Washington County, Indiana - Biographical sketches, 1916 (part 3 of 11)

Mr. Uvemiaii was united in marriage in iS8o to Airs. -Miriam (Xi.xonj AlcKmght, (laughter of Toms and Semina (HuntJ Xixon. She was born northwest of Salem, where her brother, Francis Nixon, now lives. Mrs. Overman was first marri.d, October 20, 1863, to William J. :\lcKnight, of near xXew Philadelphia, who was born at that place, and was a son of Robertson and Jane (Tatlock) AlcKnight. Robertson AlcKnight was a son of W'ilham antl Xuncy ( Robertson) .McKnight. the former of whom was born in 1763, in County Dowm. Ireland, of Scotch-Irish lineage, and a son of John McKnight, born in 1730. and his wife, Mary ( Hazelett ) Mclvnight, wdio died in Ireland in 1774. John McKnight and his son, William, came to America and settled in Pennsylvania. William grew up and was married to X^ancy Robertson, who was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1766. W^illiam McKnight moved to Kentucky with his family in the fall of 1769, and in 1809 came to Franklin township, Washington county, Indiana, and entered government land, on which he lived and died. His son, Robertson McKnight, was united in marriage with Jane Tatlock, daughter of Miles and Martha ( Sutton ) Tatlock, who came from Pasquotank county. Xorth Carolina, about 18 14, and entered land in Washington township. William James McKnight died on January 4, 1870, aged thirtytwo years and nine months, sur\i\ed by his widow and one daughter, Ollie, now the wife of James W. May, who li\es west of where ]\lr. and Mrs. Overman reside. She is the mother of three children, William, Ralph and Helen.

Toms Xixon, father of Mrs. Oliver Overman, was born in 1808. in Xorth Carolina, and was a son of /lachariah and ]\Iartha (Toms) Xixon. He grew up on his father's farm, and lived under the parental roof until he was married, and from there he moved to Salem, moving one year later one mile north of his father's farm. While in Salem, Mr. Xi.xon built the first steam-null, some time between i8_'0 and 1830, which he operated until trouble with his eves cruised him t(.i give it up. after which he farmed until his death, which occurred in 1876. when about sixty-nine years of age. He also taught a number of district schools. His wife, Semira (Hunt) Xixon, was the only daughter of Jal>ez and Priscilla (Coffin) Hunt, and was born in Xorth Carolina.

Zachariah Xixon. the jiatenial grandfather of Mrs. Overman, was born in Xorth Carolina, as was also his wife, Martha (Toms) Xixon. The\- were opposed to slavery and moved to Washington countv in 181 _>, when their son. Toms, was four years old. Here they entered two ([uarter sections of government land, and finallv became the owners of fiveTialf sections, the most of which was entered from the government, and reached all the way from the quarry to Salem, including the George Barrett farm. He also owned a tract which is now platted and called Nixon's addition. Mr. Nixon built the first ox-tread mill in the coimty and operated it for a time. His earlier life was spent at Salem, and the latter part on a farm, where he died. He was a leader among early settlers at Salem.

Jabez Hunt, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Oliver Overman, was a native of North Carolina, as was also his wife, Priscilla (Coffin) Hunt, who was born July lo, 1786, and was the daughter of Matthew and Harriett (Mendenhall) Cofihn. She was married in 1811 to Jabez Hunt, a son of Nathan Hunt, of North Carolina, and in about two years was left a widow with one child and with very little money. In 1814 she moved to the Blue River settlement of Friends near Salem, while Indiana was almost a wilderness. Her father had purchased a farm for her there, and she was one of the first members of the Blue River church, and in 1815 made her first appearance as a member of the Friends church, and before she was thirtyseven years old she had \'i sited every meeting of Friends in America, and was very active in the work from Indiana to New York, and also in Baltimore and Canada, keeping it up from 1829 to 1853. She was a woman of wonderful ability in her preaching, of a beautiful character and great influence, being well educated. Her second marriage was to a Mr. Cadwalder.

Mr. Overman is all that a man should be in the direction of good citizenship and has won a large circle of friends throughout Washington county.

Odfn Francis Parker

Oden Francis Parker, proprietor of "Woodlawn Stock Farm" in Washington township, this county, on Rural Route No. i, out of Salem, is recognized as one of the progressive farmers of that section of the county. He was born in that township on May 15, 1867, son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Stalker) Parker, the former of whom was born in North Carolina in the year 1818, son of Benjamin and Asenath (Alberson) Parker, both natives of that state, who emigrated to Indiana, settling for a time on a farm in <:his county, after which they moved to a farm on Sand creek, in Bartholomew county, where they spent the remainder of their lives. They were industrious farmers and consistent members of the Friends church.

his parents moved to Bartholomew ciuiity. He had learned the carpenter trade and followed the same there and later, npon returnint^ to this county, in connection with his not extensive farming operations, until i)ld age retired him from more acti\e pursuits. Joshua F'arker returned tn this count}- from Bartholomew county in i860 and was married here in that year. When the Civil War broke out he enlisted in Company M. b'lfth Indiana Caxalrw and was in the army service fourteen months, at the end of which time he was discharged on a physician's certificate of disabilitx. He contracted a ,-evere cold while the compan}- was rendezvoused at Indianapolis and later suffered a violent attack of typhoid fever which left him in such a condition that further army service was impossible.

In i860 Joshua Parker was married to Mrs. Elizabeth ( Stalker) Jones, widow of William Jones, (jf Washington count}-, who was the mother of five children by her first marriage, nameh- : Cadawonder. a ph\sician at Charlestown, this state; Emma, deceased; Mary Ellen, deceased: V\\ l-~clwin. 6i Colorado, and Mrs. Cleo .\nn Hinkle, of this countv. William lones tlied in 1856 and his widow married Joshua Parker, in 1S60, t" which union were born four children, as follow: ;\Irs. lata Williams, deceased; Eli-^lia, who is li\ing with his mother and managing the home farm in this count\-: Oden, the subject of this sketch, and Rebecca, who also is at home with her mother. Mrs. Parker was born in thi.s count}- im ( )ctober _'o. 1830. daughter of I'di and Parthenia (Caress) Stalker, who owned ,-i farm three miles east of Salem. Eli Stalker's parents were nati\es of Scotland and his w)fe was a native of Kentucky. Joshua Parker :il-.o had been niarrie<l twice, his first wife having died in Bartholomew- county before his return to this countv. To this first n-iarriage fi\-e children were born. Charles, Warren, Smith, ThouKi'^ and ( yrus. Charles Parker was killed while scrvuig as a soldier in the Cnion arni}- during the West. Joshua Parker Salem and their children wi an acti\-e interest in church of the Sunda}- scho.il. lie acti\-e part in po]itic:d affai in Xorth I'arolina in 1802. and himself came to this ci the}- both spent the rest of thenia I'are-s, niemlier of a Kentuck} in, 1811. and to onl\- three are now lixinsj-:

Oden F. Parker's early years were spent on the small farm of twenty acres near Salem, on which his father had settled upon his return from Bartholomew county. He was but nine years of age when his father died in 1876, at the age of fifty-five years, and after that event the family moved to a rented farm of forty acres in Washington township, where they remained for a time, after which they moved to the Stalker farm of one hundred and fifty acres, in the same township, where Mrs. Parker now lives. There Oden F. Parker farmed until his marriage in 1888, after which he lived on his mother's small farm southeast of Salem for a couple of years, at the end of which time he moved to his present home farm of four hundred and fiftythree acres, the old Joel S. Denny farm, inherited by his wife, and there he has lived ever since, and is considered one of the progressive and substantial farmers of that part of the county.

In 1888 Oden F. Parker was united in marriage to Martha L. Denny, who was born in Washington township, this county, on January 15, 1866, a daughter of Joel S. and Elizabeth (Thompson) Denny, the former of whom was born on that same farm, fi^'e miles northeast of Salem, on April 21, 1825, son of Samuel and Dorothy (Goff ) Denny, who came to Washington county as early as 1810, and entered land which is still in the family and on which they spent the rest of their lives, both being buried on the old homestead farm. Joel S. Denny grew to manhood on this homestead farm, atteniling in his boyhood the log-cabin school, which is so graphically described in the historical section of this volume, and became one of the best farmers in his section, long having been recognized as one of the most substantial and progressive citizens of Washington county. On February 2, 1858, Joel S. Denny married Elizabeth A. Thompson, who was born in this county on .\ugust 20, 1830, daughter of Carey and Mary (Parr) Thompson, the latter of whom was the daughter of Arthur Parr, a soldier of the American Revolution, and to this union seven children, Margaret B. (died in iXSo), I'jnma J., Ruth A., Samuel H. (died in 1874), Martha Loudella, .\lar\- !{., Dorothy (died in 1873). ^Fartha F. married Oden F. Parker. Joel .'-^. Denn\- was the owner of four hundred and seventy acres of land in \\'asiiin<.;ton township and he and his wife were earnest members of the Christian church, in which faith their children were reared. Joel S. Denny died on Septcnilier 30, 1804, at the age uf si.xty-nine years, and his widow died in .Se|)teniber. \<)of>. at the age of seventy-six vears.

born, kalpli Joel, who married Harriet .McKiiight. daughter of Xewton and Anna AIcKnight, and lives on the farm adjoining that of his parents, and Martha E., Nolile II. ;m<l Mahel T. .Mr. and .Mrs. Parker are members of the Blue River l-'riemLs church, of whieh Air. Parker is one of the overseers, and they are hekl in high regard throughout their neighborhood, their invarialjle interest in .all good works therealiout giving them a high plaee in the esteem of their man\- fi'iends. .Mr. Parker is a Republiean and takes a good citizen's interest in jiolities, Init has never been particularly active in the workings of die party organization and has ne\-er been an asi)irant for oftice. He is an excellent farmer and a good judge of farm-land values, being regarded as one of the substantial men of the county.

George Al Joh.Xsox

George M. Johnson, one (jf the leading business men of Pekin, Washington county, Indiana, is a nati\e of that town, born on January 17, 1849. son of Nelson ar.d Sarah (Souder) Johnson. Nelson Johnson was a son of Ransom Johnson, and he, in turn, was a son of Josiah and Sally (Wright) Johnson, who were among the earliest pioneers of this section, coming here in 1808 and locating southwest of where Salem now is. The Johnson family history, therefore, is closely connected with the history of Washington county and is set out in the sketch of the life of Josiah T. Johnson, found elsewhere in this volume.

Xelson Johnson gave the acti\-e years of his life to farming, being located just north of Pekin, on the grade road. He was one of the older school teachers of this section, being engaged in that calling for many years and continuing therein until after fifty vears of age. For twenty-four years he was justice of the peace and wis a man widely known and respected. Sarah Souder, his wife, was also born near Pekin. daughter of Joseph and Catherine { Tasli ) Smidcr. Joseph Souder was a son of I^red and Alary (Kesner) Souder, :ind the hitter's father. Solomon Kesner, came to this countr}' from Germrmy. I->ed Souder and his wife came to this section from Teuuessee in 181^) and located lirst where the town of Pekin now st.ands. The ue.xt _\ear the}- eiitered land about a mile and a half north of their origin.al location and m.ade their ])crmanent home there, b'red Souder difd there on Xovember 18, 1814, an<l his widow afterwards went to Illinois, where she closed her life.

George M. Johnson was one of a family of four children, namely: Ransom, living in I'ekin; INIary ].. wife of P. J. Purlee, residing north of Pekin, and Adelia, widow of William Baker, of Fountain county, this state. George M. is the second child of the family in order of birth, and lived on the homestead north of Pekin until married. During his boyhood days he attended the grade and high schools of Pekin and assisted his father in the work of the farm. .Vfter marriage, he bought a stock of general merchandise in Pekin Station, which he continued to run for seven years. He then moved his store to Old Pekin and continued in that business until about 1910. For about thirty-five years he operated the business himself, and then disposed of it to his son, Charles C., and since has been giving his attention to the retail automobile business.

In 1913 Mr. John.son became connected with the Pekin Hardwood Lumber Company, in the capacity of president. That company operates a large saw- and band-mill, doing a large business. Mr. Johnson is also connected with the Borden State Bank, in the capacity of vice-president and director, and he is also a stockholder and director in the Citizens Bank of Pekin. Mr. Johnson is a public-spirited man and gives his support to the Democratic party. In igo8 he was elected county commissioner and reelected to succeed JTimself, occupying the office for six years, up to the close of 1913.

In 1873 Mr. Johnson was united in marriage with Sarah A. Elrod, born in Polk township, a daughter of Cornelius and Mahala (Rickard) Elrod, the former a son of Stephen and Elizabeth Wyman Elrod. Stephen was a native of North Carolina and came to this section about the year 1815. He entered land from the government in Jackson township, but within a few years went to Polk township, where his wife owned a half section. Stephen prospered in his farming and gradualh- added other acres to his wife's original holdings, until he was a considerable landowner. His wife \\'as Elizabeth Wyman, daughter of Frederick Wyman, who was a native of Hesse, Germany, and reached this country during the war with England in t8i2. The English brought over a number of Hessian soldiers to aid their cause, and inasmuch as young Wyman did not relish the task before him, he escaped from the British and wandered into Tennessee. There lie remained for a short time, and then came to this comity, where he made his ]iermanent home. Tie was a sturdy man in every respect and possessed the fine physique for which many Hessians were noted. This characteristic he passed on to his sons, and it can still be distinguished in se\eral of his descendants today. .Ml of his sons weighed over two hundred

To George M. Johnson and wife have been born three children, of whom Alfred N. is the eldest, born on January' 22. 1874, and his early days were passed in assisting his father in his store. He remained in that connection until 191 1, when he purchased the largest business block in Pekin, having a floor space of sixty-four hundred square feet, and installed therein a full line of hardware, implements, wagons, buggies, etc. On October 13. 1895, Alfred married Bertha E., daughter of David and Julia S. (Lapping) Bierly, and to them have been born two sons. Edward B.. aged eighteen years, and Frank L.. eleven years old. Charles C, the second son. was b(.irn near Pekin and grew up at work about the store, being also employed some about the saw- and grist-mill in the town. For a time he assisted Alfred in the store, and in 1915 Charles C. became sole owner of the store, still located at Old Pekin. Charles C. married Elva Martin. Delia F.. the voungest of the Johnson familw is the wife of Thomas Fisher, a farmer near Old Pekin. and is the mother nf six children. Ruth. Ruby. Hugh. Carl. George and Merle. Both Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are devout members of the Chruch of Christ and are among the m,.st highly respected citizens of this community. Persona!l\-, Mr. Johnson is quiet and modest in manner, but forceful and influential for the liest.

Few names are better known in newspaper circles throughout southern Indiana than that of Julm \\". Lewis, editor and proprietor of the Salem Republican-Leader. .Mr. Lewis has been actively identified with the newspaper business in this section of the stale since 1887 and since 1907 has been the owner of the paper al)o\e mcntioneil, whose destinies he has piloted with such wisd(.)m and judgment as to make it one of the strongest forces for good government in this region.

John \Y. Lewis was hor this state, on .\ugust 26. i83< ( Ha_\'nes ) Lewis, prominent ; former of whom was a nati\e Rc\-. John .\. Lewis was a we in Warrick count\-, who lost

John W. Lewts

Indiana Cavalry during the Ci\il War. After his death his widow moved to Xewburg in order that her children might have better opportunities for acquiring a proper education, and there the subject of this sketch was reared. fie was graduated from the Xewburg high school, after which he took a course at the college at Oakland City, following which he taught school -for a period of five years, in the meantime reading law in the office of Hatfield'& llattield, at Boonville, and in i88i was admitted to practice at the bar of the Warrick circuit court. He was deputy prosecuting attorney of Warrick county during the incumbency of former United States Senator James A. Hemenwa}' as prosecuting attorne}- of the second judicial circuit. Joseph Haynes, father of Mr. Lewis's mother, had entered government land next to that entered by Senator Hemenway's grandfather in Warrick county, and for three generations the two families have been closely associated.

About the year 1887, John \V. Lewis gave up the practice of law as a profession and engaged in the newspa])er business, which he ever since has found a most congenial calling. He l)ought the Xezcburg Leader and for eight years was proprietor and editor of thai sprightly paper. Leaving Xewburg in, iSijs, he went to Huntingburg, where he purchased the Hnntingburg Argus, which he conducted for twelve years, at the same time, from 1897 to 1Q06. serving as po.stma.ster of Huntingburg. In 1907 Mr. Lewis sought a somewhat wider field for the exercise of his editorial talents and bought the Salciii Republican-Leader, which excellent old paper he ever since has managed and edited, being sole proprietor. From the time of his boyhood, Mr. I,e\\"is has been an earnest Republican and the se\'eral newspapers which he has controlled ha\e l)een (>utsi>oken in their advocacy of the policies and princi])les of that part}-, and none more enipahtically than the Republiean- I.eader. Xot onl\- through the columns of his paper, Init on the stump and m the councils of his party, Mr. Lewis has made himself felt in the political life of this section of the state and in the campaign of 1908 he was the party's nominee lor member of Congress from the third Indiana district, but was un;ilile to overcome the opposition's strength- expressed at the polls in that cam]iaign. .\s an exponent of good government, Mr. Lewis ever has made liis ]ircsence felt and both voice and pen have been exerted unceasingly in behalf nf all things of good report hereabout, he for vears having been regarded as one of the most potent influences for good in this section,

C)n April 3, 1883, John W. Lewis was united in marriage to Lillie Dale Eeatly, who was born at Bloomington, Indiana, daughter of Dr. James M. .md .Anna Mitchell (Peniston) Reatlv, the former born in \^irginia and the (47^ latter, in Kentucky, of English parents. Doctor Beatly entered upon the practice of medicine in Kentucky, his native state, and later came to Indiana, where for some time he was located at Spring^'ille, later going to Bloomington, where he spent the remainder of his life, and where he took a very active part in community affairs, having been county recorder of Monroe county at the time of his death in 1863. he having been elected to that office on the first Republican ticket made up in that county. Mrs. Lewis received her elementary education in the Bloomington schools and later attended Indiana University, after a course in which excellent institution she entered the ranks of public school teachers and for fifteen years she was thus engaged, having oeen a teacher in the Xewburg schools when she first met Air. Lewis. Since her marriage, she has been a very able assistant to her husband in his newspaper work.

Mr. and Mrs. Lewis are members of the Presbyterian church at Salem, the former being a member of the session of that church, and are active and influential in all the various beneficences of the same, as well as in all good works in and about Salem, their influence e\er being exerted in behalf of all movements designed to better conditions in this community, and, very properly, they both occupy a very high ])Osition in the regard and esteem of their manv friends.

Edw.Krd K. Motsixger

.\mong the well-known farmers and jjrominent citizens of Polk township, few are better known or more highly respected than is Edward K. Motsinger, who was Ijorn on March 7, 1868, on the old ]\Iotsinger Immestead, in Polk township, Washington county, Indiana, the son of John R. and Barbara (Fry) Motsinger, a sketcli of whose life is found elsewhere in this volume.

Edward K. Alotsinger was educileil in the public schools of his native luwnship, after which he becanu' a farmer, working for some time with his father on the home ])lace, ami then, ha\iiig married. Mr. Motsinger secured a farm of one hundred an<l sixtv acres of laml. which he lias improved with one of the most modern and well-eciuipiied homes of the community and a farm to which Mr. ]\lotsinger ha> ;ulde<l land until now he is the cultivator of three hundred and fortv-foiir acres of the best improxetl and most highl\' pro(lucti\e land of W'asliinmon connt\- or the \ icinitw was born near Pekin, Washington county, the daughter of WilHam A. and j\lary E. (Elrod) Graves, a review of whose life is given elsewhere in this work. To the marriage of Edward K. and Ardelia Motsinger have been born five children, Raymond, Estelle, Frank, Irvin and Homer, all of whom live at home. Mr. and Mrs. Motsingei* and their children, Raymond and Estelle, are members of the Primitive Baptist church, a congregation w'-ich Mr. Motsinger is now serving as a trustee.

As a business man Edward K. Motsinger takes an important place in the community, being one of the directors of the Bank of Pekin. Mr. Motsinger, for six years, has been a leading and influential member of the county council and is one of the most progressive and active of the citizens of Washington county. Indiana. In politics, Edward K. Motsinger is a Democrat, although he does not aspire to public office. Mr. Motsinger is actively engaged in general farming and in the raising of Jersey cattle and Duroc-Jersey red hogs.

Luciu.S D. Martin

Lucius D. Martin, retired farmer of Washington county, Indiana, residing in Salem, was born on August i, 1844, about five miles south of where he now lives, son of William E. and Anna (Starbuck) Martin, William E. Martin was born in Jessamine county. Kentucky, in 1812, a son of Moses and Sarah (Singleton) Martin, and lived there until twenty-one years of age, when he came to Indiana. Before that time, however, his father had come to this section and established a home, coming here so early in the history of this section of the state that there was at that time nothing but wilderness where the town of New .Albany now flourishes. Moses Martin was born in 1766 and was a son of Peter Martin, bom in 1744, probably in Virginia. The Martin family originally came from England and it is presumed that Peter was in the War of the Revolution. Moses was the first of the family to go to Kentucky and there married Sarah Singleton, of that state, and reared a large family, there probably being ten children. Moses lived to a ripe old age, considerably past ninety years, and was one of the active and influential men of this county in his day. He was a man of ability and was county surveyor and cleared and cultivated a large farm west of Salem. He had originally been a slave holder in Kentucky, but became convinced of the error of his position and set his people free. So ardent an abolitionist was he that he insisted liis wife's slaves should also be set free.

W'ilham E. ]\lartin came here in 1833 and Hved most of the time at Salem and in the early days carried the mail from that town to Seymour. He also managed his father's farm and here married Hannah Starbuck, born in Salem west of the creek, a daughter of George and Anna (Macy) Starbuck George Starbuck and his wife came here from Nantucket Island, where the Starbucks were large owners of land and were Quakers. The Starbucks were among the early settlers of this cuunty, coming here in 181S. William £. ]\Iartin and family moved to Indianapolis in 1873 and there he died in 1898, his wid'jw continuing to make her home with her children until her death. Both William E. Martin and wife were active members of the Christian church and people who were held in high esteem by all who knew them. Eight of their children grew to maturity. These are: Louise, widow of Henry I'urkheiser, deceased; Lucius D. ; Mrs. Sarah Lockenour, of Salem; }ilrs. Susie Light, of Indianapolis; John W. deceased; Mrs. Mary Quick, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; F'rank. of Memphis, Tennessee, and ^Irs. Ada ?iIonks, of Indianapolis.

Lucius D. Martin passed his boyhood days in Salem, receiving his education and on July 4. 1862. he enlisted for ser\ice in the Civil War as a private in Company B, Sixteenth Regiment, Indiana X'olunteer Infantrv. and served until the clo'^e of the war. His regiment of green recruits was hurried into battle at Richmond, Kentucky, even before thev had had a platoon drill and were nearly all taken prisoners and later paroled. Mr. Martin jokingly says that he nearly ran the rebels to death, but he was in the lead. However, he escaped capture and got back to his lines by traveling in the night and hiding by day. His regiment was brought to Indianapolis and, until exchanged, drilled eight hours a day and there he rejoined them. They were sent to Memphis and were made a part of Sherman's army and took part in the first attack on A'icksburg, between Christmas and New Year's Day. They took part in the battle of .\rkansas Post and at that time recaptured the wagons which they had lost at Richmond, Kentucky. After their victory at Arkansas Post, they were returned to the siege of \"icksburg and remained there until the fall of that city, being at that time a part of McKernan's corps. They spent some time in the vicinitv of \'icksburg and were then sent in pursuit of Joe Johnson and were afterwards sent to New Orleans and from there entered the Red River campaign, remaining there until nearly the close of the war. Their last 'service a'; a regiment was given in an effort to capture Jeff Davis, keeping near the vicinit)- of the Mississippi. In this effort they were engaged at the close of the war, when they were aU honorably discharged and returned to their homes. Mr. Martin was with his regiment in every action and was not absent from duty a day during his enlistment, and to this remarkable record is added the fact that he was never too ill for service, never wounded nor taken prisoner.

Two years after the close of the war, Mr. Martin took up the study of civil engineering under Gen. Thomas A. Morris, of Indianapolis, who was a West Point graduate and president of the Indianapolis & Saint Louis railway. General Morris gave him valuable instruction and a position during the construction of the road between Terre Haute and Indianapolis. Mr. Martin set the stakes for the work, starting west of the White river bridge and remained with the road until it was in operation. His next position was with the old Indiana & Illinois Central, later known as the Indiana, Decatur & AVestern, in the construction work of which he also assisted. For two years he was with the Chicago & Southern railway, and the last road on which he was employed is that known as the Indiana Central, passing through Anderson, Lebanon and Ladoga.

In 1875 Mr. Martin gave up civil engineering and returned to Salem, married and went to farming. He located about two miles north of Pekin, where he rented a tract of land, and about ten years later he purchased eightv acres adjoining his home, and took possession of his own land. He later purchased forty acres belonging to his paternal grandmother and later on Mrs. ]\Iartin's father gave them the eighty-acre tract on which they had first lived, making their entire holdings two hundred acres. Mr. Martin continued acti\e work on his farm until about 1907, when he purchased a comfortable home on North Main street. Salem, and retired from the active duties of life. He rents out his farm, receives a pension for services rendered during the war and being still in excellent health, is fullv entitled to the quiet enjoyment which is his after a life of hard labor and faithful patriotic service gixen his country.

Mr. Alartin was married in 1875 to Ellen Goss, bom in the neighborhood of Pekin. where she spent sixty years of her life, a daughter of Ephraim and Isabel (Gray^ Goss. the latter also born near Pekin, in Polk township, a daughter of Samuel and Catherine fMcKinley) Gray, both of Kentucky. Isabel Gray Goss died on July 22, 1887. Ephraim Goss was also born in this county, near the line between Clark and Polk townships, and A\as a son of George and Mary (Boss) Goss, both of whom came from North Carolina, where they were married and where some of their children were burn. The Goss family is of German origin, and George Goss was educated in that language. He was an early settler in this county and made his permanent home wliere his son, Ephraim, was born. For a few years after marriage, Ephraim lived on his father's farm and then moved north of I'ekin, where he lived the balance of his life, passing away on April 25, 1 88 1. Ephraim Goss was a man of keen intellect and good business ability. He became the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of land, which he managed well and had the respect of his friends and neighbors. While for manv years an ardent Republican, he took no active part in politics, aside from voting. There were five children in the Goss family, three of whom grew to maturity. These are: Ellen, wife of Mr. ?vlartin; .\nn, who died twenty-nine years ago, and James, who lives on the old home place.

To Mr. and ^Irs. ]^Iartin have been born seven children, one uf whom died in infancy. Those remaining are: Joseph, superintendent of the public sclipols at Sheffield, Illinois. He married Carrie Turner, who has borne him one son, Paul. Belle is the wife of Fernando B. Landry, and li\es in Lockport, Louisiana. She has two daughters, Ellen and Dena. George .\. is principal of the schools at Thor])e, Washington. He married- Stella Strauss, and has one daughter, Gladys. ]\Iason is proprietor (d' a confectionery in Salem, and James is lucated on a ranch near North Yakima, \\'ashington, and is also a teacher in the schools at that place. John A. Logan, 'the vuungest of the family, lives with the parents in Salem. ^Ir. Martin and his family are members of the Christian church .-md he holds his fr;iternal altiliation with Samuel Reed Post. Grand Army of the Republic, at Salem.

The subject of this biographical sketch has been a resident of Salem, this county since 1000, in which year he came to Washington county from Louisville, locating at the count)- seat, where he opened a hardware store and tin-shop, which he later enlarged into a general plumbing shop and lieatingsupplies establishment, in which business he has prospered until he is now accounted one of the substantial and entcrjirising business men of that city.

Gustav H. Hagen w-'is born in Dubois county. Indiana. September 8, 1868, son of John and Eliza ( Ri^ch ) Ilagen, both native-^ ..f Germany. John Hagen came to America as a young man and -ettled in Dubois county, this state, where he engaged in the s;iw-mill business. e\entuall_\- becoming the owner of a mill, which he successfully operated until he was killed by a boiler explosion in 1869, his son, Gustav H., being at that time but six months of age, the widow Hagen thus being left with two children of her own and four stepchildren to care for, her husband having had four children by a former marriage.

Mrs. Hagen kept the home place together and reared her family successfully. The children of John Hagen by his first marriage were as follow: Anna, deceased: Mrs. Barbara Shively, of New Albany, Indiana; Mrs. Maggie Tchmiller, of Hillham, Indiana, and Mrs. Eva Meyer, of Sparksville. Indiana. To his second marriage there were born two children, John, now living in Jasper, this state, and Gustav H. In 1874 Mrs. Hagen married Jacob Frick and to this union were born six children, namely : Herman, of Dubois count}'; Otto P.. of Salem, this county; William, of Huntingburg, Indiana; Valentine, of Washington township, this county; Charles, of Kansas City, Kansas, and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Frick died at her home in Dubois county in August, 1887.

Gustav H. Hagen grew up in Dubois county and was reared a farmer, receiving his education in the district schools. At the age of eighteen he left the farm and went to Huntingburg, where he learned the tinner's trade, and from that place in 1890, went to Louis\'ille, Kentucky, where he worked as a journeyman tinner until 1900, in which year he came to Washington county, locating at Salem, where he bought a hardware stock, opening a tin-shop in connection with the same, and operated this business until 1910. His health failing him at that time, he sold his place and for a year lived in the \\'est, where he recuperated, after which he returned to Salem and reopened his tin-shop. His business prospered and presently he bought the ])uilding in which he is now located and remodeled the same for the pur- ])oses of a general plumbing and heating business in connection with his old-established line of tinning. He moved into this new building in March, 191 5. and is doing well. He is agent for the Peninsular furnace for Washington count}'. Mr. Hagen is widely recognized as an expert in his line and li;is ;i rai)i(ll}'-growing business, to which he gives his most careful attention. In addition to his l.)usine.-;s. he owns his home and some other property in Salem and is r;ite(l well among his business iissociates, among whom he is h.eld in high regard.

On June 2. 1892, at Louisville, Gustav H. Hagen was united in marriage to Lulu May Randolph, who was born in Hardin countv, Kentucky, Fehruarv 28, iSjr, daughter of John and Mary Jane (Holbert) Randolph, ;inil lo tl i ; vnion three children have been born, Laura Ruth, Mildred Barbara and Raiuiolph Merrill, all of whom are at home, the eldest now being in the second year of the high school at Salem. Mrs. Hagen is a member of the Missionary Baptist church and takes an earnest part in the works of the local congregation, her co-laborers there holding her in the highest esteem. Mr. Hagen is a Democrat and from the time of his coming to this county has taken an active part in political affairs. For three years he .sers'ed as a member of the county council and in other ways has shown his interest in good governnent. He is a member of the local lodges of the Red Men and of the Modern Woodmen and takes a warm interest in the affairs of these popular fraternal societies, among the members of which he is very ]X)pular.

John W. Reyman

There are few better judges of horsellesh or better-known stock dealers in thfs part of the st;ite than is John W. Reyman. who operates the wellknown and long-established livery barn in Salem, which his father started \cars ago, and who also is extensively engaged in breeding high-grade horses and mules on his farm in Washington township, this county.

Jdhn W. Reynjan was born in Washington township, thi^ countw on Ma\ 30, 1874. son of William L. and Ethanda (Evans) Reyman, the former of whom died on October 19, 1898, at the age of fifty -nine years, eleven months and nineteen days, additional mention of whom is made elsewhere in this vdlunie. in the sketch relating to his widuw, who is still living. William E. Reyman was a well-known farmer of Washington t(.iwnship, who \-ears ago established the livery business in .Salem, which is now cunductcd by his son. John W.

Reared upon the paternal farm and recci\'ing his education in the tli>- trict school in that neighborhood, Julin W. Reyman was seventeen years uf age when his father established the livery stable in Salem and he has been connected with the same ever since. Upmi the death of his father, he assumed active control of the business :ind has enlarged it in many wa\'s, ha\ing built up an extensi\e and lucrative establishment, one of the best known of the kind in this section of the state. 'Sir. Reyman also is extensivelv engaged in the live-stock Inisiness. being a large dealer in horses, cattle, sheep and hogs, besides which he maintains at his barn two thoroughbred jacks and one fine stallion for breeding purposes.

Mahlon and Tabitha ( Alexander ) Chapman, and to this union one daughter, Ruth, was born on December 2^, 1900. Mrs. Reyman is a member of the Christian church at Salem and takes a warm interest in the various beneficences of that church, a woman who is highly esteemed by all with whom she is associated.

Mr. Reyman is a Republican and takes an active interest in the county's political affairs, ever being an ardent exponent of all measures looking to the creation of better governmental standards. He is not of the office-seeking class, however, being content to give his whole time to the management of his growing business. He is an active, energetic business man, an excellent citizen and a good neighbor and enjoys the confidence and esteem of the wliole communitv.

Oliver M. Trueblood

Oliver AI. Trueblood, well-known farmer and highly respected citizen of Washington township, Washington county, Indiana, was bom in Washington township, on October 22, 1875, he being the son of Joshua and Elizabeth ( Baynes) Trueblood. a sketch of whose lives will be found elsewhere in this volume.

01i\er M. Trueblood received his early education in the common schools of Washington township, and then he became a student of the Danville Normal College, of Danville, Indiana, a school which Oliver M. Trueblood attended for about one year. After the completion of his education and following some time as a farmer on the home place, Oliver M. Trueblood, in 1898, went to the state of Colorado, with his brother, Thomas, they remaining in that locality for a short time and then returned to Washington county, Indiana. Later, Oliver and Thomas Trueblood purchased a farm of one hundred and three acres located near the town of Salem, a place which they in]])r()ve(l and cultivated for about five years. About this time Oliver and Thomas l>ueblood sold their farm and bought a seventy-acre farm known ;i- the nld Knight farm, a place which they operated for eight years, and then Tliomas Trueblood moved to Salem, Oliver M. Truel)lood, at this time, linyin- twenty-five acres of the seventy-aCre farm. ,\fter some time on his farm. ( )'i\er Al. Trueblood bought the i)ropcrty which his brother, Thomas, had ])ureliase(l iri Salem, and there ( )liver M. lived until 1OT4, when he moved to the Trueblood homesteafl. in Washington township, where he now li\-es as a general farmer.

Washintjton county, and the daughter of WilHam and Sarah (Juhnson) Crist. Til the marriage of (lli\-er and luhel Trnelilnod no children were I)orn. Airs. Truebltiod died in the year loio. mourned l>y a liost of friends. Ohver M. 'l"rueliI(,od is a leading member of the P.lue River llighlan.l Creek I-'riends church, and tor the paM few years has ser\ ed hi^ congregation as an elder. In i)olitics, Mr. TrueMood is a Rejnihlican. although he Ins preferred life a.s a ])ri\ate cili/'en, to that of an oftici. -holder.

The ( iordoiis lia\e been estabbshed as a family in Washington county almost from the time of the beginning of an organized social fabric in this region, Aaron and Xanc\- ( Sproul ) Gorilon, natixes of South Carolina. ha\- ing emigrated willi their children to this county at an earl\^ da_\" in the settlement of this section, locating in I'ranklin towushi]). where thc\- entered two eighty-acre tracts, to which they ]iresently added another eighty, and there established a permanent lioim.- in the wilderness, -\aron and Xancy (Sjiroul) Cordon were the ];,irents of -.c\cn chddren. Hugh. William, f.unes, Samuel, .Mrs. Xausv Rock, .Mrs. J.uk .Mount aiul J<,lin. the latter of whom was the fathu" of the subject vi this sketch.

John Cordon, who \\;is born in Souib ( aroliu.a on jul\- _'N, iS(j4, was ten years of age when hi-, jiarer-ts settled iu. Washington county an<I be consequently receixed all but his early childhood re iring anu'd the ]irimiti\e conditions which existed here at that lime, growing up in txpical pioneer fashion, amid surroundings so graplucallx desenbed in the historical section of this volume. lie grew to nianho,,d tlie !iome-te:id farm and Ined there all age of seventeen years. John Gordon was reared in the strict faith of the old .Scotch Covenanters and he and his wife were faithful members of the church of that rigid communion at Rush Creek, in Frankhn township, their children being reared in the tenets of that faith, the family being regular attendants on the services of the church, not even the most severe weather ever hindering such attendance, and they were looked upon generally throughout their vicinage as high exemplars of right living. John Gordon died on August 4, 1889, and was widely mourned, for he was a man who had done well his part in life. His wife had preceded him to the grave on September 13, 1885, and she, too, was widely mourned, for she also had been faithful in good works, a veritable "mother in Israel."

William E. Gordon, eldest son of John and Margaret (Glenn) Gordon, was born in Gibson township, this county, on September 20, 1840, and was reared to manhood on the old home place, receiving his education in the coniniissi(.)ned rural school of that neighborhood. Ou August 19, 1862, \\illiam E. Gordon enlisted in Company F, Sixty-sixth Regiment, Indiana A'olunteer Infantry, for three years or during the war, but only saw about ten months of service, though some of this was of the severest character. During the Ijattle of Richmond, Mr. Gordon was among that considerable nuni])cr of Union troops who suffered the misfortune of capture and he for some time was a prisoner of the Confederacy. He later was exchanged and rejoined his regiment. At Corinth he suffered a very severe attack of nK-ask"- and was so completely incapacitated for service that in 1863 he was di.'-charged on a physician's certificate of disability and returned home, shortly thereafter l)uying a farm of two hundred and twenty acres at the edge of the village of Philadelphia, in P>anklin township, this county, where he built a house and where he lived, his sister keeping house for him, for about four }ears. at the end of which time he married Laura Allen, who was born near Bloomington. in Monroe county, this state, daughter of Robert Allen and wife. Tfi this uindii were lii'irn three children, namely: Mattie, born on August 2(), 1S78; Carl, July Ji, 1879. and Mary Algy, May i, 1881, all of \\h(im are Udw deceased. The mother of these children died on April 27, 1884, and Air. Gordon married, secondlv, June 20, 1886, Elizabeth Porter, who was born in Monroe county, this state, January 15, 1859, daughter of William and Ma.ry (Billings) Porter, ])rominent residents of the community in which they lived. William Porter was born in Owen county, Indiana, on March 8. 1833. and on September 17, 1857, married Mary Billings, also a native of Monroe county, a daughter of Bowling and Elizabeth Billings, natives of Xorth Carolina and early settlers in Monroe county. William

Porter died on October ^8, 1896, and his widow is still living, making her home with her son, Charles, on the old home farm in Monroe county. William and Mary Porter were the parents of three children, Elizabeth, who married Mr. Gordon, and John and Charles, proprietor residents of ]\Ionroe county.

After his marriage. Air. Gordon continued to live on his farm in Franklin township and prospered largely, soon coming to be known as one of the most substantial farmers in that part of the county. In 1907 he retired from the farm, turning the same over to responsible tenants, and bought a three-acre tract in the city of Salem, on which he erected a comfortable dwelling, and there he and his wife and their daughter, Ethel May, who was born on Octol^er 9, i8gi, are now living, Mr. Gordon thoroughly enjoying the ample rewards of his long life of fruitful endeavor. He keeps the grounds surrounding his pleasant home in fine shape and is properly proud of his place.

Mr. and Mrs. Gordon and their daughter are members of the Presbyterian church and are among the leaders in that communion in Salem, Mr. Gordon not only being one of the elders, but for years a trustee of the church, while Mrs. Gordon and Miss Gordon are actively identified with the woman's work of the church. Miss Gordon is an accomplished young woman who takes a prominent part in the social life of the city. She is actively identified with the Daughters of Rebekah and with the Pocahontas degree of the Red Men and finds much 'interest in lodge work. Mr. Gordon is a Rqiublican and for years has been influential in local politics. In his old home township he had served as a school director and as supervisor of roads and in other ways had done much to better the conditions thereabout. He is a man of pleasing personality, a good citizen in every respect, and enjovs the confidence and esteem of tlie entire conmiunit}'.

John Winslow

Jiihn \\'insl'iw. prosperous t;irnier and highly-respected citizen of \\'ashington tdwnshi]), Washington county, Indiana, was born in Alonroe township on June jS. 1N3 j, being the son of Jolni Woolman and Phoebe ( Lacy) Winslow, nati\es of North Carolina.

and in 1814, he came to Washington county, Indiana, with his wife and brother and settled in Monroe township, where he homesteaded a farm, which he improved and cuUivated until his death in April, 1856. His wife, Phoebe, to whom he was married on July 10,' 181 1, died on October 30, 1875. John Woolman and Phoebe Winslow were the parents of eleven children, Barnabus, Ruth, Elizabeth. Josiah, Susana, Pennah, Seth, Phoebe, Rebecca, Alargaret and John. The elder Winslow and his wife were members of the Hicksite Friends church. In politics, Mr. Winslow was originally a Whig.

John Winslow, the subject of this sketch, received his education in the public schools of his native county, after which he became a farmer on the home place, cultivating this farm and adding to the acreage from time to time until he was the owner of more than six hundred acres of cultivated land. John Winslow is now the owner of a farm of three hundred and twenty acres, the remainder of his land having been divided among his children.

On April 16, 1856, John Winslow was married to Margaret Hollowell, a native of Washington county, and the daughter of Nathan and Mary T. (Trueblood) Hollowell, natives of North Carolina, born in the year 1795. Nathan Hollowell .settled in Washington county, Indiana, in 181 5, and died in Howard county, in 1865, survived by his wife, who died in 1869. John and Margaret Winslow were the parents of the following children : Sherman, who was born on November 12, 1859, and who married Matta Boling, they being the parents of seven children, Richard, Bartha, Clifford, Lena, Delia, Archie and Theodore, and who died at Washington, D. C, on August 26, 1906; Edwin, born on November 6, 1861, and who died on November 9. 1863: Dora, February 19, 1858, and died on November 5, 1859; Caroline. May 15, 1864, who was married to FYank Hines, a farmer of Washington township, and to whom have been born two children, Estha and William ; Zella, January 3, 1867, who was married to Arthur Callaway, a farmer of Washington township, and to whom have been born three children, Lottie, Mila and Lois; Charles, January 6, 1870, and married to Zella Albertson they ])eing the parents of three children, Everett, Myrtle and Ralph; William L., .\pril 7, 1872: a farmer in Nebraska, and Elmer, born on October 25, 1875, and married to Lula Boling, they being the parents of three children, Lloyd, Elva and Harold.

In 1875, Margaret, the wife of John Winslow, died, and on November 18, 1876, he was married to Diana Denny, who was born in Washington township, Washington county, the daughter of Morris T. and Sally (Grordon)

Dennv. To the marriage of John and Diana W'inslow ha\e Ijeen Ijorn the following children: Marion, who died on January 25. 1879: Winnie, a fanner of Illinois, who married Lillian Frantz. daughter of Samuel h'rantz and wife: George, who f.rms the home place and wIkj married May Lyles, to whom have ].)een jjorn three children, Helen, Forest and Fdna : Ora, who died on Alarch 30, 1892; Lewis, a farmer of 3iIonroe township, who married Deltha Boling and to whom have been born three children, Rosethena, Lawrence and John; Josephine, the wife of Roy Spaulding, a farmer of Monroe township, and to whom has been born one child, Loraine; and Ruth, who married Sherman Hamed. a farmer of To^va, and to whom have been born two children. Lois and \'era. Mr. Winslow is independent in politics and a member of the Oakwoods I'riends church.

Clarexcf Dexxis

Clarence Dennis, leading merchant and postmaster of Oxonia. Washington township, and prominent citizen of Washington county, Indiana, was born in W'ashington township, on Xovember 27. 1866. the son of Isaiah and Mary E. (Price) Dennis, natives of Washington county. Isaiah Dennis was the son of Archibald and Jane (Loudon) Dennis, natives of Xew \'ork state and of North Carolina, respectively

Isaiah Deimis was educated in the pulilic schools of Washington township, after which he became a farmer and bought forty-nine acres of land known as the old Cheney farm. Later, he purchased the homestead farm of eighty acres, a place which he improved and a farm to which he added land until he was the owner of one hundred and thirty-three acre> of welltilled land, near Hitchcock, m A\'ashington townshi]). Isaiah Dennis was a \eteran of the Civil War. having ser\ed as a teamster of Company E. h'ifth Indiana Ca\alry.

In 183Q. Isaiah Dennis was married to Mary E. Price, whri was born in Washington county, the daughter of Robert and Zaneda ( McClain ) Price, natives of the state of Connecticut and of Wab.asli ci.iunt}', Indiana, respectively. To the marriage of Isaiah ;ind Mar\- \\. Dennis were born the following children, Henry. Clarence, George. Ida. (lli\e. Ella. Charles. Bertram. Lncreta. Louis and Jessie. Isaiah Dennis in politics was a Republican, and a prominent nienil)er of the Grand Army of the Republic post at Salem, in Wasliington count}-.

ington township, and when twenty years of age, in 1886, he came with his uncle, David Dennis, to Hitchcock station, and at this place accepted employment in the store of David Dennis, who had purchased the stock of Warren Trueblood, after the death of the latter.

David Dennis was born in Washington county, Indiana, on March 2S, 1843, he being the son of Archibald and Jane (Loudon) Dennis. David Dennis was educated in the schools of Washington township, he afterwards becoming a school teacher, and at a later time became a student at a New Albany school, preparing himself for an intended career as a teacher. In 1862, Da\id Dennis enlisted in Company E, Fifth Indiana Cavalry, serving until the close of the Civil War. Later, he became an employee of the store of Warren Trueblood at Hitchcock station, Mr. Dennis, following the death of Mr. Trueblood, operating the store as a partner, and some time afterwards he purchased the entire interests.

For his uncle, David Dennis, Clarence Dennis drove a huckster wagon for a time and then he became a partner of his uncle and remained in this iuisiness until April 4, 1904, when he purchased the interest of his uncle in the store. Clarence Dennis is now successfully engaged in the general merchandise business, at Oxonia, and in addition to his regular business is the local express agent, the railroad agent and a dealer in produce as a commission man. Mr. Dennis also operates a huckster line, which has been conducted from this business house, for more than forty years. Clarence Dennis, in addition to his other activities, is the efficient postmaster of his home town.

In March, iSgo, Clarence Dennis was married to Stella M. Fultz, a native of Washington county and the daughter of John and Lucinda (Evans) Iniltz. Clarence and Stella Dennis are the parents of five children : May, who married Lee Munkelt, of Salem, and to whom has been born one child, Beatrice ; Otto, educated at the Salem high school, at the Stratton Business College of Louisville, Kentucky, and now interested in the store of his father, and Paul, Ruth and Donovan, who live at home. Clarence Dennis and his family are active members of the Mt. Zion Methodist Episcopal church, in Washington township, Mr. Dennis being superintendent of the Sunday school and one of the trustees.

Mr. Dennis is a member of Lodge No. 67, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, at Salem, he lately having been presented with a button signifying twenty-five years of active membership in this organization. In politics, Mr. Dennis is an ardent Republican, although he has not aspired to public office.

The Arnold family in Washington county, of which William A. Arnold, clerk of the Washington circuit court, is a prominent member, had its beginnings hereabout in the early twenties of the last century when John Arnold, a native of North Carolina, came and settled at Salem, where for years he operated a bakery, also engaging somewhat in farming. He married Alary Maudlin, who also was born in North Carolina, and who came to this section of the state with her parents, who settled near Livonia. One of their sons, Mark iVrnoId, who was born in Salem in 1832, grew up in the county seat and began as a drayman, later engaging in the livery-stable business, in which he continued for many years, finally retiring in his old age. Mark Arnold married Martha Knuckles, who also was bom in Salem, daughter of Stephen Knuckles, a well-known stone mason of the earlier days, and to this union were born seven children, namely: John, who died in infancy; Mary, who married Robert Myers and lives in Salem; William A., the subject of this sketch; Nathan, who died in his youth; ]\Iark, who died in 1907, at the age of thirty-six; George, whose present whereabouts are to his family unknown, and Frank, who is deputy count}- clerk in the court house at Salem.

William .\. Arnold, who was born in Salem on November 25. 1862, has spent his whole life in that city. Receiving his early education in the public schools of that city, he learned the barber trade and in 1881, when only nineteen years of age, started in the barber business for himself and from the very start prospered, until he presently was the owner of the best and the largest barber shop in the county. Always obliging, energetic and public spirited he came to lie one of the best-known men in the county and when, in 1912, the Democrats made him their nominee for clerk of the circuit court, his election was a foregone conclusion. ]\Ir. .\rnold entered upon the duties of his office on January i, to 14. and has made an exemplary clerk, his general popularity in the comnnmity ha\-ing lieen accentuated h\ his course as a public official.

In 1888 William .\. Arnold was united in marriage to Eva White, who was born in Washington township, this county, daughter of Jesse and Mary White, and to this union one child was born, a son, Donald, who died when six months old. Mrs. .Arnold died in t88o and in looi Mr. .\rnold married ATattie Lee. who was hnrn in Salem, daughter of P.ranson and .\nna Lee. Branson Lee, for nlan^- ^-ears a wcll-kr.nwn contractor and builder in

Salem, was born in that city and there married Mrs. Anna Sadler, a widow, who had come from North Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold have no children of their own, but they are rearing three children, two of whom, Carlos and George Kiefer, brothers, were born in Truxillo, Honduras, and the other, Audrey, who has been adopted by the Arnolds, is the daughter of John and Ida (Johnson) Gordon. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold and the three children are all members of the Christian church and are held in high esteem by their many friends. Mr. Arnold for years has been looked upon as one of the leaders in the Democratic party in Washington county and is very popular, not only among his associates in the court house, but throughout the entire county.

Thomas P. Baynes

Thomas P. Baynes, the son ot Beezon and Lowry (Humphreys) Baynes was born on September 2, 1853, ^^ Chester county, Pennsylvania. (For complete history of Baynes family see another page of this volume.)

Mr. Baynes received his education in the common schools of his state and was reared on the home farm where he remained until 1877, when he went to Darby, Pennsyh'ania, where he was married the same year to Rebecca R. Powell, a native of Upper Providence, Delaware county, Pennsylvania. Mrs. Baynes was the daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Heacock) Powell.

Thomas P. Baynes after his marriage, lived for four years at Plymouth, Pennsylvania, where he farmed for his uncle, T. P. Baynes. He then came to Washington county where he purchased one hundred and twenty acres, of what was considered at that time worthless land. By diligent efforts and close application to business, he has developed the place into one of the finest farms in the county. Today, in the place of the worthless waste, one sees well-cultivated fields and modern buildings. The farm is well fenced and thoroughly drained. Today Mr. Baynes has two hundred and twelve acres ami practices general farming and dairying, making a specialty of the latter. He has a fine herd of full-blood and registered Jersey cattle, several of which arc imported. In September, 1914, Mr. Baynes retired from the farm, after turning the place over to his son, Thomas Beezon, and removed to Salem where he has purchased a beautiful residence on North High street.

Mr. and Mrs. Baynes are the parents of the following children: Walter P., Helen X., Joseph P., Thomas Beezon, Margie L., and Rebecca. They (48) also have an adopted bo}- tliat the_\- took tive years ago at the age of two years. Walter i'. married Anna W'hitter and live> in Houston. Texas, where he works at the carpenter trade. They are the parents of fixe children. Helen X. married Charles McDonald, and they are living in Washington township and are the parents oi one child. Juscph P. married Edna Hoar, and lives in Cahenena, California. The}" are the parents of three children. Thomas lieezon, nKirried Xellie McDonald and lives on the home farm known as the Highland Jerse_\- Farm, Rebecca married Shcrl Dellinger and lives on a farm near Tipton. They are the parents of one child.

Mr. Baynes is a stanch Republican but has never been a seeker for office, yet he has been road supervisor for seven or eight years. The Baynes family are all active and influential members of the Bine Ivivcr Friends church on Highland Creek, and take much interest in all church work.

Air. Baynes is a quiet, unassuming man and is held in high esteem by his neighbors and friends, for his honesty and sincerity. He has always been a hard worker and is a kind and affectionate husband and father. Being .a home man, he takes much interest in the pleasure and happiness of his faniilv.

X'eterinary surgery has made wonderful strides in the past few years and i-; now looked upon as a profession to which as careful attention is given as to that form of the practice of medicine and surgery which has to do with human ailments ; the various veterinary colleges of the country grounding their studer.ts -.s thoroughly in comparati\'e anatomy as are the students of the medical colleg'_s grounded in human anatoni}-. Dr. Jtihn C. Riester, veterinary surgeon at Salem, this count)', ecjuipped himself fur his difticult profession with much care and ai)]ilication and since (Opening for the practice of that profession in his lioiue town has ampl}- demonstrateil his iitnes^ as a practitioner.

John Otto Riester was born at Salem, this county, on March 20. 1889, son of George Philip and Margaret (Smith) Riester. the former of whom was born in Dubois count}', this st.'ite, on January 31, 1831, son ni (ienrge and Philaricker (Ailerl Riester.

The senior George Riester, grandfather nf Doctor Riester, was Ix^rn in Germany. He came tn .\nierica with hi-^ brother and sisters, together with a small colonv of neighlxirs wbn had ilecided {<< immigrate to tbi- -ide. and located at Louis\ille, Kentucky, where for some time he was engaged in working on the Portland canal. George Riester was about twenty years of age when he arrived in America and he remained at Louisville for about three years, at the end of which time he moved to Dubois county, this state, where he entered upon a brief career as a farmer on a farm not far from I'ortersville, and there he was married, his bride being one of the young women who had come over on the same vessel with him, with the colony from Germany. After his marriage George Riester opened a general store at Celestian, in Dubois county, which he conducted until his death, which occurred about ten years later. He and his wife were the parents of five children, John. Theresia, Stephen. George P. and William, all of whom now are dead save George, the father of Dr. Riester, the subject of this sketch. Tiie mother of these children survived until 1907, in which year she died at her home in Celestian, at the age of eighty-three.

George P. Riester, who was reared in Dubois county, early turned his attention to the blacksmith trade and became a very proficient artisan. He learned the trade" under Newton Steward in Orange county, and for some time was engaged in his calling at Jasper and at Bono. In 1877, the year following his marriage he located in Salem and has made his home there ever since, being still actively engaged in business. The first shop that Mr. Riester opened in Salem was destroyed by fire, after which he carried on his l)usiness in a rented shop, which also presently was destroyed by fire. He then l)uilt the shop in which he is now located and there has for years carried on a successful business in general blacksmithing and wagon-making. Mr. Riester is a skilled mechanic and has a lucrative business. For some time he was connected with the E. E. Louden Lumber Company, as a half partner with l^'lmer E. Louden, in the operation of a saw-mill, but after the mill burned he quit that business.

In October, 1876, George P. Riester was united in marriage to Maggie Smith, who was born in Lawrence county, this state, daughter of Andrew and Delia ( Lee) Smith, the latter of whom died when the daughter, Maggie, was a mer-e child. .A.ndrew Smith was a well-known farmer of Lawrence count}-, where he died in 1892. He and his wife were the parents of four children, namely: Shelton, deceased; Maggie, who married Mr. Riester; Martin, of Urbana, Illinois, and Henry Lane, deceased. To George P. and Maggie (Smith) Riester six children have been born, as follow: William, a dentist and skilled musician, who married Jemima Dye and lives at Ellsworth, Kansas: Frank, a veterinary surgeon at Louisville, Kentucky; Theresa, who married Oscar Davis, of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, and has one child, a daughter, Margaret: iidna, who is at home with her parents; John O., the subject of this sketch, and Ruby, wiio is a musician at West Baden. Indiana.

George P. Riester was reared a Cathnhc, but in the absence ol a L'athohc organization at Salem he has n.o present acti\'e church connection. He is a Democrat and for years has taken an active interest in the pohtical affairs of the city and county and is at present a meaiber of the Salem town council and is doing well his part in promoting the best interests of the city.

John Utto Riester was reared in Salem and received his early education in the public schools of that city. For a time he worked with his father in the blacksmith shop and the farriery department of the business attracted him so greatly that he determined tu become a veterinary surgeon. With this end in \ iew he entered the Indiana \'eterinary College at Indianapolis, in IQ07, and was graduatetl from that e.xcellent institution in 19 10. Upon receivmg his diploma he returned tu Salem ami opened an nftice for the general practice of veterinary surgery and has been quite successful, having the field hereabout practically to himself, his labors being very much appreciated in the community.

On Xdwmber 2S. Kjio. Dr. John O. Riester was united in marriage to Glenn H;i\es. whi> was bi>rn at Cani]i]iellsliurg. this county, ilaughter of Melvin and D(.)ra (Thompson) Hayes, and tu this union two children have been born, Catherine Hayes, born on .\ugust ,V'. i')i-. and George P., l*"eliruar}- 4, 191 5. Mrs. Riester is a member of the .Metho<list church at Campl)ellsliurg, but Doctor Riester has no acti\e church connection, though he takes a warm interest in all good movements designed to adwance the common welfare, he and his wife lieing held in. high esteem by their many friends in the city and throughout the county.

Doctor Riester is a Democrat and is an actixe worker in the ranks of that party in Washington county. He was a candidate for the office of townshij) trustee of Washington townshi]) rU a recent election. l)ut was defeated by a narrow margin. He is (le\ote<l to his calling .and is ;i member of the Indiana .\lumni .\ssociation of the Indian.i \\-terin;u-v College: of the Indiana X'eterinary .Medic:Ll .\ssoci;itio,i and of the Indiana \'eterinarv College Association, in -dl of which he takes a warm interest. Doctor Riester is identified also in the work of various fraternal societies and is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge, the Odd Fellow^ lod.ge and of the local tribe of tlie (~)rder of Pen Hur at S;ileni. He i-^ a v.niug man ..f excellent hal>its, a hard worker, noted for bis careful attention to business and enjovs the confideuce and esteem of the entire commnnitw

William N. Standish

William N. Standish, the son of Silas and Polly Ann (Hatfield) Standish was horn in Washington county, on June 7, i860. Silas Standish was born in \'ernon township and was the son of William and Anna Maudlin Standish. \Villiani Standish was a native of Connecticut and was a descendant of Capt. Miles Standish. William was the son of Silas and Mary Standish, who with the young son came to Indiana in an early day. Here young William grew to manhood and made this section his permanent home. His wife, Anna Maudlin was a native of \'ernon township, and here Silas was reared, educated and later married. Polly Ann Hatfield was a native of Howard township and the daughter of John N. and Susannah (Lockhart) Hatfield, pioneer settlers of the county.

\V'illiam Standish, the father of Silas Standish, the father of William N., was a soldier of the Revolutionary War and a prominent man gf his time. Silas was a life-long farmer and a man of much force of character. He was a diligent worker and a man of excellent habits. He and his wife were active members of the Christian church until their death, the former having died in 1870 and the latter in 1904.

William N. is one of a family of three sons, his brothers being Miles L., of Kansas, and Alvah G., who lives on the old home place. After his marriage, William N. began farming for himself on rented land and later bought eighty acres in \'ernon township and since that time has added more land to his farm until he now has three hundred and twenty acres. Nine years ago he sold his farm and became a resident of Salem. He later bought one hundred acres near town which he still owns. In 191 1 he bought one hundred and forty-six acres where he now lives, at the edge of Salem. Here he has a beautiful home on a low, broad hill, surrounded by forest trees, covering some six acres. The land is perhaps the best located and the finest improved farm in the county. The house and barn are supplied with city water ; a private lighting plant is installed and a gasoline engine furnishes the power for the washing machine and runs the cream separator. The entrance to the grounds is through a handsome gateway and the house, a block from the road, is reached by a winding drive among the trees. In addition to farming, Mr. Standish has a fine herd of Jersey and Holstein cattle and conducts a dairy, furnishing the milk for the town of Salem. He also deals in market cattle, having some of the best in the county.

Washington county and the daughter of Isaac and Dorcas Guppy (Paul) Hoar. Tlie father, Isaac Hoar, was a native of [~.ngland and came to the United States, with his jjarents Rohert and Anna Ihiar, when Imt twelve years old. Idiey located in \'ernon township and were lifedong farmers. Dorcas ( Ciuppy ) I'aul was also a native of hjigiand and was married to Mr. I'aul in their native countiy, after which they came to the United States and settled in \ crnon township. They were the parent^ of one daughter. Emma, who was horn in hjigland. .\fter Mr. Paul's death, his widow married Isaac Hoar.

Mr. and Mrs. Standisii are the parents of tlie following children, Cora, Omar j.. Bertha, and Clinton Sila>. Cora wa. the wife of John W. Hall and they were the jiarents of two children. Miles Atwell, now in ( iklahoma and Rernice who died just liefore the death of her mother. Omar j. Standish lives on his father's farm, s,,uth of S.aleni. He married lOlna M. C.irter and they are the parents of two children. < )r\ille and ( 'lara i-dlen. Pertlia tiled when t\\ent\--one } ears of age. Clinton Silas was horn (jii Ma\' 5, 1803, ''"<! married Bertha \eniini. 'rhe\- are the parents ui ;i daughter. Fdlen Jeannette. Clinton assists his father on the home farm at Salem. Mr. Standish is a Repuhlican, and he and his wife .ire memliers of the Idiristian church.

John B. Clarke is one of the well-known liusiness men of this communitv, and is considered a liroail-minded .and ]irogressi\e citizen. He wa^ born on September 6, 1S51, in Salem. Indiana, and is the son of Willi.an Miller and Susan ( Berkey ) Chuke. V,i]liam Miller Clarke wa. b. .rn or January 6, 1825, also in Salem, Indiana. He w.is the s, ,n of Col. J,,hn !-: and Catherine (Hardeman) Clarke. I'ol. John IC ( larke was a native ol Riclunond, X'irginia, and of Welsh tlcscent, his gr.ind f.ather having lieen v. native of Wales, (.'atherine 1 H.ardm.an ) Clarke was a native of I'cnusylvama ,ind of r;,rni;ui descent. Both moved to Kentucky with their respective parents when (|uite x'oung, .and it w.is in l\entuck\- that they were luarriei and their twd children were born. In 1813 the\' iiioxcd to S.aleni, Indiana where Col. John IC (darke aci|uired laud b\ entr\ .and in the spring of 1S14 built a double log house nu the creek o]iposite to where the jail now stamls He was a brick-mason and farmer and in 181 1 be established a brick-v.ard ne.ar where the <iepot now siand.s. He built the fir^t brick chimnev in tin county, also the first court house in Salem, Indiana. He operated a farm near Salem for a short time. The promotion of the old North Albany plank road and the milling interests of the county, caused him to lose heavily, owing to the large investments which he had made. He and his wife were members of the Christian church. His death occurred on March i, 1853, having been identified with the interests of the town from its organization. His wife died of cholera in 1849.

William M. Clarke, son of Col. John E. Clarke, received his education under the tutelage of John I. Morrison. At the age of twenty years he became an employee in the store of J. B. Berkey, later becoming a partner in the tirm, which was known as Berkey, Clarke & Co. He became a member of the firm in 1858 and during the Civil War the place was raided by Morgan and his men. The partnership was dissolved in 1866, at which tmie William M. Clarke took up the management of his farm. On October 29, 1850, he was united in marriage to Susan Berkey, daughter of J. B. Ikrke}-, and to this imion six children were born: John B., Jonas E., Fretlerick N., C. Sherman, Nellie E. (Ferguson), and William F., who died in intanc\-. The father of this family abandoned the mercantile business for that I if agriculture, continuing in the latter until his death, but residing in Salem. He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a Republican and one of Salem's most prominent men. His death occurred on June 26, 1894, at the age of sixty-nine years. He was among the first scliiml trustees, without pay, and served on the election board for many years. He also served as deacon of the Christian church for many years.

Jiilm B. Clarke, son of William Miller Clarke, received his education in the Salem scliools, after which be I)egan clerking in the mercantile esta'blishnient of I'red X. I'erke\', continuing in this capacity for three years. He then liecanie employed liy Jonas W. Rerkc}-, in which position he served until 1877, engaging in business for himself at that time. His first independent euter|irise was in the grocery business, to which was addcfl a line of general notions and toys. He is still active in this line and manages the business alone. ( )n November t8. 1874, John B. Clarke was married to Cora A. I'aynter, daughter of George and .\nn (Brewer) Paynter, and to their union ha\e been ])orn three children: M.ary, wife of W. Carey Shanks, who is eni]il(i\e(l in Stout's cabinet factory. They have two children, Helen and George Clarke: Nellie Blanch, who dierl at the age of four years and George William, who ni:u-ricd \nna Martin and lives in V'eneto, Oklahoma. They have three children, John Bradley (deceased). Catherine and .\lice Mary. Cora .\. (I'aynter) Clarke was liorn on Jrmuary 17. 1853, in Washington township, Washington county, Indiana. John B. Clarke is a Republican in his political faith and his fraternal relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Independent Order of Red Men, both of Salem. He and his wife are nicinbers of the Christian church.

Arry C. Loudon

With a well-earned reputation lor industry and energetic application to the business in which he has made so gratifying a success, Harry C. Loudon is looked upon as one of the most enterprising and public-spirited ;\-oung men in the city of Salem, this county, and very properly is held in high esteem, not only in the county seat, where he makes his home, but throughout the entire C(jLinty, where he is well and favorably known.

On other pages in this volume there is presented, in a sketch of Elmer E. Loudon, father of the subject of this sketch, a full history of the Loudon and Beck families, both old families in Washington county, and it therefore will not be necessary, in this connection, to enter into a genealogical statement regarding this present subject, it being sufficient to state that Harry C. Loudon was born in Jefferson township, this county, on January 14, 1881, eldest s'on of Elmer E. and Mary Ellen (Beck) Loudon, both members of old and prominent families in Washington county.

Harr\' C. Loudon was reared on the home farm in Jefferson township. h'S elementar}- educatinn being received in the district school in the neigh- In irhood of his home, which he supplemented by a course in the .Salem high school. His father having been for years engaged in the timber-milling business, it was but natural that Harry C. Loudon should embark on a similar enterprise. At the age of twenty-two he bought a portalile saw-mill, which he operated quite successfully at various points in the county, at the same time operating, during the season, a threshing outfit, until 1912, in which year he entered into partnership with his father in the .Salem flardwoocl Compau}-, and has been thus engaged since that time, the firm haxing made a pronounced success oi the business. Mr. Loudon still maintains his threshing outfits and has doubled the original capacity of this latter branch of his business, to which he has added a road tractor. He is industrious and entcr])rising, an excellent judge of machinery and a first-class mechanic, and is regarded as one of the leading young men of this county. He also possesses a half interest in a saw-mill at South Boston, this county, in partnership with Albert Hughs, which industry also is quite successful.

On January 17, 1906, Harry C. Loudon was united in marriage to Zella Reid, who was born in this county in November, 1885, daughter of Volney T. Reid and wife, prominent residents of this county, whose family history is set out in a sketch relating to Mr. Reid, elsewhere in this volume, and to this union one child has been born, a daughter, Catherine, born in September, 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Loudon are members of the Missionary Baptist church of Salem and are interested in all local good works. They take a proper part in the city's social activities and are very popular with their many friends, all of whom hold them in the highest esteem.

Mr. Loudon is a Democrat and is properly interested in the county's political affairs, though not an office seeker. He also gives attention to the fraternal life of the city and is a member of the Odd Fellows lodge and of the local camp of the Modern Woodmen of America, being held in high regard by all his brethren in these popular orders.

John C. Prow

County Surveyor John C. Prow is now serving his third term as surveyor of Washington county. Previous to his election to this important office he had served as deputy county surveyor and previous to that form of public service had been for years connected with the engineering department of railroad work, his fitness for his present public position therefore being unquestioned. Mr. Prow also has had much experience in laying out the lines for gravel roads and surveyed the course of the first gravel road in the county.

John C. Prow was born in Salem, this county, on February 6, 1871, son of Lafayette and Victoria (Curry) Prow, the former of whom was born at Bono, in Lawrence county, this state, in 1837, son of James W. and Elizabeth (Stephens) Prow.

James W. Prow was born in North Carolina on January i, 1812, and was brought to this county by his parents when he was about four years of age, they settling on a farm and becoming permanent residents of Washington county, and here he grew to manhood, being reared on the farm and receiving his education in the county's district schools. As a young man, James W. Prow went to Bono, in Lawrence county, this state, where he opened a hat store, later enlarging the same to a general merchandise store. This latter store he presently sold, after which he returned to this county, locating at Salem, where he opened a grocery store and where he spent the remainder of his life, his leath occurring on March 4, 1880. For years he served as justice of the peace in Salem and was a man who was regarded very highly in the community.

It was while he was living at Bono that James W. Prow was united to Elizabeth Stephens, who was born in Tennessee, near Knoxville, in 1818, and who came to Indiana when she was about four years of age, with her parents, they first settling in I'aoli, Orange county, where they remained for four years, at the end of which time they moved to Lawrence county and from that county moved to Martin county, where their last days were spent, but it was in Lawrence count}- that Mrs. Prow's girlhood was spent. To James W. Prow and his wife five children were born, as follow; Fred, of Salem; Lafayette, father of the subject of this sketch, and William J., Martha R. and ]\Iary L., the last three named of whom live at West Baden. Fred Prow served for three years and two days as a soldier in the LTnion army during the Civil War.

Lafayette Prow recei\-ed his early education in the schools of Lawrence county and about 1S58 came tn this county, locating at Salem, wliere he studied law in the office of John Butler until 186 1. in which year he opened an office for the practice of law and was thus engaged until his death in 1872, at the age .of thirty-five years. During his brief career as a lawyer in Salem, Lafayette Prow created a distinct impression upon the life of that community. He was a man of brilliant attainments and for some time served the jounty as school examinei-, the position corresponding to that of the present county superintendent of schools, and in other ways did nuich to adwmce the standards (if education and social doings hereabout. In 1861, the year in which he began the practice of law, Lafayette Prow was united in marriage to X'ict'^ria Curry, who was born in Salem, member of one of the ]iioneer families, and to this union there were born two sons, Lafayette, whii is a resident of Indianapolis, and John C. the subject of this sketch.

John C. Prow was reared in Salem, receiving his education in the comnion schools of that city, and since the age of fourteen has been identified with the work of surveying aiid ci\'il engineering. His first active work in tluN connection was done with the engineering corps of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois railroad ami he later was connected with countv engineering work, having been apiwinted to l.'iy out the lines fur the gravel roads in Washington county, and in this cajiacity sur\eyed tlie line of the first pul)lic gravel road in this county. During the term of County Surveyor McClosky, Mr. Prow was appointed deputy county surveyor and after that was elected to the office of county surveyor and has been re-elected twice, now serving his third term in this important office.

In December, 1894, John C. Prow was united in marriage to Hattie Barnett, who was born in this county in 1873, daughter of Daniel B. and Emaline (Holsapple) Barnett, and to this union three children have been born, Paul R. and Vivian, who are at home, and one who died in infancy.

Mr. Prow is a Democrat and takes a warm interest in the county's political affairs, being an ardent advocate of good government. He is a member of the Indiana Engineering Society and of the American Society of Municipal Improvements, and is affiliated with both the Masons and the Red Men of Salem, being very popular in the lodges of both of these orders. Mr. Prow has done and is doing good work for the county and has the confidence and the esteem of the entire community.

Robert Sullivan

The venerable Robert Sullivan, proprietor and operator of seventy acres of land in Washington township, Washington county, Indiana, was born in the township where he now resides, about four miles west of Salem. He is the son of Richard and Sarah (Young) Sullivan, natives of North Carolina who early came to Washington county and purchased a farm near Smedley, where they lived their entire lives, the former passing away in 1890 at the age of eighty years.

Reared to manhood un his father's farm, Robert Sullivan continued to make his home with his parents until March 7, 1872, when he was married to Anis Allen, a native of Washington county, born in 1853, and the daughter of Joseph and Lydia (Grace) Allen, the former a native of North Carolina, who came to Washington county with his parents and the latter a native of Washington county and the daughter of Jesse and Catherine Grace. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Allen spent their entire lives on the farm where Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sullivan now reside, and reared a family of eight children, four sons and four daughters.

Shortly after his marriage, Robert Sullivan rented land, but a little later purchased a farm situated in the northwest quarter of section sixteen, Washington township. .After spending twenty-seven years on this farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan moved to their present farm home, where since they have been engaged in general farming and stock raising. To Air. and Mrs. Sullivan have been born three children, William, Winfield and Delia. William, who lives in Iroquo's county, Illinois, married Irene Crooks, a daughter of George Crooks, who has borne her husband two children, Everett and Grace. Winfield, also a resident of Iroquois county, Illinois, married Hattie Martin, to which union there have been born five children, Lelah, Ralph, Bessie, George and Arthur. Delia, the wife of Norval Cauble, lives at Rush Creek in Jefferson township and has six children. Vera, Nellie, Addison. Robert, William and Howard.

William R. Alexander

Few commission men in southern Indiana have a wider acquaintance or a more lucrative business than has William R. Alexander, the well-known broker in fruits and farm produce at Salem and proprietor of the W. R. Alexander box factory, which does a large business in the manufacture of egg crates and berry boxes. Mr. Alexander is energetic, enterprising and prosperous, and is regarded as one of the leading business men of the county seat of Washington county.

William R. Alexander was born on a farm in Washington township, this county, on March 15, 1844, son of Lockwood and Susan (Allen) Alexander, the former of Scottish and the latter of German descent. Lockwood Alexander's father, a native of Scotland, came to America and settled in North Carolina, later coming with his family to this county, where he spent the remainder of his life on a farm in Washington township. The elder Alexander and his wife were the parents of seven children, Johnson, Parker, William. John, Lockwood, Mrs. ]\Iary Westerland and Mrs. Nancy Simpson, all of whom now are deceased.

Lockwood Alexander was Init a boy when his parents mox-ed from North Carolina to this county and consequently he was reared here, growing up to the blacksmith's trade, which he followed all his life. He earlv left the farm and moved to Salem, where he opened a blacksmith shop on \\'est Market street, which he was operating at the time of his death, in 1858, at the age of about thirty-eight. Lockwood Alexander married Susan .\llen.

born in North Carolina, whose parents also were farming people in Washington township, this county, and after marriage engaged in farming for himself for a few years, but later moved to Salem, where he opened his blacksmith shop. His widow survived him many ytars, her death occurring in 1880, at the age of fifty-six years. They were the parents of nine children, three of whom died in infancy, the others being Mrs. Plina Clark, of Salem; Ransom, deceased; Mrs. Elizabeth Spurgeon, deceased; William R., the' subject of this sketch; Mary, deceased, and Mrs. Tabitha Chapman, of Salem.

William R. Alexander was four years of age v/hen his parents left the farm and moved into Salem, in the schools of which city he received his education. He learned the blacksmith trade aad followed the same for about ten years, at the end of which time he entered the fruit business as a broker, at the same time engaging in the manufacture of square spokes, continuing thus engaged for about ten years. In 1885 he erected his present building in Salem for the proper handling of apples and also coal for the local trade. The next year he built an addition to this building and, engaged in the grain business in connection with his fruit brokerage. Later, he bought a rotary mill and remodeled the same, bviilding thereto an addition, and engaged in the manufacture of egg crates and berr\' boxes, this factory being well known as the W. R. Alexander box factory. Mr. Alexander does a lucrative business in fruits that are grown locally, such as apples and pears, as well as in his general farm produce trade, such as eggs, poultry and cream. Though generally known as a "commission man," he buys and sells outright instead of on a commission basis. Though still actively interested in the management of the business, Mr. Alexander of recent years has been greatly relieved of many of the cares of business by his son, Claude, who is actively associated with him in the management of his affairs, and who is proving a very competent manager.

On April 26, 1868, William R. Alexander was united in marriage to Alice Launis, who was bom in Salem, this county, daughter of George and Elizabeth (Hoggatt) Launis, and to this union five children have been born, as follow : Maggie, who married R. L. Berkey, who is engaged with his father in the general merchandise business at Salem, and has three children ; Sophronia, who is at home with her parents; Claude, associated with his father in business, who married Gertrude Roberts, and has eight children; Blanche, who married Kern Shrum, a prominent building contractor of Salem, and lives in that city, and Charles, who died on March 11, 1913.

Mr. Alexander is a Republican and for years has taken an active part in political affairs, though never having been an aspirant for office. In his religious views he is (|uite liberal and is not a member of the church, but has been a member of the Salem lodge of Odd Fellows since he was twentythree \ears of age. He is a congenial, companionable man, a good "mixer,'" and has many friends throughout the county, all of whom hold him in high regard.

Robert Nelson Owens

William Owens was Ixjrn and reared in Rockcastle county, as were his parents. His father was of German descent. Mrs. Owens was of Irish descent, and a native of Rockcastle county, Kentucky. For over twenty years ^\'illiam Owens was a justice of the peace in his Kentucky home and was a man of much importance, as the justice court had many cases to be heard. The justices sitting together comprised the county court. Mr. Owens was essentially a peacemaker, and he would often compel the antagonistic parties, who appeared in court with guns, to shake hands and pass the bottle. When all could be settled in this way, the justice would remit the fines and all would go home happy. He was not in office for the mone_\-, but for the good that he could do. He diil not seek the office. }'et it was forced on him time and time again, the people recognizing his ability.

Robert N. Owens lived on the hinue farm until he was twenty-one years of age, where he worked on the farm and made chairs until sixteen >-cars of age ; then he worked as a stone mason and carpenter. On coming to Salem at this time, he devoted his energies to his trade, that of stone-mason, and later a contractor and builder of streets and roads. He has done much public and private work, building many of the bridges of the county and much of the street work in Salem has been done under his supervision. He also did the stone work for the Carnegie Library in his home town, as well as that for the Etvler opera house. His half-brother, John Owens, of Bedford, did the work on the public square in Salem in 188^ In 1003 Robert Owens and his brother, George, now of 'Mt. \'ernon, Kentucky, formed a partnership for the making of monuments. The plant at this time is the best equipped of anv in the southern part of Indiana. In tqoq he built a fine modern lionse, with e\er\" con\enience, and here he and his family reside.

The barn and other buildings are all in keeping with the house. In connection with his other work, Mr. Owens is also agent for the Maxwell car.