Wayne County, Indiana - Biographical sketches (4 of 15 so headed), 1884 (part 1 of 2)

Biographical sketches

Centre Township was formed by the county commissioners Aug. 17, 1817. Its boundaries were subsequently enlarged but have since been curtailed several times by the formation of other townships, but it still remains among the largest in the county. The township contains excellent farming land, and the buildings and improvements are generally first class. Itis well supplied with railroad facilities, both the Chicago and the Indianapolis divisions of the Pan-Handle passing through it. Turnpikes are numerous and the streams afford good water-power for mills. The surface is somewhat rolling; the soil, rich and productive.

Probably the first settler of the township was Daniel Nolan, after whom Nolan's Fork was named. He and three of his sons-in-law located on the west bank of this stream, on the present McCoy farm, and began improving a quarter-section. At the time of the land sale they were unable to pay for the land, and Thomas McCoy took it off their hands, paying Nolan for his improvement. This was in 1812. McCoy, originally from Kentucky, was one of the first settlers of the county, locating south of Richmond in 1805. He was led to change his location by the following circumstance: One day his horses, which were allowed to run at large according to the then universal custom, strayed from the East Fork and came westward into what was then the Indian lands. McCoy followed them and found them near Nolan's Fork, where no improvement had then been made. As it was late before he overtook the horses, he decided to encamp for the night and return home the following day. He found a beautiful spring, filled nearly full with the horns of deer, which it is supposed the Indians had placed there, and encamped near it. Before leaving in the morning he was so much pleased with the surroundings that he decided to purchase the land, return and live upon it as soon as it came into the market. The cabin built by Nolan stood a few steps from the house now occupied by Michael McCoy. During the Indian troubles, Thomas McCoy and his neighbors converted it into a blockhouse and surrounded it with a rude ditch and wooden palings. They had a small cannon which they fired to warn the settlers in times of danger, and summon them to the protection of the "fort." No serious difficulties arose in this neighborhood. The lands along the creek were first taken up and improved. The Indians used to return to the stream to hunt as late as 1820. Two, whose names were John Green and Ben Davis, are still remembered by some or the old residents.

Henry Bryan, the first county surveyor, was a man ot very superior intelligence. He was a native of Delaware and settled on the east side of Nolan's Fork, opposite the McCoy farm. He was born in 1768 and died in 1835. He was one of the very first settlers of Centre Township, removing in 1811 to the farm on which he died. During the Indian troubles, Bryan quitted his farm for one or two seasons, returning after hostilities had ceased.

William Crawford, a jovial and social man, who exhibited a great fondness for visiting his neighbors during the later years of his life, was another early settler on Nolan's Fork. He had a distillery which is supposed to have been the first in the county. A man named See lived south of the McCoy farm, and William Conner adjoining; James Hayes' was the next farm south, extending to the township line. David J. Woods lived west of the creek in the southern part of the township. Caleb Jackson came early. His son, Joseph W., also early improved a farm in the western part of the township. Greenburg Cornelius settled in 1811 on land which is now a part of the county farm. William and John Harvey, James Townsend, Exum Elliott and Robert Galbraith were all early settlers in the western and northern part of the township. Edward Benbow and Joseph Overman, the latter from North Carolina, settled about 1813. John Stiggleman settled early, where his son Henry lives. Michael Harvey, John Elwood, Joseph Overman, Jacob Griffin (who came from North Carolina about 1813), John Maxwell (from Tennessee, about 1814) John King (from Kentucky, 1812) Jehu Wickersham (1816), John Garrett, William Hosier (from North Carolina, 1811, on the David Commons farm) and Robert Harvey all deserve to be named among early settlers.

William Sumner, from Virginia, settled early near Centreville, and was the first owner of the land on which most of the town stands. John King afterward owned a portion of the land. Israel Elliott also settled near town. Evan Shoemaker located on the next farm east. A man named Bell entered several tracts of land in the same neighborhood, but never settled here. James Junkins and Robert Black came quite early.

Among the pioneers of the western part of the township were John Hill, from North Carolina, about 1814; Ezekiel Commons, about 1813; Daniel Stone, on the place where James Neil afterward had a tavern and a blacksmith shop; Francis Coffin; John Woodward, on the farm afterward owned by Conover; Samuel Parker, James Martin and Charles Canaday.

Among the early settlers in the eastern part of the township were: Joseph Overman, Wm. and,Thomas Culbertson, Vinnedge Russell, Richard Pedrick, James E. Bryant, Isaac Miller, Joseph Kem and others. In the southern part of the township, early, were: John Jones, from Virginia, who several times represented this county in the Legislature; Beale Butler, once Associate Judge and County Commissioner; Peter and Zachary Dicks, from North Carolina, who settled about 1812; William Bundy; John Smith, son of John Smith, the founder of Richmond; Daniel Crow, from North Carolina; Nathaniel Bell; David Galbraith, on land since owned by Joshua Eliason; Isaac Williams, on land

Teaac Julian was one of the pioneers of Centre Township and lived on the farm now owned by Oliver H. Brumfield. He was a man of good intelligence and scholarship and was for several years a school teacher. He also represented the county in the Legislature. Mr. Julian was the father of Jacob B., George W. and Isaac H. Julian. He died quite early.

Robert Commons, a native of Ireland, came from Virginia and settled a mile and a half northwest of Centreville, where he died in 1887, at the age of eighty-nine. Benjamin Maudlin came from North Carolina to Wayne Township in 1807, and in 1813 removed to Centre Township, settling on Nolan's Fork, two and a half miles north of Centreville. He removed to Michigan about 1835, where he died. His son John, born in North Carolina in 1806, is now resident of Centreville. Joseph Holman, who lived on the farm now owned by Mr. Jackson, was one of the most prominent of the early settlers. During the Indian troubles he erected a block-house on his farm. James Thompson, from New Jersey, settled on the place afterward owned by Wm. Frame, his son-in-law.

Before the days of railroads the amount of travel over the National road was great. Drovers from the West with herds of cattle; emigrants from the East to the Western States and Territories, and mercantile travelers passed over the road. Joshua Eliason, whose house was a favorite stopping place, says that he has sometimes had over 130 people and three or four droves of cattle stay at his place in a single night.

Mr. Morgan McCoy states that he is supposed to have been the second white male child born in the township, Jacob B. Julian being the first. The first death in the township was that of a man named Brinton, who was an early squatter on the George McConnaha farm. Brinton cut his knee while hewing timber with a broad-ax, and bled to death from the wound. He was buried on the farm. Margaret Bryan, who died Aug. 5, 1815, was the first whose remains were placed in the Bryan cemetery. One of the first marriages in the township was that of Henry Bryan to Jane Crawford.

The first grist-mill in the township was erected by James Crawford, about 1816, on the site of the large mill now owned by Smith & Parrot, about a mile southwest of Centreville. It was a very primitive atfair, consisting of a ''corn cracker " and wheat burrs, with a rude shed over them. For the reception of the wheat, large cuts from a hollow sycamore log were used. Jacob Wolf, after Crawford. He sold to Jacob Crull, Jr., who built the mill now standing. Nathan Hollingsworth was the next owner and made several improvements. Then came Jackson, McCoy & Gray, Rylan, Smith & Clark, and the present owners, Smith & Parrot. David J. Woods built a grist-mill and saw-millin the southwestern part of the township as early as 1820. Nothing of it now remains. Asa Provo erected a saw-mill on Nolan's Fork, north of Centreville, about 1817. This was probably the first in the township. Other early saw-mills were built by John Copeland, Robert Harvey, Exum White, Nathan Overman, and Nathan Hollingsworth. Robert Harvey erected a grist-mill near his saw-mil]. David Commons afterward became the owner and made a fine mill of it.

Robert Galbraith had a tannery three miles north of Centreville quite early. A carding-mill was established by Nathan Overman, a mile west of Centreville. John Maxwell, a blacksmith, had a shop about two miles north of the town, early. Richard Cheeseman was an early settler in the northern part of the township. He erected a small grist-mill, or corn-cracker, as early as 1818, on Nolan's Fork. His nephew, Uriah Cheeseman, originally from New Jersey, settled on the west side of the present Centreville and Williamsburg turnpike, in 1821.

The town of Centreville, which for over half a century was the seat of justice in the county of Wayne, has in many respects a remarkable history. Rarely does it fall to the lot of any small place to be the home of so many eminent men, conspicuous in the affairs both of State and Nation, as have lived in Centreville in former years. The town lost her eminence as a political center and the home of politicians and statesmen when she lost the county seat in 1873, but she still has many good and worthy citizens who are awake to the best interests of the county, and are ready to aid in advancing the general welfare. The town has recovered from the depressing effects of the county seat removal, and now appears thrifty, energetic and prosperous.

Centreville is situated near the geographical center of Wayne County, on the National road and the main line of the Chicago, St. Louis & Pittsburg Railroad. The town is rather attractive in its general appearance, containing many good buildings, and presenting many evidences of neatness and thrift. In 1880 its population was 870. It is probably over 1,000 at the present writing. The location is healthful and pleasant, and there is a rich agricultural country surrounding the town. Centreville was platted Oct. 20, 1814, by Henry Bryan, surveyor, and the survey was certified by the trustees Jan. 2, 1815. The ground was donated for the purpose of securing the county seat by Israel Elliott and Ethan A. Stone. Isaac Julian, Joseph Holman and William Harvey were appointed Trustees, and under their direction the town was laid out. Subsequently additions to the town plat were made as follows: By Joseph Evans, in March, 1818; by Lot Pugh, Micajah T. Williams and Arthur Henry, in June, 1818; by William Sumner, in January, 1819; by William M. Doughty and William Elliott, in December, 1830, and by Isaac Abrahams, in December, 1833. Certain lots were reserved for a public cemetery, for school purposes, ete

The act making Centreville the county seat, although passed in 1816, did not become operative until a few years later. But lawyers, physicians and business men almost immediately established themselves inthe new town, which before 1820 had become a village of considerable proportions for that day. In 1826 the town had two stores, three taverns, one grocery, one wagon-maker, one wheelwright, two plasterers, one tinsmith, one saddler, two blacksmiths, two cabinet makers, two shoemakers, one millwright, five carpenters, two bricklayers, one tailor, two tanners, three physicians, three lawyers, one school, one Masonic lodge, a postoffice, and the Western Times printing office. The writer to whom we are indebted for the foregoing summary estimated the population in 1826 at 200. Old residents claim that it was not less than 400, and the latter figures would better correspond with the industrial statement above given.

Most of the great men of Centreville have been lawyers, and the history of their lives is narrated in another chapter. Here Oliver P. Morton worked at the hatter's trade; here General Lew Wallace and General Noble attended school, and here General A. E. Burnside worked at tailoring. To these famous names might be added mary others, but it is unnecessary, as all are duly mentioned elsewhere in this. work.

The first store in Centreville was opened about 1815 by Caleb Lewis and Lawrence H. Brannon, who had a small stock of goods, and conducted the business in partnership. They came from the Kanawha Salt Works in Virginia. Joshua Eliason, then a boy, bought of them the first article ever sold by any merchant in the town - one pound of coffee; price, 50 cents. Samuel P. Booker opened a general store, with a fair stock of goods for that time, as early as 1819. He was a good business man, of fine appearance. He died in July, 1823, and is said to have been the wealthiest man then. in the county. He was a native of Virginia.

One of the first buildings erected in the town was a hewed log house, put up by a man named Galbraith on the corner where the American House now stands. Samuel P. Booker, and after him Isaac Burbank, kept store in it several years.

Lewis Forkner, from North Carolina, settled in Centreville in 1817 and died in 1824. His son James was for many years a prominent business man of the town.

Levi Jones was one of the early settlers and prominent business men; followed building, brick-making, ete. He built the first brick house in town prior to 1823. He died in 1824. Judge Williams, now living east of town, engaged in the mercantile business and erected a brick house in Cen treville in 1823. James Blair was a merchant, cotemporary with Williams. Lot Bloomfield, lawyer, had a store soon after. Other early merchants were Isaac Burbank, who remained in business many years, Richard Cheeseman and

Thomas Commons. Among the mercantile firms in business here at various dates between 1835 and 1845 were Myers Seaton, Snyder & Adams, A. W. Ray & Co., Jacob Fisher, Holman & Ray, Hannah & Newman, J. and H. Purviance & Co., Isaac Burbank, Elmer & Forkner, Wm. B. Hornish, Richard H. Swain and William Arnold. In i842 the town had nine general merchants and a larger population than at present.

Samuel Hannah, afterward Clerk of Courts and State Treasurer, was for many years among the foremost business men of the town; he removed to Centreville in 1823. Dr. John Prichett, now the oldest male resident of Centreville, first came to the place in 1826.

The first tavern was probably kept by Rachel Neal. Wm. Elliott kept a public house in 1823 and for some years thereafter. Wm. Vaughan, Levi M. Jones and Samuel Hannah were among the early tavern-keepers.

Among the-early settlers were Dr. David F. Sacket, who moved from Salisbury; Dr. Ira Pier; James Rariden, Cyrus Finch, Martin M. Ray and John S. Newman, lawyers; Septimus Smith, lawyer and editor; Major John Gay, Deputy County Clerk; Daniel Strattan and Thomas G. Noble, a little later.

The first tannery in Centreville was started by John Lewis about 1818. Daniel Strattan and Thomas Gentry each had tanneries prior to 1826 and carried on business many years later.

The manufacture of hats, once an important industry in every village, was carried on in Centreville for many years. Probably the first who followed that trade here was Jacob N. Booker. He was followed by George Troxell and William Widup. Wm. S. T. Morton carried on the business quite Jargely several years, and his brother, afterward Governor, worked at the same trade.

Caleb Hiatt, William L. Reynolds and H. E. Hurlbut were early cabinet-makers. Isaac Forkner was the first blacksmith. Lewis Burk and Frederic Dillon came soon after Forkner. Edward Benbow, Wm. Hill and Daniel Lantz were among the first wagon-makers. Martin Hornish and

The first tailor was Charles F. Reed. Other early tailors were: John E. Dunham, Matthew W. Jack and William B. Hornish. Dunham followed tailoring many years, and about 1840 had in his shop an assistant named A. E. Burnside, since a famous General. Burnside went from here to West Point, after working a year or so at tailoring. While he was in the shop, Dunham was Postmaster of the town. A man named Richards, remarkably tall and slender, then resided here, and was generally known by the nickname " Ramrod." One day he called at the postoffice to enquire for letters, and young Burnside waited upon him. " Any letters?' Burnside looked all through the ' R's," all the time supposing Ramrod was the real name of his questioner, and then said, '' No, Mr. Ramrod; nothing for you." Richards flew into a passion at once and used bad words, threatening the young tailor; but the latter saw that he had made a blunder, and apologized.

The first record of the proceedings of the town officers bears the date June 12, 1834. On that day M. M. Ray, John C. Kibbey, Jesse Williams, Daniel Strattan, Thomas Gentry and Nelson Boon qualified as Trustees before Samuel Hannah, Clerk of Courts of Wayne County. Daniel Strattan was elected President of the board.

The officers of the town for the year 1§83-'4 are: Dr. Wm. F. King, First Ward; Hayman Dobbs, Second Ward; Albert R. Jones, Third Ward; George W. Gates, Fourth Ward; Geo. L. Cates, Fifth Ward, Councilmen. Hayman Dobbs, President of the board. J. H. Gentry is Clerk; John K. Jones, Treasurer; George Sanders, Marshal; David A. Green, President and Chief of the fire department; J. A. Bowen, Vice- President, fire department; James Nichols, First Engineer; C. B. Means, Second Engineer. Justices of the Peace: David Gentry and Allen Abernethy. The Township Trustee is C. J. Harvey.

Probably no small town in the State has a more efficient or better equipped fire department than Centreville. Among the by-laws and ordinances for the government of the corporation adopted June 19, 1834, is one specifying that it shall be the duty of each male householder to provide himself with a substantial bucket made of tin or wood, and at all times keep it in readiness for use when required. The marshal was authorized to direct and control the fire department, which was to be made up of "all white male persons over the age of twenty-one years.' This ordinance was repealed in 1836.

In 1835 the trustees voted to build an engine-house, one story high, 12 x 16 feet in size, and on the 5th of October authorized Frederick V. Snider to purchase a fire-engine, voting an appropriation of $300 toward paying for it. Mr. Snider purchased in Cincinnati, for $445, an engine that afterward became noted in the town, and which was called " The Old Flame." April 21, 1836, a fire company was organized, to act under the president and trustees of the corporation. F. V. Snider was appointed " Foreman and Commanderin-Chief of the Centreville Fire Company;" William Widup, Assistant; Lewis Jones, First Engineer, and Franklin Booker, Second Engineer. The fire company thus organized consisted of John E. Dunham, William Beverlin, John Chapman, Robert Dinwiddie, David Dinwiddie, T. L. Doughty, J. P. Doughty, William Doughty, Jr., Samuel Delong, George Holman, William Dell, Thomas Brown, James Egler, Jesse Delong, Daniel Strattan, Henderson Fleming, John S. Newman, Solomon Meredith, John Myers, William Evans, John Larue, Abner Haines,John H. Hutchinson, William S. T. Morton, Thomas Gentry, John Winders, Norris Jones, Eli Jones, Washington Jones, John Strattan, J. R. Godfrey, Daniel Johnson, John Jamieson, Jennings Fisher, and Aaron Harvey. Of the foregoirg, only David Dinwiddie, now of Philadelphia; George Holman, of Indianapolis, and Eli and Washington Jones are known to be living.

A hook.and ladder company organized at the same time with the above consisted of Michael Hornish, Crawford Conner, O. F. Miller, J. M. Fisher, James Forkner, Stephen Gaston, David Moore, Abel Evans, Isaac Snooke, J. L. Catter, G. W. Conner, E. A. Miller, George M. Evans, and Charles Wertman, all of whom are probably now dead.

morning of the 15th and 16th of October, 1875, at which time nearly $40,000 worth of property was destroyed, the citizens decided that they needed more and better protection against damage by fire, and in December of the same year a fine steam fire-engine was purchased at a cost of $5,000. The present fire company was then organized, with M. Beitzelle, Chief, and Fred Lyman, First Engineer; J. H. Gentry, Secretary. Except one fire, Jan. 16, 1876, which destroyed property worth about $6,000, there has been no large fire in the town since that time.

Some years before the war a pork-packing establishment was started in Centreville by Morris Jones and others. After a short time John Latchaw became the owner of the building and fitted it up for a steam flouring mill. The building was afterward destroyed by fire. Mr. Latchaw then erected the one now standing. William Clark and John P. Smith were the next owners, and from them the property passed into the hands of George Legate, the present proprietor.

In 1868 Lyman & Haines erected a steam saw-mill in the eastern part of the town. J. A. Commons is the present owner, and does a good business.

After the seminary building became the public school building, in 1870, the former school-house was sold, and converted into a grist-mill by Charles Bertsch. It was afterward changed into a shoe factory, by a Mr. Somerby, of Indianapolis, who failed after operating a short time. The building is now unused.

In 1875 Vogel & Lincoln began the manufacture of organs in Centreville. In 1876 they moved to the old court-house, where Elisha Lincoln continued the business on quite a large scale, employing from twenty-five to thirty men. He failed after a short time and the industry ceased. The business was carried on under the name of the Hoosier Organ Company.

A machine shop and saw-mill was started about 1854 by Wharton Lyman, Norris Jones and others. After several changes the property was bought, in 1883, by T. H. Edmunds, who is doing a good business making cane-seated chairs and rockers. He saws his own lumber, and has a fine establishment, run and heated by steam.

Centreville has a large and commodious public hall, two stories high, of brick. It was erected by Norris Jones in 1858. The lower part is the engine-house and firemen's rooms and the the second floor contains the town hall.

The leading business interests of Centreville in the year 1884 are as follows: Lafayette Williams, Samuel C. Doughty, dry goods merchants; drug stores, Drs. Prichett & Reed, Dr. Darnell; agricultural implements and groceries, J. A. Dunbar & Co.; hardware and groceries, H. ©. Leeson; groceries, G. Johnson, Geo. Wolf; boots and shoes, H. S. Scott; saddlery, Keys & Means; hotels - American, E. F. Horner; Park, D. A. Green; Jones House, Mrs. S. Jones; livery stables, Rudolph Shoff, D. A. Commons, Simon McConaha; grist-mill, Geo. Legate; saw-mill, J. A. Commons; chair factory, T. H. Edmunds; bank, First National.

Centreville has six physicians: Drs. John Prichett, Wm. F. King, Hosea Tillson, Silas Kersey, --- Gordon (homeopathic), and Wm. Reed; and one lawyer, Thomas Means.

First National Bank

The First National Bank of Centreville was organized and began business in 1863. Among the stockholders were: Oliver T. Jones, Jacob B. Julian, Joseph W. Jackson, David Commons, Joshua Eliason, Jesse Cates, George W. Julian, James Forkner, Philip Jenkins, Joseph O. Ratliff, Alexander Cheesman, William Culbertson, Jeremiah W. Swafford and others. Oliver T. Jones was chosen President, and Benj. L. Martin, Cashier. Martin declining the office, J. P. Sonthard was elected in his place. A few months later Jacob B. Julian succeeded Jones as President, and Mr. Jones became Cashier. Mr. Julian remained the President until 1873, when he was succeeded by James Forkner, who served until his death in 1880. The present President, Jesse Cates, was chosen in 1881. J. K. Jones is Cashier, and Geo. L. Cates, Assistant Cashier. The present Directors are: Jesse Cates, Philip Jenkins, Joseph C. Ratliff, Alexander Cheesman and J. K. Jones. The bank

Masonic. - The first Masonic lodge in Wayne County was organized at Centerville in 1823. In 1833 it was removed to Richmond. Its history is given among the lodges uf that city. Hiram Lodge, No. 42, F. & A. M., was organized in May, 1847, with Francis King, W. M.; Samuel Boyd, S. W.; Martin M. Ray, J. W.; John Prichett, Sec. There are no records of its charter members, but the following named members joined between 1847 and 1851: James Woods, Thomas G. Noble, Roswell Elmer, Edward H. Hudson, John M. Way, Michael Wilson, Samuel C. Meredith, Lazarus Noble, William Dewey, George W. Conner, Daniel B. Abrahams, John C. Gregg, W. P. Hannah, Wm. B. Hornish, Isaac Forkner, Christopher A. Hill and Wm. B. Lucas. Prior to the re-organization in 1869, 155 members had been admitted. Nov. 11, 1869, the lodge was re-organized as Hiram Lodge, No. 417, under a dispensation. June 16, 1870, it was re-organized underacharter. The charter members were: Joseph C. Ratliff, Wm. Dickey, Elihu M. Parker, Alvin J. Woods, Morgan McCoy, John F. Julian, John F. Kibbey and John Prichett. From 1869 to 1884 eighty-five have been admitted to membership. The lodge is out of debt and in a fair condition. The present officers are: Hosea Tillson, W. M.; John H. Wright, S. W.; Jos. Bowen, J. W.; Jos. A. Commons, Treas.; John Prichett, Sec.; Nimrod Parrot, S. D.; C. B. Means, J. D.; Clark S. Baker, T. .

Grand Army. - Frank Beitzelle Post, No. 210, G. A. R., was chartered July 9, 1883, with the following charter members: Jesse B. Thomas, Marcellus Beitzelle, William F. King, John Pritchett, Henry C. Leeson, C. B. Jackson, Jesse Horney, Joseph F. Hatfield, Ferdinand Wann and William Matthews. H.C. Leeson was chosen Commander. In March, 1884, the post had eighteen members and the following officers: H. C. Leeson, C.; Joseph Bowen, S. V. C.; Joseph F. Hatfield, J. V. C.; Jesse B. Thomas, Adjt.; Dr. Hosea Tillson, Surg.; Samuel I. Hertzell, Chap.; William Matthews, Q. M.; Marcellus Beitzelle, O. D.; Jacob Tibbetts, O. G.

West Grove (Friends') Meeting. - This church was organized in 1815, and its first Monthly Meeting was held in the woods in that year. A log structure, without a chimney, but with a fire-place in the center, in which a charcoal fire was kept up, was soon erected and used as a meeting-house. This was situated about three miles northwest of Centreville. About 1831 the log meeting-house was torn down and the present edifice took its place. Among the early preachers were: Jesse Bond, Hannah Baldwin and Daniel Williams. Early members: Robert Commons, William Hastings, Benjamin Maudlin, Jacob Griffin, James Townsend, William H arvey, Exum Elliott, Obed Barnard, Edward Benbow, Abraham and Joseph Cook, Jehu Wickersham, John Brumfield, John Maxwell, John Harvey, John Copeland, Robert Harvey, George Russell, Charles Canaday and Nathan Overman. The society is still in existence; its membership is now about 125. A school. was maintained by the Friends near the church for many years.

Centreville M. E. Church was organized in 1823. The class then formed consisted of seven members: Israel and Mary Abrahams, Peter Ringo and wife, Mrs. Martha Talbot, Sarah Booker and Mrs. Hart, known as "Mother Hart. " Sarah Reed joined a short time after the class was formed.

Israel Abrahams was the Class-Leader. There had- been preaching by Methodists in the town from 1820. The meetings were generally held in the court-house. Some of the early preachers were: Revs. Bigelow, Strange, White," Haven, Wiley and Gath, some of whom were afterward noted as ministers and bishops. Members who connected themselves with the church early in its existence were: Elisha and Samuel King, Edward K. Hart, John Scott and wife, Mrs. Theresa Finch, Alfred Carter and wife, Ephraim J. Merritt and wife, and others. Mrs. Ham, of Centreville, is the oldest member of the congregation now living, and in the absence of any early records has furnished the writer most of the data for this sketch. About two years after the first class was formed Israel Abrahams, who was then a merchant in the town, erected a building for a store and residence (part of which is still standing), and fitted the upper portion of it for the use of the society. Here worship was held for nearly two years. A frame church was then erected in the eastern part of the town, and in it the first Sabbath-school in Wayne County was organized in 1827. The first conference ever held in Centreville was also held in this house later, Bishop Morris presiding. The present brick church was erected in 1842 © and dedicated in October of that year. Just after the dedication the last conference ever held in the town convened in it. Very interesting}Sabbath-schools were held for several years succeeding by the M. E. and Cumberland Presbyterian churches together. When the new church was buiit the congregation had nine classes, the smallest of which numbered twenty-one members. In March, 1884, the church had 125 members and about 140 Sabbath-school pupils; value of church property, $4,000. Wm. Boston is the present pastor; G. W. Gates and A. D. Bowers, Stewards; G. W. Gates, Dr. Wm. Reed, A. J. Rambo, Chas. Bertsch and Dr. Hosea Tillson, Trustees; A. D. Bowers and Hayman Dobbs, Class- Leaders.

Baptist Church - A Baptist church was formed in the township as early as 1820, but ceased to exist many years ago. A meeting-honse was built near Olive Hill. Among the first members were: Isaac Cotton and Samuel Taylor, who were preachers; John Stigleman, Richard Cheesman and Isaac Voorhees. There was also an early Baptist church in Centreville, which erected the house which was afterwards used by the Christians.

Centreville Christian Church was organized about 1839, principally through the efforts of Elder Samuel K. Hoshour. Elder James McVay held a series of revival meetings which prepared the way for an organization. Many of the members came from the Baptist and Freewill Baptist denominations, both of which had organized: many years previous. Among the original members were: Jesse Thomas and wife, Mrs. Judith King, Mrs. Lucinda Eliason, John Winder and wife, Mrs. Roundtree, Mrs. Sally Dewey, Mrs. Patsy Thomas, Daniel Crow and wife, Mr. Tallhelm and wife, Elder Daniel Winder and wife. Joshua Eliason is the oldest member now living. Meetings were first held in the seminary and in the court-house. Then the church came into possession of a house previously erected by the Baptists at the north end of town, which was used until the present brick house was built in 1878. The new church cost about $5,000. The church now has nearly 100 members. Among the pastors have been Elders S. K. Hoshour, James McCullough, A. I. Hobbs, Van Buskirk, R. T. Brown, R. L. Howe, Wm. J. Howe and J. B. Ludwig, the present pastor.

Cumberland Presbyterian. - The Cumberland Presbyterian church, of Centreville, was organized by Rev. Le Roy Woods, in December, 1842. The original members were: John B. Stitt, James Woods, Eliza A. Bolander, Sarah Garthwaite, James H. Hudson, Susan Hudson, A. F. Dunham, Francis Smith, Henry Brown, Francis Smith, E. C. Seaton and Mary Stitt. The house of worship was erected in 1849. Among the pastors were: Revs. L. Woods, E. McCord, F. G. Black, Chas. Bond and H. D. Onyett. The organization, once flourishing, has become extinct and its ehures property was

Presbyterian. - A Presbyterian church was formed in Centreville, April 14, 1866. Rev. James A. McKee and Rev. L. W. Chapman were present at the organization. Among the members were: John McFarland, Wharton Ly- man, John M. Coyner and Samuel Wilson, with their wives; Michael Wilson, Elizabeth Young, Elizabeth Huston, Caroline Dickey, Jane Rowan, Kate Johnson, Louisa A. Cunningham and Jane Doughty. The first Elders were: McFarland and Coyner. Pastors: Rev. F. L. Senour, S. S. Potter, Eben Muse and supplies. The congregation is small and has had no regular services for some time. The church edifice, a good brick building, was erected in 1868.

Centreville Meeting. - The Friends organized a meeting in Centreville, in March, 1884. There had been meetings held for a year preceding, but no organization. There are about fifty members belonging to this meeting, which is under the charge of the Whitewater Monthly Meeting. For their services they have purchased for $320 the church in Centerville, built by the Cumberland Presbyterians.

John O. Austin is a native of Montgomery Co., Md., born March 29, 1807, a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Offord) Austin. His parents moved to the District of Columbia when he was quite young, and kept a hote! in Georgetown. When he was ten years of age they moved to the Shenandoah Valley, where he grew to manhood. They afterward moved to Hamilton County, Ohio, where the father died in 1829. Of ten children, John O. and a sister living in Union Co., Ind., are the only ones living. John O. Austin learned the shoemaker's trade when a young man, at which he worked over forty years. In 1830 he moved to Richmond, remaining there till 1834. In 1832 he subscribed for the Palladium. While in Richmond he clerked in the dry-goods store of Theo. Sittle. In 1835 he went to Liberty, Union County, and soon after married Amy Rose, a native of Indiana, born in 1814, and a daughter of Abraham Rose. He located in Liberty, working at his trade in connection with farming. In the fall of 1871 he came to Wayne County, and bought the farm known as the Jacob Brooks farm, consisting of 105 acres of fine land with good farm buildings. At present he lives rather a retired life, renting his farm to his sons. Mr. and Mrs. Austin are members of the Congregational church.

John N. Black, farmer, Centre Township, was born March 9, 1834, a son of Robert and Julia Ann (Jackson) Black. Robert Black was a native of Kentucky, and came with his father, James Black, to Wayne County, Ind., in 1813, settling three miles southwest of Richmond. He was married in 1824, and settled on a farm two and one-half miles southwest of Centreville, which he entered, and where his family of six boys and two girls were born, and where he died in 1838, while his children were yet small, leaving his young wife dependent upon her good judgment and energy to raise them. She died in 1883 at the age ot eighty years. John N. Black remained with his mother till his marriage. He then engaged in farming for himself on the farm where he was born, and of which he now owns 140 aeres, most of it under cultivation. He was married in 1857 to Julia Ann Kitterman, daughter of Philip and Salome Kitterman. They have three children - Mary C., wife of W. H. Petty; Joseph S. and Ida Belle. Mr. Black was initiated in Hoosier Lodge, No. 23, I. O. O. F., April 3, 1880, and of which he is still a member of good standing.

Joseph W. Blackis a native of Center Township, born Nov. 16, 1835, a son of Robert and Julia Ann (Jackson) Black, and a cousin of Captain Caleb and Joseph W. Jackson. He was reared ona farm receiving his education in the common schools. Being early instructed in the different phases of farm life, he chose that as his occupation, and has been very successful, owning 110 acres of land, mostly improved, with good farm buildings. He was married in 1866 to Hannah Lamott, daughter of Joshua Lamott, one of the oldest residents of Washington Township. They have a family ot eight children - Monroe M., Joseph W., Joshua R., Charles F., Walter, Freeman, Flora A. and Sadie E.

Samuel K. Boyd, the oldest resident of Centre Township, was born in Madison County, Ky., June 29, 1794. In 1811 his parents, Samuel and Isabel (Higgins) Boyd, came with a family of nine children to Wayne County, and settled on the

Walnut Level, near Jacksonburg, purchasing the land at the land sale of the Twelve-Mile Purchase, in October, 1811. They built a small cabin, 18 x 24, and went to work to clear up a farm. Samuel Boyd served as a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and was shot in the side of his head, the ball coming out near his nose, destroying the sight of one eye. He was in religious faith a Christian. He died at the age of seventy-three years. His wife died in 1852. They had ten children - James, John C., William, Elizabeth, Samuel K., Martha, Robert, Mary, Isabel, and an infant. Samuel K. Boyd was reared a farmer, and has always followed that occupation. He was married when twenty-three years old to Martha Lewis, who died May 17, 1827, leaving five children, one an infant nine days old. He afterward married Bertha Ladd, who died in 1872. Mr. Boyd has lived a long life and has seen Wayne County in allits varied aspects. He served nine months in the war of 1812.

Solomon Brumfield, son of John and Margaret Brumfield, was born near Harrisburg, Pa., Feb. 9, 1805, and died near Centreville, Ind., Sept. 8, 1865. When about fourteen years of age he came to Wayne County with his parents and settled on Nolan's Fork, where his father died in 1834 and his mother in 1850. Of a family of six children but one is living---William H., an attorney of San Francisco, Cal. Solomon Brumfield was married April 12, 1827, to Eliza Boone, a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, born Jan. 15, 1810, and soon after settled on a farm of his father's. He subsequently bought a farm in Fayette County where they lived six years, when in 1834 he removed with his family to Centreville, and kept hotel several years. He then bought a farm of 300 acres and engaged extensively in farming. He was also a veterinary surgeon of marked success. His widow still resides on the old homestead. She has been a cripple for six years, caused by the kick of a cow, but otherwise she is a smart, intelligent woman. They had a family of nine children - Margaret (wife of Thomas Means),,Oliver H., Jesse ©., Susan M. (wife of William McDonald), Charles R., Henry C., W. H. (died at the age of four years), Walter S. and Millard F.

Thomas Burris, a prominent farmer of Centre Township, was born in old Virginia, April 1,1813. In 1826 his parents, Philip and Susan Burris, came to Wayne County, Ind., and settled on a farm in Washington Township, where they died in 1848. They had a family of eight children - Nancy, born in 1803; Thornton, died in 1845; Polly, now Mrs. Joseph Beck; Bartley, died in 1881; Thomas; Philip, died in infancy; Daniel and William, of Fayette County, Ind. Thomas Burris was married in 1836 to Virginia Davidson, of Wayne County. They have had three children - two sons and a daughter. The daughter died in infancy. One son, W:lliam, lives in Washington Township; the other, Robert, lives in Richmond. Mr. Burris owns 200 acres of fine bottom lands, and has been a successful farmer.

Richard Garton Charman was born in England, Oct. 6, 1824, and died in Wayne County, Ind., June 21, 1883. He came to America in 1847, and May 20, 1851, married Martha, daughter of John and Nancy Crawford. Soon after his marriage he moved to Centreville, Ind., and worked at the painter's trade ten years. After the death of Mrs. Charman's mother they moved to the Crawford farm, and her father . made his home with them until his death. Mr. Charman carried on the farm very successfully. He was an industrious man and influential, being alive to all enterprises of interest to the community. Mrs. Charman still resides on the farm. It contains 130 acres of valuable land, and was entered from the Government by her grandfather, William Crawford. Mrs. Charman has three sons - Arthur C., married Jennette, daughter of James and Phebe Culbertson; Richard G. married Minnie F. daughter of Vincent and Charlotte Parsons, of Muncie, Ind.; Albert R. is a graduate of and now a teacher in the Terre Haute schools.

Thomas J. Clevenger was born in Abington Township, Wayne Oo., Ind., Dec. 28, 1851, a son of Samuel and Ruth (Spahr) Clevenger, his father a native of Warren County, Ohio, born March 9, 1810, and his mother born in Virginia, Jan. 5, 1813. His grandfather, Daniel Clevenger, came with his family to Wayne County in 1815 and settled in Abington Township. Samuel Clevenger and Ruth Spahr were married Oct. 24, 1833. They reared ten children; eight are living - Rebecca, wife of J. W. Connelly; Sabra, wife of Emanuel Leab; Mary, wife of David Riegel; Samuel S.; Joseph; Nancy L., wife of W. M. Quinn; Thomas J. and Francis M. Mr. Clevenger was a successful farmer and owned 380 acres of fine land. Hedied April 28, 1881. His widow still resides on the old homestead. Thomas J. Clevenger received a good common-school education, and on reaching his majority settled on a farm of his own. He now owns eighty acres of good land, well improved, a story and a half frame residence and comfortable frame buildings. He has a fine grade of stock, both cattle and hogs. Mr. Clevenger was married Feb. 12, 1880, to Evaline, daughter of Isaiah and Jane Helms, of Wayne County.

David Commons, deceased, was the youngest of nine children of Robert and Ruth (Hayes) Commons, and was born in Grayson County, Va., July 18,1800. His father was born in Ireland, of English parentage, and when an infant was brought by his parents to America. His mother was a native of Pennsylvania where she was married, and where eight of her children were born. Both parents were members of the Society of Friends. Robert Commons was by trade a weaver of fine linen. In 1812 he removed with his family to Wayne County, Ind., and entered 180 acres of land on Nolan's Fork, now owned by J. C. Harvey. He was a small but vigorous man, and was one of Wayne County's most worthy pioneers. He died Dec. 28, 1837, in the ninetieth year of his age. His wife survived him till Sept. 23, 1845, also in her ninetieth year. Their children were - Lydia, Pheebe, Isaac, William, John, Ezekiel, Nathan, Hannah and David. David Commons was reared on a pioneer farm. In 1836 he purchased a farm on which was a small mill for grinding corn. This he rebuilt in 1839 and furnished with two run of burrs for grinding wheat and one for corn. He also built a saw-mill, and in 1838 erected the brick residence now owned by his son, Walter S. It was far in advance of the age in design and finish. He was a man of energy, perseverance and endurance, and was progressively ahead of his time. He filled many offices of trust with great ability. In

1836 he was elected Commissioner of Wayne County, and served three terms. In 1847 he was elected to represent Wayne County in the State Legislature, and served two terms. He was an extensive farmer and real-estate owner and breeder of fine stock. He was foremost in aiding all measures of public interest; was energetic in securing the pike roads; was one of the builders of the Indiana Central Railroad, and for many years was one of its Directors. He was a member of no church, but was in religious faith a Friend. His heart was large and reached out to the needy, and his noble generosity proved his greatest financial enemy. No man in Wayne County was more sensibly missed than David Commons. He was one of the charter members and a Director of the Centreville National Bank. He was one of the devoted defenders of human rights and served the principles of Republicanism and the party faithfully through life. He was married Feb. 26, 1824, to Rachel, daughter of John and Rachel Mote, of Miami County, Ohio. Two sons were born to them - John M., of Indianapolis, and Philip S., of Rice County, Kas., a farmer and minister in the Society of Friends. Mrs. Commons died May 22, 1827, aged twentyfour years. Sept. 29, 1831, Mr. Commons married Bethena, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Jones) Carter, and a native of Greenville, Tenn., born Aug. 13, 1813. To them were born seven children - Sarah A. (deceased), wife of 'Thomas Jordan, of Richmond, Ind.; William M., died Aug. 25, 1853; Isaac L., of Des Moines, Iowa; Robert D., died May 14, 1879. He served three years in the war of the Rebellion, in the Eighth Indiana Infantry, and was wounded at Vicksburg, May 22, 1863; Joseph A., of Centreville; Mary E., wife of Ira Izon, of Indianapolis, and Walter S. Mrs. Commons' parents removed to Indiana in 1829, and settled in Madison County. They had a family of thirteen children - Wesley, Mary, Bethena, Usiah, John O., Hilah, Edward J., Joseph, William, James C., Thomas E., Nancy and Levi. Bethena and Hilah are the only ones living.

Joseph A. Commons, dealer in hardwood lumber, is a native of Wayne County, Ind., born May 22, 1842, a son of David and Bethena (Carter) Commons. He was reared a farmer, receiving his primary education in the common schools. He subsequently attended Earlham College and the Miami Commercial College, at Dayton, Ohio. After leaving college he engaged in farming several years. In 1879 he bought the saw-mill of the Jobn Sintz estate, and has since then carried on the mill and dealt extensively in lumber. He has always taken an interest in the affairs of the township and has served two terms as its Trustee. He is also Treasurer of the School Board. He is a member of Hiram Lodge, No. 41%, F. & A. M., and Hoosier Lodge, No. 23, I. O. O.F. In 1868 Mr. Commons was married to Amanda, daughter of David B. Beeson. They have one son - Lawrence D.

W. S. Commons, youngest child of David and Bethena J. (Carter) Commons, was born in Wayne County, Ind., March 28, 1853. He grew to manhood on the farm where he was born, and which he now owns. His education was principally obtained in the common schools. He spent the year 1870 in Earlham College, but was called home by his father's sickness and death. He then assumed the charge of the farm and care of his mother. Dee. 31, 1874, he was married to Sarah A., daughter of Mark and Elizabeth (Merideth) Maudlin. They have three children - Ernest L., Charles C. and Horace J. Mr. Commons is one of the energetic young farmers of Wayne County. He makes a specialty of breeding short-horn cattle. Politically he is a Republican.

Robert Delap was born in Ohio, Oct. 14, 1811, a son of James Delap, a native of Virginia. His father was married in Virginia and soon after moved to Tennessee, thence to Ohio, and in 1811 to Wayne County, Ind., and settled on a part of the land now owned by Robert Delap. He died in 1842. His wife survived him several years. Of a family of five children, but two are living - Robert and Jane, wife of George Cook. Robert Delap was reared a farmer, and received but a limited education. He has engaged extensively in farming and stock-raising, and has accumulated a large property, owning between 400 and 500 acres of land. His residence is the largest and most extensive in the township, and farm buildings are commodious and well built. After reaching his majority he bought a saw-mill, which he carried on in connection with his farm. In March, 18 - , he was married to Mary Bramer, a native of Wayne County. Mr. Delap is a public-spirited, whole-souled man; liberal to all benevolent institutions, and especially toward all enterprises that are of interest tv his township.

Albert Bruce Dunbar was born in Wayne County, March 15, 1854. He is of English ancestry. His grandfather. William Dunbar, was born in 1783, and his grandmother, Rebecca Dunbar in 1788. His father, James Dunbar, was born in Union County, Ind., Jan. 4, 1821, and in 1846 was married to Mary Mateer, and removed to Wayne County, and settled in Abington Township, where he followed farming in the summer and taught school during the winter for sixteen yeare. At the begining of the civil war he returned to Union County, but remained only a year, returning to Wayne County, and was soon after elected Trustee of Centre Township, holding the position the remainder of his life. He was for many years Justice of the Peace of Abington Township. He studied medicine and practiced in his younger days, but not liking the profession abandoned it. He was a man of perseverance and enterprise, and a leading citizen of the county. He was a prominent member of the Odd Fellows fraternity. Politically he was a Republican, and an active man in all measures tending to the success of the Union in the time of the war. He died Aug. 17, 1869. His widow lives in Centre Township. They had a family of five children - Narcissa, wife of Francis E. Scott; Minerva, deceased, wife of J. R. Robbins; Thomas G., Albert B. and John A. Albert B. Dunbar received a liberal education in the schools of Centreville. He was reared on the farm and is an enterprising, public-spirited young man, a supporter of all laadable enterprises. Politically he is a Republoan and a member of the Township Board of campaign management. He is a member of Woodard Lodge, No. 212, I. O. O.F. Dee. 15, 1880, he was married to Almeda, daughter of Isaac P. and Rebecca (Commons) Lewis. She was born Dec. 21, 1856. Mrs. Dunbar's father was born in South Carolina in 1804, and subsequently resided with his parents in Warren County, Ohio, where he married Rachel Waidrop, who died and he

Thomas G. Dunbar, grocer and dealer in hardware and farming implements, is a native of Wayne Co., Ind., born Dee. 21, 1848, the eldest son of James and Mary Dunbar, his father anative of Union County, Ind., and his mother of Oxford, Ohio. He was reared on a farm and educated in the district schools. On reaching his majority he engaged in running a saw-mill, continuing in that business till 1879, when he took charge of the American Hotel in Centreville, and carried it on eighteen months. In 1882 he opened his present place of business in the old court-house building where he has built up a large and thriving trade. In 1872 Mr. Dunbar was married to Sarah E., daughter of Joseph and Sarah King, of Wayne County. They have two children - Oris K. and Walter H. Mr. Dunbar is amember of Woodward Lodge, No. 154, I. O. O. F.

John F. Dynes is a native of Warren County, Ohio, born July 14,1848, a son of William H. and Marian Dynes. His parents moved to Delaware County, Ind., in 1849, where his mother died when he was four and his father when he was six years of age. He then lived with relatives a year, when he was bound to an Irish farmer uamed Mansfield,who was rough and unkind, and when fifteen years of age he ran away and enlisted in the One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Indiana Infantry (one hundred days' men). After serving four months he went to Union City, Ind., and learned the printer's trade, at which he worked two and a half years. He then worked on a farm eighteen months, and the next eighteen months worked at his trade in Indianapolis. In 1870 he returned to Delaware County, and married Cynthia J., daughter of William and Susannah Snodgrass, of Wayne County, and for eighteen months engaged in farming. He then moved to Indianapolis and for three and a half years was in the real-estate business. In June, 1875, he bought the farm in Centre Township, Wayne,County, where he now lives, containing eighty acres of choice land, well improved, and has since then given his exclusive attention tu farming. Mr. and Mrs Dynes have

'Andrew J. Eliason, son of Richard and Harriett (McAllister) Eliason, was born in Wayne County, Ind., Feb, 5, 1834. His father was born in Delaware in 1802, and moved with his parents to Kentucky and thence to Wayne County, Ind., where he was married. He died at the age of eighty-three years. His wife preceded him several years. Their children were - Levi, Mary A., James, John M., Andrew J., Martin, Betsy A., Sarah A., Joshua and William. Andrew J. remained with his parents till nearly thirty years of age, and March 19, 1868, was married to Mary, daughter of Peter and Eliza (McGlothlin) Black. They have four children - -Walter W., Harry, John C. and Irwin H. Mr. Eliason has a fine farm of 160 acres, and is one of the practical and successful farmers of Centre Township. Politically he is a Republican. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Joshua Eliason, Sr., a prominent farmer of Centre Township, was born in New Castle County, Del., Jan. 14, 1805, a son of Joshua Eliason, a native of the same State, born in 1776. His parents came to Wayne County, Ind., in the fall of 1814, and first settled two miles northeast of Centreville, in the unbroken forest. They built a rude cabin and commenced the struggle fora home. Many are the privations to be undergone in clearing and improving a farm in a new country, but with undaunted zeal they labored on and reared their family, giving them all the advantages afforded in the new country. They were members of the Baptist church and foremost in having a church of their denomination established in their adopted home. The mother died in 1820. The father lived to be eighty-four years of age, passing away in 1860. They had a family of six children - William, died in 1884; Joshua, Levi, Lydia, wite of James Faulkner; Kittie, married James McAllister, both deceased; Betsey, married Jacob Park, both deceased. Joshua Eliason, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a pioneer farm, receiving a commonschool education in the early subscription schools. He was married in his twenty-fourth year to Lucinda, daughter of John King, of Wayne County. He soon after moved to a farm, and has been extensively and successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. He has also been an extensive stockraiser, dealing largely in cattle and hogs. For ten years he dealt in pork, packing and shipping large quantities to the larger cities. His farm contains 312 acres of choice land. His residence is a large, stately two-story brick surrounded with beautiful evergreens and shade trees. Mr. Eliason lost his wile, a most devoted Christian lady, Feb. 12, 1873. He has been a member of the Christian church over forty years, and has held the different offices in the church, being always ready to sustain the banner of the cross. Politically, like his father before him, he has been a Whig and in later life a Republican.

Joshua Eliason, Jr.,was born in Wayne County, Ind., April 14, 1841, a son of William and Harriet (McAlister) Eliason. | He remained on the farm with his parents till manhood, receiving a common-school education. In 1867 he was married to Mary, daughter of Oliver T. and Mary (King) Jones, of Wayne County. Three children have been born to them - Jessie, Zella and John. Mr. Eliason has thus far given his attention to agriculture and stock-raising. His farm contains 160 acres of fine land, with a good residence and farm buildings, fenced with hedge. Mrs. Eliason isa lady of culture and refinement. She is a member of the Methodist church. Politically Mr. Eliason was reared a Whig, and is now a worker in the Republican party.

T. C. Eliason was born in Wayne County, Ind., on the farm where he now resides, July 10, 1839, a son of Joshua and Martha (Crawford) Eliason. His father was a native of Delaware, and came to Wayne County, Ind., in 1814, and entered the quarter-section of land now occupied by his son T. O. The land was in the woods. He erected a log cabin and later in life built a double hewed-log house. His sons Thomas and Henry erected the present residence and farm buildings. He was politically a Whig and later in life a Republican. He lived to be nearly eighty-three years of age. He was twice married. To the first marriage were born six children, three now living - Joshua, Levi and Lydia. Of the nine children born to the second marriage eight are living - Ebenezer,

(deceased); Anna, wife of Samuel Townsend, of Fulton Co., Ind.; Andrew; John, of Illinois; Marinda, wife of William Longfellow, of Tipton County, Ind.; Henry C., of Connersville, Ind. ; Martha, widow of Thomas McConaha; Lucinda, widow of Robert Grimes, and Thomas C. The mother died in her eighty-fourth year. T. C. Eliason received his education in the country schools. Soon after reaching manhood he became the owner of the home farm, where he was very successful till 1875. He then invested several thousand dollars in the Richmond Furniture Manufacturing Company, where he spent four years of his time and lost all he invested. He then returned to the farm, where he is now living. His farm is one of the best in the neighborhood, and is well drained by 700 rods of tiling. He is a liberal supporter of all local enterprises of merit. Politically he is a Republican. He is a member of the Christian church.

` Homer Farlow was bornin Union County, Ind., Dec. 23, 1843, the third son of Stephen and Nancy (Leviston) Farlow, who were also natives of Union County. When he was ten years of age his father moved his family to Wayne County, and settled on the farm where our subject still resides, his father now living in Boston Township. Homer Farlow has followed farming through life, and has a farm of 194 acres of choice bottom land, with first-class buildings. He makes a specialty of breeding the Poland China hogs, and is classed among the successful cattle raisers of Centre Township. May 31, 1868, he was married to Eliza C. Railsback, anative of Wayne County, and daughter of the late Nathan Railsback. They are the parents of four children - Kstella M., Bessie L. Nora and Perey.

Paul Frazer was born about the vear 1791, near Philadelphia, Pa. He was married to Catharine McPherson, who died in Pennsylvania, leaving four boys - Paul, John (who died in California in 1872), Franklin and McCord. After his wife's death Mr. Frazer moved in 1886, with his little sons, to Wayne County, Ind., and followed farming near Williamsburg for four years. He then sold his farm and bought 160 acres south of Centreville. He was married a second time to Mary Ladd, a native of North Carolina, who died in 1873, leaving one daughter, Catharine, who is now keeping house for her brothers. The farm is now owned by the sons and daughter and contains 220 acres of land. Mr. Frazer was an honest, industrious and enterprising farmer. He died in August, 1854.

David Gentry, Justice of the Peace, Centre Township, Wayne Co., Ind., was born in Madison County, Ky., April 2, 1808. He received a limited education in his native county; remained there till the fall of 1830, when he came to Wayne County and located three miles southwest of Centreville. In 1836 he moved to Centreville. In the fall that year he was elected Constable and served till 1844, when he was elected Sheriff of the county; held that position till 1848. From 1853 till 1858 he was in the general mercantile business, and from 1858 till 1866 in the grocery business. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1863, and has now held the office twenty years. In June, 1830, Mr. Gentry was married to Jane Tilley, of North Carolina. She died March 24, 1877. They had a family of four children; two daughters died in infancy. One son, William T., a graduate of West Point in the class of 1856, was appointed Second Lieutenant of the Fourth United States Infantry; was promoted to Captain of the Nineteenth Infantry, and afterward to Major of the Ninth Infantry. April 12, 1884, he was promoted Colonel of the Twenty-fifth U. S. Infantry, now stationed at Fort Snelling, Minn. The other son, James H., was educated in his native town, and was for several years associated in business with his father. He was for two years a staff officer of Governor Morton. He was in the wholesale grocery business in Cincinnati, Ohio, three years, and since then has resided in Centreville, dealing extensively in real estate. He has been City Clerk since 1870. He was also connected with the Richmond Telegram ten years. In 1858 he was married to Sarah E., daughter of Henry and Anna M. Beitzell. They have three daughters - Blanche, Irene and Jennie B.

Peter Gower, deceased, was born iu Lynchburgh, Va., Jan. 18,1801. He left his native city for Somerset Cuunty, Pa., where he remained till he grew to manhood. He then went to Maryland, where he was married to Eliza Chaney, and to them were born two children - William H., and Mary E., wife of John A. Shadle. In the spring of 1834 he came to Wayne County, Ind., and bought a farm about two miles south of Centreville, where he farmed till 1857. He then sold his farm and bought the place now occupied by William H. Gower. His death occurred in July, 1882, and his wife died in 1866. His son William H. was born in April, 1831, in Maryland. He came to Wayne County, Ind., when about three years of age, where he was reared. He was married in October, 1866, to Sarah F., daughter of John and Sarah Jones. They have one son - Charles W. Soon after his marriage William settled upon his present farm, which contains 192 acres, most of which is under cultivation.

Thaddeus C. Greene, deceased, was born in Huntsville, Ala., June 5, 1835, a son of Thomas B. and Eda (Dodge) Greene. When he was a child his father died, and his education was therefore limited to the common schools of his native State. When he was ten years of age his mother, with her five children, removed to Liberty, Union Co., Ind., and it was there and in Wayne County that Thaddeus C. grew to manhood. He subsequently went to Abington, Wayne County, and served an apprenticeship at the carriagemaker's trade, and became an intelligent and. skillful workman. He remained at Abington till the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, when he was one of the first to respond to the call for troops, enlisting as a private in Company A, Eighth Indiana Infantry, for three months. He was actively engaged during his term of service and was discharged Aug. 6, 1861. He returned home and worked at his trade till Aug. 5, 1862, when he again enlisted and was assigned to duty in the Nineteenth Indiana Battery, and served till the last gun was fired; was discharged June 10, 1865. He participated in the battles of Perryville,Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Kennesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, New Hope Church, Jonesboro, and many others of less note. As a soldier he never shirked any duty, however irksome or dangerous it might be. Brave and intrepid, he won the confidence and esteem of his superiors, and with his comrades in the ranks he was a general favorite, on account of his obliging and genial disposition.

After his return home he worked at his trade till Oct. 6, 1866, when he lost both hands by the premature discharge of a cannon. May 30, 1867, he married Martha E., daughter of Enoch and Martha Coddington, of Union County, Ind. They had one child - Dotha L. They lived in Abington a year after their marriage and then removed to Centreville, Mr. Greene having received the appointment Postmaster, a position he held four years. He joined Abington Lodge, No. 154, I. O. O. F., in 1864, and at the time of his death was a member of Hoosier Lodge, No. 23, Centreville. He was a faithful member of his order, and practiced in his daily life the principles advocated in the lodge. Generous, sociable and confiding, he won an enviable place in the estimation of his fellowmen. Correct and prompt in his business transactions, he left a reputation worthy of imitation. Politically he was a Republican, always voting with that party upon all National issues. He cared nothing for official honors, preferring to attend to his own personal business affairs. He died March 8, 1880. Immediately after Mr. Greene's death, Mrs. Greene received the appointment of Postmistress of Centreville, a position she still holds. She has conducted the affairs of the office in an able manner, and justly deserves the appreciation of the public.

Cale) J. Harvey was born on the farm where he now resides, in Wayne County, Ind., March 26, 1843. His grandfather, John Harvey, was born in Guilford County, N. C., of English parents, in May, 1779, and there married Jane Cox, also of English descent, born March 3, 1782. In 1812 he removed to Wayne County, Ind., and entered 320 acres of land on Nolan's Fork, for which he paid $1.50 anacre. At that time the Indians frequently drove the settlers from their homes, and the latter built a block-house on Mr. Harvey's land, where they could take refuge in time of threatened danger. John Harvey died Sept. 12, 1850, and his wife, April 16, 1854. To them were born nine children; but two are living - Nathan, of Topeka, Kan., and William E., of Missouri. The deceased are - Rebecca, Isom, Benjamin, Aaron, John P., Mary E. and Jane A. John P. Harvey was born in Wayne County, Ind., April 16, 1819. He was educated in the log cabin schools, and the school at Cambridge City taught by Samuel Hoshour. March 18, 1841, he was married to Sallie, daughter of Caleb B. and Olive (Leonard) Jackson, of Wayne County. She was born in Grayson County, Va., in 1818. John P. Harvey became the owner of the entire tract of land entered by his father and wasa successful farmer and business man. He died Feb. 19, 1852. Mrs. Harvey resides on the old homestead with her son Caleb J. Harvey. Their children are five in number - Jemima, wife of Oliver Draper, of Henry County, Ind.; Caleb J.; Olive J., widow of Robert Commons; Marinda C., wife of Ennis Kitterman, and John ©. Caleb J. received his early education in the schools of Centreville and subsequently attended Earlham College. When quite young the care of the farm devolved on him and he early learned the science of agriculture and stozk-raising. He is thoroughly practical in all his management and has been successful in his chosen life-work. Politically he is a Republican. In April, 1880, he was elected Trustee of Centre Township, a position he still fills. He is a member of Hoosier Lodge, No.23, and Hebron Encampment, No. 8, I. O. O. F., of Centreville, and has passed all the chairs of both bodies, and represented the two in the Grand Assembly of the State. Jan. 23, 1867, Mr. Harvey was married to Katie, daughter of Andrew and Matilda (Worl) Hoover. They have two daughters - Sadie M. and Olive I.

Jesse Horney, farmer, stock-raiser and wool-gruwer, Centre Township, was born in Wayne Oounty, Ind., July 29, 1843, a son of Stephen and Nancy (Williams) Horney. He was reared on a farm, receiving his education in the country schools. In December, 1863, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Twenty-first Indiana Infantry, Ninth Corps, as a private. He participated in the battles at Pulaski, Wilson Pike and Little Harpeth, Tenn., Hollow Tree Gap, where the command met with a heavy loss; also in the severe battle of Franklin, where he had a horse shot from under him; in the battle at Granny White's Pike; two days' battle at Nashville, Lawrenceburg, Florence and Sugar Creek. At the latter battle his horse was killed by solid shot from cannon. During the summer of 1864 their headquarters were at Pulaski,

Tenn., and they scouted the country for 100 miles around. He was discharged at Vicksburg, Miss., in August, 1865. After his return home he engaged in farming with his father. In January, 1868, he settled on his present farm, which contains 160 acres of well-improved land, and has one of the best springs of water in the county. Heis an enterprising and successful farmer. In politics he is a Republican. Sept. 13, 1867, he was married to Martha E., daughter of George G. and Mary Hindman. She was a member of the Christian church. She died Dec. 10, 1870. March 19, 1874, Mr. Horney married Nancy, daughter of John and Catherine (Wise) Hoover. Mrs. Horney is a member of the United Brethren church. 3

Caleb B. Jackson, a son of Joseph Jackson, was born Dec. 20, 1844, on the old homestead, in Centre Township. Feb. 19, 1873, he was married to Lizzie Stnickland, daughter of R.J. and Ann Strickland. They have a daughter, - four years of age. Mr. Jackson was reared in his native county, and for a number of years was prominently identified with her business interests. He is at present a resident of Kansas City, Mo., where he is an extensive dealer in coal, wood, flour and feed, his business being both wholesale and retail.

Captain Caleb B. Jackson, one of the most prominent farmers of the township, was born on the farm where he resides, two miles west of Centreville, Ind., April 16, 1833. His father, Caleb B. Jackson, was born in Grayson County, Va., Dec. 20, 1793, and was married soon after attaining his majority to Olive Leonard, a native of North Carolina. In the fall of 1818 he moved to Wayne County, Ind.,erected a rude log cabin in the woods, and with his wife and three children commenced the Jife of a pioneer. He cleared and cultivated a farm, on which he lived till his death, Nov. 30, 1854. He reared a family of seven children - Marinda, afterward Mrs. Joseph Shank; Joseph W.; Malinda, afterward Mrs. James King; Sarah H., afterward Mrs. J. P. Harvey; William L., a resident of Knox County, Mo.; Jemima, wife of William King, and Caleb B. Our subject received such education as was afforded by the subscription schools of his day. He was married June 19, 1851, to Vashti, daughter of John and Mehitable Crum, and settled on the old homestead with his parents. At the breaking out of the Rebellion he began recruiting soldiers for the Union army, and in 1863 raised a company, of which he was elected Captain. They were immediately sent to the front and assigned to the command of General Sherman. They participated in the battle of Buzzard's Roost, and many skirmishes, and at one time fought continuously 100 days. In 1865 Captain Jackson was discharged on account of disability, and returned to the farm. He has paid especial attention to raising fine stock. He was one of the first men to introduce short horn cattle into the county, and his Poland China hogs are the finest that can be obtained. He has of late turned his attention to the breeding of Jersey cattle and has one of the finest herds in the county. His bull, Black Bronx, No. 7,450, is asolid mulberry color, and a full brother to Hazen's Bess, No. 7,329, a cow now owned by Charley Crockett, of Richmond. Another fine bull is a silver gray named Reed's Farm Glory, No. 5,457. He also has paid considerable attention to breeding and training horses. Black Friend, a horse of which he is quite'proud, can justly be called "the pride of the State." Captain Jackson's farm contains 467 acres of the choicest land in Indiana, lying on or near the waters of Nolan's Fork. His residence stands on the summit of Jackson's Hill, and commands a fine view of the surrounding country in every direction. He is a man of progress, and is always one of the first to put forward any enterprise of public benefit, never considering his own interests when his county or township is to be advanced. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of Hoosier Lodge, No. 28, I. O. O. F. He has never used liquor or tobacco in any form, and does not know one card from another. Although a member of no church, he is strictly moral, and lends his assistance to the upbuilding of all religious and moral reforms. He and his family are attendants of the Christian church. Captain Jackson has a family of four children - Sarah J., the wife of Samuel Bronneburg, of Madison County, Ind.; Thomas E., married Carrie Libold; Flavius J.; Alice, now Mrs. Charles Eliason.

Charles F. Jackson, the seventh son of Joseph W. and Mary Jackson, was born in Centre Township, Wayne Co., Ind., April 3, 1857. He received a good common-school edneation. He was reared on a farm, and on arriving at maturity engaged in that vocation for himself. He now owns 173 acres of the best land in Centre Township, situated on Nolan's Creek. He is also a successful stock-raiser, making a specialty of short-horn cattle. When twenty-four years of age he was married to Melissa C. Sealock, daughter of James and Hannah Sealock. She was born in Wayne County, Ind., May 12,1862. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have one son - Garfield.

Lafayette Jackson, farmer, was born in Wayne County, Ind., Jan. 3, 1851, the fifth son of Joseph W. and Mary (Harvey) Jackson. He was reared on the home farm attending the country schools, and subsequently a term at Earlham College. He now owns a fine farm of 250 acres of land on Nolan's Fork, and is engaged in both general farming and stock-raising. He is one of the enterprising young farmers ot the township, and a practical business man. In polities. he affiliates with the Republican party. In January, 1879, Mr. Jackson was married to Lizzie, daughter of John F. and Caroline (Abraham) Medaris, of Wayne County, her father of English and her mother of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have three children - Arthur G., Fannie S. and Mary C.

John Jones, Cashier of the First National Bank, Centreville, Ind., was born in Wayne County, Ind., Feb. 8, 1844, a son of Oliver T. and Mary (King) Jones. He is a representative of one of the oldest and most influential as well as wealthy families of the county. He was educated in the common schools, remaining on the farm till after attaining his majority. On leaving the farm he was appointed Assistant Cashier, under his father, of the First National Bank, and retained the position till the death of his father, when he succeeded him as Cashier. He was married in 1878 to Addie, daughter of Henry and Caroline Stigleman. They have one son - Percy O. Mr. Jones isa plain, unassuming man, and has never aspired to political honors, although at present he is Treasurer of the City Board of Centreville.

Lincoln Hamlin Jones was born on the farm where he now resides, one mile north of Centreville, Ind., Jan. 10, 1860, a son of Oliver T. and Mary (King) Jones. He received a liberal education, and having been reared on a farm has become familiar with all the details of the business, and bids tair to be a successful rival of any farmer in the county. He was married Nov. 30, 1882, to Ada, daughter of Thomas and Louisa J. (Study) Edwards, of Wayne County. They have one daughter - Edna M. Mrs. Jones's mother is a native of Indiana. Her father is a native of Wales, and came to the United States about forty-five years ago. He is by trade a millwright, and has worked in a number of mills in Wayne County. At present he is living at Williamsburg, having retired from business. He is a member of the Masonic traternity.

Hon. Oliver T. Jones, deceased, was born in Kanawha County, Va., Sept. 19, 1810, a son of Levi and Mary (Thomas) Jones. He was of Welsh descent, his greatgrandparents coming to the United States from Wales and settling in East Virginia when the colonies were under British rule. His grandfathers, John Jones and Joseph Thomas, were soldiers in the war of the Revolution, and subsequently received pensions. They settled in Kanawha County in 1782, and there Levi Jones was born and remained till 1814, when he immigrated to Indiana Territory and settled in what is now Wayne County. He was married to Mary Thomas in 1804. His death occurred in 1823. Oliver T. Jones was thus reared in Wayne County and here spent his life, and was identified with all her interests. In his early life he taught school, and worked on the farm and at brick-making seven years. In the meantime he was Collector of the State and county revenues two years. From 1889 till 1844 inclusive served as Justice of the Peace, and during the same period was County School Examiner. In 1844 he removed to the farm a mile north of Centreville, where he spent the remainder of his days. He was one of the charter members and the first President of the Centreville National Bank, established in 1863. He was for several years its Cashier, serving in that capacity at the time of his death. Long before Mr.

Jones attained his majority he espoused the political faith of the old Whig party, and zealously advocated its principles till its dissolution, when he adhered as faithfully to the Republican party. In 1860 he was elected to represent Wayne County in the Legislature, and re-elected in 1862. He also attended an extra session held in 1863, at which he resigned, as the body as a majority refused to indorse and support Governor Morton in his loyal course toward the General Government. Asa Representative he was firm in his adherence to the principles he considered right and to the interests of those who had reposed confidence in him, and to him is accorded a high place among prominent men and politicians of Wayne County. Noble, generous, honest, he won the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. In the fall of 1863 he was elected one of the Board of Commissioners of Wayne County, and served nine years. He was for several years Treasurer of Centre Township. March 17, 1838, he was married to Mary, daughter of John and Judith (Roundtree) King, who came to Wayne County from Kentucky in 1828. Their children were twelve in number - ZJoseph, died at the age of nineteen years; Jane, deceased, wife of J. M. Eliason; Elmira, wife of J. S. Russell; John K., Cashier of Centreville National Bank; Lucinda, wife of Joshua Eliason, Jr.; Martha, wife of S. G. Smith; Levi M., of Richmond; Anna, wife of Lewis Shute, of Preble Caanty, Ohio; William H.; Emily, deceased, wife of W. C. Shute, Preble County, Ohio; Charles W. D., Teller First National Bank, Cambridge City, Ind.; Lincoln H., residing on the home farm. Mr. Jones died Dec. 16, 1874. He had been a member of the Christian church fifteen years, and an Elder of the church four years. Mrs. Jones has beena member of the same church thirtyseven years. She is residing with her son, Lincoln, on the old homestead.

Washington Jones, farmer, Etna Township, Whitley Co., Ind., postoffice Hecla, was born a mile north of Centreville, Wayne Co., Ind., Dec. 8, 1816, three days before the State was admitted into the Union. His father, Levi Morris Jones, was born in Culpeper County, Va., Oct. 10, 1785, and emigrated from Culpeper County to Kanawha County with his father, John Jones, in 1797. His mother, Mary (Thomas) Jones, was born in Buckingham County, Va., Feb. 7, 1784, and in October, 1797, moved with her father to Kanawha County, where, March, 1806, she was married to Levi M. Jones. John Jones and Joseph Thomas were both of Welsh descent; both were soldiers in the Revolutionary war, the latter directly under command of General Washington, and neither would receive a pension from the Government, saying they fought from principle, not for money. John Jones had a family of ten children, eight sons and two daughters, and Joseph Thomas twelve, five sons and seven daughters. Levi Jones and his family moved to Wayne County, Ind., in April, 1815, and bought a quarter-section one mile north of Centreville, which he afterward sold, and bought town lots in Centreville, where he erected buildings and kept public house several years. He died in Centreville, Oct. 5, 1823. His wife died Sept. 20, 1848. Their son, Eli R. Jones, born March 17, 1818, was the first male child born in the town of Centreville. Levi Jones at his death left a family of ten children, the eldest fifteen years of age and the youngest six months. After the estate was settled they found themselves $500 indebt. This Mrs. Jones paid off, in addition to rearing her family. Washington Jones worked for his three elder brothers until he was nineteen years of age, receiving no wages aside from his rough clothing*and board. He then bought a quarter-section of land in Madison County, Ind., from them, for $280, paying for it in monthly payments of $9 each, losing but two work days until it was paid for. He then bought eighty acres in Tipton County, Ind., for $200, which he paid for in the same way. He then thought he had enough land, and spent his earnings in improving a lot in Centreville. He spent $1,400 on the lot and improvements, and sold-it for $900. With $600 he bought a quarter-section in Whitley County,which to-day is worth $8,000. Mr. Jones' early education was obtained in the subscription schools, but, his mother being poor, he attended very little before the days of public schools. He was obliged:to stay at home and work, but he managed to keep up with his schoolmates. When in his twenty-tirst year he attended school three months, day and night, his brother, O. T. Jones, being the teacher, and learned more than in all his previous attendance. In his twenty-second year he began teaching, and taught the next six winters. Governor Morton's wife was a pupil in one of his schools. Jan. 20, 1845, Mr. Jones was married to Catherine Hunt, daughter of Colonel Smith Hunt, of Wayne County. They had two children - Mary Jane and Hannah Eliza, both deceased. His wife died Nov. 6, 1852, and Oct. 2, 1853, he was married to Mrs. Frances M. Hart, a sister of his first wife. They had three sons - Levi Monroe, Washington Thomas and Oliver Perry, all living. Mrs. Jones died in September, 1873, and Oct. 8, 1874, Mr. Jones married Mrs. Semantha C. Trumbull. He first settled and commenced housekeeping in Centreville, Feb. 1, 1845, and followed farming and brick-making till Aug. 29, 1848, when he left Wayne County, and Sept. 5 landed in Whitley County. When he was ready to leave Wayne County he said to his brothers (six of whom were present): ''Boys, this looks rather tough, that a man should be driven from his native land by poverty, but Pm going, and if any of you should ever come to see me you will find me trying to fix myself comfortable in life, and if I never get so fixed, I shall die trying." His old friend, Eleazer Malone, was present and said he would soon sing, '' Carry me back to Old Virginia." But he told him he should stay long enough to build himself a good home, and asked him if he would come and build it (Mr. Malone was a brick-mason). He said that he would, and thirteen years from that day Mr. Jones wrote him he was ready to build, telling him the day he wished him to be there, and true to his promise he was there and did the work. When Mr. Jones started in life he set a mark to work up to, and has been working to that end. He is now comfortably settled. He has served four years as Justice of the Peace, two terms as Township Trustee, one as Assessor, and was once elected County Commissioner, but did not serve. In politics he was firsta Whig, and when the Republican party was organized enlisted under its banner, and continues one of its firm adherents. In religious faith he isa Baptist, having been a member of that denomination since the winter of

1849. Heis opposed to all secret societies, is strictly temperate, using neither liquor nor tobacco, and is in favor of prohibition and equal rights tor all. He was the first person to introduce full blooded Durham cattle into the county; put on the first slate roof in the county; put up the first artificial fountain and the first woven wire fence and automatic gates in the county. He has been a liberal, public-spirited man, and all enterprises of benefit to the county have felt the power of his influence and approval.

Caleb W. King is a son of James W. D., and Malinda (Jackson) King. His grandfather, John King, moved from Kentucky to Wayne County, Ind., with his family, in 1824, James being at that time twelve years old. The latter died at the age of fifty-two years. His widow died in 1879. They were the parents of eleven children - John W., died in infancy; Olive, wife of J. W. Boyd, of Newton, Ill.; Caleb W.; William S., of Kansas City, Mo.; Joseph J.; Judith E., wife of John Myers; Eliza, wife of Jesse Stevens; Sarah M., wife of William Smith; James C.; Lucinda, wife of Charles Staats, and Mark P. Caleb W. King was born in Wayne County, Ind., Nov. 2, 1888. He obtained a liberal business education at the High School of Centreville, and when nineteen years of age began teaching school, which he followed nine winters, farming during the summer. He was married in 1861 to Adaline, daughter of John F. and Caroline (Abrams) Medaris. She lived but fourteen months after her marriage, and in 1866 Mr. King married Lydia E., daughter of Robert and Rachel Bond. They had two sons - Walter S. and Lewis E. Mrs. King died in 1879. She was a member of the Society of Friends. Feb. 27, 1884, Mr. King married Miss Lucinda Townsend, daughter of Samuei and Anna Townsend, of Fulton County, Ind. Mr. King is a member of the Christian church. He has been Justice of the Peace eight years, and is an influential man in the township. His farm contains 275 acres of well-improved land, with a commodious brick residence and good farm buildings.

John L. King was born in Wayne County, Ind., Sept. 26, 1847, the eldest son of Joseph and Sarah (Way) King, his mother a daughter of Seth Way, an early settler of Wayne

County. He was educated in the district schools and Centreville College, obtaining a good business education. Feb. 22, 1882, he was married to Rena, daughter of Frank and Naomi (Lewis) Beverlin, of Jay County, Ind. He then settled on a farm of 160 acres, formerly known as the John Maxwell farm, where he is successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising. He is politically a Republican. He is a member of Hoosier Lodge, No. 23, and Hebron Encampment, No. 8, I. O. O. F., Centreville, and has passed all the chairs in both bodies.

Joseph King, deceased, was born in Kentucky, July 7, 1821, and when seven years of age, in 1828, came with his parents, John and Judith (Roundtree) King, to Wayne County, Ind., and settled a mile and a half north of Centreville. There were in his father's family nine children - -Lucinda, married Joshua Eliason; James, married a daughter of Caleb Jackson; Joseph; William, married a daughter of Caleb Jackson; Mary, married Oliver T. Jones; Presley, married a daughter of Ebenezer Cheesman; Nancy, married J. M. Maxwell; Jackson, married Elizabeth Davis; Jesse died at the age of fourteen years. Joseph King grew to manhood on his father's farm, receiving a good business education under the tutelage of Samuel Hoshour, of Centreville, and subsequently became the owner of the home farm. Feb. 27, 1845, he was married to Sarah Way, who was born in Wayne County, Ind., July 20, 1826, a daughter of Seth and Sarah (Cranor) Way. To them were born a family of nine children - Eliza J., wife of John Merritt; John L.; Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Dunbar; William J., died, aged seven years; Lucinda, wife of W. S. Eliason; Martha A., died, aged six years; Joseph S., Walter J. and Dora B. Mr. King was one of the practical and progressive farmers of Wayne County. Politically he was a Republican, as are all of his sons. He wasa member of the Christian church. He died Dec. 28, 1867. Mrs. King's parents came to Wayne County from North Carolina in 1810. To them were born eight children - Thomas, Lydia, Hannah, Betsey, Seth; Charlotte, Joshua and Sarah.

grandson of Jesse King. His father came to Wayne County with his parents when nineteen years of age, in 1824. He was married in 1827 to Betsey, daughter of Seth and Sarah (Cranor) Way. Seth Way settled in Williamsburg in 1810, and while living in the block-house, Aug. 2, 1812, Betsey was born. She is still living, and attends to her own house. She is the mother of eleven children - Seth, Rebecca, William, Hannah A., Lydia E., Absalom, Sarah, Joseph L., Andrew J., Margaret E. and an infant, unnamed. Joseph L. King grew to manhood on his father's farm, receiving a fair business education. He was married in 1870 to Ollie, daughter of Walter G. and Martha (Jeffries) Stephens. Mrs. King was born in Wayne County, Ind., in 1849, and received a liberal education. Mr. and Mrs. King have three children - Lizzie J., Mary G. and Nora Z. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. King has a fine farm of winety-eight acres on Nolan's Fork.

William F. King, M. D., is a native of the District of Columbia, born April 19, 1824. His father, Francis King, was also a native of Columbia. His mother, Eliza (Thorpe) King, was a native of Fairfax County, Va., but when a child went to the District of Columbia with her parents, and was there married. In 1835 Francis King moved to Richmond, Indiana, and in 1837 to Centreville, and from that year till 1844 was in the Clerk's office. After the creation of the office, he served as County Auditor five years. He then moved to Indianapolis, where his wife died in 1860, and hein 1865. Seven of their nine children are living. William F. King received a common-school education, and when fifteen years of age went to Richmond to learn the printer's trade in the old Jeffersonian office. He worked at the trade till 1847, when he began the study of medicine. He was elected Justice of the Peace in 1852, and served four years. He then located in Williamsburg and practiced his profession two years. In 1863 he entered the army as Surgeon of the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth Indiana Infantry, and served two years, the greater part of the time under General Sherman. At the close of the war, in 1865, he was mustered out, and returned to Centreville, where he has built up a large practice. He is one of the best physicians in the county and his practice is not confined to the city where he lives, but extends for miles around, wherever he is known. He is a member of the Wayne County Medical Society. He was one of the first members, and the oldest surviving member of Hoosier Lodge, No. 23, I. O. O. F. He is at present a member of the Town Board. He was married in 1851 to Hannah E. Maule. They have four children - Emily, a teacher in the Centreville schools; Frank, Helen and Alice.

Solomon D. Kitterman, farmer and stock-raiser, Centre Township, was born March 23, 1836. His parents, Philip and Sarah (Sowers) Kitterman, were natives of Floyd Oounty, Va. They were married in their native county and remained there till 1830, when they moved to Ohio, and three years later to Wayne County, Ind. They bought a farm a mile south of Penhook, where the mother died in 1861 and the father in 1866. They had a family of seven children, two of whom have died since their parents - Sophia, Joseph, Elizabeth, Rhoda, Julia Ann, Aaron and Solomon D. The latter still lives on the old homestead. He has never married, his sister Elizabeth keeping house for him. They havea good farm of 130 acres, well improved. The residence, a two-story brick, was built by their father in 1849. The farm buildings were also built by their father. Mr. Kitterman is a successful farmer and stock-raiser and a prominent and popular man of his township.

John T. Lashley was born in Centreville, Ind., Aug. 27, 1845, a son of Daniel and Caroline (Douglass) Lashley. His father was born in Montgomery County, Md., Feb. 22, 1807. His mother was born in Washington, D. C., Jan. 18, 1811, and was married in her native city Oct. 9, 1837. The following year they moved to Centreville, Ind., where they kept a hotel thirty years, till after the removal of the county seat to Richmond, when they abandoned the business. Mr. Lashley died Feb. 19, 1874. His widow is still living in the house once used as a hotel. They had a family of nine children - Edward D., Arnold, Elizabeth E., Mary A., John T., Samuel H., Helen J., Sarah G. and Rachel ©. The mother is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church. John T.

Lashley is a member of the firm Lashley Brothers, extensive farmers and stock-raisers. They have two large farms, one north and the other south of Centreville. His brother, Samuel Lashley, was born Nov. 13, 1847, and Dec. 25, 1877, was married to Emma F., daughter of David B. Beeson, of Wayne County.