Wayne County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (4 of 15 so headed), 1884 (part 2 of 2)

Henry C. Leeson, grocer, Centreville, was born Aug. 5, 1841, near Jacksonburg, Wayne Co., Ind.; lived there until the year 1857, when he went to Dublin, being influenced by the high grade to which the public schools had been raised, and was a pupil during four terms. During vacation he was always found in some employment or other endeavoring to make the expenses of his parents in his education as light as possible. During the winter of 1860 and '61 he tried his hand in learning the young ideas how to shoot. Was successful to a remarkable extent, it being his first effort. When Fort Sumter was fired upon then everything personal was forgotten. All aspirations for the future were dropped and nothing could be done; but, being a minor, was prevented from enlisting immediately. He responded to the second call of Lincoln and enlisted Aug. 20, 1861, as private, in Company O, Eighth Indiana Infantry, serving three years, not having received a furlough during the time, and, with the exception of two short spells of sickness, was always ready for duty. He was discharged as Second Sergeant - having been in all the battles that the regiment was engaged in, viz.: Pea Ridge, Mo., Raymond, Champion Hills, Jackson, Miss., siege of Vicksburg and many others. It may not be out of place to say that there are not many regiments that saw the services of the Eighth. After returning home he took a thorough course in the Miami Commercial College of Dayton, Ohio. In 1866 he assisted his father in the office of the Clerk of Wayne Circuit Court. In 1867 he purchased the grocery stock of the estate of Levi Fox. His father, Moses D. Leeson, was boru in Harrison Township, Wayne Co., Iud., Nov. 16, 1818. Having' reccived a fair education at the common schools of the day, he taught school with great success until 1842, when he purchased a stock of goods in Jacksonburg, where he conducted a large business, continu- ing in Jacksonburg until 1857, when he moved to Dublin, superintending the business of J. & ©. A. Leeson until 1862. When the call for more troops by Lincoln was made he enlisted in the Fifth Indiana Cavalry and served to the close of the war, a faithful soldier and a beloved officer. He received four promotions, entering asa Lieutenant and rising to the position of Major. He was a bold and fearless officer, leaving a good record. In 1866 he was appointed Clerk of Wayne Circuit Court to fill vacancy caused by the death of Samuel B. Slagle, serving until the election of his successor. Retiring from office he remained with his son, our subject, in the store until August, 1877, when he was stricken with paralysis, lingering helpless for six years and five months, dying on the 19th day of January, 1884. His wife was Elizabeth Mundell, a native of Peru, mother of five children, three of whom still survive. Richard Leeson, the grandfather of Henry C. Leeson, was a native of Kentucky, emigrating to Wayne County in about the year 1814, settling near Jacksonburg. He was a tanner by trade and carried on in connection with the tannery a farm of 300 acres. He wasa soldier in what was known as the Ohio Militia, under General Wingate. He raised a family of eleven children, of whom Moses D. Leeson is the first to break the band.

Mark Maudlin was born in Wayne County, Ind., Sept. 6, 1826, the eldest son of John and Rebecca Maudlin. He was reared ona farm, but when twenty years of age commenced learning the carpenter's trade. He has worked at his trade faithfully, and is now one of the principal contractors of Centreville and vicinity. In August, 1851, Mr. Mandlin was married to Betsey A., daughter of Andrew Meredith, of Wayne County. They have two children - James A., and Sarah A., wife of Walter S. Commons. Mr. Maudlin is Permanent Secretary and is one of the Trustees of Hoosier Lodge, No. 23, I. O. O. F., and Treasurer of Hebron Encampment, No. 8, I. O. O. F. In religious faith he is a Friend. He is the Republican nominee for County Commissioner in the middle district.

of Thomas and Christina McConaha. He received a common-school education, and on arriving at manhood began farming for himself. He owns a fine farm of 240 aeres, lying on both sides of Nolan's Creek. He has been a successful wheat-grower and stock-raiser; is a man of good judgment, sagacious and shrewd in his business dealings. He was married Sept. 30, 1880, to Sallie Jackson, daughter of Joseph W. and Mary E. Jackson.

Simon McConaha was born in Wayne County, Ind., Jan. 13, 1852. His father, Thomas M. McConaha, was a native of Virginia, and when a boy came with his parents to Wayne County, Ind., and settled three miles south of Centreville. He was an extensive farmer and stock-dealer, owning a whole section of land. He was a very successful manager, and a good citizen. He married Christina Kramer, of Butler County, Ohio. They had seven children - Barbary, Lewis, Taylor, Simon, George, Walter and Ada. His wife died, and he afterward married Martha Eliason, and to them were born two children - Ella and Omer. Mr. McConaha died in 1877. Simon McConaha remained on the{home farm till his majority, and in the winters of 1873, 1874 and 1875 taught school. In 1876 he went to Randolph County and improved a small farm, which he traded for another, on which he lived, till 1881. He then spent the summer in the West, visiting Kansas and the Indian Territory, and in March, 1882, bought what is now known as the American Hotel, which he improved and now rents. He also built a stable, where he is now engaged in keeping a sale and livery stable. In 1878 Mr. McConaha was married to Alpha, daughter of James and Catherine Snofford. They have two children - Carl and Elmer.

Thomas McConaha, deceased, was born in Fauquier County,. Va., Nov. 8, 1813. In 1829 his parents, Samuel and Nancy McConaha, came to Indiana, and settled three miles south of Centreville, where he spent the days of his youth. Hethen drove team for Barnett & Whiteside, millers, of Camden, Ohio, at $7 per month, and at the end of six months put $40 on interest, and from that time to the date of his death there was not a day that he had not money on interest.

At the age of twenty-nine he bought the homestead of his father, and from time to time added to it till le owned a section. He was a successful farmer and stock-raiser, making a specialty of the cattle industry. Ie was married in 1841 to Christina Kramer, a native of Butler County, Ohio, and a daughter of Geo. Kramer, Sr. They hada family of seven children - Barbara, Lewis, Taylor, Simon, George, Walter and Ada. His wife died in 1864, and he was married the second time in 1867, to Martha, daughter of Joshua Eliason, Sr. They had two children - Ella and Omer. Mr. McOonaha died Sept. 15, 1877. Mrs. McOonaha is living on the old homestead. Walter makes his home with her, and carries on the farming. In 1863, in company with G. A. Bertram and J. A. Beck, Jr,, he opened on his farm the Granite Tile Works, where they are doing an extensive business in the manufacture of drain-tile.

John MeCoy was born near Richmond, Ind., June 18, 1808, the eldest son of Thomas and Margaret McCoy, natives of Allegheny Co., Pa. His parents were married in their native county, and subsequently moved to Kentucky, remaining there, however, but one season. In the spring of 1805 they moved to Wayne County, and cleared out a small farm three miles south of the present site of Richmond. He afterward bought land south of the first settled and remained there till the Jand sales in Cincinnati, when he bought a tract of land lying on Nolan's Fork, three miles southwest of Centreville. A few years later he entered another tract of 160 acres. Mr. McCoy died in 1856, his wife having preceded him in 1838. They had a family of nine children; all lived to have families of theirown. Two only are now living - John and Morgan. John McCoy was married in his twentieth year, to Margaret Longwill, and soon after settled on wild land, erected a cabin, and began making himselfafarm. He has been successful and now owns 240 acres of choice land, with a large brick residence and good farm buildings. Mrs. McCoy died in 1844. Ofa family of six children, but one daughter is living - Margaret, who is now keeping house for her father.

born in Wayne County, Ind., Feb. 24, 1818, the second son of Thomas and Margaret McCoy. He was reared on his father's farm, receiving such education as was afforded by the schools of those days. After reaching maturity he engaged in farming on his own acconnt, which he has continued with marked success. He pays special attention to the raising of stock and small grain. His farm consists of 320 acres of well improved land, on Nolan's Fork, of Whitewater River. In 1852 he built his large brick residence, near a spring of pure water, which is drawn to the surface by a bucket, with the aid of a wheel and windlass. In 1844 Mr. McCoy was married to Elizabeth Neff, daughter of Bastian and Catherine Neff. She was a native of Preble County, Ohio, born Nov. 4, 1821, and died Nov. 4, 1869.

John Merritt, a representative of one of the oldest families in the township, was born Dec. 4, 1839. His father, Ephraim Merritt, was born in Belmont County, Ohio, Nov. 10, 1798. His mother, Margaret Merritt, was born in New York, Sept. 18, 1800. They were married Oct. 16, 1821, and in the spring of 1822 moved to Wayne County, Ind.,and settled on the farm now owned by Charles Jackson, where the wife died in August, 1865. In1869 Ephraim Merritt moved to Mercer County, Ill., and subsequently to Centerville, Iowa, where he died July 19, 1881. There was a family of ten children - William T., Moses, Eliza A., James Y., Mary, Sarah, Rebecca, Nancy M., John, Aaron J. James Y. served three years in the war of the Rebellion, as Captain of Company K, One Hundred and Second Illinois Infantry. Aaron J. was a member of Company I, Thirty-sixth Indiana Infantry, and died while in the service. John Merritt was reared on the farm and has always followed that vocation. Heowns seventy-five acres of excellent land adjoining the old homestead. He was married when twentyfour years of age to Eliza J., daughter of Joseph and Sarah King. They have had five chiidren - Sadie K., Della A., Eliza A., Alice D. and Nora. Alice and Nora died in infancy. Mrs. Merritt isa member of the Christian church.

William S. T. Morton was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, Oct. 14, 1807, and died in Wayne County, Ind., April 30, 1875. His father, James Morton, was a native of Scotland, where his name was known as Throckmorton, and came to the United States when a young man. He soon after married Maria Caldwell and to them were born three children - William S. T., James, who died when a lad, and Anna M. The wife died and he afterward married a daughter of Jobn Miller, who died July 11, 1826, leaving one son - Oliver P., late Governor of Indiana. When William S. T. Morton was sixteen years of age he learned the hatter's trade, at which he worked several years. He then carried on an extensive establishment several years, but subsequently disposed of his stock and embarked in the mercantile business, and at the same time earried on his farm, of 300 acres, of excellent land, where his widow now resides. He was a thorough business man, a good financier, with practical ideas which he carried out in his every day life. He married Charlotte Miller, who died, and he subsequently married, Jan. 5, 1858, Eliza M. McCullough, a native of Oxford, Ohio, and a daughter of Samuel McCullough. To them were born three children - William S. T., James T. and Clara T.

Henry Otten, of Centre Township, Wayne Co., Ind., was born in Germany, Sept. 27., 1827, and when twenty years of age came to the United States. He landed at Baltimore, Md., and from there went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and thence to Wayne County, Ind. In 1876 he bought his farm of 132 acres, where he now resides. He has a family of six children, three boys and three girls.

John Peelle, Jr., was born in Wayne County, Ind, May 15, 1825. His father, John Peelle, Sr., was born in Wayne County, N. C., March 27, 1791, and died in Wayne County, Ind., April 20, 1879. He was married in 1815, to Penina Pate, also a native of Wayne County, N. ©., born Aug. 26, 1796, and three days after their marriage they bade farewell to home and friends, loaded their effects on a two-horse wagon and started for Indiana. In October they landed in Randolph County, where they remained two years, and in 1817 came to Wayne County and settled two miles north of what was then Newport. Here they settled in the woods and cleared up a farm, and here all their children save one were born. Their children were twelve in number - William

T., Celia, Hiram, James, Harriet, John; Pasco, Jane, Rebecca, Sarah C., Calvin and Mary. All lived till maturity, and four are still living. In 1854 Mr. and Mrs. Peelle removed to Centreville, where she still resides. She lives alone, doing her own house work, and is hale and hearty, enjoyiug a peaceful old age.

John Prichett, M. D., is a native of New Jersey, born Nov. 25, 1803, a son of Joab and Mary (Buzby) Prichett. In 1805 his parents moved to Columbiana County, Ohio, where his mother died in 1848, and his father in 1851. The latter was by trade a blacksmith. Of a family of eight children five are still living, Dr. Prichett being the eldest. Rachel married Simon Cope and lives in Ohio. Sarah married Charles Murphy and lives in Jennings County, Ind. Elizabeth, now Mrs. North, lives in Iowa. Joseph lives in Ohio. Dr. Prichett was reared in Columbiana County, Ohio. He began the study of medicine with Dr. Gustavus Allen, of Fairfield, Ohio, and commenced his practice in 1825, after being examined bya Board of Medical Examiners, and granted a license. He located in the small town of Petersburg, but in 1826 came to Wayne Oounty, remaining. however, only a year. He returned to Ohio and remained till 1828, when he came again to Wayne County, and has since made it his home. Immediately after coming here he formed a partnership with Dr. William Pugh, who died in June, 1829. Since then Dr. Prichett has had several partners. He has been practicing medicine over fifty-six years, and is now the second largest practitioner in Wayne County. He now owns a drug store, having as a partner in the business Dr. Reed. In 1843 he received a diploma from the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati. He was married March 4, 1830, to Emily Talbott, a native of Virginia, who came to Wayne County when a girl. They have had three children, but one of whom, Mary, is living. Gustavus A. died in 1840. James M. died in 1871. Dr. Prichett has been a Mason since 1825 and an Odd Fellow since 1849. He is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

years and two months. He received his early education in the Centreville Academy, and when sixteen years of age was appointed, through the influence of Hon. Sam W. Parker, to the naval academy at Annapolis, from which he graduated in 1857. Shortly after his graduation he made his first voyage in the United States man-of-war Mississippi, to China and Japan, remaining nearly three years. He next cruised in the Mediterranean, on the Richmond. Returning to America at the time of the breaking out of the civil war in 1861, he was transferred to the navy yard at Washington, under Commodore Dahlgren, and the following year was sent down the Mississippi, under Commodore Foote; also participated in the siege of Fort Donelson. He had charge of the receiving ship Clara Dolson at Cairo until the organization of the gun-boat fleet, when he was placed in command of the Tyler; from thence was transferred to the command of the monitor Mahopac, retaining the position till the close of the war. He was next assigned to duty as executive officer of the Vanderbilt, and soon after to the same position on the Augusta, and accompanied General Farragut on his expedition to Russia. On his return to America, in 1869, he was ordered to San Francisco, and accompanied the Pacific Squadron, on the Tuscarora, to South America. Returning in August, he remained at home a short time on sick leave, and was then ordered to the receiving ship Vermont, in the Brooklyn navy yard, remaining there till his last illness. Commander Prichett was perhaps as faithful in attention to his duties in the navy as any officer in the service. During a connection of nineteen years and a half he had but an occasional leave of absence, and then principally on account of sickness. His gallant conduct received complimentary mention frequently during the late war from Admiral Porter and Commodore Foote, in their dispatches to the Secretary of the Navy. While on his death-bed an order came from the | Naval Department directing him to report at Washington for promotion. In all the relations of life, both as an officer in the navy and as a citizen, Commander Prichett was universally esteemed, and his memory will ever be cherished.

Oliver H. Reece, agent of the Chicago, St. Louis & Pittsburg Railroad and of the Adams Express Company, and telegraph operator at Centreville, Ind., was born in Wayne County, Ind., March 27, 1853, a son of John and Ann Reece. His education was mostly obtained in New Garden Township. He followed farming several years after reaching maturity, and in 1881 was appointed station agent at Cleveland, Ind.; remained there a year, and then went to Charlotteville, and remained two months. In March, 1881, he came to Centreville to assume the duties of his present position, which he is admirably fitted to fulfill. He was married in 1878 to Amelia Dillworth, daughter of Charles and Rebeeca Dillworth, of Ohio. They have one son - Oran.

Hiram M. Robbins was born Sept. 17, 1825, in Wayne County, Ind., the eldest son of Moses and Elizabeth Robbins, who were natives of North Carolina. He was reared on his father's farm, and has always followed agricultural pursuits. He now has an excellent farm of 179 acres, on the east branch ot the Whitewater. He was married in 1856 to Permelia Gentry, a native of this county, who died in 1875, leaving five children. One had died in 1874. In 1881 Mr. Robbins was married to Rachel Lamott. They have had one child, who is deceased. Our subject's father was married in 1824 to Elizabeth, daughter of Frederick Long. He then settled on the land entered by his father, where he reared a family of thirteen children, four of whom are still living. Besides being a farmer and stock-raiser, he was a teacher of vocal music. He died in 1879. His widow is making her home with her son, Dr. Robbins, of Miami County, Ind. Our subject's grandfather, Moses Robbins, came to Wayne County from North Carolina in 1816 and settled on Nolan's Fork, afterward entering the land, nearly a section, from the Government. He died in 1850. Our subject's great-grandfather, John Robbins, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.

John H. Rohe was born in the State of Oldenburg, Germany, in 1818, a son of Henry and Gendena (Myer) Rohe, of Kleppenburg County. He remained in his native country till manhood, working on a farm, and of his earnings saved enough to bring him to the United States, coming in 1838.

He worked on the canal in Maryland, and also on a farm, at $8 a month. He was married in that State, in 1845, to Anna Wiland, and in 1849 came to Wayne County, Ind., and bought 160 acres of land of Joshua Eliason, in Centre Township. He now owns 200 acres, all well improved, which he has acquired by industry and perseverance. He is a highly esteemed citizen of Wayne County, and a liberal supporter of all laudable enterprises. In politics he is independent, supporting the man and not the party. Mr. and Mrs. Rohe have had six children - May, deceased, wife of Frank Blomer; Sarah, wife of John Bennett Baumer; Michael, married Katie Batter; Margaret, wife of William Pothoff; Caspero, married Mary Walker, and Anna is at home. Mr. Rohe and his family are members of the Catholic church in Richmond, Ind.

Charles E. Roth, the second son of Peterand Harriet Roth, was born in Wayne County, Ind., June 26, 1848. He learned the carpenter's trade of his father, at which he still works. He is a skillful workman, and has contracted and built some of the best houses in the township. He was married July 6, 1882, to Sallie T., daughter of William Reading, of Illinois. Mr. Roth's father was born in Bucks County, Pa., in 1821, and died in Wayne County in February, 1883. He came to Wayne County when a young man, and was married in 1846, to Harrict, daughter of John and Rebecca Hoover. She was born in Bucks County, Pa., June 7,1826, and came to Wayne County with her parents when fifteen years of age. Her father died in Penhook in 1877, and her mother in 1880. Mr. Roth was a master mechanic, a skilled workman, and many of the houses in Wayne Township are monuments of his industry and ability. He was a member of the Odd Fellows' order. Mrs. Roth is still a resident of Penhook. She has had six children - Henry A., Charles E., Mary (died in infancy), John F., Dora R. and Ellen H. John F. was killed in the railroad shops in Richmond.

James J. Russell, son of George and Judith (Johnson) Russell, was born in Richmond, Ind., March 23, 1823. He grew to manhood on the farm, receiving his education in the Friends' school-house at West Grove. Sept. 1, 1844, he was married to Rachel, daughter of Isaac and Tamar (Mendenhall) Russell, of Miami County, Ohio. They have had five children - Isaac, of Indianapolis; Elvira, deceased wife of George Faucet; Elam, of Indianapolis; Ruth A., wife of Alpheus Williams, and Perry, agent of the S. V. R. R., Kingston, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Russell are members of the Society of Orthodox Friends, of which he is an Elder. Politically Mr. Russell is a Republican. His grandfather, Timothy Russell, was a native of Nantucket, where he was engaged on a whaling vessel in his young days. He subsequently removed to North Carolina, where he entered land on which was built the noted Friends meeting-house, New Garden, that was used as a hospital in the Revolutionary and late civil wars. Mr. Russell's tather was born in North Carolina, Aug. 19, 1782, moved to Richmond in 1813, and died June 2, 1841. His mother was born May 5, 1789, and died April 18, 1833. They had a family of seven children, three of whom are living - Josiah, James J.,and Sina, wife of John Whitson. After his mother's death his father married Susanna Jones, who was born Oct. 2, 1799. To them were born three children; two are living - Mary, wife of Isaac Hawkins, of Morgan County, Ind.; and Calvin W., of Kansas. Mrs. Russell's father was born Dec. 12, 1799, and died Oct. 8, 1871. Her mother was born Nov. 20, 1798, and died Nov. 25, 1871. Of their nine children seven are living - Samuel, of Troy, Ohio; Joseph, of Marion County, Ohio; Rachel; Oliver, of Morrow County, Ohio; Rosanna, wife of Mordecai Brooke, of Vernon County, Mo.; Harriet, wife of John Pearson, of Miami County, Ohio; Tamar, wife of Perry Dixon, of Isabel County, Mich.

John N. Russell, farmer, Centre Township, was born in Wayne County, Ind., April 8, 1839, the eldest son of Vinnedge and Mary J. (Rich) Russell. He lived on the farm with his father till manhood, receiving a common-school education. He was married in 1861 to Mary J. Smith. To them were born four daughters, but one of whom is living - Olara. The deceased are - Nora, Elizabeth and Francena. Mrs. Russell lived but a few years. In 1875 Mr. Russell married Elmira J., daughter of Oliver T. and Mary (King) Jones.

From 1871 till 1874 inclusive, Mr. Russell was engaged in the saw-mill business, cutting lumber for a railroad company in Henry County, Ind. Since then he has been successfully engaged in farming. He has 221 acres of fine, well-cultivated land. His wife is a member of the Christian church.

Vinnedge Russell was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, Dec. 10, 1811, a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Vinnedge) Russell. His father was of English descent, born July 5, 1771. His mother was of German descent. Samuel Russell came to Wayne County, Ind., in 1818, and in 1819 settled on the farm now owned by his son Vinnedge. He died at the age of sixty-three years. His wife died in 1832, aged fiftytwo years. They had a family of four sons and six daughters, only three of whom are living - - -Vinnedge; Samuel, of Grant County, Ind., and Ann, wife of John Kem, of Grant County. They were members of the Methodist church. Our subject's grandfather, Adam Vinnedge, was of a wealthy German family, and came to America when young. He served in the Revolutionary war, for which he received 300 acres of land in New Jersey. He afterward sold it for continental money which proved worthless. Vinnedge Russell has followed farming through life. He now owns the old homestead, a fine farm of 217 acres. He has filled the position of Justice of the Peace of Centre Township nine years. He is agent for the Jrdiana Farmer, and correspondent for the Agricultural Burean, Washington, D. C. Politically he isa Democrat, casting his first vote for Andrew Jackson. He is a member of Whitewater Lodge, No. +1, and Oriental Encampment, No. 28, I. O. O. F. Aug. 7, 1834, he was married to Jane, danghter of Joseph and Margery (Cox) Rich. Seven children were born to them - John S., Joseph T., Thomas W. (deceased), DeWitt C., Allen W., Francena (deceased), Martha A. (wife of Michael Helm). Mrs. Russell died Ang. 15, 1851. Feb. 22, 1852, Mr. Russell married Elizabeth, daughter of Samnel and Bathsheba Jay, of Miami County, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Russell are members of the Methodist Episcopal church.

30, 1841, the only son of William and Clarissa M. (Faulkner) Scott, his father a native of England and his mother of Schenectady County, N. Y. William Scott came to the United States when fourteen years of age. He was by trade a shoemaker, and followed that business several years in Abington, Wayne County. He died in February, 1868. His wife died in 1875. They had a family of four children - Mary, wife of Dr. Hall; Julia, wife of Lewis Robey; Martha, wife of James Reed, of Richmond; and Francis E., who was reared and educated in Wayne County, learning the shoemaker's trade of his father. He commenced business on his own account in the fall of 1865, in Centreville. In March, 1862, he was married to Narrie E., daughter of James and Mary Dunbar. They have one son - Harry S., who learned telegraphy in Centreville, and for three years has been operator of the Union Dispatch office in Richmond. Mr. Scott is Past Grand ot Hoosier Lodge, No. 23, I. O. O. F.

Rudolph S. Shof?, proprietor of livery and sale stable, was born March 20, 1840, a son of Rudolph Shoff, who is one ot the leading farmers of Jackson, Wayne Co., Ind. Our subject was reared ona farm. In 1870 he came to Centreville, Wayne County, and opened his present livery and sale stable, where he has done a fair business. He was married in 1869 to Mary Smith, daughter of Samuel and Anna Smith, of this county. She was born in Lancaster County, Pa. They have three daughters - Ada, Nellie and Christie.

Isham Smelser, deceased, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Smith) Smelser, was born Nov. 23, 1823, in Wayne County, Ind. He was married in 1850 to Henrietta, daughter of John and Catherine Farlow, who came from North Carolina to Union County, Ind., in an early day. The result of this marriage was four children - John F., Jacob S., Mary E. and Richard-E. Soon'after his marriage Mr. Smelser settled on the farm now occupied by his family, and which contains 326 acres of land. He followed agricultural pursuits through life, and was one of the enterprising cattle raisers of the neighborhood. He was a member of the Universalist church. His death occurred Sept. 28, 1882, in his fifty-ninth year. His parents came to Wayne County, Ind., in 1822, from Ken- tucky, and spent the rest of their lives in Boston Township. Jacob Smelser died Dee. 8, 1875, aged ninety-one years, and his wife died at the age of seventy-five years, April 7, 1869.

S. G. Smith, farmer and stock-dealer, was born near Richmond, Ind., Dec. 2, 1840, a son of George and Ellen (Stillwell) Smith, his father a native of Maryland and his mother of New Jersey. His father was by trade a paper-maker. In 1839 he came with his family to Wayne County, Ind., and settled in Richmond where he worked at his trade a few years and then bought a farm in Centre Township, and the rest of his life was engaged in agricultural pursuits. He died at the age of sixty-five years. His widow, living, is seventy-three years old. They had a family of five children - Samuel G.; Benjamin D. (deceased); George C., of Centreville; William H. and Robert P. (deceased). Samuel G. Smith was reared a farmer, and has always followed that vocation. He is energetic, a good manager, and enterprising, and ranks among the leading farmers and stock-dealers of the county. He owns 192 acres of fine land well-improved. Politically he is Republican. He was married Oct. 25, 1866, to Martha R., daughter of Oliver T. and Mary (King) Jones. They have four children - Harry J., Cora A., Howard G. and Oscar P. Mrs. Smith isa member of the Christian church. In the war of the Rebellion Mr. Smith served two months in the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Indiana Infantry, on the Ohio and Missisippi rivers.

William H. Smith, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Wayne County, Ind., Oct. 5, 1849, a son of George and Ellen (Stillwell) Smith. He was educated in the country schools, and when seventeen years of age was apprenticed to Solomon Horney & Co., of Richmond, to learn the blacksmith's trade, working on plows. He worked at the trade six years. He is now engaged in farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of the best blooded stock and fowls. He is a thorough, practical business man. He owns 103 acres of fine land on Nolan's Fork. Politically he is a Republican, and an earnest advocate of temperance. Oct. 11,1871, he was married to Sarah M., daughter of James W. D. and Malinda King, ot Wayne County. They have had five children; but three are

Frederick V. Snider, deceased, was born near Martinsburg, Va., Aug. 16, 1796, and when a child his parents moved to Lebanon, Ohio, where he learned the cabinet-maker's trade, at which he worked a number of years. In 1831 he moved to Hamilton, Ohio, and in 1833, to Centreville, Ind., where he engaged in the dry-goods business, which he followed twenty years. He had one of the largest stores in the town and was very successful, being very popular with all his customers. He was one of the original Directors of the First National Bank of Centreville, and took a great interest in the success of the undertaking. Politically he was a Republican, and always took an active part in all points at issue of interest to his party. He lett his room a week before his death to go to the polls to vote. He was a fine financier and very judicious in his investments. He was married in 1826 to Mary Smith, a native of Warren County, Ohio, born Feb. 22, 1804. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania and moved to Ohio at an early day. She is the youngest of their eight children and the only one living. Mr. and Mrs. Snider had a family of four children - Samuel G., of White County, Ind.; William H., of Logansport, Ind.; Kate, wife of Thomas F. Gentry; Charlotte M., now Mrs. Coffin. Mr. Snider was an Elder of the Presbyterian church, his wife being a member of the same church. He died in May, 1883, in his eighty-seventh year.

Jesse C. Stevens, eldest son of Walter G. and Martha Stevens, was born in St. Joseph County, Mich., Sept. 9, 1847, and when three years of age came with his parents to Wayne County, Ind., He received a liberal business education, aud is now one of the best informed men of his age in the township. He is a diligent reader and a close observer of all public issues. He cast his first vote for Abraham Lincolnu. He attended the funeral of that President and also of President Garfield. He takes an active interest in all measures of interest to county, State and Nation. He is foremost in all undertakings. He has represented the Republio can party in county, State and Congressional conventions. He is a member of both county and State horticultural societies, making vegetables and small fruits a specialty. He has forty-five varieties of potatoes and seventy-five varieties of strawberries, comprising the best in the United States. He was married Nov. 14, 1867, to Eliza A., daughter of James W. D. and Malinda King. They have seven children - Martha, Malinda, Walter, Ollie J., Viola, Flora and James.

Walter G. Stevens was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, April 18, 1813, a son of Jesse and Anna (Tribble) Stevens, natives of North Carolina. His father moved to Clermont County, Ohio, with his parents in 1808, and in 1809 was married, his wife's parents having previously settled in the county. They subsequently moved to Hamilton County, and lived there till 1818. In 1828 they came to Wayne County, Ind. Jesse Stevens was by trade a shoemaker, but was also engaged in the mercantile business, and owned and conducted a farm. He was politically a strong Republican. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and was for years a Class-leader. He was Justice of the Peace of Centre Township several years. He died in Centreville, Aug. 3, 1864, aged seventy-six years. His widow survived him a few years, and died at the same age. Their children were - Sarali, wife of Aaron Birdsall, of Henry County, Ind.; Walter G.; Collins C.; Mary A., now Mrs. Peterson, of Blackford County, Ind.; Francis L.; Caroline, deceased; Jesse M., of Illinois; Lucinda G., wife of John C. Page; Ollie, wife of James McKim; Louisa, wife of Henry C. Noble; William H., of Indianapolis, and Chas. W., of Kansas. Walter G. Stevens worked at the shoemaker's trade with his father till eighteen years of age. He attended school but a portion of one term, but by diligent home study acquired a fair education. When eighteen years of age he went to Michigan, to begin life for himself. He was the first Deputy Sheriff of St. Joseph County, and was Sheriff of the county several years. He constructed the first jail and built the first brick residence in the county. He was for eighteen years continuously in public office in St. Joseph County. He was at one time the most extensive horticulturist west of the State ot New York. He is thoroughly a self-made man. He has made the science of horticuiture a study, and is a charter member of the State and county horticultural societies. He was for seven years Superintendent of the Wayne County Infirmary. He was married in 1832 to Mary A., daughter of John and Amelia Jones, of St. Joe, Mich. She lived but a short time, and he then married her sister, who died leaving a daughter - Mary, wife of Francis Cunningham, of Aledo, Ill. Oct. 15, 1846, Mr. Stevens married Martha A., daughter of Abram Jeffries. They have had four children - - Olive, wife of Joseph King; Jesse, Samuel D., and Howard (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Stevens are members of the Society of Friends.

Samuel Raymond Taylor was born Nov. 28, 1831, in Delaware, a son of John and Nancy Taylor, and in 1833 was brought by his parents to Wayne County, Ind. He was married in 1855 to Nancy J. Barnes, a native of Centre Township, Wayne County, a daughter of Shapley Barnes, who came from Virginia to Wayne County among the early settlers. To them have been born five children - Lydia E., deceased, wife of Charley Estell, of Richmond; Anna O., wife of Ira Moore; John W., frank M. and Charley S. Samuel R. on attaining his majority served two years at the carriage-maker's trade in Richmond, after which he engaged in farming, which occupation he still follows. He owns an excellent farm of 125 acres, all well improved. He has also been a breeder of fine horses for many years. His father was a native of Delaware. He was married iu 1827 to Nancy Hallis, who was born in 1805. They were the parents of four children - Elizabeth, wife of Evan Burguire; Samuel R.; Sarah, wife of P. Doughty, and Anna E., wife of Davison Cheesman. In 1832 John Taylor moved his family to Wayne County, Ind., and settled near Salisbury and was employed on the bridge and National pike. He was taken sick with small-pox and died in the winter of 1838. His wife then moved to Salisbury, and supported her family by going out as a weaver, and besides keeping her family she saved enough money to buy a house and lot in Salisbury. She is

Hosea Tillson, M. D., was born in Darke County, Ohio, Dee. 15, 1830, a son of Gresham Palmer and Nancy (Stewart) Tillson, his father a native of Vermont, and his mother of New Jersey. His parents moved to Ohio in an early day, and were married in Summerville, Butler County, but afterward moved to Darke County, near Richmond, Ind. They subsequently moved to Decatur County, Ind. When eighteen years of age, Hosea Tillson left home and taught school four years, in the meantime devoting his leisure hours to the study of medicine. He began his practice at Abington, Ind., in 1853, continuing there and in Hartsville till Nov. 18, 1861, when he enlisted as a private in Company D, Fifty-seventh Indiana Infantry. Jan. 9, 1863, he was promoted to Hospital Steward; Feb. 25, 1863, was mustered as Assistant Surgeon of the Fifty-seventh Indiana Infantry; Noy. 14, 1863, promoted to Surgeon, and Aug. 15, 1864, appointed Chief Surgeon of the Second Brigade, Second Division, Fourth Army Corps, and served till mustered out. He returned home at the close of the war and located at Centreville, and a year later went to Philadelphia, Hancock County, and remained six years. In 1872 he returned to Centreville, where he has since been actively engaged in the practice of his profession. Dr. Tillson is a member of the Wayne County Medical Society, and has served as President of that body. He has been Examining Surgeon for U. S. Pensions since 1872. He is a popular man socially and politically, as well as professionally, forming lasting friendships with those with whom he comes in contact. He has served six years on the School Board, two years in the City Council, and is serving his third year as Secretary of the Board of Health. He is a Master Mason, and has held all the offices in his lodge, of which he is now Worshipful Master. He isa member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has been a Trustee, and Superintendent of the Sundayschool several years. Dr. Tillson was married in April, 1854, to Indiana J., daughter of Ferdinand Weber. They have two daughters - Cora K., wife of John M. Gentry, and

Judge Jesse Williams was born in Pulaski County, Ky., Aug. 8, 1798. In 1815 his parents moved to Fayette County, Ind., where they passed the remainder of their days. In 1820 Judge Williams came to Wayne County, Ind., located at Centreville, and opened a harness and saddler's shop. A few years later he formed a partnership with W. S. T. Morton in the general mercantile business, continuing eight years. In the meantime he was appointed Associate Jndge to fill a vacancy caused by the death of Asa M. Sherman, and at the regular term was elected to the same office. He served in the capacity of Associate Judge fifteen years. In the fall of 1837 he moved to the farm where he still resides, a mile and a half east of Centreville, at that time heavily timbered. He was inarried in 1820 to Mary, daughter of Patrick Hart. Of their eight children, three are living - Arthur P., H. Jerome, and Maria E., wife of John S. Chittenden. Mrs. Willjams died June 13, 1847, and the Jndge afterward married Elizabeth, widow of William Poston. She died Nov. 8, 1883. In politics Judge Williams has adhered to the Whig and Republican parties.

LaFayette Williams, merchant, Centreville, Ind., was born in Fayette County, Ind., July 20, 1848, a son of Balis and Martha (Heavern) Williams, both natives of Kentucky. His grandfather, John Williams, was a Virginian, and emigrated to Kentucky, and thence to Fayette County, Ind., when Balis was a year old. The latter lived in Fayette County till 1854 when he removed to Wayne County and settled on a farm near Centreville, where he still resides. His wife died in July, 1864. Three of their six children are living - Edmund, Ella and La Fayette. The latter began his mercantile career as a clerk in the store of J. B. Van Aernam, remained with him three years and then went to Richmond and clerked for a brother of his former employer two years. In 1877 he commenced business for himself in Centreville. He has had a good and steadily growing trade from the first; keeps a complete stock of dry-goods, hats, caps, boots and shoes. He is an experienced merchant and studies the wants of his cus-

Washington Wright, farmer, was born in Wayne. County, Ind., Jan. 31, 1826, a son of John and Mary Wright, natives of Pennsylvania. His father was born March 27, 1786, and died Feb. 5, 1879. He was married in his native State and soon after moved to Butler County, Ohio. In 1816 he came to Wayne County and entered 160 acres of land from the Government. It was situated in the woods, tour miles southwest of Centreville. He improved his land and made it one of the finest farms in the township. He had a family of eight ehildren - Margaret, wife of Morris Jones; Lucy, wife of William Malone; Mary Ann, wife of William Russell; Elizabeth, wife of Benjamin Stinson; Joseph, married Elizabeth Stevens; William, married Margaret, sister of John and Morgan Mc- Coy; John P., married Sarah Standley; Washington, our subject, married, in 1849, Teresa, daughter of John Nugen. He then located on his farm, where he has successfully followed agriculture and stock-raising. He makes a specialty of fine Poland China hogs. Mr. Wright is a representative man of the township, and does all in his power to assist in its upbuilding. He had a family of eleven children, nine of whom lived till maturity. Only three are living - George W., John P., and Enos S$.