Delaware Township (part 2 of 3)

H'BRAHAM CAMPBELL is a prominent resident of the town of Albany, where he was for some time engaged in the hotel and livery business. He was born in Delaware county, Ind., April 19, 1844, a brother of David Campbell, of whom mention is made in this volume among the residents of Mount Pleasant township. In the

! latter township Abraham was reared on a farm and remained there until 1885, when he moved to the township of Delaware and purchased ninety acres of land, which he improved, and where he put up substantial buildings. He remained on this place until 1 890, at which time he removed to Shideler, and engaged in the butchering and hotel business, but in 1891 he removed to Albany, where he also became proprietor of a hotel, which he ran for some time in connection with the livery business, but has now sold. He has proven himself a fine business man and seems particularly well suited to the different branches of business in which he has been engaged, but, having disposed of his business in Albany, it is his intention to resume farming.

Mr. Campbell was married May 30, 1867, in Douglas county. Ilk, to Miss Mary E. Thompson, born in Coshocton county, Ohio, August 13, 1846, daughter of Charles P. and Nancy (Cullison) Thompson, to which union have been born six children, namely: William A., deceased; Nancy E. , deceased; J. Ora, Charles T. , Arthur H. and Hattie E. Mrs. Campbell is an excellent lady and a consistent member of the Methodist church. Fraternally Mr. Campbell is connected with the I. O. O. F., and is also a well known Mason. Politically he affiliates with the democratic party.

OHN P. HALE CASTERLINE. - The well known and pleasant gentleman whose name heads this sketch is the editor and proprietor of the Albany (Ind.) Journal. Mr. Casterline was born in Union county, Ind., in the town of Liberty, March 20, 1853, son of Dr. Ziba and Catherine (Elwell) Casterline. Dr. Casterline was a native of Washington county. Pa., a son of Ziba and Mary Casterline, who were natives of Pennsylvania and New Jersey respectively.

Dr. Ziba Casterline was educated in his native state in the excellent common schools, and at the age of nineteen years, began teaching, which profession he followed for one year, then attended college, received his diploma, and began the practice of the healing art in the village of Fairfield, Ind. He remained there but a short time, removing thence to Liberty, Union county, Ind., at which place he remained until the opening of the war in 1 86 1. At that time he entered the army as assistant surgeon of the Eighty-fourth Indiana volunteers, for three years, after which he returned to Courtland, Ohio, where he engaged in the practice of medicine until 1871; thence to Liberty, Ind., where he remained for three years. While visiting his son in Courtland, Ohio, he died March 27, 1874, and his remains were interred at Liberty. His first wife died in 1859, having been the mother of ten children, four of whom are living - Anna, the wife of Gen. T. W. Bennett, a prominent polititican who for twelve years was mayor of Richmond; was appointed governor of Idaho by President Grant, and then served as delegate to congress from Idaho for one term; William M., an attorney and real estate dealer in California, recently elected to the legislature; Cassius M. Clay, in the government employ at Washington, and John P. H.

Dr. Casterline was a prominent abolitionist, his home in Liberty being known as a depot for the underground railroad for runaway slaves. He was influential in political circles, a leader of the republican party, and fraternally was a Mason. He was also a deacon in the Presbyterian church, and it is related of him that one of his first official acts was to whip one of his brethern.

John P. H. Casterline was reared in Liberty until seven years of age, and then, on account of his father going into the army, he and his brother went to Cortland, Ohio, where he remained with his uncle Joel, and attended school in the country until his eighteenth year, working on the farm in the meantime. In 1870 he apprenticed himself for four years to William Ritezel of the Western Reserve Chronicle, published at Warren, Ohio, and remained with him until the spring of 1876, at which time he made a trip into southern Michigan and Indiana, looking for work. In 1887 he located at Albany, where he started the Albany Journal, and was engaged until June, 1891, in its publication. He then removed to Hartford City, where he started the paper known as The Arena, an organ of the L. M. B. A. . which he continued for eight months, then sold and returned to Albany, and in June, 1892, he re-established the Albany Journal, which now is generally conceded to be one of the best papers in Delaware county. He was married in Mt. Summit, Ind., September 24, 1884, to Miss Joan Hazelton, a native of Mt. Summit, Ind., whose parents, William and Elizabeth Hazelton, were also natives of Indiana. By this marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Casterline have been blessed with one child, Anna L. , who is now deceased. They are active members of the Methodist Episcopal chui'ch, and always take part in any thing that pertains to religious work. In i politics Mr. Casterline affiliates with the republican party, and fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to Anthony lodge of Albany, and also is a member of Valentine lodge, K. of P. , holding the office of K. of R. and S. In his boyhood days Mr. Casterline was the advance agent for the Rev. P. R. Van Housen, the blind minister, and traveled through eastern Ohio, north Pennsylvania and New York for five months.

Mr. Casterline has never proven recreant to the politics promulgated by his illustrious namesake, John P. Hale, one of the earliest free-soil advocates in the United States senate.

Bred L. CHILCOTE, cashier and business manager of the Citizens' Bank of Albany, is a native of Indiana, born December 20, 1866, in the county of Jasper, where his father, Mordecai Chilcote, had located about five years previous. Almost immediately after moving to his new home in Jasper county, Mordecai Chilcote entered the army as private in the Ninth Indiana volunteers for the three months' service, and at the expiration of his period of enlistment re-entered the service in company K, Forty-eighth volunteer infantry. This regiment saw very active service in the army commanded by Gen. Grant in Tennessee and Mississippi, and was engaged in some of the bloodiest battles of the war, including Shiloh, Corinth, the operations around Vicksburg and capture of that city, in all of which Mr. Chilcote took an active part. In 1 863 he was promoted to the captaincy of his company, in which capacity he served until the close of the war, having borne the part of a brave and gallant soldier from the beginning of the great struggle, until the cessation of hostilities in 1865. In September, 1865, Capt. Chilcote was united in marriage, at Rensselear, Ind., to Miss Lizzie Hammond, since which date he has resided in that city. Mrs. Chilcote died January ^5, 1865, leaving two children - Fred L. , whose name introduces this mention, and Gaylord, present principal of the high school of Los Angeles, Cal.

Fred L. Chilcote, after a regular course in the common schools, attended the high school of Rensselaer, graduating from the same in June, 1885, after which he followed the profession of teaching for two years. In 1887 he entered upon a thorough course of business training in the Eastman Commercial college, Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and after he graduated therefrom the following year became principal clerk in his father's office at Rensselaer. Subsequently he was elected city clerk of Rensselaer, a most deserving compliment to a man so young in years, and after discharging the duties of the position in a manner highly creditable to himself and with satisfaction to the public, he accepted the responsible position of cashier of the bank at Monon, Ind. He continued in the latter capacity until December, 1889, and in the spring of 1890 became assistant cashier of the Commercial bank of Lowell, filling the place very creditably for some time, later accepting a position in the Citizens' State bank of Rensselaer, which he held until the establishment of the Albany bank when he became cashier of the latter. On the 21st day of October, 1891, Mr. Chilcote and Miss Allie Kinney, of Rensselaer, were united in marriage, the fruits of which union are two children: Lizzie and Jennie, twins, whose birth occurred August 16, 1892.

The bank of Albany was organized May i 5, 1893, under the name of the Citizens' bank, the management being, D. J. Mann, president; James E. Stafford, vice-president; F. L. Chilcote, cashier; W. H. Maitlen, J. S. Krohn and W. B. Austin, directors. The enterprise was established under the most favorable auspices, and the high character and integrity of the gentleman connected therewith command the confidence of the public and guarantee its usefulness as one of the solid financial institutions of Delaware county. The careful commercial education and thorough business training, as well as the extended experience in banking, make Mr. Chilcote thoroughly qualified for the responsible position he holds in the concern, the officers of which, as well as depositors, imposing in him the most implicit confidence.

Mr. Chilcote was raised in the Presbyterian church, and while not visibly identified with the denomination, he is a believer in the truths of the Bible, and an earnest friend to all moral and religious movements. He is a member of Anthony lodge. No. 171, A. F. & A. M. , of

HRTHUR S. CLARK, a well known business man of Abany, was born in Decatur county, Ind. , August 22, 1851, the son of Robert and Frances (Kemper) Clark. Robert Clark is a native of Kentucky and dates his birth from the 27th day of January, 1816. His parents were \Voodson and Patience Clark, and he came to Indiana in 1840, and became a resident of Hamilton township, Delaware county, in the year 1859. Robert Clark followed farming very successfully until 1886, at which time he removed to the village of Royertown, where he is now spending his declining years retired from active life. He is, and has been, for many years an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church, votes the republican ticket, and is prominently identified with the Masonic fraternity. Of the twelve children born to Robert and Frances Clark the following are living at this time, namely: Sarah, Arthur S., Carrie, Thomas, Stella and Ralph.

Arthur S. Clark was reared on the home farm until his eighteenth year, at which time he apprenticed himself to a mechanic for two and one-half years to learn the trade of a machinist. Later he accepted a position with the Wabash railroad company, in the employ of which he continued for a period of fifteen years, and during the succeding four years was engaged in the mercantile business in the town of Shideler. Abandoning the dry goods trade in 1891, Mr. Clark engaged in the undertaking and furniture business, both of which lines he still continues, and in which he has met with well deserved success. He is a practical business man, has a large and constantly increasing trade, and is one of the representative citizens of the town and township in which for so many years he has resided. In his religious belief he adheres to the Methodist creed, in which church he holds the position of trustee, and he has for some time been an active member of the Odd Fellows' fraternity. He also belongs to the brotherhood of Railroad Firemen and Engineers, and politically is a stanch supporter of the republican party, the principles of which he believes to be for the best interest of the country.

Mr. Clark was married June 27, 1877, in Peru, Ind. , to Miss Carrie Bevis, who was born in the city of Zanesville, Ohio, on the iith day of August, 1851, the daughter of William Bevis. Mrs. Clark is also a member of the Methodist church, and a lady highly respected by a large circle of friends in Delaware township.

e^LIJAH E.. DAVIS. - In the number of esteemed and worthy citizens of Albany the name of Elijah E. Davis deserves to appear prominently, he being a most useful as well as successful resident of that prosperous town. Mr. Davis was born July 21, 1852, in Delaware county, Ind., being the son of Jacob and Mary (Cake) Davis. Jacob Davis was born in Ross county, Ohio, March 7, 1805, and was the son of John and Rachael (Daugherty) Davis, of Irish and English descent, respectively; who located in Ohio at an early date, John Davis dying there of cholera, in the year 1843. He and his wife were the parents of ten children, all of whom are dead, except one, Mrs. Sarah Vincent, of Black Hawk, Iowa. The father, Elijah, was the eldest son, and followed farming all his life. He was married three times, and died May 28, 1885, in the faith of the Methodist church, in

Elijah E. Davis received a common school education and remained with his parents until attaining his majority, when he began farming the old homestead, continuing the same until 1876, at which time he bought fifty acres of land of his own; he resided on the latter until the spring of 1892, devoting part of his attention, the meanwhile, to the manufacture of drain tile, and then removed to the village of Albany and engaged in the hotel business, purchasing and refitting a building which has since became widely known as a favorite resort of the traveling public.

Mr. Davis was married February i, 1872, to Martha J. Bartlett, born March 2, 1854, and the daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Mann) Bartlett, both parents of English extraction. The children of this marriage were seven, namely: Norman A., Rosie L. , Irene,

Lillie R. , Thomas C. and Cora M., twins, and Marth C. The mother of this interesting family departed this life February 24, 1888, dying as she had lived, a consistent member of the Methodist church. Mr. Davis was next married August 24, 1889, to Mary E. Beard, who was born in Wayne county, Ind., December I, 1856; being the daughter of John and Susan (Leisure) Beard. Mr. and Mrs. Davis are earnest members of the Methodist church, and take an active part in all religious work of the local congregation to which they belong. He is an accepted member of the Masonic order, of which body he has been in pleasant relations for many years. Politically he is a republican.

HBIJAH T. DeHAVEN, the honored subject of the present sketch, who has gone to the reward of the righteous, was, during life, well known as one of the most prominent citizens of Delaware county,

Ind. He was born in Frederick county, Va. , November 8, 1823, a son of John and Rhoda (Doster) DeHaven, natives of Virginia, of English descent. John and Rhoda DeHaven were the parents of thirteen children, of which large family there are but four now living. The subject was the ninth in the order of birth. The whole life of his father was devoted to agricultural pursuits in his native county, where he lived to a ripe old age.

Abijah T. DeHaven was reared on the home farm and learned, early in life, the necessity of labor. He was sent to the common school and assisted on the farm until he had reached his majority, when he engaged in farming for himself. Thirteen years of his life were spent in Greene county, Ohio, and in 1865 he removed to Delaware county, and here purchased property when the country was yet in its primitive condition. His death occurred October 31, 1891, at which time he owned over six hundred acres of land, which was well and substantially improved. This was the direct result of his own hard labor and careful financiering. He was a man of indomitable will and perseverance, and was ever ready to assist in any worthy enterprise tending to benefit his fellow citizens.

The marriage of Mr. DeHaven took place May 26, 1864, to Miss Martha C. Strong, who was born in Delaware township, Delaware county, March 25, 1845, ^ daughter of John W. and Clarissa (Rohrbaugh) Strong, who were pioneers of Delaware county. To this union were born five children as follows: Anna B., deceased, John, Frank L. , Amy E. and Jessie O. The mother and daughters are members of the Methodist church, and the family is one of the most respected in the county. Mr. DeHaven left to his family something better even than the large property, a good name, above reproach, and one of which his descendants can always be proud.

ARTIN L. DEPOY. - Among the successful farmers of Delaware county who have risen to wealth and prominence by the exercise of their own efforts, stands the subject of this sketch. Martin L. Depoy was born in Delaware township and county, August i8, 1851, a son of Samuel and Melinda Depoy, the father a native came to this county in 1836, located in Delaware township, and engaged in farming, which occupation they continued in until the close of life, he dying in 1865, and she in January, 1871. Samuel and Melinda Depoy were the parents of two children, Joseph and Martin L. Mr. and Mrs. Depoy were respected by all their friends, and they were many. He was a stanch democrat and a prominent member of the Masonic order. Martin L. Depoy was reared at home, received but limited educational advantages, and at the age of thirteen years began working for John Krohn, by the month At the expiration of his term of service with that gentleman, he farmed two years himself and then purchased thirty-eight acres of land in section 10. This was in 1878, and one year later he was able to buy forty acres more; in March, 1883, twenty-two acres, and in February, 1889, an additional twenty-two acre tract, 122 acres in all, well improved. He takes great pleasure in the possession of this land, as it is the result -of his own honest work.

Mr. Depoy was married April 26, 1877, to Niss Nancy J. Bartlett, who was born in this county, July 6, 1858, a daughter of Elijah and Mary (Mann) Bartlett, to which union four children have been born, as follows; Walter W., Olive May., Josie and Mary Melinda. Mr. Depoy's political affiliations are with the republican party, in the success of which he takes much interest. He is a holder of twenty shares in the Albany Land company, and since 1870 has been extensively engaged in the shipping of stock. This has proved very profitable under his wise management. Mrs. Depoy is an excellent lady, and a member of the Methodist church.

HSA DEVOE, was born in Greene county, Ohio, August 12, 1834; was the son of Joseph and Abigail (Ogglesby) Devoe, who were descended, on their respective sides, from the German and French. They were among the early settlers of Ohio, and farmed on a large scale; and consequently the subject of our present sketch remained with his father and engaged in farming until he grew to manhood. He was married March 10, 1859, to Mary J. Smith, daughter of John and Margaret (Burl) Smith, natives, respectively, of Virginia and Ohio. The father of Mary (Smith) Devoe came from Virginia when a young man, settled in Ohio, and there he first met the lady whom he afterwards married; she was then just fourteen years of age, and must have been very captivating and attractive, as the result shows. They reared a large family, the record showing twelve children grown to man and womanhood, and mentioned in the following order; Burl, William, Eli, Alfred and Henry, all farmers; Ellen, wife of John Ford; Sarah, wife of Lafayette Lucas; Elizabeth, wife of William St. John; Nancy, wife of William Mendenhall, Margaret, wife of James Clarke; Emma, wife of John Bosman, and Mary, wife of the subject of this mention. Mr. and Mrs. Smith lived and died where they had spent many prosperous, happy years; she, departing this life in 1849; he, in 1883. There were also left to mourn their loss Mr. Smith's two brothers and two sisters; William and Jerry Smith, both enterprising farmers; and Anna, wife of Andrew Stephen; and Margaret, wdfe of Ira Sutton. Mrs. Smith likewise left relatives to mourn her loss; one brother and four sisters in the order named: Marshal Burl, farmer; Elizabeth, wife of Benjamin Hardacre; Susan, wife of Alfred Powers; Mary, wife of John Lucas, and Debra, wife of Sol. Brainard.

Asa Devoe was the father of hve children, four of whom were living when this sketch was made. Viz: Albert R., manufacturer of tile at Albany; John B. and O. H., who became farmers; Rose, wife of Losan Peterson, and Emma C., deceased. In the year 1890 Mr. Devoe moved to Albany, where he had an interest in the tile works; and where his assistance became necessary to the undertaking. He was actively engaged until the last year, when he became disabled from work on account of sickness, and was confined to the house for some months previous to his death, which occurred December 18, 1892. When Mr. Devoe first came to Indiana, he settled in Niles township, where he purchased a farm of eighty acres from his wife's father, the land he had formerly bought of Jonas Peterson, who entered the same. Mr. Devoe lived here for five years, at the expiration of which time he sold, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land which he left for the comfort of his widow and children. He was an industrious, hard working man, a fond husband, a kind and loving father, a good citizen; highly respected by all who knew him. Mr. Devoe was assessor for four years and attended to the office faithfully. He was also a member of the order of I. O. O. F. , and he and his wife. belonged to the Methodist Episcopal church.

Wesley, all of whom were farmers. The sisters were Sarah, wife of Nathan Fisher, and Evaline, wife of John Ary. Mrs. Devoe now lives in Albany, nicely and comfortably situated, as the result of their early thrift and management.

ATHANIEL C. DILL, M. D. - The medical profession is ably represented in Delaware county, and when the association of physicians and surgeons of this favored sections meet, they represent a large portion of the learning and influence of this part of the state. Among those prominently identified with this body, is the subject of the present sketch. Dr. Nathaniel C. Dill, a native of Darke county, Ohio, where he was born September 8, i860, a son of Uriah and Rebecca (Morford) Dill. The father was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, was there reared to manhood and learned the trade of carpenter, which he followed until his removal to Darke county in 1858, where he remained until 1862. In the latter year he changed his residence to Butler county, Ohio, where he met with an accident, falling from a building, which cost him his life, in 1866. He was, like his wife, a member of the Methodist church, and for years was an earnest supporter of the principles of the democratic party.

Mrs. Dill, was a woman of great ability and superior intelligence. For nineteen years she followed the profession of teacher of the public school, and now lives a quiet, restful life, an inmate of the home of her only child, the subject of this mention. Dr. Nathaniel C. Dill was reared in Butler county, Ohio, and his mother took care that he should receive a good education. After finishing his public school course, he attended the Normal school for two years and then entered the Ohio Medical college of Cincinnati, from which he graduated March i, 1881. The doctor began the practice of his profession in the town of Riley, Butler county, Ohio, where he continued for five years, later spending six months in Florida for his health, and then acted as representative for D. Appleton & Co., of New York, for eighteen months. His health being restored by this change, he again began practice, locating in the pleasant town of Desoto, Ind., where he has since continued and has gained many friends, not only among his grateful patients, but also among others who recognize in him a pleasant gentleman, and an energetic and enterprising citizen.

Dr. Dill was married November 24, 1888, in \Vells county, Ind., to Miss Lizzie A. Carr, who was born in Butler county, Ohio, June 7, 1865, daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Zeller) Carr, of German and Irish ancestry. Mrs. Dill is a member of the Methodist church. Dr. Dill is a republican, and is socially connected with the I. O. O. F. , and has taken the blue lodge and chapter degrees in Masonry, and is a member of Hanselman commandery K. T. , of Cincinnati, Ohio; he is also a member of the order of Red Men. He has large business interests in the town, and has made investments in the Desoto Land company.

'OHN S. FUDGE, the gentleman for whom this biography is written, was born in Green county, Ohio, March 7, 18-27, and is a son of John and Catherine (Sellers) Fudge. The father of the subject was a very prominent man in the state of Ohio, serving for a number of years in the state legislature, in both upper and lower houses. He was born in Boutetourt county, Va. , April 1 3) 1796, and passed out of life from the effects of a stroke of paralysis, September 15, 1868, at the age of seventy-three years. Many years ago he left his native state and removed to Ohio, locating about five miles west of the city of Xenia, where he purchased a large tract of land, which he farmed, and also operated a tannery. In every walk of life he was prominent, and possessed the confidence and esteem of the community. For many years he served as count)' commissioner, and was appointed by the whig party associate judge in 1852. He acted as administrator on about 300 estates, in which capacity he gave the utmost satisfaction. In the Methodist church he was an officer for many years, and was considered one of the best of citizens and a good, religious man. In his political faith he was a whig, and united with the republican party upon its first organization.

The subject of this sketch received a good common school education and remained with his parents until attaining his majority, at which he desired to try his own fortunes. He began life for himself as a farmer in Greene count}^ Ohio, and continued in agricultural pursuits in that part of the state until 1864 when he removed to Delaware county, Ind., locating in Niles township. Here he purchased 160 acres of land and farmed ir for four years. This farm he exchanged for one of 140 acres, on which he resided for seven years, when he sold it and purchased i 50 acres and subsequently forty acres more adjoining it, which he afterwards sold. On this farm he resided for ten years, when he again exchanged for another furm of 160 acres, all in Niles township. In 1885 Mr. Fudge exchanged a part of his farm for the pleasant and commodious residence and grounds in which he resides in Albany. In 1886 Mr. Fudge sold the balance of this farm in Niles township and purchased 122 acres but one-half mile east of the beautiful and rapidly growing village of Albany. It has since become very valuable, as it is considered as good gas land as there is in the belt. In 1893 Mr. Fudge disposed of 117 acres of this splendid piece of property to the Albany Land company, and it will soon be one of the busy suburbs of the growing city.

Mr. Fudge is a stock holder in the Delaware county Agricultural society and is also a director and stock holder in the Albany Gas company. He is retired from business and will spend the remainder of his days in the ease and comfort of his pleasant home in Albany.

Mr. Fudge was married in Green county, Ohio, October 28, 1847, to Miss Martha J. Boots, who was born in the same county and state August 4, 1830, a daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Peterson) Boots, both parents natives of Ohio. Martha C., wife of Charles Racer; John M., who is engaged in farming in Delaware county; Lewis M., who is engaged in the stock and provision business in Dunkirk; Mary E., wife of J. W. Black, farmer in Niles township; Susan S., wife of A. N. Bosnian, farmer; Anna C. , wife of D. M. W. John, farmer, all of Niles township, and Laura C., Allie F. and Hattie M., at home, engaged in the dressmaking business; Charles B., principal clerk in the store of Bliss & Keller, in Muncie, Ind. ; Ulysses F. , with the dry goods house of S. C. Cowan, in Muncie, and Joseph R. , who died, in 1861, at the age of three years.

Mr. Fudge and wife are members of the M. E. church of Albany and are highly regarded in the neighborhood for their many excellent traits of character.

OHN T. GRAY, farmer, was born in Randolph county, April 21, 1841, the son of Edward and Nancy (Godwin) Gray. The parents of Edward Gray migrated from Virginia to Ohio in 1832, thence to Randolph count}^ Ind., where the family secured 360 acres, upon which he grew to manhood. The following are the names of the brothers and sisters of Edward Gray: John H., Margaret, wife of William McCamish; Jane, wife of A. W. Jarnigen; Malinda, wife of John Green, and Emily, wife of George Booher. The names of the brothers and sisters of Mrs. Gray are as follows: William, John, Nathan, James, Thomas, Goodwin and Sarah, wife of Dempsey Harber. Edward Gray was, for fifty years, a prominent member of the Methodist church, and is remembered as a man of most excellent reputation in the community in which he resided. He died Maixh 25, 1890, and with his wife, who departed this life October, 1888, lies buried in what is known as the Hopewell cemetery. Edward and Nancy Gray had a family of six children, namely: William M., John T. ,

John T. Gray was reared a farmer, and with the exception of a brief period, has followed that calling for his life work. He was married July 20, 1861, to Elizabeth Pace daughter of Uriah and Mary (Boots) Pace, of Randolph county, and immediately thereafter located on a farm in the county of Randolph, where he resided for some time. Disposing of his interest in Randolph county, and thinking to better his condition, he went to Kansas, but did not long remain in that state, returning to Indiana and locating in the town of Albany, Delaware county, which was his home for about one year. He then purchased his present farm in Delaware township, upon which he has since resided. The following children have been born to John T. and Elizabeth Gray: Uriah, deceased; Sarah E., deceased; Harriet, wife of David Woolverton; Juliette, wife of E. A. Frank; Laura L. , Edward, Bertha and James W. , deceased. The parents of Mrs. Gray moved from Eayette county, Ohio, to Delaware county, Ind., in 1833, and settled near the town of Albany on a farm where the father died November, 1868; the mother is still living, and makes her home at this time at

D., deceased; Albert, deceased; Harriet, wife of John Rutledge; Talitha, wife of Otho Dowden; Elizabeth, wife of John T. Gray and Julia Pace. Mr. and Mrs. Gray are members of the Christian church, and are highly respected by all who know them. Their pleasant home, which is the abode of hospitality, is located on a small but beautiful farm, whose rich and fertile fields yield a golden tribute to the care and cultivation of the owner.

DWARD P. HANNAN. - Among the prominent and successful business men of Delaware township, Delaware county, Ind., we note the subject of the following sketch. Mr. Hannan was born in Grant county, Ind., November 25, 1861, a son of James W. and Rose A. (Parks) Hannan, the former born in Taswell county, Va., in May, 1825, and the latter in Ohio, in 1828. They were married in Pickaway county, Ohio, where Mr. Hannan engaged in the practice of medicine, later adopting the profession of teacher, which he continued until 1852, when he came to Grant county, Ind., and purchased a small farm, remaining upon the same until 1867, when he removed to Delaware county, and again engaged in agricultural pursuits. He subsequently removed to Wheeling, in Washington township, but shortly after removed to New Corner, now Gaston, where he engaged in general merchandise for two years. At the expiration of that time he sold his property and again engaged in farming until 1884. Once more he made his home in New Corner, and for a period of four years carried the mail between New Corner and Muncie, and also had charge of the postoffice in connection with a book and stationery store.

Stover, of Marion, Ind. ; Eliza J., wife of William R. Brady, of Indiana; Alii, wife of W. R. Myers, of Muncie, Ind. ; Mary, wife of George W. Bryan, of New Corner; E. P. , subject of this mention; John B., of this state; Nannie M., deceased, and Joseph B., of Cincinnati. In his religious preference Mr. Hannan is a Baptist, and has long been an ardent supporter of the republican party.

Edward P. Hannan was reared as a farmer and had excellent school advantages, pursuing his studies until his seventeenth year, and then leaving his books to enter the employ of the mercantile firm of Resoner & Knight, of New Corner, where he remained for one year. The following year he spent in the employ of George W. Stephenson, of Muncie, after which he spent one year working at the carpenter trade, and for about one year vvorked with Levi Johnson, in Huntsville, in Randolph county. He spent nine months on a farmi and then went into the drug business for one year, but the next year was spent in the photograph business and six months as clerk in Huntsville.

Eor three summers he traveled for the American Road company, of Kennett Square, Pa., and during the winters he engaged in clerking and at the end of this time he went into partnership with M. V. Harness in a general store at Point Isabella, Grant county, Ind. , for a period of about eight months, after which he engaged in the same trade with John H. Salyer, which partnership continued about six months. He then went back to New Corner and went into the hotel and livery business for a period of two years, after which he moved to Albany, where he clerked for Hunt & Johnson for fourteen months and then entered into

Mr. Hannan was happily married December 2 1, 1884, in Huntsville, Randolph county, to Elizabeth F. Hunt, who was born in Huntsville, September 9, 1862, a daughter of John W. and Rachel (Andrews) Hunt, of Scotch and English descent. Mr. and Mrs. Hannan have three children, Dana L. , Loyd and Ogarita. The family is connected with the Methodist church, where they are highly esteemed. Mr. Hannan is a republican in his political affiliations, and fraternally is connected with the order o'^ I. O. O. F., No, 361, He is well known in this locality and he numbers his friends by the score.

w'lLLIAM HEBB. - Among the well mm I known residents of the town of Albany, Ind. , the gentleman for whom this sketch is prepared is deserving of especial mention. Mr. Hebb was born in Preston county, Va. , December 25, 1825, and is a son of Robert and Nancy (Evans) Hebb, natives of the same state, where they married and began domestic life on a farm in the county of Preston. They removed to Monongalia county in 1829, and there remained until their deaths, in the years 1852 and 1882, respectively. Robert and Nancy Plebb were for man}^ years members of the Methodist church and were much respected in the locality where they lived for their many excellent traits of character. Their family were as follows: William, Sybrant, Jehu, Sarah,

Martha, Anna, and Virginia living; Joseph, John, David and Josina, deceased. William Hebb was reared on the home farm in his native state, and at the age of twenty-two years, began the battle of life for himself as an agriculturist. When he had attained his twenty-fourth }'ear, he learned the trade of carpentering, which he successfully followed at different places until 1886. In 1854 he left his Virginia home and emigrating westward, located in Randolph county, Ind. , where he resided until 1 883, at which time he became a resident of the flourishing town of Albany, where, for a period of eight years, he was engaged in fine carpenter work and contracting. At the end of that time, he became associated with his son in the harness business, with which line he was identified until March i, 1893, when he retired from active life and at the present writing is not engaged in any undertaking. While a resident of the county of Randolph, he acquired considerable local proprinence, and served the people for eleven years as justice of the peace, an office to which he was also elected after becoming a resident of Albany, holding the same in this town two and one-half terms. His fraternal relationship is with the I. O. O. F., and in religion is a prominent member of the Christian church, contributing most liberally of his means to the local congregation with which he is identified. He is held in the highest esteem as an earnest and conscientious gentleman, and in the true sense of the word is one of Albany's representative citizens. Mr. Hebb was married December 25, 1851, in West Virginia to Miss Sarah M. Jones, and a family of eight children have been born to their union: Adolph, JohnF. , Daniel R. , Adelaid, deceased; Clayton, Lilly, wife of Thomas Cary; Grant, deceased, and Emma, wife of W. Hodge. The mother of these children departed this life March, 1875, and in September of the following year, Mr. Hebb's second marriage was consummated with Mrs. Maria Leavell, widow of the late John F. Leavell: two children, Rufus and Charles, have been born to this union.

F. HOUSEMAN, the efficient and affable gentleman who manages the telegraphic service of the L. E. & W. railroad at Albany, Ind., is the subject of this biographical notice. Mr. Houseman was born in Seneca county, Ohio, January 4, 1861, and is a son of D. M. and Elizabeth (Powell) Houseman, natives of Pennsylvania and of Virginia, respectively. They were the parents of four children, David, who died in the army; George, a farmer, Catherine, an accomplished lady who spent seven years in Africa, teaching the natives, and B. E. The father died in June, 1883: the mother is now a resident of the village of Albany. Mr. Houseman had been a soldier, and his death was caused by trouble contracted while in the army. Politically, he was a democrat.

At the age of sixteen years the subject of this sketch began life for himself, engaging in any general work to which he could turn his hand, until he was twenty-one years of age, when he began the study of telegraphy under F. L. Twining, at Kansas, Ohio, remaining under his instructions for one year. In 1882 he was appointed to take charge of the office at Buckland, Ohio, and remained in that position for three years, and in 1886 became the manager of the office of the L. E. & W. , at Albany, Ind. He has faithfully performed his duties to the company and has been most thoughtfully treated in return.

Mr. Houseman was married December 23, 1888, to Miss Wilda M. Bartlett, daughter of William T. Bartlett, of Albany, and has two bright little daughters, Lena A. and Blanche. Mr. Houseman is a democrat and is considered one of the prominent factors of his party in Delawaro county. Socially, he is a member of the R. R. Telegraphic union and in a financial way is a member of the Co-operative Gas company of Albany.

EORGE W. JONES. - The subject of this sketch, the prosperous owner and manager of the only general store in the thriving little town of Desoto, Ind., is the son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Yeager) Jones, and was born in Monongalia county, W. Va. His parents were also born in the same state, of Welsh and German ancestors. They married there, and remained in the old place until 1 844, when they removed to Indiana and settled in Delaware county. They found a primeval wilderness, bought sixty acres of land and began their pioneer life in earnest. Work, hard work, was the order of the day, and Mr. Jones did much of it. He took a pride in his home and labored faithfully, succeeding as all do, who persevere, and at the time of his death, July 15, 1862, he owned two hundred and forty acres of well improved land. Mr. and Mrs. Jones were the parents of five children, as follows: Joseph C., George

W., Rebecca, wife of J. W. Eryer; Jacob Y. and James B. , the last two of whom were killed in the army during the late war. Mrs. Jones died December 1 2, 1867. Both had been valued and consistent members of the Christian church. He was a republican in his political convictions, and for a great many years belonged to the Masonic order. Mr. Jones' second wdfe w'as Catherine Synder, who survives him, but there were no children born to this union.

Upon the home farm the subject received his practical training, which made of him a self-reliant and successful agriculturist, and after he had reached his legal majority he farmed for his father for one year, then rented land for the two following years. Then he moved near Idaville, in White county, where he purchased property and engaged in clerking in a general store, following this occupation for three years, later spending two years working at the carpenter trade. He then purchas e forty-five acres of land in Delaware township, moved to the same and engaged in farming and improving the land, upon which he remained three years. During the six following years he was engaged in the saw mill business and then again went to farming, which he pursued for ten years, at the end of which time he located in the pleasant town of Desoto, which he decided to make his home. He is now conducting the only general merchandise store in the place, and in August, 1890, was appointed postmaster of the town. For the past four years he has been a prohibitionist in his political convictions, and has served the township as trustee for two' terms. He is a man of considerable means, owns forty-seven acres of land in the township, and has $5,000 in the Desoto Land company.

Mr. Jones was married April 22, 1859, to Miss Martha A. Shaffer, and six children were born to this union, only one of whom is now living, Addie, the wife of L. McHardie, of Desoto, who is engaged with Mr. jones in general merchandising. The mother died Februai'y 17, 1S62. Mr. Jones' second marriage was solemnized April 26, 1863, with Miss Lydia Ah Bell, daughter of John and Maria (Callender) Bell, who was born in Madison county, Ohio, June 13, 1861. The marriage took place in Jay county, Ind., and has been blessed with three children, namely: Walter of one who has arisen by his own efforts from humble environments to be one of the wealthiest and most prominent and respected citizens of Delaware county, Jnd. He was born in Delaware township and county, a son of William F. and Mary M. (Pendry) Krohn, the father having been born in North Germany, May 10, 1805, a son of William Krohn, of Germany also. William F. Krohn came to America about the time he was old enough to enter the militia, but remained only a short time, when he returned to his native country and there finished his education. He was a man of fine education, conversing in five different languages. He married Mary Pendry, who was born in Greene county, Ohio, and to this marriage the following family of children were born; Mary L. , the wife of Isaac Mann; Elizabeth, wife of William Lister, of Randolph county; John S., Henrietta, now residing with her brother William; William B., our subject, and Barbara, wife of R. W. Maxwell.

The father of this family passed out of life May 9, 1868, and the mother in 1847. She was a Quaker in her religious belief, and he was a member of the German Reformed church. He was a democrat in his political convictions until the late war, when he became a Douglas man, but later in life a republican. His profession was that of veterinary surgeon, and in pursuit of it he traveled through four kingdoms. His memory of people and places, as well as events, was wonderful, and made him a most entertaining companion.

William F. Krohn was reared in the village of Albany and early displayed business talent, from the age of eight years taking care of himself. He engaged in driving cattle and did work often by the day, and in 1867 he and his brother John entered into a real estate transaction which proved the nucleus of his fortune. Together, they purchased five lots in the town of Albany, and when the price advanced and land became more valuable, they sold it, purchasing five acres of J. S. Fudge, himself a good business man, paying

$ioo per acre, and sold this later at an advance of twenty per cent, buying then, close by, a tract of eighty acres which they from time added to until now they owm 726 acres, all of which is valuable land. In connection with their other interests they have been successful in stock raising, and now are considered very responsible and wealthy members of the community. 'Until the marriage of the others. Miss Henrietta kept house and lived with them, but now she is the presiding good genius in the home of the subject. She is one of the valued and efficient workers in the Methodist church. In his politics, Mr. Krohn votes with the republican party.

OHN S. KROHN. - Prominent among the enterprising farmers and stock raisers of Delaware county is John S. Krohn, who for many years has been one of the leading citizens of the township of Delaw'are. Mr. Krohn's parents were William and Mary (Pendri) Krohn, the father a German and the mother a native of this country. The father came to the United States in 1833, landing in New York, from which city he proceeded to Greene county, Ohio, where he followed his profession- of veterinary surgeon for a period of four years. At the end of that time he came to Delaware county, Ind. , and located at the town of Albany, where his death occurred May g, 1864; his wife preceded him to the grave, dying on the 29th day of March, 1848. The following are the names of the six children born to William and Mary Krohn, namely; Louisa M., wife of Isaac Mann; Elizabeth, wife of William M. Lister, of Randolph county; John S., whose name introduces this mention; Henrietta; William B., noticed elsewhere; and Barbara, wife of Robert Maxwell.

John S. Krohn, born in Delaware county, December 3, 1841, was reared in the town of Albany, and his education embraced the studies included in the common school curriculum. At the early age of twelve years he began working for himself at different occupations, and later, was employed in driving live stock to Cincinnati and other prominent shipping points. At the age of nineteen, with a spirit that animated so many patriotic young men during the dark period when the war cloud spread its sombre folds over the country, he went forth to do battle in behalf of the National Union. He enlisted September 20, 1861, in company D, Second Indiana volunteer cavalry, for a three 5mars' service and remained at the front one month in excess of his period of enlistment. He was taken prisoner at Huntsville, Alabama, December, 1863, by the confederate general John Morgan, but was soon exchanged and returned to his command. He participated gallantly in many hard fought battles, including the numerous engagements of the Atlanta campaign, and made a record as a soldier of which he feels deservedly proud. Mr. Krohn was honorably discharged at Indianapolis October 7, 1864. On retiring from the army, he returned home and engaged in teaming and general farming, and purchased his first property in 1866. This was

In 1883 he purchased a choice tract of land lying close to the home farm and immediately began the improvement of it. He erected a commodious and comfortable residence and excellent out-buildings, and by 1885 he was prepared to take up his residence there.

daughter of William and Mary (Smith) Foster, natives of England, who came to America in 1841-2, and were married in Clarke county, Ohio. Mrs. Marquell had one child by her former marriage, namely, Effie E. Howell, and she has three bright children by her last union: Willis L. , William S. and John E. Mr. and Mrs. Marquell are members of the Christian church, in which they are much esteemed. Politically, Mr. Marquell is a democrat and is regarded as a good business man and an excellent citizen.

The father came to this country at a very early date, having been a resident of this vicinity for half a century. He has always been a farmer and is one of the oldest and most respected citizens of Delaware county.

son of James and Sarah (Hughes) Marks, who were natives of the old Dominion state. They followed agricultural pursuits, lived quiet and contented lives and reared a family of nine children, all of whom have passed to the other land except the subject for whom this biography is prepared, tasks were well learned and he became an excellent and intelligent tiller of the soil, understanding in a practical way the rotation of crops and the best times of sowing and reaping, as well as the best seeds to plant and the proper amount of work to give to each. He remained with his parents until he had reached his majority and then engaged in farm labor in Allen county, Ohio, now the county of Auglaize. He had no educational advantages at all worth mentioning, but is an intelligent, plain, practical man who fully knows his own mind and is under obligations to no one.

Mr. Marks accepted farming as his life's vocation and purchased his first tract of land in Delaware township in 1851. He at once located on the property, remaining there until 1878, when he moved to Blackford county, near Millgrove, where he remained for three years. In 1883 he sold out and removed to Albany, where he purchased sixty-three and one-half acres, of which he has sold twenty, retaining forty-three acres of land which constitutes his present comfortable home. The marriage of Mr. Marks occurred in Clarke county, February 18, 1846, to Elizabeth J. Winget, born in Clarke county, Ohio, November 18, 1822, daughter of John and Mary (Boyce) Winget, natives of Ohio, of Holland descent. One child was born of this union, Sarah M., wife of James H. Black.

On the 2 1st of June, 1893, Mr. Marks was called to mourn the death of his devoted wife, who had been his companion and helpmeet for nearly a half century. She was a lady of many admirable traits and died lamented by all who knew her. Since the above date Mr. Marks has resided in the town of Albany.

Mr. Marks is a democrat in politics and has served his party as supervisor of the township. He is ever willing to aid in any work calculated to advance the interests of his party and the public.

prominent and best known men in Delaware township is the subject of this sketch, who was born in Clarke county, Ohio, August 12, 1874, and is the son of Adam and Catherine (Over) Michael, both parents natives of Ohio. David Michael was a child of four years of age when his parents removed to this county, and after the death of his father he remained at home, and upon attaining his majority rented the home farm for a period of four years. He then purchased his hrst piece of land in 1871, consisting of eighty acres, to which he has added from time to time, until he now owns 175 acres of valuable land.

Mr. Michael was married October 31, 1878, to Catherine Zehnir, who was born in Wayne county, Ind., March 6, 1845, being the youngest sister of Mrs. George A. Stafford. By this union eight children have been born, three of whom are living, namely; Samuel Wilbur, Hester Ann and Joseph Walter.

Mrs. Michael is a member of the Lutheran church, and a lady who has the esteem and friendship of all who know her. She has proven herself to be a good wife, a devoted mother, and a kind friend. Mr. Michael takes an active interest in politics, casting his vote for the candidate of the democratic party. While he has no aspiration for office, he nevertheless feels it his duty as a citizen to work for the party of his choice, and his influence is strong in his community. Mr. Michael is a good farmer, and understands thoroughly how to cultivate the land to the best advantage. His farm consists of fine, well watered land, and his industry keeps it in splendid condition, and Mr. Michael is a quiet unostentatious man, kind and considerate, and is much respected by his neighbors and friends, with whom he lives with peace and concord.

While holding to his own opinions, he respects the views of others, and is always willing to accord to them what is their due. He is a useful man in his township, promptly assisting in carrying forward measures for its benefit, and is progressive in his ideas. All who know this man will unite in saying that he is worthy of confidence, and entitled to the respect and esteem of everybody. He owns shares in a gas well, called the Cleveland gas well.

E MORROW, one of the promising and prosperous young business men of the town of Albany, Ind. , was born in Orland, LaGrange county, Ind., April 20, 1862, a son of J. S. and Emma (Calkins) Morrow. He was reared a miller and assisted his father in conducting a mill until he was eighteen years of age, after which he worked in Saint Louis, Gratiot county, Mich., where he continued for two and onehalf years. At the end of that time he concluded to engage in another line, and chose the trade of jeweler, at which he served four years with L. W. Holmes, of Grand Ledge, Mich. , becoming very proficient in the meantime and gaining a thorough knowledge of the business. Not many young men have the advantage of so e.vtended an experience in mechanics as Mr. Morrow, and right well has he taken advantage of his opportunities.

Mr. Morrow next went to Madison county. Neb., where he opened up a business and continued it for four years, after which time he came to Albany, Ind., where he has since remained. Mr. Morrow was married in Emery City, Mich., November 23, 1883, to Miss Bina E. Holmes, a daughter of his teacher, L. W. Holmes, by which union he has become the father of three bright children: Cleo, Elmer and Arthur. In political affairs, Mr. Morrow takes a lively interest; is a prominent member of the republican party. He belongs to the K. of P. , and is recognized as one of the most enterprising and public spirited of Albany's young business men. His work is well done and he does a good business in his line, carrying a full stock of watches, jewelry, clocks and all other articles usually found in first class establishments of the kind.

HLBERT P. MURRAY, M. D. - Conspicuous among the successful medical men of Delaware county is Dr. Albert P. Murray, of Albany, who was born October i8, 1846, near the town of Blountsville, Henry county, Ind. His father, Cornelius B. Murray, was born in Washington county. Pa., December 22, 1810, the son of William and Mary (Boles) Murray, who were born in Westmorland county, that state. In 1826 William Murray, Sr. and family moved to Ohio, thence in 1833 W'ayne county, Ind., and later to the county of Henry, where his death occurred in 1856. The doctor's father was a farmer, and in his younger days, taught school in his native state, and from the age of twenty-one until the present time has been an honored resident of Indiana. He resided in Henry county until 1 864, at which time he removed to the county of Wayne and is now passing his declining years in retirement at his home in Hagerstown. His wife died on the 6th day of May, 1872. She bore her husband the followingchildren; John C., William H., R. V., Martha E., Albert P., Oran, Ovilla, C. C. and Julia. Mrs. Murray was a consistent member of the Metodist church and a woman highly regarded by all with whom she came in contact. Mr. Murray, Sr. , is a member of the I. O. O. F. and Masonic fraternity, and in religion is liberal, not subscribing to any church or creed. He has always taken an active interest in the cause of temperance and is at this time an active worker in the order of Good Templars.

Dr. Murray was reared on the farm until his sixteenth year and attended, in the meantime, the district school, in which he made commendable progress in the branches usually taught therein. On the 8th day of February, 1864, he enlisted as a recruit in company K, Nineteenth Indiana volunteer infantry, with which he served until the surrender of Lee's army at Appomattox, April 9, 1865, and was honorably discharged from the service July 18, the same year, at Indianapolis, Ind. He was in the army eighteen months and fifteen days, and the second day after going to the front was with his command in the bloody battle of the Wilderness, and he participated in all the leading battles of the Virginia campaign until the final surrender as above noted, going through all the battles without receiving injury. After receiving his discharge, he returned to his home, and entering school pursued his studies assiduously in the Hagerstown academ)' and Earlham college until 1867, at which time he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. A. McElwee at Hagerstown, where he remained for the greater part of three years. Before beginning practice he attended one course of lectures at the Medical college of Ohio at Cincinnati. In August, 1869, he removed to the village of Sharon, Delaware county, and began the practice of his profession, and two 5'ears later moved to Albany, where he has since resided. With a laudable desire to increase his knowledge of the profession, the doctor entered the college of Physicians and Surgeons of Keokuk, Iowa, from which he graduated June 19, 1878.

D. , Leo, Weldon Earl and Nellie. Dr. Murray has an e.xtensive and lucrative practice and his skill has made him a valued friend to those needing medical assistance. He is recognized as one of the leading physicians of Delaware county, and, in addition to his profession, has labored for the upbuilding and development of the community, being public spirited in all that term implies. He is a member of the Citizens' Gas company, of Albany, and has taken an active and prominent part in the upbuilding of the town and in the material advancement of the entire community. His life has been worthily spent and his upright character has won him high esteem. He belongs to the G, A. R. and K. of P. , and is an earnest supporter of the republican party, but has never sought office at the hands of his fellow citizens.

EBERT B. PARKER. -The subject of this sketch is a member of the firm of Hunt & Johnson, dealers in hardware, gas fixtures, stoves and tinware in the town of Albany, Ind., one of the leading and most prosperous business firms of the place. Mr. Parker was born in Clinton county, 111., July 30, 1863, a son of William and Eveline (Keever) Parker, the father a native of North Carolina, born in 1834, and the mother born in Ohio in 1838. They were married in Clinton county. 111., in 1857, and remained there for six years when they removed to Indiana, locating near Richmond, where Mr. Parker was engaged for seven years in milling. Subsequently he removed to the farm upon which he still resides, and is now living a retired life. The names of the eight children of William and Eveline Parker are as follows: Hattie, Albert P., Ella, John, Earnest, George, Louise and Oliver. The mother died October 18, 1892. She was one of the best of mothers, and had lived a quiet and consistent life in accordance with her religious convictions, being a consistent member of the Society of Eriends. Lhitil he was sixteen years of age, Albert B. Parker spent his boyhood days upon the farm. He received the education afforded by the common schools and then entered hrto business as a clerk in a hardware store at Lynn, Randolph county, where he remained for the following two years, subsequently entering the employ of the firm of Kent & Jackson, of Winchester, Ind., where he remained for nine years, thus becoming thoroughly acquainted with the business in all of its branches. Upon the dissolution of this firm he remained for one year with the successor and then engaged in business for himself in Winchester for two years. Selling his interest there he entered into partnership with C. E. Hunt, at Albany, Ind., in which business connection he is still engaged under the firm name of Hunt & Johnson.

Mr. Parker was married July 30, 1885, to Miss Annie M. Hunt, in Huntsville, Ind., a daughter of William H. and Lovina (Hunt) Hunt. Mrs. Parker was born in Randolph county, September 14, 1862, and is a lady of taste and refinement and a member of the Methodist church. Mr. Parker, like his father, is a stanch republican. He is socially connected with lodge No. 361, I. O. O. E. , and is a man much respected in business circles. His business is a growing one, and comprises stoves, tinware, gas fixtures, hardware, agricultural implements and machinery and is very complete in its line. As Mr. Parker is a competent business man and understands the wants of the public, his prosperity in this line is well assured, not only for the present, but for the future.

a H ARLES M. PAXTON. - Among the prominent business men of the prosperous town of Albany, Ind. , is the well known lumber dealer, Charles M. Paxton. He was born in Johnstown, Pa., February 22, 1852, a son of William F., and Isabelle (Sharp) Paxton, natives of Pennsylvania, where they married and reared their family. In 1855 these parents removed to Union City, Ind., where they remained for some time, going thence to Burlington, Iowa, where they resided three and one-half years. In i860 they removed again, this time to their present home in Rensselaer, Ind. , where Mr. Paxton is engaged in the mercantile trade. William F. and Isabelle Paxton reared a family of eight children, as follows: Virginia, wife of H. R. W. Smith, editor of Chicago Tribune Exchange; Charles M.,; John W. and Joseph C-, twins; Ralph S., William G. . and Albert C. and Almira, twins.

Charles M. Paxton was reared on the farm and remained with his parents until he had attained his majority, at which time he engaged in farming and so continued until 1888, when he engaged in the butchering business in Rensselaer, Ind. Seven months later he went back to farming and followed agricultural pursuits until July 15, 1892, when he came to Albany. Here he has been engaged extensively in handling lumber, in addition to which he also deals in all kinds of sash, blinds, doors, shingles, etc.

In his political faith Mr. Paxton is a stanch democrat, and his services to the party are highly valued. Socially, he is a K. of P. of lodge No. 82, at Rensselaer. He was married August 8, 1875, to Miss Mary G. Richardson, who was born in Laporte county in October of 1856, a daughter of D. L. and Elizabeth (Windle) Richardson. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Paxton; Harry W. and Edith G. The family are members of the Free Methodist church of Albany.

Artin Van Buren Phillips

ARTIN VAN BUREN PHILLIPS. Among the careful, discreet and energetic business men of the town of Albany, Ind., is the subject of this biography. He is a son of Indiana, born near Windsor, in this county, March 16, 1834, a son of William and Harriet (Brooks) Phillips, of Pennsylvania, who were married in Greene county, Ohio, in 1825 Later they removed to this state and located in Delaware county, on the old state road, where they lived until 1842, when, on account of the death of Mrs. Phillips, the family removed to Windsor, where they resided for two years. Mr. Phillips subsequently married in Greenville, Ohio, Miss Martha Rnight, and afterward moved to the village of Parker, in Randolph county, where he lived until his death, which occurred April 25, 1865. He was a republican, a devout member of the Methodist church, and left four children; Mary A., John A., Martin V. B., and William.

At the date of his mother's death, 1842, the subject of this sketch was but eight years of age and he was taken in charge by his grandfather. Brooks, with whom he lived until his thirteenth year. During the succeeding three years he worked as a farm laborer, receiving for his services for that period the sum of fifty dollars, and he continued working at different occupations until the breaking out of the late war.

He enlisted, on July 22 in company K, Nineteenth regiment, Indiana volunteer infantry, at Salem, Ind. , for three years, and participated in the battles of the army of the Potomac, the historic names of the following engagements being those in which his young life was risked: Gainesville, Chain Bridge,

South Mountain, Antietam, Falmouth, first and second battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Rappahannock and Barley's Cross Roads. After the battle of Gainesville, Mr. Phillips was transferred to battery B, Fourth regular artillery with which he participated in the succeeding engagements noted. At the expiration of his period of enlistment, Mr. Phillips re-entered the service at Culpeper, Va., for the rest of the war and was with his command throughout the eastern campaigns, taking part in the battles of Spottsylvania C. H., North Ann, South Ann, Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Horse Shoe Bend and Old Church. The Nineteenth Indiana, to which he belonged, was a part of the famous "Iron Brigade" and during the campaign last noted was engaged in active operations and fighting for twenty-one consecutive days. At the battle of Old Church, August, 1864, he was injured in the face and thigh, necessitating his removal to the field hospital, from which place he was sent to headquarters and given a furlough.

He came to Selma and remained for thirtyfive days and again reported for duty at Indianapolis, but his furlough was extended for thirty days. At the expiration of that time he reported to Capt. Burris at the soldiers' home, not being yet able to perform his duties as a soldier, and was given moi'e time, and remained until the surrender of Gen. Lee and the order was given for the final discharge of all sick and w'ounded soldiers. His discharge w^as dated June 22, I §64, but for the following year he w'as unable to pursue any kind of business. Recovering slowly, he cautiously engaged in farming and perhaps the touch of the soil assisted in his recovery, for he continued it for six years, in Randolph county. This seemed too hard labor and he looked about for some easier way of earning a livelihood, accordingly, he interested himself in the management of portable engines and handled threshing machines for five years; subsequently, learned the barber trade. He subsequently opened a shop in Albany and successfully conducted it for

Mr. Phillips has worked hard and has closely followed through life the path of duty. He votes with the republican party and socially affiliates with the order of Red Men. In April, 1891, he was elected to be justice of the peace and since that time has faithfully and efficiently filled the office. Mr. Phillips was married, January 25, 1863, to Miss Susannah Badders, a native of this county, daughter of Moses Badders, w'ho was a pioneer of the township of Liberty, and to this union one child was born, Ida May, deceased; the mother died in 1866. In September, 1867, Mr. Phillips married Miss Clare Boyce, a native of Clinton county, Ohio, daughter of Leonard Boyce.

OHN S. PIERCE. - Among the business houses of the town of Albany, Ind., that owned and managed by the subject of this sketch calls for special mention, being one of the most complete of its kind in this part of the county.

John S. Pierce was born in Knox county, Ohio, February 23, 1865, son of Orange and Caroline (Selby) Pierce, both parents natives of Ohio. Orange and Caroline Pierce reared a family of five children, as follows: Asa, a resident of Michigan; J. O., a professor in the high school at Portland, Ind. ; Emmeline, wife of John Hockings, of Portland; John S. and Belle, wife of J. W. Allen, of Portland. The parents removed to Ridgeville, Ind., in 1866, and there the mother died in 1868. They were members of the Baptist church, and Mr. Pierce at this time is one of the wealthy and influential men of Jay county, Ind. He is a republican in his politics, and during the late

John S. Pierce grew to manhood in a pleasant home, was reared on the farm and received good educational advantages, graduating from Ridgeville college, in which he took the scientific course. On the completion of his literary education, Mr. Pierce engaged in the study of medicine under the instruction of Dr. Farquhar, of Ridgeville, in whose office he continued two years, and then he took a course of lectures in the Miami Medical college, of Cincinnati, Ohio, afterward graduating from the National Institute of Pharmacy, at Chicago. His first location was at Red Key, Jay county, Ind., where he went into the drug business and where he continued for four years, lemovingto Albany in 1891, and where he has since carried on a successful trade. He has a very complete stock of drugs, jewelry, etc., and is one of the leading business men and representative citizens of the town and county, Mr. Pierce was married November 19, 1889, in Ridgeville, Ind., to Miss Lillie M. N. Jones, who was born in Randolph count}', Ind., September 10, 1873, a daughter of Daniel and Adeline (Wood) Jones. One child was born of this marriage, Edgar O., deceased, and Mrs. Pierce also departed this life in May, 1892. She was a good woman and an active member of the United Brethren church.

Mr. Pierce affiliates with the republican party, and takes a deep and intelligent interest in public affairs. He is connected with the I. O. O. F. , No. 231, of Ridgeville, and belongs to Valentine lodge. No. 278, K. of P., of Albany. Since his residence in iVlbany he has made many friends by his pleasant and unassuming manner, and all who know him pronounce him a most courteous and genial gentleman, as well as a dealer who understands his business.

AMUEL J. SHROYER. - The subject of this sketch, a very worthy and successful farmer of Delaware county, was born in Henry county, Ind., December 12, 1837. He is the son of Anthony and Matilda (Jones) Shroyer; the father born in Taylor, W. AM., in 1815, and the mother in the same county and state, one year later. These parents were married in Aurginia and moved to Henry county in 1837, Mr. Shroyer buying land in Delaware township and county, the following year. Here he moved in the spring of 1839, thus becoming one of the earliest pioneers of the county. His land consisted of 220 acres, being the original purchase with additions made from time to time by subsequent purchase. He improved and lived upon the farm until his death, November 26, 1881. The wife survives and lives upon the old homestead with her youngest daughter.

county, Ind. ; Martha, wife of Thomas Bartlett, a farmer of this county; Elmira,' wife of Samuel Williams, deceased; Sarah, wife of Benjamin Whitehair, of this county; Alice, wife of Eletcher O. Pittenger, and Samuel J. Mr. and Mrs. Shroyer were members of the Methodist church, and active workers in that body. The father always took a very lively interest in churches and schools, and in fact was interested in everything that promised good to the people. In politics he was a republican, and earnestly supported the candidates of that party. He accumulated a very handsome property in land and personal effects, and was one of the representative citizens of the township in which he resided for so many years.

common school education. After reaching his majority he began farming on his own account, buying eighty acres of land in Liberty township, where he remained more than twentyfive years; then he sold this property and bought fifty acres of fine land where he now lives, which is well and substantially improved. He was married April i6, 1857, to Elizabeth Boyles, who was born May i, 1834, in West Virginia, of which state her parents, Joshua and Sarah (Jones) Boyles, were also natives.

Mr. and Mrs. Shroyer are the parents of ten children, eight of whom are living, namely: William Clark, a teacher in this township; Sarah E., wife of John Jones, a farmer of Liberty township; Matilda, wife of William Barnes, a carpenter; Martha, wife of Granville Simmons, a farmer of this county; Leora, wife of Arthur Wingate, a farmer; Clara, wife of David Boots, of Delaware township; Cora, wife of Ivan Justice, a farmer of this township, and Lola, who still lives under the parental roof. The subject and wife are members of the Methodist church, and are devoted believers in its teachings. In politics Mr. Shroyer is a republican, and has filled the office of justice of the peace in Liberty township for twelve years. Since moving to Delaware he has been township trustee, and has been filling that office since 1889 to the satisfaction of the entire community. He is a member of Anthony lodge No. 171, A. F. & A. M. Beside owning his farm and other property he has stock in the Albany Land company.

AVID W. SLONIKER, senior member of the firm of Sloniker & Leffler, dealers in hardware of all kinds, in connection with agricultural implements, in the town of Albany, Ind., is the subject of this sketch. Mr. Sloniker was born in Hamilton township, Delaware county, Ind., February 28, 1844, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (McCormick) Sloniker, who came to the county in 1836, being among the earliest pioneers. They were the parents of thirteen children, but only four survive, these being, Benjamin F., David, Cornelia, and Martha J. Jacob and Elizabeth Sloniker were consistent members of the Christian church, and Mr. Sloniker became one of the wealthiest men of the county.

David W. Sloniker was reared on the old home farm, receiving a good common school education, and remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-three years old. Until 1887 he followed the peaceful life of an Indiana agriculturist, but at that date he moved to the town of Albany, and engaged in the hardware business. At first his stock was small, as his means were somewhat limited, but, as the years went by, the country began to be more settled and farming more generally carried on in a large way, the demand for his goods grew apace and now he has a large trade and a complete stock. His son-in-law, James H. Leffler, is connected with him and they are doing a prosperous business.

When the clouds of war hung over the country, Mr. Sloniker entered the army, enlisting in company B, Eighty-fourth I. V. I. July 30, 1862, for three years or during the war, and served thirty-four months, and was honorably discharged June 14, 1865, at Nashville, Tenn. He took part in the battles of Rockyface Ridge, Dalton, Tunnel Hill, Resaca, Burnt Hickory, Kingston, Cartersville, AllatoonaPass, Big Shanty and Kenesaw Mountain, where he was wounded. He left the hospital and joined his regiment in time to take part in battles of Columbia, Franklin and Nashville, although still suffering from the wound received at Kenesaw. Mr. Sloniker was married November 15, 1866, in Hamilton township.

this county, to Miss Elizabeth E. Green, who was born in Delaware county, January 6, 1846, the daughther of Andrew and Massey (Johnson) Green. To this union three children have been born - an infant, deceased; Nettie, the wife of James H. Leffler, and Matthew, deceased. In his political belief, Mr. Sloniker is a republican, and has served the township as assessor for five years. Eraternally, he is a member of the order of Red Men and of I. O. O. F. , and also of Knights of Pythias. He is one of the best citizens of the town of Albany, and enjoys the esteem and confidence of a large circle of friends throughout the county.

AMUEL B. SMITH was born in Jay county, Ind., June 22, 1841, being the son of Matthew A. and Elizabeth fHagler) Smith, natives of Ohio and Virginia, respectively. The father and mother were married in Greene county, Ohio, July 2, 1840, and removed to Jay county, Ind., in the following year, where the former's death occurred March 15, 1882; his widow resides there at the present time. The following are the names of their children: Samuel B. ; Laura, wife of Joel Green; Mary E., wife of George Wilson and Lewis M. By persevering toil Matthew Smith accumulated a comfortable portion of worldly wealth and was able to give to each of his children one hundred acres of land. In politics he was a republican and was frequently elected by that party to responsible positions. He served as a justice of the peace for fourteen years, an equal length of time as a county commissioner, and likewise represented his county in the state legislature from 1875 to 1877.

days upon a farm until the period of his enlistment in the army. He entered the service of his country August ii, 1862, at Muncie, becoming a member of company B, Eightyfourth Indiana infantry, and participated in the following battles, namely: Ghickamaugua, Buzzard's Roost, Tunnel Hill, Rocky Face Ridge, Resaca, Kingstown, Pumpkin Vine Greek, Pine Mountain, Lost Mountain, Kenesaw Mountain, Neal Dow Church, Peachtree Creek, Siege of Atlanta, Shoals Creek, Jonesborough, Lovejoy Station, Franklin and Nashville. He was discharged June 17, 1865, 3-t Indianapolis, and of the entire regiment, only 327 men returned, so great was the loss during its long and active period of service. Returning home, Mr. Smith engaged in farming and continued that useful calling until 1883, at which time he moved into the village of Albany, where he has since been engaged in mercantile pursuits. After the election of Harrison, he was appointed postmaster, and the record shows that he proved a very efficient and painstaking official. Mr. Smith has been a member of the Methodist church since his fourteenth year, and in politics he is a republican, firmly adhering to the principles of that party. He was married September 8, 1866, to Sarah Burkhead, born in Randolph county, Ind., December 27, 1844. She is the daughter of George and Catherine (Davis) Burkhead, natives of Maryland, of English extraction, and has borne her husband two children, namely: Annie K. , wife of H. E. Babb, and Cora L. , wife of George A. Murphy. Mr. Smith is a man who is very popular with all who know him; genial and pleasant in manner, considerate of others, and very accommodating in disposition. Mr. Smith has lived the life of a consistent Christian and has reared his family to lead lives equally moral, and trained them to habits of industry and usefulness.

AMES E. STAEEORD. - A successful business man of Albany and large land holder of Delaware township, is the second son of Ralph Stafford, whose biography appears elsewhere, and was born Eebruary ii, 1840, in Delaware county, Ind. His early educational advantages, though limited, were diligently improved and, by a close application to his studies and wide range of reading, he became the possessor of a fund of valuable knowledge, which has enabled him to transact very successfully the business of an active life. He taught four terms of school in Delaware township and such was his success, that had he seen fit to remain in the educational field he doubtless would have risen high in the profession. He spent his boyhood days learning the trade of tanning with his father, and worked at that business until his twenty-fifth year, at which time, in partnership with his brother, George Stafford, he engaged in farming in sections 6 and 7 this township. Erom the beginning, his success was most satisfactory, and in time he succeeded in accumulating valuable real estate and now owns a fine farm, consisting of 229 acres, the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Stafford continued agricultural pursuits until 1883, in November of which year he engaged in the hardware business at Albany, which line of trade he conducted with success and financial profit until 1891. In that year he engaged with the Albany Eurniture company, and has since been a leading member of the firm.

Mr. Stafford was married October 5, 1870, in Hamilton township to Miss Caroline Russell, daughter of John and Susannah Russell, of Columbiana county, Ohio. Mrs. Stafford was born March 9, 1841, and is the mother of one child, Laura Helen Stafford, whose birth occurred October 9, 1871. Miss Stafford is a young lady of culture and refinement, an accomplished musician, and made commendable progress as a student in the art department of the Greencastle university. Politically Mr. Stafford is a republican and has been an aggressive worker in his party for a number of years. He became identified with the Masonic fraternity twenty-six years ago, and at this time is one of the active workers in lodge No. 171 at Albany. In addition to his commercial and agricultural interests Mr. Stafford is extensively engaged in real estate transactions in Delaware county.

H. STAEEORD. - The subject of this sketch is a native of Delaware township, and a citizen of excellent reputation, whose success as a farmer has been very decided. He was born September 27, 1842, being the third son of Ralph Stafford, whose history may be found elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Stafford received a common school education, and lived at home during his boyhood days, and learned the trade of a tanner, which he followed in connection with farming for several years. In 1868 he took entire control of the tan yards, and continued in that position for three years; then managed the home farm for some time. In 1871 he bought the property, consisting of thirty-two acres, upon which he resides. Besides this, he owns the farm on which his father first located in 1834, having 234 acres, in all, of fine farm land substantially improved.

Mr. Stafford was married November 25, 1875, at Muncie, to Rachel Walburn, born in this township, September 24, 1852, being the daughter of Jefferson and Rebecca Walburn. Her father and mother were natives of Ohio, and are the parents of the following children, namely; Margaret, Martha, Catherine (deceased), William, Sarah Ann and Rachel. The parents of these children died in 1876, and now rest in Union cemetery.

Jefferson Walburn was a farmer, and a man of prominence in his community. In politics he was a republican, and a very active and useful member of that party. He and his wife were members of the Methodist church, and devoted and upright- Christian people. They were pioneers, coming to this country in 1836. Mr. and Mrs. Stafford are members of the Methodist church, in which body they are recognized as consistent and upright people. The husband is a trustee and otherwise prominent in the church. In politics he is a republican, and is always ready to lend a helping hand during any public crisis.

Beside owning valuable landed property, Mr. Stafford is a stockholder and a director of the Granville turnpike, and is also interested in the Delaware Natural Gas company. He enlisted May 12, 1864, in company G, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Indiana volunteer infantry, at Muncie. At Indianapolis he was made a fifth sergeant of the company, which was recruited in Delaware county by Capt. Cochran. The company was reorganized May 16, 1864, and they, with the remainder of the regiment, arrived at Bowling Green, Ky. , June I, 1864, reached Nashville June 6; left on the nth, and reached Decatur, Ala., July 6; retreated to Nashville, then on the 17th left for Louisville, arriving on the i8th; left Louisville August 4 and reached Nashville on the 6th, and returned to Indianapolis August 28, 1864. He was mustered out of the service September 6, 1864. The number of deaths occurring in his company during the period of service was five, and of desertion one.

AMES R. STAFFORD, a prominent business man of Albany, was born in Niles township, Delaware county, January 22, 1846, son of Joseph and Eve Stafford. Subject's paternal grandfather was a native of Ireland, but early came to the United States, locating in Virginia, where he was employed for some time as a linen weaver. Later in life, he located in Clarke, Ohio, where his death occurred. Joseph Stafford was a native of Clarke county, Ohio. James R. Stafford. the subject of this sketch, was reared on the home farm in Niles township, attended the common schools during the winters, and at the age of twenty, attended school in Muncie, where he made substantial progress in the various branches of learning. He fitted himself for the teacher's profession, and was thus employed for twelve consecutive years, devoting his attention in the meantime, during the summer season, to farming on the home place. On attaining his legal majority, he engaged in the pursuit of agriculture on a forty acre tract given him by his father, and on the latter's death, in 1877, he purchased a part of the homestead to which he added other land until he because the possessor of a fine farm of 135 acres, which is well improved and highly cultivated. On the loth of October, 1867, when twenty-one years of age, Mr. Stafford was united in marriage with Miss Nancy E. Sharon, who was born in Niles township, this county, January 16, 1846, daughter of Henry Sharon, Esq. Two children resulted from this marriage, Minnie O., wife of James Syphers, and Joseph H., deceased. Mrs. Stafford, a highly respected lady and consistent member of the Methodist church, died in the full hope of a happy future, March 24, 1873, and her body was laid to rest beneath the shades of the beautiful Bethel cemetery of Albany. On the 28th of May, 1876, Mr. Stafford again entered the marriage relation, choosing for his companion, Elizabeth McDaniels, whose death occurred August 1 6th of the same year. She was born in Greene county, Ohio, in 1846, and at the time of her departure, had been an earnest member of the Methodist church for a period of sixteen years. Mr. Stafford's third marriage was celebrated December 15, 1881, in Greene county, Ohio, with Miss Sarah C. Anderson, a native of the same county and state, born near Xenia, April 8, 1857. Mrs. Stafford is the daughter of Thomas and Mary (Standfield) Anderson, of Ohio, whose respective parents came from South Carolina and Virginia. The following are the names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Stafford: Edna May, Ruthie Jane, and Roxey Edith.

Mr. Stafford is a republican in politics, and as such was elected trustee of Delaware township, which position he fillei for four and onehalf years from 1886 to 1890. He was also assessor of Niles township. He is one of the directors of the Albany Land company, and is the efficient superintendent of the Albany Natural Gas company. Eor twenty years he has been a member of the Odd Eellows fraternity, belonging to lodge No. 361, of which he is trustee, and he is also an active worker in the encampment. He is chaplain of the G. A. R. post of Albany, and is a leader of the Methodist church of his town, to which denomination his family also belong. In 1864, May lo, Mr. Stafford enlisted in company G, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Indiana volunteer infantry, for the hundred days' service, and his command formed part of the army of the Cumberland and was assigned to guard duty in Alabama. Owing to physical disability he was furloughed but continued in the service until the expiration of his period of enlistment, leaving the army September, i 864, at Indianapolis.

Mr. Stafford is the leading business man of the town of Albany and one of the representative citizens of Delaware county. He is a very extensive buyer and shipper of grain, handling a large elevator which has a capacity of over 2,500 bushels per day; he also deals in baled hay, straw, etc. , in which line he does a very large and lucrative business in Delaware and other counties. Mr. Stafford is public spirited, progressive, an earnest friend of education, and it was during his incumbency as trustee, that the beautiful graded school building of Albany was erected. He possesses, in an emminent degree, the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens, and his name in these pages is a deserving compliment to an intelligent, enterprising and most worthy man.

EORGE A. STAFFORD. - The township of Delaware, in the county of the same name, has long been noted for its fine farms and excellent class of citizens, and a prominent representative of the latter is found in the person of the subject of the following sketch.

George A. Stafford was born in Delaware county, Ind., November 23, 1835, a son of Ralph and Jane (Black) Stafford, the former a native of Giles county, Va.. born in 1806. Ralph Stafford was a son of George and Gatherine (Fair) Stafford, both natives of Ireland. Mrs. Jane Black Stafford was born in Glarke county, Ohio, May 30, 1815, and was the daughter of Andrew and Susan (Ross) Black, whose genealogy appears elsewhere in this volume. The paternal grandparents of the subject located in Glarke county, Ohio, in 1811, and there engaged in farming and in superintending a tannery, and remained in that locality until the times of their demise, the father dying in 1876 and the mother in 1888.

Ralph Stafford was but a boy of five years when he accompanied his parents to Glarke county, and there he grew to manhood, attending the common school at intervals in the meantime. He early learned the trade of tanner and also that of shoemaking under the supervision of an uncle, John Black, with whom he remained for a term of two years, after which he went into partnership with Mr. Black, with whom he remained until 1835, when he came to Delaware county. He had visited this county in 1834, and entered 160 acres of land, returning again in September, 1835. Here he built an old fashioned log cabin, with puncheon floor, and this covered but half the area of the house. He remained on the place until 1854 and then removed to the farm now owned by his son, William, where he spent his declining years, departing this life August 12, 1876; his remains were laid to rest in the Black cemetery. His wife survived him until December 21, 1888, at which time she was laid by his side in the same peaceful spot, where a beautiful monument marks their last resting place. For many years they were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and were well known and respected people. He had served as trustee and gave satisfaction as an honest official, and at the time of his death he owned 484 acres of land in this township. They were the parents of five children, as follows; George A., James E., John H., William H. and Susan, deceased.

The immediate subject of this mention was reared on the home farm and received the advantages of a good education in the excellent common schools. He learned the trade of tanner, which he followed until twenty-four years of age, and then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, renting land of his father. He was married April 16, 1867, at which date he located where he now resides, owning at this time 280 acres of very valuable land, and his crops annually go far to swell the yield of the great state. His residence is a modern one of beauty and utility, and his grounds display, in their neatness and completeness, the presence of an excellent manager.

been a member of the Masonic order. In June, 1892, he became a director in the Farmers' bank, of Muncie, and is largely interested fn the same. He married Miss Sarah A. Zehner, who was born in Wayne county, Ind. , June 14, 1844, daughter of Benjamin and Hester (Hoppas) Zehner, of German ancestry, who were pioneers of this county in 1841. Mr. and Mrs. Stafford have a family of four children, as follows: David R. , Cyrus J., Emma

C. and Ray J. The family is connected with the Lutheran and the IMethodist churches, are good and worthy people, highly esteemed in Delaware township.