Clear Creek Township

Geological Formation

Base township is one of the best in the county for agricultural purposes. It has an abundance of low land, as it lies principally in the forks of Clear Creek and Salt Creek, the two principal streams of the southern half of the county. Between the forks the land is gently undulating as a general rule, and the surface soil contains an abundance of food for almost all farm productions. Along the two streams are rather precipitous bluffs, which, back some distance, gradually blend with the general undulating surface of the country. Immediately adjoining the streams are narrow valleys very rich and productive. The geological formation is revealed in many places - at quarries and along the New Albany Railroad principally. In places where the storms have washed away the surface soil, hundreds of geodes, comprising crystalline and butryoidal, are found. The railroad track at Harrodsburg. is 509- feet above the level of the sea, and at Smithville is 710 feet. This shows a railroad grade of 201 feet betweeri those two places. distant about four miles and a half. The altitude at Bloomington is 745, and northwest of Bloomington at the highest point of the grade is 883 feet. The track at Ellettsville is 685 feet above the sea. In the vicinity of Smithville, covering about a section of land, the Keokuk limestone makes its appearance at the surface. A little distance west, extending a little east of north, is the general overlying edge of the Keokuk group, lapping upon the knobstone. A short distance further west is the St. Louis limestone. On Section 2, about a mile northeast of Smithville, the geological formation is as follows:

Platycrinus, also stems of Scophoicrinus and good specimens of Geodo crinus indeanensis. The geological formation on Section 10 (Fee's farm) is as follows :

Argillaceous and cherty lnyers......--..-scecececsecererseesesereenenes ARE 10 feet. Limestone (Warsaw Division of the Lower St. Louis Group).........-..++. 25 feet. Limestone, Keokuk, light gray, with partings........-..cseesseseeeeeseeeeeeees 15 feet.

Entering the township from the east, it will be seen from the above tables that the first stone found would be the Knob sandstone; then a trifle west of the center the Keokuk limestone would be found lapping upon the Knob sandstone, and a short distance further west the Warsaw Division of the Lower Si. Louis limestone would be found lapping upon the Keokuk limestone. This gives the township both sandstone and limestone of the first quality at the surface.

The First Land Holders

The following entries of land were made in Clear Creek Township in the year 1816: Henry Burkhart, Thomas Grimes, William Anderson and Bartlett Woodward on Section 3; Adam Darling on Section 4; Robert Fields on Section 5; William Bigger and Routt & Brenton on 6; Fetters & Hughes on 7; Bartlett Woodward 160 acres on Section 10; George Paul, Thomas Grimes and John Musser on 15; Michael Buskirk on 17; John Vanderoot and Fetters & Hughes on 19, also Michael Harvey on the same section ; Jacob Mumma and Jonathan Lindley on 20; George Paul on 21; John Durham and William Chambers on 28: Samuel Caldwell, Jonathan Lindley 320 acres, and George Paul 160 acres on 29; John White all of Section 80; Jonathan Lindley and Fetters & Hughes on 31; William Carl on 32; William Craig on 33. The following entries were made in 1817: Solomon Lucas on Section 2; Thomas Hancock, James Cully on 5; John Scott on 9; Bartlett Woodward 160 acres on 10; Silas Woodward on 11; Jacob Beals on 18; Joseph Strean 320 acres on 20; William Chambers on 21 and 28; Samuel Allen and John Farley on 32; Conrad Hanson on 33. In 1818 the following intries were made: James Mitchell on Section 5; John Storm on 8; George Buskirk and Thomas Grimes on 10; William Waymore and John Storm on 17; Thomas Duffield on 18; Samuel Smith on 19; John Smith on 32; William Shields on 33; Elias Bruner on 34. Andrew McKean bought on Section 22 in 1819; Michael Myers on 2 in 1825; John H. Anderson on 4 in 1824, and again in 1827; David Scott on 8 in 1828; John Deckard on 11 in 1824; George Kimberlin on 14 in 1828; Edmund Phillips on 18 in 1824; Anthony Chambers and William Chambers on 21 in 1829; George Paul on 21 in 1829; Michael Deckard on 22 in 1824; John Scott on 26 in 1819; George Reddick on 28 in 1821; Elijah Elliott on 32 in 1827, and William Lemon on 38 in 1829. These were all the entries prior to 1830. Many settlers came in and bought of other settlers. Many others owned no land for ten or twenty years, and several lived in the township several years, owning no land, and leaving finally for some other locality.

The first settler in this township and in Monroe County, according to old Col. Ketchum, who settle in the northwest corner of Clear Creek Township in 1817, was David McHolland. This man whose wife is either now living or was a few years ago, at a very advanced age, came to the township for permanent residence when the State was yet a Territory, or in 1815. Col. Ketchum, who came in two years later, and was well acquainted with Mr. McHolland, often stated that the latter was, no doubt, the first settler in Monroe County. Of course the Territory now comprising the county, had previously been invaded by white hunters and trappers, but, so far as known, no white family, including wife and children, begame actual residents until Mr. McHolland arrived. l He was a famous hunter and supported his family mainly with his rifle. He killed numerous bears in various portions of the county, often under circumstances of great personal peril. His wife always boasted of, having baked the first corn pone in Monroe County, and was, no doubt, justified by facts in doing so. The McHollands cultivated an acre or two of ground, upon which they squatted, and after a few years went to the northwestern part of the county, where they continued to reside many years. The name of the second settler in this township cannot be indicated. Bartlett Woodward came to the township in 1816, and entered considerable land upon which he erected a rude log cabin for his family, which either came out the same fall or the next spring. Several families were residing in the township at this time. Mr. Woodward became a prominent citizen, and was elected one of the first County Commissioners of the county in 1818. Col. Ketchum built a grist mill on Clear Creek as early as 1818, which for mang vears was famons in all the surrounding country. Green's mill was asther one; Chambers and Shirley each owned early water mills. Thé Taylors probably sent the first flat-boat loaded with pork, grain, etc., down either Clear or Salt Creeks from Monroe County. They built their own boats, and knew how to manage them on their way to Southern markets. The Chambers brothers also sent early boats of pork and grain down the creeks. Col. Ketchum was about as early in shipping pork, grain, flour, etc., as any one in the township or county. He also shipped lumber. Later, Elias Bruner shipped cherry and other finer varieties of lumber down the creeks. These were some of the early enterprises in Clear Creek Township.

The village of Harrodsburg, now third in population and importance in the county, was laid out by Alexander Buchanan, proprietor, and John Sedwick, surveyor, in December, 1836, on the northeast corner of the routhwest quarter of Section 29, Township T north, Range 1 west. Twenty-four lots were laid out, and Eee was named Newgene. In May, 1837, Levi Sugart laid out an addition of three lots, and at this time, for some reason unknown, the name of the village was 'changed to Harrodsburg. It is said that the first store was started by Berkey & Isominger, who took out a license in 1836. Jacob Corman took out a liquor license in 1839, paying therefor $25. 'Tilford & Glass early established a store in the village. It is said that A. & P. Carmichael, who were in the mercantile business at Stanford, were also in Harrodsburg. Mr. Berkey bought a lot conditionally in the town before it was laid out.» The early families of the village were those of Henry Berkey, Joseph Cranshaw, Job Horton, Samuel Baugh, Richard Empson, Alexander Buchanan, the Widow Cully and others. This was about the condition in 1844, at which time no store had been in the town for a year or two. In 1844, S. W. & J. D. Urmey opened a store of general merchandise, worth about $450, and the following year Paris Vestal also established a store. James Bentley was the first resident physician; he was also a pedagogue of considerable repute. Baugh & Empson were tanners. Rufus Finley erected a tannery about forty rods down the little creek at the village.* Vestal continued about two years, then sold to Moore & Baugh. Greason was Vestal's partner for a short time, as was also McCrea. In 1848, Vestal and Sutherland were partners, but after a short time each continued separate. James W. Carter was in business about 1849. Sutherland & Graham were together for a short time about 1850. 'The Urmeys still continued, with increasing business. Odell & Walker were in business about this time. Sutherland & Baugh were partners for a short time, closing in July, 1853. In April, 1852, Alex- were assumed by the senior partner. Henry Baugh was alone in business about this time; also W. N. Anderson. Among the business men afterward were Carter & Dunn, Mr. Waldrip, Julius Sues, Harmon & Buchanan, East & Deckard, Judy & Kinser, Oliphant & Pearson, Oliphant & Girton, Carmichael & Urmey, Oliphant & Woodward, Woolery & Wolf, Wolf & Son, Perdue & Wolf, Urmey & McFadden, Perdue & Woolery, Stevenson & Perdue, Woolery, Stevenson & Carmichael, H. C. Smallwood, Deckard, Anderson, Stevenson, J. W. Sears, Brown & Fields, Litzman, Deckard & Chambers, Kinser & Smallwood, W. Kinser, Granger's store, Strain & Woodward and perhaps others. Sutherland & Jones, beginning in 1853, did a large business in packing pork and shiping the same and grain down the creeks to the markets of the South. They sent out from eight to twelve boats each year and employed during the busy seasons forty or fifty men. The aggregate business per annum was little less than $100,000. This gave the appearance of great thrift to the little town, and induced many to locate there who otherwise would have passed on. Urmey & Isominger shipped grain by boat during the forties. The Urmey brothers did the same. Sutherland & Jones lost considerable money on pork, and were gradually forced from business though they paid their debts. Carmichael & Urmey in 181, began a big business in packing pork. The first year they packed 1,800 hogs. The business was increased so that forty men were employed, and as high as 8,500 hogs were slaughtered and packed in one season. Considerable wheat, corn and flour was bought and shipped also. The railroad had been completed in 1853, and this afforded a much better way of reaching market than by water. These, men continued the business until 1877, when they failed, by reason of heavy losses, and compromised honorabl with their creditors.

Among the leading industries which have flourished in the village was the distillery built and operated by Brown & Deckard, about 1865. Two stills were used, and the capacity of the distillery was about twenty gallons daily. Chambers & Strain were afterward the owners. It operated until a short time ago. J. M. Anderson conducted an extensive cabinet factory, beginning early in the fifties. Stipp & Strain built the present grist mill in about 1866, at a cost of about $8,000. It afterward passed to Woolery, Stevenson & Co., and finally to John Stevenson, who yet owns and operates it. A large domestic patronage is enjoyed, and a limited merchant work done. Oliphant, Woodward & Carmichael built the woolen factory during or just at the close of the war - about 1864. The building and machinery cost $18,500. Al the necessary help was employed, and the factory began to turn out considerable quantities of yarns, flannels, jeans and cassimeres; but the enterprise was started at the wrong time, and did not come up to the hopes of its builders. Various changes were made in the ownership, and at last the business was abandoned about three years ago. The village has a present population of about 260.

Fairfax was started at an early date, but has always been a village of modest pretensions as regards size. So far as can be learned, N. Whisenand and R. Wilson opened a liquor establishment there in about 1835 and continued on for several years, adding a small stock of goods in about

1837, and afterward increasing the business. Scarborough & Wilson opened a store there in 1838, and did a good business for several years. Helton & Houston began merchandising about 1840. The old Helton grist mill was built early, and considrable flour was sent by boat down the creek. Helton packed considerable pork, which was shipped away by boat. He continued there, doing a large business in his store and mills and factories, until the fifties, when he removed to Bloomington. A large amount of furniture was manufactured there during the forties and fifties. In about 1847; L. Q. Hoggatt became Mr. Helton's partner. The Redfields succeeded Helton. Since then, the village has been small and uneventful.

Smithville was started when the New Albany Railroad was established, in 1852-53. It was laid out in November, 1851, by Mansfield Bennett and George Smith, owners, on Section 8. Thirty-eight lots were laid out on both sides of the railroad. Mr. Smith probably opened the first store. He was soon joined by a blacksmith and a few families. Davis & Humphries were also there about the same time, with a good store. The business was lively: while work on the railroad continued. It is probable that the stores were started before the town was laid out, to accommodate the wants of the workmen. P. & J. Holland were also early at the village with a stock of goods. One or two stores have been in the village, usually one at a time, ever since. About fifteen families comprise the population.

It is said that the first school in the township was taught near the old Woodward homestead about 1822. This was a short distance south of the present Smithville. The school was held in a vacated log cabin that had been occupied for a short time by some family. Another early school was taught near Fairfax; and still another in the Rogers neighborhood. The Chambers were the founders of a school about 1830. In 1836, there were three schoolhouses in the township, and one or two old residences which were used for that purpose. In about 1840, the old log schoolhouse at Harrodsburg was erected, which was used for school and church purposes until about 1851. School was taught at Fairfax as early as 1838. In 1846, the township consisted of four school districts, two schools being held in District No. 2. During the winter of 1846-47, school was not taught in Nos. 1 or 3. The enrollment in District 2 was 53 and in District 4 was 25. The length of each term was three months. Twenty-two children attended in No. 4, and 34 in No. 2. All these houses were of logs. In 1856, there were schoolhouses at Harrodsburg, Smnithville, Fairfax, and on Sections 8, 11 and 29. The only frame house was at Harrodsburg. The old log schoolhouse at this village had been burned down about 1851, at which time a small one-story frame was erected to take its place. arly teachers in this frame house were Jonas May, Maj. Grimes, Luther De Motte, William Brown, Elzy Woodward et al. Dr. James Beatley taught in the old log house as early as 1844. He was a better teacher than physician. The small frame house was used until war time, when the present two-storied frame building was erected at a cost of about $1,000; three teachers are now employed in the Harrodsburg schools. William Neill is the present Principal. The township schools were greatly improved during the fifties and more so during the sixties and the seventies. The following is for the schools of 1880-81:

Number Actual TEACHERS OF 1880-81. of Enumeration. |Kind and Size of Houses. Districts. eli Adami ac..c.cceecens.<. NE eA A 1 63 Frame, 20x26 feet. OS Boat hovicce ct scccecacsacncanccvcoscacesseouscs 2 45 Frame, 20x30 feet. Emsley Houston............-ceeceeessceceesereesces 8 40 Frame, 20x24 feet. Smallwood and Lee. 4 50 Frame. WaS: Wells ansaa.. 5 40 Frame, 20x26 feet. Be Bonnell assada anae N ECERAN 6 28 Frame, 20x26 feet. FOR HamiltOnescacstcseccucncectetsascatcesedcacers 7 24 Frame. Nannie: Cormativcecs :ccccceecccccecores<ceccccsecters 8 25 Frame, 18x24 feet. Lisne Adame ceccccccccacesccnevacs ccc cocess spac 9

An early Baptist class was organized in the Nichols neighborhood about the year 1828. Among the first members were the families of John Nichols, W. F. Siscoe,. William Chandler, William Smith, Henry Landers, Henry Fritz, Alfred Coffey and others. Early meetings were held at the house of John Nichols. Another early class was the one in the McCrea neighborhood, among the members being the families of John McCrea, Jacob Zike, James Jenkins, Rufus Rough, Andrew Pickle et al. The Church of Christ was organized at Harrodsburg late in the thirties. Henry Burkey, W. S. Holmes, Andrew Holmes, Jacob Graybell, R. R. Richardson, Hiram Butcher, Francis Holmes, James Wright and John Kitchum, and their families being members.: W. C. Walker, Joshua Moore, James Smith and Robert M. Parks, and their families, were early Baptists at Harrodsburg. The Methodists Church at Smithville was organized in the fifties. The families of Joseph Davis, James Woodward, Perry Gater, Farris Howard, Daniel Ketchum, being early members. Rev. E. P. F. Wells was pastor in 1855. The Cumberland Presbyterians formed a class at Harrodsburg in the fifties, meetings being held at the schoolhouse. R. M. Strain, James Woodward, William Chambers, and others and their families were members. Rev. E. Hall was pastor in 1857. The Christian Church at Smithville had for early members James Fox, Matthew Floyd, John Hines and others. Among the Methodists there were Perry Gather, Daniel Ketchum, H. Barrett and others. William Leonard belonged to the Christian Reformed, as did H. Burkey, John Hornbaker et al. A Union Church was built. Other classes have been formed in the township since.

ALEXANDER S. BAKER, minister of the M. P. Church, was born February 12, 1827, on the western shore of Maryland, and is a son of Malden and Eliza (Culenbaugh) Baker. Malden Baker was born September 22, 1802, and was about thirty years old when he moved to this State and settled on Indian Creek. He raised the first tobacco raised in the county, and labored as an ordained local preacher. Alexander S. Baker was married November 11, 1852, to Sarah A. Johnston, who died July 11, 1865, leaving six children. August 16, 1866, he wedded Mrs. Nancy E. Hagan, a native of Rush County, to which union were born three children - -Elma, Hugh and Henry. Mr. Baker obtained his education principally by the tirelight at home, continuing his studies long after he was married. Mr. Baker is a member of the Masonic fraternity of the degree of Royal Arch; he is also a radical temperance worker, and an esteemed citizen, and an honorable conscientious gentleman.

ALBERT F. BENNETT, merchant at Smithville, was born July 22, 1848, in Clarke County, Ind., and is a son of Granville M. urd Parmelia J. (Jacob) Bennett.: Granville M. Bennett was a physician; moved from Clarke to Monroe County, and settled on a farm one mile from Smithville, practicing medicine until his decease - April 27, 1854. His widow afterward married Eli Wray, later moved to Jackson County, and died

September 30, 1877. Albert F. Bennett received only such education as the county schools afforded, but by home study acquired a fair education, so as to enable him to teach, which he did from 1874 to 1877, in and around Smithville. In 1877, be purchased the store of Dr. J. N. Warring, and has since conducted the business, carrying a large stock of general merchandise. May 19, 1879, he married Miss Isabel Gaither, a lady he had known sivce childhood, and an estimable member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. This union was cemented by the birth of one child - John M., a bright and promising boy. Mr. Bennett has made his way to success by his unaided exertions and inherent energy. Ia politics, he is a Republican, and is a public-spirited, liberal gentleman.

HIRAM BUTCHER, pioneer of Monroe County, was brought to this section by his parents, when two years old, and has been the pet of Indian friends and the playfellow of Indian children. He was born in Johnson County, Tenn., September 5, 1816. His father, Solomon Butcher, was also a native of Tennessee, a farmer and carpenter, who married Catherine Stevens, and they, with two children, moved to this region by wagon, purchased, 160 acres, and rade a good home and valuable farm. These parents had born to them eleven children. Hiram is the eldest of this family, and when a youth received but six months' kchooling, educating himself by the light of the fire, since which time he has pursued such studies as have made up for his early disadvantages. When twenty-two years old he married Amelia Beasley, of Lawrence County, Ind., and thereafter began life for himself by purchasing a mill, and afterward gaining and improving 300 acres. After bartering for and occupying various lands, Mr. Butcher purchased the Fairfax property for $9,750. He was not exempt from reverses, but now has a good farm of 140 acres. He is a Republican, was for six years Justice of the Peace, and made the law a study, as also the Bible. He and wife are, and have been for forty-five years, members of the Christian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Butcher-have three girls and two boys, all of whom are married.

WILFORD CARTER, merchant at Smithville, was born February 15, 1823, in Jackson County, Ind., and is the third son vf Benjamin and Nancy (Reynolds), Carter. Benjamin Carter was a native of Patrick County, Va., and in 1815 moved to Indiana. He was a father of nine children, the eldest son being the first man to settle at Seymour, Ind., where he is now a merchant. Wilford Carter began life for himself when twenty years old, his father having died in limited circujnstances, and by his integrity saved the farm and paid all claims. In 1848, with $100 and some credit. be commenced business in Dudleytown with James Stephens, which continued eighteen months, when he purchased the old homestead and engaged in farming. Soon after, he founded another store, in company with Mr. Stephens, at Tampico, and laid out a town on his land. In 1854, he purchased a half-interest in another business, and in 1857 commenced the enterprise he is now pursuing. He also owns 160 acres near Smithville. In 1849, he married Sarah Powell, who died March 15, 1870, leaving three children. August 21, 1870, he wedded Mrs. Martha McCormick, by which marriage they have two children - Mary M. and Ralph. Mr. Carter has been for four terms Justice of the Peace, and has united in marriaye many couples. He is a Republican, a temperance worker, and he and wife belong to the Methodist Church.

GEORGE GAITHER, farmer, Smithville, was born on the parental homestead, where he now resides, September 22, 1855, and is one of the family of Perry and Betsy Ann (Ketcham) Gaithor, the former a native of Kentucky, born in 1809. These parents married in this State, and settled where Ketcham's mill now stands. Mr. Gaither was'owner of 200 acres. He was for several years Township Trustee, a Republican politically, and died in 1876. Mrs. Gaither died in 1878. They had twelve children, and were members of the M. E. Church. George, our subject, married, in the autumn of 1878, Miss Mary Deckaral, a native of Smithville, to which union have been born two children--Kmma, and an infant daughter (deceased). Mr. Gaither bas a good home and farm comprising 115} acres, all of which is cultivated. He is a radical temperance reformer, a Republican, and he and wife are communicants of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

JOSEPH HARROLL, farmer, is a native of Virginia, was born March 7, 1826, and is a son of James and Mary (Thrasher) Harroll, natives of Virginia, also parents of seven girls and seven boys. James Harroll moved to Monroe County, Ind., about 1830, and settled near Bloomington, there being then perhaps three hguses. He lived for eighteen years on rented ground, after which time he purchased 160 acres near Smithville, and died in 1864, his wife preceding him by two years. Joseph Harroll worked for his father until manhood, and afterward at making rails for 37 conts per hundred; at railroad work for $1 per day, and later, as section boss for eight years. With $1,100, he parchased 80 acres, on which he commenced farming. Soon after, he purchased, at times, various amounts of land, which he sold. He now has 110 acres, all in cultivation, with house, barns, orchard, fencing, ete. In 1861, he married Jane Holland, with a result of one child - Arthusa J. This mother died, and Mr. Harroll married, in 1865, Jane Adams, who gave boing to four children - John, Samuel, Willie and Tabitha. Mr. Harroll is a Republican, a temperance worker, and a member of the Christian Church.

SAMUEL R. HUMSTON, physician, is a native of Lawrence County, Ind., was born October 19, 1846, and is a son of William M. and Lavinia E. (Glover) Humston, the former a native of Virginia, the latter of Indiana. The grandfather of our subject, Edward Humston, came from Scotland; he was a millwright, moved to this section at an early day and built several mills. Samuel R. Humston had a good common school education, and when twenty-two years old, began teaching in Lawrence County. and soon after commenced to read medicine under Dr. S. A. Rariden. of Bedford, and to study Latin; still later, he attended lectures at Ann Arbor, Mich., and afterward began practice in Lawrence County, then at Heltonville, and since 1872 has done a leading business here. December 6, 1877, he married Miss Sallie R. Rariden, daughter of his former preceptor, to which union were born two children, both deceased. Dr. Humston and wife are members of the Methodist Church for twenty years. Ho is Republican in political choice, and furnished the following statement: Distance traveled in active practice, 12,3880 miles; number of visits, 2,692.

DANIEL KETCHAM (deceased) was born near Shelbyville, Ky., in 1806. His father, Col. John Ketcham moved to this State with his family when the same was a Territory, and settled near Brownstown, whence he removed to Jackson County, and in 1818 to Monroe County, and soon after to the farm on Clear Creek, now the home of his youngest son. In 1836, our subject married Mary Worley, by which union they bad four children - Eliza A., John H., Francis William and Lizzie. In 1852, Daniel Ketcham moved with his family to Smithville, where he lived during his remainder of life. Mr. Ketcham was an affectionate husband, a kind parent, and an upright citizen. For thirty-five years, he was an honored member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in which he held several offices of trast. Religion sustained him at all times, and most particularly in his closing hours. When asked if willing to depart and if his trust was in Jesus, he answered affirmatively. He left this world September 28, 1877, in perfect peace. September 13, 1862, Miss Eliza A., eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ketcham, departed this life, a lovely and promising woman, whose loss is a lifelong lament. Mrs. Ketcham lives with ber daughter, Lizzie Ketcham, and her grandchild, Minnie, on the homestead. Miss Lizzie is a gracious and amiable young lady, untversaily regarded with admiration and love.

WILLIAM LEONARD, farmer and stock-doaler, was born February 13, 1817, in Paoli, Orange County, Ind.; and is the eldest son of Henry and Martha (Rains) Leonard, the former a native of North Caro- Jina. who came to Indiana in 1816. The grandfather of our subject was of Irish descent. Henry Leonard tirst located in Orange County, whore he remained two ybars, then went to Lawrence County for throc years, whence he came to Monroe County and settled in what is now Clear Creek Township, and built a log house; the place consisted of eighty acres of timber. After a period of about twelve years, he moved near Bloomington, and remained. William Leonard was reared with his parents; his early education was sparse, having attended school only in the worst winter weather; but he studied by night, and thus acquired considerable education unaided. He worked by day at clearing, plowing and the like, and also split rails for 37 cents a hundred, and paid a debt of his father's for $100 at $7 per month. When twenty-two years old, he became a teacher, at which, in conjunction with farming, he employed his time during the year for two years, and also attended schoo] at Harrodsburg; then returned to teaching, and taught in the Woodard Schoolhouse seven consecutive winter terms. January 5, 1843, he married Lucinda Grimes, whose father was one of the first settlers and the first grand-juryman of the township. After marriage, Mr. Leonard moved to Perry Township, where he taught a six months' term in the free schools. For this he received $90, sold a colt for $10, and entered therewith eighty acres of land. After the school term, he moved to the farm on which he now lives, of 108 acres, making in all, as land owned by him, 252 acres. He has erected a large dwelling, good barns, and has the same cleared and in good cultivation, as well as stocked with excellent cattle. Mr. Leonard was once a Whig, but is now a Republican, and was Township Trustee at a time when each township had such an officer, and was afterward Township Clerk for two terms. He is an upright man, an esteemed citizen, a member of the Christian Church, of which he has been an Eldor twenty years, and is now Sabbath School Superintendent. Mrs. Loonerd died August 1, 1873, after which he married Mrs. Nancy Boruff, with one son - Samuel D.; she is also a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Leonard has beon father of thirteen children, of whom six sons and three daughters are living - John H., a physician of Elkinsville; James T., a farmer; Alfred M., served during the war, and died after his return; William I., now in Texas; David M., died in infancy; Silas M., now in Portland, Oregon; Lewis O., a graduate of Bloomington University; Homer, now attending Bloomington University; Martha J., now Mrs. W. J. Taylor, of New Albany, Ind.; Nannie E., now Mrs. J. C. Miller; Lida, a music teacher in Portland, Oreg.

L. T. LOWDER, M. D., was born near Springville, Lawrence Co., Ind., May 6, 1846, is the son of Lynden and Mary H. (Short) Lowder, and is of English-Irish origin. The father of Mr. Lowder was born in Boone County, Ind., in 1816, and came to Lawrence County the year following. His mother was born in Greene County in 1819. His paternal grandfather was Ralph Lowder, a native of North Carolina. His greatgrandfather was John Lowder, a native of England. Dr. Lowder received a good literary education, having spent two years in Bloomington University. In 1870, he came to Harrodsburg and began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Beard. After attending two full courses at the Indiana State Medical College, he graduated in February, 1873. He then came to Harrodsburg, and here has since been in successful practice. He was married, in 1873, to Miss Alice A. Stipp, a native of Harrodsburg, and a daughter of George Stipp, one of the prominent and successful farmers of the county. To this union have been born children as follows: Daisy E., Rosa M., Mary C., Lindsey C.. Lillie E. and George. Politically, Dr. Lowder is a Republican. In 1864, he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Indiana Volunteers. He was honorably discharged the same year. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the order of Knights of Pythias.

CHESLEY D. McLAHLAN, M. D., is a native of Lawrence County, Ind., born October 29, 1847, son of Oliver and Sarah (Davis) McLahblan, and comes of Scotch-Irish origin. The father of Dr. McLahlan was an Ohioan and his mother is of North Carolina birth. The early life of Dr. McLablan was spent in attending the district school and in his father's service. He afterward attended school at Bedford, Ind., where he obtained a fair common school education. He enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Forty-fifth Indiana Volunteers, and served until the close of the war. He was honorably discharged in 1865 at Indianapolis. In 1867, he came to Harrodsburg and began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. Beard, a very prominent physician. After attending lectures at Chicago Rush Medical College, he graduated in 1871. Since his graduation, he has been in active practice of his profession at Harrodsburg, and has been very successful. The marriage of Dr. McLahlan occurred in 1871, to Miss Lizzie More, a nativeof Iowa. To this union has been born one child - Eva. Dr. McLahlan is a Republican, and for many years has been an earnest supporter of that party. Through his own energy he has made a success of life, and he has been the architect of his own fortune.

SIMEON PEDIGO, manufacturer and dealer in furniture, was born in Lawrence County, Ind., October 21, 1849, is the son of E. H. and Elizabeth E. (Nance) Pedigo; is the eldest in a family of three children, and is of English-Scotch lineage. At the age of seventeen years, he beyan the issues of life for himself. For a number of years, he taught school in the winter and performed farm labor in the summer. The marriage of Mr. Pedigo occurred June 15, 1876, to Miss Mollie B. Anderson, a native of Monroe County. To this union have been born three children, as follows: Clarence F., Annie E. and Verner Ross. In 1876, Mr. Ped- igo came to Harrodsburg and formed a partnership in the furniture and undertaking business with J. M. Anderson. This partnership continued until January, 1884. He is now engaged in manufacturing Pedigo's Perfection Washing Machine, under the firm nameof S. & W. S. Pedigo. manufacturers of the only genuine washing machine of the coming times. This machine is sold only upon guarantee that it will do all that its contractors claim for it, and, unless such is the case, your money will be refunded. Address S. & W. S. Pedigo, Harrodsburg, Ind., and they will give you particulars and references. They are gentlemen of honor and responsibility.

WILLIAMS. PEDIGO, furniture dealer, and junior member of the firm of S. & W. S. Pedigo, was born in Perry Township, Lawrence County, Ind., April 5, 1845, and is a son of John D. and Jane (Garten) Pedigo. In a family of ten children, William is the eldest, and is of Scotech-English origin. His father was born in Barren County, Ky., and when twelve years of age came to Lawrence County, Ind. In 1861, the subject of our sketch enlisted in Company F, Forty-third Indiana Volunteers, and was honorably discharged in 1862, on account of generel disability. In 1868, he engaged in the milling business in Lawrence County, and that continued eighteen years; he then engaged in farming, and in 1884 he came to Harrodsburg and engaged in his present occupation. He was married in 1866 to Miss Maggie A. Lowder. To them have been born five children - Isalene, Nora J., Oma S., Blanche and Ella. He is a Republican, and cast his first Presidential vote for Lincoln. He has 320 acres of well-improved land. He is a man of enterprising spirit, and an honorable citizen.

WILLIAM W. ROSS, merchant at Smithville, was born July 22, 1830, in Clear Creek Township, Ind., and isthe youngest son of William W. and Elizabeth (Barnes) Ross, the former a native of Maryland, who settled in this State in 1813, and two years after, moved to Perry Township, Monroe County, where he entered land, owning at his decease 320 acres; he died in 1875, aged one hundred and seventeen years. He emigrated to this section in a cart, there being but nine families in the county. His experiences in the earliest days were wonderful and varied, such as battles with wolves and hunting for game, he having killed five deer in one day, and many bears and wolves at various times. He was a renowned marksman, and n man of endurance and principle. Mrs. Ross died in 1853. They were parents of four children. Our subject married, April 17, 1857, Elizabeth Burnes, with an issue of four children, all deceased. Mrs. Ross having died, he married, August 5, 1875, Ellen E. Pane, of Perry Township, and by her became the parent of three children, all living. Mr. Ross is a Republican, and a liberal, benevolent gentleman. He has a clock one hundred and fifty years old, and a good timekeeper, which was brought by him from North Carolina.

JOHN D. SIMPSON, M. D., was born in Owen County, Ky., April 23, 1846, is the son of W. G. and Ann (Du Vall) Simpson, and is of English ancestry. His parents are of Kentucky nativity. His paternal grandfathor was James Simpson, a Virginian by birth. He died in Owen County, Ky., in 1868. The literary education of Dr. Simpson is far beyond the average, the major part of which he gained at Eminence College, Kentucky. In 1864, he went to Louisville, Ky., and for one year clerked in a wholesale commission house. In that city, in 1866, he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. J. A. Brady, a lead- ing physician. In 1868, Ke graduated at the University of Louisville. This same year he came to Heltonsville, Lawrence County, Ind., and began practice. In 1869, he went to Bellevuo Hospital, New York, from which he graduated in 1870, and then went to Bedford, Lawrence County, and resumed practice. In 1880, Dr. Simpson came to Harrodsburg and continued practice, and engaged in the drug business. The marriage of Dr. Simpson took place in 1869, to Miss Mattie Mitchell, of Bedford, Ind., daughter of Jesse A. Mitchell. They have one child - James. Dr. Simpson is a stanch Democrat and a Mason. THEODORE THASHER, groceries and general stock, Smithville, was born in Monroe County, Ind.. December 14, 1835, and is a son of George and Matilda (Hines) Thrasher, both natives of Virginia, and of German descent. George Thrasher, a farmer, came to this section about 1830, where he purchased land and farmed until his death. He was the parent of nine children, seven of whom are living. Our subject passed his early days at farm work and in attending school, and when twentytwo he left home, worked by the day for ubouf seven years, and then came to Smithville, where, from bis earnings, he was enabled to begin business, which he has successfully carried on; he is also Postmaster, and is an e8- teemed citizen. May 24, 1871, he married Julia A. Floyd, of Smithville, who died October 22, 1883, aged thirty-four years, the mother of five children. Rev. Hngh Stackhouse, pastor of Mrs. Thrasher, said of her: '' She was endowed with a mild, cheerful disposition, her life being marked by many Christian graces, and crowned, at its close, by the triumph of Christian faith. About a week before her death, she talked to her family and friends of her departure as calmly as though going away for a short visit, asking her husband to open the Bible at 2d Corinthians, Chap. V.; she read the first verse, and remarked, ' Yes; that's it.' The next day she called her pastor, that she might hear him pray once more. 'Truly it can be said of her that the world was the better for her having lived in it, and her influence for good will live after her." Mr. Thrasher is a Democrat, and a member of the Masonic fraternity. JONATHAN TRISLER, section master at Smithville, was born in Jessamine County, Ky., in 1880, his parents being John and Sarah (Waggameier) Trisler; the former a native of Germany, the latter of Kentucky. John Trisler was a farmer; and when Jonathan was ten years of age, moved to Monroe County, this State, and settled about two miles from Smithville. He and wife were parents of seven children. They are both deceased - he died in 1881, she about 1859. Jonathan was twenty-one when he began supporting himself by working on a railroad, and then farmed for four years, since which time he has devoted his whole time to railroad work, having been a foreman for thirteen years, and has, by his labor, acquired a good and valuable property. Mr. Trisler is married, his wife being Eliza Silvester; they are parents of five living children. Mr. Trisler is a Democrat, and a liberal, enlight- Ta citizen. Mrs. Trisler is a conscientious member of the Christian urch.