Ashland Township

Formation And Boundary

THIS township, as it now is, was formed out of Ray Township soon after the close of the rebellion. Some portions are hilly, with a predominating clay soil, especially on the ridge; but, on the whole, the township is wfeU suited for agriculture. Enormous crops of all the cereals are grown annually on the lower lands, which are as rich and fertile as any in the Mississippi Valley. The township is made up of Sections 7, 8, 17, 18, 19, 20, 29 and 30 in Township 12 north. Range 1 west, and all of Township 12 north, Range 2 west, except Sections 19, 20, 21, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, the last three being in Ray Township and the others in Owen County.

The Early Settlement

No doubt Joseph Rhodes was the first settler of the township. He located on the creek which bears his name in 1822. and built a rude log cabin. He had no personal property worth mentioning, but went resolutely to work to prepare a more comfortable home. George Nicholas appeared soon afterward, locating on the same section (16). John Mannon also bought land in 1822 on Section 17. Benjamin Dunkin came in 1825 and located on Section 17. Aaron Blunk established himself on Section 17 in 1824, and William Evans on Section 18 in 1825. Solomon Watson came to Section 18 in 1829, and R. R. Manning in 1832. K. S. Whitaker located on Section 22 in 1825, John Matlock in 1826, William Asher in 1824, Levi Whitaker in 1829, William Cotter in 1833, 1 William Brown 1834, and Elisha Brown in 1834. Jacob BuUen bought land on Section 23 in 1828, David Seachrist in 1830, Daniel Seachristin 1834, William Johns in 1834, Mathias Zink in 1834, and Felix Seachrist in 1836. George Knoy bought land on Section 24 in 1829, Henry Hedrick in 1831, John Knoy in 1832, Lewis Tucker in 1834, and James Foster in 1838. George Shultz bought land on Section 26 in 1824, William Johnson the same year, Hiram Alexander in 1825, Levi Meafield in 1825, Jacob BuUen in 1826, and Jacob Seachrist in 1829. On Section 27, Elijah Bowen entered land in 1831, Benjamin Beels in 1834, John Snodgrass in 1835, Levi Whitaker in 1829, and Joel Skelton in 1839. On Section 25, Ephraim Goss bought land in 1825, David Myers in 1826, Street Cox in 1826, and J. S. Harlan in 1837. On Section 17, David W. Gray bought land in 1836. On Section 15, Isaac Skelton bought in 1836, E. B. Chenoweth, 1836, and John Brown in 1837. On Section 14, Eli Myers in 1837. On Section 13, Adam Lingle, Sr., in 1829, H. Knox 1833, Lewis Tucker, 1834, Eli Pomeroy, 1836, John Wingler, 1836, James Foster, 1838, and John Fonts, 1839. On Section 12, George Moore, 1835,

Spain, 1836, Napoleon B. Chambers, 1839, and David Lipps, 1839. On Section 9, William Elmore, 1836, William Cotter^ 1837, and A. J. Proctor, 1839. On Section 8, William Baldwin, 1835, and W. R. Mannon, 1837. On Section 7, Isaac Wamsley, 1839. On Section 6, Abe Fletcher, 1837, J. W. Gladson, 1838, James Ogle, 1838, Richard Bittle, 1839, and Isaac Bolden, 1839. On, Section 5, William Asher, 1832, Simeon Watson, 1833, Andrew Ogle, 1835, George Pattorff, 1837, and Solomon Watson, 1839. On Section 4, G. W. Shake, 1836, Henry Littimore, 1838, and K. S. Risinger, 1839. On Section 3, Benjamin Edwards, 1837. On Section 2, William Brasier, 1834, Jesse Shoemaker, 1835, John Cartright, 1836, Isaac Carter, 1837, S. D. Spain, 1837, and George Blunk, 1839. On Section 1, M. M. Taylor, 1835, Tobias Moser, 1835, Jacob Moser, 1836, J. L. Ashbough, 1836, and Alexander Moser, 1838. During the thirties the following men bought land on the six sections in the eastern part: John Knoy, Jesse Thacker, Edward Powers, J. T. Murphey, William Murphey, A. C. Murphey, Alfred Powers, W. H. Bryant, Peter Shuler, Daniel BaylifF, William Greenlee, Henry Ratts, George Bobs, Hezekiah Butler, Henry Hedrick, David Hedrick, Jacob Johns, Henry Lee, Elijah Rogers, John Litterman, Dempsey Trowbridge and Noah Gallimore.

Partial List Of Poll Tax Payers

In 1842, the following men among others were assessed poll tax in what is now Ashland Township, then a part of Ray Township: James Craycroft, Isaac Carter, Lewis Caston, Isaac Caston, Jesse Coffey, W. K. Mannon, William Massey, George Elliott, David Hedrick, Henry Hedrick, Joshua Kenoy, George McKinley, Ephraim Ratts, Elijah Rogers, John Shuler, Joel Skehon, John Carpenter, Wiat Carpenter, Philip Foxworthy, Benjamin Gray, Adam Lingle, Jeremiah Moser, David Myers, Eli Pomeroy, Kinner Risinger, Stephen Spain, Jacob Seachrist, Jesse Shoemaker,! Daniel Seachrist, Felix Seachrist, David Seachrist, John Skelton, Lewis Tucker, Daniel Thompson, Simon Watson, John Whitaker, K. Whi taker, John Wingler and others whose names cannot be given.

Pioneer Incidents

The first thing to be done was to erect a log cabin in which to live, and usually these huts were of the rudest description. They were often built of small logs or poles, and often the head of a tall man would sweep the studding above. Short men and women were fortunate. Their heads escaped the bumps not located by phrenologists ; and then again, which was perhaps a more important consideration in view of the alarming scarcity of victuals, short people did not have so much bony surface over which to spread their fleshiness. Tall men and women in the woods were always so thin that dogs would follow them, thinking no doubt that they were bones. After the house was up, the men (and women, too) worked day and night to prepare a "truck patch." Potatoes, garden " sass," corn and a few acres of wheat were the first considerations of an agricultural character. The men would cut down the trees, cut and roll . the logs, and the women would burn the brush. Ten o'clock at night often found them thus engaged. Deer were everywhere, and venison was in almost every house. Some were not followers of Nimrod and did not try to hunt, but they could easily get venison of those who did. Rattlesnakes were as thick as pioneer children. A large den of them was discovered in an opening on Stone Ridge in 1824. The repulsive reptiles were forced out and killed by hundreds during the period of several years. On Section 16 was an Indian burying ground. It consisted of a mound of earth, and when opened in 1837, by John Brown and Isaac Skelton (two of the bravest men that could be found), six Indian skeletons were disclosed, each reposing in a stone coflSn, made by placing flat stones up endwise, and then others over the top. The skeletons were left undisturbed, and the mound was rebuilt. The old settlers did not care to be haunted like Ma'cbeth by the spirit of some ferocious and revengeful old warrior.

The first mill in the township was a small corn-cracker, erected on the west bank of Rhodes' Creek, by Benjamin Gray, in 1836. It was operated by water-power, and owing to the lack of that propelling element, could run only about three months of the year, during the spring months. When a heavy shower came up during any other month, the owner would drop all other business, and operate the mill to its fullest capacity as long as there was sufficient water to conduct it. It did not run many years. After a few years, horse mills were adopted in other portions of the township, by Solomon Knoy, George Pottorff (who had served in the war of 1812), Jacob Bullen and others. Many steam saw mills have been conducted from time to time in later years in different portions of the township.

Schools And Schoolhousbs

If any term of school was taught in the township prior to 1830, such fact is not now known. In that year the first school edifice of the township was built by Solomon Watson, John Reeves, Daniel Stevens, William Mannon, Sr., and John Brown, on the line between Sections 16 and 17. Hickory and ash poles were used in the construction. The roof was of rough, hewed planks, held in their place by heavy poles fastened on with wooden pins. The fire-place could take in a huge log six or eight feet in length, and was built of limestone, and sent its roaring flames and smoke up a tall stick-and-mud chimney. Slab seats were fashionable, but not soft. The first pedagogue was Stephen F. Hancock. He handled his hickory gad like a sword-player. But his system was to educate as well as to stimulate. The latter exceeded the former, not because there was an abundance of gads, but because there was not an abundance of books or even of scholars. The school, despite these drawbacks, was regarded as a surprising success. In the following three or four years, other schools of a similar character were established in the southern part of the township, in the eastern part, in the northeastern part and in the northwestern part. Districts were divided and subdivided as time passed and as the center of settlement in neighborhoods shifted. The first houses were logs, but after the school law of 1852, which provided a fund by tax upon property, frame houses took their place. Several brick houses have been built of late years. Now there are seven or eight established schools. Ashland is above the average in matters of education.

Early Church Organizations

The Samaria Baptist Church was organized in 1830, the first members being Street Cox, John Brown and their families only. The first meetings were held in the houses of these old settlers, but later in schoolhouses, and still later in their church. The Trustees in 1835 were Levi Whitaker, William Mannon, Grafton B. Whitaker and Elijah Baum. About this time, David Gibbon donated about an acre of land for a church, which was soon erected. The old Liberty Church was built in 1838, on Section 16, by David Gray, Sr., S. W. Young, Ephraim Goss, Daniel Y. Smith, John Brown and others. The carpenters were Fred Caveness and Henry York. This was the first frame building in the township. So rapid did this congregation grow that in 1847 the membership numbered over 200. It was the leading church of all that vicinity for years, and is yet in existence, though greatly changed. Many of the leading Christian families of the township have worshiped in this building. Temporary church organizations were established in several portions of the township during the thirties, forties and fifties, and indeed up to the present. Schoolhouses were the churches. Much good was accomplished by these small classes, which gave localities without other churches a place to attend and worship. The Salem Lutheran Church was organized in the thirties, among the leading families being those of David Seachrist, Adam Lingle, Amos Myers, Jacob Seachrist, Felix Seachrist, Enoch Myers, George Lechenbill and John Wingler. This church was large and prosperous for many years. At present there are five church organizations in the township, which can be said to the credit of the citizens.

Alaska

This is a small village near the Owen County line, started up many years ago. It was first known as Sheasville, and has usually contained about a dozen families. A store and post office have been there the most of the time, also a blacksmith shop, wagon shop, cooper shop and milliner shop. Several prominent physicians reside there. A church and a resident pastor adds dignity and piety to the unpretentious little village. The name Lewisville was applied a number of years ago to a small collection of houses half a mile east of Alaska. The latter town is not aa frigid as its name would seem to imply.

DR. A. P. W. BRIDGES, a leading young physician and surgeon of the township, was born September 27, 1856, in Clay County, Ind., and is the fourth of the six children born to Moses C. and Sophia J. (Doyle) Bridges, natives of "Wayne County, Ind., and of North Carolina, and of English extraction. A. f . W. Bridges moved with his parents to Cloverdale, Putnam County, Ind. , when he was eight years old, and there he grew to manhood. Mr. Bridges, Sr., owned a drug store, and our subject entered it when he was ten years old. He remained there for about nine years. He had a liking for the study of medicine, and, having an opportunity of cultivating this talent, he attended one term of lectures at the Indiana Medical College, and some time at the College of Physicians and Surgeons. Dr. Bridges located finally at Jordan, Owen County, Ind., remaining there about three years. He then went to Cloverdale for one year, and lived a short time iu Quincy. In February, 1882, he came to Alaska, where he now resides, and is endeavoring to insure success in his profession by every means in his power. Dr. Bridges was married, March 25, 1883, to Emma F. Alverson, a native of Owen County, Ind. They have one child - Ralph, born December 30, 1883. Dr. Bridges and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a firm Democrat. The Doctor superintends the Methodist Episcopal Sunday school. Mrs. Emma Bridges is the daughter of James and Louisa (Bartlett) Alverson, natives of Indiana.

WILLIAM BURKHART, farmer and stock-raiser, was born October 1, 1845, in Morgan County, Ind., and is the fourth of the ten childi'en born to Ambrose and Ann (Bragg) Burkhart, the former a native of In. diana, the latter of Tennessee. William grew to manhood on a farm, receiving the rudiments of a common school education. His father was ' reared in Monroe County. William enlisted, on August 25, 1861, in Company H, Thirty-third Indiana Infantry, remaining in the service until the close of the war. At the engagement of Thompson's Station, he was taken prisoner, and confined in Libby Prison twelve days,, then paroled. At the battle of Resaca, he was struck five times with bullets. He was in almost a continuous fight from Resaca to Peach Tree Creek, and was with Sherman's famous " march to the sea." He was discharged at Indianapolis, Ind. , on August 5, 1865, holding the rank of Sergeant. He was married, November 18, 1868, to Mary A. Ratts (deceased), who left him two children, viz., William H., born September 9, 1869; Mary A. (deceased), born August 13, 1873. He was next married to Sarah J. Shuler, on September 27. 1874. Two children have been born to them - Norman E., born September 6, 1876; Robert O., born September 13, 1878. Mrs. Burkhart is the daughter of Charlton and Phebe (Warthen) Shuler, natives of Virginia aud Indiana, and of German and Irish extraction respectively. Mr. Burkhart and wife are consistent members of the Christian Church. He owns 140 acres of land, very fairly improved. In politics, he is a wide-awake Republican.

County, Ind., and was the fifth of fourteen children born to Velorus and Clarissa (Badgeley) Butterfield, natives of New York and Virginia, and of English descent. They settled in Owen County very early, and built a water mill, and, selling this, they finally moved to Morgan County, and now reside here. Benjamin O. Butterfield lived upon the farm until his sixteenth year, when he learned the trade of millwright, and followed it for several years. He also worked at that for five years in Iowa, after which he returned home and purchased a farm. He and his brother bought a mill near the town of Centerton, in this county. They moved this to the town, and ran it for several years, when it was sold. Mr. Butterfield then purchased the farm which he now owns, and which consists of 139 acres, abundantly supplied with spring water, and well-cultivated. On September 22, 1859, Mr. Butterfield was married to Sylvania Moser. Three children were born to them - Clarissa E. , born November 7, 1860; AlfarataB., November 17, 1862; and Georgie A., December 6, 1864, died November 6, 1865. The mother died on December 24, 1865. On February 3, 1867, Mr. Butterfield married Samantha E. (Hedrick) Beeves. They had three children - Benjamin O., born November 27, 1867; LeotaM, May 8, 1869; and Oliver P., December 24, 1870. Mrs. Butterfield was born February 20, 1839, and died September 25, 1872. Mr. Butterfield was next married to Mrs. Louzann (Brown) White, on February 14, 1876. She died June ^, 1880. Leota M., his daughter, keeps house for him. His wives all belonged to the Christian Church, of which he is also a meiuber. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is very public spirited. He is a Republican, and is noted for his generosity.

W. T. COLWELL, farmer and stock-raiser, was born October 29, 1861, in Morgan County, Ind,, and is the fifth of the eight children born to Philip and Carrie (Stierwalt) Colwell, natives of Ireland and of Indiana, and of Irish and German descent, respectively. They were early settlers in the county, and reared their son, W. T., on a farm, sending him to the common schools, and giving him as a start in life forty acres of land. Philip Colwell owned over 600 acres at his death. He and his wife are both deceased. Our subject deals some in stock buying and selling. He is an active Democrat, is very energetic, and, with his present start in life, will succeed.

MARTIN L. MARSH, farmer and stock-raiser of Ashland Township, was born in Morgan County, Ind., February 22, 1836, and is the eighth of nine children born to Cyrus J. and Elizabeth (Shults) Marsh, natives of Virginia and North Carolina; and of English and German descent. Cyrus J. came to Washington County, Ind., in 1817, soon married, and there remained for sixteen years. He then moved to Jackson County, Ind., remained two years, and in 1835 moved to Morgan County, where he lived until his death. He owned 240 acres of land. Martin L. was reared a farmer, and received a very poor education. Two of his brothers, Daniel and Fielding, were in the Mexican war. He enlisted in the last war, but was not enabled to reach the battle-field. On January 29, 1857, he was married to Lucinda J. Sandy, of Morgan County, Ind. They have had six children - Newton M. , Lavena K. (deceased), Henry E., Ella B., Nettie and Eldon F. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. He is a Mason, and was Secretary of the Grange for four years, when that body was in operation in his locality. He was Assessor of his township for one term. He has a farm of 120 acres, embellished with many of the modern improvements. For some time Mr.

Marsh followed carpentering. He is a lover of education, and has endeavored to instill the same into the minds of his children. For the last year and a half, he has, in addition to farming, been selling pianos and organs.

ANANIAS MICHAEL, farmer and stock-raiser, was born March 22, 1830, in Augusta County, Va., and is the eldest of ten children born to Jonathan and Susan (Huffer) Michael, Virginians, of German descent. Ananias came with his parents, in the fall of 1834, to Clinton County, Ind. , and they remained here until 1849, when he moved to Putnam County, where the old people remained until their death. Ananias settled in Morgan County, Ind., in the fall of 1853. From his father's estate he received about 11, 200, and has a nice farm of 158 acres, beautifully situated and supplied with many of the modern improvements. When he first settled here, roads were scarce, and there were but a few houses scattered around for a considerable distance, the principal feature being vast forests. Mr. Michael was united in marriage, on December 29, 1852, to Lucinda Stanton, a native of Putnam County, Ind. They have had six children - Mary A., Jonathan, Sarah A., Susan A., Ida B., and Minnie M. (deceased). Mrs. Michael is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the Grange, and is a very liberal citizen. Mr. Michael voted first for President Taylor, and since that has been a Democrat. Mrs. Lucinda Michael is a daughter of George W. and Sarah (Hood) Stanton, natives of Tennessee and of Virginia respectively.

JOHN C. MILLER, farmer and stock-raiser of this township, was born February 1, 1846, in Morgan County, Ind., and is the fifth of the seven children born to Robert and Auka (Alderson) Miller, natives of West Virginia, and of Irish and English extraction respectively. John C. was reared upon a farm, and received a rudimentary education. He remained at his parents' home until he was twenty-three years of age, but since his eighteenth year has been, doing for himself. He takes great pride in raising fine horses. One, a fine animal, " Shaker Boy," paced a mile in two minutes and twenty seconds, and Mr. Miller sold this horse for $1,200. He has raised many other fine horses. Mr. Miller married, on November 15, 1866, Delilah C. Whitaker, a native of Morgan County, Ind. Four children have crowned this union^ Charles G. , bom January 2,' 1868; James R. , January 14, 1870; Margaret I., born December 27, 1875, and Homer A., September 19, 1879. His wife is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Miller received $1,700 from his wife, as a start in life. For several years he followed the business of buying and shipping stock. He is now farming on a place of 240 acres, pleasantly situated, and having the advantages of all the modern improvements. He is a Democrat. He gives liberally to all benevolent institutions, which tend to promote the welfare of the human family. Mrs. Miller is a daughter of Grafton and Margaret (Gregg) Whitaker, natives of Shelby County, Ky., and respectively of Welsh and Irish descent They were early settlers in this county, and remained here until their death. Mr. Miller is giving his children the best of advantages for an education. His son, Charles G., is at present attending Asbury University, and is progressing rapidly in his studies.

CALEB A. PRITCHARD, a teacher in this township, was bom on February 9, 1862, in Putnam County, Ind. , and is the eldest of three children born to Greenbury and Margaret J. (Buis) Pritchard, both na-

- tives of this State, and of English and German extraction respectively. ' The father was born in Owen County, and his father moved to Morgan Connty in an early day. Greenbury, the father of our subject, moved to Illinois in the year 1862, and in the fall of 1864 he enlisted in Company F, Eleventh Illinois Infantry, remaining in the service until the close of the war. He took part in the engagements of Fort Blakely and Spanish Fort, which lasted fourteen days and nights; also in numerous skirmishes. He received his discharge at Baton Rouge, La. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and received a good education. He attended three terms at the Central Normal School at Danville, Ind., and two terms at the State University at Bloomington, Ind. He began teaching at the age of fifteen, and has taught seven terms very successfully. Mr. Pritchard has not reallj' decided what profession he will follow, other than that in which he is engaged. He has a fine collection of books on miscellaneous subjects. In politics, he is an energetic, stanch Democrat. *

JOHN W. SHIELDS, an enterprising farmer and stock-raiser of this township, was bom November 20, 1853, in Hendricks County, Ind. , and is the second of nine children born to Harrison and Sarah A. (Johnson) Shields, both natives of North Carolina, and of English extraction. They came to Morgan County about the year 1864, and are still living here. Our subject was reared a farmer, and received a good common school education. He attended one term at the State Normal School, Terre Haute, after which he taught two terms with success. The profession of a teacher was his chosen one, but he was compelled to retire from it on account of failing health. January 21, 1877, he was married to Mrs. Mary J. (Whitaker) Edwards, from which union two children have resulted, viz., Homer (deceased), Cora M. (born September 6, 1879). Mr. Shields is a member of the Christian, his wife of the Missionary Baptist Church. He is a stanch Kepublican. Mrs. Shields is the owner of a fine farm of 100 acres, well improved, and under a high state of cultivation.

MICHAEL STIERWALT, Sb., an enterprising farmer and stockraiser of Ashland Township, this county, was born on December 3, 1821, in Washington County, Ind. , and is the eldest of eleven children born to John and Elizabeth (Sandy) Stierwalt, both natives of North Carolina, and of German extraction. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood a farmer, and attended subscription schools about three months of each winter, during his youth, thus acquiring a common school education. For a start in life he received about $1,500, with which he purchased land. He finally sold out and came to Morgan County, locating, in 1851, in Jefferson Township, remaining four years, at the end of that time coming to this township, where he has resided since. He owns a fine farm of 300 acres, well-improved. On December 11, 1842, he was married to Adaline Guy, a native of North Carolina. Eight children have been born to them, viz. : Elizabeth (Shake), John M. , Martha (Schrimsher), Keziah (Hodges), Elsie C. (Shake), William^M., Michael A., and Mary A. (Knoy). Mr. and Mrs. Stierwalt are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. He is an active member of the Grange, and cast his first vote for President for James K.. Polk, being a Democrat. In 1 860, he was feleoted Assessor of this township, having been twice re-elected since. In the fall of 1876, he was elected Township Trustee, re-elected in 1878, again re-elected in the spring of 1882, and is at present serving

MICHAEL A. STIERWALT, was born on March 6, Jo57, in Morgan Couiity, Ind., and is the seventh child of Michael and Adeline (Guy) Stierwalt, natives of Indiana and North Carolina respectively, and of German descent. Our subject was reared on a farm, received a common school education, and is at present making his home with his parents. In 1875, he had the misfortune of losing his left arm, by the bursting of a gun. On December 16, 1880, he was married to Joanna Pritchard, a native of Illinois. Two children have been born to this union, viz. : Cornie E., born October 11, 1881; Eddie L., July 11, 1883. Mr. Stierwalt is a consistent member of the Missionary Baptist Church. In politics, he is a stanch, wide-awake Democrat.

JOHN F. STIERWALT, an enterprising farmer and stock-raiser of this township, was born on August 12, 1833, in Owen County, Ind, and is the sixth of' eleven children born to John and Elizabeth (Sandy) Stierwalt, both natives of North Carolina, and of German extraction. Our subject was brought up on a farm near Gosport, Ind., and received a limited education. He" spent the most of his early youth'in rolling logs, picking brush, and helping to clear land for a farm. As a start in life, he received about $1,500, and now owns a farm of 164 acres of good land, well-improved. In 1854, he came to this county, and has resided here ever since. On April 11, 1861, he was married to Milcha A. Shake, a native of this county. Nine children have been born to them, viz.: Eli F. (deceased), born November 27, 1862; Levi A., bom February 28, 1864; Martha E., born November 26, 1866; Michael a, born March 1, 1869; Robert W. (deceased), born October 7, 1871; William T., bom August 15, 1874; Rosy E., born February 24, 1877; Mary A., born July 6, 1879; Miranda C, born October 7, 1881. He and his wife are mem bers of the Missionary Baptisl. Church. Mr. Stierwalt is a stanch Democrat, and at one time took an active part in the Grange movement. He cast his first vote for President for James Buchanan. He is a liberal giver to benevolent and charitable institutions and movements, is a public-spirited citizen, and much respected by his associates and acquaintances.

THOMAS S. STIRWALT, farmer and stock-raiser, was bom December 11, 1835, in Morgan County, Ind., and is the third child of Adam and Lucy (Sandy) Stirwalt, natives of North Carolina, and of German extraction. Adam Stirwalt was a very early settler here, and made himself a farm from the forests. Thomas S. was reared on this farm, receiving but little education. At his twenty -fourth year, he received eighty acres from his father, and by energy has increased this to 240 acres, and added to it all the modern improvements. On October 19, 1859, Mr. Stirwalt was married to Lucinda C; Mannan,who was born in this county October 10, 1841. Six children have been born to them - Sims H. and La Fayette (both deceased), Cornelius R. (deceased), Benjamin F. (deceased), Eli E., born December 11, 1865, and Sarah C., January 10, 1871. The parents belong to the Missionary Baptist Church. Mra Stirwalt is a daughter of William R. and Rebecca (Chambers) Man- ' nan, natives of Indiana, and of German extraction. He is a liberal citizen, and cast his first vote for Douglas. He is firmly stranded on Democratic rocks, is a most worthy gentleman, and in whatever position he is placed, he will succeed well.

EVAN E. TWOMEY, farmer and stock- grower, was born in Eowan. County, N. C, March 14, 1817, and is the third in a family of fourteen children botn to William B. and Nancy (Wayman) Twomey, of Irish and English extraction respectively. When only three years of age, the subject of our sketch removed with his parents from his native State to East Tennessee. There the family remained some thirteen years, and there our subject received the rudiments of an English education. In after years, however, he acquired by his own exertions a good practical business education. At a very early age, he leara^d the wagon-maker's trade, and afterward learned the ship-carpenter's trade^ which he followed for many years. In 1834, he removed to New Albany, Ind. , where he started a ship-yard, and also owned and operated a saw-mill and foundry. Still later, he added steamboating to his other business, which he followed for a number of years on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, owning several valuable boats. Soon after the war, however, he met with severe financial reverses; but, nothing daunted, in the fall of 1868 ho came to Morgan County, Ind. , and commenced with a stout heart and willing hands to rebuild his shattered fortunes. Here, by industry and economy, he has again amassed a handsome property, now owning a well-improved farm in Ashland Township of 160 acres, upon which he still resides, as well as other valuable property. August 26, 1886, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary E. MoKinley, a native of Kentucky, and of Irish descent. Thirteen children were the fruit of this union, six of whom, two sons and four daughters, are yet living. Botb Mr. Twomey and wife are members of the church, he of the Christian and she of the Missionary Baptist. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the Masonic fraternity. He cast his first vote for William H. Harrison, but is now identified with the Democratic party.

THOMAS S. VOSHELL, farmer and stock-raiser, of Ashland Township, was born on January 14, 1854, in Morgan County, and is the fourth of the six children born to Daniel H. and Delilah (Goss) (Sandy) Voshell, natives of Morgan County, Ind. , and residents of Ray Township. Thomas' grandfather, William Voshell, was one of the first settlers of this county. Thomas S. was reared a farmer, but was well educated, and attended an academy in Henry County, Ind., and also eighteen months at the Bedford College, in Lawrence County, Ind. He has also taught two terms of school with success. He and his sister, Mrs. Mary A. McGinnis, of Knox County, Ind., are all that are left of his father's family. On January 1, 1879, Mr. Voshell was married to Rebecca E. Knoy, a native of this county, who was bom July 27, 1854. Two children have been given them - ^Daniel J., born December 29, 1879, and died June 18, 1880, and Mary D., born January 30, 1881. He , is a member of the Baptist and his wife of the Christian Church. He is an active member of the Grange. He is a Democrat. Mr. Voshell received from his father about $400, and his wife was presented with an eighty-acre farm by her parents. He has added fifteen acres to this farm. Mrs. Voshell is a daughter of Solomon and Mary (Ratts) Knoy, natives of North (Carolina and Indiana, and of German extraction. Mr. Voshell is a shrewd and industrious business man, and from present appearances will make a success in life. He is now agent for the New Home Sewing Machine in this township. PRESTON D. WAKELAND, an enterprising farmer and stock -raiser of this township, was born August 23, 1830, in Butler County, Ohio, and is the third of the six children born to Turner R. and Nianetia (Arthur) Wakeland, Kentuckians, of Irish and Scotch-Irish extraction. Preston

D.'s parents brought him to Marion County, Ind., in his fourth year, and here he attained manhood on the farm, and received the rudiments of an education. In 1856, he came to Morgan County, and has remained here ever since. He enlisted, in the fall of 1862, in Company H, Seventieth Indiana Infantry. He was in the following battles: Eesaca, Kenesaw Mountain, and in the sieges of Atlanta, Bentonville and Averyboro, besides other battles and numerous skirmishes. He was discharged at Indianapolis in the spring of 1865. He also accompanied Sherman on his "march to the sea." Mr. Wakeland married, on October 16, 1853, to Sarah P. Hawkins, a native of Indiana. They have had seven children - one deceased (unnamed), Edwilda J. (deceased). Turner R., Clytus C, Eliza J., John J. and Charley A. Mrs. Wakeland is a member of the Christain Church, and he is a member of the G. A. R. He has a farm of ninety-eight acres, well improved, and is a liberal giver to all charitable institutions. He is a Republican. He has been acting as Deputy Sheriff, more or less, for the past eight years.

BLUFORD CLARK WATSON, a farmer and stock-raiser of Ashland Township, was born July 29, 1852, in Morgan County, and is the ninth of eleven children born to Simon and Samirah (Bowman) Watson, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of Kentucky. Our subject was reared a farmer, but received a good education from the public schools. At the age of twenty years, he commenced teaching school, and has taught, with the exception of one winter, ever since with good success. On February 3, 1876, he was married to Sarah A. Michael, a native of Morgan County, born August 9, 1857. Three children have been born to them - Minnie B., born September 22, 1877; Maud E., born May 17, 1880; and Ivy C, born September 29, 1882. Mr. Watson is a member of the Masonic fraternity at Eminence, this county. In politics, he is a stanch Democrat. He owns a fine little farm of 110 acres, acquired through his own thrift and industry. Mr. Watson is a genial, wholesouled gentleman, and very much respected by his associates and acquaintances.

LEVI B. WHITAKER, an enterprising farmer and stock-raiser of Ashland Township, was born March 1, 1828, in the western part of this county, near Owen, and is one of the eleven children born to Grafton and Margaret (Gregg) Whitaker, Kentuckians, of English descent. Grafton Whitaker came to this county in 1826, and at his death owned 680 acres of land. He was Colonel of the militia in the county soon after his arrival. He died July 19, 1862. Levi B. Whitaker grew to maturity on a farm, receiving a rudimentary education. As the schools were poor, he studied at home by the light of the fire - they had no lamps then.' He remained with his father until his twenty-fifth year, when his father gave him 200 acres of land in the woods, and he began to make him a home. Mr. Whitaker now owns 540 acres in this coiinty, pretty wellimproved, and made it by his industry. On January 21, 1869, Mr. Whitaker was married to Susan C. RobertsoQ, a native of Owen County, Ind., and a daughter of Thomas and Delilah (Asher) Robertson, natives of East Tennessee and Kentucky, and of Irish and English extraction. Mr. Whitaker is a member of the Missionary Baptist and his wife of the Presbyterian Church. He is a Democrat, and was elected Trustee of Ashland Township in the spring of 1874, holding the position one term. Mr. Whitaker is a liberal giver to all charitable institutions, and by his kind and sympathetic nature has won for himself many friends.

DAVID L. WHITAKER (deceased) was born August 30, 1830, in Morgan County, Ind., and died January 3, 1872, and was one of the eleven children born to Crraf ton and Margaret (Gregg) Whitaker, natives of Kentucky, and of English extraction, and early settlers of this county. David L. was reared oq a farm, and received the rudiments of an education. He remained at home until his twenty-eighth year, when he went to work for himself. On November 18, 1858, Mr. Whitaker married Mary J. Edwards, a native of Owen County, lud., and born February 9, 1841. Two children were born to this couple - John S., born on December 5, 1859; and Melinda B., on April 14, 1863. Mr. Whitaker was an active member of the Missionary Baptist Church. He had received 100 acres of land from his father, and at his death owned 334 acres, which has since been divided between the two children ajid his widow. The children each received 117 acres, and Mrs. Whitaker 100 acres; each also received an equal portion of $3,300, Mr. Whitaker was a devout Christian gentleman, and very liberal in all his dealings. He was a. stanch Democrat, and at one time acted as Assessor of Bay Township. Mrs. Whitaker is a daughter of William and Lucinda (Asher) Edwards, natives of Indiana.

JOHN S. WHITAKER, farmer and stock-raiser of this township, was born December 5, 1859, in Morgan County, Ind., and is the eldest of the two children born to David L. and Mary J. (Edwards) Whitaker, natives of Morgan and Owen Counties, Ind., and respectively of English and German descent. John S. was reared upon a farm, but received a good education, graduating from the Spencer High School, and attending two years at the State University at Bloomington, Ind., where he acquitted himself with honor. He has followed farming since his return home. November 14, 1882, he was married to Alice Voshell, a native of this county. He and his wife belong to the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Whitaker belongs to the following: The Sigma-Chi fraternity at Bloomington, Ind., and the Masonic fraternity at Eminence, Ind. He is a wide-awake Democrat, and in the spring of 1882 was elected Assessor of Ashland Township, an office which he holds four years. He received from his father's estate 117 acres of good land, takes great pride in raising good stock, and is an excellent business manager. Mrs. Whitaker is a daughter of Levi J. and Sarah A. (Mannan) Voshell, natives or Indiana.

JOHN WINGLER, farmer and stock-raiser of this township, and also a manufacturer of brick, was born March 5, 1842, in this county, and is the youngest of four children born to John and Eva (Knoy) Wingler, both deceased, natives of Indiana and North Carolina, and of German extraction. John was reared a farmer, being poorly educated. When he was quite young, his parents died, and he lived with his grandfather, George Knoy, until his twentieth year. At that time he enlisted in Company H, Seventy-ninth Indiana Infantry, August 20, 1862, and remained in the service until September, 1863, wheu he was discharged on account of disability. He was engaged in numerous skirmishes, and on his return home he engaged in farming. In the year 1873, he began manufacturing brick, and has since that time burned about 12,000,000. Mr. Wingler married, November 2, 1865, Milkey Costin, of this county. They have had six children - Lewis F., Ella F., Katy E., Jesse E. and two infants unnamed. He belongs to the I. O. O. F. , and his wife to he Christian Church. He is a Democrat. He is industrious, and is ow cultivating a nice farm of forty acres, which is well improved.