsylvania, and died in this county in 1877. By their marriage four sons and three daughters were born, of whom three sons and one daughter survive, Marshall N. being the youngest child. He was reared in this county, and received a^good education in the common schools. April 7, 1887, he married Miss Lora, the accomplished daughter of C. H. and Ophelia Morgan, and born in Yigo county, Ind., in 1868. Her father now resides in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Bentley have one child, Homer. Mr. Bentley was elected trustee of Prairieton township in April, 1890, by the Republican party, and he is probably the youngest man in the county that has ever been elected to said office. He is a good citizen, and there is every reason to believe he will make a trusty public official. He has 120 acres of well-culti¬ vated valuable land. Politically he is a Republican, and cast his first presidential vote for Harrison.

HENRY A. BERGHERM, grocer, Terre Haute. This enter¬ prising young man was born in Clay county, Ind., March 21, 1865, a son of PredrickA. Bergherm (deceased) and Mary (Mehmeyer) Berglierm, former born in Germany, and latter in Baltimore, Md., her parents being natives of Germany. The father was born in 1839, and immigrated to the United States when he was nineteen years old, coming soon after to Torre Haute, where he spent the remaining portion of his life. He was a merchant and farmer, and died in 1889, leaving a family of seven children - four sons and three daughters. He became a leading and successful business man, and made his own way in the world; was a member of the Ger¬ man Reformed Church, in which he served as elder for a number of years; politically he was a Democrat. At his death the business and the settling up of the estate devolved on his son, Henry A., who conducts the grocery store with more than average success.

Our subject received bis education in the public schools of Terre Haute, and first clerked in his father's store, which training well qualified him for the management of it. He has had charge of the business since 1886. Henry A. Bergherm is a member of the K. of P., and in politics is a Democrat.

JOHN BIANCHY, retired farmer, Terre Haute. This enter¬ prising and successful citizen of Vigo county was born at Baden, Germany, January 13, 1823, the eldest child and son of Stephen and Mary (Baust) Bianchy, also natives of Germany. They came to the United States in 1853, and in 1855 to Vigo county. The father, who was a farmer, died in this county, September 4, 1867. Of their five children but two survive - the eldest and the youngest, Eve being the youngest. John was reared in Germany, where he attended the schools of his district, and in 1847 he came to the United States, spending a short time in New York City, then went to Philadelphia, where he remained until he came to Vigo county with his parents. He has become one of the most successful farm¬ ers of the county, and is now owner of farms, one in Prairie Creek township, and another in Prairieton township, the last mentioned farm consisting of 270 acres of valuable land. Mr. Bianchy started in life for himself with but little, even for a poor boy, but formed habits of industry and economy, and has lived an industri¬ ous and exemplary life, commencing as a renter. He has been twice married, the first time in 1849, in Philadelphia, but his companion died in 1858. In 1860 he married Mrs. Gearhart Lancing, who had two children, one of whom died young, and the other, Henry, lived to be twenty-seven years of age, when he died October 28, 1883. Mrs. Bianchy's maiden name was Adaline Roty, and she is of Ger¬ man descent. Mr. and Mrs. Bianchy and family are members of the Catholic Church. In politics Mr. Bianchy sympathizes with the Democratic party.

HON. FRANCIS YON BICHOWSKY, Ex-State senator, Terre Haute, was born in Erankfort-on-tlie-Oder, Prussia, May 16, 1827, and is a son of John Andrew and Caroline Yon Bichowsky. The father was a retired Prussian army officer and of Polish parent¬ age the mother a German, being the second wife. This gentleman who is the second youngest child, was reared and educated in his native place. He is well educated, and he finished his education at the Polytechnic Institute at Berlin, Prussia, where he studied mechanical engineering. He emigrated to the United States in 1851, locating first in Clay county, and in 1852 made Terre Haute bis home. He engaged in mercantile business, and remained in it until 1869, when, on account of impaired health, he sold out and retired permanently from active business pursuits. Mr. Bichowsky is a Republican, and cast his first Republican vote for Lincoln. He served for seven years as a member of the city school board; served in 1881 and 1883 as State Senator for Yigo county, and was re-elected to that office in 1888. He was married in 1855, in Germany, to Miss Matilda Gust, and they have two children living: a son, Emmo, who is a resident of California, and a daughter, Cora, who is living with her parents. Mr. Bichowsky has many friends, and his reputation for honesty and integrity has never been questioned by anybody who knows him.

FRED J. BIEL, Terre Haute. This gentleman was born in Prussia, Germany, March 6, 1843, and is a son of Henry and Au¬ gusta (Hessland) Biel, also natives of Germany. The father, who was a blacksmith, came to America in 1854, and worked at his trade a short time in Wisconsin, and then came to Terre Haute, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1887. Our subject, who is the eldest son in a family of eight children, received his edu¬ cation in the public schools, and early in life learned cigar-making, at which business he worked for some time. In 1861 he came to Terre Haute, and worked at his trade until 1866, when he commenced a small business that has merged into the present concern, which is almost all a wholesale trade. For fifteen years he has carried on the largest trade in his line in the city, and employs about sixty men. His success in life is due to his exertion and energy. Mr. Biel was married in Terre Haute, to Miss Anna, daughter of Charles Seeman, and born in Terre Haute, of German descent. Their children are Margaret, Amanda and Charles. Mrs. Biel is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Biel is a member of the A. O. U. W., and of the Masonic fraternity. He has served as a member of the city council of Terre Haute, and in his political predilections he is a Republican.

ADRIAN A. BITCHER, Pierson township, P. O. Soonover, is secretary of the F. M. B. A., of Yigo county, and is a popular young man. He is a native of Pierson township, Yigo county, Ind., and was born March 26, 1857, a son of George and Keziah (Grover) Bitcher, former of whom was born in Fairfield county, Ohio, July 14, 1818, and died in Pierson township, this county, June 7, 1887. Keziah Grover, was born near Lancaster, Ohio, September 13, 1824, and now resides on the home farm. They were married in Ohio, and moved from there, in 1855, to Yigo county, Ind., their entire means consisting of $30 in cash, a team and a wagon. At that time George Bitcher commenced to improve the farm where his widow now lives, consisting of 185 acres of Vigo county's best land, well stocked and improved. Mr. Bitcher was well known and respected by all. At an early date he was one of the trustees of Pierson township, but never afterward, although urged to by his mariy friends, would he accept offers of official trust. He was a member for many years, as is his widow, of Pletcher Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he was a Repub¬ lican. His parents were Abram and Elizabeth (Coffinberry) Bitclier, former of whom was born in Basle, Switzerland, and came to the United States before his marriage, locating in Ohio, after residing in Pennsylvania for a term of years. His wife was a native of Pennsyl¬ vania. Mrs. Keziah (Grover) Bitch er is a daughter of Levi and Cassie Grover, who were from Vermont. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. George Bitcher was blessed by the birth of six children - four daughters and two sons - all of whom are living, Adrian A. being the fifth in order of birth. He attended the schools of Pierson town¬ ship, also Ascension Academy, in Sullivan, Ind., and at the age of sixteen commenced to teach school in Payette township. Soon after, however, farming became his business. In 1885 he was made an honorary member of the Vigo county bar, both in the circuit and superior court, and in January, 1890, he was made secretary of the F. M. B. A., which position he ably fills. For two years he was secretary and treasurer of Pierson Township Fail- Association, which is soon to become a district fair, rivaling in importance and success the Vigo and Sullivan counties fair. On November 6, 1879, he was married to Miss Kate, daughter of Harden and Phoebe Hodges, and born in Vigo county in 1857. To their marriage have been born five children: Walter L., Mary Lucinda, Gertrude, Eloise and Genevera. Mr. Bitcher is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Mrs. Bitcher of the Mission¬ ary Baptist Church.

JAMES BLACK (deceased) was a native of Ireland, born in 1815, a son of Isaac and Elizabeth (Coote) Black. They immi¬ grated to America in 1817, and located in Philadelphia for a short time; then removed to Washington county, Penn., where they re¬ mained a short time, thence went to Ohio, where they died. James, who was reared on a farm, followed agricultural pursuits during early life, and later engaged in mercantile business. He was twice mar¬ ried; first in Ohio, to Mary Ann Davis, by whom there were three children, one of whom is living, Martha A., wife of J. D. Porter. Mrs. Black departed this life in 1853, and in 1854 Mr. Black w-as married in Owen county, Ind., to Lydia, daughter of Robert and Lucy (Rusliton) Harrison, and a native of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison were the parents of six children, three of whom are living: Nelson, Elisha and Lydia (Mrs. Black). The father died in Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Black were the parents of five children : Robert H., in Terre Haute; William, in Clay county, Ind.; E. C., also in

Clay county; Mary E., wife of Horace Wright, of Terre Haute, and Sarah Coote, at home with her mother. Mr. Black formed a partnership with B. W. Wingate, as merchants, in which he con¬ tinued until 1862, and then formed a partnership with O. H. P. Ash, which continued uutil 1864, when their entire stock of goods was destroyed by fire, the loss being $14,000. Mr. Black then came to Terre Haute and purchased the business of John C. Boss & Co., which he conducted three years, when he sold and removed to Bowling Green, where he formed a partnership with C. M. Thomp¬ son, which was continued until 1878, when he transferred his in¬ terest to his son, B. H. Black. Mr. Black commenced life very poor, yet, even after his loss of everything by fire, he died the owner of valuable property, consisting of eighty acres of excellent land and also considerable city property. After a busy and useful life he died May 2, 1885, and his death was mourned by his many friends.

JOHN T. BLAIB, farmer, Linton township, P. O. Pimento, was born in Jefferson county, Ky., September 17, 1840, and is a son of Bobert and Sarah E. (Moore) Blair, natives of Kent, and of English descent, who were early settlers of this county, where they died. Their family consisted of nine children, of whom John T. is the fifth. Our subject was married February 2, 1867, to Bar¬ bara, daughter of John and Margaret (Harris) Beisenger, natives of Kentucky, and of German descent, the latter of whom died May 6, 1854; the father is still living. Barbara is the sixth in a family of eight children, and was born May 6, 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Blair had seven children, viz.: Murtie J., Sadie, Willis and Bobert (died in infancy), Laura F., Ollie E. and Everett S. Mr. Blair devoted his time to farming, and owns a farm of forty-five acres. He enlisted in Company D, Forty-third Ind.V. I. for three years, and was in the gunboat service, taking part in the battle at Helena. After he had been out two years he was seized with typhoid-malaria fever, and was discharged. Coming home, he remained about six months and then re-enlisted in the same company, serving till the close of the war, being mustered out at Indianapolis, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. Blair are members of the Methodist Church.

F. G. BLEDSOE, dentist, Terre Haute, was born at Decatur, Ind., December 19, 1840, a son of Daniel and Georgia (Craig) Bledsoe, natives of Kentucky, and of English descent, former of whom was a farmer and merchant. They reared seven children. F. G. Bledsoe attended the common schools in Indiana, and studied dentistry in the office of Dr. Allen, at Cincinnati, after which, in 1860, he entered upon the practice of his profession at Seymour, Ind. Then practiced in Jackson county, same State, and also at Shelbyville, until 1880, when he came to Terre Haute and opened his office, which is located on Wabash avenue. Dr. Bledsoe has been twice married, first in 1868, to Miss Sarah, daughter of John Mussulman, and they had five children, viz.: William and Harry, both employed at the Electric Light Works; Albert, a puddler in the iron works, Terre Haute; Walter, studying dentistry with his father, and Edward, at home. The mother of this family died in 1878, and the Doctor was married in 1883 to Martha J. Harris, of Terre Haute, who died in 1890, a consistent member of the Presby¬ terian Church. The Doctor is a member of the Christian Church, and in politics he is a Democrat. He is one of the prominent citizens of Terre Haute.

PLEASANT BLEDSOE (deceased) was born in Tennessee, June 18, 1833, and was a son of Isaac and Margaret (McBroom) Bledsoe, also natives of Tennessee, the former of whom was of English, the latter of Irish descent. They moved from Tennessee to Greene county, Ind., in 1836, and there died, the mother in 1844, the father in 1863. They had a family of six children, all of whom grew up, and of whom Pleasant was the third in or¬ der of birth. He was twice married, first, October 28, 1858, to Mary A., daughter of Samuel and Amanda (Thomas) Welch, natives of Ohio and early settlers of this county, and who had one child, Mary A., who was born October 24, 1832. Mr. and Mrs. Bledsoe had born to them six children, viz.: Margaret J., wife of George French; Belle; J. W. ; J. T. ; Charles H., and Baby Bled¬ soe, born November 7, 1870, died December 8, 1810. Mrs. Bled¬ soe died November 23, 1870, a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, and Mr. Bledsoe was married November, 2, 1871, to Bebecca, daughter of Samuel and Margaret (Chambers) Welch. She is the eldest in a family of six children, and was born March 23, 1837. Mr. Bledsoe had by this marriage three children, as follows : Edward P., Bhoda and Taylor J.

Mr. Bledsoe was reared on the farm, receiving his education in the common schools of Greene county, Ind. After he grew up he commenced to learn the blacksmith's trade in Sullivan county, and on completing his apprenticeship he moved to Centreville, Pierson township, this county, where he worked at his trade until 1865, when he sold out his shop, and followed farming for about three years. He then bought out a stationary saw-mill, and followed saw-milling till 1871, in which year he moved to Pimento and erected a grist-mill, which he carried on till 1877, when he engaged in the grain and hay business, and also handled agricultural implements. Mr. Bledsoe died March 17, 1890. Politically he was a Democrat, and served one term as assessor, five years as township trustee, and was a justice of the peace at the time of his death. He was a

Master Mason, a member of Lodge No. 292, Pimento, and served as secretary for fourteen years. Mrs. Bledsoe is a member of the Baptist Church.

LON BLOCKSOM, farmer and stock-grower, Honey Creek township, P. O. Terre Haute. This enterprising young farmer and business man was born in Honey Creek township, this county, February 24, 1856, a son of William and Edna (Atkinson) Blocksom, the former of whom was born in Ohio, the latter in Virginia, and they were of English descent. The father was an early settler of Vigo county, and was a leading farmer and business man, suc¬ ceeding in accumulating a handsome fortune. He lived a life well worthy of the imitation and admiration of the rising generation - a good man and true. He died in 1874, the owner of 394 acres of valuable land at the time of his death. His family consisted of four sons and four daughters, our subject being the youngest, and six of the children are now living and doing well. Lon Blocksom received a good education in the English branches, wisely choosing his father's occupation, and he has one of the best arranged barns for the stock business in the county; he is an extensive farmer and stock-grower, and also breeds fine horses. Mr. Blocksom was married in this county to Susie B., daughter of Daniel D. and Mary (Corbon) Walker, and of Scotch and English descent. Her father, who was born in 1830 in Vigo county and died in 1870, was a promi¬ nent business man and of good education, being a regular graduate of Green castle College, His father was engaged in shipping by flatboat to New Orleans at an early date, and this was the founda¬ tion of his fortune.

JOHN D. BODINE (deceased) was born in Edgar county, Ill., March 14, 1845, a son of Thomas and Margaret (Keynolds) Bodine, the former born in Maryland, the latter in Kentucky, both being of French descent. The father was a farmer all his life, and died in Edgar county, Ill., in 1852. His family consisted of five children, of whom John D., the second in order of birth, was raised in Vigo county, Ind., but attended the district schools in Edgar county, Ill. He as a farmer made his own way in the world, and was successful in his business transactions, being at the time of his death owner of the farm where he resided, consisting of seventythree acres of well-improved land. He was married in 1868 to Miss Ellen, daughter of Jacob Wrightnire, who is of Irish and French origin, and the children are Charles Alonzo, Mary R., John F., Albert E., Anna Blanche and Irene Estella. The family are mem¬ bers of the Catholic Church. In politics Mr. Bodine was a Demo¬ crat. His grandfather, Barney Reynolds, who was a soldier in the war of 1812, came from Kentucky to Vigo county in 1818, where

A. H. BOEGEMAN, dealer in boots and shoes, Terre Haute, was born in Enochsburg, Franklin county, Ind., July 28, 1851, and is second in the family of five children of Frank and Elizabeth (Wacker) Boegeman, natives of Hanover, Germany. He was united in marriage July 28, 1872, with Frances A. Cooley, a daughter of Silvester and Mary (Partlow) Cooley, natives of Illinois. She is the second in a family of five children, and was born in Clark county, Ill., July 11, 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Boegeman have had born to them four children, as follows: Frank, Catharine, William and Nona. Mr. Boegeman received his education in the common schools, and learned the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked in Oldenburg, Franklin county, three years. In 1870 he removed to Terre Haute, and worked at his trade here about seven years; then engaged in the boot and shoe business, which he has since followed with success. He has made his way in the world by his own ex¬ ertions. Mr. and Mrs. Boegeman are members of the Christian Church, in which he is a deacon. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., No. 51, Terre Haute, and of the Encampment. Mr. Boegeman re¬ sides one mile east of Terre Haute.

PETEK BOLLIG, grocer and baker, Terre Haute, was born in Germany, August 1, 1836, and is a son of William and Magdelena (Kohn) Bollig, natives of Germany. His father, who followed the same trade, and was also a farmer in Germany, was a leading man in the city where he resided in the Fatherland, and was mayor of same, an important and high office in that country. Peter, who is the youngest in a family of ten children, six of whom reached the age of maturity, was reared in his native place, where he attended the common school and assisted his father in his work, naturally adopting the same line of business. When he reached his majority he came to the United States, and has carved out his own way in the world. He has resided in Terre Haute since 1869, and such was his industry, energy and economy, that he was not long a citi¬ zen before he was able to commence business on his own account, at first on a small scale, which has constantly grown into its present proportions. He is eminently qualified for the business, having spent most of his life in the same line he is now engaged in. He was married in Germany, in 1868, to Miss Margaret, daughter of John and Margaret Ann Sheiderick. Mr. and Mrs. Bollig are mem¬ bers of the Catholic Church, and he has served as trustee of the Catholic Benevolent Association, and also as treasurer of the church. In politics he is identified with the Democratic party.

man, who is assessor of Pierson township, was born in Spencer county, Ky., October 23, 1837. His parents, Edward and Sarah (Stout) Boston, were natives of Maryland and Kentucky, respect¬ ively, and his father, who has celebrated his eightieth birthday, is now a citizen of Clav county, where he located in 1878. When Edward Boston was thirteen years old his parents emigrated from Maryland to Spencer county, Ky., and this was his home until 1810, when they came to Vigo county, but in a few years returned to their old home in Kentucky. In 1855 the family again came to this State and located in Sullivan county. He is a typical pioneer, and his life has been spent in the woods, clearing land and improv¬ ing farms. His wife, Sarah (Stout), was born in 1815, and died in Sullivan county, Ind., in her sixty-fiftli year; both were active members of the Missionary Baptist Church. In politics, while there was a Whig party, he affiliated with it, and after it passed away he became a Democrat. The father was of English and Irish descent, and the mother of German. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Boston was blessed with a family of eleven children, six of whom are liv¬ ing: James W., who is a hotel-keeper in Terre Haute; Maston S. ; Harriet, wife of Leander Trinkle; Josephine, wife of Ewing Plan¬ ning; Lois, wife of Elisha Powell, and Jesse P. Our subject spent his school days in Kentucky, and, for his meager advantages, his education is liberal. He remained with his father, assisting him on the farm, until he gained his majority, when he undertook to learn the blacksmith's trade, which he abandoned after about one year, and then turned his attention to farming on the border line of Vigo and Sullivan counties.

In 1872 J. S. Bryan became his partner in mercantile trade at Pimento, and three years later their stock of goods was destroyed by fire, but they continued as partners in farming. In 1878 they again embarked in mercantile trade, this time at Centreville, and in 1887 Mr. Boston sold his interest in the store to his partner on account of his farming interests demanding all his time. He has an improved farm in Sullivan county, near Centreville, and also an interest in a farm in Clay county, dealing extensively in stock. On December 13, 1864, he volunteered in the Thirty-fifth Ind. Y. I., and served until disabled by rheumatism, when he was transferred to the quartermaster's department; he was discharged in November, 1865. In 1886 Mr. Boston was elected assessor of Pierson town¬ ship, his success as a business man being an assurance that he was well fitted for the position, and his friends were not mistaken in their surmise. May 15, 1868, he married Miss Mary F., a daughter of William H. Bryan, and born in Clark county, Ill., January 14, 1844. To this union five children have been born, viz. : Nellie,

Elmer B., Edward H., Cecil D. and Ethel B. The family are mem¬ bers of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Boston is a member of Cruft Post No. 284, G. A. R., and is now serving as J. V. C. ; he is treasurer of the E. M. B. A. Politically he is a Democrat, and is a Prohibitionist, having totally abstained from intoxicating drink since 1865, and he has used no profane language since his eight¬ eenth birthday. Mrs. Boston died February 22, 1890.