Blue River Township (part 2 of 2)

Jacob Pruitt, one of the substantial citizens of Edinburg, and youngest son of John J. and Elizabeth (Hawkins) Pruitt, was born in Shelby County, Ind., on the 20th day of July, 185S. He was raised to agricultural pursuits, and chose that useful occupation for a life work, and followed it with good success until his removal to Edinburg in the year 1SS8. Mr. Pruitt belongs to that sturdy class of people, who though quiet and unassuming, have by their industry and sterling qualities of manhood, proved the most valuable and substantial members of society. He occupies a prominent place in the estimation of his neighbors and fellow-citizens, and has a large circle of friends in Edinburg and surrounding country. He is the possessor of a fine farm in Blue River Township, and is otherwise well provided for, in the way of earthly wealth. Like all members of his family, Mr. Pruitt is a republican, but has never been a partisan or office-seeker. He married, in December, 1881, Miss Mary Ludeka, of Buffalo, N. Y.,. daughter of Henry and Abigail (Dangert) Ludeka, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Pruitt are the parents of four children, viz.: John (deceased), Ralph, Belle and Howard.

John J. Pruitt (deceased). - Few of the early pioneers of Johnson County were more widely and favorably known, than the late John Pruitt, brother of Pleasant Pruitt, whose biography appears below. John J. Pruitt was born in the district of Abbeyville, South Carolina, on the 9th day of August, 18 14, and when less than a year old was brought by his parents to Indiana, in which state he grew to manhood. His youthful years were spent in the counties of Franklin, Fayette and Shelb}, and like the sons of all early settlers, he was reared in a time when hard work and manifold privations were the common lot of all. He early developed extraordinary powers of endurance, and choosing agriculture for a life-work, bent all of his energies to the accomplishment of the one purpose of founding a home, in which he was more than ordinarily successful. In 1836 he married Miss Jane Kyle, a native of Fayette County, Penn., daughter of Nathan and Elizabeth (Nixon) Kyle, who were among the early settlers of Shelby County. To this marriage were born eleven children, seven of whom are living, namely : William N., Pleasant/ Mrs. Elizabeth Sergeant, Joseph, Mrs. Mary Thompson, David and Jacob. The deceased members of the family are as follows : Moses, died .at New Orleans, July 9, 1861; Herman, died November 15, 1861; Abigail, wife of Robert W. Medkirk, died April 12, 1870; Belle, wife of G. W. Overstreet, of Franklin, died March 24, 1876. Mr. Pruitt, was very successful in his business affairs, and during a long and very active life, accumulated a large property, much of which consisted of valuable real estate, in Johnson, Shelby and Bartholomew counties. He was a liberal patron of all public enterprises, and a man prominent in the circles in which he moved. In his death, which occurred on the 5th day of November, 1861, the family suffered the loss of a kind husband and father, and the citizens of the community, a wise counselor and faithful friend. Mrs. Pruitt departed this life on the 21st day of November, 1887, aged sixty-nine years and a day.

Pleasant Pruitt, Sr. - Among the successful self-made men, of Johnson County, men who have been foremost in the laudable work of developing ihe material resources of the country as well as adding character to the community, the name of Pleasant Pruitt is deserving of especial mention. The ancestors of Mr. Pruitt were among the sturdy yeomenry of South Carolina, in which state the family was represented in colonial times by a number of worthy members. Moses Pruitt, father of the subject, was a Carolinian by birth, and an early settler of Franklin County, Ind., moving to this state about the year 1815, and later to F'ayette and Shelby Counties, in the latter of which his death subsequently occurred, at the age of forty-seven years. He was essentially a self-made man, and during his life accumulated a valuable property, all of which represented the fruits of his unaided efforts. His wife, whom he married in South Carolina, was Elizabeth Hawkins, a woman of sterling worth, whose virtues and characteristics are largely reproduced in the subject of this biography. Moses and Elizabeth Pruitt were the parents of seven children, Pleasant being the second born of the family. His birth occurred in the district of Abbeyville, S. C, on the 6th day of January, 181 1, and at the age of four years, he was brought by his parents, to Franklin County, Inch He afterward accompanied the family to Fayette and Shelby counties, and it may be truly said that the best years of his life were passed amid the rugged duties and stirring scenes of pioneer times. Being the eldest son, he was early compelled to bear his share of the family burden, consequently his educational training was of a meager character. His practical knowledge, however, gained through a long series of years in the school of experience, is more thorough and complete, and by means of it, he has been enabled to transact successfully, the duties of a very active life, and turn, what to many would have proved misfortune, to his own advantage. November 11, 1833, he took to himself a help-mate, in the person of Miss Nancy Breeding, who proved a true and faithful wife, and valuable assistant until her death, which occurred on the 2Sth day of March, 1887. Mrs. Pruitt was born in Kentucky County, this state, in the year 181 7, and was a woman honored and respected for her many admirable traits of character, having been an earnest member of the Christian Church for a number of years. To Mr. and Mrs. Pruitt were born a family of eleven children, four of whom are living, namely: Alexander, Jackson, Milton and Elizabeth, (Mrs. Drake), with the latter of whom Mr. Pruitt, now makes his home. Mr. Pruitt's life-work has been that of a farmer, in which he has been more than ordinarily successful. To each of his children he recently gave a fine farm, besides assisting them in various other ways. In all his business transactions, Mr. Pruitt has made it a point to meet promptly his every obligation, and to-day he is proud of the fact that he owes no man. His life has been a long and useful one, and during a residence of. sixty-six years in Johnson County, the people have learned to revere him for his sterling manhood, and have profited by his advice and counsel. He is now in the seventy-eighth year of his age, a well-preserved old gentleman, retaining in a remarkable degree, his mental and physical faculties. He is an earnest member of the Christian Church, and a true type of the old-time gentleman.

Elder P. S. Rhodes, pastor of the Edinburg Christian Church, is a native of Rockingham County, Va., born on the 25th day of November, 1838. His parents, David and Magdalene E. Hildebrand Rhodes, were also natives of Virginia, in which state the father followed the farmer's occupation. He was a minister of the Menonite Church, and died in the year 1859, aged fortynine years. Mrs. Rhodes is still living on the old homestead in Rockingham County, having reached her seventyeighth year. Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes raised a family of twelve sons. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native state, and re- ceived a go J common school education. He afterward became a student of Washington College, Iowa, where he pursued his studies for sometime, with the object of entering the ministry in view, and also taught several terms of school, and earned the reputation of a successful instructor. He was ordained a minister of the Christian Church, at Chandler, Iowa, October, 1872, by Elders E. S. Athearn and C. White, and immediately thereafter entered upon the active duties of his calling among the' churches of that state. In 1874, ne returned to Virginia, and, after preaching several years in his native county, accepted the position of district evangelist, and later became evangelist for the state, which work required his time and attention for nearly five years. He founded, in 1880, at the town of Gordonsville, Va., the Atlantic Missionary, a religious periodical, with which he was identified in the capacity of editor about four years, contributing in the meantime to columns of various papers of the church with which he is connected. Owing to the poor health of his family, he was compelled to discontinue missionary and evangelistic work, and accept a pasturate, which he did in 1887, moving that year to Edinburg, where he has since ministered with great acceptance to the large congregation at this place. Elder Rhodes is a popular minister, and possesses many of the elements which go to make up the successful pulpit orator. He is earnest and faithful in the presentation of scriptural truth, honest in his religious convictions, and has already won a warm place in the affections of his congregation. He was married September 11, 1862, in Keokuk, Iowa, to Miss Isabelle Lawler, daughter of Ausburn Lawler. Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes have . a family of six children, viz.: John, Medora, Ella, William, Bertie and Florence.

M. A. Roth. - George J. Roth, father of the subject of this sketch, and one of the reliable men of Edinburg, was born in Nuremburg, Germany, April 7, 1826, and is a son of Frederick and Ann Maria Roth. He came to America in 1849, and located in Louisville, Ky., thence later to Edinburg, Ind., which place has been his home since the year 1853. He married Miss Frances E. Gibbs, of Shelby County, Ky., in 185 1, and by her had these children, namely: Mary Ann, Michael A., George J., William R., Amelia, Lillius, Mollie and Llewellyn. Mrs. Roth dying, Mr. Roth afterward married Miss Sarah E. Runchy, of Shelby County, Ind., a union blessed with the birth of two children : Frances E. and Edward. Mrs. Sarah Roth died December 22. 1876, and November 25, 1880, Mr. Roth's third marriage was solemnized with Mrs. Nancy Cummings [nee Matheny), of Morgan County, Ind., who is his present wife. Michael A. Roth was born in the city of Louis- ville, Ky., February 11, 1853, and while still an infant was brought to Edinburg, where he has since resided. He was educated in the schools of the town, and made his first beginning in life sawing wood for the J., M. & I. Railroad, and later began dealing in coal in a small way, which business eventually increased until he was enabled to start a coal yard. He operates the yard at this time, supplying the greater part of the coal consumed in the city, doing a flourishing business. In connection with the coal yard he has charge of the Adams Express office in Edinburg, and in all his business transactions has the reputation of an earnest and energetic man. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Odd Fellows orders, and in politics supports the principles of the democratic party. October 14, 1877, was solemnized his marriage with Miss Mary K. Werner, of Bartholomew County, Ind., daughter of John Werner. Three children are the fruits of this union, namely : George J., Clarence A. and Maggie A.

John B. Rubush, a native of Montgomery County, Va., and second son of George and Susan (Tinkle) Rubush, was born on the 17th day of November, 1S23. George Rubush, the father, was a native of England, and his wife was born in the state of Pennsylvania. They were among the early pioneers of Johnson County, Ind., moving here in 1833. George Rubush was by occupation a stone and brick mason, and for a number of years preached for the United Brethren Church. He resided in Johnson County eleven years, and then moved to Hamilton County, Ohio, where his and his wife's death occurred, at the respective ages of seventy-three and sixty-eight years. John Rubush grew to manhood in Johnson County, Ind., and until his twentieth year worked at the farmer's occupation. He then began contracting and building, which he continued until 1862, when he entered the army as member of Company G, Third Indiana Cavalry. He served three years in the army, during which time he earned the reputation of a brave and gallant soldier, having been with his command in many of the bloodiest battles of the war. On leaving the service he returned to Indiana, locating in Brown County, thence in 1865, to Johnson County, where, with the exception of several years spent in Indianapolis and Acton, he has since resided. Mr. Rubush has. given his time and attention principally to contracting and building, and Has earned the reputation of a skilled and successful mechanic. He is a member of the Christian Church, and stands high in the community as a straightforward and courteous Christian gentleman. He has been an elder of the Christian Church of Edinburg for a period of twenty years, and is one of the leading and influential members of the society. He married, December, 1843, Miss Eliz- abeth McLain, daughter of Jacob McLain, of Kentucky, by whom he has had seven children, the following living, to-wit : Lvmon S., Isabelle, Fletcher, Sarah and John. The deceased members of the family were Ellen and Malissa.

G. B. Runkle, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Blue River Township, was born in Bartholmew County, Ind., December 7, 1834, ana^ *s a son °f Lewis and Ruth (Barlow) Runkle, natives respectively of Virginia and Kentucky. Mr. Runkle's parents came to Johnson County quite early, and settled upon a farm. Our subject was raised a farmer, and at the age of sixteen went to Shelby County, where he remained until attaining his majority. He then went to Clinton County, where on the 13th of December, 1855, he married Miss Mahala Anderson, daughter of William and Rebecca Anderson. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Runkle returned to the old homestead in Johnson County, where he still resides, and which he owns. He is a successful farmer, an energetic citizen, and as a man is widely and favorably known for his many excellent traits of character. Of the five children born to Mr. and Mrs. Runkle, three are living, namely: William J., Lydia and Mamie, wife of Harry Furnas, Esq.

William P. Rush, M. D., one of the leading physicians and surgeons of Edinburg, is a native of Franklin County, Pa., and son of James and Margaret (Hasson) Rush. Dr. Rush's ancestors were natives of Ireland, from which country the father emigrated a number of years ago, and settled in Pennsylvania, where his death occurred. His widow subsequently moved to Ohio, and after spending some time in that state, moved to Vernon, Ind., and later, to Louisville, Ky., wl.ere her death occurred at the age of sixty-three. Dr. Rush was born March 7, 1822, and spent the greater part of his early life in the town of Vernon, Ind. He obtained a practical education in the schools of the above place, and having early evinced a decided preference for the medical profession, entered upon the study of the same in the year 1841, under the instruction of Dr. Thompson, now of Indianapolis. He afterward pursued his studies with Drs. Schlissler and Batty, of Madison and Vincennes, respectively, and began the practice of his profession about the year 1844, at the town of Rockford, this state. Impressed with the necessity of a more thorough preparation for his chosen calling, the Doctor, in 1854, entered the Medical University of Louisville, Ky., from which institution he graduated in the class of 1854-5. July, 1845, he began the practice of medicine " at Edinburg, Ind., where, with the exception of about five years spent in Indianapolis, Ind., he has since resided. While in Indianapolis the Doctor was engaged a part of the time in the wholesale drug trade with Messrs. Daily and Kiefer, which branch of business he carried on in connection with the practice of his profession. His practice at this time is quite extensive, including a large portion of Johnson and adjoining counties, and in his profession he occupies a conspicuous place among the successful medical men of this part of the state. November, 1846, the Doctor's marriage with Miss Eliza G. Stout, of Vincennes, was solemnized, a union blessed with the birth of seven children, whose names are as follows, to-wit: Lucy (deceased), Margaret (deceased), Thomas, Eliza G., wife of Owen Moffett, E. W. J., James and Louis Rush. Politically, Dr. Rush is a democrat, and in religion, a Roman Catholic.

H. W. Scholler, the gentleman whose name introduces this biography, is a native of Jefferson County, Ind., and son of George and Elizabeth (Ox) Scholler, parents born in Germany. George Scholler was a stone-mason by trade, and was employed in that vocation for some time in the city Of Madison, where he did some fine work for the Madison & Indianapolis Railroad Company. Both he and wife died at Madison, and lie buried in the cemetery of that city. H. W. Scholler was born on the 14th day of September, 1844, and grew to manhood in his native county. His early educational advantages were quite limited, and at the age of ten years he began working for himself in a brick-yard, and later found employment in a starch factory, at Madison. After continuing in the latter vocation for a number of years, and becoming thoroughly familiar with the details of the business, he came to Edinburg and accepted a position with the firm of Tilford & Co., starch manufacturers, and later purchased an interest in the business and became a member of the well-known firm of Cutsinger & Co. He still retains his interest, and at this time is general superintendent of the factory. Mr. Scholler is essentially a self-made man, and as such occupies a conspicuous place in the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens. Politically, he is a democrat, taking an active interest in the councils of his party in Edinburg and Johnson County. He is a member of the Masonic and K. of P. fraternities, in the deliberation of which he bears a conspicuous part. June II, 1865, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Herbesh, of Madison, Ind., a union blessed with the birth of six children, three of whom: Clinton C, Harry A. and Florence, are living.

James R. Sharp was born in the city of Madison, Ind., on the 23d of October, 1842, and is a son of John and Miriam (Mc- Cartney) Sharp, natives respectively of Ohio and Indiana. John Sharp was a printer by trade. He came to Indiana a number of years ago, settling in Madison, and later came to Johnson County, where he and wife died at the respective ages of forty-two and sixty-seven years. They were the parents of five children, three of whom are living, viz.: Alice, wife of Henry Henry; Miriam, wife of Mr. Reese, and James R. The subject's youthful years were spent in the counties of Jefferson and Johnson, and at the early age of fourteen he began life for himself as a grocer's clerk in the town of Taylorsville. Owing to the fact of his being obliged to rely upon his own resources at such an early age, his educational training was sadly neglected, but by coming in contact with the business world he soon obtained a practical education which has enabled him to discharge successfully the duties of a very active life. From Taylorsville he came to Edinburg, where he held a clerical position until September, 1861, at which time he entered the army, enlisting in Company E, Twenty-seventh Indiana Infantry, for three years' service. He participated in the most active campaigns of the war, and took part in many of the bloodiest battles of that great struggle. On leaving the army he returned to Edinburg and accepted the position of book-keeper in the bank of Harvey Lewis, and later, in 1885, became book-keeper for S. Cutsinger & Co., in their starch factory at this place, a position he now holds. Mr. Sharp is a skillful accountant, and for nine years was city clerk of Edinburg. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and G. A. R., and with his wife belongs to the Methodist Church. His marriage with Miss Sarah Van Dorn, daughter of J. D. Van Dorn, whose biography appears in this work, was solemnized on the 24th day of October, 1866. To Mr. and Mrs. Sharp have been born three children, namely: Jessie (deceased), Eva D., and Harry V.

Dr. Julius C. Sharp, one of the oldest medical men in Johnson County, is a native of Highland County, Ohio, born on the 9th day of November, 18 10. His father was Isaac Sharp, and his mother's maiden name was Sallie Leaveston. Isaac Sharp served as a corporal in the War of 1812, and died shortly after the close of that struggle, in the vigor and prime of early manhood. Mrs. Sharp subsequently married Alexander Mence, Esq., by whom she had four children. By her first marriage she was the mother of five children, the subject of this biography being the second son and only member of the family now living. The mother of Dr. Sharp was the second time left a widow, and later, she was united in marriage with J. S. Crumley, Esq. Dr. Sharp was raised and educated in his native county, and grew to manhood amid the stirring scenes of farm life. Impressed with a desire to enter the medical profession, he began preparing for the same, by a course of reading in the office of Dr. C. C. Sams, of Hillsborough, Ohio, .and later graduated from the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, completing the prescribed course of that institute in 1841. He began the practice of his profession at the town of Marshall, not far from his old home, where he continued twelve years, and then moved to Shelbyville, Ind., where he was similarly engaged for three years. He afterward practiced two years in Clark County, 111., two years at Bowling Green, Ind., and in 1855, located in Edinburg, where he continued the profession until his retirement from its active duties, about the year 1868. Since that time he has turned his attention principally to mechanical pursuits, being a skillful artisan in all kinds of wood-work, etc. The Doctor has a military record extending over a period of one year in the late Civil War, having served that time as member of Company II, Fifty-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Col. W. Q. Gresham's old regiment. He was in the battle of Shiloh and other engagements, but owing to sickness, was discharged from the service at the end of the time above mentioned. Dr. Sharp was married in 1850, to Miss Deborah Toner, daughter of John Toner, of Edinburg. One child was born to this marriage, namely: John E. Sharp, now one of the leading citizens of Columbus, and auditor of Bartholomew County.

J. L. Sims, one of the progressive citizens of Edinburg, son of William P. and Mary A. C. (Murphy) Sims, was born in Bartholomew County, Ind., on the 10th day of April, 1834. He began life for himself before attaining his majority, as an employe of the J., M. & I. Railroad Company, and continued that calling with little or no interruption until the breaking out of the Civil War between the states. He held various positions with the above company, including the local freight agency at Edinburg, the duties of which he discharged for a period of sixteen years. Julv, 1861, he entered the army, enlisting in Company H, Nineteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for the three years' service, during which time he participated in a number of active campaigns and bloody battles, and earned a record of which he feels deservedly proud. It is a noticeable fact that during his army experience, he never once visited his home,, and from the time of enlisting until honorably discharged, he did not see any member of his family. He resumed railroading upon his return from the service, and continued it until a few years ago. On severing his connection with the J., M. & I. Railroad Company, he was appointed postmaster of Edinburg, and discharged the duties of that office three years. He is at this time proprietor of a meat-market in Edinburg, a business which has returned him handsome financial profits. Mr. Sims and Miss Ellen Bradburn, of Philadelphia, Penn., daughter of Alexander and Ellen (Remo), of the same state, were married on the 19th day of July, 1857. They are the parents of eight children, seven living, viz. : Charles E., Gertrude J., Harry A., Maggie M., Samuel S., Nellie A. and Horace S. The deceased member of the family was John D.

N. N. Sims, the gentleman whose name introduces this biography, was born in Bartholomew Count}-, Ind., on the 20th of February, 1833, son of William P. and Man* A. C. (Murphey) Sims, natives of Tennessee and Kentucky, respectively. Paternally, the Sims family were Scotch, while the subject's mother was descended from English ancestry. William P. Sims was by occupation a butcher, in which business he accumulated a handsome competence. He died a number of years ago, and lies beside his wife in the cemetery at Edinburg. Mr. and Mrs. Sims were the parents of eleven children,, of whom these are living, viz.: J. L., W. P., John F., Christian P., Palmyra and Mary. N. N. Simsfirst practical experience in life was as a railroader, having been engaged for some time as fireman and locomotive engineer with the J., M. & I. Company. Later he engaged in the produce business at Edinburg, and for a period of three years served as city marshal. He was proprietor of a meat market for twelve years, and in i886v began dealing in poultry, a business which proved quite remunerative. In addition to his business career, Mr. Sims has a military record of which he feels deservedly proud, having responded to his country's call, in i860, by enlisting in Co. C, Twenty-seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he Shared the fortunes and vicissitudes of the war for three years. He was with his regiment in many of the bloodiest battles of the eastern campaign, including Gettysburg, and earned the reputation of a brave and gallant soldier. He was honorably discharged in September, 1864. Mr. Sims was married October 1, 1854, to Miss Emily Huff, of Johnson County, Ind., by whom he had five children, namely: William D., Louis A., Edward B., Jerome H. and Alvarado (deceased). Mrs, Sims died in the year 18 - . Mr. Sims subsequently married a half-sister of his first wife, to-wit: Miss Mary Danver, who has borne him two children, both deceased. In his various business enterprises Mr. Sims has been quite successful, his property at this time representing a value of over $20,000. He has done a great deal to advance the material interests of Edinburg, and is justly considered one of the city's leading citizens.

Charles W. Snow. - Charles W. Snow (deceased), late member of the Johnson County bar, was born in Clark County, Ind., on the 9th day of May, 1827, son of John and Mary Snow, early residents of Shelby County, where the family settled in 1839. Charles W. was the eldest of a family of nine children. His parents being in moderate circumstances, he was early in life obliged to rely very largely upon his own resources, and while still young his full share toward the support of the family. He received a practical education in the common schools, and at the age of twenty-two, with his young wife, Jennette Pike, of Kentucky, whom he had married two years previous (January 24, 1846), moved to Franklin, and began the study of law with Col. Oyler. He was admitted to the Johnson County bar in 1855, and began the practice at the city of Edinburg, to which place he moved the year previous, and soon earned the reputation of an able attorney and safe counsellor. He continued the practice for several years with good success, and by diligent attention to the interests of his clients, acquired a business which returned him handsome profits. He accumulated large tracts of valuable, real estate in Indiana and elsewhere, all of which is at this time in the possession of his widow, who resides in Edinburg. Mr. Snow departed this life at his home in Edinburg, on the 24th day of July, 1884, deeply lamented by all who knew him. He was laid to rest with the appropriate and touching Masonic ceremonies, of which order he had for a number of years been an active member. For much of his success Mr. Snow was indebted to the wise counsels and sensible advice of his wife, who proved a helpmeet indeed, in his hours of adversity, and an appreciative sharer of his days of prosperity. His large estate, embracing 800 acres of land in Sullivan County, Ind., 900 acres in Texas, besides other valuable property, she has ably managed, a fact which attests her superior business abilities. Mrs. Snow is the mother of two children, both deceased. While unfortunate with her own family, she has generously aided other children, proving a foster mother to eight orphans whom she raised and cared for. She is now looking after the interests of a ninth, who, like the other sharers of her bounty and care, will doubtless grow up to call her blessed.

Thompson Family. - The name of Thompson has been prominently connected with the history of Johnson County from the early days, and that family has done fully its share in bringing about the many changes it has taken to turn the forests of the past into the magnificent country that is embraced within the present limits of Johnson County, and to develop the rich and well-improved portion of the Blue River Valley that surrounds the busy town of Edinburg. The Thompsons are of Scotch-Irish descent, and the first of whom we have an account - James Thompson by name - came to America from Ireland about 1774-75, having eluded his parents who were opposed to his coming; in the same vessel with him came his cousin, Carmichael, and wife. Soon after their arrival in this country, and in the beginning of the War of the Revo- lution, Carmichael lost his life by an attack of pleurisy, and soon after his death, about 1776, his widow married James Thompson. They moved to Tennessee in early times, but it is uncertain whether it was in this state or in Virginia, before their departure, that Alexander, their only son, was born. Alexander was born July 5, 1778, and grew to manhood in Granger County, Tenn. About the year 1800, he was married to Ann Donaldson, daughter of William and Mary Donaldson; she was born September 10, 1775. In 1816, Alexander and family moved to Franklin County, Ind.; stayed there one year, then moved to what is now Fayette County, where they remained till 182 1, when they came to Johnson County and settled near Edinburg, where he died August 21, 1822, with fever, being cut down in the prime of manhood. His wife survived him some time, her death taking place June 21, 1836. They had six children born in Tennessee, and two after their removal from that state. James, the eldesj, was born April 19, 1802, and died October 4, 1872; Isabel C, born March 2, 1804, was married to Nathan Wheeler, January, 1822, and died August 26, 1834; John S., born September 6, 1806, who was a prominent man in Johnson County, was sheriff of the county for some vears, also served in the legislature as representative and state senator; he was engaged in business for some time with T. R. Threlkeld and A. C. Thompson, in the mercantile line in Edinburg; he was married in the fall of 1835, to Sarah Carvin; m 1837, he sold out his interest in the store in Edinburg, and moved to Franklin, where he was engaged in the mercantile business for awhile, after which he moved on a farm in Bartholomew County; he died September 20, 1845. The next of Alexander Thompson's family - Mary - was born January 18, 1809; married William R. Hensley, Januarv, 1823, in Edinburg; died October 21, 1873, m Texas. Alfred C, who is the only one surviving of the family, whose biography is fully written up further on, was born September 2, 1811; Jennet, born June 2, 1814, married in Edinburg to Timothv R. Threlkeld; in 1839, moved to Texas, where she lived till her death, which took place December 13, 1876; Alexander B., born August 2, 1817, died in 1825; Celia D., born August 22,1822, in Edinburg, lnd., married in Jackson County, Tex., in 1841, to Darwin M. Stapp; died of yellow fever October 10, 1867.

Alfred C. Thompson. - Prominent among the successful and public-spirited men of Edinburg and Johnson County, is A. C. Thompson. As above stated, he is the only surviving member of the family of Alexander Thompson, and was born in <*r*ng*r County, Tenn., on the 2nd day of September, 181 1. Unlike the youth of the present day, his early years were passed amid scenes where a ceaseless routine of labor was the common lot of all, and his educational training embraced only a few months' attendance each year in such schools as the country at that time afforded. While it can be said that Mr. Thompson is not educated in the sense of scholastic attainments, yet, by intelligent observation and the exercise of those qualities which mark the career of the successful man, he has obtained a fund of practical knowledge which has enabled him to discharge faithfully the duties of a very active business life. While still young, he was taken by his parents to Franklin and Fayette counties, Ind., and at the age of ten years accompanied them to Johnson County, where, since the year 182 1, he has constantly resjded. By the death of his father in 1822, he was thrown upon his own resources, and thus early in life laid the foundation upon which his subsequent successful career was in a large measure founded. He remained at home and grew up a farmer, an occupation he followed with success until 1836, at which time ne embarked in the mercantile business at Edinburg, in partnership with T. R. Threlkeld and John S. Thompson. After a time this business was abandoned, owing to the stringency of the times, and he subsequently engaged in the carpenter's trade, which he carried on about two years. In 1841, he again embarked in the mercantile business, and, in time, became one of the leading merchants in Johnson County. He continued merchandising until 1870, the last ten years of which time he was associated in the business with his son, E. C. Thompson. Having accumulated a handsome competence in the mercantile trade, Mr. Thompson, in 1870, discontinued the business, and the year following, in partnership with his son, E. C, established a bank in Edinburg, which they have since conducted successfully, and which at this time is one of the most substantial and well-known private enterprises of the kind in this part of the state. In 1878, his youngest son, John A. Thompson, became a partner in the institution, and the firm . now consists of A. C. Thompson & Sons. Mr. Thompson justly ranks as one of the safest and most successful business men of Johnson County. He is a financier of transcendent ability, endowed with wise foresight, intuitive perception, broad comprehension and accurate judgment. . He is clear-headed, able to utilize all his energies and accomplish the purpose of his will even though it required long and persistent effort. His life has' been free from vicious habits which weaken and destroy the physical system, and although upward of seventy-eight years, he is to-day in the possession of all his physical and mental faculties, and bids fair to live many years in the enjoyments of his many blessings. He is a conspicuous example of the successful self-made man, and the acquisition of his fortune, amounting to over $159,000, by honest business methods, speaks well for his ability as a financier. He became a member of the Christian Church a number of years ago, and is still a devoted worshipper, contributing liberally of his means toward the support of the Edinburg congregation. Mr. Thompson was married in 1835, to Maria W. Carvin, who proved help-mate to him in his years of struggle and adversity, and an appreciative sharer of his prosperity. She was a devoted Christian woman, and her death, which occurred on the 14th day of January, 1887, was felt as a calamity by the entire community. The following are the names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson: Sarah A., born March 29, 1836, died November 3, 1836; Edward C, born December 22, 1837; James M., born April 16, 1840, died August 9, 1844; Harrison C, born July 1, 1843, died August 12, 1844; Mary A., born March 7, 1846, died April 26, 1853; Hannah E., born April 25, 1849; Amanda C, born October 4, 185 1, died September 2, 1852; Richard L., born February 9, 1854, died June 27, 1854, and John A., born October 1, 1855. - Hannah E. Thompson, the fifth of the living children, was married March 29, 1S70, to G. B. McEwen, who died December 9, 1879. Mr. McEwen was born September 7, 1847, and was the second son of William and Mary (McFall) McEwen. The McEwen family came originally from North Carolina, and were among the prominent citizens of Columbus, where William McEwen carried on the banking business. G. B. McEwen was interested with his father in the bank, and became one of the active business men of Bartholomew County. He was an accomplished scholar, an active member of the Christian Church, and a gentleman who possessed the confidence and esteem of a large circle of friends in Bartholomew and Johnson counties. To Mr. and Mrs. McEwen were born the following children, viz.: Imogene, born December 29, 1870; Edith R., born March 8, 1873, August 15, 1873; William A., born June 14, 1875; Nannie L., born February 13, 1878, and Lillie, born July 2, 1880.

James Thompson (deceased), as has been stated, was the eldest son of Alexander, and was born in Granger County, Tenn., April 19, 1802. He passed his boyhood days in Tennessee, having limited educational opportunities, and came to Indiana with his parents in 1816; was with them during their stay in Franklin and Fayette counties, and came with them to Johnson County in 1821. In the following year his father died, and, being the oldest son, he was of great assistance to his mother in carrying on the farm. Mr. Thompson was brought up a farmer, but learned the trade of blacksmithing under Isaac Collier, and afterward went into partnership with him in blacksmithing, continuing in it up to the time of his marriage in 1825, when he was united to Susan Collier, daughter of Isaac, by whom he had children as follows: Rebecca Ann. born April 19, 1826: John Alexander, born April 22, 1828; Isaac M. and Alfred C, twins, born August 22, 1831 (A. C. died April 12, 1858); W. II., born December 7, 1833; Redding B., born November 27, 1838, died June 22, 1849; James I., born April 15, 1841, died in September, 1S76. Some time previous to his marriage, he had been laving plans preparatory to engaging in the milling business, and soon after his marriage, in 1825, erected a grist- and saw-mill on the Blue River, near where the mill of John A. Thompson now stands. This was one of the first mills in Johnson County, and James Thompson was one of the pioneer millers. He could hardly have realized then to what perfection the process of milling would be carried in comparatively so short a time, and the primitive mill of that day would be almost as much of a curiosity to the people of to-day as the present mill, with all its improvements atid milling machinery, would have been to the early settlers. He engaged in, and carried on, the milling business so successfully, that about fifteen years later he added a woolen mill and rebuilt the saw- and grist-mill, making them as perfect as the day and age were capable of. In 1852, Mr. Thompson abandoned the saw- and woolen-mill, and built a line six-story stone and brick mill, with all modern improvements, changing the site of the mill a few hundred feet down the Blue River. This mill he carried on until he sold out to his son, John A., in 1859, having accumulated an ample fortune. Mr. Thompson also owned a farm, which he worked with the aid of his sons. Politically, he was a whig, and later a republican, but never specially sought any office, though he was justice of the peace for many vears, holding that office at the time of his death. He relinquished the office for a time prior to the time of his retiring from the milling business, and after he had sold that out, having more leisure, again accepted it. Susan Collier, Mr. Thompson's first wife, died in September, 1850, and he was married again December 29, 1856, to Phoebe Hicks, by whom he had several children, three of whom - Mary Emily, Charles Fremont and Lydia Harriet - are living. Coming to Johnson County at so early a day, and in the heighth of his youth and strength, Mr. Thompson entered into the affairs of life with that earnestness of purpose that insured success. He did much to improve and advance the country and community where his lot was cast, and raised a family who have been and are amply capable to further what he began. In his dealings, he was strictly honorable and possessed of that common-sense and good judgment that enabled him to see what was for his own good, and made him a prominent factor in his community. After he sold his mill to his son John he was not as actively engaged in business, but carried on a certain amount up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1872, and was caused indirectly by a kick received from a mule about a year previous to this. This kick caused injuries which, though at one time nearlv healed, were further aggravated a short time before his death by his being run over by a wagon drawn by the same team. The combination caused the formation of an abscess which was the immediate cause of his death. He died at the ripe old age of seventy, having accomplished a life-work that was an honor to his name and justly entitled him to the respect of all.

James E. Thompson, third son of John A. and Elizabeth Thompson, was born in Johnson County, on the 29th day of December, 1863. He was raised in Blue River Township, received a good education, and began life for himself in his father's mill, near Edinburg, of which he eventually became superintendent. Mr. Thompson possesses those traits of character which render him popular with the people, and as a business man, fully alive to the interests of the enterprise with which he is connected, few young men have as good a record. He stands high, socially, and has before him a promising future. March 28, 1887, he married Miss Fannie W. Wilson, daughter of C. C. Wilson, of Columbus, Ind.

James I. Thompson (deceased). - Few business men in Johnson County were more widely and favorably known than the late James I. Thompson, of Edinburg. Mr. Thompson was a native of Johnson County, Ind., born April 15, 1841, the son of James and Susan (Collier) Thompson. He was reared and educated in Johnson County, and for some years was prominently identified with the mercantile interests of Edinburg. He subsequently abandoned merchandising, and accepted a position in the large flouring-mill of the late John A. Thompson, where he held the position of book-keeper and general superintendent. While thus employed he married Miss Jennie Cutsinger, daughter of Samuel Cutsinger, of Edinburg, and shortly thereafter engaged in the porkpacking business at Columbus, where he continued for some time. Later he established a harness and saddlery business in Edinburg, and after discontinuing this branch of trade, became identified with the Blue River Starch Works, of which enterprise he was one of the proprietors. Mr. Thompson was one of the leading citizens of Edinburg, and a man widely and favorably known throughout business circles of the state. He was a marked example of those sound, practical business qualifications, which secure the confidence of the people, and those personal qualities that win and retain the public esteem. He took an active part in the prosperity of Edin- burg, was a liberal patron of all measures, having for their object the material and moral good, and will long be remembered as one of the community's most progressive and reliable