Center Township (part 2 of 3)

,ter Township, near Danville, July 3, 1840, a son of Lindsay and Elinor (Nichols) Jefl'ers. When about six years of age his parents moved to Danville where he was educated in the public schools. In early life he worked at the carpenter's trade, but on becoming of age he engaged in clerking until he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Eighteenth Indima Infantry, to serve six months, in 1862. He served eight months, being on duty mostly in East Tennessee. After being mustered out at Indianapolis he returned to Danville where he clerked for several firms. He has also served as postoffice clerk at Danville several years under Postmasters S. R. Craddick and James Gregg. In ISSl he embarked in the mercantile business in which he is still engaged. He was married May 9, 1872, to Miss Ann: Gibbs. He is a member of the Christian church. Rodney Jeget\ Treasurer of Hendricks County, Ind., was born in Clearfield County, Pa., March 21, 1844. He is the eldest of four sons of Julius A. and Esther Ann (Warrick) Jeger, who came to Hendricks County in 1844 and settled in the woods in what is now Lincoln Township. His father was a native of the West India Islands, and his mother of Pennsylvania. His father being a farmer and a merchant, our subject was reared to follow both pursuits. In 1850 he removed with his parents to Lizton, Hendricks County, where he remained until his eighteenth year, he having attended the public schools till that time. On leaving home he joined the Union array, enlisting in Company G, Ninety-ninth Indiana Infantry, to serve three years. He was promoted froin private to CorpoVal Feb. 28, 1864. He was mustered out at Washington, D. C, June 5, 1865, having participated in the battles of Yicksburg, Jackson, Mission Ridge and the Atlanta campaign, after which, his health being impaired, he was granted a furlough and returned home for fifteen days. After returning to the army he was placed on duty at Chattanooga, not being able to join his regiment, which was with Sherman on his march to the sea. In February, 1865, he was sent, via Cincinnati, Pittsburg and Baltimore, to Moorehead City, N. C, to join his regiment, but being intercepted by the Confederates, he engaged in a battle at Kingston, N. C, reaching his regiment at Goldsborojust prior to the surrender of Lee's army. His regiment was soon after ordereJ with Sherman's army to Washington, and took part in the grand review in May, 1865, and was soon afterward mustered out. Being dismissed from the army he returned to his home in Lizton and in the spring of 1866 he attended the Central College at Danville (now the Central Normal) one term. In the summer of 1866 he engaged in farming. In 1874 he became associated with bis brother, Hother Jeger, and J. H. Kendall in the mercantile business atid grain and stock trade at Lizton, under the firm name of Jeger, Kendall & Co. Mr. Kendall retired from the firm in the following year and soon after his brother was succeeded bj "William L. Leak, they doing business together until 1880, the firm name being Jeger & Leak. In 1880 they discontinued the mercantile business, and in ISSl they engaged in the manufacture of lumber in Scott County, Tenn., in connection with their grain and stock trade, where they are doing an extensive business. In November, 1882, he was elected on the Republican ticket. Treasurer of Hendricks County, assuming the duties of the office 'n September, 1883, and is the present incumbent of that office. April 28, 18G7, he married Miss Evaline, daughter of Sandrum and Sarah (Leach) Leak, of near Lizton. He and bis wife are members of the Christian church of Lizton, of which he has served as leading Elder since 1880. He is a member of Jesse S. Ogdea Post, No.iei, G. A. E., of Danville.

Aquilla Jordan, Jr., section 1, Center Township, settled on his farm in October, 1857. His homestead contains 197 acres, on sections 1 and 12, and he owns 200 acres in another tract on section 12. He is one of the most prosperous farmers of the township, and owns a beautiful home, having made most of the improvements himself. ' He is a son of Aquilla and Elizabeth (Curtis) Jordan, natives of Bedford County, Ya., who, after their marriage, moved to Ross County, Ohio, in 1828, and in 1830 to Hendricks County, Ind., and settled in Liberty Township. Their family consisted of eleven children - George, Sophiah, Wilson, Susannah, Samuel, Eliza L., Andrew I., Jabel L., Aquilla and Elizabeth (twins), and Sarah J. Jabel and Wilson died in Ohio, in infancy. Andrew and Eliza reached maturity, and at their death left families. The rest of the family are living. Aquilla, Jr., was born in Ohio, Aug. 20, 1830. He was married in 1850 to Amanda Bunton, who was born Sept. 16, 1835, and died April 21, 1855, leaving one son, John W. He subsequently married Sarah Duval, who was born April 13, 1831, and died Jane 6, 1884. - To them were born four children - Jane A., George W., Emma Alice and Samuel.

J. P. Eeeter, senior member of the firm of Keeter & Co., grocers, of Danville, was born near Ruthcrfordton, Rutherford Co., N. C, Nov. 22, 1853. He was reared a farmer, and came to Hen- driclis County, lad., in 1S71, first locating at Plaintield,;^ where he pursued i'arraing until 1879. He then followed farming near Clermont, Marion Co., Ind., uutil September, 1SS2, when he removed to Indianapolis, where, for a short time, he carried on a livorj. He sold out his livery business in 18S3 and came to Danville, where he has since been engaged in the grocery trade. Dec. 6, 1877, he was married to Miss Samantha, daughter of the late John Williams, of Washington Township, Hendricks County. They have tliree children - Effie, Iva and Charley. Mr. Keeter and his wife are members of the Christian church.

Thomas £. Keleher, of the firm of Keleher Bros., druggists, of Danville, was born June 17, 1853, near Hogansburg, IS. "Y. When an infaut his parents came to Indiana, settling in Danville, where he lived till his sixteenth year. He then left home and was engaged as a book canvasser in Iowa for several months, he being the general agent for the publisher, E. Hanniford, of Chicago. He left Iowa in 1871 and went to California, where he was employed in driving a stc;ge between Trinidad and Eureka for one year. He was then employed on a sailing vessel almost a year. In 1874 he took a contract to get out 2,000,000 feet of red-wood saw-logs, in which business he was engaged till 1877. During the winter of 1877-'8 he attended the St. Joseph College at Rohnerville, Humboldt Co., Cal., and in the spring of 1878 he went to Crescent City, where hg was employed as tallyman on the shipping docks for Joe E. Walls until December, 1378. He then returned to Indiana and engaged in farming in Center Township. In 1879 he was married to Miss Josephine Courtney, of Danville, who died in fall of 1881. They had one child - John Dudley. In the spring of 1883 he took a trip through Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas, returning in November of 1833, since which he has been engaged in the drug business with his brother in Danville. In July, 1884, he was married to Miss Elsie Adelia Reed, of Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Have one child - Thomas Burtrand.

Daniel B. Keleher, of the firm of Keleher Bros., druggists, of Danville, was born near Hogansburg, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., April 4, 1847, a son of Maurice and Marguerite (Brady) Keleher. When twelve years of age he came to Danville, Ind., with his father. At the age of fifteen he began to learn the trade of a shoemaker with George Chamberlain, with whom he remained two years. In June, 1863, he enlisted in the Union army in Company B, One Hundred and Seventeenth Indiana Infantry, to serve si.t months. He was discharged after serving nine months, and in May, 1864, he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Thirtysecond Indiana Infantry, for 100 days. In March, 1865, he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Fifty-sixth Indiana Infantry, for one year, or during the war. He was discharged with hie regiment at the close of the war, having participated in the battles of Blue Springs, Bull's Gap, Walker's Ford, Blanc's Cross Hoads, and seven-days fight in Bean's Station Valley, Clinch River, Clinch Mountain Gap and Strawberry Plains. After being discharged from the army he returned to Danville and worked at his trade till 1879, after which he traveled for a wholesale leather house at Terre Haute, Ind., until 1881. He was then employed in the drug store of Frank Pierson, of Danville, until the fall of 1883, since which time he has been associated with his brother, Thomas B. Kelehor, in their present business. He was married July 2, 1868, to Mary E. Comingore, of Danville. They have four children - Alfred Guy, Luella C, Lillian K. and Lora Eva. One child, Thomas B., died in 1876, aged six months. Mr. Keleher is a Master Mason, and belongs to "Western Star Lodge, No. 26, and Knights of Pythias, a member of Danville Lodge, No. 48. He is also a member of Jesse S. Ogden Post, No. 164, G. A. R. He has been Warden in the Masonic order, and is a member of the Grand Lodge of Indiana, Knights of Fythias.

John Kendall, Auditor of H'jndricks County, Ind., was born in Clay Township, near Pecksburg, Hendricks County, Jan. 16,1843. He is the youngest of four sons of James G. and Sallie D. (Bales) Kendall, pioneers of the county, having settled here about 1837, both of whom died before our subject reached his fifteenth year. He was reared a farmer, receiving most of his education at the Union High School in Westfield, Ind. His residence is in Clay Township. He held the office of Township Trustee from 1872 till 1882, with the e.xception of one term, and in 1882 he was elected Auditor for a term of four years, from Nov. 1, 1SS3. Feb. 7, 1867, he was married to Miss Margaret Roberts, of Westfield, Ind. They have two children - Abbie and Ethan. They are members of the Society of Friends of Amo.

Joseph P. Lewis was born ii Bracken County, Ky. While he was a lad his parents moved to Indiana, stopping in Fayette and Rush counties. Joseph went back to Kentucky and was married to Louisa Leak in June, 1834. He moved to Hendricks County in 1835, and lived there continuously until his removal to Nebraska

April 1, 18S5, where he went to join his children in Custer County. He could relate matij interesting experiences of pioneer life, such as how the settlers beat their corn into meal in a hominj mortar, and attended mill at Crawfordsville for several years, going one day and returning the next on horseback, which he did many times. On the death of his wife he married a widow lady, Mrs. Eliza Bell, of Hendricks County. They have several children. Uncle Joe, as he was familiarly called bj everybody, lefc a host of friends and well-wisliers behind him.

G. Dallas Lind, M. D., Professor of Natural Sciences and Drawing in the Central Normal College at Danville, was born near Carlisle, Cumberland Co., Pa., Oct. 30, 1847. When about two years old his parents, Samuel and Catharine (Myers) Lind, moved to Clarke County, Ohio, where he v'as reared on a farm until he reached maturity. He attended the common schools till he was twenty years of age, and in 1867 attended a Normal School at New Carlisle, Ohio, about six months, af!;er which he taught a country school near his home till 1869. He then attended the National ISormal School at Lebanon, Ohio, from which he graduated in the scientitic course in the class of 1S70, after which he taught scliool and read medicine one year, and in the winter of lS71-'72 he took a course of lectures in the Physio-Medical Institute at Cincinnati, Ohio. In the spring of 1873 he located at Clinton, Mo., where he practiced medicine six months, after which he practiced in Hamilton, Iowa, until the fall of 1879, when he was engaged as Professor of Natural Sciences at Danville. In March, 1SS3, after taking a partial course of lectures in Central College of Phy^sicians and Surgeons, he received the degree of M. D. In the spring of 1884 he began to teach drawing as well as the sciences- in the Central Normal College. He is the author of the following works : " Method of Teaching in Country School;;," "Normal Outlines," "Easy E.xperiments," "Blank Speller," "Teacher's and Student's Library," and "Man."

Huihard B. Lingenfelter, farmer, resides on section 7, Center Township, where he settled in October, 1867. His father, Yolentine Lingenfelter, was born in Winchester, Clark Co., Ky., in 1809, and was there reared and learned the saddler's trade, which he followed a number of years. In 1851 he moved to Hendricks County, Ind., and bought the farm now owned by J. E. Dougherty. He engaged extensively in stock-raising, making a specialty of short-horn cattle and mules. He brought with him from Kentucky a herd of short-liorns, and was the first to engage in that industry in Hendricks County. He subsequently moved to Hamilton County, Mo., wliere he still lives. His family consisted of four children - Hubbard B. ; Prudence, wife of L. S. Shuler; Margaret, wife of Captain Augustine Dunn; Mary, wife of George Allen. Hubbard B. Lingeufelter was born in Kentucky in 1842. He was. reared a fiirmer and has followed that arocation since attainine: manhood. His home, which contains 107 acres, is one of the most pleasantly located in Center Township, and his improvements have nearly all been made by himself. He married Mary Nave, daughter of Christian C. Jfave. They have three children - Margaret, Benjamin and Scott.

William i?. ^[cClelland, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Hendricks County, was born near Clermont, Marion Co., Ind., June 21, 184-6, where ho lived until reaching his majority. He was reared a farmer and was educated in the common school durinc the winter terms, working on his father's farm the rest of the year. He is the second of six sons of Jonathan D. and Eliza J. (Wilson) McClelland. On leaving home he was married to Miss Sadie, daughter"of James and Rachel (McPhemage) Nichols, Oct. 9, 1872. They have one child - Harry Nichols. Mr. McClelland is a member of the Methodist Epi3co])al church at Danville, in which he has served as Steward, and has been Superintendent of the Sabbath-echool. He is a member of Silcox Lodge, No. 123, I. O. 0. F., of Danville. He has passed all the chairs and is a member of the Grand Lodge of the State of Indiana.

Robert 2fc0ee was born in Kentucky in 1S20, and at tlio age of ten years he came with his parents, William and Elizabeth (Asher) McGee, to Indiana, they settling one mile northeast of Danville. His father was of Scotch-Irish descent, a native of New Jersey, and his mother was of German descent, a native of Kentucky. His father entered land in Center Township on which he lived till his death in 1S42, his wife having died in 1S3G. The subject of this sketch was reared in this county after his tenth year, and received a limitrtd education by attending a subscription school in Danville during the winter terms. After his father's death in 1842, he became part owue' of the farm by purchases, which he sold in 1845, and the sam3 year purch.ased his present farm in Center Township, four miles east of Danville. Oct. 6, 1859, lie was married to Sarah English, of Rush County, Ind. They have four children - Craig, a farmer of Washington Township; Mary

Elizabeth, Sarah Jane and Martha Jewel, living at home. ' Mr. and Mrs. McGee are metnbers of the Christian church at Danville. In politics he is a Republican.

Fletcher M. Mitchell resides on section 31, Center Township. His farm was formerly owned by his uncle, Solomon Mitchell, a pioneer of Center Township, who willed it to our subject. The homestead contains 102 acres of valuable land, and in addition to this Mr. Mitchell owns thirty acres in "Washington Township. The Mitchell family have many representatives in Hendricks County. They are the descendants of two brothers, William and Hiram, who, with their brother Solomon, settled in Center Township in the fall of 1832. Solomon Mitchell was born in Bath County, Ky., in December, 1806, and died in the spring of 1875, in Center Township, Hendricks Co., Ind. He ,was a bachelor, and an industrious, wealthy citizen. Heat one time owned between 400 and 500 acres of land in this township. Hiram is still a resident of Center. Fletcher M. Mitchell was born in Center Township in the spring of 185i. He resided with his father, James M. Mitchell, in Center Township, until August, 1864, tlien moved to Kentucky with his father and lived there until August, 1865, when he moved to Marion County, and lived in Marion County until the fall of 1875. He married Sarah F. Brown, a daughter of John Brown. She died April 2, 18S4,_ leaving two children - Albert H. and Lurena. He then married Clara Tharp, a daughter of John and Susan Tharp, in the summer of 1885, and still resides in Center Township.

Thomas JVichoIs, one of the oldest settlers of Hendricks County and Justice of the Peace at Danville, is a native of Kentucky, born near Bardstown, Nelson County, Nov. 5, 1803, a son of James and Rachel (Jackson) Nichols. He was reared a farmer. He came to Indiana in April, 1821, with his father's family, settling with them about two miles below the bluffs of "White River, in Morgan County, but in tlie following year they came to Hendricks County, and settled on the east fork of White Lick Creek, in wliat is now Guilford Township. At the time of their arrival there were but few settlers in the county. In 1825 they moved to what is now Center Township, locating two miles west of Danville. His father being aged and inSrra, he remained with liim until Dec. 27, 1S2T, when he was married to J^fartha Hadley, daughter of James and Mary (Richardson) Hadley, of Center Township, when he settled on a tract of land in the vicinity of Danville. In 182S being elected Sheriff of Hendricks County, he removed to Danville, where he has siuce resided. He has served as Sheriff of Hendricks County twelve years - from 1S2S till 1832, 1841 till 1S4S and 18G0 till 1864, the term of office being two years, but he has been re-elected for the second term each time. Id the winters of 1833-'34 and 1835-'36 he represented Hendricks County in the Indiana State Legislature as Assemblyman. In the spring of 1873 he was elected Justice of the Peace of Danville, and has held the office by reelection, his present term extending to April, 1889. In 1832 he was Captain in command of a company in the Black Hawk war, in the regiment known as " the Bloody Three Hundred." He has six children living - Nancy, widow of George W., Powell; Serena, wife of Charles A. Rose, of Putnam County, Ind.; "William H., Deputy Auditor of Hendricks County; Erasmus D., a druggist at Danville; Julia A., wife of R. H. Harney, of Lebanon, Ind., and Oliver E., clerking in the drug store of his brother in Danville. One child died in infancy, and two, a son and a daughter, after reaching maturity, ilr. and Mrs. Nichols are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a Master, Royal Arch and Council Mason, and was the first Mason made in Hendricks County. He served as Worshipful jMaster of liis lodge fourteen years and High Priest of his chapter two years, Politically he was originally an old-lineWhig, and his first presidential vote was cast for Henry Clay in 1824. He now affiliates with the Republican party.

William n. Nichols, Deputy Auditor of Hendricks County, Ind., was born near Danville, in Center Township, Hendricks County, Feb. 24, 1841. He is the second of four sons of Thomas and Martha (Iladley) Nichols. He had the advantage of obtaining only a common-school education. His father being a carpenter he began to work at that trade when quite yoang, but abandoned it before becoming of age. From the age of twenty to twenty-two years he worked in a printing office at Danville. He was then variously employed until June, 1863, when lie enlisted as a private in Company B, One Hundred and Seventeenth Indiana Infantry, for six months, and served iu Kentucky and Eastern Tennessee. The Colonel of his regiment was Thomas J. Brady of Star Route fame. After his discharge at the expiration of his term of service he returned to Danville and worI;ed mostly at thecarpenter's trade until April, 18^2, when he became Deputy Auditor under "W". M. Hess, and served as such until April, 1875. He was then employed as bookkeeper in the bank of the Danville Banking Company until November, 1879, when, having been elected Auditor of Hen- d ricks County in November, 1878, for a term of four years, he assumed the duties of his' office. On retiring from the office at the expiration of the term, he resumed contracting and building. In October, ISSi, he was deputized County Auditor by County Auditor John Kendall. He was married to Miss Laura, daughter of the late Coleman C. Cash, of Danville, May 8, 1868, by whom he had one child - Jessie Pearl, who died at the age of nearly three years. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Danville, fle is a member of Western Star Lodge, No. 26,

G. A. E. He has served as Secretary and Junior Warden of the lodge, High Priest in the chapter, Eecorder of the council, and Sergeant-Major of the post.

Adrian A. Parsons, Recorder of Hendricks County, was born in Guilford County, N. C.,Nov. 7, 1846. His parents, Nelson and Elvira (Swain) Parsons, came to Indiana in 1852, first settling in Bridgeport. His father was a millwright by trade. Mr. Parsons lived with his parents in Hendricks and Marion counties until lie was seventeen years of age. He enlisted in the Union army in Company I, Ninth Indiana Ca\ airy. Dec. 23, 1863, to serve three years, or during the war, as a ])rivato. He was discharged at the close of the war at St. Louis, Mo., in x\ugu3t, 1865, having participated in numerous battles £.nd skirmishes during Hood's raid in Tennessee. After his discliarire he returned to Washington Township, Hendricks County, and being disabled by a gunshot wound received at the battle of Spring Hill, Tonn., he attended the Danville Academy two, years £.nd the Earlham College at Richmond, Ind., one term, when^ having expended all his money, he taught school during the winters and worked on farms in the summer seasons until 1872. He then engaged solely in farming in Washington Township till 1876 when he added bee-keeping to his farming pursuits. In tlie fall of 1882 he was elected on the Republican ticket Recorder of Hendricks County for a term of four years, which uffice he still holds. April 10, 1870, he was married to Miss Mary M., daughter of ]>aruey and Hannah (Gossett) Fox, of Washington Township, Hend .icks County. They have six cliil- ; dren - Lester, Norman, Ethel, William, Edith and Gilbert. He is ' a member of Jesse S. Ogden Poit, No. 164, G. A. R.

H. and and Mary (Clark) Pierson. His mother died when he was an infant, and at the aoje of ten 3'ears he came witli his fatlier to Danville, where he attended the public school until lie was fourteen years of age. At that age he began to provide for himself by working by the month, and when he was sixteen he began working in a saw-mill with his father during the summers and attending; school 'u\ the winters till he was twenty years old. He then clerked in Indianapolis one year and in 1S77 returned to Diinville, where he was employed in John Alisler's heading factory for a short time. Mr. Misler then placed him in his drug store as clerk, where he was enii.iloyed by him and by his successor, J. M. lioach, several months, when in August, 1S7S, he purchased the drug store of Mr. R'jach and establishe'' his present business. He was married April 3, ISSJr, to Miss Madie McKee, of Center Township, Hendricks County. They have an infant daughter - Euth Alice. Mr. Pierson is a Kniglit of Pythias and has passed all the chairs of Danville Lodge, No. 4S, and is a member of the Grand Lodge of the State of Indiana.

Charles Ji. Boss, a retired farmer of Danville, was born in Mercer County, Ky., March 7, 1806, the youngest of two sons of Charles and Mary (Lewis) Rose. He was reared a farmer at his brother's home, and Sept. 3, 1S39, lie married Barthena P., only daughter of Isaac Alitcliell, of Mercer County, Ky. She was born July IS, 1S05. and died at Danville, Ind., April 19, ISSO. Mr. Pose engaged in agriculture for himself in 1S2S on a small farm in Mercer County, given him by his father, on which he lived until 1S36, when, losing his property, he rented land in the same county where he farmed till ISoO. lie then removed with his family to Indiana, where he purchased a farm of 135 acres in Eel River Township, Hendricks County, on which he farmed for eight years, when he exchanged his farm for one in Center Township near Danville, known as the J3il!y Blanton fann, containing 172 acres, on which he lived eight years. In 1866 he retired from fiirming and became a permanent resident of Danville, where until lately he has dealt and traded in real estate. In 185i he was elected one of the County Commissioners of Hendricks County for a term of three years, and re-elected in 18-57, but at the end of one year lie resigned, having sold out and removed from that part of the county. He has four children living - M. H. Rose, M. D., of Thorntown, Ind., who served as a surgeon in the Union army through all the late war; B. M. Rose, who served four years as a private in the Union army;

Elizabeth Ann, wife of W. A. Caldwell, of Kentuckj; and Mollie R., widow of the late Dr. John T. "Warner, of Neosha Falls. Zilpha died at Danville in 1S75, aged twenty-nine years; Charles Dwight died in the army atKnoxville; Tenn., in 1863, aged nineteen year's; William died in Kentucky, aged twenty-two months, and Leslie died near Danville in 1SG2, aged fourteen years. Mr. Rose and his entire family are members of the Presbyterian church of Danville. Politically he is a Republican.

Robertson O. Sussell was born in Guilford County, iST. C, Sept. 15, ISll. In his twentieth year he came to Indiana on a prospecting tour and about two years later settled in Danville, Hendricks Count}^ in 1S32. He being a carpenter followed that trade till 1S12, when he turned his attention to farming. He purchased his present farm in 1S37, and has resided on it and pursued farming since 1844. He came to Danville with limited means but by perseverance and economy he is now the owner of alai-ge property in Danville and in Center Township. In 1S35 he was married to Alice Bonfield, a native of Clark County, Ky., and a daughter of ?.[crecu and Susan (Hardesty) Bonfield, who came to this county in 1833. They have two children living - Martha, wife of Simeon Tcmplin, of Center Township, and John C, a farmer in Center Township. One child, Susan, died in August, 1846, aged over one year. Mr. and Mrs. Russell have been members of the Methodist Episcopal church over fifty years. He was one of the first Board of Trustees and helped build the first church in Danville. Besides serving as Trustee eight years he has served several years as Steward. He has also filled the office of School Trustee for Center Township. In politics he affiliates with the Republican party but was originally a Whig.

J. E. Skeirill, publisher of educational, religious and subscription books, was born on a farm in Jefferson Township, Putnam Co., Ind., Jan. 19, 1S52, a son of James W. and Mary C. (Denny) Sherrill. He received his early education at the district school and afterward attended the Ladoga Seminary and the Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, and at Ladoga and Danville, Ind. At the age of seventeen he began teaching in the district schools of JefTerson Township, which he followed about ten winters. In March, 1S7S, he began to publish the "Normal Teacher," a journal devoted to the use of public schools, the first two numbers being published at Ladoga, Ind. In the following May he removed to Danville, where he published the '- iSTormal Teacher" until August, 1884, when he sold it to Prof. ^Y. H. F. Henry, of Indianapolis. In the meantime he has added to his publications a series of educational, religious and subscription books, and carries on an extensive business at Danville. Feb. 13, 1S79, he was married to Miss Annie, daughter of H. K. Mitchell, of New Philadelphia, Ohio. They have two children - Gail and Cidney Dee. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist church and his wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church.

Gustavus L. Spillman, Prof, of Languages in the Central Normal College at Danville, was born in Zurich, Switzerland, Nov. 6, 1855. His parents emigrating to America in 1856 he was left in his grandmother's charge till May, 1SG7. He then came with his grandmother to the United States and joined his parents at Tell City, Perry Co., Ind., remaining with them till reaching his majority. He attended scliool in tiie old^ country, and afterward the schools of Tell City. In January, 1877, he entered tlie Normal School at Yalparaiso, Ind., attending it till the summer of 1878. He then tauglit the German language in tlie schools of Eockport, Ind., until tlie summer of 1880, when he entered the Central Normal College as a student, and teacher of German. He graduated from that institution in the scieiititic class of ISSI and in the classic course in the class of 1882, since which he has held the position of teacher of the languages. Nov. 13, 1S82, he was married to Miss Lottie Peterson, of Tipton, Ind. She is a native of Sweden, and came to America in 1869 with her parents, Gustavus and Gustava (Gabrialson) Peterson. She graduated from the Tipton High School in the class of 1S7S. Mr. and Mrs. Spillmaii have one child named Stella Cornelia. He is a member of Tell City Lodge, No. 206, I. O. 0. F., and a member of the Evangelical church at Tell City, and his wife belongs to the Presbyterian church of Dauville.

Bennett Siczln, only son of John and Matilda (Darnell) Swain, was born oil the homestead in Center Township, Hendricks Co., Ind., Nov. 21, 1837. His birthplace has always been his home, he owning all of the homestead but forty acres. He is one of the enterprising citizens of the tov/uship, and an industrious and prosperous farmer. He was married in Montgomery County, Ind., Oct. 21, 1S61, to Jemima J.. Cht-lwick, a native of Montgomery County, Ind., born March 29,1838, daugiiter ot Jehu andPeninnah Chadwick, early settlers of Montgomery County. Her father died May 7, 1S79, and her mother is still living on the homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Swain are members of the Eapiist church.

History Of Hkndricks Codntv

John Sioain, deceased, was one of the pioneers of Hendricks Conntj. He was born in Fleming County, Ky., Dec. 22, ISll. He was reared in his native county and in November, 1831, came to Plend ricks County. In Januaiy, 1S32, he was married to Matilda Darnell, a native of Montgomery County, Ky., born April 2, 1810, daughter of Henry and Sally (Turpin) Darnell, who settled in Hendricks County in September, 1831. Soon after his marriage Mr. Sivain moved to Kentucky and remained till the fall of 1834, when he returned to Hendricks County, and settled on 160 acres of land on section 22, Center Township, which had been entered by Mr. Darnell and presented to Air. and Mrs. Swain. Of this land Mr. Swain made a fine farm, where he resided till his death, A])ril 23, 1871, aged fifty-nine years four months and one dav. Mrs. Swain still lives on the homestead. To them were born three children, but two of whom are living - Elizabeth, widow of John Turpin, of Sangamon County, 111., and Bennett. Eliza married Samuel Williams, and diec Dec. 28, 1859. Mrs. Swain's parents made Center Township. their home till death. The father died in 1846 and the mother in 1854. The family adhere to the faith of the Baptist church.

Jeremiah Tindei\ deceased, was born in Woodford County, Kj., Nov. 19, 1808. He was married Jan. 27, 1831, to Catherine Radford, and to them were born five children, all of whom are livino- - ^meon Dudley, in Platte County, Mo.; Jolin William, and James Franklin, of Hendricks County, Ind.; Huldah Jane, wife of W. E. Crawford, living in Labette County, Kan., and Samuel Martin, in Shawnee (bunty, Kan. Mrs. Tinder died in 1841, and Mr. Tinder was married to Mrs. Delilali Ann Wells, of Kentucky, April 2, 1843. To this union were born two children - Annie E. and Jei-emiah, both deceased. Mr. Tinder came to this county in 1834, settling in Marion Township, near Danville, where he lived till his death, Dec. 6, 1874. His father was a native of Scotland and his mother was a native of Germany. Their children were - Joel, Jesse, Jeremiah, Martin, Lydia, Dicy and Susan. On coming to this country his father first settled in Virginia, and from thei-e moved to Shelby County, Ky.

John W. Tinder was bor.i in Marlon Township, this county, Jan. 22, 1835. He obtained his education in the district schools of his neighborhood, and remained on the home farm till be was twenty-t.vo years old. He then married, Feb. 5, 1857, Laura, daughter of William F. and Jane (Crawford) Hamrick, of Marion

Township, and to tlieni were born two children - James Williuin, born ilarch 3, 1S5S; died March 9, ot" the same year, and Carrie, born Feb. 11, 1S62; died Jan. IS, 1S63. They have reared several children. Linnie \Vallen, now living with them, was taken at the age of nine years. After liis mariiage Mr. Tinder purchased a farm of eighty acres in Marion Township, where ho fanned till June, 1SG3, when he enlisted in the Fonrtli Indiana Cavalry under Colonel L. S. Shulerand served over three years. He was wounded in the leg at Bardstown, Ky., which disabled him for two months. He was engaged in the battles of Cliickamauga, Resaca, Mnrfreesboro and Jonesboro raid, and was mustered out with his regiment in September, 1S65. After the war he returned to Marion Township, where he farmed till August, 1S67, since which he has resided in Danville, where he owns a fine home and three acres of ground on Main street. He also owns 140 acres in Marion Township, most of which he has rented. Mr. Tinder and his wife are members of the Metliodist Episcopal church. He has held the office of County Commissioner by re-election since 1SI7, ins present term expiring in 1889. He is a member of the I. O. 0. F. fraternity, and has passed all the chairs of his lodge, and was representativ'e to the Grand Lodge one year. He has been Quartermaster of the Ct. a. R. Post since its origin in 1SS3.

Elder Erasmm D. Thoiiias was born in Harrison Township, Fayette County, Ind., Nov. 13, 1S21. He was reared a farmer, receiving his early education in the schools of his native couutj-. When nineteen years of age he began teaching school and taught in his own district tlireo winters. He was married March 16, 1843, to /Mary G. Thompson, a native of Warren County, Ohio, born Feb. 17, 1825, daughter of Wilson Thompson, a minister of the Regular Baptist churcii, and widely known for his successful ministry and prominent work in jjolitical circles, being two terms a member of the Indiana Legislature, and at one time a candidate for Congress from his district. After his marriage Mr. Thomas engaged in farming in Fayette and Tipton counties for seven years. In 18-19 he embraced Christianity, and utiited with the Regular Baptist church. He very soon felt it his duty to devote his life to the work of his divine Master, and began preparatory studies for the ministry. In May, 1S51, he was ordained at Williams Creek church, Fayette County, and the ne.xt two years were spent in that county. In the fall of 1853 he was called to the pastorate of the church at BigRun, Marion Co. , Ind., and now for a period of nearjl ii)i '^llf. r ly thirty-two years he has liad charge of that parish, although at the same time he has had the care of other churches. He now has charge of four - Big Run, Mount Pleasant, Danville and Palestine. He lived in Fraidclin Township, Marion County, till October, 1SG3, when he mnved to Hendricks County, and has since lived in Center Township, on section 30, where he owns a good farm of 140 acres, which is carried on by his sons. His wife died May 17, 1870, leaving a family of ten children - John A., a minister of the Christian church, located at Columbus, Ohio; Charles, an attorney of Bedford, Iowa; Lewis E., a minister of the Regular Baptist church, at Ashley, Ohio; "William, of Eel River Township; Albert M., with his father; Erasmus W., of this township; Edward D., of California; Marshall, at home; Mrs. Phcebe E. Morgan, of Taylor County, Iowa, and Mrs. Hattie M. Tinder, of this township. May 17, 1871, Mr. Thomas married Mrs. Mary E. Holcomb, a native of Posey County, lud., born Oct. 8, 1845, widow of Tillman Holcomb, and daughter of James Rosborough. She has one son by her first marriage - Aubrey Holcomb. Five children were born to this marriage - Harvey C, Joseph (deceased), Frank W., Mary and Raymond. Elder Thomas is a son of David F. and Pha'be Thomas, natives of Tompkins County, N. Y., and early settlers of Fayette County, Ind. His father was a hero of the war of 1812. His mother died i.T Fayette County in 1872, aged seventyeight years, and his father in this township in October, 1882, aged eighty-eight years. His grandfather, iliner Thomas, was a minister of the Regular Baptist church iti ISTew York, and moved to Fayette County, Ind., in 1821, where he lived till his death, in July, 1830. He was in the active work of the ministry about forty years, and administered the rite of baptism to over 1,200 persons. Henry G. Todd, M. D., was born in Louisville, Ky., April 1 ISU, a son of Rev. John and Sarah (Soda) Todd. "When he was about thirteen years of age his parents removed to Charleston, Ind., and from there to Paris, Ky., about 1S38. He attended the common schools until his eighteenth year, when he entered the office of Dr. John B. Duke, at Paris, to sttjdy medicine, and studied with" him until attending lectures in the Transylvania University at Lexington in the winter of 1S30-'3L, after which, in the summer of 1831, he began to practice in Danville, Ind., where for fiftythree years he has been in uninterrupted practice, with the exception of one year - 1856 - when he lived at Indianapolis. He has for many years been a member of medical societies of the county and State, and was the first President of the Hendricks County Medical Society, whicli position he held many terms. In the winter. of lS49-'50 he was a member of the Constitutional Convention of the State of Indiana, and was a member of the House of Representatives in the Indiana State Lecjislature in the year 1854. Politically, he was oricrinally a Whig, but since the organization of the Eepublicans he has affiliated with that party. Sept. 18, 183i, he was married to Serena, daughter of William and Sarah (Richards) Ilenton, of Danville. They have five children - Minerva, wife of William M. Steele, of Reno, 111.; William Addison, a physician, of Chariton, Iowa; Laura, wife of Joseph Olieaves, of Rockville, Ind.; JMarshall, a druggist, of Indianapolis, Ind., and Henrietta, still at home. Dr. and Mrs. Todd are members of the Presbyterian church of Danville, of which he has been a Ruling Elder about forty-five years.

Jamea TF. lodd was born on the homestead on section 31, Center Township, where he now lives, June 1.5, 1843, and has always lived in Hendricks County.. His father, James Todd, Sr., settled in Center Township in an early day, and entered 200 acres of land from the Government in 1S3J-, the deed bearing the signature of President Andrew Jackson. James W. owns a part of the old homestead, and has been a successful and worthy descendant of his father. He was married to Mary Mitchell, daughter of Lorenzo and granddaughter of Hiram Mitchell. They have three children - Alice L., Amanda J. and jifaggie E.

'William A. Yawter, merchant, of Danville, Ind., was burn in Laf^.yette, Tippecanoe Co., Ind., May 22, 1858, the eldest son of A. J. and Elizabeth (Richardson) Vawter. His father followed teaching, and taught in various places. He was Superintendent of the Lafayette public schools five years, and Principal of the Baptist Seminary at Ladoga, Ind., five years, and in those schools our subject received the most of his education. At the age of fourteen he was apprenticed to Wright, Baker & Co. to learn the book and job printing, with whom he remained nine years. In November, 1881, having given up the printing business, lie went to Plainfield and engaged in the dry-goods business. In April, 1833, he removed his stock of goods to Danville, where he still carries on the business. Sept. 24, ISSl, he w,is married to Miss Alice R., daughter of Harlan Hadley, of Plainfield, Ind. They have two children - Cora C. and William B. Mr. Vawter and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Danville.

History Of Hendkice.3 Countv

George W. Wayland, dealer in books and stationery, and fire insurance agent, at Danville, Ind., was born near Visalia, Kenton Co., Ky., April 28, 1829- His parents, Joseph and Catharine (Shaver) "Wayland, were of German descent, and came to Kentucky in 1808. He lived witli his parents until 1848, when he went to Independence and commenced to learn the trade of saddler and harnessmaker, working as a journeyman at the sa7ne place till 1851. He then engaged in the satne^ business for himself till 1856 in Independence, when he removed to Lebanon, Ind., where he cari'ied on the business until 185S, when he removed his business to Jamestown, Ind. In January, 1862, he changed from harness and saddlery to a general mercantile business. In December, 1861, he was appointei-! Postmaster of Jamestown by Montgomery Blair, which office he held until Jan. 1, 1865. In the following February he removed to Danville and worked at his trade as a journeyman in the harness shop of W. H. McPhetridge until October, 1865, "when he established himself as a harness-rnaker and carriage-trimmer, which he followed till 1876, since when he has carried on his present business. In 186S he was elected Coroner of Hendricks County for a term of two years. In 1872 he was elected one of the School Board for a term of three years and was again elected in 1878. He was married May 2, 1850, to Nancy Kelley, of Versailles, Ind., who died at Jamestown, Ind., Feb. 20, 1860, leaving three children - Lucy, wife of F. I). Robert?, of Danville; Adelia, who died Feb. 2, 1857, aged three years; Calista (Kitty) still at home, and Confucius Lane, of Seattle, Wash. Ter. Mr. "Wayland was again married, Jan. 22, 1S67, to Nancy J. Barnett, of Danville. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of Danville, of which he^has been Class Leader nineteen years. He is now a Trustee, having held that position many years, and has been Treasurer of the Sabbath-school for the past fifteen years. He is a member of Silco.K Lodge, jSTo. 123, I. 0. O. F., at Danville, of which he is Past Grand.

Alfred TFe^sA^MS, a merchant of Danville, was born at Ci-awfordsville, Montgomery Co., Ind., July 25, 1840. When an infant his parents, William and Elizabeth (Britton) Welshaus, moved to Milton, Pa., where they liveu until his twelfth year, when they settled in Hendricks County, Ind.. living at Brownsburg and Springtown until coming to Danville in 1855. While at Springtown, he began to learn the shoemaker's trade which he finished at Danville. At the age of si.xteen he begi-.n to maintain himself and also as- sistecl his parents. His fatlier dying in ISGo, he wholly supported his mother till 1S77. In response to the first call of President Lincoln ho enlisted April 24, 1S61, inCorapanj A, Seventh Indiana Infantry, as a private for three months, and was on duty in West Virginia. Being mustered out at the expiration of his term of service, he returned to Danville and worked at his trade till June, 1S62, when he enlisted in Company A, Fourth Indiana Cavalry, to serve as a private three years. He was soon promoted to Duty Sergeant and then to Quartermaster-Sergeant of his regiment. Pie was discharged at Nashville, Tenn., at the close of the war, in July, 1S65. He participated in the battles of Chickaniauga.Allatoona, Franklin, Columbus, Selina, Tullahoma, Atlanta, New Market, and a number of others. He then returned home and followed shoemaking in Danville about one year, after which he carried on a boot and shoo store in connection with shoemaking. In 1S69 ha was elected one of the trustees of Center Township, which position ho held till 1ST5. In 1S7G he discontinued the boot and shoe store; being elected Treasurer of Hendricks County, serving one term of two years. He then purchased a farm in the vicinity of Danville and pursued farming until 1SS2, since which he has carried on the clothing and merchant tailoring business at Danville. In 1SS2 he was elected one of the members of the school board and was chosen Treasurer by that body, still holding that position. In June, 1876, he was married to Miss Emma J. Parker, of Danville.- They have three children - Gracie, Bertha and Sammie. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a Master Royal Arch and Council Mason and was'"\Vorshipful Master of the lodge of Danville for four years. He is also a member of Jesse S. Ogden Post, No. 164, G. A. R.

Charles A. White, M. D., was born near Salem, the county seat of Washington County, Ind., Jan. 4, 1845. His parents were Maximillian and Martha (Miles) "White. He removed with them to Hendricks County in the autumn of 18-51, locating in Liberty Township, two miles south of Belleville, thosi the principal business town in the county. He was reared a farmer, and received a good common-school education. At the age of nineteen he began the study of medicine in the office of Drs. R. C. Moore and L. II. Kennedy, at Belleville, remaining under their preceptorship about four years, entering Rush Medical College, Cliicago, in the class of lS67-'68. In the spring of ISoS he began the practice of medicine in Monroe County, Ind., near Eloomington. He formed a part- nership with John Dancer, M. D., of South Milford, LaGrange Co., lud., March 15, 1S69, with whom he remained for two years, during which time he took a second course of lectures and instruction at Hush Medical College, where he graduated Feb. 1, 1871, and was unanimously chosen by the class numbering eightyfive, to deliver the valedictory address. In April following his graduation he located at the flourishing village of Wolcottville, La Grange Co., Ind., continuing his partnership with Dr. Dancer, which relation was sustained until April 1, 1S73, when on account of the failing health of his wife he returned to Hendricks County, the place of her birth, and home of their parents. He located in Danville Jan. ], ISTi, having formed a partnership with Henry G. Todd, M. D., for a period of three years. From Marcb, 187S, till Oct. 1S79, he had associated with him in the practice, Wilson T. Lawson, M. D., since which t:me he has practiced alone. Jan. 21, 1S73, he married Miss Dee A., daughter of TolUver B. and Matilda (Gill) Miller, near Clayton, Hendricks County. They have had born to them two children - Geraldine Mas Miller, born June 14, 18S0, and Glyndon De Laskie Miller, born Nov. 1, 1881. Dr. and Mrs. White are meuabcrs of the Methodist Episcopal church of D.uiville. He was made a Master Mason in Ionic Lodge, at "Wolcottville, in 1870. He is a Royal Arch and Council Mason, has passed the chair of Worshipful Master in both the lodges to which he has belonged, which station he now holds in Western Star Lodge, No. 26, F. & A. M., of Danville. He is a member of the county and State medical societies. He served as a private in Company A, One Hundred and Seventeenth Indiana Volunteers, during the war of the Rebellion.

Samuel W. Williams was born in Clark County, Ky., Nov. 22, 1831. He came with his pareats, William and Margaret (Braley) Williams to Hendricks County in the fall of 1836. They settled in Marion Township, where they lived till lSi-4, then removed to Middle Township, where our subject lived till he was twenty years old. He began life for himself in Center Townsljip, buying forty acres of land, to which he has added from time to time, and now owns 300 acres of well-cultivated land. Feb. 25, 1855, he was married to Miss Eliza Sw.iin, daughter of John and Matilda (Darnall) Swain, of Center Township. She died Dec. 29, 1859, leaving two children - John W., of Union Township, and Sarah E., living at home. He was again r^arried Dec. 22, 1861, to Mrs. Elizabeth (Turpin) Craig. Mrs. Williams had one son, Charles, by her first husband. She was born Oct. 9, 1828. Mr. Williams was one of the prime movers uf the Grange organization in 1872, and was one of tiie charter members of Talbot Grange, No. 757, of Center Township, of which he is now Master; he is Past GrandofSilcox Lodge, ISTo. 123, I. O. O. F., at Danville. His parents were natives of Clark County, Ky., and are numbered among the worthy pioneers of Hendricks County. Both lived to a good old age; the father died in 1SS2 aged seventy-three years, and the mother in lSS3aged seventy-one years, both being members of the Regular Baptist church. Mrs. Williams' parents were Roberson and Eacliel (Powell) Turpin, both natives of Scott County, Ky., where they lived until lS34,whenw,thoy came to Hendricks County with a family of three children. They settled in Lincoln Township on a farm of eighty acres, to which they had added until their farm contained 500 acres. Her father died Aug. 33, ISSO, aged seventy five years, and her mother, July 31, 1880, aged seventy-three years, leaving eight children, five of whom, three sons and two daughters, are living in Hendricks County, one in Boone County, Ind., and two in Illinois.

Eldridge C. Wills, janitor in the Hendricks County courthouse, at Danville, was born in Liberty Township, this county, July 31, 1842, where he was reared a farmer and lived with his parents,/Vmos S.'and Lucinda (Tatmr.n) Wills, until manhood. June IS, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, Fifty-fourtli Indiana Infantry, to serve three months, and was out nearly five months on duty in Kentucky. He re-enlisted Feb. 13, 1S65, in Company E, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Indiana Iifantry, to serve one year, and on the organization of his company he was made a Corporal. He was mustered out at the close of the war at Indianapolis, Sept. 5, 1865, and after receiving his discharge from the war he returned to Clayton, Hendricks County, where he followed farming until 1869, when he worked at the carpenter's trade till 1870. He then engaged in teaming in Danville until 187S, w1ien he was appointed janitor of the Hendricks County court-house by the county commissioners, holding this position until 1882. He then held the office of Deputy Sheriff for several months during 1882,and in 1882 also served as City Marsha . In 1880 he was elected Coroner of Hendricks County, and served as such two years. In 1883 he served as Constable of Center Township, and in 1884 he was again appointed janitor of the county courthouse. Jan. 1, 1866, he was married to Miss Julia Bell, of Danville. They have two sons -

Charlie A. and Harry. He and his wife are members of Uie Christian chnrch. He is a member of Jesse S. Ogden Post, jS''o. 164, G. A. R., and has held tlie position of JMaster of Finance in Danville Lodge, No. 48, K. of P., for two years.

James A. Wilso/i, attorney at law, was born at Peoria, 111., Sept. 15, 1S54, and is the youngest son of William and Sarah F. (Hosea) "Wilson. His father having gone to California and not having- been heard from, was supposed to be lost, ho was reared ,by his grandfather, W. F. Hosea, of New Philadelphia, Ind., until his eixteentL year. He worked on tiie farm till he was thirteen, after whicli he supported his grandparents, by working in a stave-mill, for three years. After leaving his grandparents he continued to work in a stave factory uutil tlie fall of 1870, and during that time he attended school for the first time, working for his board. During the spring and summer of lS7i he worked on a fruit farm near Seymour, Jackson Co., Ind., and in the following winter he again attended school,^ working on a farm for his board. In the spring and summer of 1872 he again worked on a farm ia Jackson County, part of the time attending the Normal School at Little York, Ind. He again attended school in the winter of lS72-'73, working for his board as before. In the spring of 1S73 he attended the Blue River Academy near Canton, Ind. During the summer of 1873, while working on a farm in Jackson County, he broke his arm, which' caused him to be laid up till the following winter, when he was engaged as a teacher in a school in Du Bois, Orange, Brown and Morgan counties until the spring of 1881, and attended school at Blue River Academy or the Southern Indiana Normal at Paola, Ind. He also studied law under his brother, E. G. Wilson, and in the spring of 1880 he became associated with his brother, L. F. "Wilson, in the practice of law at Nashville, Ind. After he gave up teacliing, in 1881, he engaged solely in the practice of law witli his brother. In November, 1881, they removed to Danville, his bi'other retiring from the firm in May, 1S84. In connection with their law practice, he and his brother published at Danville the Hendricks County Gazette, a Democratic paper, until August. ISSij'siace which he has devoted his time entirely to his law practice at Danville. June 15, ls81, he was married to Miss Julia A., drughter of "William B. Cooper, of near Mooresville, Hendricks County. They have one child - Grace. Mr. "Wilson is a Master Mason. Politically he is a Democrat and is the chairman of the Democratic Central Committee.

This township was formed by separatina; frotn the north end of Franklin Township three tiers of sections of land, and taking off of the southeast corner of Marlon three sections, making for Claj- Township an area of twenty-four square miles. Tl;e organization was effected by the Board of Commissioners in ISio. Tiie surface is rolling, and tlie soil for the most part good; especially is this so in the eastern portion, but much of the western half of the township is only second-rate land. It is drained by the three forks of Mill Creek.

Obadiah, George and John Tincher, John Hadley, Joel and Jesse Hudson, AYilliam Benbow,Dr. Kersey, jS^ewbry Hunt, Abraham West, Nicholas Orsburn and George Hancock.

The following list of those who have held the several township offices, is believed to be nearly complete, as it is made from the election returns on tile in the office of the County Clerk.

Justices of the Peace: Robert Harvey, lS45-'50; Amiel Hunt, 1S51; Amiel Hunt and Alfred V. Coffin, 1S55; Amiel Hunt and William W. ' Wellman, 1859; Cyrus L. Stanley, ISGO; Robert ^K Harvey, 186-3; Cyrus L. Stanley, ISGl; Thomas Mendenhall, 1866; William P. Jenkins and A. Bundy, 1S68; Thoruas C. Mendenhall and Joel T. Tinder, 1870; Cyrus L. Stanley, 1871; John S. Roberts and Joseph Bandy," 1872; Thomas C. Mendenhall and Asa J. Martin, lS7i; Josepli Williams and Thomas C. Mendenhall, 1S78-'S2.

Constables: William Moore and Alfred Hunt, 1845; William Tincher and James Wright, 1846; Hiram D. Jones and James Wright, 1S47; John C. Gambold and Cjriis Moore, 1848; Cyrus Moore and John Riishton, 1849; James Crews and William Hatchings, 1850; Milton Wright and Thomas E. Harrison, 1851; A. M. Cleghorn and William Page, 1852; Joseph Me An inch and Milton Wright, lS53-'4; Joseph McAninch and William Tincher, 1S55; William Tincher and Henry Yount, 1856; Quiucy C. Tomlinson and John A. PJiillips, 1857; Quincy C. Tomlinson and Benjamin Hiatt, 1S5S; Cyrus L. Stanley and Eenal F. Svvaim, 1859; Alfred V. Coffin and Stephen S. Kitchen, 1S60; John A. Phillips and Stephen S. Kitchen, 1861; John. C. Gainbold and James Queen, 1862-'3; Himelius Kendall and Annuel Edwards, 1S64; Jason Tomlinson and Josiah Phillips, 1866; William M. Farmer and John C. Gambold, 1867; P. P. Thomas and George Smith, 186S; William White and Joseph Buudy, 1869; Stephen Climeworth and Zimri Warren, 1870; James L. Astley and Zimri "Warren, 1872; John Harris and Annuel Edwards, 1874; John Champion and William Stanley, 1876; John Champion and William Stanley, 1878; Lewis Shaw and Woodsoa Pryaut, 1880; J. A. Pohannou and John Crews, 1S82; W. H. Crose and John Crews, 1884.

The poll-book of the gener>i.l election, of 1846 (held at Springfield, Aug. 8) gives the names of 101 voters, which are here copiea, as forming a nearly complete list of the pioneers of that day: Peter Long, Wesley Hardwick, Joshua F. Hackings, Mordecai Samuels, Abraham West, Benjamin Picket, Caleb Hunt, Thomas

In political sentiment the people of Clay ItRve always been overwhelmingly Republican, and before the birth of that part}' they were as loyal to its predecessor, the Whig party. The township was also a stronghold of free-soilism during the days of Clay and Webster, and in the campaigns of ISiS and 1S5'2 many more votes were given to the Free-Soil than to the Democratic candidates. Following is the vote cast at each presidential election from 1S48 to ISSi, inclusive:

Histoky Of Hendricks Cotjntv

Claj' Township' is tlie smallest in the county, but is tlio most densely populated (eighty to the square mile) and has the most villages and ])ostoffices, which are five in number, three on the Vandalia line and two on the Indiana & St. Louis Railroad.

Pecksburg, which was named in honor of tlie first President of the Vandalia Pailroad. is near the east line of the township, on section 31. It lias one store, kept by Abraham Bowen, who is also Postmaster and. station agent. There is also a church, of the Lutheran denomination, where services are usually held every other Sunday. William Tinster preached for several years, and in 1SS2 removed to Mud Creek. At present writing there is no regular pastor, the last one having been liev. Mr. Keller, now in Kentucky. The congregation numbers about fifty. Sunday-school sessions are hold every Sunday, under charge of Allen Keitzcl. Pecksburg is not prosperous as a village, and has now but fifty inhabitants.

Two miles west of Pecksburg, on sections 2, 3, 3i and 35, is Amo, the voting place of the township, and a prosperous place of 200 inhabitants. It was laid out in 1S50 by Joseph Morris, and called Morriitown, which name was dropped for that of Amo by some of its classical-minded citizens. The first iiouse was built by "William Tomlinson, who lives yet in the village. The business firms of to-day are: E. B. Owen, general store; Cook & Masten, grocery and meat market; Thomas Mendenhall, grocery; Roberts & Marshall, saw-mill; Pearson_& Snodgrass,livery; GAY. McCloud, livery; I. PL George, drugstore and pos-otfice; A. J. Crosswaite, blacksmith and wagon shop; ^V. W. Ralstun, station agent.

The.handsome brick school-house was coinpleted in 1S63, at a cost of §8,000. There are four .-ooms, three of which are occupied. The teaclicvs for the present year are Joseph J. Doane, Mrs. JS^aomi Ratliffe and Miss Anna Hawkins. There are 150 pupils on the rolls.

is the oldest. They organized about 1S40, and built first a log church. This was speedily succeeded by a frame structure, which was used forty years and then gave way to the present structure, which was completed in the fall of 1SS3, at a cost of §1,500. Among the early members of this society were Philip Johnson, John Cosner, Annuel Edwards and Asael Hunt. Services are held on the first and fifth days of each week.

The Bnptist C/uo'cA was organized about the time of tlie war, and the frame church was built a year or two after, seating 400, and costing §2,000. Among the early members were Elijah "Wheeler, Harding Tinclior, Milton Bland, Hiram Bland, Samuel Hubbard and their wives. The first regular pastor was Rev. Mr. Edwards; next was Rev. Wilson G. Trent, and then came successively Revs. Moore, Sherrill, L. A. Clevinger and R. N. Harvey. The church has about 100 members.

The Methodist Enisco])al Church was organized in 1S67. The church was completed in that year, having been begun in 1866, at a cost of $2,000. Among the first members were William H. Tush, "Winlield Hiiies, John McAninch, "Wesley Johnson, M. "W. Cosner, John M. Champion, Harbert Fencer, John Gasper, S. F. Tincher, James E. Ralston, with their wives, Mrs. Martha A. Tincher, Mrs. Liniada Stanley, Mrs. E. Cosner, George "W. Fencer and Mrs. Nancy Newman. The pastors have been in succession. Revs. F. M. Pavy, B. H. Bradbury, Thomas Bartlctt, J. F. McDaniel, W. C. Davidson, Nelson Green, D. "W. Risher, Nelson Green Jesse Hill, J. B. Combs, Elihu Mason. The last named, the present pastor, lives at Coatesville, and conducts services here every two weeks. The present membership of the church is thirty-five.

the largest town in the township, having about 600 inhabitants, is situated in the western part, on sections 5, 6, 31 ando 32. Its business firms are as follows:

Isaac Eaughman, Coatesville House; James Brown, slioe sliop; John Brown, boarding house; J. M. Bourne, druggist; Bryant & Sharp, druggists; D. "W. Campbell, general store; T. L. Campbell, furniture; Henry Crews, restaurani,; Draper & Garabold, general store; E. R. Ellis, harness; Alex. Fetrow, saw and planing mill; Nathan Fisher, freight and express agent; Tiiomas Gibbons, harness; George N. Glass, photographer; Allen -Job, hardware; "W.

merits; Elias H. Marker, miller; "William Newkirk, contractor; D. W. Risher, postoffice and grocery; Robbins & Baughman, druggists; IS'oali Siler, blacksmith; "Wier & Tucker, drj-goods; Joseph Williams, Justice of the Peace.

TAe Methodist Episcopal Church has been organized nearly fifty years. Their first church was burued about IS60, tliat now used being their second edifice; it was built in 1SC3, at a cost of §2,000. The present membership of the clmrcli is 105. Services are held every Sunday. The present pastor is Rev. E. Mason, who has no^,' been here two years. He was preceded by Revs. J. B. Combs, two years; Jesse Hill, two years; D. W. Risher, three years; Nelson Green, three years; John McDaniel, W. D. Davidson and B. H. Bradbury. The Trustees of the church now are Tilghman Hunt, Joseph Williams and Abner Miller. S. P. Brown is Superintendent of the Sunday-school.

The Missionary Baptists organized their church in 1S71, anc built their frame church in 1873, at a cost of $1,200. The membership is about forty, and services are held monthly. The presen'. pastor is Rev. G. W. Terry, of Stinesville, preceded by Revs. Sherrill. Jesse Buchanan f.nd John F. Crews. Following are the church officers: Clerk, Jesse Harlan; Moderator, Harding Tincher; Treasurer, Darius Crews; Trustees, J. F. Crews, David Walker, Darius Crews and Harding Tincher.

Society

Coatesville Lodge, No. £57, /. 0. O. K, was organized Nov. 27, 1870, with tiie following first members: Joel T. Tinder, Wallace Snowden, Williaiii Lakin, William jSTewkirk and Alva W , Sanders. The present officers are: 0. S. -Newton, N. G.; J. N. Bowen, V. G.; J. G. Sharp, Secretary; W. M. Lakin, Treasurer, David Fisher, Warden.

i^ a small station on the Indiana & St. Louis Railroad, on section 30. It has about 100 inhabitants, and is fourteen years old, dating from the construction of the railroad through the township. In business at Reno are William Rammel, postoffice and general store; Jolm "Walden, general store; T. L. Hadlcy, broom factory; T. L.Gose, blacksmith; William Worlino, blacksmith; "William Crimmel, station agent; Jesse Alberson, shoe shop.

James N . Bourne is one of the wide-awake, enterprising business men of Coatesville, where lie has lived since 1876. For a time after coming here he was engaged in the livery business, but since Decfimber, 1877, has beenengaged in the drug business, in which he has built up a large trade. His father, William S. Bourne, was a native of Garrard County, Ky., and one of the pioneers of Putnam County, Ind., v/here he died, in Jefl'erson Township, in September, 1872, and where his wife still lives. They had a family of eight children. James N. is the only one living in Hendricks County. He was born in JefE'ers'^n Township, Putnam Co., Ind., in 1847. He remained with his parents till after the breaking out of the war of the Rebellio!). when he enlisted, in March, 1864, in Company A, Twenty-seventh Indiana Infantry. He participated iu some of the most important battles of the last years of tlie war, including the Atlanta campaign and Sherman's march to the sea; thence to Washington, where he was in line at the grand review of the army. He married Sarilda J. Hill, a native of Putnam County, Ind., daughter of Andrew J. Hill. They have had five children - Everett, Maggie, Bertha, James A., and Ralfo. Bertha is deceased.

County, Inl, born in 1844, a son of Luther J. Campbell, one of tlie early settlers of that county. He remained at liome till eighteen years of age, and in 1S62 enlisted in defense of tlie Union, and was assigned to the Eighteenth United States 'lufantry, and served six years. During the war his regiment operated with the Eastern army, and he participated in a number of severe engagements, and during General McClellan's peninsular campaign formed a part of General Butler's command. Alter the close of the war he served on the "Western plains three years, and there bad many thrilling expLTJencos. The regiment was stationed at different forts doing garrison duty. In November, 1S66, they were transferred to Fort Piiil Kearney, and were there at the time of the slaughter of Captain Fettemore and his command, the particulars of which may be of interest to our readei'S, as our subject Was directly concerned in the transaction. Mr. Campbell, as Sergeant, was detailed with a party of men to go some distance from the fort to procure fusl, and Captain Fettemore, with ninety-six men, accompanied them as a guard. They were considerably annoyed by the Indians, and when nearing the fort on tliL-ir return Captain Fettemore determined to turn back and attack them, while the wooding party proceeded to the fort. Tiiis was a fatal eiror, as he was decoyed to a ravine and at once attacked by thousands of Indians on both sides, and the entire party slaughtered, not a man escaping. After the expiration of his term of service Mr. Campbell returned to Indiana and soon after located in Cuatcbville and settled down to the peaceful vocation of a merchant. He has been successful in this branch of business, and is now the oldest merchant in the village. He has a fine brick store, which he erected in 1S77, and has also one of the best re^idence3 in the town. He has built up a large trade, his annual sales amounting to $40,000. He was married in 1S09 to Mary A. Allen, of Putnam County, Ind. They have two children - Lenna and Flora.

James Ch)'isty, section 29, Clay Township, is one of the pioneers of Hendricks County. He was a son of James and Elizabeth Christy, and when a child moved with them from Virginia to Putnam County, Tud., where they both died. In 1S2S he came to Hendricks County and settled on laud entered by his father in 1S2S. He has been a successful financier, and has by industry and energy made of his land a good farm and acquired a competence for his . old age. He has been thrice married. His first wife was Harriet Kinsler. Their only child, a daughter, died in infancy. His second wife was Kesiah Vice. To thetn were born three children - JMary, James A. and Robert K. His third and present wife was Nancy Flinn. Thev iiave had two children - "William Sherman and Charles. The latter is deceased. "\Yilliam Sherman was born June 5, 1S05, and lives witli his parents on the homestead. He is an industrious, enterprising 3'onng man, intelligent and well educated, and takes an active interest ip all enterprises of social or mental benefit.

Jesse F. Elrod was born in North Carolina, A.ilg. 29. 1S21, a sou of Joseph and Catlicrine Elrod, the former born in 1806, and the latter in ISIO. In 1S34- Joseph Elrod and his family, and John Gambold and George Fansler and their families left North Carolina to seek homes in the wilds of Indiana, and after a journey of six weeks arrived in New Garden, ten miles north of Riclimond, Wayne County. The father lived but two years after his settlement in the new country, and after his death, in 1836, the mother moved to Hendricks County with her family, and settled on forty acres of leased land in Franklin Township. She died in Co.itcsville, Sept. 10, 1877. The family consisted of seven children, four of whom are li\'ing - Jesse F., Barbara Ann, Charles and Joseph. Jesse F. Elrod was twelve years of age when he came to Hendricks County. He remained with his mother till manhood, and in connection with farinincr was engao^e'l in niillino' several years. In 1863 he bought the farm where he now lives, on section 31, Clay Township, adjoining the village of Coatcsville, which contains 108 acres of choice land, and is one of the pleasantest homes in Clay Township. He was married to Lydia Pursell, a native of Marion County, Ind;, born June 8, ISS-i, daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Strong) Pursell. The former lives at Tuscola, 111., but the latter has been dead many years. Mrs. Elrod died Sept. 28, lS8i, leaving her husband and children to mourn the loss of a true and affectionate wife and mother. The children are four in number - Samuel H., Charles W., William F. and Mary A.

Josephus B. GamloM^ of the firm of Draper & Gambold, general merchants, Coatesville, Ind., is a son of -John C. Gambold, one of the pioneers of Hendricks County. John C. Gambold was born in Pennsylvani;), in November, 1805. His parents died when he was a child and he was placed in a family named Green and with them went to North Carolina and was reared in a Moravian settlement. He was married to Nancy Sw-aini, a native of that State, and in 1831- they came to Indiana in company with Joseph Elrod and family and located in "Wayne County. In 1S35 he moved to Hendricks County and settled in Clay Township. In 1856 he started for Minnesota, and before reaching; his destination, at Delhi, Delaware Co., Iowa, in January, 1S57, his wife died. The family remained in Minnesota till 1859, and then returned to Clay Township, where the father died June 2, 1S70. His family comprised ten children, six of whom are living; - Levi S., Eri A., Louisa C, Mary J., Josephus B. and Cynthia A. Joseplius B. Gamboldwas born in Clay Township,- Oct. IS, 1839. Aug. 7, 1S61, he enlisted in Company A, Twenty-seventh Indiana Infantry, and served three years and two months. He participated in the battles of Winchester, Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg;was transturred West and participated in the Atlanta campaign. He escaped without injury save a slight wound at Dallas, Ga. After his return from the war he was employed by the Terre Haute and Indiana Division of the Vandalia Railroad till 1S72, and the next three years by Pierson, Fellows & Stanley, merchants of Coatesville. In 1SS2 he formed his present partnership with Mahlon B. Draper. He was married to Mwry E. Brown, of Putn;tm County, Ind. They have two children - Charles and ElIaE.

William Greenlee is a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born in September, 1830. His father, Abncr Greenlee, settled in Marion Township in 1829, and there he was reared and educated. He enlisted in October, IStU, in the Fifty-first Indiana Infantry, and served in the defense of his country three years, two months and ten da3"s, pai'ticipating in many iiiip(_a'tant campaigns and battles. He was in General Buell's command atShiloh; was at Stone River, with General Streight on his noted raid, at Franklin, and later with General Thomas at jS'ashville, where he was discharged Dee. 17,186-1. He returned to Hendricks County, and in 1SG5 bought the farm on section 28, Clay Township, where he has since lived. He is a model farmer and has one of the pleasantest homes in the township. He has been twice married. His first wife, Martha Bryant, is deceased. His present wife was Melinda J. Pierson,daughterof Ervin Pierson. He has had two children, only one of whom is living - Ernest, bora Sept. "16, 1876. His eldest son, Emerson, died in infancy.

MiUi'iiE. Radley is a representative of one of the mostpromi. nent pione^T fainiliesof Hendricks County, and is one of the oldest living natives of the county. He was born in Center Township in December, 1829, a son of Simon T. Hadley, the second Clerk of Hendricks County. He has lived in Clay Township since 1870 and owns a fine farm on section 32. He now resides in tlie village of Amo. His wife was Jane Phillips, daughter of John Pliillips. They have no children, but have an adopted daughter - Sarah.

Mordecal Hadley is a representative of one of the leading pioneer families of Hendricks County. His ancestors were early settlers of Pennsylvania. Subsequently one branch of the family moved to North Caroliny, another to Kentucky and a third to Massachusetts, for whom Hadley of that State is named. The grandfather of our subject, Joshua Hadley, was a member of the North Carolina branch, and was born May 23, 17i3. He married Ruth Lindley, who was born at London Grove, Ph., March 25, ITio. Their son, Joshua Jr., was born in Chatham County, N. C, Dec. 13, 17S3, the thirteenth of sixteen children. Joshua, Jr., was married twice. His lirst wife was Lydia Hiatt, by whom he had one daughter, who grew to womanhood and inari-ied William White, and died several years ago. ilr. Hadley's second wife was Rebecca Hinshaw, who was born in Randolph County, N. C, Feb. 20, 1789. Their family consisted of eleven children, ten of whom grew to 'maturity. In the fall of 1S3S they came to Hendricks Count}', Ind., and settled in Clay Township. At that time their tv/o eldest children were married. Mr. Hadley died Aug. 23, 181:7. As is characteristic of all members of the society of Friends, he was strongly opposed to slavery, one object of his leaving North Carolina being to escape the evils resulting from it. He was a man of decided convictions, strong in the support of what he believed to be right, and equally earnest in denouncing what he believed to be wi'ong. Pie was a well-educated man and for some time a teacher in his early life. His wife survived till April 19, 1SS2, dying at the age of ninetythree years. She was a woman of great energy and fortitude, and strong religious convictions, and a devoted Bible student. She was a frequent attendant at church, riding horseback when bet^veen eighty and ninety years of age. Mordecai Hadley was born in Chatham County, N. C, June 30, 1827, and was ten years of age when his parents moved to Hendricks County. He was educated in the schools of his adopted county, remaining with his pai-ents till manhood. He has been twice married. His first wife, Sarah Jane Clark, was born in Chatham County, N. C, in July, 1827, and died in October, 1877. His present wife, Susan Lindley,' was born in Chatham County, N. C, May 16, 1812. Mr. Hadley is one of the leading citizens of Clay Township, representing its most prosperous agriculturists.

History Of Hendricks Oountt

W. JV. LoMn is the proprietor of the carriage and wagon factory, Coatesville, Ind., one of the principal enterprises of tlie town. He is a native of Illinois, born in 1845. His father, "William H. Lakin, is a native of Ohio, moving thence to Illinois about 1S45, and in 1859 coming to Hendricks County, Ind., and locating in Plainfield, where he still lives. W. N. learned his trade of his father, and was for some time associated with him in business in Plainfield. He then went to Danville and remained a year, and in 1809 located in Coatesville. In 1875 he erected a commodious building to accommodate his growing trade, and in 1885 built an addition, 20 x 45 feet in size, as a storeroom for his carriages and agricultural implements, which is a leading feature of his business. He carries on a general blacksmithing business. He is one of the most prosperous business men of the town and one of its most influential and enterprising citizens. He married Louisa C Gambold, daughter of John Gambold, a pioneer of Hendricks County. They have one son - Otto F.

George TF. MoCloud, proprietor of the livery and sale stables, Amo, lod., was born in Lee County, Va., Dec. 27, 1811- His father, John McCloud, died in 1819, and in 1830 his mother, with her four children - George W., jSTancy, Thomas and Archlif, moved to Ilendriclcs County, Ind., and settled in Franklin Township. Of the family, Georgo "W. is the only one living. He married Eunice Bray, a native o.^" Kentucky, daughter of Henry Bray. To them "^QXQ, born twelve children, seven of whom are living. His wife died several years ago and he subsequently married Elizabeth Elliott, who died Jan. 14, 18S5, leaving two children.

Daniel Oshorn^ one of the pioneers of Hendricks County, was bora ia Hart County, Ky., in 1811. In 1829 his father, Daniel Osborn, Sr., emigrated with his family to Hendricks County, and settled in what is now Franklin Township, and lived where he first settled till his death, in 1839. His wife survived her husband till 1855. They had a family of seven children, two sons ai:d five daughters. Of these there are living Margaret, Christina, Daniel and Mary. Daniel Osborn, Jr., married Mary Broadstrect, a native of Clark County, Ind. She died in 1882. Mr. and Mrs. Osborn had twelve children, nine of whom are living, eight sons and one daughter.

£li Phillips, deceased, was one of the first settlers of Clay Township. He was born in Stokes County, iST. C, in 1805. He was reared in his native county and there married Peggy Cosner, who was born in ISli, a daughter of John and Abigail Cosner, who came from North Carolina in 1S32 and settled in Clay Township, Hendricks Co., Ind., where the father died in 1S49 and the mother Jan. 1, 1S61. In 1S33 Mr. Phillips moved to Indiana and settled on a traot of wild land on sections 33 and 3i, Clay Township, on which he lived till 1867, when he moved to Atno, where he died Jan. 1, ISSl. To Mr. and Mrs. Phillips were born twelve children, all in Clay Township; six are living - William; Pamelia, wife of Bennet Osborn; Phoebe, wife of William Season; Abigail^ wife of William Demoss, of Kansas; Jane, wife of John Walls, of Stilesville, and Arcade, wife of Dr. H. C. Summers. Mrs. Phillips makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Summers. She has one brother and four sis'ers living older than she. The eldest, Mrs. Alary Vass, was born Jan. 1, 1795.

Jonathan F. Phillijps, the eldest son of Samuel and Rachel (Newman) Phillips, resides on the southeast quarter of section 5, Clay Township. His farm contains 12S acres of valuable land, located on sections i and 5. He was born in Clay Township, April 16, 1S40. He remained with hi? parents till July, 1863, when he enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventeenth Indiana Infantry for six months'. He was discharged after a service of seven months, and in February, 1S65, enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Indiana and served till the close of the war. He was married March 23, 1S6S, to Makina Couch, a native of North Carolina. They have a family of five children - Alma, Lora, Aldus, Am.anda and Olney.

Samuel Pkillips, deceased, was one of the pioneers of 1836. He was born in ISOS, in North Carolina, a son of John S. and Sally Phillips, who emigrated from Forsyth County, N. C, to Wayne County, Ind., where the father lied, and in 1836 the mother and two unmarried children, Saiuuel and Sally, came to Hendricks County, and settled on section 4, Clay Township. Samuel bought a tract of land, but a few acres of which had been cleared of the timber, and on it a small log cabin had been built. This land he cleared and improved and made his home till his death, in July, 18S0, and it is still the home of '.lis widow and younger children. He was m.arr;?d in 1839 to Rachul Newman, a native of Pandolph County, N. C, born in ISIS, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Newman, who came to Hendricks County in 1837, and settled in Franklin Township, where they botli died. To Mr. and Mrs. Phillips were born seven children - Jonathan F.; Sasanna E., wife ot

Enoch Harlan; Lewis A. ; Sally JM., wife of William Shirley; John N., Oliver P. and Emery E. Mr. Phillips in an early day hauled a load of wheat to Lawrenceburg, which he sold for $9.00, the time occupiied in going and returning being fourteen days.

Simo7i Raimnel^ one of the pioneers of Hendricks County, was born in Franklin County, Ind., Nov. 16, ISlS, a son of Rev. Henry and Elizabeth P. (Heward) Rammel. Henry Ramniel was a native of New Jersey, and a minister in the Methodist Episcopal church. He came to Indiana in 1S17, and in 1828 to Hendricks County, and settled in Danville. He organized the first Methodist society in Center Township. He died Feb. 21, 1882, aged eighty-six years, one month and twenty-eight days. He was married three times and had a family of seven children, six of whom lived till maturity - Eli, a Methodist minister, died in Kansas in October, 1SS3; Simon; Elizabetli, deceased; James, of Nebraska; Ruth, of Illinois; Lydia A., deceased; Henry, deceased. Simon is the only member of the family living in Hendricks County. Pie is by trade a mason, and has been one of the most industrious and enterprising citizens of Danville. He has served as Justice of the Peace twelve years. He has been twice married. His first wife was Lavina Ball, and to them were born four children - David,- William, Eliza and James. His present wife was Cynthia A. Griggs.

'[Villiam Rammel, merchant and Postmaster, Reno, Ind., is a son of Simon Rammel and grandson of Rev. Henry Rau'.mel, one of the earliest settlers of Danville. He was born in Danville, in 1852, and has been a life-long resident of Hendricks County. In August, 1881, he located in Reno, and bought the stock of general merchandise of William Davis, and at the same time was appointed Postmaster. His is the only store of any importance in the place, and he has a good trade, his annual sales amounting to $5,000. He was married to Jennie, daughter of David Ha worth. They have two children - Otis and Clara.

Cyrus L. Stanley, attorney at law, Coatesville, Ind., is a son of Samiiel Stanley, one of the pioneers of 1S31. Samuel Stanley was a native of North Carolina, and was there married to Anna Bowman. They were members of the society of Friends, with strong anti-slavery principles, and not wishing to rear their children under the influence of that institution, ia the fall of 1830 they left North Carolina, and with a one-horse team came to Indiana, be- - ing six weeks in making the journey. Their family at that time consisted of five children, the eldest fourteen, and the youngest two years of age. They located near Kichinond, "Wayne County, where, April 6, 1S31, Cyrus L. was born. The same season they moved to Hendricks County and settled or? the east half of the southwest quarter of section 23, Clay Towiisliip. The land was heavily timbered with no improvements. Mr. Stanley erected a log cabin fourteen feet square, and began clearing his land, which he made his home till his deatli in October, 1850. His wife survived him but one week. He was an upright, honest man, of a quiet disposition, but decided in his convictions. He was in politics a Whig, strongly opposed to slavery, and was as conscientious in his political as in liis religious views. He had a family of eiglit children, all of whom are living except Barkley, who died in October, 1849. Tlie surviving children are Harvey, of Douglas County, Kas. ; Rebecca, of Dallas County, Iowa; Sarah, of Warren County, Iowa,; William, of Parke County, Ind.; Cyrus L. ; Levi, of Warren County, Iowa, and Anna Jane, of Huron, Dak. The second son, Barkley, learned the carriage-makei-'s trade,' and settled in Springville. He took a prominent part in politics; was a strong antislavery man, a member of the Iree-Soil party, and a delegate to the convention that nominated Martin Van Bnren in 1848. Ho died in October, 1849, leaving a wife and one child, the former since deceased. Harvey and Barkley were prominent in the early settlement of the county. Harvey was well educated and taught school a number of years. After reaching maturity he cleared a fsrm of his own, but in 1871 removed to Kansas. Cyrus L. Stanley has been a resident of Clay Township since his infancy. He has always given some attention to agriculture, and owns a fine farm. He was also for some time engaged in the mercantile business, and since 1870 has devoted considerable time to the practice of law. He was originally in politics, a "Whig, but since its organization, has been a Republican. In 1860 he was elected Justice of the Peace, and was re-elected i'l 1?64, but resigned before the expiration of his term, and in 1868 was again elected to the same office. He has also served as Commissioner of Hendricks County. Mr. Stanley has been twice married. InlSSO he married Lucy Elrod, who died in 1853, leaving one daughter - Mary Elma. In 1857 ho married Sarali Jane Bi-aun, a native of Ohio. They have three children - Eva Ettie, Ena Ethel, and Oscar 0.

mers. His paternal grandfather, Eev. Cornelins Summers, was a native of Kentucky and one of tlio pioneer Presbj'terian ministers of Nortliern Indiana. His maternal grandfather, Rev. Harvey UoUings, was a native of North Carolina, and a pioneer Methodist minister of Putnam County, Ind. H. C. Summers was reared in his native county, where he received his literary education. He began the study of medicine with Drs. Holman and Johnson, of Martinsville, Morgan Co., Ind., and subsequently attended, in 1872-'73, a course of "lecturas at the medical department of the University at Louisville, Ky. He then returned to Putnam County and entered the office of Drs. Ellis and Smythe, at Greencastle, and later entered the Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati. After being at Cincinnati two months he was prostrated with typhoid fever and was sick about three months. This prevented him from graduating, and lie returned to Indiana, and in 1874 formed a partnership with Dr. S. C. Monnet, and located at Amo. In the fall of 1S77 he returned to Cincinn-:iti and graduated in the spring ofl87S. Dr. Summers was married Sept. IS, 1879, to Arcada Phillips, daughter of Eli Pliillips, one of the pioneers of Clay Tov>'nship.

Abraham Williamson, farmer and stock-raiser, seciion 28, Clay Township, Hendricks Co., Ind., is a native of Somerset County, N. J., born Aug. 24, 1827. When he was twelve years of age he accompanied his parents to Ohio, and there grow to manhood. "When twenty-three years of age he came to Indiana and lias since been a resident of Clay Tov/nship, Hendricks Co., Ind. In 185.5 his fether-in-law, James Kersey, Sr., gave him forty acres where he now resides, which he has improved and erected good buildings, and now has a pleasant home. He was married jSTo v. 29, 185i, to Mary Kersey, daughter of James Kersey. She died April 29, 1879, aged forty-three years, four months and four days, leaving five children - Rachel, Eva, liuella, Lillian and James Claude.

Source changes here: from History of Hendricks County, Indiana, Her People, Industries and Institutions, by Hadley, John Vestal, published 1914; 6,129 words in this source stream.

Topography

In the center of Hendricks county is located the township of Center. It is in townships 15 and 16 north, ranges i east and 2 west, comprising about forty-six square miles. It is bounded on the north by Union and Middle townships, on the east by Middle and Washington, on the south by Liberty and Clay, and on the west by Clay, Marion and Eel River townships. The west fork of White Lick creek, its tributaries, and Mill creek drain the land within the bounds of this township, supplemented today by a very efficient system of artificial drainage. With the exception of the deep, precipitous valley worn through the center of the township by White Lick, the nature of the land is undulating and level. The highest elevation of land in the county is in Center township, gradually sloping away to the border. Woodland once covered this territory, but it has now been reduced to a minimum. It embraces a body of land unexcelled for grazing and of very high rank for fruit and grain production.

Early Settlement And Election

It is recorded that the earliest settlement was made in Center township in the year 1823. \^ery few people ever lived in this portion of the county until after the platting of the town of Danville, from which time it began to grow.

There was a general election held in Center township on August 7, 1826, votes being cast for congressman, senator, representative, sheriff and coroner. There were about two hundred people in the township at that time and sixtysix persons voted. The list of voters was as follows: Francis Barbae, Thomas Hinten, Richard Christie, Rlijah Thompson, Dickison Thompson, James Thompson, Jeremiah Cutbirth, Thomas Nichols, William Moore, George Moore, Thomas Shelton, Jonathan Wvatt, Nathaniel Kirk, Thomas (4)

Because of the location of Danville, the county seat. Center township today occupys in some respects the foremost place among the twelve townships of the county. In richness, in agriculture and kindred vocation, she is -not superior to all of the townships, but holds a high position and is deserving, of much credit. The taxpayers are loyal and willing to support any movement for the good of the township and consequently civic pride and intelligent interest in the country has gained a prominent place. The land surrounding Danville is very good farming ground and a visit to the numerous estates will convince the critic that the most modern and efificient methods are used by the farmer in the cultivation of his soil. The homes dotting the broad farms are attractive and equal to the home of the man with urban advantages, something which twenty years ago would have been believed impossible. Telephones, excellent roads, railroads and interurban lines, all contribute to the easy communication with all parts of the county and the state capital. Distance has ceased to be a factor in present-day life. The schools of Center township are of the first class, the religious life is pronounced, and behind all there is a spirit of good fellowship, progress and industry which prophesies greater and greater things to come.

In the year 1824 the first dwelling was constructed on the site of Danville by Daniel Clark. This structure was a log cabin. Immediately after the location of Clark's cabin several other settlers came to the immediate vicinity and made their homes. By the following winter there were quite a number of people living in the neighborhood - in fact, sufficient in number to start a school. The first man to teach here was Wesley McKinley. Doctor Garrett was the first physician to administer to the ill. A hotel, or rather, a log tavern, was opened to the public by Levi Jessup, the first county clerk. He was succeeded in this business in 1828 by Col. Thomas Nichols, who came to Danville in that year and became sheriff of the county. Nichols also interested himself in building houses. In 1829, he constructed, at Danville, the first brick school house in Hendricks county.